Fig. 398.—Cod (Gadus morrhua), × ⅕. (After Goode.)
Several species, referred to Gadus and Brosmius, have been described from the Miocene. Nemopteryx, which is allied to Gadus, is from the Oligocene.
The fishes of this family are among the most important from an economic point of view. It will suffice to allude merely by name to the following among the European forms:—The Cod-Fish (Gadus morrhua), the largest species, reaching a length of 4 feet and a weight of 100 lbs., the Haddock (G. aeglefinus), the Whiting (G. merlangus), the Bib or Pout (G. luscus), the Pollack (G. pollachius), the Coal-Fish (G. virens), the Hake (Merluccius vulgaris), and the Ling (Molva vulgaris). Species of Merluccius occur also on the coasts of Chili and of New Zealand. The Rocklings (Onus or Motella) are of small size; several species are of common occurrence in our tide-pools. The Burbot (Lota vulgaris) is a freshwater fish, exceeding a length of 3 feet, of excellent quality, but unfortunately local and rare in this country.
Fam. 3. Muraenolepididae.—Closely related to the Gadidae, from which they differ in not having a separate caudal fin, in the gill-openings being narrow and below the base of the pectorals, in the increased number (ten) of the pectoral pterygials,[[713]] and in the peculiar scales, similar to those of the Anguillidae. Ventrals with 5 rays. A mental barbel.
A single genus, Muraenolepis, from the coast of Kerguelen Island.
CHAPTER XXIII
TELEOSTEI (CONTINUED): ACANTHOPTERYGII—OPISTHOMI—PEDICULATI—PLECTOGNATHI
Sub-Order 10. Acanthopterygii.
Air-bladder usually without open duct. Opercle well developed; supraoccipital in contact with the frontals. Pectoral arch suspended from the skull; no mesocoracoid. Ventral fins thoracic or jugular, more or less firmly attached to the clavicular arch. Gill-opening usually large, in front of the base of the pectoral fin.