Berycoidei 



2 55 



centrus diadema are common species of Polynesia and the East 

 Indies. Other abundant species are H. spinifer, H. microstomus, 

 and H. violascens. 



Holocentrus marianus is the marian of the French West 

 Indies,, Holocentrus sammara, and related large-mouthed species 

 occur in Polynesia. 



In Myripristis the preopercular spine is wanting and the 

 air-bladder is divided into two parts, the anterior extending 

 to the ear. Myripristis jacobus is the brilliantly colored candil, 



FIG. 204. Ostichthys japonicus (Cuv. & Val.). Giran, Formosa. 



or "Frere Jacques," of the West Indies. Species of Myripris- 

 tis are known in Hawaii as u-u. A curious method of catching 

 Myripristis murdjan is pursued on the Island of Hawaii. 

 A living fish is suspended by a cord in front of a reef inhabited 

 by this species. It remains with scarlet fins spread and glisten- 

 ing red scales. Its presence is a challenge to other individuals, 

 who rush out to attack it. These are then drawn out by a 

 concealed scoop-net, and a fresh specimen is taken as a decoy. 

 Myripristis pralinius, M. multiradiatus, and other species 

 occur in Polynesia. Ostichthys is allied to Myripristis but 

 with very large rough scales. Ostichthys japonicus is a large 

 and showy fish of the waters of Japan. Ostichthys pillii'axi 



