THREE-SPOTTED WRASS. SEAWIFE. 37 



The dorsal fin begins above the base of the pectoral, with 

 thirty rays, of which sixteen are firm; anal fin has two firm 

 and twelve soft rays: both these fins expanded posteriorly, and 

 end opposite each other. Tail round, nineteen rays; ventrals 

 six. There is some variety in the colour, but chiefly as regards 

 the depth or intensity, those examples which live in the deeper 

 water and most rocky ground being generally of a lively 

 vermilion, paler on the belly. 



This fish obtains its name from some remarkable very dark 

 spots on the back and dorsal fin, in many cases amounting to 

 five, and I have not known them less than three. One is at 

 the origin of the dorsal fin, and is sometimes wanting; the 

 others are at the hind ward part of the back, extending up on 

 the dorsal fin, except the last, which is on the back behind 

 the termination of that fin; and alternate with these mentioned 

 spots are an equal number of pale or flesh-coloured spots, 

 ending with the latter. I have known an example where the 

 red colour was more dull, with the absence of the spot at the 

 origin of the dorsal fin, and of all the light-coloured spots. 

 The tail also hud a slight border of blue. 



SEAWIFE. 



Acantholabms Yarrellii, YAKKELL, British Fishos, vol. i, p. 339. 



THE only example on record of this supposed species was 

 not preserved, and Professor- Nilsson believes that it was an 

 irregularly-formed individual of the Cook; to which opinion 

 Dr. Gimther agrees "Cata''o^ue of British Museum," vol. iv. 



