FOUR-TOOTHED SPARUS. 



129 



is an object of material consideration, both to the inhabitants 

 generally as a wholesome and palatable food when fresh, and 

 to the mercantile interests of those countries as an article of 

 commerce. They prepare the fish, according to ancient cus- 

 tom, by cutting it in pieces, and packing it in barrels with 

 vinegar and spices, in Avhich state it will keep perfectly well 

 for twelve months."" 



The fin-rays, according to Cuvier, are as follows : 



D. 11 -f 11 : P. 14 : V. 1 + 5 : A. 3 + 7 : C. 17. 



The form of the head is obtuse ; the character of the teeth is 

 shown in the vignette, which is taken from Bloch's figure ; 

 the eyes are rather small, the irides yellow ; the back is of a 

 brownish red, slightly mottled with some darker spots ; the 

 sides paler, and inclining to yellow ; the belly almost white. 

 This fish is said to become of a greenish purple tint by age, 

 and to be paler in colour during winter. The lateral line 

 takes the curve of the back at an equal distance throughout 

 its whole length, and at about one-fourth of the depth of the 

 fish. All the fins pale reddish brown ; the rising edges of the 

 skin and scales on each side the base of the dorsal and anal 

 fins form grooves from which these fins appear to issue. 



VOL. I 



