THE BIB. 341 



one-fourth the length of the base of the fin. Second anal fin com- 

 mencing immediately behind the"first and terminating at a short dis- 

 tance from the caudal, corresponding in size and form with the third 

 dorsal, but placed rather farther back. Snout rounded and rather 

 obtuse ; upper jaw the longest ; maxillary extending back to be- 

 neath the middle of the orbit. Teeth in the lower jaw placed in one 

 row, rather long and sharp, slightly curved inwards ; those in the 

 upper jaw of a similar kind, rather more numerous, with a band of 

 smaller teeth behind ; eyes large, covered with a loose thick mem- 

 brane, giving a prominent appearance ; operculum of a triangular 

 form, ending in a flattened point over the base of the pectorals ; gill- 

 opening large ; branchial rays seven ; barbule at the extremity of the 

 lower jaw placed underneath, about an inch in length, equalling the 

 diameter of the orbit ; snout and cheeks of a metallic-grey appear- 

 ance. Scales in the middle of the body large and closely imbricated ; 

 those which cover a great portion of the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins 

 are small, of an oval form, and very deciduous. Lateral line com- 

 mencing at the upper part of the operculum, taking a sudden bend 

 under the anterior portion of the second dorsal, from thence passing 

 straight to the base of the middle caudal ray. Number of fin rays — 

 1st D. 13 ; 2d D. 24 ; 3d D. 17 ; P. 15 ; V. 6 ; 1st A. 31 ; 2d A. 

 18; C. 25. 



The Bib is readily distinguished from the haddock and the 

 cod, by the great depth of the body compared to the length ; 

 in the length of the base of the first anal fin, which com- 

 mences under the middle of the first dorsal, and frequently 

 rather more in advance ; whereas in the haddock and cod 

 this fin commences under the third or fourth ray of the se- 

 cond dorsal. It very much resembles the Morrhua minuta 

 or Power Cod, particularly when from five to six inches in 

 length ; but the latter fish is rather longer in proportion to 

 its depth ; the anal fin is shorter with not more than twenty- 

 six or twenty-seven rays, and commencing in a line behind 

 the first dorsal. The Morrhua . barbata, Gadus barbatus, 

 and Asellus barbatus of authors are now considered by Mr 

 Yarrell and Mr Jenyns as mere synonyms for the Morrhua 

 hisca or Bib. 





