60 



FISH GALLERY. 



ranus and Epinephelus) are found on the shores of all temperate 

 and tropical seas, and extremely numerous in species. Some 

 {Epinephelus lanceolatus and others) attain to a size of over 7 feet, 

 and become then dangerous to man. Several fine specimens of these 

 gigantic Sea-Perches are exhibited in separate cases opposite the 

 wall-cases. 



The MullidcB, or Ked 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. 



TheSparid(E,ov 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 (Paffi-us unicolm'). 



