380 FISHES. 



Numerous species are known from the West Indies and 

 Central America. These fishes are found in fresh; brackish, 

 and salt water, and some of the species indiscrimiaately enter 

 all three kinds of water. They do not grow to any large size, 

 but are esteemed as food. 



Enoplosus. — Body much elevated, the depth being still more 

 increased by the high vertical fins. All the teeth are villiform, 

 without canines ; teeth on the vomer, palatine bones, and the 

 tongue. Two dorsal fins, the first with seven spines. Prseoper- 

 culum serrated, with spinous teeth at the angle. Scales of mode- 

 rate size. 



A small and very common marine species (jE. armatus) on 

 the coast of Australia, especially New South Wales. It is 

 readily recognised by the peculiar shape of its body, and eight 

 black transverse bands on a whitish ground. 



This, and the preceding genus, leads to the true "Sea 

 perches," which never, or but rarely, enter fresh water : — ■ 



Centropeistis. — Body oblong, with scales of small or mode- 

 rate size. Teeth villiform, with small canines in both jaws ; vome- 

 rine teeth placed in an angular band, or a short triangular patch; 

 teeth on the palatine bones, but none on the tongue. One dorsal, 

 with the formula ^ „"j^^^ ; anal fin ^. Praeoperculum serrated ; 

 sometimes with the angle projecting, and armed with long spines. 



About twenty species of small size are known from tem- 

 perate and tropical seas. 



Anthias. — Body rather short, compressed, with scales of 

 moderate size. Teeth viUiform, with small canines in both jaws; 

 teeth on the vomer, and palatine teeth. One dorsal, generally 

 with ten spines ; anal fin with three ; caudal forked. The rays 

 of one or more fins may be prolonged. Prseoperculum serrated. 



About twenty species are known from temperate and 

 tropical seas; they are mostly of small size, and agreeably 

 coloured, pink and yellow being the predominant colours. 

 Anthias sacer is common in the Mediterranean, and was well 



