136 THE SPINED SERRANUS. 



have applied the title of " Barbier." The ventral 

 fins have the rays very long, reaching nearly to the 

 middle of the anal. It is found every where in 

 the Mediterranean, and is in many places abun- 

 dant. In size, it never reaches a foot in length, 

 and is most generally from five to seven inches. 



There is little doubt of this fish being known 

 to the ancients ; and it was rendered sacred 

 among the divers for marine productions, from 

 the supposition that no formidable fish would 

 approach its retreats. When caught by a hook, 

 they were said to be immediately relieved by the 

 rest of the shoal cutting the line with their sharp 

 spine. A much larger fish has been confused 

 with this, and has had attributed to it great 

 prowess in destroying sea monsters, and wounding 

 the fishermen when taken. 



A Brazilian species is so similar as scarcely to 

 be distinguished. It differs in the rays of some 

 of the fins, thus, D. 10.12, and C. 3.6, and Cuvier 

 has applied the name of S. tonsor. Another 

 species placed in this division, but which does 

 not agree entirely in all the characters of scaling 

 about the jaws and head, has been named S. 

 oculatus from the very large size of the eyes. 

 The colour is a rich golden rose. It is found 

 in the vicinity of Martinique. 



We now come to far the most numerous divi- 

 sion of this section, those which have the under 



