THE BIB. 341 



one-fourth the length of the base of the fin. Second anal fin com- 

 mencing immediately behind the'first and terminating at a short dis- 

 tance from the caudal, corresponding in size and form with the third 

 dorsal, but placed rather farther back. Snout rounded and rather 

 obtuse ; upper jaw the longest ; maxillary extending back to be- 

 neath the middle of the orbit. Teeth in the lower jaw placed in one 

 row, rather long and sharp, slightly curved inwards ; those in the 

 upper jaw of a similar kind, rather more numerous, with a band of 

 smaller teeth behind ; eyes large, covered with a loose thick mem- 

 brane, giving a prominent appearance ; operculum of a triangular 

 form, ending in a flattened point over the base of the pectorals ; gill- 

 opening large ; branchial rays seven ; barbule at the extremity of the 

 lower jaw placed underneath, about an inch in length, equalling the 

 diameter of the orbit ; snout and cheeks of a metallic-grey appear- 

 ance. Scales in the middle of the body large and closely imbricated ; 

 those which cover a great portion of the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins 

 are small, of an oval form, and very deciduous. Lateral line com- 

 mencing at the upper part of the oi^erculum, taking a sudden bend 

 under the anterior portion of the second dorsal, from thence passing 

 straight to the base of the middle caudal ray. Number of fin rays — 

 1st D. 13; 2dD. 24; 3d D. 17; P. 15; V. 6; 1st A. 31 ; 2d A. 

 18 ; C. 25. 



The Bib is readily distinguished from the haddock and the 

 cod, by the great depth of the body compared to the length ; 

 in the length of the base of the first anal fin, which com- 

 mences under the middle of the first dorsal, and frequently 

 rather more in advance ; whereas in the haddock and cod 

 this fin commences under the third or fourth ray of the se- 

 cond dorsal. It very much resembles the Morrhua rnhiida 

 or Power Cod, particularly when from five to six inches in 

 length ; but the latter fish is rather longer in proportion to 

 its depth ; the anal fin is shorter with not more than twenty- 

 six or twenty-seven rays, and commencing in a line behind 

 the first dorsal. The Morrhua barbata, Gadus barbatus, 

 and Asellus barbatus of authors are now considered by Mr 

 Yarrell and Mr Jenyns as mere synonyms for the Morr?iua 

 hisca or Bib. 



