OF FISH, 
265" 
Porcellus, or Sea-Scorpion. (PL 45.) The mouth 
of this curious fish is wide, but without teeth: the head 
is flattish in the middle, but over each eye there appears 
a serated ridge rising from it. The gills on each side 
have sharp horny spurs on their edges tending back- 
wards, by which it derives its latter name. The body is 
almost as wide as it is deep, and the under side is of a 
silverish colour, tinged with red. The upper side is of 
a dusky brown, sprinkled with small black spots, with 
some large clouds of black. It has a lateral line from 
head to tail, and also two fins on the back, one on the 
belly, behind the vent, and tail-fin. Two narrow fins or: 
feelers, are placed under the fore-part of the belly, of a 
whitish colour, each having only three spines. 
This fish is found in the Mediterranean sea, and in 
several parts of the ocean. It keeps near the shores, 
and lies concealed among sea-weed, to prey on small 
strayed fish. 
Star-Gazer. (PI. 42.) The head is large, quadran- 
gular, and covered with a rough helmet, which ends in 
two spines above, and in five smaller ones below. Tlib 
mouth opens upwards; and, when the lower jaw is re- 
moved, the tongue appears, which is thick, short, and 
strong, and full of small teeth. There is a membrane 
inside the lower jaw, terminating by a long filament; the 
fish, opening its mouth, sets this in motion, which at- 
tracts little fish, who endeavour to seize it, and are pre- 
sently devoured: there are two barbels from each lip, 
which serve for the same purpose; and this fish only con- 
ceals itself among the sea-weed, leaving only the barbies 
visible, when watching for prey. There are two oval 
apertures in the upper jaw, and several little barbies at 
the lower; near each eye is a round aperture. The eyes 
lie quite at the top of the head, very close together, and 
prominent, as if starting upwards; the pupil is black, iris 
yellow. 
The star-gazer inhabits the Mediterranean, lying in 
deep places near the shore. It seldom exceeds a foot in 
length, liviftg on small fish and worms. 
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