FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 21 



the third, is placed at the inferior angle, and, like the similarly 

 situated spine of the operculum, is concealed. A small spine 

 upon infra scapular bone. A large depression on the top of 

 head ; bounded, between eyes, by orbitar ridges ; back of eyes 

 it is broader, and bounded on sides by a longitudinal ridge. 

 Mouth very large ; lower jaw the shorter ; both jaws armed 

 with numerous, small, sharp, recurved teeth, compactly placed 

 together: when mouth is closed, the intermaxillary bone 

 forms a protuberance between the two anterior spines. Nos- 

 trils small, tubular. Eyes large, pupils black, irides reddish 

 yellow j distance between eyes eight lines. 



The lateral line, which is quite prominent, commences just 

 above the humeral spine, and continues a straight course to the 

 middle of the base of the tail. One or two irregular rows of 

 very obvious roughened tubercles above, and quite a number of 

 smaller tubercles scattered over the sides, beneath the lateral 

 line. 



The fins are yellowish, with black bands. 



The first Dorsal is rounded, and connected with the second 

 dorsal by a membranous prolongation. 



The second Dorsal is about one third longer than the first. 



The Pectoral fins, when expanded, are rounded : the rays 

 large and stout. 



The Ventrals are composed of three rays : yellowish white, 

 with two transverse dark bands. 



The Anal fin is shorter than the first dorsal, with three or 

 four oblique black bands. 



The Caudal fin is in length equal to half of its height. 



The fin rays are as follows : D. 10-15 ; P. 16 ; A. 13 ; V. 

 3 ; C. 12. 



ASPIDOPHOROIDES. Lacepede. 



Generic characters. Body octagonal, covered with scaly 

 plates ; head thicker than the body, with points and depressions 

 above, flattened below ; teeth in both jaws only, none on the 



