MULLETS. 



perch in th-jir general structure) comprehends such as have an 

 oblong, more or less, compressed body, covered with scales which 

 are generally hard. The mouth is large, and armed with teeth 

 upon all the prominent parts of its interior, and the gill-cover 

 (operculnui) is dentate or spiny on its edge ; the fins are always 

 seven or eight in number. In general, they are adorned with 

 beautiful colours, and their flesh is very agreeable food. 



The Perches (Perca) are distinguished by their smooth tongue, and by 

 the spines on their opercula. They inhabit fresh water. The common perch 

 is found throughout Europe and a great part of Asia. It inhabits lakes, rivers, 

 and running streams, and ordinarily swims at a depth of two or three feet. 

 Perches feed on worms, insects, and small fishes. They spawn in the month 

 of April, and their eggs are joined together by a viscid matter in long cords, 

 iound interlaced among reeds, c. 



FIG. 247. THE BASSE. 



The Sea-Perch, or Basse (Labrcuc} closely resembles the river-perch. The 

 scales are large, of a metallic lustre, and the operculum is serrated upon its middle 

 plate. This fish abounds on our southern coast, and is much esteemed as an article of 

 food. 



FIG. 248. RED MULLET. 



The Mullets (Mnllus) are easily distinguished by the large 

 scales with which the whole body is covered, and by two long 

 cirrhi, or beards, that hang from under the lower jaw. Two 

 species live in European seas, namely, the Red Mullet and the 

 Surmullet. 



