30 PERCID.E, OR PERCH TRIBE. GURNARDS. 



having the ventral fins behind the pectorals. This group in- 

 cludes the genus Polynemus, which i , characterised by the very 

 curious extension of the rays of the pectoral fins into long fila- 

 ments, which hang loosely on each side of the body, being some- 

 times prolonged to twice its length, and giving it a very beautiful 

 appearance. The fishes of this genus are found in the seas and 

 rivers of tropical countries ; they are usually very brilliant in 

 their colours ; and they are regarded as most delicious articles of 

 food. The Mango-fish of the Ganges is a species of this genus ; 

 as is also the Suleah-fish of Bengal, to which attention has 

 recently been directed, as affording in its air-bladder a large 

 supply of excellent isinglass. Besides the foregoing, there is a 

 group of Percidae, in which the ventral fins are placed still fur- 

 ther backwards ; these are for the most part marine fishes, some 

 of them inhabiting our own coasts, and others of larger size being 

 natives of tropical seas. Among the former is the Mullus or 

 Surmullet ; which has been in great repute among epicures from 

 the time of the Romans, who used to feast their eyes upon the 

 changes of colour which the Red Mullet undergoes in dying, 

 before they devoured its flesh. This genus is quite distinct 

 from that of the Mullets properly so called. Of the tropical 

 species one of the most remarkable is the Barracuda, a large 

 and voracious fish, which is nearly as much dreaded in some 

 places as the Shark ; it is, however, a very palatable article of 

 food. 



556. The next group includes a large number of Fishes 

 nearly allied to the Perches, but having the head defended by 

 spines and hard scaly plates. First among these we may men- 

 tion the Triglcs or Gurnards ; of which we have several species 

 on our own coasts ; they are known by the squared form of their 

 heads, which are covered with bony plates. The pectoral fins 

 are usually large ; and in an allied genus, the Dactylopterus^ or 

 Flying Gurnard, they are of sufficient size to support the 

 animal for a time out of the water (Fig. 250). The Gurnards 

 emit a curious grunting or croaking noise at intervals, when 

 taken out of the sea ; and this they continue for some time. 

 They are very tenacious of life; and mostly swim near the 



