POLYNEMOS, &C. 17] 



position of the dorsal fins, both of which are 

 small, the last with the rays extremely delicate. 

 Three species known inhabit the Mediterranean, 

 discovered by M. Risso. 



Polynemos — The head entirely scaled; the 

 preopercle toothed; the scales easily deciduous ; 

 the dorsal fins far separated, and, with the anal 

 fin, covered with scales; before the pectoral fins 

 there are long filamentous appendages, varying 

 in their numbers in different species. The species 

 are numerous, and of varied distribution. Some 

 are much esteemed for food. 



The Mullets — These fish, separated by Cuvier 

 into two divisions, have been placed at the end of 

 the Percoid fishes in an appendix, in a kind 

 of indecision as to their proper station, but as 

 nevertheless bearing a resemblance to them. They 

 are distinguished by their separated dorsal fins, 

 their large scales easily rubbed off, and by the 

 filaments attached to the lower jaw. The first 

 division is 



Mullus, Linnaeus — Comprehending the far- 

 famed " Mugir of the ancients. Characterized 

 by no teeth on the upper jaw, no spine on the 

 operculum, and no air bladder. Three species are 

 described by Cuvier, and in the Toura Italica of 



