PLATE XCVII. 
appear in the slightest degree material, from the observations 
Pteceding authors. We shall now proceed to offer an accurate 
thougjj concise account of the specimen before us, with the view of 
Pointing out in the clearest possible manner, those particulars in which 
onr fish accords, or disagrees, with the descriptions those authors have 
Previously afforded. 
The total length of our specimen, from the extremity of the jaws 
the tip of the tail, is three feet two inches ; and the greatest depth, 
foot five inches. The relative proportions of the respective 
P^rts are delineated with sufficient accuracy to render any minute 
^otail in this respect superfluous. The same may be observed with 
*^ogard to the general aspect and disposition of its colours, allowing 
for the imperfection of the imitative art for the inability of the 
Artist to convey that precise idea of its matchless combination of 
changeable, vivid, and metallic hues, with which the splendid original 
adorned by the hand of nature !— The prevailing colours on the 
is deep blue inclining to regal purple, below which the piiiple 
glossed in various directions of light with a reddish and golden hue, 
blending into green upon the sides, and the green fading to yellow 
Approaches the silvery white of the abdomen. In some speci- 
" 5!eu8 Opah. Z. cauda subluuari, corpora nunc rubente, nunc yindi, nunc purpureo, 
^^Suttato.’* V tuariuTn Wcitum. Ndt- IVfiiCti. 4. t. 140. 
" Zeus Luna. Opah-King-Flbh. Tail somewhat lunate ; body beautilid'y S''®®® 
^ Purple, with oval white spot*. 
“ Inhabits the coast of Normandy : rarely found on the British : above three feet 
■*“'‘8 ; is of all the European fish the most rich .and splendid in its colours ; body very 
fton, the back to the chest, and tapering very small to the tail, covered with hardly 
scales. Head short, rouBded, red, with golden patches; eyes large; teeth 
®ty Small ; mouth large ; fins scarlet.” V urton, f. 1. p. 760. 
'^OL. V. 
e 
