CH^TODONS. 113 



Genus Br am a. (Cuv.) 



In this genus the body is compressed and deep, 

 but less so than in the typical genera of the 

 Family ; viewed laterally the form is ovate, 

 becoming very narrow at the tail ; the forehead 

 nearly vertical. There is but one dorsal, which 

 is long, with the fore part high and pointed ; the 

 anal is similarly shaped ; the membranes of both 

 these fins are partially covered with scales : the 

 caudal is very high and formed like a narrow 

 crescent. The jaws and palate are furnished 

 with slender teeth, curved inwards ; two in front 

 are sometimes more lengthened than the rest. 



There is much in the form of this fish, in the 

 shape and position of its fins, and particularly in 

 its high crescentic caudal, as well as in its rich 

 metallic hues, that resembles the pelagic forms of 

 the great Mackerel Family, v/ith which Prince Bo- 

 naparte associates it. The scales on the vertical 

 fins induced Cuvier and Yarrell to place it among 

 the Cheetodons. Other naturalists, as Pennant, 

 Donovan, and Montagu, have considered it as a 

 Sparus ; and the common names of the only 

 species, Ray's Gilthead, and Ray's Sea-Bream, 

 indicate such a degree of resemblance to the 

 SparidcB as warrants their opinion. We may 

 safely consider the genus as closely linking to- 

 gether these three important Families. 



The single species just named, {Brama Raii^ 

 Cuv.), itself constituting the whole genus, derives 

 its specific appellation from our illustrious coun- 

 tryman, John Ray, w4iose name was conferred on 

 it by his friend and fellow-labourer, Willoughby. 



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