!20 



SPINY-FINNED FISHES. 



The Sea Perch or Basse [Labrax) closely resembles tlie river perch. 

 The scales are lar^o, of a metallic lustre, and the operculum is ser- 



blG. 246— IHE PtlitH. 



rated upon its middle plate. This fish abounds on our southern 

 coast, and is much esteemed as an article of food. 



Fig. 247. — the basse. 



The Mnllets (Mulhis) are easily clistingiiislied by the 

 large scales with which the whole body is covered, and 

 by two long cirrJii, or beards, that hang from under the 

 lower jaw. Two species live in European seas, namely, 

 the Red Mullet and the Surmullet. 



Tlie Red Mullet fMuIIus harhatus) has the body and tail red, even 

 after the scales have been removed ; its size is ordinarily from eiglit 

 to ten inches. It lives in many seas, particularly in the Mediterra- 

 nean, and is much prized for the excellency of its flesh. It is 



