268 HISTOKY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



one third the length of the fish ; the tip of the lower jaw projects beyond the upper. 

 The intermaxillary bones are capable of being protruded considerably beyond the 

 maxillaries, and are armed with a single row of small, pointed teeth upon each side, and 

 two rows of much larger teeth in their centre, the innermost row being the larger ; one 

 of these is upon the edge, the other within and beneath, very incurved. Upon the 

 upper jaw at its tip is a space of one and a half inches destitute of teeth ; on each 

 side of this space is one quite large tooth, and a second much smaller ; about half 

 an inch outside of these is a single row of eight or ten teeth, the first three or four of 

 which are much the largest. On each side of the pharynx are three rows of sharp 

 incurved teeth resembling spines ; these rows are arranged directly above each other, 

 and are double. The lower jaw has a single row of numerous, very sharp teeth : 

 the tongue has a broad, bony, triangular plate upon each side, armed with two 

 rows of teeth which are recurved. The distance from the margin of the upper 

 jaw to the eye is about equal to the distance between the eyes. Several spines 

 are situated upon the head: two just back of the snout on each side; a bifurcated 

 one over the middle of the eye, and another similar one at its posterior angle ; and a 

 small one on a line back of these, at the posterior portion of the head. A spine 

 pointing forwards is situated just back of the angle of the jaws, and three straight 

 spines are seen back of this. The eyes are oval. Just back of the snout are two 

 elongated, naked tentaculse, of the fineness of bristles, with the extremities free. As 

 the tentacute are depressed, directly at their posterior extremities is situated a third, 

 with about half of its extent only naked ; all the tentaculse are capable of being 

 elevated at the pleasure of the animal. 



The first dorsal fin is situated a short distance back of the third tentaculum ; it is 

 composed of thtee small rays, the posterior of which is the shortest, connected at their 

 bases by a dark-colored membrane. 



The second dorsal fin is composed of stout, fleshy rays ; it is rounded posteriorly, 

 and is as long again as high. 



The pectorals are rather higher than long, slightly digitated at their extremities, and 

 ciliated. 



The ventrals are stout and fleshy ; their anterior ray is bifurcated at its base. 



The anal fin arises back of the commencement of the second dorsal ; its posterior 

 portion is the higher. 



The caudal fin is stout, fleshy, and digitated at its extremity. 



The fin rays are as follows : — D. 3 - IL P. 24 or 25. V. 5. A» 9. C. 8. 



Length, four feet. 



