THE COMMON PERCH. 217 



It is remai-kable not only for the oifensive weapons with which it is armed, but for the large, 

 full eye, the saw-like series of notches on the abdomen, and the beautiful rosy hue of its 

 scales. The dorsal fin of this fish is single, but is composed of two distinct portions, the one 

 being supported by strong, spinous rays, and the other by soft and flexible rays. The muzzle 

 is very short, rounded, and does not protrude ; the tail is deeply forked, and the serrated 

 portion of the abdomen consists of eleven, twelve, or thirteen scales. The body is very deep, 

 in proportion to its length. 



' Before proceeding to the next family, we must casually notice two large genera belong- 

 ing to this family. Of the first genus the Murdjan Perch {Myripristis murdjan) is a good 

 example. 



This handsome fish is found oflf the coasts of India and in the Red Sea, and can be easily 

 recognized by its beautiful coloring, its large scales, short muzzle, and prominent chin. The 

 general color of this splendid fish is bright rose-pink, beautifully mottled by a rich violet 

 edge to each scale. The soft portions of the dorsal, ventral, and anal fins are boldly margined 

 with white, and the front rays have a cross band of violet-brown. The tail fin is edged with 

 white, and a longitudinal stripe of violet-brown traverses each lobe. About fourteen or fifteen 

 species of this genus are known. 



Of the next genus, the Scarlet Perch {Holocentrum rubrum) is rather a striking 

 example. 



This fine fish inhabits the Asiatic seas, and there are specimens in the museums from the 

 Red Sea, Amboyna, Louisiade Archipelago, the Philippines, Japan, and China. On the 

 operculum are two strong sjiines, the upper being the larger. The color of this fish is shining 

 red, diversified with eight bands of grayish-white. The outer edges of the tail fin are black, 

 and there is a patch of the same color on the ventral fins. This genus contains many very 

 handsome species, and in almost every case the prevailing colors are red and violet. 



PERCH, MULLET, BRAIZE. 



We now come to the large and important family of the Perches, which comprises many 

 of the handsomest and most valuable fishes. The members of this family are found in aU 

 parts of the globe. 



The Common Perch is well known as one of the handsomest river-fish, and, on account 

 of its boldness and the voracious manner in which it takes the bait, and the active strength 

 with which it struggles against its captor, is a great favorite with many anglers. 



Moreover, when captured, and placed in an aquarium, it very soon learns to distinguish 

 the hand that feeds it, and will come to the sxirface and take food from the fingers. It has 

 a fashion of seizing its food with a rather sharp jerk, and then snatches it away with such 

 violence, that, when it takes the hook, it will drag a stout cork float several inches below the 

 surface, and, by the force of its own stroke, will mostly hook itself, without any exertion on 

 the part of the angler. Bold-biting, however, as is its reputation, there are some seasons of 

 the year when it is almost impossible to catch a Perch, and even the shy and gently-nibbling 

 roach is an easier prey. 



The flesh of the Perch is white, firm, well-flavored, and is thought to be both delicate and 

 nutritious. 



The Perch is not a large fish ; from two to three pounds being considered rather a heavy 

 weight. Individuals, however, of much greater dimensions have been, though rarely, capt- 

 ured. 



The color of the Perch is rich greenish-brown above, passing gradually into golden-white 

 below. Upon the sides is a row of dark transverse bands, generally from five to seven in 

 number. The first dorsal fin is brown, with a little black between two or three of the first 



Vol. m.— 28. 



