Plate Number: II 16
Aurata Bahamensis: The Porgy
Rondelitius Lib. V Cap. II. describes and names his Aurata from the yellow Spots between the Eyes, and tho' ours Want those Spots; We conceive by the general Resemblance it may be referred to the same Kind, and from the yellow Irides of it's Eyes may deserve that golden Name. Rondelitius describes his Aurata with Silver-Eyes, whereas ours are Gold-coloured; which is the principal Difference between them.
These Fish are commonly 12 and 16 Inches in Length, the Eyes very large, the Irides of a shining Gold-Colour, the Back brown, the Belly lighter; The End of the upper Mandible had one single Tooth, the lower Mandible having two of the like Size; besides many very small ones within the Roof of it's Mouth: One large prickly Finn covered the greater Part of the Back; from behind the Gills grow two long Finns, one under the Abdomen, and another between the Anus and the Tail; the Tail was forked. It is esteemed a good eating Fish, they are plentiful about the Bahama Islands.