FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 177 



mense number of small granulations, which are subdivided by- 

 six elevated lines of similar tubercles ; in front of the eyes and 

 pectoral fins, these plates are smaller and less distinct ; the 

 body beneath, white and covered with similar scales ; from the 

 angle of the eye to the ligamentary substance at the base of 

 the tail, are included ten plates in a direct line ; from the high- 

 est point of the back to the belly, nine similar rows of plates ; 

 behind the dorsal fin is a surface of ligamentary substance, 

 three inches in length, of a darker color than the rest of the 

 surface, extending to the caudal fin, and containing, just back 

 of the dorsal fin, one isolated plate. Subcaudal spines short, 

 stout, smooth, and a little incurved. Mouth large, prominent, 

 armed with large, strong teeth ; eyes large, and distant an inch 

 and a half from the mouth ; nostrils, less than a quarter of an 

 inch in front of the eyes. 



The fin rays are : D. 10 ; P. 12 ; A. 10 ; C. 10. 



The length of this specimen, in its present dried state, is 

 fourteen inches. From the contracted and wrinkled appear- 

 ance of the ligamentary portion at the base of the tail, it must 

 vary considerably from the size of the living fish. 



From observing the plates alone or the " bicaiidalis,^' this 

 might be mistaken by a careless observer for that species ; but 

 a careful examination of both the figures and the descriptions, 

 shows them to be distinct. 



The number of the fin rays of the two species do not vary ; 

 but the comparatively plane and immaculate surface of the one, 

 corresponds but little with the very elevated strias and numer- 

 ous spots which cover the exterior of the other. 



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