FAMILY SPARIDA!) — PAGRUS. 95 
its occasionally greater size. It agrees so well with the P. argyrops, that we were at first 
almost inclined to believe it to be identical with that species. It appears to differ chiefly by 
the teeth. In Chrysophris, the molar teeth are said to be in three rows; while in the cha- 
racters of Pagrus, there are two rows of molars, and, in addition, fine granular or card-like 
teeth on the sides. To make the Gult-head identical with the Big Porgee, it is necessary to 
suppose, that with age, the lateral card-like teeth on the sides become broad and rounded 
like molars, such as are figured and described (pl. 9). 
Scheepff (p. 151) has left a slight notice of a species, which (taken in connection with the 
observations of MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes) may allude to the Gilt-head above described : 
“ Sparus chrysops, L. Aurata bahamensis, Cat. (Carol. Vol. 2, p. 16. pl. 16.) Porgee in Caro- 
lina, Dr. Garpren. The description agrees, I saw it in Providence,* under the name of Maggot- 
fish, Its forehead is smooth.” 
GENUS PAGRUS. Cuvier. 
‘Four to six stout conical teeth in front of each jaw, and two series of round teeth on the 
sides. Many species have, behind the front teeth, numerous small granular or card-like 
teeth. Body generally deep. 
THE BIG PORGEE. 
PaGRUS ARGYROPS. 
PLATE 1X. FIG. 25. —(STATE COLLECTION.) 
Sparus argyrops. Ltn. p. 471. 
Sparus, Poki or Porgee. Scumprr, Fishes, &c. Vol. 8, p. 153. 
Spare xanture. Lacrp. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 120. 
Big Porgee of New-York, Labrus versicolor. Mircu, Tr. Lit. and Phil. Vol. 1, p. 404, pl. 3, fig. 7. 
Le Pagre ail d'argent, P. argyrops. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 6, p. 164. 
Scappaug, Scup, P. id. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 38. 
Characteristics. With brilliant metallic reflections on the sides. A short recumbent spine in 
front of the dorsal fin. The second and third dorsal rays often filamentous. 
Length 8 - 12 inches. 
Description. Body much compressed, gibbous above. Height nearly one-half of the length. 
Scales large, adherent, rounded behind, finely denticulated; the radical portion straight, 
with radiating plaits, and festooned on its margin. Lateral line elevated, and, except near 
its origin, concurrent with the back. Facial line sloping, slightly arched over the orbits. 
* We are left to conjecture whether Providence inthe Bahamas, or in the State of Rhode-Island, is intended. Schepff visited 
both places. I think it more likely that he meant the former. I know of no name of Maggot-fish, applied to any species on the 
coast of Rhode-Island. 
