RIBBAND FISHES. 
The species of the family of Ribband fishes possess a general 
likeness of shape not inaptly represented by that useful portion 
of apparel; the body being long, narrow, and especially thin, 
with a border along the back of a lengthened single dorsal fin, 
and in some of the genera also with an anal fin. The tail is 
differently shaped and directed in diflerent genera of this family; 
and in some of them, especially such as have been found in the 
Mediterranean, this variation might appear to have been adopted 
with a view mostly to give the bearer a fantastic appearance; 
but the peculiar actions of these fishes are but little known, and 
there is no doubt that a wise intention has presided over these 
diversified arrangements, in fitting them for the particular in- 
stinctive actions which have not yet come under the observation 
of man. We have followed Dr. Gunther in excluding from this 
family the genera Lepidopus and Trichiurus, as being more 
closely than the others connected with the family of Mackarels; 
and therefore we find among the true Ribband fishes that their 
proper character, in addition to what is remarked above, is their 
having the head short, elevated, abrupt in front, with the opening 
of the mouth not extensive. 
