CYCLOPTERUS LIPARIS. 249 



The heart of this animal is very small, and performs from 

 six to eight pulsations in the course of a minute, continuing' 

 its motions of contraction and dilatation for some hours, 

 even when removed from the body. 



Besides dead whales, the sharks feed upon small fishes 

 and crabs. A fish, in form and size resembling 1 a whitino- 

 was found in the stomach of one killed by Mr. Scoresby ; 

 but the process of digestion had gone so far that its species 

 could not be ascertained with any degree of satisfaction. 



In swimming, the tail only is used, the rest of its fins 

 being spread out to balance it, are never observed in motion 

 but only when some change of direction is required. 



The ventral fins of this animal are separate. It is with- 

 out the anal fin, but has the temporal opening ; it therefore 

 belongs to the third division of this genus. The spiracles 

 upon the neck are five in number on each side. 



ORDER.— BRANCHIOSTEGI. 

 GENUS.— CYCLOPTERUS. 



SPECIES. 



CYCLOPTERU5 LIPARIS. 



OR 



THE UNCTUOUS LUMP SUCKER. 



When perfectly fresh, the head and body of this fish are 

 strongly marked with longitudinal streaks and waves of 

 white, edged with blue, and disposed on aground of testa- 

 ceous or rather chestnut colour. 



The body is naked, and the dorsal, anal, and caudal fin 

 are united, forming its character. Mr. Donovan is of opi- 

 nion that the Cyclopterus Lineatus of I wan Lepechin is in 



