178 DIVISION I. VERTEBRAL ANIMALS.— CLASS IV. PISCES. 
contend with the otter for its prey, and endeavor to force it out of its 
mouth. 
no match for a trout of equal weight, the greater velocity of the latter fish 
Yet, it is said that the pike, with all its strength and ferocity, is 
giving it the advantage. 
EF. Reticulatus. —The American Pickerel. This fish is found in all parts 
of our country, and is one of the most popular objects of the angler’s pur- 
suit. It derives its specific name from the network of brownish lines which 
covers nearly the whole body. The color varies in different localities, being 
in some places of a brilliant gold color, and in others of a greenish-brown. 
Specimens are often taken weighing from six to eight pounds. 
Another American species is the 4’. estor, which is sprinkled with round, 
blackish spots. 
Betone. — Yarrell gives the following generic characteristics : — 
“Tlead and body extremely elongated; the latter covered with minute 
scales; both jaws very much produced, straight, narrow, and_ pointed, 
armed with numerous small teeth.” 
LB. Truncata, the Gar-fish, is frequently found on our shores from ten to 
fifteen inches in length. Dr. Storer describes a specimen as of a light- 
There are some 
The flesh is good 
green color above, and beneath, a clear silvery-white. 
species eight feet in length, which bite very severely. 
and wholesome, although some persons refuse it on account of the greenish 
color of the bones. 
ScOMBERESOX. — The generic characteristics of the group are the same 
as the former, save that the posterior portions of the dorsal and anal fins 
are divided, forming finlets, as in the mackerel. The species are gregarious, 
and are followed and preyed upon by porpoises, the tunny, and other large 
members of the mackerel family. 
S. Lqutrostrum. — The Bill-fish. 
A few years ago, I found it in large numbers 
This is the only species, we believe, 
found in American waters. 
in the waters of Cape Cod, and suppose it to be equally plentiful there 
It approaches the coast about the middle of autumn, and is welcomed 
as an agreeable and wholesome article of food. It is from eight to twelve 
The upper part of the back is of a yellowish-green color ; 
a silvery band, half an inch wide, and divided in its centre by a line of the 
same color as the back, runs the whole length of the body. The belly is 
now. 
inches in length. 
silvery, with a coppery tinge. 
Exocerus. —The Flying-fish. These fishes are provided with pectoral 
fins of so great a length, as to be able to carry them, like wings, a great 
distance through the air. According to Mr. George Bennet (“ Wanderings 
in New South Wales”), they cannot raise themselves when in the atmos- 
phere, the elevation they take depending entirely on the power of the first 
