An introduction to the study of fishesGünther, Albert C. L. G. (Albert Carl Ludwig Gotthilf)
Science
An introduction to the study of fishes
Günther, Albert C. L. G. (Albert Carl Ludwig Gotthilf)
Fishes; Ichthyology
CENTROPOMUS.--Body oblong, compressed, with scales of
moderate size. All the teeth villiform, without canines; teeth
on the vomer and palatine bones. Two dorsal fins, the first with
eight strong spines, the anal with three, the second of which is
very strong and long. Præoperculum with a double denticulated
edge.
Numerous species are known from the West Indies and Central America.
These fishes are found in fresh, brackish, and salt water, and some of
the species indiscriminately enter all three kinds of water. They do
not grow to any large size, but are esteemed as food.
ENOPLOSUS.--Body much elevated, the depth being still more
increased by the high vertical fins. All the teeth are
villiform, without canines; teeth on the vomer, palatine bones,
and the tongue. Two dorsal fins, the first with seven spines.
Præoperculum serrated, with spinous teeth at the angle. Scales
of moderate size.
A small and very common marine species (_E. armatus_) on the coast
of Australia, especially New South Wales. It is readily recognised by
the peculiar shape of its body, and eight black transverse bands on a
whitish ground.
* * * * *
This, and the preceding genus, leads to the true “Sea perches,” which
never, or but rarely, enter fresh water:--
CENTROPRISTIS.--Body oblong, with scales of small or moderate
size. Teeth villiform, with small canines in both jaws; vomerine
teeth placed in an angular band, or a short triangular patch;
teeth on the palatine bones, but none on the tongue. One dorsal,
with the formula 10/12 or less; anal fin 3/7(6). Præoperculum
serrated; sometimes with the angle projecting, and armed with
long spines.
About twenty species of small size are known from temperate and
tropical seas.
ANTHIAS.--Body rather short, compressed, with scales of moderate
size. Teeth villiform, with small canines in both jaws; teeth on the
vomer, and palatine teeth. One dorsal, generally with ten spines; anal
fin with three; caudal forked. The rays of one or more fins may be
prolonged. Præoperculum serrated.
About twenty species are known from temperate and tropical seas; they
are mostly of small size, and agreeably coloured, pink and yellow
being the predominant colours. _Anthias sacer_ is common in the
Mediterranean, and was well known to the ancients. Aristotle says that
the fishers of Sponges call it sacred, because no voracious fishes came
to the places which it frequented, and the diver might descend with
safety.--_Callanthias_ is a genus closely allied to _Anthias_.
SERRANUS.--Body oblong, compressed, with small scales. Teeth
villiform, with very distinct canines in both jaws; teeth on the
vomer and palatine bones, none on the tongue. One dorsal, mostly
with nine or eleven, rarely with eight, ten or twelve spines;
anal fin with three: all the spines being stout. Præoperculum
serrated behind and at the angle, but not below.
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