THE FISHES OF XEW JERSEY. ' ■ 207 



thin deciduous scales. Dorsal and anal low, similar to each other,/ 

 each with 4 to 9 detached finlets as in Scoinbridcu. Pectorals ana 

 ventrals small. 



Pelagic fishes swimming close to the surface in large schools 

 in temperate regions. They bear a close resemblance to the mack- 

 erels in form, color and habits, as well as in the dorsal and anal 

 finlets, the significance of which resemblance is unknown. One 

 species recorded from our shore. 



Genus Scombresox Lacepede. 



The Sauries. 



Scombresox saurus (Walbaum). 



Bin Fish. 



The single species on our coast may easily be determined from 

 any of its relatives by the presence of dorsal and anal finlets. 



Bill Fish. Scouihrcsox saurus (Walbaum). 



It is said to reach a length of 18 inches. As they assemble 

 in large schools they are preyed on by tunnies or other predatory 

 fishes. I have no New Jersey examples, but include the species 

 on Dr. Abbott's reference. 



Scouiberesox scufcllafus Abbott, Geol. N. J., 1868, p. 814. 



Family HEMIRAMPHID^. 



The Balaos. 



Body elongate, more or less compressed. Upper jaw short, 

 lower various, sometimes much produced, and toothed portion at 

 base fitting against toothed premaxillaries. Teeth equal, mostly 

 small and tricuspid. Maxillaries anchylosed to premaxillaries. 



