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 branchiolete membrane are fix; 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. It is also very common in the sea near Southampton, where it is called a flint. The highest season is from March to the latter end of May, or beginning of June; in which month it spawns. It never deserts the place; and is constantly taken except in hard frosts. It is also found on other coasts of our island. The length is a bove Athens above 4½ inches, and the tail is much forked. The fish is semipellucid, covered with scales; the colour silvery, tinged with yellow: beneath the side-line is a row of small black spots. 2. The menide, with 24 rays in the fin next the anus. This is a very small pelagic fish, with many black points interspersed; it has many teeth in the lips, but none in the tongue or jaws. It is found in the fresh waters of Carolina, and spawns in April.