APPKMMX. 42-1 



SCI^ENA. 



In our second volume, Plate LXXVI, there is a representa- 

 tion of this fish, with a description, which were obtained from 

 an example that had faded from what is the usual appearance 

 of this speeies when first caught; it is therefore judged more 

 satisfactory to supply a figure from an example which has been 

 obtained more recently, together with a description that will 

 be found more minutely particular than is elsewhere to be 

 found. 



This fish was taken at Looe, in a Mackarel sean on the 

 10th. of July, and measured in a straight line fifty-six inches; 

 depth of the body fourteen inches; the head rounded in front, 

 blunt, stout; jaws nearly equal, lips full, with a stout mystache; 

 teeth rather low, scattered, none at the symphysis; tongue large 

 and free; a thick membranous veil in front above; all within 

 the mouth a bright yellow colour. Eyes of moderate size, the 

 bony border above and round them prominent; three nostrils 

 on one side, which character is of course abnormal; lateral line 

 with a gentle sweep. The body, cheeks, and head to the front 

 covered with scales, which are large on the side, and directed 

 more obliquely than is usual in fishes. The border of the first 

 gill-cover is usually described as serrated, but in this instance 

 there was not the slightest appearance of serration; and I 

 remember to have seen an example, in company with Mr. Yarrell, 

 where also there was scarcely a mark of irregularity at that 

 part. At the hindmost gill-cover was a loose membranous border, 

 which was particularly extended at the root of the pectoral fin ; 

 also a thick fleshy substance over or on the inside of the root 

 of this fin. Ventral fins thoracic. The first dorsal fin begins 

 over, and almost before the root of the pectoral, with nine stout 

 rays; second dorsal near the first, even in breadth, with thirty 



