PAGRUS ARGYROPS. 175 



with the dorsal outline, and runs above the middle third of the body ; its scale 

 is larger before, and is irregularly pointed behind ; its duct is large and near the 

 middle. 



Colour. See Specific Characters for colour. 



Dimensions. The length from the opercle to the tip of the tail is equal to two 

 heads and a half; the elevation opposite the pectoral, without the dorsal fin, is 

 one head ; total length, two feet. 



Habits. This animal is so seldom seen on our shores, that nothing can as yet 

 be said of its habits. 



Geographical Distribution. The Black Grouper has been observed, as far 

 as I know, only in the waters of South Carolina. 



GENUS PAGRUS.* — OM^/er. 



Characters. Both jaws armed at their anterior part with four or six stout, 

 conical incisor teeth, and with a double series of rounded molar teeth. Dorsal 

 fin single. Branchial rays six. 



PAGRUS ARGYROPS. — Linnceus. 



Plate XXV. Fig. 1, 



Specific Characters. Body much compressed, arched or gibbous above ; the 

 second and third dorsal rays prolonged ; colour silvery below ; iridescent, and 



* Family Sparidse. 



