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surmullet. 
I have known a Surmullet to measure sixteen inclies in 
length, hut being thin in flesh it did not exceed forty ounces 
in weight. The form is but a little compressed, and flattened 
on the belly. The eyes elevated; head proportionally large, 
sloping gradually, and in a waved outline to the mouth. 
Upper jaw a little the longest; teeth in the lower jaw only; 
a roughness, rather than teeth, in the j^alate; two long barbs 
beneath the lower jaw, which are received into a depression 
beneath. Several mucous orifices between the upper jaw and 
eye. The back elevated; body and cheeks covered with large 
scales, which are easily removed; those on the lateral line 
perforated, having a rayed ridge in their longitudinal direc- 
tion: this line is gently curved. The first dorsal fin with 
spinous rays, which gradually shorten from the first; second 
dorsal opposite the anal; the first ray of the former spinous, 
the latter fin nearly triangular. The pectorals narrow and 
pointed; ventrals long and wide; tail concave. 
The colours are subject to some variation, but are always 
rich and brilliant, but more so in life than after death. The 
back, head, and generally the fins, red or scarlet, which is 
softened on the cheeks and sides, and still fainter on the 
belly; along the sides four yellow stripes, the lowest reaehing 
only half the length of the body. The anterior dorsal fin 
with a broad diagonal stripe of bright yellow. Of five of 
these fishes caught together, four were of the more usual 
eolour, but the fifth was much the most splendid in its appear- 
ance, the belly being also of the most brilliant crimson. The 
lines on the sides were scareely to be discerned, but as life, 
declined the colours became more faint, and the lines became 
conspicuous as in the others. 
Skull of the Surmullet. 
Pectoral scales. 
