60 



FISH GALLERY. 



[Case 6.] 



ranus) are found on the shores of all temperate and tropical seas, 

 and extremely numerous in species. Some (S. gigas and others) 

 attain to a size of over 7 feet, and become then dangerous to man. 

 Three fine specimens of these gigantic Sea-Perches are exhibited 

 in separate cases opposite the wall-cases. 



The Mullidce, or Red Mullets (Case 5), are characterized by the 

 rather low and slightly compressed body, covered with large thin 

 scales; two long erectile barbels are suspended from the hyoid, 

 and can be laid backwards in the hollow at the lower side of the 

 head ; the mouth is rather short, and the teeth are very feeble ; two 

 short dorsal fins remote from each other, the first with feeble spines. 

 They are marine fishes, celebrated for the delicacy of their flesh. 

 The European Mullet [Mullus barbatus) was prized by the ancient 

 Romans above any other fish. 



The Sparida, or Sea-Breams (Cases 5, 6), are recognized chiefly by 

 their dentition, which consists of either cutting-teeth in front of the 

 jaws or molar teeth on the sides. By the latter they are enabled to 

 crush and feed on hard-shelled crustaceans or mollusks. The Gilt- 

 head (Chrysophrys aurata) is common in the Mediterranean, but 

 occasionally found on the south coast of England. Other British 

 species belong to the genera Pagellus (P. erythrinus, P. centrodontus, 

 the common Sea-Bream or Chad) and Cantharus (C lineatus). One 

 of the largest species is the "Sheep's-head" (Sargus ovis) , from the 

 coast of the United States, which attains to a weight of 15 lb., and 



Fig. 45. 



The Snapper {Pagrus unicolor). 



