52 



GADID^. 



THE CODFISH KIND. 



The body moderately lengthened, compressed, with numerous 

 small and soft scales; none on the head; more than one fin 

 on the back, all with soft rays. Teeth in the jaws and front 

 of the palate; the tail separate from the other fins, straight 

 or round. Ventral fins under the pectorals. Thoracic fishes. 



LinnfEus classed the whole of this family in one genus, but 

 the species have since been separated by Cuvier into several 

 genera, according to organs Avhich have an influence on their 

 manner of life. It is to be regretted that the original Linnean 

 name of Gadns has not been retained for any of these lesser 

 divisions of the family. 



