in ichthyology, a genus of fishes of the order of abdominales. The characters of this genus are these: The upper jaw is plain; the rays of the branchiostegal membrane are six; and the side-belt or line shines like silver. The species are two, viz.:

1. The hepsetus, with about 12 rays in the fin next the anus. It is found in the Mediterranean. 2. The menide, with 24 rays in the fin next the anus. This is a very small pellucid fish, with many black points interspersed; terspersed; it has many teeth in the lips, but none in the tongue or jaws. It is found in the fresh waters or Carolina, and spawns in April.