218 HISTORY OF THE PISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Description. Body much more elongated than that of the Lamna punctata; its 

 greatest depth, across from the origin of the dorsal fin, is equal to about one fifth the 

 entire length of the fish. The length of the head is equal to about one seventh the 

 entire length. The eyes are horizontally oblong, — their longest diameter one inch and 

 a half; the distance between the eyes is three and a half inches. The nostrils are large, 

 situated halfway between the eyes and the tip of the snout; similar in form to those of 

 the Lamna punctata. Numerous minute black points, the orifices of mucous pores, are 

 distributed along the under surface of the snout. Mouth of moderate size, situated be- 

 neath. Three rows of elongated, sharp, smooth teeth, with a minute denticulation on each 

 side, at their base, in each jaw; about twelve teeth on each side of the median line, — 

 those toward the angle of the mouth the smallest. The tongue is large, fleshy, smooth. 

 The posterior of the branchial orifices is situated just anterior to the base of the pec- 

 toral fins. 



The lateral line is scarcely discernible. 



The first dorsal fin arises upon the anterior half of the body, nineteen inches posterior 

 to the tip of the snout. It is slightly convex upon its anterior edge, rounded above, 

 emarginated posteriorly. A portion of its base is firee. 



The second dorsal is situated about six inches back of the first, of the same form, and 

 but a very little smaller than that fin. 



The pectorals are broad and stout, and as high again as long. 



The ventrals are semiquadrate ; they are just back of the termination of the first dor- 

 sal fin ; the distance between the ventrals and anal is less than the length of the ventrals. 



The anal fin is of the form and size of the second dorsal, and arises on a line opposite 

 the termination of that fin. 



About three inches back of the second dorsal, the body terminates in a slight protu- 

 berance, directly back of which is a depression from which commences the caudal fin, 

 This fin is thirteen inches in length ; at its anterior inferior margin, it is similar in form 

 to the dorsal and anal fins; this portion is rounded at its inferior posterior margin, 

 emarginated upon its posterior edge, and is continued gradually elongating, its infeiuor 

 edge being a mere fringe, and terminates within three inches of the extremity of the 

 tail, which dilates into a ti-iangular portion. 



The specimen above described measured three feet and eleven inches. 



Length, four feet 



Remarks. This species was first described and figured by Mr. William 0. Ayres from 



