2752 



THE BONY FISHES AND GANOIDS 



but likewise as organs of touch. There are two dorsal fins, of which the spinous 

 is tall, and the soft one long, low, and similar to the anal; the tail fin being slightly 

 rounded. The teeth are villiform; and the air bladder, which is generally furnished 

 with lateral muscles, may be divided into two longitudinal halves. They have been 



SAPPHIRINK GURNARDS. 



(One-fifth natural size.) 



divided into three subgenera, of which the typical one is characterized by the ab- 

 sence of teeth on the palatines, and the small size of the scales, with the exception 

 of the highly modified ones forming the lateral line, which are large, triangular, 

 and spiny. The second group is distinguished by the medium size of the scales; 



