264 HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The teetli are large and conical; those in tlie back of the jaw the sharper; a single 

 row from the entire angle of the tipper jaw the extent of four teeth ; then a double 

 row of three teeth ; then to the middle of the jaw a row of three teeth deep ; the front 

 teeth of this triple row are the largest in the jaw. From the onter angle of the lower 

 jaw towards the middle, a single row of eight teeth exists ; then a double row of 

 five to six teeth to the middle of the jaw ; three rows of sharp teeth in the 

 upper pharyngeals ; two rows in the lower pharyngeals. Tongue large, fleshy, 

 smooth. Nostrils tubular, situated about half-way between the eyes and the snout; 

 the distance between the eyes is equal to about one sixth the length of the head. 

 The lateral line, which is most perceptible in immature specimens, commences 

 above the operculum, at a distance in front of its posterior angle equal to the distance 

 between the eyes, and, passing just beyond the posterior angle of the operculum, makes 

 a slight curve downwards, and then passes on towards the posterior extremity of the 

 body in a straight course. The fins are all enveloped in a fleshy membrane. 



The dorsal fin commences some distance anterior to the posterior angle of the oper- 

 culum, and is continued to the tail ; previous to reaching which, however, about seven- 

 teen of its rays lose their fleshy portion, and exhibit only their spinous bases. The 

 first ray of the dorsal is quite low ; the succeeding three or four gradually become 

 higher, making the commencement of the fin to appear rounded when expanded ; it 

 gradually diminishes in its height, so that the posterior rays are about two thirds the 

 height of the anterior portion. 



The pectorals are broad, rounded 'at their extremities ; the extremities of the inferior 

 rays are slightly scalloped. 



The ventrals, appearing like little warts, are situated in front of the pectorals ; they 

 are composed of two rays, but, being enveloped in a tough membrane, appear as one. 



The anal fin is about half the height of the dorsal ; terminating in the caudal, it 

 runs off to an acute point ; the rays of these two fins cannot be distinguished from 

 each other* 



The fin rays, as far as practicable to be counted, are as follows: — D. 118 or 120. 

 P. 19 or 20. V, 2. A. 100. 



Length, three feet 



Memarks, As early as the year 1804, Professor Peck wrote a very good description 

 of this species, and accompanied it with a figure, in the Memoirs of the American 

 Academy. 



It is occasionally taken at all seasons of the year, but more frequently in the spring 

 and summer. It sometimes attains the size of three and a half feet, and weighs from 

 one to twelve pounds. 



