170 URANOSCOPUS, &C. 



Vranoscopus The head disproportionally 



large and square ; the mouth opening vertically ; 

 the eyes placed on the upper part of the head ; the 

 scapular bone furnished with a strong and rough 

 spine ; the dorsal fins united ; the pectorals very 

 large ;^ these are the principal characters of this 

 singular-looking fish. The swimming bladder is 

 wanting, and the scaling is small. They are found 

 in the European, Indian, and New Holland Seas, 

 and exhibit some of the most grotesque forms 

 among fishes. 



The next fishes are distinguished by having 

 the ventral fins placed immediately behind the 

 pectorals. 



SphyrcBua Similar to Percophis in form. 



The teeth strong ; the under jaw projecting ; the 

 dorsal fins widely separated, and both of five rays. 



Esox sphyrcena of Linnaeus will serve as an 



example. Several species, chiefly from the Ame- 

 rican and Indian Seas. The Mediterranean species 

 reaches a length of three feet. Several of the 

 species are poisonous when eaten. 



Paralepis. —Aho of the lengthened form of 

 the last. The under jaw elongated ; but the form 

 is chiefly characterized by the very backward 



