SEA SCORPION. 77 



between them ; the inner edges of the orbits elevated with a 

 hollow depression above, but no occipital spines : preopercu- 

 lum with three spines, the upper one the longest, but 

 not reaching beyond the edge of the gill-cover ; operculum 

 with two spines, the upper one also the longer, the lower 

 one pointing downwards ; there is besides a scapular and a 

 clavicular spine on each side : gill-openings large ; the body 

 tapers off rapidly, and is mottled over with dark purple brown 

 occasionally varied with rich red brown ; the belly white ; 

 the first dorsal fin slightly connected with the second by an 

 extension of the membrane ; lateral line smooth ; the ventral 

 fins attached posteriorly by a membrane to the belly. 



The males are generally brighter in colour than the fe- 

 males : occasionally when in good condition the pectoral fins 

 are striped with red, and the belly ornamented with several 

 pure white circular spots on a ground colour of brilliant 

 scarlet. 



The vignette below represents the cranium of the Miller's 

 Thumb. 





