FAMILY PERCID.E CENTEOPRISTES. 25 



The stomach of the Black Sea Bass has four caecal appendages. The generative organs 

 are double, both in the male and female. The air-bladder is large and simple. There are 

 twenty-four vertebrae. 



Color. A uniform bluish-black, sometimes with a bronzed appearance. Dr. Mitchill 

 describes this species as " regularly speckled with black and white from the head to the tail." 

 The deeper color of the edges of the scales gives a regularly reticulated appearance to the 

 whole surface of the body. The fins, excepting the pectoral, are of a light blue color. The 

 dorsal fin distinctly, and the anal fin more faintly, mottled with pale blue. 



Length, 6-0 -12-0. 



Fin rays, D. 10.11; P. 18 ; V. 1.5; A. 3.7; C. 17 f. 



This is one of the most savory and delicate of the fishes which appear in our markets from 

 May to July. Its most usual name with us is Sea Bass, although it is sometimes called 

 Blue-fish, Black Harry, Hannahills and Black Bass. Farther south, it is named Black- 

 fish. Its geographical range appears to be extensive along our coast. It is found on the coast 

 of Florida, and its northern limits appear to be bounded by Cape Cod on the coast of Massa- 

 chusetts. We learn from Dr. Storer, that it is caught in great numbers at Martha's Vineyard, 

 for the New- York market. It is a southern species, ranging northward in the early part of 

 the summer, and returning in the autumn. From causes which we are unable to explain, it 

 sometimes happens that its northern migration is obstructed to a considerable extent. 



(EXTRA-LIMITAL.) 



C. trifwrca. (Cuv. at Val., Vol. 3, p. 43.) With seven blue bands. The third and fourth dorsal 

 spines with fleshy slips, as long as the spines themselves. S. Carolina. 



Fauna — Part 4. 



