Fishes of Massachusetts. A71 
the posterior angle of the operculum, equal to two 
thirds its length; the scales on the head present a 
peculiarly corrugated appearance. Mouth, large. 
Jaws, filled with sharp, recurved teeth. Upper jaw 
slightly longer than the lower. A single barbule 
under the chin. Diameter of the eye equal to one 
sixth the length of the head; pupils black ; irides 
silvery ; distance between the eyes nearly one half 
greater than the diameter of the eye. Extremity of 
the upper jaw, maxillary bones, and lower jaw, 
destitute of scales. The lateral line commences at 
a distance above the pectorals, equal to the length 
of the pectorals, and runs on in a Straight line to 
Opposite the thirty-second dorsal ray, then making a 
gentle curve downwards, passes on again in a straight 
course to the base of the caudal fin. 
The Dorsal fin commences at 2 distance back of 
the pectorals, equal to about half the length of the 
head, and terminates just in front of the tail. 
The Pectorals are about half the length of the 
head, round at the extremities, and as high again as 
long. 
The Ventrals are situated just in front of the 
pectorals, of the same length as those fins, fleshy, 
and similar in color to the head. 
The Anal fin, which is nine inches in length, is 
continued to the tail, and nearly joins it. Anus, two 
thirds of an inch in front of the anal fin. 
The Caudal fin is round, and like the dorsal and 
anal fins, is margined with blue, and edged with 
white. 
