THE SPA RID JE. 227 
The Three-banded Mullet is a native of the Indian and Polynesian Seas, and has been 
taken off the coasts of China, Amboyna, Celebes, Ceylon, and India. 
The family Mullidce is represented in American waters by five genera, containing thirty- 
five species. They are called collectively Surmullets, and inhabit all tropical seas ; some 
species straying northward. The Goat-fishes belong to this family. 
The family of the Sparidce is represented by the Braize, otherwise known as the Becker, 
Pandora, and King of the Sea-Bream. 
This is a common fish in the Mediterranean. 
BRAIZE AND YOUNG GILT HEAD . — Pagrus vulgaris et Chrysophrys aurata. 
The family Sparidce is a very large one, embracing four hundred and fifty species, in fifty- 
five genera ; abounding in temperate and tropical seas. The Snappers (Lid j anus) include sev- 
eral very notable table fishes. The Gray Snapper and the Red Snapper are important. The 
] after, L. IPlackfordii , is a late introduction in our markets. It is named in honor of the 
notable dealer in fish at Fulton Market, who adds to an exceptional reputation as a business 
man a scientific spirit which is highly commendable. The Hog-fish, or Sailors’ Choice ( Poma - 
dasys ), is a food-fish of some note, found along the Atlantic from Hew York southward. The 
various species of Grunts are classified here. The Scup, Scuppung, or Porgee ( Diplodus ) is 
an abundant and valuable food-fish. The Sheepshead (. Diplodus prohaloceplialus) is regarded 
as equal if not the superior of any of our fishes as a table luxury. It is abundant from Cape 
Cod to Texas ; though it is not so common north of Virginia, where it is prized very highly. 
Its flesh is compared to the English turbot. Its name is derived from the appearance of the 
mouth, which resembles that of a sheep. Its weight is occasionally sixteen pounds. It is 
