PERCID^, 395 



neighbourhood of, coral reefs, in company with Chsetodonts, 

 Pomacentridse, and others. Their colours also are orna- 

 mental and highly diversified, as is generally the case in 

 coral fishes, the majority of the species showing transverse 

 or longitudinal bands or large spots, and numerous other 

 smaller markings which, in the dead fish, soon disaj)pear. 

 Nearly one hundred species have been described, of which 

 a few only occur in the Atlantic, one extending northwards 

 into the Mediterranean. 



Chilodi2Jterus, Acropoma, and Scomhrops are allied genera, 

 but with canine teeth in one or both jaws. 



POMATOMUS. — Body oblong, covered with scales of moderate 

 size. Eye very large. All the teeth villiform, without canines ; 

 teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. Two dorsal fins, the 

 first with seven, the anal with two spines. No serration on 

 any of the bones of the head. Branchiostegals seven. 



One species only is known, P. iclcscopium, which grows 

 to a length of nearly two feet. It is not uncommon in the 

 Mediterranean and neighbouring parts of the Atlantic, but 

 only occasionally caught, as it lives habitually at a greater 

 depth than any other Percoid as far as is known at present, 

 probably at depths from 80 to 200 fathoms ; a habit suffi- 

 ciently indicated by its exceedingly large eye. 



Priacanthus. — Body short, compressed, covered Avith small 

 rough scales, wliich extend also over the short snout. Lower 

 jaw and chin prominent. Ej^e large. All the teeth villiform, 

 without canines ; teeth on the vomer and palatine bones. One 

 dorsal fin with ten spines, anal with three. Prseoperculum ser- 

 rated, with a more or less prominent, flat, triangular spine at 

 the angle. 



A very natural genus, easily recognised, and without 

 direct relation to the other Percoid genera. The species, of 

 which seventeen are known, are spread over nearly all the 

 tropical seas, and belong to the more common fishes. They 



