Chapter XXI: The Fishes of the Deep Sea (3)

_Notochord persistent, with partially ossified vertebræ; homocercal; fins with fulcra. Teeth in a single series, small, pointed._

Extinct. _Caturus_ from the Oolite to the Chalk.

SECOND FAMILY--LEPTOLEPIDÆ.

_Scales cycloid. Vertebræ ossified; homocercal; fins without fulcra; dorsal short. Teeth minute, in bands, with canines in front._

Extinct, and leading to the living representative of this suborder. _Thrissops_ with the dorsal fin placed far backwards, and opposite to the long anal. _Leptolepis_ with the dorsal fin opposite to the ventrals, from the Lias and Oolite. These fishes, as far as the preserved parts are concerned, cannot be distinguished from Teleosteous fishes, to which they are referred by some Palæontologists.

THIRD FAMILY--AMIIDÆ.

_Skeleton entirely ossified; a single large gular plate; homocercal; fins without fulcra; a long soft dorsal fin. Abdominal and caudal parts of the vertebral column subequal in extent. Branchiostegals numerous._

AMIA.--Body rather elongate, sub-cylindrical, compressed behind.
Snout short, cleft of the mouth of moderate width. Jaws with
an outer series of closely-set pointed teeth, and with a band
of rasp-like teeth; similar teeth on the vomer, palatine, and
pterygoid bones. Anal short; caudal fin rounded. Gills four;
air-bladder bifurcate in front, cellular, communicating with the
pharynx.

The “Bow-fin” or “Mud-fish” (_A. calva_) is not uncommon in many of the fresh waters of the United States; it grows to a length of two feet. Little is known about its habits; small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, have been found in its stomach. Wilder has observed its respiratory actions; it rises to the surface, and, without emitting any air-bubble whatever, opens the jaws widely, and apparently gulps in a large quantity of air; these acts of respiration are more frequently performed when the water is foul or has not been changed; and there is no doubt that an exchange of oxygen and carbonic acid is effected, as in the lungs of aërial vertebrates. The flesh of this fish is not esteemed.

Fossil remains occur in tertiary deposits of North America, for instance in the Wyoming territory; they have been distinguished as _Protamia_ and _Hypamia_.

SECOND SUB-CLASS--TELEOSTEI.

_Heart with a non-contractile bulbus arteriosus; intestine without spiral valve; optic nerves decussating; skeleton ossified, with completely formed vertebræ; vertebral column diphycercal or homocercal; branchiæ free._[40]

The Teleostei form the majority of the fishes of the present fauna, and are the geological successors of the Palæichthyes, undoubted Teleostei not ranging farther back than the Chalk. This sub-class comprises an infinite variety of forms; and as, naturally, many Ganoid fishes lived under similar external conditions, and led a similar mode of life as certain Teleostei, we find not a few analogous forms in both series: some Ganoids resembling externally the Teleosteous Siluroids, others the Clupeoids, others the Chætodonts, others the Scombresoces, etc. But there is no direct genetic relation between those fishes, as some Naturalists were inclined to believe.

The Teleostei are divided into six orders:--

A. ACANTHOPTERYGII.--Part of the rays of the dorsal, anal, and
ventral fins not articulated, spines. The lower pharyngeals
separate. Air-bladder, if present, without pneumatic duct in the
adult.

B. ACANTHOPTERYGII PHARYNGOGNATHI.--Part of the rays of the
dorsal, anal, and ventral fins not articulated, spines. The
lower pharyngeals coalesced. Air-bladder without pneumatic duct.

C. ANACANTHINI.--Vertical and ventral fins without spinous rays.
Ventral fins, if present, jugular or thoracic. Air-bladder, if
present, without pneumatic duct. Lower pharyngeals separate.

D. PHYSOSTOMI.--All the fin rays articulated; only the first
of the dorsal and pectoral fins is sometimes ossified. Ventral
fins, if present, abdominal, without spine. Air-bladder, if
present, with a pneumatic duct.

E. LOPHOBRANCHII.--Gills not laminated, but composed of small
rounded lobes, attached to the branchial arches. Gill-cover
reduced to a large simple plate. A dermal skeleton replaces more
or less soft integuments.

F. PLECTOGNATHI.--A soft dorsal fin opposite to the anal;
sometimes elements of a spinous dorsal. Ventral fins none,
or reduced to spines. Gills pectinate; air-bladder without
pneumatic duct. Skin with rough scutes, or with spines, or naked.

FIRST ORDER--ACANTHOPTERYGII.

_Part of the rays of the dorsal, anal, and ventral fins are not articulated, more or less pungent spines. The lower pharyngeals are generally separate. Air-bladder, if present, without pneumatic duct in the adult._[41]

FIRST DIVISION--ACANTHOPTERYGII PERCIFORMES.

_Body more or less compressed, elevated or oblong, but not elongate; the vent is remote from the extremity of the tail, behind the ventral fins if they are present. No prominent anal papilla. No superbranchial organ. Dorsal fin or fins occupying the greater portion of the back; spinous dorsal well developed, generally with stiff spines, of moderate extent, rather longer than, or as long as, the soft; the soft anal similar to the soft dorsal, of moderate extent or rather short. Ventrals thoracic, with one spine and with four or five rays._

FIRST FAMILY--PERCIDÆ.

_The scales extend but rarely over the vertical fins, and the lateral line is generally present, continuous from the head to the caudal fin. All the teeth simple and conical; no barbels. No bony stay for the præoperculum._

A large family, represented by numerous genera and species in fresh waters, and on all the coasts of the temperate and tropical regions. Carnivorous.

Fossil Percoids abound in some formations, for instance, at Monte Bolca, where species of _Labrax_, _Lates_, _Smerdis_ and _Cyclopoma_ (both extinct), _Dules_, _Serranus_, _Apogon_, _Therapon_, and _Pristipoma_ have been recognised. _Paraperca_ is a genus recently discovered in the Marles of Aix-en-Provence. A species of _Perca_ is known from the freshwater deposit of Oeningen.

PERCA.--All the teeth are villiform, without canines; teeth
on the palatine bones and vomer; tongue toothless. Two dorsal
fins, the first with thirteen or fourteen spines; anal fin with
two spines. Præoperculum and præorbital serrated. Scales small;
head naked above. Branchiostegals seven. Vertebræ more than
twenty-four.

The “Freshwater Perch” (_Perca fluviatilis_) is too familiarly known to require description. It is generally distributed over Europe and Northern Asia; and equally common in North America, there being no sufficient ground for separating specifically the specimens of the Western Hemisphere. It frequents especially still waters, and sometimes descends into brackish water. Its weight does not seem to exceed 5 lbs. The female deposits her ova, united together by a viscid matter, in lengthened or net-shaped bands, on waterplants. The number of the eggs of one spawn may exceed a million. Two other species, _P. gracilis_, from Canada, and _P. schrenckii_, from Turkestan, have been distinguished, but they are very imperfectly known. An allied genus is _Siniperca_, from Northern China.

PERCICHTHYS.--Differing from _Perca_ especially in the number of
the fin-spines, which are nine or ten in the first dorsal, and
three in the anal fin. The upper surface of the head scaly.

These fishes represent the Freshwater Perches of the Northern Hemisphere in the fresh waters of the temperate parts of South America. Two species have been described from Patagonia, and one or two from Chili and Peru.

LABRAX.--All the teeth are villiform, without canines;
teeth on the palatine bones, vomer, and the tongue. Two dorsal
fins, the first with nine spines; anal fin generally with three.
Præoperculum serrated, and with denticulations along its lower
limb; præorbital with the margin entire. Scales rather small.
Branchiostegals seven; well developed pseudobranchiæ.

The “Bass” are fishes common on the coasts of Europe and the Atlantic coasts, and in the fresh waters of the United States and Canada. The three European species are almost exclusively inhabitants of the sea, entering brackish, but never fresh waters, whilst the American species, the number of which is still uncertain, seem to affect principally fresh water, although some are also found in the sea. The best known European species is _Labrax lupus_ (see p. 41, Fig. 4), common on the British coasts. It is a voracious fish, with a remarkably large stomach, and received from the ancient Romans the appropriate name of _lupus_. By the Greeks it was so highly esteemed that Archestratus termed this or one of the two other closely-allied species, taken near Milet, “offspring of the gods.” They attributed to it a tender regard for its own safety; and Aristotle says that it is the most cunning of fishes; and that, when surrounded by the net, it digs for itself a channel of escape through the sand. Specimens of from two to three feet are not scarce, but its flesh is nowadays much less esteemed than in ancient times. Of the North American species _Labrax lineatus_ and _Labrax rufus_ are the most common.

LATES.--All the teeth are villiform, without canines; teeth on
the palatine bones and vomer, but none on the tongue. Two dorsal
fins--the first with seven or eight, the anal fin with two or
three, spines. Præoperculum with strong spines at the angle and
the lower limb; also the præorbital is strongly serrated. Scales
of moderate size. Branchiostegals seven; pseudobranchiæ present.

Three well-known species belong to this genus. The Perch of the Nile and other rivers of tropical Africa (_Lates niloticus_); the Perch of the Ganges and other East Indian rivers, which enters freely brackish water, and extends to the rivers of Queensland (_Lates calcarifer_). These two species attain to a large size, the Indian species to a length of five feet. Hamilton says that “the vulgar English in Calcutta call it ‘Cockup,’ and that it is one of the lightest and most esteemed foods brought to table in that city.” Specimens two feet in length and caught in salt water are by far the best quality. The third species (_Lates colonorum_) is found in Australia only, and does not appear to grow to the same large size as its congeners.

Allied to _Lates_ is _Psammoperca_ from Australia.

PERCALABRAX.--All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on
the palatine bones and vomer, but none on the tongue. Two dorsal
fins--the first with eleven, the anal fin with three spines.
Præoperculum serrated along its hinder margin, and with strong
spinous teeth below; præorbital not serrated. Scales rather
small. Branchiostegals seven; pseudobranchiæ present.

This Perch (_Percalabrax japonicus_) is one of the most common fishes on the coasts of China, Japan, and Formosa; the Japanese name it “Zuzuki,” or “Seengo.”

ACERINA.--All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on
the vomer, but none on the palatine bones or the tongue. One
continuous dorsal fin, of which the spinous portion consists of
from thirteen to nineteen spines; two anal spines. Body rather
low, with rather small scales. Bones of the skull with wide
muciferous cavities; præoperculum denticulated.

Small freshwater perches, of which _A. cernua_, named “Pope” in England, is the most common, and has the widest distribution in Central Europe and Siberia. The two other species have a more restricted range, _A. schrætzer_ being confined to the Danube and other rivers emptying into the Black Sea; and _A. czekanowskii_ to Siberian rivers. This genus is not represented in the Western Hemisphere.

LUCIOPERCA.--Teeth in villiform bands, those in the jaws with
additional canines; palatine bones toothed. Two dorsal fins--the
first with from twelve to fourteen, the anal fin with two
spines. Præoperculum serrated; scales small.

The “Pike-Perches” are inhabitants of many lakes and rivers of the temperate northern zone. The European species is confined to the eastern two-thirds of the continent, and one of the most esteemed freshwater fishes; it attains to a length of three or four feet, and to a weight of from 25 to 30 lbs. It has been recommended for acclimatisation in England, and there is no doubt that in certain localities it might prove a valuable addition to the native fauna; but like all its congeners it is very voracious and destructive to smaller fishes. Two other species inhabit rivers of European and Asiatic Russia, and two or three the fresh waters of North America.

PILEOMA.--All the teeth minute, villiform, without canines;
teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. Two dorsal fins--the
first with fourteen or fifteen spines. Body rather elongate,
with small scales. Præoperculum not serrated.

Small freshwater perches abundant in the United States. Like the following genus, and some others which need not be mentioned here, they can be regarded as small, dwarfed representatives of the preceding genera. The species seem to be numerous, but have not yet been sufficiently well distinguished. The latest and best account of them is by L. Vaillant, “Recherches sur les Poissons d’eaux douces de l’Amérique septentrionale (_Etheostomatidæ_),” in Nouv. Archiv. du Muséum d’Hist. Nat. de Paris, ix., 1873.

BOLEOSOMA.--Allied to _Pileoma_, but with only nine or ten
feeble spines in the first dorsal fin. North America.

ASPRO.--Body elongate, cylindrical; snout thick, projecting
beyond the mouth, which is situated at its lower side. All
the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer and
palatine bones. Two separate dorsals. Præoperculum serrated;
præorbital entire. Scales small.

Two small Perches from the Danube and some other rivers of the continent of Europe, _Aspro vulgaris_ and _A. zingel_.

CENTROPOMUS.--Body oblong, compressed, with scales of
moderate size. All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth
on the vomer and palatine bones. Two dorsal fins, the first with
eight strong spines, the anal with three, the second of which is
very strong and long. Præoperculum with a double denticulated
edge.

Numerous species are known from the West Indies and Central America. These fishes are found in fresh, brackish, and salt water, and some of the species indiscriminately enter all three kinds of water. They do not grow to any large size, but are esteemed as food.

ENOPLOSUS.--Body much elevated, the depth being still more
increased by the high vertical fins. All the teeth are
villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer, palatine bones,
and the tongue. Two dorsal fins, the first with seven spines.
Præoperculum serrated, with spinous teeth at the angle. Scales
of moderate size.

A small and very common marine species (_E. armatus_) on the coast of Australia, especially New South Wales. It is readily recognised by the peculiar shape of its body, and eight black transverse bands on a whitish ground.

* * * * *

This, and the preceding genus, leads to the true “Sea perches,” which never, or but rarely, enter fresh water:--

CENTROPRISTIS.--Body oblong, with scales of small or moderate
size. Teeth villiform, with small canines in both jaws; vomerine
teeth placed in an angular band, or a short triangular patch;
teeth on the palatine bones, but none on the tongue. One dorsal,
with the formula 10/12 or less; anal fin 3/7(6). Præoperculum
serrated; sometimes with the angle projecting, and armed with
long spines.

About twenty species of small size are known from temperate and tropical seas.

ANTHIAS.--Body rather short, compressed, with scales of moderate size. Teeth villiform, with small canines in both jaws; teeth on the vomer, and palatine teeth. One dorsal, generally with ten spines; anal fin with three; caudal forked. The rays of one or more fins may be prolonged. Præoperculum serrated.

About twenty species are known from temperate and tropical seas; they are mostly of small size, and agreeably coloured, pink and yellow being the predominant colours. _Anthias sacer_ is common in the Mediterranean, and was well known to the ancients. Aristotle says that the fishers of Sponges call it sacred, because no voracious fishes came to the places which it frequented, and the diver might descend with safety.--_Callanthias_ is a genus closely allied to _Anthias_.

SERRANUS.--Body oblong, compressed, with small scales. Teeth
villiform, with very distinct canines in both jaws; teeth on the
vomer and palatine bones, none on the tongue. One dorsal, mostly
with nine or eleven, rarely with eight, ten or twelve spines;
anal fin with three: all the spines being stout. Præoperculum
serrated behind and at the angle, but not below.

The “Sea perches proper” are found on the shores of all temperate and tropical seas, most abundantly in the latter. A few species enter brackish and even fresh water, one having been found as high up the Ganges as the confines of Nepal. However, all spawn in the sea. The variety of species is almost infinite, about 150 being tolerably well known, and many more having been described. The distinction of the species is most difficult, and nearly impossible to those who have no opportunity of closely and long observing them in nature, as they are not only subject to great variation of colour, but also to considerable changes dependent on age. Many are most agreeably coloured, and ornamented with spots, or cross bands or longitudinal stripes; colours which become more uniform with age in those species which attain to a large size. The majority remain of rather small size, growing to a length of one or two feet; but not a few reach more than twice that length, and may even become dangerous to man. Instances of bathers having been attacked by a gigantic species not uncommon at the Seychelles and Aden are on record, the persons having died from the injuries received. Almost all the species are eatable, and many are esteemed as food. One species is common on the British coasts (_S. cabrilla_), and probably some of the more southern species (_S. scriba_ and _S. gigas_) occasionally wander as far northwards as the British Channel. The species figured, _S. altvelis_, is locally distributed over nearly all the tropical parts of the Indian Ocean, and distinguished by particularly high dorsal and anal fins. _Anyperodon_ and _Prionodes_ are two genera closely allied to _Serranus_.

PLECTROPOMA.--Form of the body and dentition (see p. 127, Fig.
54) similar to that of _Serranus_, with a præoperculum serrated
behind, and armed with spinous teeth below, which are directed
forwards. Dorsal fin with from seven to thirteen spines.

About thirty species from tropical seas are known. _Trachypoma_ is allied to this genus.

POLYPRION.--Body oblong, rather compressed, covered with small
scales. All the teeth are villiform; teeth on the vomer,
palatine bones, and the tongue. One dorsal with eleven or twelve
spines; anal with three. Præoperculum denticulated; a strong,
rough, longitudinal ridge on the operculum.

Two species are known: one from the European coasts (_P. cernium_), and one from Juan Fernandez (_P. kneri_). They attain to a weight of 80 lbs. and more. The European species has the habit of accompanying floating wood, to which they are attracted by the small marine species generally surrounding such objects, and affording a supply of food. It is known by the name of “Stone-bass,” and excellent eating.

GRAMMISTES.--Body rather short, compressed, covered with minute
scales imbedded in the thick skin. All the teeth are villiform;
teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. Two dorsal fins, the
first with seven spines. Præoperculum without serrature, but
with three short spines. A short skinny barbel is frequently
developed at the chin.

Three species are known from the Indo-Pacific; they are of small size. One, _G. orientalis_, is black, with six or seven white longitudinal stripes, and one of the most common coast-fishes of that ocean.

RHYPTICUS.--Body oblong, compressed, covered with minute scales
imbedded in the thick skin. All the teeth are villiform; teeth
on the vomer and palatine bones. The spines of the vertical fins
are but little developed, always in small number and short, and
may disappear entirely. Præoperculum not serrated, with some
obtuse spines.

Four species are known: three from the West Indies and one from the Galapagoes Islands.

Other genera allied to the two preceding are _Aulacocephalus_ from Mauritius, Reunion, and Japan; and _Myriodon_ from the coasts of Australia.

DIPLOPRION.--Body rather elevated, compressed, with small
scales. All the teeth villiform; teeth on the vomer and palatine
bones. Two dorsal fins, the first with eight spines; anal with
two. Præoperculum with a double denticulated limb.

The single species known (_D. bifasciatum_), is very common in the East Indian Archipelago, and on the coasts of Southern China and Japan. It is of small size, and ornamented with two broad black cross-bands.

MESOPRION.--Body oblong, compressed, covered with scales of
moderate size. Teeth villiform, with canines in both jaws;
teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. One dorsal fin, with
ten or eleven, rarely with more spines; anal fin with three.
Præoperculum serrated; in some species (_Genyoroge_) a more or
less distinct spinous knob projects from the surface of the
interoperculum, and is received in a more or less deep notch of
the præopercular margin.

About seventy species are known from tropical seas in both hemispheres, but it is noteworthy that the species with the peculiar protuberance of the interoperculum are confined to the Indo-Pacific. The coloration is much more simple than in the small-scaled Serrani, a uniform hue of greenish, pink, or red prevailing; species with longitudinal bands are scarce, but not rarely dark cross-bands or a large spot on the side occur. The majority of the species remain within very moderate dimensions, specimens exceeding three feet in length being scarce. They are generally eaten, and some of the species belong to the commonest fishes of the tropics, as _M. bengalensis_, _chrysurus_, _gembra_, _griseus_, and others.

_Glaucosoma_ from Japan and Australia is allied to _Mesoprion_.

DULES.--Body oblong, compressed, with scales of moderate size,
and very indistinctly ctenoid. All the teeth are villiform;
teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. One dorsal with ten
spines; anal fin with three. Præoperculum serrated. Six
branchiostegals only.

About ten species are known, inhabiting fresh waters of the coasts of the Indo-Pacific, and being especially common in the islands of this region, and also in Tropical Australia. Some live also in brackish water. Though of small size they are esteemed as food.

THERAPON.--Body oblong, compressed, with scales of moderate
size. All the teeth are villiform, those of the vomer and
palatine bones being rudimentary, and frequently absent. One
dorsal, with a depression in its upper margin, and twelve or
thirteen spines; anal fin with three. Præoperculum serrated.
Air-bladder with two divisions, an anterior and posterior. Six
branchiostegals.

About twenty species are known, the distribution of which nearly coincides with _Dules_, but as some of the species are more or less marine, the genus is spread over the whole area of the tropical Indo-Pacific. Other species, especially those of Australian rivers, are entirely limited to fresh water. _Th. theraps_, _Th. servus_, and _Th. cuvieri_ belong to the most common fishes of that area, extending from the east coast of Africa to Polynesia. They are readily recognised by the blackish longitudinal bands with which the body is ornamented. All the species are of small size. _Helotes_ is closely allied to this genus.

PRISTIPOMA.--Body oblong, compressed, with ctenoid scales of
moderate size. Cleft of the mouth horizontal, not very wide,
with the jaws nearly equal in length anteriorly; a central pit
below the chin; villiform teeth in the jaws without canines;
palate toothless. One dorsal, with eleven to fourteen spines;
anal with three. Vertical fins not scaly, or with scales along
the base only. Præoperculum serrated. Branchiostegals, seven.

About forty species are known, all from the sea. They are extremely common between the tropics, some of the species extending into the neighbouring sub-tropical parts. They do not attain a large size, and generally have a plain coloration. _Conodon_ is an allied genus.

HÆMULON.--Body oblong, compressed, with ctenoid scales of
moderate size. Cleft of the mouth horizontal, generally wide,
with the jaws equal in length anteriorly; a central pit below
the chin; villiform teeth in the jaws, without canines; palate
toothless. One dorsal, with twelve or thirteen spines; anal with
three; the soft portions of the vertical fins scaly to their
margins. Præoperculum serrated. Branchiostegals, seven.

Marine; sixteen species are known from the coasts of Tropical America; they are of rather small size. The species figured occurs on both sides of Central America. _Hapalogenys_ is an allied genus.

DIAGRAMMA.--Body oblong, compressed, covered with rather small
ctenoid scales. Upper profile of the head parabolic; cleft of
the mouth small, horizontal; from four to six pores under the
mandible, but without central pit. Teeth villiform, without
canines; palate toothless. One dorsal fin, with from nine to
fourteen spines; anal with three. Vertical fins not scaly.
Præoperculum serrated; infraorbital not armed. Branchiostegals,
six or seven.

Forty species are known, which, with very few exceptions, belong to the tropical parts of the Indo-Pacific. Some attain to a size not very common among Sea-Perches, viz. to a length of from three to four feet. Many are agreeably coloured with black bands or spots. All appear to be esteemed as food. _Hyperoglyphe_ from Australia is allied to this genus.

LOBOTES.--Body rather elevated, compressed, with ctenoid scales
of moderate size. Eye rather small. Snout obtuse, with oblique
cleft of the mouth, and with the lower jaw longest. Teeth
villiform, without canines; palate toothless. One dorsal fin
with twelve spines; anal with three. Præoperculum denticulated.
Branchiostegals, six.

A remarkable fish (_L. auctorum_) on account of its extraordinary range. Common in many localities, scarcer in others, it occurs in the East Indies, and on all the Atlantic coasts of tropical and temperate America. Döderlein found it on the coast of Sicily in 1875. It lives in salt and brackish water, and is known to attain to a length of two feet.

HISTIOPTERUS.--Body rather elevated, strongly compressed, with
very small scales. Snout much produced, the anterior profile of
the head being concave. Mouth small, at the end of the snout.
Teeth villiform, without canines; palate toothless. Some of the
spines and rays of the vertical and pectoral fins very long. One
dorsal, with about ten spines; anal with three. Præopercular
margin partly serrated. Branchiostegals, six.

Marine. Four species are known from Japan and South Australia. The species figured attains to a length of 20 inches, and is esteemed as food. It is known at Melbourne by the names of “Boar Fish” or “Bastard Dorey.”

GERRES.--Body oblong, or rather elevated, covered with scales
of moderate size, which are either entirely smooth or minutely
ciliated. Mouth very protractile, and descending when thrust
out. Eye rather large. No canine teeth; dentition feeble, and
palate toothless. The two divisions of the dorsal fin are nearly
separated by a deep incision. Formula of the vertical fins--D.
9/10 A. 2·3/7·9. Caudal fin forked. Præoperculum generally
without denticulation. Lower pharyngeal bones coalescent.

More than thirty species are known of this genus, which bear so close a resemblance to one another that their distinction is rather difficult. They live in the seas between the Tropics, and some, perhaps all, of the species enter fresh water. Very rarely they exceed a length of ten inches; nearly all have a plain silvery coloration. The coalescence of their lower pharyngeals renders their systematic position rather uncertain, and, indeed, some Ichthyologists have referred them to the Pharyngognaths.

SCOLOPSIS.--Body oblong, covered with scales finely serrated
and of moderate size. Jaws nearly equal in length anteriorly;
cleft of the mouth horizontal. Teeth villiform, without canines;
palate toothless. One dorsal fin. Formula of the vertical fins:
D. 10/9 A. 3/7. Caudal fin forked. Præoperculum distinctly
denticulated; infraorbital ring with a spine directed backwards.
Branchiostegals, five.

Marine, and of small size. Twenty-five species are known from the tropical parts of the Indo-Pacific. _Heterognathodon_ is an allied genus, but without the infraorbital spine.

DENTEX.--Body oblong, covered with ctenoid scales of
moderate size. Cleft of the mouth nearly horizontal, with the
jaws equal in length anteriorly. Canine teeth in both jaws;
palate toothless. One dorsal fin. Formula of the vertical fins:
D. 10·13/10·12 A. 3/8·9. Caudal fin forked. Præoperculum without
serrature; præorbital unarmed and broad, there being a wide
space between the eye and the cleft of the mouth. Cheek covered
by more than three series of scales. Branchiostegals, six.

Marine Fishes, rather locally distributed in the Mediterranean, on the south coast of Africa, in the Red Sea, East Indian Archipelago, and on the coasts of China and Japan. About fourteen species are known, some of which attain a weight of 30 lbs. and more. They form a not unimportant article of food where they are found in any number, as on the Cape of Good Hope. The species found in the Mediterranean (_D. vulgaris_) wanders sometimes to the south coast of England, and is one of the larger species. The coloration of these fishes is rather uniform, silvery, or pink, or greenish. _Symphorus_ is an allied genus from the Indo-Pacific.

SYNAGRIS.--Body rather elongate, covered with ciliated
scales of moderate size. Cleft of the mouth horizontal, with
the jaws equal in length anteriorly. One continuous dorsal,
with feeble spines; dorsal 10/9, anal 3/7. Caudal deeply
forked. Teeth villiform, with canines at least in the upper
jaw. Infraorbital not armed; præoperculum without, or with a
very indistinct serrature. Cheek with three series of scales.
Branchiostegals six.

Marine fishes of small size; about twenty species are known from the tropical parts of the Indo-Pacific. _Pentapus_, _Chætopterus_, and _Aphareus_ are allied genera from the same area.

MAENA.--Body oblong, compressed, covered with ciliated scales
of moderate size. Mouth very protractile, the intermaxillary
pedicles extending backwards to the occiput. Teeth villiform;
minute teeth on the vomer. One dorsal, scaleless, with feeble
spines. D. 11/11, A. 3/9. Caudal fin forked. Præoperculum
without serrature. Branchiostegals six.

Small fishes from the Mediterranean, known to the ancients; valueless as food. Three species.

SMARIS.--Body oblong or cylindrical, covered with rather small
ciliated scales. Mouth very protractile, the intermaxillary
pedicles extending backwards to the occiput. Teeth villiform.
Palate toothless. One dorsal, scaleless, with eleven or more
very feeble spines; anal with three. Caudal fin forked.
Præoperculum without serrature. Branchiostegals six.

Small fishes from the Mediterranean. Six species.

CÆSIO.--Body oblong, covered with ciliated scales of moderate
size. Cleft of the mouth more or less oblique, with the
jaws equal in length anteriorly, or with the lower somewhat
projecting. Teeth villiform; palate generally toothless. One
dorsal, with from nine to thirteen very feeble spines, with the
anterior part highest, and the posterior covered with minute
scales. Caudal fin deeply forked. Præoperculum without, or with
minute, serrature.

Small fishes from the Indo-Pacific. Twelve species.

ERYTHRICHTHYS.--Body elongate, covered with small ciliated
scales. Mouth very protractile, the pedicles of the
intermaxillary extending to the occiput. Dentition quite
rudimentary or entirely absent Two dorsal fins connected by
a series of very feeble spines; also the anterior spines are
feeble. Præoperculum not serrated.

Small fishes from various tropical and temperate seas. Four species: the species figured occurs, but is not common, on the coasts of Western Austria, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

OLIGORUS.--Body oblong, covered with small scales. Cleft of the
mouth rather oblique, the lower jaw being the longer. Teeth
villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer and palatine
bones. One dorsal, with eleven spines; anal with three; caudal
fin rounded. Præoperculum with a single smooth or obtusely
denticulated margin.

To this genus belong two fishes well known on account of the excellent flavour of their flesh. The first (_O. macquariensis_) is called by the colonists “Murray-Cod,” being plentiful in the Murray River and other rivers of South Australia. It attains to a length of more than three feet, and to a weight of nearly 100 lbs. The second (_O. gigas_) is found in the sea, on the coast of New Zealand, and called by the Maoris and colonists “Hapuku.” Its average weight is about 45 lbs., but occasionally large specimens of more than a hundredweight are caught. At certain localities it is so plentiful that it may form an important article of trade. Dr. Hector, who has had opportunity of examining it in a fresh state, has pointed out anatomical differences from the Murray-Cod, from which it appears that it would be better placed in a distinct genus.

GRYSTES.--Body oblong, covered with scales of moderate size. All
the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer and
palatine bones. One dorsal fin with ten spines; anal with three;
caudal fin rounded. Præoperculum with a single smooth margin.

One species, from the fresh waters of the United States (_G. salmonoides_), attains to a length of more than two feet. It is known by the name of “Growler,” and eaten.

ARRIPIS.--Body oblong, covered with scales of moderate size. All
the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer and
palatine bones. One dorsal fin, with nine slender spines; anal
with three. Præoperculum denticulated.

Three species are known, from the coasts of Southern Australia and New Zealand. They are named by the colonists Salmon or Trout, from their elegant form and lively habits, and from the sport they afford to the angler. Their usual size is from 1 to 3 lbs., but specimens of double that weight are taken. The smaller specimens are the more delicate and better flavoured. When not fresh, they are liable to assume poisonous properties; and cases of poisoning are not unfrequently caused by them.

HURO.--Body oblong, compressed, covered with scales of moderate
size. All the teeth villiform; bones of the head without
serrature. Mouth rather oblique, with the lower jaw projecting.
Two dorsal fins, the first with six spines.

The “Black Bass” of Lake Huron (_Huro nigricans_).

AMBASSIS.--Body short, strongly compressed, covered with large
thin deciduous scales. Mouth oblique, with the lower jaw
longest; teeth villiform, without conspicuously larger canines;
teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. Two dorsal fins, the
first with seven, the anal with three spines; a horizontal
spine pointing forwards in front of the dorsal fin. The lower
limb of the præoperculum with a double serrated margin.

This genus comprises the smallest of all Percoids, some of the species not much exceeding one inch in length. They are most abundant on the coasts of the tropical Indo-Pacific, and in the fresh waters belonging to that area. The species are numerous (some thirty having been described), and very difficult to distinguish. Their coloration is very plain, a silvery hue prevailing over the whole fish.

APOGON.--Body rather short, covered with large deciduous scales.
Mouth oblique, with the lower jaw longest; teeth villiform,
without canines; teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. Two
dorsal fins, the first with six or seven, the anal with two
spines. Præoperculum with a double edge on the margin, one or
both edges being serrated. Seven branchiostegals.

Although of similarly small size, the fishes of this genus represent a more highly developed form of the Percoid type than _Ambassis_. Their distribution coincides very much with that of _Ambassis_, but they are chiefly marine, comparatively few of the species entering fresh water. They belong to the kind of fishes which, from their habit, are termed “Coral Fishes,” being found in greatest abundance on, or in the neighbourhood of, coral reefs, in company with Chætodonts, Pomacentridæ, and others. Their colours also are ornamental and highly diversified, as is generally the case in coral fishes, the majority of the species showing transverse or longitudinal bands or large spots, and numerous other smaller markings which, in the dead fish, soon disappear. Nearly one hundred species have been described, of which a few only occur in the Atlantic, one extending northwards into the Mediterranean.

_Chilodipterus_, _Acropoma_, and _Scombrops_ are allied genera, but with canine teeth in one or both jaws.

POMATOMUS.--Body oblong, covered with scales of moderate size.
Eye very large. All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth
on the vomer and palatine bones. Two dorsal fins, the first with
seven, the anal with two spines. No serration on any of the
bones of the head. Branchiostegals seven.

One species only is known, _P. telescopium_, which grows to a length of nearly two feet. It is not uncommon in the Mediterranean and neighbouring parts of the Atlantic, but only occasionally caught, as it lives habitually at a greater depth than any other Percoid as far as is known at present, probably at depths from 80 to 200 fathoms; a habit sufficiently indicated by its exceedingly large eye.

PRIACANTHUS.--Body short, compressed, covered with small rough scales, which extend also over the short snout. Lower jaw and chin prominent. Eye large. All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. One dorsal fin with ten spines, anal with three. Præoperculum serrated, with a more or less prominent, flat, triangular spine at the angle.

A very natural genus, easily recognised, and without direct relation to the other Percoid genera. The species, of which seventeen are known, are spread over nearly all the tropical seas, and belong to the more common fishes. They scarcely exceed a length of twelve inches, and are very uniformly coloured, red, pink, and silvery prevailing.

* * * * *

The following three genera form a group by themselves, which, however, is defined rather by its geographical limits and similarity of general appearance than by distinctive anatomical characters. The species are abundant in the fresh waters of the United States, and well known by the name of “Sun Fishes.” They rarely exceed a length of six inches, and are not used as food. The number of species is uncertain.

CENTRARCHUS.--Body short, compressed, with scales of moderate
size. All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the
vomer, palatines, and on the tongue. One dorsal fin; anal
generally with more than three spines. Præoperculum without
serrature; operculum not lobed.

BRYTTUS.--Body short, compressed, with scales of moderate size.
All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer and
palatine bones. One dorsal fin with nine or ten, anal with three
spines. Præoperculum not serrated; operculum with a rounded
membranaceous coloured lobe behind.

POMOTIS.--Body short, compressed, with scales of moderate
length. All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth on the
vomer, but none on the palatine bones. One dorsal, with from
nine to eleven spines, anal with three. Præoperculum entire
or minutely serrated; operculum with a rounded membranaceous
coloured lobe behind.

* * * * *

A NORTH AMERICAN Freshwater genus, _Aphredoderus_, occupies a perfectly isolated position in the system, and is evidently the type of a distinct family. It resembles the “Sun-fishes” of the same country with regard to the structure of the vertical fins, but has the vent situated in front of the ventrals, which are composed of more than five soft rays. The body is oblong, compressed, covered with ctenoid scales. The dorsal fin is single, and has three spines in front. Infraorbital and præoperculum with spinous teeth. Villiform teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and palatine bones. _A. sayanus_ from the southern streams and fresh waters of the Atlantic States.

To complete the list of Percoid genera, we have to mention the following:--_Siniperca_, _Etelis_, _Niphon_, _Aprion_, _Apsilus_, _Pentaceros_, _Velifer_, _Datnioides_, _Percilia_, _Lanioperca_.

SECOND FAMILY--SQUAMIPINNES.

_Body compressed and elevated, covered with scales, either finely ctenoid or smooth. Lateral line continuous, not continued over the caudal fin. Mouth in front of the snout, generally small, with lateral cleft. Eye lateral, of moderate size. Six or seven branchiostegals. Teeth villiform or setiform, in bands, without canines or incisors. Dorsal fin consisting of a spinous and soft portion of nearly equal development; anal with three or four spines, similarly developed as the soft dorsal, both being many-rayed. The vertical fins more or less densely covered with small scales. The lower rays of the pectoral fin branched, not enlarged; ventrals thoracic, with one spine and five soft rays. Stomach coecal._

The typical forms of this family are readily recognised by the form of their body, and by a peculiarity from which they derive their name _Squamipinnes_; the soft, and frequently also the spinous part of their dorsal and anal fins are so thickly covered with scales that the boundary between fins and body is entirely obliterated. The majority are inhabitants of the tropical seas, and abound chiefly in the neighbourhood of coral-reefs. The beauty and singularity of distribution of the colours of some of the genera, as _Chætodon_, _Heniochus_, _Holacanthus_, is scarcely surpassed by any other group of fishes. They remain within small dimensions, and comparatively few are used as food. They are carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates. Only a few species enter brackish water.

Extinct representatives of this family are not scarce at Monte Bolca and in other tertiary formations. All, at least those admitting of definite determination, belong to existing genera, viz. _Holacanthus_, _Pomacanthus_, _Ephippium_, _Scatophagus_. Very singular is the occurrence of _Toxotes_ in the Monte Bolca strata.

The following genera have no teeth on the palate:--

CHÆTODON.--One dorsal fin, without any notch in its upper
margin, and with the soft and spinous portions similarly
developed; none of the spines elongate. Snout short or of
moderate length. Præoperculum without, or with a fine,
serration, and without spine at the angle. Scales generally
large or of moderate size.

Seventy species are known from the tropical parts of the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, nearly all being beautifully ornamented with bands or spots. Of the ornamental markings a dark or bicoloured band, passing through the eye and ascending towards the back, is very generally found in these fishes; it frequently occurs again in other marine Acanthopterygians, in which it is not rarely a sign of the immature condition of the individual. The Chætodonts are most numerous in the neighbourhood of the coral-reefs of the Indo-Pacific, the species figured (_C. ephippium_) being as common in the East Indian Archipelago as in Polynesia, like many others of its congeners.

CHELMO differs from _Chætodon_ only in having the snout produced
into a more or less long tube.

Only four species are known, locally distributed in the tropical seas. _Ch. rostratus_, the oldest species known, is said to have the instinct of throwing a drop of water from its bill so as to light upon any insect resting on a leaf, and thus make it fall, that it may instantly dart upon it. This statement is erroneous, and probably rests upon the mistaken notion that the long bill is especially adapted for this manœuvre, which, indeed, is practised by another fish of this family (_Toxotes_). The long slender bill of Chelmo (which is a true saltwater fish) rather enables it to draw from holes and crevices animals which otherwise could not be reached by it.

HENIOCHUS.--One dorsal, with from eleven to thirteen spines, the
fourth of which is more or less elongate and filiform. Snout
rather short or of moderate length. Præoperculum without spine.
Scales of moderate size.

Four species are known from the tropical Indo-Pacific. _H. macrolepidotus_ is one of the most common fishes of that area; the species figured (_H. varius_) retains in a conspicuous manner horn-like protuberances on bones of the head, with which the young of all the species of this genus seem to be armed.

HOLACANTHUS.--Præoperculum with a strong spine at the angle. One
dorsal, with from twelve to fifteen spines. Scales of moderate
or small size.

Forty species are known, which, in their geographical distribution accompany, and are quite analogous to, the Chætodonts. One of the most common and most beautiful is called “Emperor of Japan” by the Dutch, which name has been adopted by Bloch for its specific designation, _Holacanthus imperator_. Its body is blue, longitudinally traversed by about thirty yellow bands; the ocular band, and the side behind the head, are black, edged with yellow; the caudal fin is yellow. It is a large species of this genus, sometimes attaining a length of 15 inches, and as an article of food is one of the most esteemed of all the Indian species. With regard to beauty of colours it is surpassed by another allied species, _H. diacanthus_, which likewise ranges from the east coast of Africa to Polynesia.

POMACANTHUS differs from _Holacanthus_ in having from eight to
ten spines only in the dorsal fin.

The single species (_P. paru_) on which this genus is founded is one of the most common fishes of the West Indies, and offers one of the most remarkable instances of variation of colour within the limits of the same species: some specimens being ornamented with more or less distinct yellowish cross-bands, others with yellow crescent-shaped spots; in others black spots predominate.

SCATOPHAGUS.--Two dorsal fins, united at the base, the first
with ten or eleven spines; only the second is scaly. A recumbent
spine before the dorsal, pointing forwards. Anal with four
spines. Snout rather short. Præoperculum without spine. Scales
very small.

Four species are known, from the Indian Ocean, of which _S. argus_ is the most generally known, in fact, one of the most common Indian shore-fishes. It freely enters large rivers, and is said not to be particular in the selection of its food. The species figured (_S. multifasciatus_) represents _S. argus_ on the coasts of Australia.

EPHIPPUS.--Snout short, with the upper profile parabolic. Dorsal
fin deeply emarginate between the spinous and soft portions,
the former with nine spines, the third of which is rather
elongate, and flexible; spinous portion not scaly; anal spines
three. Pectoral fin short. Præoperculum without spine. Scales of
moderate size, or rather small.

Two or three species are known from the warmer parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Atlantic species (_E. faber_) shows the remarkable peculiarity that in old specimens (12 and more inches long) the occipital crest, and sometimes some of the anterior neural and hæmal spines are enormously enlarged into a globular bony mass. This can hardly be regarded as a pathological change of the bone, as it has been found in all old specimens, without exception.

_Drepane_ is allied to _Ephippus_, but has very long falciform pectoral fins. The single species _D. punctata_ is common in the Indian Ocean and on the coasts of Australia. _Hypsinotus_, from Japan, appears to inhabit a greater depth than the other Squamipinnes.

_Scorpis_ and _Atypichthys_ are genera distinguished from the preceding by the presence of vomerine teeth. They belong to the coast-fauna of Australia, New Zealand, and Chili.

TOXOTES.--Body short, compressed, covered with scales of
moderate size. Snout pointed, with a wide lateral mouth and
projecting lower jaw. One dorsal, with five strong spines
situated on the posterior part of the back; the soft portion
and the anal fin scaly, the latter with three spines. Villiform
teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and palatine bones. Scales of
moderate size, cycloid.

Two species are known from the East Indies, one (_T. jaculator_), which is the more common, ranging to the north coast of Australia. It has received its name from its habit of throwing a drop of water at an insect which it perceives close to the surface, in order to make it fall into it. The Malays, who call it “Ikan sumpit,” keep it in a bowl, in order to witness this singular habit, which it continues even in captivity.

THIRD FAMILY--MULLIDÆ.

_Body rather low and slightly compressed, covered with large thin scales, without or with an extremely fine serrature. Two long erectile barbels are suspended from the hyoid, and are received between the rami of the lower jaw and opercles. Lateral line continuous. Mouth in front of the snout, with the cleft lateral and rather short; teeth very feeble. Eye lateral, of moderate size. Two short dorsal fins remote from each other, the first with feeble spines; anal similar to the second dorsal. Ventrals with one spine and five rays. Pectorals short. Branchiostegals four; stomach siphonal._

The “Red Mullets” form a very natural family, which, on account of slight modifications of the dentition, has been divided into several sub-genera--_Upeneoides_, _Upeneichthys_, _Mullus_, _Mulloides_, and _Upeneus_. They are marine fishes, but many species enter brackish water to feed on the animalcules abounding in the flora of brack-water. About forty different species are known chiefly from tropical seas, the European species (_M. barbatus_, see p. 43, Fig. 7), extending far northwards into the temperate zone. None attain to a large size, specimens of from two to three lbs. being not common, but all are highly esteemed as food.

The most celebrated is the European species (of which there is one only, _M. surmuletus_ being probably the female). The ancient Romans called it _Mullus_, the Greeks τριγλη. The Romans priced it above any other fish; they sought for large specimens far and wide, and paid ruinous prices for them.

“Mullus tibi quatuor emptus
Librarum, cœnæ pompa caputque fuit,
Exclamare libet, non est hic improbe, non est
Piscis: homo est; hominem, Calliodore, voras.”
MARTIAL, x. 31.

Then, as nowadays, it was considered essential for the enjoyment of this delicacy that the fish should exhibit the red colour of its integuments. The Romans brought it, for that purpose, living into the banqueting room, and allowed it to die in the hands of the guests, the red colour appearing in all its brilliancy during the death struggle of the fish. The fishermen of our times attain the same object by scaling the fish immediately after its capture, thus causing a permanent contraction of the chromatophors containing the red pigment (see p. 183).

FOURTH FAMILY--SPARIDÆ.

_Body compressed, oblong, covered with scales, the serrature of which is very minute, and sometimes altogether absent. Mouth in front of the snout, with the cleft lateral. Eye lateral, of moderate size. Either cutting teeth in front of the jaws, or molar teeth on the side; palate generally toothless. One dorsal fin, formed by a spinous and soft portion of nearly equal development. Anal fin with three spines. The lower rays of the pectoral fin are generally branched, but in one genus simple. Ventrals thoracic, with one spine and five rays._

The “Sea-breams” are recognised chiefly by their dentition, which is more specialised than in the preceding families, and by which the groups, into which this family has been divided, are characterised. They are inhabitants of the shores of all the tropical and temperate seas. Their coloration is very plain. They do not attain to a large size, but the majority are used as food.

The extinct forms found hitherto are rather numerous; the oldest come from the cretaceous formation of Mount Lebanon; some belong to living genera, as _Sargus_, _Pagellus_; of others from Eocene and Miocene formations no living representative is known--_Sparnodus_, _Sargodon_, _Capitodus_, _Soricidens_, _Asima_.

_First Group--Cantharina._--More or less broad cutting, sometimes lobate, teeth in front of the jaws; no molars or vomerine teeth; the lower pectoral rays are branched. Partly herbivorous, partly carnivorous. The genera belonging to this group are:--_Cantharus_ from the European and South African coasts, of which one species (_C. lineatus_), is common on the coasts of Great Britain, and locally known by the names “Old Wife,” “Black Sea-bream;” _Box_, _Scatharus_, and _Oblata_ from the Mediterranean and neighbouring parts of the Atlantic; _Crenidens_ and _Tripterodon_ from the Indian Ocean; _Pachymetopon_, _Dipterodon_, and _Gymnocrotaphus_ from the Cape of Good Hope; _Girella_ and _Tephræops_ from Chinese, Japanese, and Australian Seas; _Doydixodon_ from the Galapagos Islands and the coasts of Peru.

_Second Group--Haplodactylina._--In both jaws flat and generally tricuspid teeth; no molars; vomerine teeth. The lower pectoral rays simple, not branched. Vegetable feeders. Only one genus is known, _Haplodactylus_, from the temperate zone of the Southern Pacific.

_Third Group--Sargina._--Jaws with a single series of incisors in front, and with several series of rounded molars on the side. One genus is known, _Sargus_, which comprises twenty species; several of them occur in the Mediterranean and the neighbouring parts of the Atlantic, and are popularly called “Sargo,” “Sar,” “Saragu:” names derived from the word Sargus, by which name these fishes were well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. One of the largest species is the “Sheep’s-head” (_Sargus ovis_), from the coasts of the United States, which attains to a weight of 15 lbs., and is highly esteemed on account of the excellency of its flesh. Singularly enough, this genus occurs also on the east coast of Africa, one of these East-African species being identical with _S. noct_ from the Mediterranean. These fishes evidently feed on hard-shelled animals, which they crush with their molar teeth.

_Fourth Group--Pagrina._--Jaws with conical teeth in front and molar teeth on the sides. Feeding, as the preceding, on hard-shelled animals, like Mollusks and Crustaceans. This group is composed of several genera:--

LETHRINUS.--Cheeks scaleless. Body oblong, covered with scales
of moderate size (L. lat. 45–50). Canine teeth in front; lateral
teeth in a single series, broadly conical or molar-like. Formula
of the fins: D. 10/9, A. 3/8.

More than twenty species are known, all of which, with one exception, occur in the tropical Indo-Pacific. The species, forming this exception, occurs, singularly enough, on the west coast of Africa, where more than one Indian genus reappears in isolated representative species. Some Lethrini attain to a length of three feet.

_Sphærodon_ is closely allied to _Lethrinus_, but has scales on the cheek. One species from the Indo-Pacific.

PAGRUS.--Body oblong, compressed, with scales of moderate size.
Several pairs of strong canine-like teeth in both jaws; molars
arranged in two series. Cheeks scaly. The spines of the dorsal
fin, eleven or twelve in number, are sometimes elongate, and can
be received in a groove; anal spines three.

Thirteen species are known, chiefly distributed in the warmer parts of the temperate zones, and more scantily represented between the tropics. Several species (_P. vulgaris, P. auriga, P. bocagii_) occur in the Mediterranean and the neighbouring parts of the Atlantic; one (_P. argyrops_) is well known on the coasts of the United States under the names of “Scup,” “Porgy,” or “Mishcup,” and one of the most important food fishes, growing to a length of 18 inches and a weight of 4 lbs.; another (_P. unicolor_) is one of the best-known sea-fishes of Southern Australia and New Zealand, where it is called “Snapper;” it is considered very good eating, like all the other species of this genus, and attains, like some of them, a length of more than 3 feet and a weight exceeding 20 lbs.

PAGELLUS.--Body oblong, compressed, with scales of moderate
size. Jaws without canines; molars on the sides arranged in
several series. Cheeks scaly. The spines of the dorsal fin, from
eleven to thirteen in number, can be received in a groove; anal
spines three.