150 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. 



in the year 1838, by Dr. Parnell, (Mag. of Zool. and 

 Bot., i. 526). It has long been known in the JMedi- 

 terranean, where it abounds, and where, though 

 small, not exceeding eight or nine inches, it is much 

 esteemed as an article of food. According to the 

 Doctor, " it is the sweetest and most delicate of the 

 British species, although from its small size it is not 

 often brought to market." Dr. Parnell detected it 

 on the coasts of Devonshire ; Mr. Baker has since 

 observed it at Bridgewater, and it is by no means 

 uncommon. The origin of the English trivial name 

 is so apparent, as to require no remark. By the 

 second ray of the dorsal fin, which, when folded 

 down, reaches beyond the sixth ray of the second 

 dorsal, and by the form of the lateral plates, which 

 will be described in the Appendix, it can readily be 

 distinguished from other British species. It is sup- 

 posed to spawn in June. 



Gen. IX. Peristedion. — This genus, introduced 

 by Lacepede, has a strong resemblance to the 

 foregoing, but is distinguished from it by having 

 its body, as well as head, strikingly cuirassed by 

 great hexagonal plates, forming longitudinal ridges ; 

 the nasal bone, moreover is divided into two 

 parts, and the mouth has no teeth. It would 

 appear to form but a small section ; and though 

 long known in the Mediterranean, has only lately 

 been detected on the British shores. The British 

 species is 



(Sp. 19.) P. malarmat^ so by antiphrase, as it is 

 one of tlie most completely armed fishes of the Eu- 



