SEBASTES CAPENSIS. 
of the hinder-most nostril, four over the eye, one in front and three 
behind ; and the last, with its lengthened base, is situated more towards 
the mesial line, and immediately over the base of the uppermost spine ol 
the shoulder. Preoperculum posteriorly with a prominent edge, which is 
armed with five more or less acute and strong spines ; operculum terminated 
posteriorly by a triangular fleshy point, before which are two spines, the 
lowermost the smallest. Spines of shoulders two, situated between the 
point of the uppermost spine of operculum and the last spine of the head. 
Dorsal outline from origin of dorsal fin to snout strongly arched from the 
former to caudal fin nearly straight, or with a slight concavity most distinct 
under the seventh and eight dorsal rays. Ventral outline, from tip of lower jaw 
to origin of anal fin, rather strongly arched ; from latter to caudal fin a gently 
ascending line. Lateral line nearly parallel to the outline ol the back, is slightly 
raised, and commences above the lowermost shoulder-plate, and terminates 
midway between the two edges of the base of the caudal fin. Space in front 
of eyes, upper lip, and lower jaw, without scales, the other parts of the head 
and body covered with scales ; those on the former small and irregular ; those 
on the body moderately large, semicircular; and all, excepting those of the 
belly with the posterior edge finely serrated. Dorsal fin rather low, the 
membranous portion highest, and of the spinous rays the third is the longest. 
Caudal fin posteriorly subfalcate ; pectorals oblong, posteriorly ovate, the 
rays fleshy, and the eight inferior ones only connected by membrane towards 
their base. Ventral fins moderately long, the second and third rays longest, 
the first spinous and strong. Anal fin rather deep ; the three first rays 
spinous, the two first very strong, the third rather slender, removed from 
second and in close contact with the first cartilaginous ray, which, and the 
second, are the longest. Eyes rather large. Nostrils double, and close to 
the upper and anterior edge of orbit, the one in front of the other. Teeth 
criniform, and forming a narrow band round the inner edge ol each jaw. 
Adult specimens generally measure about 14 inches in length. 
B. 7 ; D. ; P.18; V. A.-g-; C. 14. 
Inhabits the seas around the Cape of Good Hope, and is caught generally with baited hooks ; 
it is a common fish in the market of Cape Town. 
