266 HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



of circular mucous pores are seen passing from the snout backwards beneath the eye 

 to the occiput ; also irregularly distributed upon the cheeks and along the upper por- 

 tion of the operculum ; a few are observed upon the lower jaw. Eyes moderate in size, 

 the distance between the eyes equal to one fifth the length of the head. Nostrils 

 tubular, situated about half-way between the tip of the snout and the eyes. Jaws 

 equal, armed with long, strong, pointed teeth. The six in the intennaxillaiy above are 

 much the largest, and diverge outwards ; back of these on each side are six smaller, 

 conical, sharp-pointed teeth. Four large recurved teeth in the lower jaw; back of 

 these are about half a dozen sharp-pointed teeth of various sizes, irregularly dis- 

 posed ; a double row of rounded molars, some of them having a pointed summit. 

 Vomerine teeth perfectly united together, forming a solid mass. Two rows of palatine 

 teeth, the outer much the larger. Two rows of sharp teeth in the pharj'nx. Tongue 

 large, fleshy, fuliginous. Lips loose, fleshy. 



The dorsal fin arises in front of the base of the pectorals ; it is slightly higher at its 

 anterior portion, and is continued nearly to the tail, appearing as if almost united to it 

 by the prolongation of the membrane of the fin. 



The pectoral rays are very large; these fins are rounded when expanded, and 

 slightly scalloped at their margin. 



The anal fin arises immediately back of the anus, which is very large, and termi- 

 nates on the same plane with the dorsal ; it is about half the height of the dorsal. 

 The depth of the caudal at its base is less than one third the height of its rays. 

 The fin rays are as foUows : — D. 74. P. 20. A. 46. C. 16. 

 Length, three to five feet. 



Remarks. Mr. Agassiz considers this a distinct species from the European, basing 

 his opinion upon a difi"erence in the number and disposition of the vomerine tubercles. 

 This ferocious fish, weighing from five to thirty pounds, is captured about rocky 

 ledges at all seasons of the year, although greater numbers are taken in winter than 

 at any other time. 



The Cusk rocks between Boston and Cape Ann are one of its favorite resorts. It 

 feeds upon crustaceous animals and shell-fish. Its hideous appearance renders it an 

 object of such disgust, that it is not imfrequently thrown away as soon as caught. By 

 many of our fishermen, however, it is considered very delicate, the smaller specimens 

 weio-hing from five to ten pounds are quite palatable when fried, boiled, or broiled, the 

 skin having been previously removed. It is also occasionally split and salted, or dried, 

 or smoked, and is said to be, when thus prepared, very good. 



Greenland, Fabricius. Maine and Massachusetts, Storer. New York, Mitchill, 

 Dekay. 



