434 Pareioplitae, or Mailed-cheek Fishes 



In the islands of the Pacific are numerous dwarf species 

 less than three inches long, which have been set apart as a 

 separate genus, Sebastapistes . The longest known of these is 

 Sebastapistes strongensis, named from Strong Island, abundant 

 in crevices in the corals throughout Polynesia, and much dis- 

 liked by fishermen. 



The genus Scorpanopsis differs from Scorp&na in the absence 

 of palatine teeth. It is still more fantastic in form and color. 



FIG. 37'2. Sea-scorpion, Scorptena mystes Jordan. Mazatlan. 



Scorp&nopsis cirrhosa, Scorpanopsis fimbriata, and other species 

 are widely distributed through the East Indies and Polynesia. 



The lion-fishes (Pterois) of the tropical Pacific are remarkable 

 for their long pectoral fins, elongate dorsal spines, and zebra-like 

 coloration. The numerous species are fantastic and hand- 

 somely colored, but their poisoned, needle-like spines are dreaded 

 by fishermen. They lurk in crevices in the coral reefs, some 

 of them reaching a foot in length. 



Inimicus japonicus, common in Japan, has a depressed and 

 monstrous head and a generally bizarre appearance. It is usually 

 black in color but is largely bright red when found among red 

 algae. A related species, Inimicus aurantiacus, is blackish when 

 near shore, but lemon-yellow in deep water. (See frontispiece.) 

 A related species in the East Indies is Pelor filamentosum, 

 called Nohu or Gofu in Polynesia. 



Still more monstrous are the species of Synanceia, short, 

 thick-set, irregularly formed fishes, in which the poisoned spines 



