CH^TODONS. 
113 
j: Genus Brama. (Cuv.) 
' In this genus the body is compressed and deep, 
hut less so than in the typical genera of the 
j Family ; viewed laterally the form is ovate, 
I becoming very narrow at the tail ; the forehead 
nearly vertical. There is but one dorsal, which 
I is long, with the fore part high and pointed ; the 
anal is similarly shaped ; the membranes of both 
these fins are partially covered with scales : the 
caudal is very high and formed like a narrow 
crescent. The jaws and palate are furnished 
with slender teeth, curved inwards ; two in front 
j are sometimes more lengthened than the rest. 
I There is much in the form of this fish, in the 
[ shape and position of its fins, and particularly in 
; its high crescentic caudal, as well as in its rich 
,j metallic hues, that resembles the pelagic forms of 
!' the great Mackerel Family, with which Prince Bo- 
I naparte associates it. The scales on the vertical 
j fins induced Cuvier and Yarrell to place it among 
I the Chgetodons. Other naturalists, as Pennant, 
Donovan, and Montagu, have considered it as a 
I Spams; and the common names of the only 
species, Ray’s Gilthead, and Ray’s Sea-Bream, 
! indicate such a degree of resemblance to the 
I SparidcB as warrants their opinion. We may 
I safely consider the genus as closely linking to- 
I gether these three important Families. 
The single species just named, {Brama Raii^ 
Cuv.), itself constituting the whole genus, derives 
its specific appellation from our illustrious coun- 
tryman, John Ray, whose name was conferred on 
it by his friend and fellow-labourer, Willoughby. 
I 
