238 
COMMON SEA BREAM. 
Common Sea Bream, united a description of the Gilthead, whicli 
he appears to have borrowed from some other authority. It is 
further remarkable that even so lately as when Dr. Turton 
published his “Translation of the System of Liiinjeus,” he gave 
no sign by which we can conclude that he recognised our 
Sea Bream as a distinct species. Risso is probably correct in 
supposing that Laccpede refers to tliis fish by the name of 
Spar us massiliensis ; but the remarks of the French naturalist 
tend to shew that he knew but little of its form or habits. It 
is therefore to Risso himself that we are indebted for the first 
distinct description of this fish as a separate species. 
The Sea Bream is among our commonest, and at times most 
abundant fishes; and it is known Irom one extremity of the 
United Kingdom to the other. It breeds with us, and usually 
towards the end of the year, or in the months of winter; its 
station then being chosen at the depth of from thirty to forty 
fathoms. I have ascertained the existence of the young ones, 
of about an inch in length, early in January; but it seems 
probable that some of these fishes have not shed their spawn 
earlier than this season; and the young do not di-aw near the 
land until the spring has begun to yield to summer ; after which, 
and through the autumn, they abound along the coast, and in 
harbours where rock and the greener sea-weeds are common, 
where they are angled for in the evening with much success. 
At this season they measure from four to six inches in length; 
and do not shew the dark spot on the side, which afterwards 
becomes a distinguishing mark of the species. In this early stage 
they bear the name of Chads; hut towards the close of autumn 
the name changes as the darkened patch begins to appear. The 
spot, however, is not fully established until about the time of 
full growth; which is in the succeeding spring. 
This fish so far- partakes of the nature of the others of its 
family, as to be deeply sensible to cold; and in consequence 
it happens that in ordinarily severe winters it passes into deep 
water beyond the reach of fishermen. But it soon returns on 
the restoration of a milder temperature, sometimes in considerable 
numbers. It occasionally happens, indeed, that from influences 
not easily understood, they assemble in enormous multitudes; 
and this occurs most frequently about the close of summer, 
when they have been observed, contrary to their ordinary habits. 
