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becoming compressed in its posterior half. Head broad, its 
greatest width equalling its length, excluding the snout. Gape 
of mouth wide ; jaws of equal length anteriorly ; the posterior 
extremity of the maxilla reaches to beneath the middle of the 
eyes. A single barbel beneath the symphysis of the lower jaw ; 
the anterior nasal valve with a short barbel-like prolongation. 
Teeth villiform, and of equal size in the jaws and on the vomer, 
none on the tongue. . 
Fins.—First dorsal somewhat lower than the second; caudal 
rather wedge-shaped, its lower portion commencing somewhat 
anterior to its upper: second ventral ray the longest in the fin. 
Air-bladder—destitute of a pneumatic duct, equalling one-third 
of the entire length of the fish, narrow, and terminating 
anteriorly in two rounded, horn-like processes; superiorly it is 
closely attached to the vertebral column in its entire length: 
Cecal appendages, from 25 to 30, and of moderate length. 
Scales—small, mostly concealed in a thick mucus, which covers 
the body. Lateral-line—at first slightly descends, and then 
continues direct to the centre of the base of the caudal fin. 
Colowrs.—Body of a dull yellow or brown, variegated or banded 
with darker bands or blotches, sometimes studded with pale or 
else black spots; fins marked similarly to the body. Iris golden, 
pupils bluish. The colours vary with the waters these fish 
inhabit. 
Names.—Purny alludes to the Mustela, or “ Weasel Fish” of 
Lake Constance, which he considered rivalled marine forms of 
fish. In England its local names are various: Burbot, or 
Burbotte is probably a corruption of its French designation 
Barbotte, “a bearded fish.” Hel-pout, according to GEsNER, is 
derived from its Dutch name Ael-putt, or Putael, a compound 
word, signifying Ael, “an eel,” and Purt, or Pud, “a frog.”’* 
Coney-fish appears to be derived from its habit of lurking in 
holes of rivers’ banks, as a coney or “rabbit” does on land. 
® Mr. HovGHTon would derive the term Eel-pout from the fact of the 
fish resembling an eel, but being more full-bellied or pouting. Its Anglo- 
Saxon name was Aclepita. 
