334 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



front (see figure) are long and large, with emarginated edges ; in the upper jaw, the teeth are 

 smaller, flat and lanceolate. Eyes large, lateral, and 0*8 in diameter, and nearly a diameter 

 and a half apart ; they are placed immediately beneath the dorsal spine. The branchial aper- 

 ture oblique, linear, and nearly two inches long. Nostrils single, oblong, 0'4 long, and 

 placed nearly on the plane of the upper margin of the orbits, from which it is 0" 4 distant ; 

 it may be closed by a membrane. 



The dorsal spine two inches long, rounded, and slightly bent ; it has a small membrane 

 attached to the posterior portion of its base, with a furrow behind for its reception when it is 

 recumbent. By a peculiar mechanism resembling that observed in the family Siluridas, this 

 spine becomes fixed at the will of the animal. Just before the origin of the second dorsal 

 fin, there is a rounded prominence, under which is concealed a long flat bone, inserted on 

 one side of the spinous processes of the vertebrae. The second dorsal commences at a point 

 4' 2 distant from the spine, is long and low, with flattened subfoliaceous scarcely articulated 

 surjequal rays, of which the middle ones are longest. Pectorals short, broad and rounded, 

 placed beneath the eyes. Ventrals represented by a long ensiform bone, triangular in front, 

 flattened behind. It is articulated in front with opercular bones, and supports the abdominal 

 viscera. The anal corresponds in shape and size with the dorsal fin, but extends behind it ; 

 its rays, like those of the dorsal, are cylindrical at the base, membranaceous and flattened 

 towards the tip. The tail is oblong, linear, compressed, supporting a caudal fin composed of 

 robust rays, of which the external are largest ; the central and lateral rays are longest, pro- 

 ducing a double emargination on its border. 



Color. Chin, lips, sides and beneath bluish white ; the remaining part of the body of a rich 

 orange-yellow. Eyes dark greenish. Margins of the pectoral, dorsal and anal fins edged 

 with dusky. 



Length, 17 - 5. Greatest depth, 8 - 5. 



Fin rays, D. 1.36; P. 12; V. 0; A. 39; C. 12. 



This is a rare species in our waters. I have seen but two specimens. I did not observe 

 the " small prong or branch" on the dorsal spine, noticed by Dr. Mitchill. A southern species, 

 which has not been observed north of New- York. I find no description which is applicable 

 to it in the works of foreign writers. 



