HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 231 



Monacanthus Massachusettensis, Storer. 



The Massachusetts File-fish. 



(Plate XXXIV. Fig. 4.) 



Monacanthus Massachusettensis, Massachusetts File-Jish, Storer, Report, p. 174. 



" " " " Dekat, Report, p. 336, pi. 57, fig. 187. 



" " Storer, Mem. Amer. Acad., New Series, n. p. 496. 



" " " Synopsis, p. 244. 



Color. Of a yellowish-brown, variegated over its entire extent with brownish 

 markings and blotches ; more obvious upon upper portion of sides. Numerous mi- 

 nute white cilia are suspended from its sides. 



Description. Body oblong, very much compressed. Surface granulated. Its depth 

 from the base of the dorsal spine is equal to half the entire length of the fish. 

 Length of head equal to one fourth the entire length. Jaws of equal length ; teeth 

 stout. Eyes circular, equal to one fourth the length of the head. A strong, gran- 

 ulated, curved spine, half the length of the head, with small sharp spines upon its 

 posterior lateral edges pointing downwards and backwards, is situated just back of 

 the centre of the eye. 



The second dorsal fin commences some distance back of the spine ; it is com- 

 posed of colorless rays, which are roughened at their bases. 



The pectorals also are colorless, and rounded when expanded. ■ 



The pelvic bone projects, is quite movable, and is connected by a dewlap to the 

 abdomen. 



The anal fin, of the same form as the dorsal, commences just posterior to that 

 fin: the rays of this fin are granulated at their base like those of the dorsal. 



The caudal fin is of a darker color than the other fins. 



Length, four inches. 



The fin rays are as follows: — D. 34. P. 12. A. 34. C. 12. 



Remarks. I have seen but one specimen of this species. This was sent to me 

 in 1838, by the late Dr. Yale of Holmes's Hole, as having been found in Massa- 

 chusetts Bay. 



Massachusetts, Storer. Connecticut, Linsley. New York, Dekay. 



