64 FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



length of body as 1 to 3 ; above, brownish ; operculum and 

 preoperculum yellow ; entire surface destitute of scales ; jaws 

 somewhat protractile, armed with prominent, sharp teeth ; lips 

 large and fleshy ; over nostrils a minute filament one third of a 

 line in length ; circumference of eye, two lines ; from beneath 

 eye, a broad black band, Avider at its base, crosses obliquely the 

 operculum ; two other bands of the same color extend from 

 behind eye backwards, in nearly a straight line, the distance 

 of from one to two lines. The lateral line commences just 

 above the angle of the operculum, and, having extended two 

 lines, subbifurcates ; passing down in a gradual curve a little 

 more than a line, it is continued in a straight course to the 

 base of the caudal fin ; while the upper portion abruptly ter- 

 minates opposite the fourteenth ray of the dorsal fin. 



The Dorsal fin, commencing on a line with the posterior 

 angle of the operculum, is continued to the caudal fin ; the first 

 five rays of this fin are shorter than the sixth ; the rays be- 

 come again shorter as they approach the tail ; numerous black 

 spots upon this fin : those larger upon the first five rays. 



The Pectorals three lines long, of a light color, with some 

 darker shades, are rounded ; they arise on a line with the pos- 

 terior angle of the operculum, and also the commencement of 

 the dorsal fin. 



The Yentrals are situated two lines in front of pectorals ] 

 rays are united throughout the greater portion of their extent ; 

 extremities free. 



Anus situated two and a half inches from extremity of jaws. 



The Anal fin commences just half way between tip of snout 

 and extremity of tail ; its edge is dark colored. 



The Caudal fin is rounded : small dark-colored spots upon 

 this fin, as well as upon pectorals. 



The number of fin rays as follows : D. 43 ; P. 13 ; V. 3 ; 

 A. 30 ; C. 14. 



