ELACATIDA, — LI. 103 
between P. 5. D. XVIII-21. A. 20. W.I., rare N. (doréov, 
bone; xe/p, hand.) 
The position of the next family is still uncertain. Common 
opinion places it between the Remoras and the mackerel-like fishes. 
Famity LI. HLACATIDA. (Tue Costas.) 
Body elongate, fusiform, with very small, smooth scales; head 
long, low; mouth moderate; jaws with bands of small teeth; chin 
projecting; lateral line present, wavy. Dorsal spines about 9, low, 
all separate; second D. and A. long; two weak anal spines; V. I, 5. 
C. forked; no air-bladder; no sucking disk; pyloric caca branched. 
One species, in all warm seas. 
120. ELACATE Cuvier. (jAakdrn, spindle.) 
258. E. canada (L.). Cobra; CRAB-EATER; SERGEANT-FISH. 
Dusky, sides with a broad black band. Head 4}; depth 52; D. IX, 
33. A.II, 25. L.5 feet. Warm seas, N. in summer. 
We now begin the great series or suborder of SCOMBRIFORMES 
or mackerel-like fishes, with one of the most aberrant members of 
the group. 
Famity LIT. XIPHIIDA. (Tre Sworp-risueEs). 
Body elongate, naked; bones of upper jaw consolidated into a 
long stiff “sword”; teeth disappearing with age; D. long, without 
distinct spines, the rays enveloped in the skin; the fin divided into 
two in the adult; A. similarly divided; tail slender, keeled; C. 
widely forked; V. wanting. Gills peculiar, the lamine of each 
arch joined in one plate by reticulations; air-bladder simple; py- 
loric ceca numerous. Vertebre short, the neural and hemal spines 
normal; ribs very few. One species, a very large fish of the open 
sea, much valued as food. 
121. XIPHIAS Linneus. (f:¢ias, ancient name from gigos, 
sword.) 
259. XX. gladius L. Sworp-risa. Dark bluish. Head 21; 
depth 53; snout 8. D.40-4. A. 18-14. L.15 feet or more. Open 
sea, N. to Nova Scotia. (Eu.) (Lat; sword.) 
Famity LIIL ISTIOPHORIDAS. (Tue SalL-FIsHeEs.) 
Similar to the Sword-fishes, but with rudimentary scales, small per- 
sistent teeth, and ventral fins of 1 or 2 rays; air-bladder sacculated ; 
rays of fins distinct, not embedded in skin. Vertebra “elongate 
hour-glass-shaped; neural and hemal spines flag-like; ribs well-de- 
veloped.” Two genera, with 5 species. These are smaller than 
the Sword-fishes, but similar in character and habits. 
