OLD WIFE. 



ancient times it appears to have been an object of attention, 

 since Oppian describes the kind of trap termed nassa, or 

 wicker pot, as used specially for taking it. The males were 

 supposed to associate each with his own female for life. This 

 species is widely distributed, its range extending at least 

 from Scotland to the Island of TenerifFe, and through the 

 Mediterranean. 



The translator of Oppian follows Gaza, who translated 

 Aristotle's name of this fish by the corresponding English 

 word Beetle, and this name, however uncertain, is still con- 

 tinued as the designation of the genus in which this fish is 

 classed. I have assigned it the name by which alone it is 

 known to the fishermen with whom I am acquainted; and, 

 although this name may be objected to as being also applied 

 to a foreign fish of a different family the Balistes vetula, the 

 latter probably having received its English name of Old Wife 

 from some supposed resemblance it bears to the Cantharus 

 lineatus yet the name I give it is less objectionable than 

 that of Black Sea Bream, since the latter is not in any case 

 descriptive of its colour, as will appear from our description. 



The example described was sixteen inches in length and five 

 in depth, exclusive of the fins. The general form compressed, 

 but solid; mouth rather small, and the under jaw a little 

 protruding; the teeth crowded, slender, erect, with some molar 

 teeth behind. Eye rather small, lateral; a large single nostril 

 a little before it, and another close to the angle of the mouth, 

 under the projecting bone. The head rises considerably, and 

 still more the back to the dorsal fin; cheeks and body covered 

 with scales, firmly fixed, and of moderate size. Lateral line 

 arched, conspicuous. The dorsal fin begins above the root of 

 the pectoral, and both it and the anal become wider poste- 

 riorly; the three last rays of the former and two of the 

 latter severally from one root, and bound down; pectorals 

 broad at the base, long, and pointed, and the roots of the 

 rays clothed with scales; tail concave. The colour is liable to 

 much variation, according to the season and health of the fish. 

 When most lively the cheeks are flesh-coloured; top of the 

 head, round the eyes, and part of the cheeks a rich brown; 

 summit of the back obscurely green; behind this and over the 

 body reddish yellow, with irregular dark brown lines. A 



