172 FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Dorsal and Anal fins are triangular, situated at the up- 

 per and lower posterior extremity of the fish. Length of the 

 dorsal. 13 inches ; length of the anal, 12 inches. Height of 

 the dorsal, 21 inches ; height of the anal, 21 inches. 



The Caudal fin borders the extremity of the body, being 

 connected with both the dorsal and anal fins ; its general color 

 is similar to that of the inferior portion of the sides ; its outer 

 edge is flesh colored. It is scalloped or divided into digita- 

 tions, about 8 in number, of which the upper are smaller, and 

 the sixth the largest. A broad, nearly black band commences 

 at the origin of the dorsal fin, and, running along its base, is 

 continued in front of the caudal and anal fins to the anus ; 

 this band is lighter colored along the base of the anal, and 

 here it is also narrower, being about the same depth as at 

 the dorsal ; but along the base of the caudal it is considerably 

 deeper, even equal to the least height of this fin. 



The Pectorals are in height 7 inches ; length 4 inches ; 

 greatest width 6J inches. 



The anus is large and corrugated, situated two inches in 

 front of the anal fin. Directly in front of the anas commences 

 a very obvious carina, which is continued until opposite the 

 origin of the pectorals. The very dense texture of the fins 

 renders it almost impossible to determine with accuracy the 

 number of their rays. As nearly as I have been able to dis- 

 tinguish them, they are as follows : 



D. 13 ; P. 13 ; A. 15 ; C. 9. 



Upon the exterior of this species, were attached several par- 

 asites ; at the base of, or near to, the fins, a large number of the 

 Pennella sagitta was found imbedded, with their pinnated ex- 

 tremities projecting like tentaculse; and to them, were firmly fixed 

 specimens of the cineras vittata. One beautiful specimen of the 

 " Tristoma coccineum" very accurately figured by Yarrell, as 

 being taken from this species, was found firmly attached to the 

 posterior extremity of the fish. Closely attached to the bran- 

 chiae were a dozen or more specimens of the " Cecrops Latreil- 

 lii." The thickness of the skin, where cut into, varied from 

 2 to 3 inches. The stomach and bowels contained no injesta ; 



