208 FISHES. 



zz. Dorsal spines 8, very low, nearly equal and 

 scarcely connected ; snout blunt. 



Stromateidce, the Harvest Fishes, 

 zzz. With neither of the preceding combinations. 

 a. No teeth on vomer. 



Pristipomatidw, the Red Mouths. 

 aa. Teeth on vomer. 

 b. Canines present ; branchiostegals 7. 



Serranidw, the Sea Bass, 

 bb. No canines ; branchiostegals 6 ; eyes 

 large. . Priacanthidw, the Big Eyes. 

 yy. Opercular bones with entire edges. 

 c. Dorsal with nine to 20 spines ; anal III, 8 or 

 more ; lips large, fleshy. 



Labrida, the Wrasse Fishes. 

 cc. Dorsal with 9 spines; anal III, 7. 



Gerridce, the Gerroids. 



FAMILIES OF ANACANTHINI. 



* Ventrals jugular, sometimes rudimentary. 



f Caudal fin developed as a separate fin; lateral line continuous. 



GADID^E, 97. 



ft Caudal fin not separate, dorsal and anal confluent around the 

 tail. 



| Ventral fins developed, 4-rayed. Lycodida, the Eel Pouts. 

 \% Ventral fins replaced by a pair of bifid filaments. 



OphidiidcK, the Cusk Eels. 

 ** Ventral fins entirely wanting. 



a. Vent remote from the head. Ammodytida, the Sand Launces. 

 aa. Vent at the throat; size small. Fierasferidm, the Fierasfers. 



FAMILIES OF HETEROSOMATA. 



* Pectoral fins well developed. . Pleuronectidce, the Flounders. 

 ** Pectoral fins wanting or rudimentary. . Soleidce, the Soles. 



FAMILIES OF PERCESOCES. 



* First dorsal with 5 to 7 flexible spines ; body elongated ; sides 



with a distinct silvery band. . . ATHEKINID^, 99. 



