BXISKY PERCH. 
199 
large family of Perch-like fishes, to which therefore we are 
left to infer that its habits also belong. 
The example described was taken with a hook. It measured 
three feet in length, and was seven inches deep, exclusive of 
the finsj the body thick and solid; the weight sixteen pounds: 
but it is sometimes found much larger. The under jaw 
longest, and both, as well as the palate, with numerous 
slender incurved teeth; a bed of them in front of the lower 
jaw. Lips resembling those of a Codfish; two large open 
nostrils, and a large hole under the projection of the nasal 
bones. First plate of the gill-covers serrated, the second with 
a broad flat spine projecting through the skin and pointing 
backward. The fleshy covering of the gill-covers lengthened 
posteriorly. The body and head covered with large scales. 
Lateral line gently curved. Dorsal fin single, long, expanding 
towards its termination; the first spinous ray short, the two 
last soft rays from one root. Pectorals round; ventrals fastened 
down w'ith a membrane through part of their course; vent 
an inch and a half before the origin of the anal fin. Tail 
round. Colour of the back reddish brown, lighter on the 
belly. Two slightly-marked pale lines on the gill-covers, one 
on each plate, running obliquely downward. 
This fish must sometimes attain an enormous size. A figure 
of the natural size of the head of an example taken at 
Penzance, of which the body unfortunately was destroyed, 
measures one foot four inches from the front of the jaw to 
the hinder portion of the gill-cover, and in depth, immediately 
in front of the dorsal fin, thirteen inches. 
