134 HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



pendicularly to the lower edge of the gill-covers. The dorsal fins are of a greenish- 

 black. The pectoral, anal, and ventral fins are flesh-colored. 



Description. Body subcylindrical, much flattened upon the back. The scales are 

 very small. Tbe length of the head is one third less than that of the body, and it is 

 flattened above. The snout is obtuse. The mouth is capable of very great distention. 

 The tip of the lower jaw projects beyond the upper. Teeth on the upper maxillary 

 small ; teeth on the anterior portion of the lower jaw small, exceedingly sharp, and 

 incurved ; a few on the sides of the lower maxillary quite large, with cutting edges ; 

 the palatine bones are armed with numerous incurved teeth, the innermost row the 

 largest ; strong teeth are also seen upon the maxillary bones ; the vomer, the branchial 

 arches, and the base of the tongue, are likewise furnished with minute teeth. The 

 eyes are moderate in size ; they are irregularly oval, their longest diameter being from 

 before, backwards. The nostrils, which are situated in a groove, are quite large ; the 

 posterior is much the larger. 



The dorsal fin, which is subquadrangular, is situated a short distance in front of the 

 tail. Its fourth and fifth rays are higher than the length of the fin ; the first three 

 rays are single, and firmer than the others ; the first is about one fifth the height of 

 the fourth ; the second is as high again as the first ; the third, not as high again as the 

 second. 



The pectorals commence on a line with the sixteenth branchial ray ; their height is 

 equal to the length of the dorsal fin. They are rounded when expanded. 



The ventrals are situated on the anterior half of the body, and they likewise are 

 rounded when expanded. Their rays are multifid. These fins are shorter than the 

 pectorals. 



The anus is large, and situated just in front of the anal fin. 



The anal fin commences opposite the middle of the dorsal, and is of nearly the same 

 form and size as that fin. 



The caudal fin is forked. 



The fin rays are as follows : — B. 17. D. 18. P. 13. V. 9. A. 17. C. 19f 



Length, one to two feet. 



Remarks. This fine species is the common Pickerel of Massachusetts. It 

 is generally diffused throughout the State, and is everywhere valued. Specimens 

 may be met with in Boston market almost any month in the year, although greater 

 numbers are taken in the spring and autumn, and some years during the winter. The 

 largest specimens I have seen were brought from Brewster, Cape Cod. Individuals 

 from that place weighing seven pounds have been sold in our market, and they are said 



