FAMILY TRIGLID^E COTTUS. 55 



a quadrangular depression. The preopercle has three spines, two of which are placed at its 

 upper angle ; the superior of these spines is much the largest, and points upward ; the third 

 and smallest is directed downward. Opercle with two spines ; the larger at its upper angle ; 

 the other at its lower angle, much smaller. A prominent scapular spine. Eyes circular, - 5 

 in diameter. Gape of the mouth very large. Upper jaw longest. Jaws armed with nume- 

 rous very small teeth. Nostrils tubular ; three lines in front of the eyes. 



The first dorsal fin arises above the branchial aperture, and is composed of ten rays ; the 

 second dorsal fin is nearly continuous with it. Pectoral fin broad, extending beyond the end 

 of the first dorsal ; the underside of many of its rays granulate. Ventral fins small. Height 

 of the anal fin, half of its length. Sides of the body, above and beneath the lateral line, 

 roughened by granulated tubercles. 



Color. Above dark brown, with large clay-colored blotches on the top of the head and on 

 the gill-covers, with a few smaller ones on the back and sides. Small circular yellowish spots 

 on the sides, towards the abdomen. Large circular perfectly white spots on the abdomen, 

 beneath the pectorals. First dorsal fin dark brown, variegated with yellow ; second dorsal 

 brown, with several oblique yellowish bars. Anal fin yellowish, with narrow oblique brown 

 bars. Caudal with blackish rays, the membrane yellowish. 



Length, 13-0-14-0. 



Fin rays, D. 10.18; P. 17; V. 3; A. 13; C. 16. 



I have never met with but one specimen of this species, which was captured near Hellgate. 

 It was too much injured for description, and I have therefore availed myself of the excellent 

 account furnished by Dr. Storer. I am indebted for the figure to Dr. Richardson. 



It is very abundant on the coast of Massachusetts, and as its name implies, extends to the 

 arctic circle. It is probable that this coast is its extreme southern limit. It is exceedingly 

 voracious, devouring small fish, crabs, sea eggs, etc., but is held in no estimation as an article 

 of food. 



(EXTRALIMITAL.) 



C. cognatus. (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 40.) Dark brown ; sides clouded. Allied to C. 



gobio of Europe, but the dorsal and anal fins higher. D. 8. 18 ; P. 15 ; V. 1.4; A. 14 ; C 15. 



Length, 4 inches. Great Bear Lake. 

 C. polaris. (Sabine, App. Parry's 1st Voy.) Light, with minute dusky spots. Two strong spines 



before and between the eyes. D. 6 or 8.15; V. 5; A. 15; C. 12 or 14. Length, 2 inches. 



Polar Seas. 

 C. hexacornis. (Rich. F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 44.) With six club-shaped erect processes on the head. 



D. 7.13; P. 16; V 3; C. 12. Length, 6 or 7 inches. Coppermine River. 

 C. porosus. (Cuv. etVAL. Vol.8, p. 498.) Body covered with small pores. A series of small bony 



plates between the lateral line and dorsal. D. 11.1.16. Length, 6 inches. Northern Seas. 



