384 MITCHILL ON THE FISHES OF NEW-YORK. 



First ray of the first dorsal fin hair shaped, and three inches and a 

 half long. The second ray almost as long as the first. First, second, 

 and third rays of the second dorsal fin two inches long. Five or six 

 short and sharp spines on the back between the two. Ventral fins two 

 inches long, and consisting each of four rays. First ray of the anal fin 

 an inch long. The rays of this and of the second dorsal continued by 

 successive insertions almost to the tail, which is very slender, and deeply 

 forked. 



Head slopes greatly. Gill-opening slants very much. Body thin, 

 and distinguished by linear impressions. Jaws edged, but without 

 teeth. In certain specimens, there are four or five banded marks along 

 the back. 



2. Rostrated Dory. (Zeus rostratus.) With an elongated snout, and 

 with a single long ray to the first dorsal fin. 



This fish very much resembles the preceding species ; but yet differs 

 in several respects. For the body is thinner ; the snout is more promi- 

 nent ; the facial angle declines more from the perpendicular. There 

 is a more considerable break, or depression, above the upper lip. The 

 distance is greater from the tip of the chin to the neck. The depres- 

 sion is more considerable at the point where the branchial membrane 

 joins the neck. The space between the branchial membrane and the 

 ventral fins is more prominent. There is but one long ray, instead of 

 two, to the first dorsal fin ; and in this the branchial rays are open to 

 the eye ; whereas in the Z. setapinnis they are concealed by the edge 

 of the gill-cover. 



3. Bristly Dory. (Zeus setapinnis.) With forked tail, short rays to 

 the fins, and those of the vent and back ending in bristly points. 



Length eight inches and a half; depth four ; thickness not more than 

 one ; being a narrow fish when measured from side to side, and deep 

 from back to belly. Taken in the bay of New-York. 



