6 FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



one to three. The preoperculum is margined with strong 

 teeth, projecting forwards, those on posterior edge are the 

 smaller. The bony operculum is serrated below, and termina- 

 ted at its posterior angle by a spine. A membranous prolon- 

 gation extends from the margin of the suboperculum. Hume- 

 ral bones grooved. The portion of the head between, and in 

 front of, the eyes, smooth portion back of eyes. bony. Eyes 

 of moderate size pupils black, irides golden. The anterior 

 nostrils much in advance of the posterior, which are larger. 

 The lateral line commences high above the posterior angle of 

 the operculum, and assuming the curve of the body, is contin- 

 ued to the base of the tail. The first Dorsal fin is as long 

 again as high : the second Dorsal is one third shorter than the 

 first. 



The Pectoral fins commence on a line with the posterior 

 angle of the operculum, and are one third as long as high. 



The Ventral fins arise about four lines back of pectorals. 



The Anal fin is higher than long : anus is situated three 

 lines anterior to it. 



The Dorsal and Caudal fins are brownish. The Pectoral, 

 Yentral and Anal fins are scarlet. 



The fin rays are as follows : * B. 7 ; D. 13. 2-14 : C. 17 ; P. 

 15 ; V. 1-5 ; A. 2-8. 



LABRAX. Cuv. 



Generic characters. Two dorsal fins, distinct, separated; 

 the rays of the first, spinous ; those of the second, flexible : 

 branchiostegous rays 7: tongue covered with small teeth: 

 teeth on both jaws, on the vomer and palatine bones : checks, 

 preoperculum and operculum, covered with scales : suborbitul 

 bone and suboperculum without serrations: preoperculum 

 notched below, serrated on its posterior edge : operculum end- 

 ing in two points, diverted backwards. 



* The letters indicate the different fins : B. the branchial rays. D. those of the Dorsal 

 fin; C. Caudal ; P. Pectoral ; V. Ventral; A. Anal. 



