2 ;•"» 



RIBBAND FISHES. 



The species of the family of Ribband fishes possess a general 

 likeness of shape not inaptly represented by that useful portion 

 of apparel ; the body being long, narrow, and especially thin, 

 with a border along the back of a lengthened single dorsal fin, 

 and in some of the genera also with an anal fin. The tail is 

 differently shaped and directed in different genera of this family; 

 and in some of them, especially such as have been found in the 

 Mediterranean, this variation might appear to have been adopted 

 with a view mostly to give the bearer a fantastic appearance; 

 but the peculiar actions of these fishes are but little known, and 

 there is no doubt that a wise intention has presided over these 

 diversified arrangements, in fitting them for the particular in- 

 stinctive actions which have not yet come under the observation 

 of man. We have followed Dr. Giinther in excluding from this 

 family the genera Lepidopus and Trichiurus, as being more 

 closely than the others connected with the family of Mackarels; 

 and therefore we find among the true Ribband fishes that their 

 proper character, in addition to what is remarked above, is their 

 having the head short, elevated, abrupt in front, with the opening 

 of the mouth not extensive 



