FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 59 



The following description, I have drawn up from a specimen 

 fifteen inches in length. Depth of body across on a line with 

 base of pectorals, three inches. Length of head three inches 

 six lines. All upper part of body of a bluish color ; lower 

 part of sides, as well as of abdomen, whitish. A large black spot 

 at base of pectoral fins. Head above, naked. Nostrils double, 

 terminating in the same cavity ; anterior orifice circular, and 

 situated directly in front of posterior, which is larger and 

 placed horizontally. Jaws with prominent, sharp, lancinated 

 teeth ; the lower jaw has but one row of these ; the upper, 

 besides a similar row with the under jaw, has a row of very 

 small teeth, back of these. A row of very minute teeth at 

 base of tongue ; also small teeth upon vomer and palatine 

 bones. Eye, five lines in dameter ; irides yellowish. Oper- 

 culum terminated in two points, which do not amount to 

 spines. The lateral line commences just above posterior angle 

 of operculum, and curving with the body, terminates at the 

 base of the rays of the caudal fin. Fins covered with scales. 



The first Dorsal fin is composed of seven spiaous rays ; 

 these, when not erect, are received into a groove at their base. 



The Anus is one half inch in front of Anal fin. 



Width of tail when expanded, is more than five inches. 



The fin rays are as follows : B. 7 ; D. 7-26 ; P. 17 ; V. 6 ; 

 A. 28 ; C. 19. 



Peprilus. Cuv. 



Generic characters. Form compressed ; small and slightly 

 apparent scales under a satiny epidermis ; snout obtuse and 

 non-protractile ; a single dorsal fin, preceded, as well as the 

 anal, by a horizontal, partially concealed spine. The pelvis 

 forms a trenchant and pointed blade, before the anus, that 

 might be taken for a vestage of ventrals. Besides the ordinary 

 lateral line, there is a stria on the flank, which has been con- 

 sidered as a second one. 



