PISCES—GILT-HEAD...MULLET. 747 
THE GILT-HEAD! 

Taxes 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 MULLET? 
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 Dawrada has the head compressed ; jaws slightly 
extensible, with four or six conical teeth in one row; the others flat. 
2 Mugil cephalus, Lis. The genus Mugil has the head depressed, broad, and scaly; 
ventral fins under the abdomen; and two short dorsal fins; mouth with fleshy and crenu- 
lated lips; lower jaw witha carination in the middle, entering into a corresponding groove 
in the upper; no teeth; bronchial membrane with three rays. 
