HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 63 



and in front of the eyes, is naked. The eyes are circular ; their diameter less than 

 the distance between them. Gape of mouth large. The posterior nostril is the 

 longer. The lateral line commences above, and in front of, the base of the opercular 

 membrane, and assumes the arch of the body. 



The dorsal fin commences above the posterior portion of the opercular membrane ; 

 its first and second spines are the shortest ; the membranous portion is rounded above 

 and posteriorly. 



The pectorals are broad and rounded. 



The rays of the ventrals are multifid. 



The soft portion of the anal is rounded along its entire margin. 



The caudal fin is somewhat emarginated. 



The fin rays are as follows : D. 10 to 11 -9 to 11. P. 11 to 12. V. 1-5. 

 A. 3-9 to 10. C. 18. Length about six inches. 



Remarks. The specimens I have seen of this species were sent me from Concord, 

 by Mr. Edward S. Hoar ; they were taken with P. vulgaris. Although Mitchill, in 

 his description of the Labrus appendix, makes no mention of the color of the fins, 

 which is a striking character, it agrees in other particulars so nearly with the species 

 before me, that I cannot but think they are identical ; and therefore suppress here, 

 as I have previously done in my Synopsis, my specific name q " rubri-cauda." 



Massachusetts, STOKER. New York, MITCHILL. 



The Genus Sphyrcena, which has usually been included in the Family Percidce, 

 will be introduced hereafter in a different group. 



FAMILY II. TRIGLID^E. 



Contains a numerous series of fish, to which the singular appearance of their head, 

 variously bristled and covered with armor, gives a peculiar physiognomy. Their general 

 character consists in having the suborbitar bone more or less extended over the cheek, 

 and articulated behind with the preoperculum. 



GENUS I. PRIONOTUS, CTJV. 



Pectorals very large, with numerous rays. A band of even teeth on the 

 palatines. 



