ACANTHOPTERYGII. 85 



In several genera of this great family, there is but 

 one dorsal fin, or rather the two are joined into one, 

 there being no vacant space between, though the 

 distinction is still marked between the spiny and the 

 soft part. 



Serranus.* 



This is a numerous genus, consisting of species 

 remarkable for their vivid and beautiful hues. Their 

 characters are nearly those of the true Perches, ex- 

 cept the difference of the dorsal fin. The Lettered 

 Serran (S. Scriba) is of a deep orange red, with 

 crossing black bands and spotted fins: the head is 

 most elaborately and elegantly marked with irregular 

 narrow zigzag lines of rich azure blue on the red 

 ground, assuming somewhat of the form of written 

 characters. This beauty, however, disappears in 

 death. Its flesh is valued in the Mediterranean, 

 where it is found. 



|3. JUGULAR f PERCHES. 



In this division the ventral fins are situated before 

 the pectorals, or under the throat. We illustrate it 

 by a single genus. 



Uranoscopus,% the Star-gazer. 



This is a most singularly shaped fish ; the eyes are 

 placed on the summit of the head, which is large and 



* Serra, a saw. f Jugulum, the throat. 



I Oi/oxvof, ouranos, heaven, and fKofiw 9 skopeo y to view. 



