

20 THE COMPRESSED BURBOT OR EEL-POUT. 
eighths, the other one-fourth of an inch. ‘These free rays 
are used by the fish as feelers, in the same way as the barbel 
on the chin. The pectoral fins measure one and an eighth 
inches in length, and have one very minute free ray. On 
the chin is one barbel half an inch in length. The nostrils 
are double; from the back of the anterior nostril is a minute 
barbel. The eyes are circular, and three-quarters of an inch 
apart. Both upper and lower jaws are armed with minute 
teeth. The whole surface is covered with exceedingly small 
eup-shaped scales, which are not plainly visible except by the 
aid of a magnifying glass. 
In the description given by Lesueur, Storer, Lindsley 
and DeKay, no mention is made of the free rays of the ven- 
tral fins. They are as distinct and noticeable as the barbel 
on the chin, and more so when swimming. 
It is thought by some that Lota compressa and Lota macu- 
losa are identical. I am not sufficiently versed in ichthyol- 
ogy to be a dictator or judge in the matter, yet the habits 
and dimensions of the two are so dissimilar as to lead me to 
suppose that they are two distinct species. The Lota macu- 
losa is two feet in length at maturity. The largest Lota com- 
pressa ever known was the one described hy Lindsley, — 
eleven and a quarter inches. The Lota compressa probably 
visits the salt water, as it is taken in ascending the Connec- 
ticut or its tributaries in the spring of the year, in company 
with fish from the salt water ascending to spawn. So few 
have been taken that it may not be wise to be positive in 
this assertion, yet I have no doubt, in my own mind, that it 
is a fact. Four have been taken to my knowledge within six 
miles of my office, within a few years, and all have been 
taken in the spring. Three of them were taken in company 
with the Lamprey eel (Petromyzon Americanus), in pots 
set for them, and the fourth (the one in my possession) was 
caught in a fine net with a promiseuous collection of fish. 
The Spotted Berbat, on the contrary, lives exclusively in 
fresh water. 



