HISTOEY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 241 



branchial openings are situated at equal distances from each other. In front ofj and at 

 the sides of the mouth;, and at the anterior portion of the pectoral fins^ are seen a large 

 number of minute black points which are mucous pores. The space between the an- 

 terior orbitar ridge and the snout is naked and diaphanous. Minute sharp spines upon 

 the snoutj from which extend a series of spines on each side to the anterior orbitar ridge ; 

 numerous exceedingly minute spines occupy the space between the eyes. From the an- 

 terior edge of the emargination on the sides of the snout;, along the edge to the posterior 

 portion of thQ head; are situated several rows of prominent recurved spines. Two rows 

 of very promment sharp spineS;, about a dozen in a row, are seen to^\ ard the outer por- 

 tion of the pectoral fins. Two rows of spines on each side of the back of the tail ; those 

 at the posterior extremity are the largest;, and between the two central rows is a nailed 

 groove. The remainder of the upper part of the surface of the body is destitute of 

 spines. The anterior portion of the pectorals is reddish at the edge ; posterior portion 

 bordered with wiiite rays very numerous and easily distinguished. The ventrals are 

 quite large, containing about twenty-four rays ; those next to the pectorals are very 

 strong and lobed ; these fins resemble very much the posterior wings of some of the Pha- 

 Isense. 



Two sub triangular dorsal finS;, of nearly equal size, and rough upon their surface, are 

 situated a short distance in from the extremity of the tail ; they are united to the tail by 

 a delicate transparent membrane. 



The tail is more than half the length of the entire fish, and is bordered by a membrar 

 nous expansion upon its inferior edge. 



The sexes arc readily distinguishable by the ventral fins. From the ventrals in the 

 male, extends a cylindrical appendage about half the length of the tail, measuring from 

 the anal orifice, which is called the clasper ; at its posterior outer portion it is fissured^ 

 and contains on its lower division a large falciform bony hook ; and on the uppei', a small 

 projecting tooth, somewhat like a shark's tooth ; the ventrals of the female are destitute 

 of these appendages. Besides this sexual difference, in the female there are fewer spines 

 upon the surface of the body generally, and particularly upon the fleshy portions of the 

 pectorals. The male has fewer spots ; his teeth are less prominent and less sharp than 

 those of the female ,- the anal orifice of the male is circular;, in the female it is a simple 

 incision. 



Length, two to three feet. 



Remarhs. This species, which grows to the length of three feet, is found along our 

 whole coast ; it is frequently taken while fishing for other species, and i% found along the 



VOL. IX. 34 



