178 ACANTHOPTERYGII. SEA-BREAM FAMILY. 



Spanish Sea-bream by the larger proportionate size 

 of the head, and the more rounded form of the de- 

 scending frontal outHne. One of Dr. Parnell's speci- 

 mens was thirteen inches long. The colour of the 

 body is pale silvery red, the dorsal and caudal fins 

 rose-red, the other fins paler ; reddish brown pre- 

 vails between the eyes; on the upper part of the 

 base of the pectorals there is a dark violet spot 

 which is very conspicuous even in the dried fish. 

 In the Mediterranean this fish is in highest perfec- 

 tion in spring, and is greatly esteemed. 



(Sp.39.) P. cmtrodontus. (PI. IX.) The Sea-brea^ 

 is readily distinguished by a large black spot at the 

 origin of the lateral line, which, however, does not 

 make its appearance till after the first year; the 

 teeth are fine and sharp in both jaws, smaller than 

 in the two preceding species, and disposed in two or 

 three rows in front; the molars are small and rounded. 

 Its usual size is from 1 6 to 20 inches, though Risso 

 states that it often exceeds two feet. This fish, unlike 

 its congeners, is very common in the British and 

 Irish seas, as well as in more southern latitudes ; it 

 also extends a considerable way northwards; on the 

 Scotch coast, however, it is not much known. In 

 the North of Ireland it bears the names of Murran- 

 roe^ Barwin^ and Gunner. On the west coast of 

 England it is found throughout the year; but is 

 most abundant in hot weather, and retreats alto- 

 gether when the cold is severe. The spawn is shed 

 in the beginning of winter, in deep water, and the 

 young are called Chads. In summer, when from 



