Fishes of Massachusetts. 347 
Superior portion of the preoperculum cupreous ; in- 
ferior portion of it, as of the operculum and maxil- 
laries, silvery. Tongue pointed, greenish with a me- 
tallic tint. Jaws equal ; crowded with minute teeth. 
The first Dorsal fin arises opposite the posterior 
third of the pectoral fins; transparent; its first ray 
upon its outer edge, and the spaces between the tips 
of the rays margined with black; the second ray 
longest; the tips of all slightly projecting beyond 
the membrane. 
The second Dorsal commences back of the first, at 
a greater distance than the length of the first dorsal : 
fin shorter than preceding ; rays short, covered by 
a thick membrane: five finlets back of the second 
dorsal ; the fifth, deeply divided, appearing like two. 
The Pectorals just beneath, and on a line with the 
lateral line: length about one half their height: 
slightly dusky: at base above, a small black blotch 
which is hardly perceived, unless the fin is raised. 
The Ventrals, just in front of the first dorsal, elon- 
gated ; reddish white. 
At the origin of the Anal fin a small spine is observ- 
ed. 'The Anal fin is opposite the second Dorsal, and, 
like it, has five finlets, resembling those of the back. 
The Caudal fin is yellowish, —€ forked ; two 
lateral carine at base. 
The fin rays are as follows: D. 9-12; P. 19; V. 
D X513; 6.22: 
Tuynnus. Cuv. 
Generic characters. Form of the body like that of 
