238 COMMON SEA BREAM. 



Common Sea Bream, united a description of tlie Giltliead, which 

 he appears to have borrowed from some other authority. It is 

 further remarkable that even so Lately as when Dr. Turton 

 published his "Translation of the System of Linnceus," he gave 

 no sign by which we can conclude that he recognised our 

 Sea Bream as a distinct species. Risso is probably correct in 

 supposing that Lacepede refers to this fish by the name of 

 Sjjarus massilie7isis ; but the remarks of the French naturalist 

 tend to shew that he knew but little of its form or habits. It 

 is therefore to Risso himself that we are indebted for the first 

 distinct description of this fish as a separate species. 



The Sea Bream is among our commonest, and at times most 

 abundant fishes; and it is known from one extremity of the 

 United Kingdom to the other. It breeds with us, and usually 

 towards the end of the year, or in the months of winter; its 

 station then being chosen at the depth of from thirty to forty 

 fathoms. I have ascertained the existence of the young ones, 

 of about an inch in length, early in January; but it seems 

 probable that some of these fishes have not shed their sj^awn 

 earlier than this season; and the young do not draw near the 

 land until the spring has begun to yield to summer; after which, 

 and through the autumn, they abound along the coast, and in 

 harbours where rock and the greener sea-weeds are common, 

 where they are angled for in the evening with much success. 

 At this season they measure from four to six inches in length; 

 and do not shew the dark spot on the side, which afterwards 

 becomes a distinguishing mark of the spiecies. In this early stage 

 they bear the name of Chads; but towards the close of autumn 

 the name changes as the darkened patch begins to aj)pear. The 

 spot, however, is not fully established until about the time of 

 full growth; which is in the succeeding spring. 



This fish so far j)artakes of the nature of the others of its 

 family, as to be deej^ly sensible to cold; and in consequence 

 it happens that in ordinarily severe winters it passes into deep 

 water beyond the reach of fishermen. But it soon returns on 

 the restoration of a milder temperature, sometimes in considerable 

 nu.mbers. It occasionally happens, indeed, that from influences 

 not easily understood, they assemble in enormous multitudes; 

 and this occurs most frequently about the close of summer, 

 when they have been observed, contrary to their ordinary habits, 



