FAMILY GOBIDA — ANARRHICAS. 159 
Four large projecting teeth on the intermaxillary above, diverging outward, and seven 
smaller acute teeth behind, conic, pointed, with large tubercles on the inner side. Nine on 
‘the vomer, with flat crowns, becoming larger behind ; the last, however, small. Ina large 
individual, the vomerine teeth were apparently consolidated into one mass. On the upper 
pharyngeals are sharp and recurved teeth, disposed in two series ; in a large individual, they 
were very robust, and nine in number on each side. In the lower jaw, two large projecting 
teeth in front, and two others of the same size, but recurved. Three to four smaller acute 
irregularly disposed teeth on each side, followed by thirteen flat crowned molars disposed in 
a double series. ‘Two other rows of small acute teeth, arranged in a lunate order, on the 
lower pharyngeals. 
The dorsal fin is nearly of a uniform height throughout, extending from the nape to the 
caudal ; the last ray lying almost in contact with the external accessory ray of the caudal fin. 
The dorsal fin is composed of simple rays, included in a very tough membrane ; and they 
would scarcely be recognized as spinous, except posteriorly, where the rays pierce the skin. 
Pectorals broad, rounded, four inches long, and scolloped on the margin. Anal long and low, 
commencing about the middle of the body, and terminating near the caudal, from which, 
however, it is separated by a distinct interval. Caudal rounded. 'The duodenum is so large 
as to present the appearance of a double stomach. Urinary bladder very large. 
Color. From a recent specimen four feet long, taken off Block island, we are enabled to 
state the following particulars: General color leaden grey. Eleven or twelve broad black 
bands on the sides, becoming indistinct towards the tail ; these bands bifurcate on the middle 
of the body, each posterior branch anastomosing with the branch of the succeeding band or 
stripe, and by their union giving rise to another vertical band, which ascends on the dorsal 
fin: this fin, as well as the anal, bordered above with blackish. The rays of all the vertical 
fins black. Irides yellow. Abdomen brownish ash, tinged with pink. 
Length, 30°0. Depth, 5-0. 
Fin rays, D. 74; P. 20; V.0; A. 45; C.14 
rolto 
The voracious and savage character of this fish is manifest in the formidable array of teeth 
with which he is provided, and by his vicious and pugnacious propensities when first drawn 
from the water. Marvellous tales are related of the strength and power of his jaws, but 
these more properly belong to the romance of Natural History. He is known under the 
various popular names of Cat, Wolf-fish, and Sea Cat. His ill-favored aspect causes him 
to be regarded with aversion by fishermen, but his flesh is by no means unsavory; when 
smoked, it is said to have somewhat the flavor of salmon. He prefers rocky coasts, and is 
said to spawn in May. They are not unfrequently taken off Rockaway beach, as I am in- 
formed, in company with the common cod. 'This I suppose to be the most extreme southerly 
limits yet observed. In high northern latitudes, it is said to attain to the length of six and 
eight feet. 
