340 



VERTEBRATES: FISHES. 



Fig. 212. 



Toad-Fish, B. tau, Linn. 



The Genus Batrachus contains the Toad-Fishes. The 

 Common Toad-Fish, B. tau, Linn., of the Atlantic coast 



of the United States, is from 

 six to twelve inches long, olive 

 green above, mottled with 

 darker ; light below. It is 

 often found in cavities under 

 stones, and seems to show a 

 care for its young, which are found in such situations. 

 LABRID.E, OR TAUTOG FAMILY. This Family com- 

 prises spine-rayed fishes which have the body oblong and 

 scaly, and a single dorsal supported in front by spines. 

 A large number of genera and several hundred species 

 are known. 



The Genus Ctenolabrus has a denticulated preopercu- 

 lum, and three spinous rays to the anal fin. The Conner, 

 Fig 213. Blue-Perch, or Burgall, C. Burgall, C. 



& V., of the North Atlantic, is from six 

 to twelve inches long, color exceed- 

 ingly variable, but generally bluish, 

 passing into reddish or bronze. From 

 June to September it is extremely abundant on the coast, 

 and is taken in immense numbers with hook and net. It 

 is considered an excellent fish for the table, when fried. 



The Genus Tautoga has the operculum and preopercu- 

 lum without spines or denticulations. The Tautog, T. 

 americana, Dekay, of the coast of New England and 

 southward, is from six to eighteen inches long, the color 

 generally bluish black, with irregular darker blotches and 

 bands. It bites freely from early spring till late in autumn, 

 and is highly prized for food. It is called Black-Fish at 

 New York and on the Southern coast. It averages only 

 one or two pounds in weight ; but individuals have been 

 taken which weighed sixteen pounds. 



Conner, C. Burgall, C. & V. 



