DUSKY PERCH. 199 



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

 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 well 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 which the body unfortunately was 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. 



