192 KASS. 



been named to me that readied twenty-nine pounds, I myself 

 measured an example that was in length two feet nine inches, 

 but its weight was not in pro]3ortion to its length. The head 

 and body are compressed, and the latter not so deep as in the 

 generality of this family of Perch-like fishes; but muscular 

 and strong; covered firmly with scales, as is also the first 

 gill-cover. Jaws and palate furnished with numerous small 

 teeth; the tongue as if cut short at its extremity. Anterior 

 gill-cover serrated, but on the lower border this sometimes 

 becomes obscure. The hindmost gill-cover having two blunt 

 spines, and another at the origin of the lateral line. Eyes of 

 moderate size. Lateral line slightly descending, and then 

 straight. Dorsal fins two, in a dej^ression on the back; the 

 first with strong spinous rays, of which the first, and sometimes 

 also the second, are short. Anal fin slightly behind the second 

 dorsal. Tail concave. Colour a bluish grey on the back, lighter 

 on the sides, white below. First dorsal nine, second dorsal 

 thirteen, pectoral sixteen, ventral six, anal fourteen, caudal 

 seventeen, the first ray spinous. 



