THREE-SrOTTED WRASS. SEAWIFE. 
37 
be dorsal fin begins above the base of the pectoral, with 
thiitj Jays, of which sixteen are firm; anal fin has two firm 
and twelve soft rays: both these fins expanded posteriorly, and 
end opposite each other. Tail ronud, nineteen rays; ventrals 
SIX. ihere is some variety in the colour, but chiefly as regards 
the depth or intensity, those examples which live in the deeper 
water and most roclcy ground being generally of a lively 
vermilion, paler on the belly. 
hhis fish obtains its name from some remarkable very dark 
^ots on the back and dorsal fin, in many cases amounting to 
'e, and I have not known them less than three. One is at 
^ origin of the dorsal fin, and is sometimes wanting; the 
ot eis are at the hindvvard part of the back, extending up on 
t e dorsal fin, except the last, which is on the back behind 
tie teimination of that fin; and alternate with these mentioned 
spots are an equal number of pale or flesh-coloured spots, 
eming with the latter. I have known an example where the 
lea colour was more dull, with the absence of the spot at the 
origin ot the dorsal fin, and of all the light-coloured spots, 
le tail also had a slight border of blue. 
SEAWIFE. 
^cantholahrus Yarrdm, 
Yakhell, British Pishes, vol. i, p. 339. 
Tr 
HE only example on record of this supposed species was 
Hot pieseived, and Professor Nilsson believes that it 
was an 
iej,ulaily-fonned individua'. of the Cook; to which opinion 
Ui. Cunther agrees— “Catalogue of British Museum,” vol. iv. 
