Fishes of Massachusetts. ^ 616 
The fin rays are: D.6; P. 15; A. 6; C. 7. 
Dr. Yale informs me that this fish is frequently 
taken when fishing for other species. 
OrtHacoriscus. Schn. 
Generic characters. Jaws undivided, forming a 
cutting edge ; body compressed, deep for its length, 
Short, truncated, without spines; tail short, and 
very high vertically; rays of the dorsal and anal 
fins long and pointed, both united to the caudal fin 
at the base. 
O. mola. Lin. The short Sun Fish. 
Plate III. Fig. 1. 
Turton’s Linnzus, vol. i. p. £91. 
Shaw’s Zoology, vol. v. pt. 2d, p. 438 et fig. 
Pennant’s British Zoology, vol. iii p. 115, fig. 54. 
Trans. Lit. et Philosoph. Soc. N. Y. p. 471. 
Strack's plates, No. 13. 4. 
Mc Murtrie's Cuv. vol. ii. p. 272. 
Yarrell’s British Fishes, jä ii, p. 350 et fig. 
This is not a common fish in Massachusetts Bay. 
Oceasionally, two or three years pass in succession 
without a single specimen being met with; at 
others, several may be taken. Its motions are very 
sluggish, and it swims near the surface of the ocean. 
On account of the great elasticity of its flesh, it is 
captured with great difficulty ; it is generally gaffed 
at or near the branchial aperture. Its flesh is some- 
times used for balls. Its iver is very oily, furnish- 
ing two or more quarts of oil, which is used by the 
