54 
CETACEANS. 
form of the head. In size this species is one of the largest representatives of the 
family, attaining a length of about 20 feet. 
In addition to its beakless globular head, the blackhsh is characterised by the 
long, low, and thick back-tin, the long and narrow flippers, and the small size and 
number of the teeth, which are confined to the front of the jaws. The usual 
number of the teeth is from eight to twelve on each side of the jaws, but in a distinct 
variety or species from the Bay of Bengal they are rather fewer. The skull is 
very broad and much depressed; and the union between the two branches of the 
THE BLACKFISH ( 3 V Bat. size). 
lower jaw very short. In the typical form there is a large spear-shaped white area 
on the chest, extending from the corners of the mouth to the flippers. This white 
area is, however, absent in certain forms, which have been regarded as indicating 
distinct species. 
The ordinary blackfish has a wide distribution, having; been 
Distribution. . 17 ° 
obtained from the coasts of Europe, the Atlantic coast of North 
America, the Cape of Good Hope, and New Zealand. Mr. True considers, however, 
that the blackfish of the North Pacific ( G. scammoni), and also the one found on 
the Atlantic coast to the south of New Jersey, are distinct species; and there is 
also some evidence of the existence of a fourth in the Bay of Bengal. In Europe 
