132 



SPARID/E. 



descend to the upper edge of the operculum, enclosing be- 

 tween them a space covered with scales ; preoperculum, sub- 

 orbital ring, nose, and the part over the eye, smooth ; cheeks, 

 operculum, and interoperculum, covered with scales ; irides 

 reddish orange ; lips and region of the mouth pale reddish 

 brown : the prevailing colour of the body is bluish grey, 

 marked with alternate dark and light narrow longitudinal 

 bands, the centres of the scales being darker than the edges ; 

 the lateral line darkest of all, and receding from the dorsal 

 line as it approaches the top of the operculum ; dorsal fin pale 

 brown, and lodged in a groove throughout its whole length : 

 the pectoral fins in colour resemble the body, as do also the 

 rays of the ventral, anal, and caudal fins ; but the membranes 

 of these fins are much darker, approaching to dusky lead co- 

 lour : the upper division of the tail the largest. 



The vignette of the teeth was drawn from the large speci- 

 men of seventeen inches before mentioned as obtained in the 

 London market. 



