Fishes of Massachusetts. 293 
- In the ponds of many portions of the State, this 
is quite a common species, and in the spring and 
autumn is not unfrequently met with in the mar- 
kets. Specimens are seldom taken more than 12 or 
15 inches in length. 
This beautiful fish is of a greenish yellow above— 
with golden yellow sides crossed by seven trans- 
verse dark bands, those upon middle of body broad- 
est: beneath, white. The length of the head 
. compared to the length of the body, is as one to 
three. The preoperculum is margined with strong 
teeth, projecting forwards, those on posterior edge 
are the smaller. The bony operculum is serrated 
below, and terminated at its posterior angle by a 
spine. A membranous prolongation extends from 
the margin of the suboperculum.  Humeral bones 
grooved. - The portion of the head between, and in 
front of, the eyes, smooth—portion back of eyes, 
bony. yes of moderate size—pupils black, irides 
golden. The anterior nostrils much in advance of 
the posterior, which are larger. The lateral line 
commences high above the posterior angle of the 
operculum, and assuming the curve of the body, is 
continued to the base of the tail. The first Dorsal 
fin is as long again as high: the second Dorsal is 
one third shorter than the first. 
"The Pectoral fins commence on a line with the 
posterior angle of the operculum, and are one third 
as long as high. 
The Ventral fins arise about four lined back o 
pectorals. 
