140 ACANTHOPTERYGII. PERCH FAMILY. 



is usually considered to have been the fish so sig- 

 nalized above ; but this cannot be considered certain. 

 This species is distinguished from the only other 

 British one, by having the profile more vertical, by 

 its length, in this part of the world, rarely exceed- 

 ing six inches, and by its scales being differently 

 shaped and marked, as may be seen in Mr. Yarrell's 

 work. It is a very rare fish on the British shores ; 

 Pennant, however, was satisfied of its existence on 

 the coast of Scotland, and Dr. Johnston of Berwick 

 has recently confirmed this opinion. Mr. Couch 

 also has obtained two specimens in Cornwall ; one 

 is in the Collection of the British Museum, and 

 another is possessed by Mr. Yarrell. Mr. Couch 

 describes his specimens as having one yellow line, 

 a little below the lateral line, the sides and part of 

 the belly dark red, and the back lighter in colour 

 than the other species. Mr. Yarrell states that the 

 London specimens have the colour of the most deli- 

 cate carmine on the back and sides, and the abdo- 

 men silvery white, without any appearance of a 

 yellow line. The fins are yellow. 



(Sp. 10.) M. Surmullus. The Striped Surmul- 

 let has its profile descending obliquely from the 

 forehead ; its average size, in this country, is from 

 twelve to fifteen inches in length, and the red of its 

 sides is marked with longitudinal yellow lines. 

 Like the preceding species, it is destitute of an air- 

 bladder. From Mr. Yarrell we learn, that several 

 years ago he procured a specimen from Weymouth 

 which weighed 3 Ibs. 6 oz. This fish is considered 



