FAMILY SPARID^E PAGRUS. 95 



its occasionally greater size. It agrees so well with the P. ariryrops, that wo were at first 

 almost inclined to believe it to be identical with that species. It ap|)ears to differ chiefly by 

 the teeth. In Chrysophris, the molar teeth are said to be in three rows ; wlulc in the cha- 

 racters of Pagrus, there are two rows of molars, and, in addition, fine granvdar or card-like 

 teeth on the sides. To make the Gilt-head identical with the Big Porgee, it is necessary to 

 suppose, tiiat with age, lhc lateral card-like teeth on the sides become broad and rounded 

 like molars, such as are figured and described (pi. 9). 



Schcepff (p. 151) has left a slight notice of a species, which (taken in connection with the 

 observations of MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes) may allude to the Gilt-head above described : 



'^ Spans chri/sops, L. Aurata bahamensi!:, Cat. (Carol. Vol. 2, p. IG. pi. 16.) Porgee in Caro- 

 lina, Dr. Garden. The drscription agrees. I saw it in Providence,* under the name of Maggot- 

 fish. Its forehead is smooth." 



GENUS PAGRUS. Cuvier. 



Four to six stout conical teeth in front of each jaiu, and two series of round teeth on the 

 sides. Ma/It/ species have, behind the front teeth, numerous small granular or card-like 

 teeth. Body generally deep. 



THE BIG PORGEE. 



PaGRCS ARGYROPfS. 



PLATE IX. FIG. 85. —(STATE COLLECTION.) 



Sparus argyrops. LiN. p. 471. 



Sparus, Poki OT Porgee. ScH(i;pFF, Fishes, &c. Vol.8, p. 153. 



Spare xauture. Lacep. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 1, p. I'JO. 



Big Porgee of Ntw-York, Liibrus rcrsicolor. MiTCII. Tr. Lit. and Pliil. \'ol, 1, p. 404, pi. 3, fig. 7. 



ie Pagre ail d'argcnl, P. nrgyraps. CdV. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. U, p. 164. 



Scitppaug, Scup, P. id. Stoker, Fishes of Mass:icliusetts, p. 38. 



Characteristics. With brilliant metallic reflections on the sides. A .short recumbent spine in 

 front of the dorsal fin. The second and third dorsal rays often filamentous. 

 Length 8-12 inches. 



Description. Body much compressed, gibbous above. Height nearly one-half of the length. 

 Scales large, adherent, rounded behind, finely denticulated ; the radical portion straight, 

 with radiating plaits, and festooned on its margin. Lateral line elevated, and, excci)t near 

 its origin, concurrent witli the back. Facial line sloping, slightly arched over the orbits. 



* We arc left to conjecture whetlier Providence in the Bahamas, or in the State of Rhoilc-Islanci, is intended. Schcepff visited 

 both places. I tliinlt it more \ikc\y thai he meant the former. I know of no name of Maggot-fish, applied to any species oa the 

 coast of Rhode-Island. 



