206 



AMERICAN FISHES. 



The dorsal fin has ten low spinous, and eleven much more elevated 

 soft rays, the pectorals have eighteen soft rays, the ventrals one 

 spine and five soft rays, the anal three spines and seven soft rays, 

 the caudal trilobed, consisting of eighteen soft rays. 



This fine fish is known by a great number of provincial titles ; among 

 others Dr. DeKay mentions the trivial names of Black Harry and 

 Hanahilh. 



It is a bold and free biter, and is one of the principal objects of 

 pursuit by those who join in steamboat excui'sions to what are called 

 the sea banks, oflF the port of New York, in the process of which 

 they are often taken in considerable numbers. 



