SYNOPSIS 



OF THE EDIBLE FISHES AT THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 



TRIGLID^E. 



1. Trigla Capensis. Cuv. and Val. (?) (Roode 

 Knorhaan; red Gurnard of the Colonists. J — Head, back, 

 upper part of body, and fins rose-red. Belly silvery, 

 white, shaded by rosy patches. Scales very small; 

 lateral line nearly parallel. Interior surface of the pec- 

 toral fins dark yellowish-green, with large black marks 

 towards their bases, speckled with a number of pure 

 white irregular spots. Iris red. Length 12 inches. 



Baron Cuvier, in giving a very short diagnosis of this species, 

 specimens of which were sent him from the Cape by Delalande, 

 remarks that " the dark spots at the inner surface of the pectoral fins 

 were wanting ; but I have reason to believe, that his specimens had 

 faded, and that through the effects of the spirits, in which they were 

 preserved, the natural colours had been more or less obliterated. Ex- 

 perience, and the accounts of the fishermen here, convince me, that 

 this and the following species, are the only ones of the genus, caught 

 in our Bays. Cuvier's observation, that the fish bears a great 

 resemblance to the Trigla Kumu of New Zealand, is perfectly correct. 



Flesh firm, but palatable. Caught in summer with the hook, but not 

 very common in Table Bay. 



2. Trigla Peronii. Cuv. & Val. (Graauwe or bruine 

 Knorhaan ; grey Gurnard J — Head large ; forehead 

 sloping; body declining in breadth towards the tail. 

 Muzzle projecting ; teeth small but numerous ; upper 

 mandible longest, divided into two lobes, and beset at 

 its margins with five denticles. Two spines, unequal in 

 length, are placed above each eye, and a strong spine at 

 each side of the occiput ; opercular and scapular spines 

 pointed, sharp. Anterior side of the first ray of the first 

 dorsal fin slightly serrated j the second and third rays of 

 that fin longer than the remaining seven. Ridges of dorsal 



