Chromides and Pharyngognathi 385 



number (10 + 14), but in northern forms the number is largely 

 increased with a proportionate increase in the number and 

 strength of the dorsal spines. All the species are strictly marine, 

 and the coloration is often the most highly specialized and 

 brilliant known among fishes, the predominant shade being 

 blue. 



All are carnivorous, feeding mainly on crustaceans and 

 snails, which they crush with their strong teeth, there being 

 often a strong canine at the posterior end of the premaxillary, 

 which holds the snail while the lower jaw acts upon it. The 

 species are very numerous and form the most conspicuous 

 feature in the fish markets of every tropical port. They abound 



FIG. 317. Tautog, Tautoga onitis (L.). Wood's Hole, Mass. 



especially in the pools and openings in the coral reefs. All are 

 good for food, though all are relatively flavorless, the flesh 

 being rather soft and not oily. 



The Wrasse Fishes : Labridse. The principal family is that of 

 the Labridce, characterized by the presence of separate teeth 

 in the front of the jaws. Numerous fossil species are known 

 from the Eocene and Miocene. Most of these are known only 

 from the lower pharyngeal bones. Labrodon is the most widely 

 diffused genus, probably allied to Labrus, but with a pile of 

 successional teeth beneath each functional tooth. The species 

 are mostly from the Miocene. 



The northern forms of Labrid are known as wrasse on the 



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