The Surmullets 



European M. barbatus, and even closer to M. surmuletus, from 

 which it differs chiefly in having the fins lower, and having a 

 yellow instead of a black dorsal band. It is not abundant enough 

 to be of any value as a food-fish. 



Colour, scarlet, becoming crimson where the scales are removed; 

 snout scarlet; side with 2 distinct yellow bands; caudal scarlet; 

 first dorsal with an orange band at base and a yellow band higher 

 up, rest of fin pale; second dorsal mottled scarlet and pale; anal 

 and ventrals plain, pectorals reddish; iris violet, dusky above, 

 sides of head with silvery lustre. 



The genus Mulloides is distinguished by having its teeth in 

 villiform bands. 



The single species found in our waters is Mulloides rathbuni, 

 which occurs in the Gulf of California. 



269 



