FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 135 



gated with darker brown spots ; the gill-covers and snout much 

 darker than the remainder of the body. Abdomen whitish. 

 Length six inches; length of the head one inch; body in front 

 of the first dorsal, cylindrical, beginning to be compressed at 

 the sides at the extremity of the pectorals, gradually becoming 

 more so towards the tail, so that the caudal rays appear a mem- 

 branous prolongation of the body. The entire surface of the 

 body is covered with very minute scales, looking like cup- 

 shaped depressions. The lateral line arises above the opercu- 

 lum, and, quite conspicuous, extends in a straight course to the 

 middle of the fleshy portion of the tail. Head very much com- 

 pressed ; eyes circular ; distance between the eyes one quarter 

 the length of the head. Nostrils double ; from the back of the 

 anterior nostril, a very minute cirrhus is suspended. Upper 

 jaiD the longer ; to the chin is attached a dark-colored cirrhus, 

 one fourth of an inch long. Jaws and palatines armed with 

 numerous, minute, sharp teeth. 



The first Dorsal fin, which is of a lighter color than the 

 body, and variegated with black, is situated the length of the 

 head back of the head. 



The second Dorsal, arising one fourth of an inch back of the 

 first, is continued to the tail ; upon the lower portion of this 

 fin is a row of dark-colored spots, and its edge is margined 

 with black. 



The Pectorals are three quarters of an inch long, and dark 

 colored at their extremities. 



The Ventrals are small, color of the pectorals, terminating in 

 a point. 



The Anal fin is of the same length as the dorsal, and like it 

 is joined to the commencement of the caudal fin. 



The Caudal fin is rounded, colored, and margined like the 

 dorsal and anal fins. 



The fleshy texture of the membrane forming the several 

 fins, prevents the rays from being counted. 



