RAE BAXTER'S ANNOTATED KEY TO THE FISHES OF ALASKA

(occasionally SUBFAMILY)

1 - Mouth without jaws; mouth as a sucking disk; median nostril. (2) 1 - Mouth with jaws; nostrils paired. (3) 2 (1) - Gill openings 10-15, barbels around mouth and nostrils. MYXINIDAE dorsal fin absent, although caudal fin extends onto part of the dorsal side eyes degenerate barbels present around biting mouth teeth only on tongue, plus one on "palate" eggs large, yolky, to 30 per individual. 2 - Gill openings 7; no barbels. PETROMYZONTIDAE 1-2 dorsal fins eyes well developed in adults barbels absent teeth on oral disk and tongue eggs small, thousands ammocoete undergoes radical metamorphosis. 3 (1) - Gill slits 5-7 on each side. Subclass ELASMOBRANCHI (4) 3 - Gill slits 1 on each side. (16) 4 (3) - Gill slits 6-7 HEXANCHIDAE 6-7 gill openings margin of 1st gill cover not continuous across throat mouth ventral eye without nictitating fold. 4 - Gill slits 5. (5) 5 (4) - Gill openings lateral; pectoral fin not continuous with head. (6) 5 - Gill openings on ventral surface; pectoral fin continuous with head. (12) 6 (5) - Eyes dorsal; body flattened. SQUATINIDAE 2 spineless dorsal fins anal fins absent 5 gill openings spiracle large mouth almost terminal nostrils terminal with barbels on anterior margin. 6 - Eyes lateral; body not flattened. (7) 7 (6) - Anal fin absent. SQUALIDAE 2 dorsal fins with spine at anterior edge eyes lateral 5 gill openings anterior to pectoral origin. 7 - Anal fin present. (8) 8 (7) - Caudal fin greatly elongate, about equal to body length. ALOPIDAE 3rd-5th gill opening over pectoral origin eye without nictitating fold. 8 - Caudal fin markedly shorter than body length. (9) 9 (8) - Origin of 1st dorsal fin over or behind origin of pelvic fin. SCYLIORHINIDAE nictitating membrane absent, but with longitudinal fold along lower eye lid usually present 5th gill opening over pectoral origin. 9 - Origin of 1st dorsal fin well ahead of pelvic origin. (10) 10 (9) - Length of lower lobe of caudal fin more than 50% length of upper lobe. LAMNIDAE caudal peduncle with distinct keel teeth large 5th gill opening in front of pectoral origin. 10 - Length of lower lobe of caudal fin less than 50% length of upper lobe. (11) 11 (10) - Gill slits long, extending well on to ventral side; teeth small, about 200 lateral rows in upper jaw. CETORHINIDAE gill opening exceptionally large gill rakers numerous, elongate for plankton feeder teeth reduced tail nearly symmetrical with keel on caudal peduncle 5th gill opening in front of pectoral origin. 11 - Gill slits mostly lateral; teeth in 25-35 lateral rows in upper jaw. CARCHARHINIDAE 5th gill opening over or behind pectoral origin nictitating membrane usually present. 12 (5) - Dorsal fin absent. (13) 12 - Dorsal fin present. (15) 13 (12) - Dorsal spine present. DASYATIDAE outer anterior margin of pectorals continuous along side of head no dorsal fin poisonous dorsal spine on tail. 13 - Dorsal spine absent. RAJIDAE caudal fin reduced or absent in adults tail slender, long; 1-2 dorsal fins mid-dorsal row of spines on tail, may extend to scapular region. 14 (12) - Mouth terminal. MOBULIDAE strong anterior lobes of pectoral fin extend well past snout eyes and spiracles lateral. 14 - Mouth inferior. RAJIDAE 15 (12) - Caudal fin small or absent. RAJIDAE 15 - Caudal fin moderate to strong. TORPEDINIDAE well developed caudal fin eyes small pectoral fin continuous anteriorly strong electric organs skin soft and loose. 16 ( 3) - Gill openings behind or below pectorals; head with ilicium. (17) 16 - Gill openings in front of, or above pectoral fins, or in normal position if pectoral fin is absent;ilicium absent. (19) 17 (16) - Body elongate. GIGANTACTINIDAE Illicium almost as long as body or longer. 17 - Body globose. (18) 18 (17) - Three globular, gland-like modified dorsal rays just anterior of dorsal fin; dorsal rays 4-5, anal rays 4. CERATIIDAE 18 - Without modified dorsal rays; dorsal rays 4-8, anal rays 4-8. jaws more or less equal anteriorly ONEIRODIDAE 19 (16) - Pelvic fin present, not modified into a sucking disk. (20) 19 - Pelvic fin absent or modified into a sucking disk. (97) 20 (19) - Pelvic as single spine. BALISTIDAE 20 - Pelvic fin with more than single spine or ray. (21) 21 (20) - Pelvic fin abdominal; pelvic girdle free from any bony connection with pectoral girdle. (22) 21 - Pelvic fin thoracic or jugular; pelvic fin attached to pectoral girdle by a bony connection. (60) 22 (21) - Dorsal fin of isolated spines only. NOTACANTHIDAE mouth "normal" in size maxilla toothless premaxilla and dentary toothed branchiostegal rays 6-13 gill rakers well developed dorsal fin with 6-40 isolated spines and no conspicuous rays. 22 - Dorsal fin not wholly of isolated spines. (23) 23 (22) - Dorsal fins 2, not including adipose or finlets if present. (24) 23 - Dorsal fin single or absent, not including adipose or finlets, if present; may be a deep notch in the dorsal fin. (25) 24 (23) - Tail tapering to a point. CHIMAERIDAE spine on front edge of 1st dorsal dorsal spine poisonous snout short, rounded tail diphycercal anal fin joined to caudal. 24 - Tail forked. SPHYRAENIDAE body elongate, round lower jaw superior, with strong fang-like teeth lateral line well developed gill rakers obsolete dorsal fins 2, widely separated. 25 (23) - Dorsal fin followed by 5-7 free finlets. SCOMBERESOCIDAE mouth small teeth very small or absent. 25 - Dorsal fin not followed by finlets. (26) 26 (25) - Bony plates on body; multiple barbels under snout. ACIPENSERIDAE caudal fin heterocercal; branchio-stegal ray 1 gulars absent skeleton largely cartilagenous intestine with spiral valve. 26 - Body with or without scales; multiple barbels absent. (27) 27 (26) - Luminous organs absent. (28) 27 - Luminous organs and or photophores present. (53) 28 (27) - Adipose fin absent. (29) 28 - Adipose fin present. (41) 29 (28) - Dorsal fin origin considerably preceeding anal fin origin. (30) 29 - Dorsal fin origin roughly above anal fin. (36) 30 (29) - Lateral line pores absent. CLUPEIDAE abdominal scutes usually present head scaleless teeth small or absent 30 - Lateral line pores present. (31) 31 (30) - Head with bony plates. (32) 31 - Head without bony plates, generally smooth, but may be highly sculptured. (33) 32 (31) - Teeth short. PENTACEROTIDAE body strongly compressed no supra-maxillary single dorsal fin with 10-14 spines and 8-15 rays pelvic with long spine and 5 rays scales small. 32 - Some teeth as very long fangs. ANOPLOGASTRIDAE body short, deep, head and mouth large eye small, diameter less than snout length scales small lateral line an open groove partially covered by scales fins without spines dorsal fin of 15-20 rays anal usually of 8-9 rays 25-28 vertebrae. 33 (31) - Mouth terminal. (34) 33 - Mouth inferior. (35) 34 (33) - Marine. SYNODONTIDAE Scales along lateral line not enlarged dorsal rays 10-14 anal rays 14-16 adipose fin usually present. 34 - Freshwater. CYPRINIDAE pharyngeal teeth only lips thin. 35 (33) - Marine; lips not fleshy. ENGRAULIDAE tip of snout overhanging mouth maxillary extends well beyond eye gill rakers numerous body translucent with silvery stripe laterally. 35 - Freshwater; lips fleshy. CATOSTOMIDAE single row of 16 or more pharyngeal teeth lips thick and fleshy with plicae or papillae. 36 (29) - Freshwater; head flattened like a duck's beak; ESOCIDAE snout produced caudal forked lateral line complete infraorbital canal with eight or more pores 10-20 branchiostegal rays. 36 - Freshwater or marine; head not like above. (37) 37 (36) - Freshwater; lateral line absent. UMBRIDAE snout not produced caudal fin rounded lateral line faint or absent infraorbital canal with 3 or less pores 5-8 branchiostegal rays. 37 - Marine; lateral line present. (38) 38 (37) - Head and mouth noticably large. (39) 38 - Head and mouth moderately small. (40) 39 (38) - Jaws with large fangs. ANOPLOGASTRIDAE 39 - Teeth, tiny, granular BARBOURISIIDAE pelvic fins subabdominal, 6 rays skin covered with fine spiny scales dorsal and anal fins posterior dorsal rays 20-22 anal rays 16-18 vertebrae 42 40 (38) - Shoulder sac apparatus. PLATYTROCIDAE shoulder sac apparatus, beneath the cleithrum, produces luminous fluid with conspicuous opening through tubular papilla pectoral rays 14-28; branchiostegal rays 4-8. 40 - Shoulder sac apparatus absent; head without scales; . ALEPOCEPHALIDAE gill rakers long and numerous shoulder sac apparatus absent branchiostegal rays 5-8. 41 (28) - Freshwater; dorsal fin with 2 anterior spines. PERCOPSIDAE scales ctenoid and cycloid head naked dorsal with 1-2 spines and 9-12 rays pelvic fin subthoracic, with 8 rays. 41 - Dorsal fin of rays only. (42) 42 (41) - Axillary process or suprapelvic scale at base of pelvic fin. (43) 42 - Axillary process absent. (45) 43 (42) - Lateral line scales more than 110. SALMONIDAE gill membranes extending far forward, free from isthmus suprapelvic scale present last 3 vertebrae turned up teeth on maxilla orbitosphenoid present supra-preopercular bone present. 43 - Lateral line scales less than 109. (44) 44 (43) - Dorsal fin with fewer than 20 rays. COREGONIDAE teeth absent on maxilla suprapelvic scale present last 3 vertebrae turned up fewer than 110 scales along lateral line orbitosphenoid present suprapreopercular absent. 44 - Dorsal fin with more than 21 rays. THYMALLININAE dorsal fin very long, extends past adipose fin teeth on maxilla orbitosphenoid absent supra-preopercular bone absent. 45 (42) - Eyes tubular or telescopic. OPISTHOPROCTIDAE eyes tubular branchiostegal rays 2-4 with or without adipose, air bladder, or photophores. 45 - Eyes typically formed. (46) 46 (45) - Dorsal fin absent. ANOTOPTERIDAE well developed adipose fin scales absent photophores absent pelvic fin minute, with 9-11 rays pectoral rays 12-15 vertebrae 78-83. 46 - Dorsal fin present. (47) 47 (46) - Dorsal fin long, extending length of body. ALEPISAURIDAE body slender, covered with pores scaleless photophores absent dorsal fin long, high, with 36-48 rays anal fin low with 13-18 rays pelvics abdominal, with 8-10 rays mouth large, with dagger-like teeth palatines tooth patches long vertebrae 50 air bladder absent. 47 - Dorsal fin not extending length of body. (48) 48 (47) - Anal fin very posterior, quite removed from anus. (49) 48 - Anal fin posterior, just behind anus. (50) 49 (48) - Canine teeth strong; eye round. PARALEPIDAE dorsal fin in middle of trunk, 7-16 rays > anal fin base long, 20-50 rays scaled or scaleless air bladderabsent. 49 - Teeth small, pointed; eye oval. NOTOSUDIDAE dorsal rays 9-14 anal rays 16-21 pectoral rays 10-15 lateral line scales 44-65 air bladder absent photophores absent larva with maxillary teeth. 50 (48) - Branchiostegal rays 14. SYNODONTIDAE Scales along lateral line not enlarged dorsal rays 10-14 anal rays 14-16 adipose fin usually present. 50 - Branchiostegal rays 2-10. (51) 51 (50) - Branchiostegal rays 6-8; air bladder present. OSMERIDAE suprapelvic scale absent 8 pelvic rays caudal with 17 forked rays teeth on premaxillae, maxillae, dentary, vomer and palatines mesocoracoid present orbitosphenoid absent pyloric caeca 0-11 last vertebrae turned up. 51 - Branchiostegal rays 2-4; air bladder present or absent. (52) 52 (51) - Pelvic fin origin under midddle of dorsal; branchiostegals 2; large head; body deepest immediately behind head. BATHYLAGIDAE adipose fin present or absent pectoral fin base ventral air bladder absent orbitosphenoid absent. 52 - Pelvic fin origin behind or below posterior third of dorsal fin; branchiostegals 3-4; body deepest between head and dorsal fin. ARGENTINIDAE eyes not tubular adipose fin over (none in area) anal fin base caudal fin forked dorsal fin origin in front of pelvics pectoral fin base ventrolateral mouth small. 53 (27) - Luminous organs only under eyes, none on body. SCOPELARCHIDAE cycloid scales over body and postorbital region lateral line scales 40-65 strong teeth on tongue, usually hooked eyes large, tubular, directed upward or slightly dorso-anteriad air bladder absent vertebrae 40-65. 53 - Luminous organs and or photophores on body. (54) 54 (53) - Photophores not in parallel rows on body. (55) 54 - Photophores in 2 parallel rows, may not be one above the other. (57) 55 (54) - Photophores low on body, numerous, 3 rows on thoriac and ventral regions. NEOSCOPELIDAE 55 - Photophores scattered to near lateral line MYCTOPHIDAE small supramaxilla sometimes present adipose fin subocular shelf present origin of analfin under or short distance behind dorsal fin base small photophores present air bladder present. 56 (53) - Upper row of photophores short, anterior. GONOSTOMATIDAE body elongate, never extremely compressed adipose present or absent branchiostegal rays 12-16 branchiostegal photophores 8-16 photophores on isthmus. 56 - Upper row of photophore long. (57) 57 (56) - Teeth not as fangs. STERNOPTYCHIDAE branchiostegal rays 6-10 branchiostegal photophores 3-7 pseudobranch present. Body deep and extremely compressed mouth nearly vertical preopercle spines abdominal keel blade in front of dorsal fin composed of specialized dorsal pterygiophores. 57 - Teeth fang-like. (58) 58 (57) - Adipose fin present. CHAULIODONTIDAE dorsal fin well in advance of pelvics 1st dorsal ray greatly elongated fang-like teeth on premaxilla and lower jaw short chin barbel sometimes present adipose fins behind dorsal and in front of anal dorsal rays 5-7 anal rays 10-13. 58 - Adipose fin absent. (59) 59 (58) - Dorsal rays more than 19; eye large, about twice caudal peduncle depth; luminous bulb at end of barbel. MALACOSTEIDAE jaws elongate, longer than skull dorsal fin origin far behind pelvic fin, over anal fin adipose fin and scales absent; chin barbel on most species dorsal rays 14-28 anal rays 17-32. 59 - Dorsal rays less than 19; eye small; barbel without bulb at tip. MELANOSTOMIIDAE dorsal origin far behind pelvic dorsal adipose fin absent most species with barbel on chin pectoral fins may be absent. 60 (21) - Both eyes on same side of head. (61) 60 - Eyes on opposite sides of head. (62) 61 (60) - Pelvic fins asymmetrical, one on median ridge; eyes and dark pigment on left side of body. BOTHIDAE eyes sinistral pelvic fins without spine branchiostegal membranes connected to each other forward egg with a single oil globule in the yolk pelvic fin base on blind side shorter than that of eyed side pectoral and pelvic rays not branched. 61 - Pelvic fins symmetrical, one on each side of median ridge; eyes generally on right side. PLEURONECTIDAE eyes generally dextral no oil globule in yolk of egg. 62 (60) - Dorsal fin preceeded by 2 or more isolated, free spines not connected to each other by membrane, dermal membrane behind each spine may be present. (63) 62 - Dorsal fin not preceeded by isolated spines. (64) 63 (62) - Dorsal free spines 13 or fewer; snout not tube-like. GASTEROSTEIDAE body generally elongate, with bony lateral plates or naked 3-16 well developed isolated spines in front of "normal" dorsal fin which has 6-14 rays pelvic fin with 1 spine and 1-2 rays branchiostegal rays 3 circumorbital ring incomplete posteriorly epipleurals present vertebrae 28-42. 63 - Dorsal free spines 20 or more; snout tube-like. AULORHYNCHINAE body very elongate, with body scutes 24-26 very short, isolated dorsal spines followed by "normal" dorsal fin with about 10 rays branchiostegal rays 4 circumorbital ring complete posteriorly epipleurals absent vertebrae 52-56. 64 (62) - Anal fin absent. TRACHIPTERIDAE caudal fin long, at right angle to body, consisting of upper lobe only dorsal fin very long eye large teeth present ribs absent air bladder absent or rudimentary. 64 - Anal fin present. (65) 65 (64) - Dorsal and anal fins followed by 1 or more finlets. (66) 65 - Dorsal and anal fins not followed by finlets. (68) 66 (65) - Single dorsal and anal finlets. CARANGIDAE caudal forked caudal peduncle slender body with scales, but with naked areas 2 dorsal fins, 1st of 3-9 spines, 2nd of 1 spine and 18-37 rays including finlet rays vertebrae 24-27. 66 - 5 or more finlets behind dorsal and anal fins. (67) 67 (66) - Finlets 5-6; caudal peduncle with 2 lateral keels on each side, none median. SCOMBRIDAE 2 dorsal fins with finlets behind 2nd most fins depressable into grooves pelvic with 6 rays, origin below pectoral gill membranes free from isthmus scales cycloid, small caudal peduncle slender, with 2 keels. 67 - Finlets 8-9; caudal peduncle with 3 lateral keels, strongest medial. SCOMBERESOCIDAE scales small mouth and teeth relatively small. 68 (65) - 2 lateral keels on posterior caudal pecuncle TETRAGONURINAE body elongate pelvic fins present in adults 2 dorsal fins, 1st with 10-20 short spines, 2nd 10-17 rays anal fin with 1 spine, 10-20 rays vertebrae 40-58. 68 - Without lateral keels. (69) 69 (68) - Bony suborbital stay absent. (70) 69 - Bony suborbital stay forming a bridge between eye and preopercle bone. (91) 70 (69) - Pelvic fins well developed, united, forming a sucking disk. 70 - Pelvic fins not united nor forming a disk. (71) 71 (70) - Pelvic fin with 5 rays. (72) 71 - Pelvic fin with more or less than 5 rays. (79) 72 (71) - Lateral line extending to tip of middle caudal ray. SCIAENIDAE dorsal fin long, with deep notch between spines and rays 1st dorsal with 6-13 spines and 2nd with 1 spine and 20-35 rays anal with 1-2 spines and 6-13 rays to end of caudal fin upper bony edge of opercle forked, bony flap present above gill opening vomer and palatines without teeth airbladder usually with many branches vertebrae 24-29. 72 - Lateral line not extending on to caudal fin. (73) 73 (72) - First dorsal fin or anterior portion of dorsal fin of spines; second dorsal fin or posterior portion of dorsal fin of rays. (74) 73 - Dorsal fin without spines. (77) 74 (73) - Dorsal fins separate. (75) 74 - Dorsal fins continuous. (76) 75 (74) - Mouth oblique to vertical; lips fringed. TRICHODONTIDAE preopercle with 5 sharp spines body scaleless dorsal spines 10-15. 75 - Mouth terminal, large; lips plain. CHIASMODONTIDAE premaxilla and maxilla long andslender, firmly united posteriorly anterior tip of premaxilla expanded dorsally and diverging laterally highly distensible mouth and stomach. 76 (74) - Mid body scales 3-4 times higher than wide; 2-3 weak anal spines. BRAMIDAE dorsal fin single with unbranched anterior spines Dorsal and anal fins with scales, not wholly depressable pelvic fins thoracic. 76 - Mid body scales not greatly higher than wide;3 strong anal spines. EMBIOTOCIDAE dorsal fin continuous with 6-11 spines and 9-28 rays anal fin with 3 spines and 15-35 rays scales cycloid, 35-75 in lateral line caudal fin forked viviparous. 77 (73) - Pelvic fins behind pectoral fins; lateral line mid-lateral or absent. ICOSTEIDAE body elliptical, highly compressed, limp skeleton largely cartilaginous no spines in fins scaleless in adults pelvic fins loosely attached in young, lost in adults, data not available to key young vertebrae 70. 77 - Pelvic fin base anterior to, or under pectoral fin; lateral line high, near dorsal fin. (78) 78 (76) - Body high, compressed. CARISTIIDAE body deep dorsal fin high, with long base, origin on head pelvic fin elongate, with 1 spine and 5 rays forked caudal rays 15 branchiostegal rays 7. 78 - Body elongate. BATHYMASTERIDAE dorsal fin continuous pectoral fin base vertical lateral line high, ending near end of dorsal fin palate with teeth. 79 (71) - Pelvic fin with more than 5 rays. (80) 79 - Pelvic fin with less than 5 rays. (84) 80 (79) - Body ovate, compressed. (81) 80 - Body not greatly compressed nor deep; if caudal lunate, then body elongate. (82) 81 (80) - Fins with spines; caudal rounded. OREOSOMATIDAE body very deep and compresed mouth upturned, protractile scales small, cycloid or ctenoid young with conical scutes on parts of body pelvic fin with 1 spine and 5-7 rays dorsal fin with 5-8 spines and 29-35 rays anal fin with 2-4 spines and 28-33 rays. 81 - Fins without spines; caudal forked LAMPRIDAE body oval-shaped, compressed lateral line arched high in front dorsal and anal fins long, dorsal rays 50-55, anal rays 34-41 pelvic rays 15-17 scales minute, cycloid. 82 (80) - Dorsal fin with 3 spines. MELAMPHAIDAE dorsal fin single, 1-3 weak spines anteriorly pelvic fin thoracic or subthoracic with 1 spine and 6-8 rays caudal fin with 3-4 procurrent spines lateral line generally absent, may have 1-2 pored scales vertebrae 24-31. 82 - Dorsal fin without spines. (83) 83 (82) - Distinct caudal fin not tapering to a point. GADIDAE 1st dorsal posterior to head vomer head toothed air bladder not connected with auditory capsules. GADINAE 3 dorsal fins, 2 anal fins chin barbel usually present caudal fin truncate or slightly forked egg with an oil globule. LOTINAE 2 dorsal fins, 1 anal fin barbel lacking. MORIDAE vomer head toothless or with minute teeth air bladder in contact with auditory capsules. MERLUCCIIDAE 2 dorsal fins and 1 anal fin no chin barbel vomer head with teeth 1st principal dorsal ray is spinous mouth terminal or with lower jaw projecting pelvic rays 7-9 branchiostegal rays 7 pyloric caeca absent. 83 - Caudal tapering to a point. MACROURIDAE 2nd dorsal and anal fins confluent tapering to a sharp point caudal fin apparently absent chin barbel usually present > no true fin spines, 1st dorsal ray may be spinous pelvic fins, if present, more or less thoracic with 5-17 rays scales small light organ, if present, subdermal along midline of abdomen with opening just before anus branchiostegal rays 6-8; abdominal vertebrae 10-16. 84 (79) - Photophores on body. BATRACHOIDIDAE Two solid dorsal spines solid opercular spine no venom glands no subopercular spines body scaleless photophores present axillary gland absent canine teeth present several lateral lines. 84 - Without photophores. (85) 85 (83) - Dorsal fin with anterior spines or of all spines. (86) 85 - Dorsal fin of rays only. (88) 86 (85) - Preanal length longer than postanal length. PHOLIDIDAE dorsal fin with 75-100 spines, about twice as long as anal fin pectoral fins small, rudimentary or absent pelvic fins rudimentary, of 1 spine and 1 ray or absent lateral line short or absent. 86 - Distance from snout to anal origin equal to or less than distance from anal origin to base of caudal. (85) 87 (86) - Mouth horizontal. STICHAEIDAE dorsal fin long, usually mostly spinous pelvic fin rays, if present, branched ribs present preanal distance usually equal to or less than distance from anal origin to caudal. STICHAEINAE pelvic fin with 1 spine and 3-4 rays pectoral fins large vertebrae 46-71. LUMPENINAE pelvic fin with 1 spine and 3 rays to absent pectoral fins large vertebrae 53-94 lateral line usually indistinct or absent. XIPHISTERINAE pectoral fins small pelvic fins absent vertebrae 62-81 or more than 100. 87 (85) - Caudal distinct, dorsal and anal fins separate from caudal body not tapering to a blunt point. (89) 88 - Dorsal and anal fins continuous with caudal; body tapering to a blunt point. (90) 89 (88) - Dorsal and anal fins not lapping onto caudal fin. BYTHITIDAE 89 - Dorsal and anal fins lapping onto caudal fin base. OPHIDIIDAE 90 (88) - Pelvic rays 3 or pelvic fin absent; body elongate; ZOARCIDAE dorsal and anal fins long, confluent with caudal pelvics, when present, small, jugular mouth inferior gill membrane attached to isthmus vertebrae 90-150 some species viviparous. 90 - Pelvic fin with single ray; erectile pelvic DEREPODICHTHINAE fins are beneath the eyes. 91 (69) - Anal fin with 3 strong spines. SCORPAENIDAE body compressed head usually with ridges and spines, scaled usually 2 opercular and 5 preopercular spines anal fin usually with 3 spines and 3-9 rays pelvic fin with 1 spine and 3-5 rays vertebra 24-40. SABASTOLOBINAE dorsal spines 15-17 vertebrae 27-30 spinous suborbital bone. SEBASTINAE dorsal spines 12-14 suborbital bone spineless. 91 - Anal fin without strong spines. (92) 92 (91) - Body uniformly scaled with typical scales. (93) 92 - Body not evenly scaled, may be naked, covered with bony plates, or highly modified scales in the form of spicules, tubercles, etc. (95) 93 (92) - 2 nostrils on each side of head, posterior one normally developed. ANOPLOPOMATIDAE head without spines, ridges or cirri 2 dorsal fins or single with deep notch anal fin with 3 weak spines and 11-19 rays pelvic fin with 1 spine and 5 rays gill membranes attached to isthmus lateral line single. 93 - Single functional nostril on each side of head, the posterior one reduced to a nonfunctional pore, distinct from the anterior nostril. (92) 94 (93) - Maxillary not extending beyond vertical from front of eye; teeth in jaws uniform, no hooked canine teeth. HEXAGRAMMIDAE head with cirri, but without ridges or spines dorsal fin single, generally notched, with 16-27 spines and 11-24 rays pelvic with 1 spine and 5 rays; air bladder absent. HEXAGRAMMINAE dorsal fin notched anal fin without spines head covered with scales vertebrae 47-56 lateral lines 5. PLEUROGRAMMINAE dorsal without notch, but with 47-51 hard rays anal fin of 24-30 rays scales partly covering head strong ridges on upper portion of head vertebrae 59-62 5 lateral lines. OXYLEBIINAE dorsal fin divided by shallow notch anal fin usually with 3 large spines scales covering head caudal fin rounded single lateral line. 94 - Maxillary extending almost vertical from posterior of eye; hooked canine teeth. OPHIODONTINAE dorsal fin divided into two parts by a deep notch, 1st portion with 24-27 spines, 2nd portion of 21-24 rays anal fin without spines, but first 3 rays are nonsegmented head not covered with scales cycloid scales on body vertebrae 57 single lateral line. 95 (92) - Body covered with rows of bony plates. AGONIDAE pelvic fins thoracic, with 1 spine and 2 rays. ASPIDOPHOROIDINAE single dorsal fin. AGONINAE 2 dorsal fins. 95 - Body not covered with serially arranged bony plates. (96) 96 (95) - Nostrils in 2 pairs. COTTIDAE single lateral line, not greatly reduced pelvic fins when present of 1 spine and 2-5 rays no spines in anal fin adults without air bladder preopercular spines postorbitals 2-3, elongate. PSCHROLUTIDAE lateral line reduced, of 20 or less pores pelvic fin with 1 spine and 3 rays branchiostegal rays 7 vomer teeth usually present, often in 2 lateral patches palatine teeth absent 1-2 postorbitals, if 2 they are ring-like without preopercular spines. RHAMPHOCOTTIDAE small multifid spines covering body teeth absent on palatines 6 branchiostegal rays all fin rays unbranched. HEMITRIPTERIDAE minute spines covering body 6 branchiostegal rays. 96 - Nostrils as a single pair. LIPARIDAE body elongate, scaleless, may have prickles skin translucent, jelly-like dorsal and anal fins long, confluent or nearly so with caudal. 97 (19) - Pelvic fins forming a sucking disk. (98) 97 - Pelvic fins absent. (100) 98 (97) - Both pectoral and pelvic fins joined to form the disk. GOBIESOCIDAE single, long dorsal without spines. 98 - Pelvic fin only modified into a disk. (99) 99 (98) - Anal fin with more than 20 rays; skin thin, usually lax; body never with bony tubercles. LIPARIDAE body elongate, scaleless, may have prickles skin translucent, jelly-like dorsal and anal fins long, confluent or nearly so with caudal. 99 - Anal fin with less than 20 rays; body typically covered with bony tubercles; if naked, skin is usually thick; body globose. CYCLOPTERIDAE 2 short dorsal fins; body globouse;anal fin short; dorsal and anal fins never confluent with caudal. 100 (97)- Suborbital stay present. (101) 100 - Suborbital stay absent. (103) 101 (100)- Nostrils in 2 pairs. COTTIDAE - see #84 (83) 101 - Nostrils in single pair. (102) 102 (101)- Anal fin with more than 20 rays. LIPARIDAE body elongate, scaleless, may have prickles skin translucent, jelly-like dorsal and anal fins long, confluent or nearly so with caudal. 102 - Anal fin with less than 20 rays. CYCLOPTERIDAE 2 short dorsal fins body globose anal fin short dorsal and anal fins never confluent with caudal. 103 (100)- Body not short, deep, nor greatly compressed. (104) 103 - Body short, deep, and greatly compressed. (119) 104 (103)- Body encased in bony plates; head prolongate; snout tube-like. SYNGNATHINAE body straight, elongate; caudal fin. 104 - Body not encased in bony plates; snout not tube-like. (105) 105 (104)- Jaws on mature females forming a long, slender, NEMICHTHYIDAE diverging beaks, ripe males with short jaws body extremely long and slender pectoral fins present dorsal and anal fins confluent with caudal caudal filament in Nemichthys generally lost. 105 - Jaws not as above. (106) 106 (105) - Upper and lower jaws long, nonocclusive. CYEMATIDAE body relatively long lateral line pores absent eye small to vestigial branchiostegal rays and opercular bones absent gill arches greatly reduced. 106 - Jaws occlusive. (107) 107 (106)- Anus jugular, below pectoral fin. (108) 107 - Anus not far removed from anal fin, not displaced anteriorly. (109) 108 (107)- Body scaled; head shape compressed, SYNAPHOBRANCHIDAE relatively pointed teeth small, needle-like gill openings confluent or only slightly separated in most ventral region dark-colored, dorsal region pale. 107 - Body scaless. SERRIVOMERIDAE jaws elongate; vomer teeth blade-like. 109 (107)- Caudal fin forked; body with oblique folds. AMMODYTIDAE scales cycloid, minute pelvic fin absent lateral line high, close to dorsal base teeth absent single, long dorsal fin with 53-65 rays branchiostegal rays 5-7. 109 - Caudal fin not forked; body without folds. (110) 110 (109)- Dorsal fin with stiff spines (may be hard to determine sometimes in ZAPRORIDAE). (108) 110 - Dorsal fin without spines or with spines that are thin, flexible, and curved at the tips. (115) 111 (110)- Fins partially covered with scales; large pores on head. ZAPRORIDAE pelvic fin absent gill membranes united small cycloid scales on body lateral line absent pectoral rays 24-25 dorsal fin long, with 54-57 spines anal fin short, with 3 weak spines and 24-27 rays large pores on head vertebrae 24-26 abdominal, 61-62 total pyloric caeca about 36. 111 - Scales, if present, not on fins. (112) 112 (111)- Anterior portion of dorsal fin of spines. PTILICHTHYIDAE body extremely elongate, slender,round caudal absent, but may have a caudal filament if not lost pelvics absent dorsal with 79-90 short spines and 137-177 longer rays anal with 185-200 high rays > lateral line absent vertebrae 227-242. 112 - Dorsal fin wholly of spines. (113) 113 (112) - Front teeth canines, rear teeth molariform. ANARHICHADIDAE body naked or with minute cycloid scales lateral line absent gill membranes attached to isthmus dorsal fin of spines only pectoral fins large pelvic fins absent, pelvic girdle present. 113 - Rear teeth not developed as molars (114) 114 (112)- Mouth nearly vertical. CRYPTACANTHOIDIDAE 114 - Mouth horizontal to slightly oblique. (115) 115 (114)- Preanal length equal to or less than postanal length. STICHAEIDAE dorsal fin long, usually mostly spinous pelvic fin rays, if present, branched ribs present preanal distance usually equal to or less than distance from anal origin to caudal. XIPHISTERINAE pectoral fins small pelvic fins absent; vertebrae 62-81 or more than 100. 115 - Preanal length more than postanal length. PHOLIDIDAE dorsal fin with 75-100 spines, about twice as long as anal fin pectoral fins small, rudimentary or absent pelvic fin rudimentary, 1 spine and 1 ray or absent ribs absent lateral line short or absent. 116 (110)- Caudal fin rounded. (117) 116 - Caudal fin tapering to a blunt point. (118) 117 (116)- Mouth very large; lateral line with about 12 large pores. CETOMIMIDAE scaleless eyes small luminous organs around dorsal and anal fin bases dorsal and anal fin posterior mouth large teeth small, granular. 117 - Mouth moderate; body elongate; lateral line absent. SCYTALINIDAE pelvic fin absent gill membranes united forming a free fold across the isthmus eyes very small, placed high on head dorsal and anal fins confluent with caudal. 118 (116)- Pectoral fin broad based, extending below gill opening. LIPARIDAE body elongate, scaleless, may have prickles skin translucent, jelly-like dorsal and anal fins long, confluent or nearly so with caudal pelvic absent. 118 - Pectoral fin base narrow and lateral. ZOARCIDAE body elongate usually scaled dorsal and anal fins long, confluent with caudal pelvics, when present, small, jugular mouth inferior gill membrane attached to isthmus vertebrae 90-150 some species viviparous. 119 (103) - Body elliptical; dorsal and anal fins low; caudal typically forked; dorsal fin base much longer than dorsal fin height. STROMATEIDAE body deep, compresed pelvic fins absent in adults, data not available to key juveniles pelvic bones present dorsal fin continuous anal fin with 2-6 spines and 30-50 rays. 119 - Body ovate; dorsal and anal fins high; caudal reduced to a scalloped, truncate, short fin. MOLIDAE fused teeth in jaws; no spines in fins.

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