THE SPARID^. 



227 



The Thkee-banded Mullet is a native of the Indian and Polynesian Seas, and has been 

 taken off the coasts of China, Amboyna, Celebes, Ceylon, and India. 



The family MullldcB is represented in American waters by five genera, containing thirty- 

 five species. They are called collectively Surmullets, and inhabit all tropical seas ; some 

 species straying northward. The Goat-fishes belong to this family. 



The family of the SpaiidcB is represented by the Braize, otherwise known as the Beckek, 

 Paxdora, and King of the Sea-Bream. 



This is a common fish in the Mediterranean. 



BRAIZE AND YOUNG GILT 'SSh'D.-Pagrus vidgarU et Chrysophrys aurata. 



The family SparidoB is a very large one, embracing four hundred and fifty species, in fifty- 

 five genera ; abounding in temperate and tropical seas. The Snappers {Lidjanus) include sev- 

 eral very notable table fishes. The Gray Snapper and the Red Snapper are important. The 

 latter, L. blackfordii, is a late introduction in our markets. It is named in honor of the 

 notable dealer in fish at Pulton Market, who adds to an exceptional reputation as a business 

 man a scientific spirit which is highly commendable. The Hog-fish, or Sailors' Choice iPoma- 

 dasys), is a food-fish of some note, found along the Atlantic from New York southward. The 

 various species of Grunts are classified here. The Sciip, Scuppung, or Porgee {Diplodus) is 

 an abundant and valuable food-fish. The Sheepshead {Diplodus probatoceplialus) is regarded 

 as equal if not the superior of any of our fishes as a table luxury. It is abundant from Cape 

 Cod to Texas ; though it is not so common north of Virginia, where it is prized very highly. 

 Its flesh is compared to the English turbot. Its name is derived from the aijpearance of the 

 mouth, which resembles that of a sheep. Its weight is occasionally sixteen pounds. It is 



