416 MITCHILL ON THE FISHES OF NEW-YORK. 



from two to three pounds. Mouth wide, with free branchial openings* 

 Bolh jaws are furnished with short and sharp teeth. .Lower jaw rather 

 projects. Tongue white and smooth. 



Back considerably arched, and approaching to gibbous, especially in 

 the male fish. The females have less of a bunch, but a more prominent 

 belly. Body protected by firm, stout scales. 



Colour speckled with black and white regularly from head to tail, 

 the black predominating toward the back, and the white toward the 

 belly. The dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins partake of the speckled or 

 chequered appearance. Ventrals and caudal do not show the variega- 

 tions so strongly. Is, when first taken, frequently tinged with green 

 about the back and root of the dorsal fin ; and a purple suffusion is not 

 unfrequent. 



From a point a little forward of the dorsal fin, a gradual slope to the 

 nose. He is deep through from the bunch to the sternum ; but be- 

 comes much more slender toward the tail. Upper gill-cover serrated. 

 Lateral line corresponds with the back. The first ten dorsal rays spi- 

 nous. Vent midway. Tail undivided. Black harry, hannahills, and 

 hlue-Jish, are some of the names by which he is known. 



Rays, Br. 7. P. 18. V. 6. D. 21. A. 11. C. 17. 



Abundant in New-York, and is one of the most savoury fish at. mar- 

 ket. Taken most plentifully near Sandy-Hook, in the ocean ; and 

 even at the wharves of the city. 



BOD1ANUS. 



Generic character. 



Habit of the genus perca. Gill-covers scaly, serrated, and aculeatedL 

 Scales, in most species, smooth. 



