MALACOPTERYGII. 567 



coast of Scotland, these "Sea-Devils" are met with, four and 

 even five feet long. The Mouse-fish and Toad-fish are small 

 species of this family. 



(15) Labrida, (Lat. labrum, a lip,) a family deriving its 

 name from the fleshy lips appended to the jaws. It has been 

 divided into two sections, Cyclo-labrida, having cycloid-scales, 

 and Cteno-labridcB, having a dorsal fin supported in front by 

 spines. This family includes the WRASSES or ROCK-FISHES, 

 numerous small fishes of brilliant orange and blue color, ar- 

 ranged in stripes with wavy lines. The genus Ctenolabrus is 

 represented by the NIBBER or COMMON BERGALL, C. caruleus, 

 found on the coast from New Jersey northward. On account of 

 its prevailing color, it is also called the BLUE-FISH, BLUE PERCH, 

 GUNNER or CONNER, and CHOGSET ; the last mentioned name being 

 derived from the Mohegan tongue. The flesh is insipid and 

 watery. The Tautoga Americana, the COMMON BLACK-FISH 

 or TAUTOG, (in the Mohegan dialect,) much valued for the 

 table, is found on the coast between Massachusetts and Ches- 

 apeake Bay. 



SECOND ORDER. MALACOPTERYGII, (Gr, fiahaxbs, malakos, soft ; 

 mE(>6v, pteron, wing. 



The CYCLOIDS. These fishes are a step lower in organization. 

 Soft-fins or rays distinguish them from those of the preceding 

 order. The genera and species are less numerous, but as fur- 

 nishing food for man, the order is the most important of all, in- 

 cluding such fish as Salmon, Pike, Herring, Cod, Carp, Turbot, 

 Halibut, &c. The order comprises all the Ground Fishes, 

 those which are restricted to fresh waters, and lie in wait for 

 their prey. 



SUB-ORDER. ABDOMINALES. 



The fishes of this sub-order have the ventrals behind the pec- 

 toral fins, and not attached to the humeral or shoulder-bone. 



(16) Silurida, (Gr.silouros from seio, I move; owra, the tail.) 

 This is a family represented by the Cat-fish, Bull-pouts, Bull- 

 heads, and Horned-pouts, (Pimelodus,) the last name being 

 derived from the fleshy filaments, (cirri or barbels,) floating from 

 the mouth. These cirri are supposed to aid them in obtaining 

 food, while groping in the mud. They are without scales, and 

 covered with a slimy coat of mucus. Some South American 

 species have large angular, bony plates, and are, therefore, said 

 to be mailed. The Oceanic Cat-fish has only six barbels. 



