HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 191 



fins are bordered with black or blue-black, and edged throughout with a white margin. 

 The pectorals are of the color of the sides. The ventrals are fuliginous. 



Description. Body cylindrical, compressed posterior to the anus, tapering to a point 

 at the fleshy extremity of the caudal fin. The top of the head is flattened. A slight 

 furrow between the nape of the neck and the dorsal fin. The upper jaw is slightly 

 longer than the lower ; several rows of prominent, sharp, incurved teeth upon the jaws ; 

 the innermost row of those upon the lower jaw the longest ; similar teeth upon the 

 palatine bones. The mouth is large, its vertical gape being nearly equal to three fifths 

 the length of the head. A single barbel, about one fifth the length of the head, is sus- 

 pended from the chin. The eyes are horizontally oval ; the distance between them is 

 rather greater than their longest diameter. The posterior nostril is situated directly in 

 front of the anterior angle of the eye ; a tubular cirrus projects from the anterior, which 

 is much the smaller. 



The lateral line commences just back of the eye, and curves backwards and down- 

 wards to a line above the origin of the anal fin, whence it pursues a straight course 

 to the caudal rays. 



The dorsal fin arises on a line above the anterior half of the pectorals ; its height 

 at its origin is equal to about one fifth the length of the head ; it continues of this 

 height until near its posterior termination. It is rounded at its extremity, and is con- 

 tinued to the caudal rays, with which it unites. 



The pectorals are rounded posteriorly, and are equal in their height to two fifths the 

 length of the head. 



The fleshy ventrals are situated anterior to the pectorals, and are about the same 

 height as those fins ; the extremities of their rays are free. 



The anal fin arises at a distance back of the termination of the pectorals equal to 

 about one fifth the length of the fish ; this fin terminates opposite the termination of the 

 dorsal, and, like that fin, is united to the caudal rays. 



The caudal fin is rounded when expanded. 



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



The fin rays are as follows : — D. 98. P. 24. V. 5. A. 71. C. 34. 



Length, two to three feet. 



Remarks. This fine species is commonly taken on ledges in deej) water ; it is fre- 

 quently caught upon the Middle Bank, between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, with the 

 hook, while fishing for cod. In the spring of the year it is occasionally met with in 

 Boston market, but does not sell as readily as the cod ; in the winter season it is more 

 rare, and not unfrequently sells for double the price of that species. It is an excellent 



