Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/127

Rh

In this genus the body is compressed and deep, but less so than in the typical genera of the Family; viewed laterally the form is ovate, becoming very narrow at the tail; the forehead nearly vertical. There is but one dorsal, which 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 are sometimes more lengthened than the rest.

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 metallic hues, that resembles the pelagic forms of the great Mackerel Family, with which Prince Bonaparte associates it. The scales on the vertical fins induced Cuvier and Yarrell to place it among the Chætodons. Other naturalists, as Pennant, Donovan, and Montagu, have considered it as a Sparus; and the common names of the only species, Ray's Gilthead, and Ray's Sea-Bream, indicate such a degree of resemblance to the Sparidæ as warrants their opinion. We may safely consider the genus as closely linking together these three important Families.

The single species just named, (Brama Raii, .), itself constituting the whole genus, derives its specific appellation from our illustrious countryman, John Ray, whose name was conferred on it by his friend and fellow-labourer, Willoughby.