378 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 outline. One of Dr. Parnell's speci- 

 mens was thirteen inches lonof. 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. centrodontiis. (PI. IX.) The Sea-bream 

 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 16 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 w^est 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 dee]) water, and the 

 young are called Chads. In summer, when from 



