DUSKY PERCH. 199 



large family of Perch-like fishes, to which therefore we are 

 left to infer that its habits also belong. 



The example described was taken with a hook. It measured 

 three feet in length, and was seven inches deep, exclusive of 

 the fins; the body thick and solid; the weight sixteen pounds: 

 but it is sometimes found much larger. The under jaw 

 longest, and both, as Avell as the palate, with numerous 

 slender incurved teeth; a bed of them in front of the lower 

 jaw. Lips resembling those of a Codfish; two large open 

 nostrils, and a large hole under the projection of the nasal 

 bones. First plate of the gill-covers serrated, the second with 

 a broad flat spine projecting through the skin and pointing 

 backward. The fleshy covering of the gill-covers lengthened 

 posteriorly. The body and head covered with large scales. 

 Lateral line gently curved. Dorsal fin single, long, expanding 

 towards its termination; the first spinous ray short, the two 

 last soft rays from one root. Pectorals round; ventrals fastened 

 down with a membrane through part of their course; vent 

 an inch and a half before the origin of the anal fin. Tail 

 round. Colour of the back reddish brown, lighter on the 

 belly. Two slightly-marked pale lines on the gill-covers, one 

 on each plate, running obliquely downward. 



This fish must sometimes attain an enormous size. A figure 

 of the natural size of the head of an example taken at 

 Penzance, of Avhich the body unfortunately w^as destroyed, 

 measures one foot four inches from the front of the jaw to 

 the hinder portion of the gill-cover, and in depth, immediately 

 in front of the dorsal fin, thirteen inches. 



