368 MITCHILL ON THE FISHES OF NEW-YORK. 



A middle-sized fish of this species is twenty-five inches long, and 

 weighs five pounds and a half. Colour pale ; also prettily spotted with 

 yellowish. The lateral line grows broader and plainer until it reaches 

 the part of the body situated between the third dorsal and second anal 

 fin. It is nearly straight until it reaches the place of a line drawn per- 

 pendicularly from the vent. Tail even. Jaws, palate, and throat, all 

 toothed. Lower jaw has one row of teeth ; upper several. First and 

 second rays of the ventral fins separated or bifid ; and their hue reddish, 

 or whitish. No spines upon the anal, or any other fins. Upper jaw 

 longer than the lower. 



I have noted this fish as the Dorse, or Gadus callarias, notwithstand- 

 ing his great size, and some other well-marked differences. Should the 

 character not correspond, he must be considered a distinct species. 



Of this fish there is a remarkable variety, denominated 



(a The Shoal-cod, or School-cod, (Gadus arenosus,) which is specifi- 

 cally the same with the preceding, but has less of the yellow com- 

 plexion. The hue is more of a greenish brown, with spots of less dis- 

 tinctness. The fishermen say that the shoal-cod is taken on the level 

 and sandy bottoms, while the yellowish or rock-cod, to be immediately 

 mentioned, is caught on the rough grounds ; and perhaps this reason is 

 a practical and sufficient one. 



There is a further variety, called 



(b) The Rock-cod, (Gadus rupestris,) which is chiefly distinguished 

 by his dwarfish size, rusty complexion, and more chubby shape. 



3. Tom cod, (Gadus tomcodus.) The length is about ten or twelve 

 inches. Snout round and blunt. Mouth considerably under, and of a 

 moderate size. Small teeth in the jaws, palate, and throat. Tongue 

 distinct, white, fleshy, and small. Lateral line incurvated upward. 

 Ventral fins bifid. The second ray longer than the first. Eyes small 

 and yellowish. Tail convex. 



