372 GREY GURNARD. Class IV. 



extremity of the gill covers is a strong, sharp, 

 and long spine; beneath that, just above the 

 pectoral fins, another. The first dorsal fin con- 

 sists of eight spiny rays ; the sides of the three 

 first tuberculated ; the second dorsal fin of 

 nineteen soft rays ; both fins lodged in a groove, 

 rough on each side, and very slightly serrated ; 

 the pectoral fins do not extend as far as the anal 

 fins, are cinereous, transparent, and supported 

 by ten rays, bifurcated from their middle ; the 

 three beards at their base as usual ; the ventral 

 fins have six rays, the first spiny, and the shortest 

 of all ; the anal fin nineteen, each soft ; the tail 

 is bifurcated. The lateral line very prominent, 

 strongly serrated, and of a silvery color. The 

 back, tail, and a small space beneath the side 

 line, are of a deep grey, covered with small 

 scales, and are spotted with white and reddish 

 yellow ; the belly silvery. 



These fishes are usually taken with the hook 

 in deep water, bite eagerly even at a red rag ; 

 and sometimes are fond of sporting near the 

 surface. They are often found of the length of 

 two feet and a half. 



