70 WITH HARD CHEEKS. 



the scales, forming in continuous lines the eight angles of 

 the body, projects a sharp-pointed process directed back- 

 wards ; the scales vary in number on the different angles 

 from twenty- three to thirty. 



The fin-ray formula, according to Cuvier, is as follows : 



D. 7. 19. : P. 12. 2 : A r . 1 + 5 : A. 18 : C. 11 : Vert. 43. 



The first dorsal fin has seven rays, but the point of dis- 

 tinction between the first and second dorsal fins is liable to 

 some misconception, as it is only indicated by a decrease in 

 the extent or elevation of the connecting membrane. Five 

 or six of the rays of the first dorsal fin end in elongated 

 flexible filaments, as shown in the figure. It is supposed 

 that the males only in this species have these filaments elon- 

 gated, the rays in the females remaining short, and this may 

 account for some differences that appear in the represent- 

 tions given by some of the authors herein referred to. The 

 second dorsal fin usually contains eighteen or nineteen short 

 rays. The pectoral fin is stated by Cuvier to contain twelve 

 rays, but his figure in illustration exhibits but ten rays, and 

 I find there are ten rays in the pectoral fin in the Mediterra- 

 nean specimen before referred to ; Dr. Moored fish is de- 

 scribed as possessing but eight rays ; they appear therefore 

 liable to variation ; the free rays common to the Gurnards are 

 in this species limited to two ; between the ventral fins is an 

 elongated and flattened sternum : the body ends at the tail 

 in three short projecting spines on each side of the base of the 

 caudal rays ; the form of the tail is lunate. Dr. Moore says 

 of his fish that " its colour, when fresh, was of a uniform 

 scarlet, like the Red Gurnard, gradually softening to pale 

 flesh colour towards the abdomen ; the anal and dorsal fins 

 were crimson ; but the others pale and greyish. 



