196 



FISHES FOR MARINE AQUARIA. 



smaller than the species just mentioned, but not less 

 beautiful in its yellowish green body, variegated with 

 bars of a darker colour. Its fins are usually of a 

 brown colour, and there is a characteristic dark spot 

 at the base of the tail. The rainbow wrasse (Fig 129) 

 is a rare fish, whose name is borrowed from its 

 prismatic tints. As the specific name implies, it is 

 very abundant in the Mediterranean. 



Fig. 129. 



Rainbow Wrasse (jfulis Mediterranea). 



The dragonet, or yellow skulpin (Callionymus lyrci) 

 is another common aquarium fish, whose gorgeous 

 colours and dragon-like fins and appearance are suffi- 

 cient recommendation for its introduction. It is not 

 a common British fish ; but this may be because it is 

 fond of deep water, and of keeping at the bottom. 

 Like the wrasses, the male and female are differently 

 coloured, and were formerly believed to be different 

 species. The male is easily distinguished by the 

 very long dorsal fin ray. Their green eyes gleam 

 with a beautiful fire-like expression, and are pro- 



