FAMILY SPARID^ PAGRUS. 95 



its occasionally greater size. It agrees so well with the P. argyrops, that we were at first 

 almost inchned to believe it to be identical with that species. It appears to differ chiefly by 

 the teeth. In Chrysophris, the molar teeth are said to be in three rows ; while in the cha- 

 racters of Pagrus, there are two rows of molars, and, in addition, fine granular or card-like 

 teeth on the sides. To make the Gilt-head identical with the Big Porgee, it is necessary to 

 suppose, that with age, the lateral card-like teeth on the sides become broad and rounded 

 like molars, such as arc figured and described (pi. 9). 



Schoepff (p. 1.51) has left a slight notice of a species, which (taken in connection with the 

 observations of MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes) may allude to the Gilt-head above described: 



" Spams chrysops, L. Aurata hahamensis, Cat. (Carol. Vol. 2, p. 16. pi. 16.) Porgee in Caro- 

 lina, Dr. Garden. The description agrees. I saw it in Providence,* under the name of Maggot- 

 fish. Its forehead is smooth." 



GENUS PAGRUS. Cuvier. 



Four to six stout conical teeth in front of each jaw, and two scries of round teeth on the 

 sides. Many species have, behind the front teeth, numerous small granular or card-like 

 teeth. Body generally deep. 



THE BIG PORGEE. 



Pagrus argyrops. 



PLATE IX. FIG. 25. —(STATE COLLECTION.) 



Sparus argyrops, LiN. p. 471. 



Sparus, Poki or Porgee. ScHCEPFF, Fishes, &c. Vol. 8, p. 153. 



Spare xaniure. Lacep. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 4, p. 120. 



Big Porgee of Nno-York, Jjabrus versicolor. Mitch. Tr. Lit. and Phil. Vol. 1, p. 404, pi. 3, fig. 7. 



Le Pagre ail d'argcnt, P. argyrops. Cuv. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 6, p. 164. 



Scappaug, Scup, P. id. Storer, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 38. 



Characteristics. With brilliant metallic reflections on the sides. A short recumbent spine in 

 front of the dorsal fin. The second and third dorsal rays often filamentous. 

 Length 8-12 inches. 



Description. Body much compressed, gibbous above. Height nearly one-half of the length. 

 Scales large, adherent, rounded behind, finely denticulated ; the radical portion straight, 

 with radiating plaits, and festooned on its margin. Lateral line elevated, and, except near 

 its origin, concurrent with the back. Facial line sloping, sliglitly arched over the orbits. 



* We are left to conjecture whether Providence in the Bahamas, or in the State of Rhode-Island, is intended. Schcepff visited 

 both places. I think it more likely that he meant the former. I know of no name of Maggot-fish, applied to any species on the 

 coast of Rhode-Island. 



