DENTEX RUPESTRIS. 



jaw deep and robust ; both lips large and pulpy. Teeth disposed in a band 

 upon the margin of each jaw ; all, except those which form the outer row, 

 small, and closely set, those of outer row rather large, cylindrical curved and 

 pointed, the four front ones of each jaw very powerful, and many times the size 

 of the others, but of the same shape and with a like curve. Nostrils on each 

 side double, the hinder opening the largest ; they are situated under and 

 immediately in front of the anterior extremity of the superciliary bulge. 

 Eyes very large. Back rather compressed, its edge anteriorly to dorsal fin 

 thin and cutting. Lateral line broken, and consists of a series of slender 

 hollow tubes, one on each scale, the hinder opening of which is on the 

 exterior surface of scale, the anterior on inner surface ; the line extends from 

 the upper edge of the operculum to the centre of the base of caudal fin, 

 towards its commencement it is slightly arched, the curvature upwards, then 

 nearly straight till it pass the hinder extremity of dorsal fin, from this point 

 its course is oblique or sloping downwards to its termination. Scales very 

 large and four-sided, the angles rounded. Dorsal fin commences some 

 distance behind base of pectoral fins ; pectoral fins somewhat falciform. 



Fin rays, D. 22. P. 17. V. 6. A. 11. C. 19. 



The Rooye Steen Brass is taken in the seas which wash the coasts of Southern Africa, 

 generally by the hook, frequently also in nets; and the number caught at one time is some- 

 times so great, as even to endanger the net, and make it a work of labour to get it on shore. 

 It is highly esteemed as food. 



