64 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



and subequal, except a few of its anterior rays, which are shorter ; they are all enveloped in 

 a stout thick membrane. Pectoral fins small, obtusely pointed at the tip, and rounded 

 beneath ; the fifth, sixth and seventh rays longest. The vent is placed beneath the twenty- 

 eighth or twenty-ninth dorsal ray. Immediately behind the vent, commences the anal fin, 

 which is similar in its form, and the character of its rays, to the dorsal fin. Caudal elongated, 

 obtusely pointed. 



Color. Reddish white, with an interrupted series of irregular dark brown blotches extending 

 from the pectorals to the tail ; more numerous towards the tail, and large at the anterior part 

 of the body. 



Length, 12-0 - 21-0. 



Fin rays, D. 77 ; P. 13 ; A. 50 ; C. 19. 



This very curious and rare species, which in its form approaches the genus Trypauchcn 

 of the family Gobida, and in the absence of ventrals might be referred to some groups of the 

 AnguilUdce, was first described by Dr. Storer of Boston, and referred under a new and 

 appropriate genus to the present family. Among this family it will form a new group, charac- 

 terized by its anguilliform body, and the absence of ventral fins. 



I take this occasion to express my obligations to Dr. Storer, for placing this and other 

 specimens in my hands for examination and comparison. I am thus enabled to give a figure 

 of this rare and singular .species. Nothing is knovm of its habits. One of the only three 

 specimens known, was obtained from the stomach of a haddock. It is probably a northern 

 species. 



GENUS GASTEROSTERUS. Artedi. 



Body without scales, with more or less plates on the sides. One dorsal Jin,, ivithfree spines 

 before it. Branchial rays three. Bones of the pelvis united, and forming a shield, 

 pointed behind. Teeth in the jaws ; none on the vomer and palatines. 



Obs. This group comprises numerous small species, found in the ocean and in fresh-water 

 streams. They are exceedingly active in their movements, and have been observed to throw 

 themselves to a great distance out of water. They are very pugnacious, and when confined, 

 will destroy each other. Their food consists of the fry of other species, of which they 

 destroy great numbers. A single individual has been known, in five hours, to devour seventy- 

 four young dace, and on the following day, sixty-two. Some of the species appear to possess 

 the property of changing their color. In some parts of England, they are so numerous as to 

 be employed as manure. 



