MITCH1LL ON THE FISHES OF NEW-YORK. 367 



Tail deeply forked. Waving parallel zigzag lines, distinguishable on 

 the broad side. Vent far forward. Is broader and shorter than the 

 cryptosus. Fine eating. 



Rajs, Br. 5. P. 21. D. 44. A. 44. C. 19. 



Order, jdgulares 



COD. GADUS. 



• Generic character. 



Head smooth. Gill membrane seven rayed. Body oblong, covered 

 with deciduous scales. Fins all covered by the common skin. Dorsal 

 and anal generally more than one, the rays unarmed ; ventral fins slen- 

 der, ending in a point. 



* Codfish with three dorsal fins, and bearded mouth. 



1. Bank cod. (Gadus morhua.) Great cod fish, of an ashen colour, 

 with yellowish spots, broadish scales, and first ray of the anal fin stiff 

 or spinous. 



This fish is found at times in the New-York market, being caught in 

 the sea near Nantucket, and beyond. We get him, however, only in 

 the cool season ; for the summer temperature of our waters kills him. 

 He is, therefore, only found between November and April. 



The character is so exactly that of the later European writers, that 

 I deem it unnecessary to give a particular description of him. He is 

 not common on our stalls. But the species next to be mentioned is 

 much more frequent. 



2. Common cod of New-York. (Gadus callarias.) With ashen back, 

 white belly, head and body spotted with brown ; even tail, and project- 

 ing upper jaw. 



