376 Storer on the 
four to six teeth to the middle of the jaw. ` Nume- 
rous large teeth in the throat; tongue large, fleshy, 
smooth. Nostrils tubular, about half the distance 
between the eyes and the snout; the distance be- 
tween the eyes, equal to about one sixth the length 
of the head. Pupils of the eye black ; irides golden. 
The lateral line.commences above the operculum, 
at a distance in front of its posterior angle, equal to 
the distance between the eyes, and passing just be- 
yond the posterior angle of the operculum, makes a 
slight curve downwards, and then passes on towards 
the posterior extremity of the body, in a straight 
course; a portion of this line is scarcely visible. All 
the fins are enveloped in a fleshy membrane. 
The Dorsal fin, commencing on the same plane 
with the ventrals, is continued to the tail; previous 
to reaching the tail, however, about seventeen of its 
rays lose their fleshy portion, and exhibit only their 
spinous bases. At the termination of these spinous 
rays, commences the tail. 
The Pectorals are broad, round at their extremi- 
ties, and of a yellow color, inclining to brown at their 
base. 
The Ventrals are situated in front of the pecto- 
rals, composed of two rays, but, being enveloped 
by a tough membrane, appear as if but one. 
Anus large, situated just in front of the anal fin. 
The rays of the Anal and Caudal fins cannot be 
distinguished from each other. About one hundred 
rays can be counted of the anal fin, but the rays of 
the fleshy tail cannot be distinguished. Both dorsal 
