123 



SCALE-FINNED SHAD. ' 



Alosa Sqiiamopinnata, Nobis. 



Two species only of the family of Shads have been sv;p posed 

 to be found on the coasts of England and of Europe; but the 

 fish I now introduce to the notice of British naturalists will be 

 found different from the preceding species in so many particulars, 

 that I am compelled to believe it a distinct species. The skin 

 of it, with a figure, was sent to me from Bristol, by E. T. Higgins, 

 Esq., where his attention was directed to it as it lay in the 

 market; and our representation is taken from this only known 

 example. But as when it came into my possession the colour 

 had much faded, it has been judged best to give it in the 

 plate with only so much of its native hue as then remained on it. 

 Its length was one foot four inches; the depth a little more 

 than three inches, the proportionate length therefore exceeding 

 that of the AUis and Twait Shads. The scales also were much 

 larger; but the more remarkable particulars are the peculiar 

 distribution of the scales on the pectoral and caudal fins, in 

 the former of which a larger series lies on its root, and extends 

 over about half its length. On the tail the surface is generally 

 covered with small scales, except the outermost ray above and 

 below; and on the middle rays the scales are much larger 

 than on either side. The pointed scales along the lower line 

 of the body were not easily counted because of the large scales 

 which overlapped them, but with some care we have represented 

 them. These prominent j^oiuts between the ventral fins and 

 vent were fourteen, and there was the same number of ribs 

 between the throat and ventral fins. On the back also the large 

 scales conceal the roots of the rays of the dorsal fin. A large 

 portion of the scales of the body had been lost; but enough 



