FAMILY GOBID^E CHASMODES. 151 



noticed abnormal deviations in tiie lateral line so frequently, that I am inclined to suspect it in 

 the foregoing description. 



This species was found among sea-weed at Nahant in Massachusetts bay, and will very 

 probably be discovered on our coast. 



(EXTRALIMITAL.) 



P. carolinus. (Cuv. et Val. Vol. 11, p. 277.) Greenish, with four or five irregular spots along the 

 back. Teeth }f, with stout canines. D. 12.18; A. 18. Length four inches. Coast of South- 

 Carolina. 



GENUS CHASMODES. Cuvier. 



The branchial aperture open only above the pectoral Jin. Mouth deeply cleft, with teeth only 

 on the anterior part of the jaws ; these are firm, regular, and in a single row. 



Obs. This small group comprises at present but three species, all from the coast of the 

 United States. 



THE SIX-BANDED CHASMODES. 



CHASMODES BOSO.CIANDS. 



PLATE XXIV. FIG. 73. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) 



Blermius pkolis. Mitchill, Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 374. 



Blemuus htnlz ? Lesuehr, Joum. Acad. Sc;. Vol. 4, p. 363. 



Le Chasmodcs bosquieii, C. bosqiuanus. Cuv. et Val. Hist, des Poiss. Vol. 11, p. 295, pi. 327. 



Characteristics. Dorsal united with the caudal. A minute filament over the eye. Six vertical 

 bands. Length three inches. 



Description. Head thick ; its length to the total length as one to three and a half. Mouth 

 excessively cleft, and extending to the posterior margin of the orbits. Teeth excessively fine, 

 and crowded together like the teeth on a fine comb, on the anterior part of the jaws ; those 

 above are blunt-pointed, and about fifty in number ; those below are acute, recurved, and 

 about the same number : no canines. The branchial rays are six, and the aperture is reduced 

 to a small opening above the base of the pectorals. Lateral line indistinct, and obsolete 

 behind. 



The dorsal fin is equal throughout its whole length, and equals in height one-third of the 

 depth of the body ; it unites with the caudal upon one-quarter of the length of the latter fin. 

 The dorsal fin contains twenty-nine equally flexible rays ; about the seventeenth, traces of 

 articulation are perceptible. The anal distinct from the caudal fin, with nineteen rays ; it 

 commences about the middle of the body. Ventrals two-rayed, with a filamentous termina- 

 tion, and are about one-sixth of the total length. Caudal fin rounded. 



