84 VERTEBRATA. PISCES. 



which weighed nine pounds. Several species, of 

 considerable size and beauty, inhabit the immense 

 Lakes of North America. 



Labrax,* the Sea Perch. 



This fish, one species of which, the Basse, (L. 

 Lupus,} is common on our southern coast, is closely 

 allied to the Perch, but differs in having scales upon 

 the gill-covers, and very small close teeth on the 

 tongue. The Basse was highly esteemed by the 

 ancient Greeks and Romans, and is famed in their 

 writings for its flavour, and for its cunning stratagems 

 to escape when caught. It grows to a large size, 

 having been taken nearly thirty pounds in weight, 

 and three feet in length. Its colour is a chaste 

 bluish grey, softening into silvery on the under parts. 



Apogon^ the King-Mullet. 



This singular generic name was given by Lacepede, 

 from its supposed relationship with the true Mullets. 

 The fish is remarkable for the large size of its 

 scales, which very readily come off. The fore gill- 

 cover has a finely toothed double edge. The Medi- 

 terranean species (A. Rex Mullorum) is beautifully 

 coloured, being of a bright crimson, deepest on the 

 back, where it is crossed by three patches of deep 

 black. It is prized for the table, though only three 

 or four inches in length. 



* Its ancient Greek name. f 'Afriyw?, apogonos, a relative. 



