34 NEW- YORK FAUNA. 



GENUS DULES. Cuvier. 



Six branchial rays. No canine teeth. Preopercle denticulated. Opercle with two or more 

 flat spines. 



Obs. This genus is allied closely in its forms and other characters to Centropristes, but is 

 separated by the number of its branchial rays. Its species inhabit the seas of the torrid zone, 

 but occasionally wander along our coast. 



THE COACHMAN. 



DULES AURIGA. 

 I'LATE XIX. FIG. 54 — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) 

 Le Doules cocher, Dules auriga. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 3, p. 112, pi. 51. 



Characteristics. Third ray of the dorsal fin elongated into a filament. Length four and a half 

 inches. 



Description. Body compressed, arched ; height less than one-third of its length. Scales 

 large, rounded, concentrically striate. Lateral line distinct, concurrent with the back. Sum- 

 mit of the head scaleless. Eyes large, less than one-third of their diameter apart, with two 

 slight furrows between. Preopercle with the denticulations fine, and crowded on the ascend- 

 ing margin ; large and more distant beneath. Opercle with two flat pointed spines, not 

 extending beyond the margin ; a rounded denticulated process above them. Lower jaw long. 

 Fine velvet teeth on the jaws, vomer and palatines ; on the upper jaw, in front, they are 

 somewhat larger, but equal, and according to Cuvier, cannot be considered as canines. 

 Dorsal fin undivided ; commences over the branchial aperture ; the first two spinous rays 

 short ; the third a long slender filament, as long as the interval between the base of the pec- 

 toral and caudal fins ; the spinous portion of this fin equalling in length, but not as high as 

 the soft portion. Pectorals broad and long. Ventrals beneath them. Anal fin with its second 

 spinous ray longer than the first and third. Caudal fin nearly even, rounded. 



Color. Yellowish-grey, with three or more dusky vertical bands. Ventral fins tinged with 

 blackish towards their tips. 



Length, 4 '5. 



Fin rays, D. 10M3; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.7; C. 17 f. 



This species can only be regarded in the light of an accidental visitor. I observed it several 

 years ago in the collection of Mr. Hamilton, who informed mc it had been taken in the harbor 

 of New-York. From notes made at the time, it appears that I regarded it as a new species, 

 under the name of Serranus signifer. Upon comparison, however, with a specimen in the 

 Cabinet of the Lyceum from the island of Jamaica, I am satisfied that it is identical with the 

 species described by Cuvier. It is a tropical species. 



