GREA T BRITAIN. \ 59 



Lower jaw prominent, the maxilla extending posteriorly to 

 beneath the anterior edge of the orbit. Barbel absent. 

 Teeth. Villiform, and of equal size in the jaws ; in two 

 small patches on the vomer, none on the palatines. Fins. 

 The first dorsal commences over the middle of the pectoral, 

 a short interspace between it and the base of the second 

 dorsal, and a similar interspace present between the bases 

 of the second and third dorsal fins. The first anal fin com- 

 mences under the posterior rays of the first dorsal, and 

 terminates beneath the end of the second dorsal ; second 

 anal similar to the third dorsal. Ventral inserted a short 

 distance before the pectoral. Lateral-line. Curves to 

 beneath the commencement of the second dorsal fin, from 

 whence it proceeds straight to the centre of the base of the 

 caudal fin. Vent beneath, the anterior half of the first 

 dorsal. Colours. The back of the fish when captured is of 

 a dark rifle green superiorly, becoming lighter on the sides, 

 where it usually has some golden stripes or spots, and 

 nearly white beneath. Fins dark green, the first dorsal 

 with three oblique bronze-coloured bands, and two longi- 

 tudinal ones on the second and third, all the fins edged 

 with dark colours, sometimes even black. 



Varieties. Ball observed an example, taken in the spring 

 of 1838, in which the rays of the first dorsal fin had grown 

 to more than three times their normal length. Couch 

 remarks on the young occasionally having its sides and 

 abdomen yellow or bright orange, due, it is believed, to 

 their residing in the shelter of rocks which are covered with 

 ore-weed. 



Habits. This species is common on many of our rocky 

 coasts all round the country, and usually prefers not being 

 far from land, waiting to dash upon any unwary prey that 

 comes within reach. Low observed that in the Orkneys it 





