FAMILY LOPHID.E — LOPHIUS. 163 



Very large teeth on the vomer and palatines. Two rows of teeth on each of the lower pha- 

 ryngeals, which are advanced so far forward as to lead some naturalists to suppose that the 

 teeth are placed on the tongue. 



The first dorsal fin is composed of six rays, of which the three first are distant and detached, 

 while the remainder are united by a membrane. The first isolated ray is six inches long ; it 

 rises near the margin of the upper lip, at the distance of an inch from it, and between the 

 nostrils. On its lip, it supports a fleshy bifid slip, two inches long. (In the European species, 

 according to Bailly, this ray is moved by twenty-two distinct muscles.) This ray is often 

 divided down to its base : behind this, at the distance of about an inch, is a second ray 

 (omitted by the carelessness of the engraver), and without any fleshy slip ; a third arises in 

 a line with the posterior margin of the orbits, with the rudiment of a membrane at its base. 

 The remaining three connected rays originate behind the base of the pectorals ; the first ray 

 three inches high ; the others successively shorter : the connecting membrane covers about 

 two-thirds of the body of the rays. The second dorsal arises about two inches behind the 

 first, and comprises twelve subequal rays. The pectorals supported on a stout pedicel ; its 

 external margin truncated, and composed of twenty-five slender rays projecting beyond the 

 membrane. Ventrals with five soft rays, and a small spine on their external edges. The 

 anal fin commences slightly behind the origin of the second dorsal, and contains five rays. 

 Caudal even, slender, and composed of nine rays. 



Color. Olive brown above ; beneath white. Ventrals, and the posterior part of the body 

 beneath, dusky. 



Length, 30-0. 



Fin rays, D. 3.3.12: P. 25; V. 1.5; A. 10; C. 9. 



This is not an uncommon fish in our waters. Its monstrous form has given rise to many 

 popular names, such as Sea Devil, Fishing Frog, Bellows-fish, Angler, Goose-fish, Monk- 

 fish, and various others. The largest one I have seen was four feet long. They are not 

 eaten, but are often opened by fishermen for the sake of the numerous fishes which are found 

 in their stomachs. 



This species occurs from the capes of the Delaware northwardly. 



