RAE BAXTER'S ANNOTATED KEY TO THE FISHES OF ALASKA Newer Key (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, yokey, to 30 per individual 2 - Gill openigs 7; no barbels PETROMYZONTIDAE 1-2 Dorsal Fins Eyes well developed in adults Barbels absent Teeth on Oral Disk and Tongue Eggs small, thousands Ammoceote 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 first 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. 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 first 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 distant Keel > Teeth large 5th Gill Opening in front of Pectoral Origin. 10 - Length of lower lode of Caudal Fin less than 50% length of Upper Lobe. (11) 11 (10) - Gill Slits long, extending well onto 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 (18) 17 (16) - Body globose ONEIRODEIDAE Scaleless Dorsal Fin with 4 - 8 rays Anal Fin with 4 - 7 rays Jaws equal anteriorly 17 - Body elongate GIGANTACTINIDAE Illicium almost as long as body or longer 18 (16) - Pelvic Fin present, not modified into a Sucking Disk (19) 18 - Pelvic Fin absent or modified into a Sucking Disk (95) 19 (18) - Pelvic as single spine BALISTIDAE 19 - Pelvic Fin with more than single spine or ray (20) 20 (19) - Pelvic fin abdomina;l Pelvic girdle free from any bony connection with Pectoral Girdle (21) 20 - Pelvic Fin thoractic or jugular; Pelvic Fin attached to to Pectoral Girdle by a bony connection (58) 21 (20) - 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 21 - Dorsal Fin not wholly of Isolated Spines (22) 22 (21) - Dorsal Fins 2, not including Adipose or Finlets if present (23) 22 - Dorsal Fin single or absent, not including Adipose or Finlets, if present May be a deep notch in the Dorsal Fin (24) 23 (22) - Tail tapering to a point CHIMAERIDAE Spine on front edge of first Dorsal Spine poisonous Snout short, rounded Tail dyphicercal Anal Fin joined to Caudal 23 - 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 24 (22) - Dorsal Fin followed by 5-7 free Finlets SCOMBERESOCIDAE Mouth small Teeth relatively small 24 - Dorsal Fin not followed by Finlets (25) 25 (24) - Bony Plates on Body; Multiple Barbels under Snout ACIPENSERIDAE Caudal Fin heterocercal Branchiostegal ray 1 Gulars absent Skeleton largely cartilageous Intestine with Spiral Valve 25 - Body with or without Scales; Multiple Barbels absent (26) 26 (25) - Luminous Organs absent (28) 26 - Luminous Organs or Photophores present (51) 27 (26) - Adipose Fin absent (28) 27 - Adipose Fin present (39) 28 (27) - Dorsal Fin origin cosiderably preceeding Anal Fin Origin (29) 28 - Dorsal Fin Origin roughly above Anal Fin (34) 29 (28) - Lateral Line Pores absent CLUPEIDAE Abdominal Scutes usually present Head scaleless Teeth small or absent 29 - Lateral Line Pores present (30) 30 (29) - Head with bony plates PENTACEROTIDAE Body strongly compressed No Supra-maxillary Single Dorsal Fin with 10-14 spines and 8-15 rays Scales small 30 - Head without bony plates, generally smooth (31) 31 (30) - Mouth terminal (32) 31 - Mouth inferior (33) 32 (31) - Marine SYNODONTIDAE Scales along Lateral Line not enlarged Dorsal Rays 10-14 Anal Rays 14-16 Adipose Fin usually present 32 - Freshwater CYPRINIDAE Pharyngeal Teeth only Lips thin 33 (31) - Marine; lips not fleshy ENGRAULIDAE Tip of the snout overhanging mouth Maxillary extends well beyond Eye Gill Rakers numerous Body translucent with silver stripe laterally 33 - Freshwater; lips fleshy CATOSTOMIDAE Single row of 16 or more Pharyngeal Teeth Lips thick and fleshy with Plicae or Papillae 34 (28) - Freshwater; head flattened like duck’s beak ESOCIDAE Snout produced Caudal forked Lateral Line complete Infraorbital Canal with 8 or more Pores 10-20 Branchiostegal Rays 34 - Freshwater or Marine; Head not like above (35) 35 (34) - 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 35 - Marine; Lateral Line present (36) 36 (35) - Head and mouth noticeably large (37) 36 - Head and Mouth moderately small (38) 37 (36) - Jaws with Large Fangs ANOPLOGASTRIDAE Body short, deep, head and mouth large Eye small, diameter less than snout length Scales small to minute Lateral Line an open groove partially covered by scales Fins without spines Dorsal of 17-20 rays Anal usually of 8-9 rays Baudelot’s Ligament absent About 28 vertebrae 37 - 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 38 (36) - 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 38 - Shoulder Sac Apparatus absent; Head without scales ALEPOCEPHALIDAE Gill Rakers long and numerous Shoulder Sac Apparatus absent Branchiostegal Rays 5-8 39 (27) - 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 subthoractic, with 8 rays 39 - Dorsal Fin of rays only (40) 40 (39) - Axillary Process or Suprapelvic Scale at base of Pelvic Fin (41) 40 - Axillary Process absent (43) 41 (40) - Lateral Line scales more than 110 COREGONIDAE Teeth absent on Maxilla Suprapelvic Scale present Last 3 vertebrae turned up Fewer than 110 scales along Lateral Line Orbitosphenoid present Supra-preopercular absent 42 - Dorsal Fin with more than 21 rays THYMALLINAE Dorsal Fin very long, extends past Adipose Fin Teeth on Maxilla Orbitosphenoid absent Supra-preopercular Bone absent 43 (40) - Eyes tubular or telescopic OPISTHOPROCTIDAE Eyes tubular Branchiostegal Rays 2-4 With or without Adipose, Air Bladder, or Photophores 43 - Eyes typically formed (44) 44 (43) - Dorsal Fin absent. ANOTOPTERIDAE Body slender, covered with pores Scaleless Photophores absent Pelvic fin minute, with 9-11 rays Pectoral rays 12-15 Vertebrae 78-83 44 - Dorsal fin present. (45) 45 (44) - 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 Palatine Tooth patches long Vertebrae50 Air Bladder absent 45 - Dorsal Fin not extending length of Body. (46) 46 (45) - Anal Fin very posterior, quite removed from Anus. (47) 46 - Anal Fin posterior, just behind Anus. (48) 47 (46) - 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 Bladder absent 47 - Teeth small, pointed ; Eye oval NOTSUDIDAE Dorsal Rays 9-14 Anal Rays 16-21 Pectoral Rays 10-15 Lateral Line Scales 44-65 Air Bladder aabsent Photophores absent Larva with Maxillary Teeth 48 (46) - Branchiostegal Rays 14 SYNODONTIDAE Scales along Lateral Line not enlarged Dorsal Rays 10-14 Anal Rays 14-16 Adipose Fin usually present 48 - Branchiostegal Rays 2-10 (49) 49 (47) - 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 Cacea 0-11 Last Vertebrae turned up 49 - Branchiostegal Rays 2-4 ; Air Bladder present or absent (50) 50 (49) - Pelvic Fin Origin under middle 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 50 - Pelvic Fin Origin behind or below posterior third of Dorsal Fin Brachiostegals 3-4 Body deepest between Head and Dorsal Fin ARGENTINIDAE Eyes not tubular Adipose Fin over Anal Fin Base Caudal Fin forked Dorsal Fin Origin in front of Pelvics Pectoral Fin Base ventrolateral Mouth small 51 (26) - 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 Vertebra 40-65 51 - Luminous Organs and or Photophores on body (52) 52 (51) - Photophores not in parallel rows on body (53) 52 - Photphores in 2 parallel rows, may not be one above the other (55) 53 (52) - Photophores low on body, numerous, 3 rows on Thoractic and Ventral Regions NEOSCOPELIDAE 53 - Photophores scattered to near Lateral Line MYCTOPHIDAE Small Supramaxilla sometimes present Adipose Fin Subocular Shelf present Origin of Anal Fin under or short distance behind Dorsal Fin Base Small Photophores present Air Bladder present 54 (51) - 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 54 - Upper row of Photophores long (55) 55 (54) - Teeth not as Fangs STERNOPTYCHIDAE Branchiostegal Rays 6-10 Branchiostegal Photophores 3-7 Pseudobranch present Body deep and extremely compressed Mouth nearly verticle Preopercle Spines Abdominal Keel Blade in front of Dorsal Fin composed of specialized Pterygiophores 55 - Teeth Fang-like (56) 56 (55) - 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 56 - Adipose Fin absent (57) 57 (56) - 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 57 - 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 58 (20) - Both eyes on same side of head (59) 58 - Eyes on opposite sides of head (60) 59 (58) - Pelvic Fins asymmetrical, one on median ridge; Eyes and dark pigment on left side of body BOTHIDAE Eyes sinistral Pelvic Fins wiithout 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 59 - 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 60 (58) - 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 (61) 60 - Dorsal Fin not preceeded by isolated spines (62) 61 (60) - 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 61 - 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 62 (60) - 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 62 - Anal Fin present (63) 63 (62) - Dorsal and Anal Fins followed by one or more Finlets (64) 63 - Dorsal and Anal Fins not followed by Finlets (66) 64 (63) - 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 64 - 5 or more Finlets behind Dorsal and Anal Fins (65) 65 (64) - Finlets 5-6; Caudal Peduncle with 2 Lateral Keels on each side, none median SCOMBRIDAE 2 Dorsal Fins with Finlets behind second Most fins depressable into grooves Pelvic with 6 rays, origin behind Pectoral Gill Membranes free from Isthmus Scales cycloid, small Caudal Peduncle slender, with 2 keels 65 - Finlets 8-9; Caudal Peduncle with 3 Lateral Keels, strongest Medial SCOMBERESOCIDAE Scales small Mouth and Teeth relatively small 66 (63) - 2 Lateral Keels on posterior Caudal Peduncle TETRAGONURINAE Body elongate Pelvic Fins present in Adults 2 Dorsal Fins, 1st with 10-20 short spines, 2nd 10-17 rays Anal Fin with one spine, 10-20 rays Vertebrae 40-58 66 - Without Lateral Keels (67) 67 (66) - Bony Suborbital Stay absent (68) 67 - Bony Suborbital Stay forming a bridge between Eye and Preopercle Bone (89) 68 (67) - Pelvic Fins well developed, united, forming a Sucking Disk GOBIIDAE 68 - Pelvic Fins not united nor forming a Sucking Disk (69) 69 (68) - Pelvic Fin with 5 rays (70) 69 - Pelvic Fin with more or less than 5 rays (77) 70 (69) - 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 Air Bladder usually with many branches Vertebrae 24-29 70 - Lateral Line not extending on to Caudal Fin (71) 71 (70) - First Dorsal Fin or anterior portion of dorsal fin of spines; Second Dorsal Fin or posterior portion of dorsal fin of rays (72) 71 - Dorsal Fin without spines (75) 72 (71) - Dorsal Fins separate (73) 72 - Dorsal Fins continuous (74) 73 (72) - Mouth oblique to vertical; Lips fringed TRICHODONTIDAE Preopercle with 5 sharp spines Body scaleless Dorsal Spines 10-15 73 - Mouth terminal, large; Lips plain CHIASMODONTIDAE Premaxilla and Maxilla long and slender, firmly united posteriorly Anterior tip of Premaxilla expanded dorsally and diverging laterally Highly distensible Mouth and Stomach 74 (72) - 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 thoractic 74 - 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 75 (71) - 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 75 - Pelvic Fin Base anterior to, or under Pectoral Fin; Lateral Line high, near dorsal Fin (76) 76 (75) - 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 Rays7 76 - Boby elongate BATHYMASTERIDAE Dorsal fin continuous Pectoral Fin Base verticle Lateral Line high, ending near end of dorsal fin Palate with teeth 77 (69) - Pelvic Fin with more than 5 rays (78) 77 - Pelvic Fin with less than 5 rays (82) 78 (77) - Body ovate, compressed (79) 78 - Boby ot greatly compressed nor deep; if Caudal lunate, then Body elongate (80) 79 (78) - Fins with spines; Caudal rounded OREOSOMATIDAE Body very deep and compressed 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 79 - 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 80 (78) - Dorsal Fin with 3 spines MELAMPHAIDAE Dorsal Fin single, 1-3 weak spines anteriorly Pelvic Fin thoractic or subthoractic 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 80 - Dorsal Fin without spines (81) 81 (80) - 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 81 - Caudal tapering to a point MACROURIDAE 2nd Dorsal and Anal Fins confluent tapering to a sharp point Caudal Fin apparently absent No true Fin Spines, 1st Dorsal Ray may be spinous Pelvic Fins, if present, more or less thoractic with 5 - 17 rays Scales small Light Organ, if present, subdermal along midline of abdomen with opening just before anus Brachiostegal Rays 6-8 Abdominal Vertebrae 10-16 82 (77) - 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 82 - Without Photophores (83) 83 (82) - Dorsal Fin with anterior spines or of all spines (84) 83 - Dorsal Fin of rays only (86) 84 (83) - Preanal length longer than post anal 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 84 - Distance from Snout to Anal Origin equal to or less than distance from Anal Origin to base of Caudal (85) 85 (84) - 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 86 (83) - Caudal distinct, Dorsal and Anal Fins separate from Caudal; Body not tapering to a blunt point (87) 86 - Dorsal and Anal Fins continuous with Caudal; Body tapering to a blunt point (88) 87 (86) - Dorsal and Anal Fins not lapping onto Caudal Fin BYTHITIDAE 87 - Dorsal and Anal Fins lapping onto caudal fin base OPHIDIIDAE 88 (86) - 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 88 - Pelvic Fin with single ray; Erectile Pelvic Fins are beneath the eyes DEREPODICHTHINAE 89 (67) - 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 Vertebrae 24-40 SABASTOLOBINAE Dorsal Spines 15-17 Vertebrae 27-30 Spinous Suborbital Bone SEBASTINAE Dorsal Spines 12-14 Suborbital Bone spineless 89 - Anal Fin without strong spines (90) 90 (89) - Body uniformly scaled with typical scales (91) 90 - Body not evenly scaled, may be naked, covered with bony plates, or highly modified scales in the form of spicules, tybercles, etc. (93) 91 (90) - 2 nostrils on each side of the 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 Gill Membranes attached to Isthmus Lateral Line single 91 - Single functional Nostril on each side of Head, the posterior one reduced to nonfunctional pore, distinct from the anterior nostril (92) 92 (91) - 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 92 - Maxillary extending almost vertical from Posterior Of Eye; Hooked Canine Teeth OPHIODONTINAE Dorsal Fin divided into 2 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 93 (90) - Body covered with rows of bony plates AGONIDAE Pelvic fins thoractic, with 1 spine and 2 rays ASPIDOPHOROIDINAE Single Dorsal Fin AGONINAE 2 dorsal fins 93 - Body not covered with serially aranged bony plates (94) 94 (93) - 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 Post Orbitals 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 with 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 94 - 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 95 (18) - Pelvic Fins forming a Sucking Disk (96) 95 - Pelvic fins absent (98) 96 (95) - Both Pectoral and Pelvic Fins joined to form the Disk GOBIESOCIDAE Single, long Dorsal without spines 96 - Pelvic Fin only modified into a Disk (97) 97 (96) - 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 97 - 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 Boby globose Anal Fin short Dorsal and Anal Fins never confluent with Caudal 98 (95) - Suborbital Stay present (99) 98 - Suborbital Stay absent (101) 99 (98) - Nostrils in 2 pairs COTTIDAE - see #84 (83) 99 - Nostrils in single pair (100) 100 (98) - 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 100 - Anal Fin with less than 20 rays CYCLOPTERIDAE 2 short dorsal fins Body globose Anal Fin short Dorsal and Anal Fins never confluent with cCaudal 101 (98) - Body not short, deep, nor greatly compressed,br> (102) 102 (101) - Body encased in bony plates; Head prolongate; Snout tube-like SYNGNATHINAE Body straight, elongate Caudal Fin 102 - Body not encased in bony plates; Snout not tube-like (103) 103 (102) - Jaws on Mature Females forming a long, slender, diverging beaks; Ripe Males with short jaws NEMICHTHYIDAE Body extremely long and slender Pectoral Fins present Dorsal and Anal Fins confluent with Caudal Caudal Filament in Nemichthys generally lost 103 - Jaws not as above (104) 104 (103) - Upper and Lower Jaws ong, nonocclusive CYEMATIDAE Body relatively long Lateral Line Pores absent Eye small to vestigial Branchiostegal Rays and Opercular Bones absent Gill Arches greatly reduced 104 - Jaws occlusive (105) 105 (104) - Anus jugular, below Pectoral Fin (106) 105 - Anus not far removed from Anal Fin, not displaced anteriorly (107) 106 (105) - Body scaled; Head Shape compressed, relatively pointed SYNAPHOBRANCHIDAE Teeth small, needle-like Gill Openings confluent or only slightly separated in most Ventral Region dark-colored, Dorsal Region pale 106 - Body scaleless SERRIVOMERIDAE Jaws elongate Vomer Teeth blade-like 107 (105) - 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 5-7 107 - Caudal Fin not forked; Body without folds (108) 108 (107) - Dorsal Fins with Stiff Spines ( may be hard to determine sometimes in ZAPRORIDAE) (108) 108 - Dorsal Fin without Spines or with Spines that are thin, flexible, and curved at the tips (113) 109 (108) - 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 Vertebrae 24-26 abdominal, 61-62 total Pyloric Caeca about 36 109 - Scales, if present, not in Fins (110) 110 (109) - 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 227-242 110 - Dorsal Fin wholly of Spines (111) 111 (110) - Front Teeth canine, Rear Teeth molariform ANARCHICHADIDAE 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 111 - Rear Teeth not developed as molars (112) 113 (112) - 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 100 113 - 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 114 (108) - Caudal Fin rounded (115) 114 - Caudal Fin tapering to a blunt point (116) 115 (114) - 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 115 - 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 116 (114) - 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 116 - 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 Gillmembranes attached to Isthmus Vertebrae 90-150 Some species Viviparous 117 (101) - Body eliptical; Dorsal and anal fins low; Caudal typically forked; Dorsal fin base much longer than dorsal fin height STROMATEIDAE Body deep, compressed 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 117 - 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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