LESSER LAUNCE. K^ S*^ 



The range of this fish extends itself to the coasts of Sweden 

 and Norway, and even much farther to the north; but it is 

 not numbered among the fishes of ^Madeira by Mr. Lowe; 

 nor do I find it mentioned by such writers on the Natural 

 History of the Mediterranean as I have been able to examine, 

 for it is now known to be a different species from the Larger 

 Launce which has been described by the more ancient 

 authors; and it may also differ from A. ciceretiis of Rafinesque, 

 the name of which is also mentioned by Willoughby, but 

 which has not yet been distinctly characterized. This Lesser 

 or Sand Launce usually grows to the length of four or five 

 inches, but its form is best described by comparison with the 

 Large or Wide-mouthed species, which will come next under 

 our consideration. 



