PISCES— GILT-HEAD. ..MULLET. 747 



THE GILT-HEADi 



Takes its name from its predominant color, the forehead and sides resembling 

 gold, though the latter are tinged with brown. It has but one back fin, 

 which reaches the whole length of the body. In form, it in some degree re- 

 rembles the bream. It is found in deep waters, on bold rocky shores; it 

 subsists chiefly on shell-fish, and some of the species grow to the weight 

 of ten pounds. 



Besides the lunated, which is the most common, and takes its name from 

 a semi-lunar gold spot under the eyes, there are the red, and the toothed or 

 streaked gilt-heads, the last of which is distinguished by two canine teeth 

 on each side. 



THE MULLET2 



Was formerly much celebrated as a treat for the epicure, and frequent allu- 

 sions to it are found in the ancient satirists. It is a fish of an elegant form ; 

 is generally found by the seashores, where it roots like a hog, in the sand 

 or mud, and it is so active, that it frequently escapes, by leaping out of the 

 fishermen's nets. The head is almost square, and is flat at the top. It has 

 no teeth, only in the upper lip is a small roughness. The tail is much 

 forked. The color of the back is dusky, marked with blue and green. The 

 sides silvery, marked with dusky lines, reaching from the head to the tail. 

 The belly is silvery. 



1 Daurada auratus. The genus Daurada has the head compressed ; jaws slightly 

 extensible, with four or six conical teeth in one row ; the others fiat. 



2 Muenl cephahts, Lin. The genus Mxt^il has the head depressed, broad, and scaly ; 

 ventral fins under the abdomen ; and two snort dorsal fins; mouth with fleshy and crenu- 

 lated lips ; lower jaw with a carination in the middle, entering into a corresponding groove 

 in the upper; no teeth ; bronchial membrane with three rays. 



