280 • HISTOKY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The dorsal fin is situated on the anterior third of the fish ;' its length is equal to 

 half its height. Its first ray is spinous, and shorter than tlie central rays. A 

 small adipose fin is situated within a short distance of the tail. 



The pectorals arise on a line a short distance in front of the posterior angle of the 

 operculum ; their length is equal to about one third their height ; their outer ray is 

 spinous and serrated upon its outer edge ; it is naked at its point, and shorter than the 

 first fleshy rays. When taken, great caution is necessary in removing this species from 

 the hook, it having the power to erect this spine to defend itself 



The ventrals arise on a line just back of the dorsal fin ; the length of these fins is 

 equal to about one third their height. Anus large, oblong, beneath the posterior 

 half of the ventrals. 



The height of the anal fin is equal to about half its length. 



The caudal fin is concave ; the upper lobe slightly the longer. 



The fin rays are as follows : — D. 1 - 6. P. 1 - 8. V. 8. A. 20. C. 19. 



Length, seven to nine inches. 



Remarks. This is quite a common species in the ponds throughout the State, and 

 is familiarly known as the Horned Pout and Minister. Specimens are occasionally 

 taken weighing three quarters of a pound. By many, it is highly esteemed as an 

 article of food, and preferred to any other fresh-water fish save the Pickerel. It is 

 generally fried, the skin having been previously removed. 



Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Stoker. Connecticut, Ayres. New York 



MiTCHILL, CuYIER, DeKAY. 



FAMILY XII. CYPRINID^. 



Mouth moderately or but slightly cleft, terminal, subterminal, or inferior ; upper 

 margin formed by the intermaxillaries. Jaws rather weak and without any teeth. A 

 pharyngeal arch of curved and sometimes hooked teeth, disposed upon one or a double 

 row. Branchial rays not very numerous. Top and sides of head generally smooth, 

 and always without any scales. Body scaly. No great disparity in the fins between 

 the sexes. Stomach without cul-de-sac ; no coecal appendages to the pylorus. Least 

 carnivorous of all fishes. 



GENUS I. CYPEINUS, Lin. 



Body covered with large scales ; a single elongated dorsal fin ; lips fleshy ; mouth 

 small; teeth in the pharjois, but none on the jaws; branchial rays, three. 



