Catesby Volume II: The Mullet and the Grunt
Mark Catesby's
Description of the Mullet
(PERCA MARINA CAPITE STRIATO)
This Fish is commonly a foot in length, the eyes of a bright yellow; the body covered with large brown scales, edged with yellow: from the eye to the tail extends a row of smaller scales within the large ones: the mouth is wide and red within; the lower mandible longest, having a single row of small sharp teeth: the head elegantly striped with yellow and blue alternately; the back was armed with a sharp spiny fin, joining to which, between it and the tail, was another small and more tender fin. On each side the gills were two long pointed fins, one under the abdomen, and another behind the anus, with a strong pointed bone joining to it.
Mark Catesby's
Description of the Grunt
(ALBULA BAHAMENFIS)
The figure shews the usual size of these Fish; the eye large, with a light iris: the mouth small, and without teeth; about the middle of the back was a small fin, and another near the tail: under the fore-part of the belly was a small fin, and another between the anus and the tail: the tail large and forked: the scales of this Fish were large and of a shining colour. They are esteemed good eating Fish, and are caught in great quantities in particular parts of the Bahama Seas, at the times they go in shoals to spawn.