2UG 



VERTEBRATA: PISCES OR FISHES. 



name. The Sun-tishes (Fig. 312) have the tail so short 

 that they appear as if their hind parts had been cut off 

 just behind the dorsal fin. They attain a very large size. 

 The Trunk-fishes have the head and body covered with 

 bony plates so united that they form an inflexible shield 

 the mouth, tail, and fins being the only movable parts. 



SUB-SECTION VIII. 

 THE ORDER OF ACANTHOPTERI OR SPINE-FINNED FISHES. 



THE Spine-finned Fishes constitute a very extensive 

 group, whose members are easily distinguished by the fact 

 that spines occupy the place of the first rays of the dorsal 

 fin ; or alone support the first fin of the back whenever 

 there are two dorsals ; or, in some cases, a few free spines 

 wholly take the place of the first dorsal; and there is 

 generally one spine to each ventral fin ; and the first rays 

 of the anal are also spines. 



These fishes abound in the ocean, in lakes, ponds, and 

 streams, and they vary greatly in form and size. Some, 



FIG. 315. 



FIG. 316. 



Toad-fi?h, Bo- 

 trachus tau, 

 T.in. 



Angler or Goose-Fish, LopMus americanus, Cuvler. 



