FISHES OP NEW YORK 361 



the number of the dorsal spines, which is generally four in 

 laeiniata, but sometimes five, as observed in examples 

 from Great Egg Harbor bay, N. J., no. 45158 XJ. S. National 

 Museum. 



The rough silversides grows to the length of 4 inches; it is 

 not important for food, but serves as food for the larger fishes. 

 It was found abundant at Somers Point N. J. in August 1887, 

 where it had previously been unknown. The largest individual 

 taken in Great Egg Harbor bay, 4^ inches long, was secured at 

 Longport N. J. 



The only example so far known in New York waters was 

 caught in Mecox bay, L. I. Aug. 1, 1898. Though the bay was 

 seined repeatedly afterward in search of the fish, no other speci- 

 mens were seen. The following notes were obtained: D. V, I, 7; 

 A. I, 20; P. 14; V. I, 5. Scales 7-47. 



Genus labidesthes Cope 

 This genus differs from Menidia chiefly in the prolongation 

 of the jaws, both of which are produced into a short depressed 

 beak. The scales are small as in L e u r e s t h e s and Basil- 

 i c h t h y s , their edges entire. 



182 Labidesthes sicculus (Cope) 

 Brook Silversides; Skipjack; Of ass fish 



CMrostoma sicculum Cope, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. 81, 1865, Crosse Isle, 



Detroit River. 

 LaUdesthes sicculus Cope, Proc. Am. Phil. Soc. Phila. 40, 1870; Jordan & 



Gilbert, Bull. 16, U. S. Nat. Mus. 406, 1883; Meek, Ann. N. Y. Ac. Sci. 



IV, 312, 1888, Montezuma, N. Y.; Bean, Fishes Penna. 100, 1893; Bull. 



Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. IX, 357, 1897; Chautauqua Lake; Jordan & 



EVERMANN, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus. 805, 1896. 



The body is slender and elongate, its depth one sixth or one 

 seventh of the total without caudal. Length of head about two 

 ninths of total; eye two sevenths of length of head, two thirds of 

 length of snout. D. IV, I, 11; A. I, 23. Scales 14-75. Caudal 

 deeply forked. 



Color olivaceous, the fish in life translucent, the upper parts 

 with small black dots, the silvery lateral band edged above with 

 lead color and covering one row and two half rows of scales; 

 cheeks silvery. i . ^ 



