FISHES 127 



The dorsal or back fin shows an infinity of size and 

 design and may be supported by strong spines. In the 

 primitive cartilaginous Sharks they act as balancers, 

 whilst in the more modern bony fishes they may function 

 as swimming, leaping, sensory, offensive or defensive 

 organs. In some fishes this fin may be so shaped as to 

 mimic fronds of weeds, thus aiding in concealing the wearer. 

 It may likewise, as in the case of the Angler Fishes 

 (Lophiz'dae), where the first dorsal-fin ray is placed on the 

 snout, be converted into long " fishing lines." 



Angling finds its highest expression amongst a remark- 

 able group of fishes represented in home waters by the 

 Common Angler (Lophius piscatorius) — a fish that may attain 

 a weight of over 30 lbs., and a length of 5 feet. It is a 

 fish that combines rod, line, bait and creel in its own 

 person. The rod is always baited and the creel is appar- 

 ently capable of any expansion. The animal's head is 

 twice the size of a soup plate, with a mouth that threatens 

 to meet behind. In proximity to the minute eyes is an 

 enormous spined fin-ray tipped with a flap which rises 

 and wriggles with the current and serves as a bait or lure. 

 Once a small fish is deceived into attempting to assault 

 the living bait, the rod bends slowly towards the Angler's 

 enormous mouth, which suddenly opens and the prey 

 vanishes for ever with the inrush of water. The mouth 

 is ringed with several rows of hinged teeth, which make 

 escape impossible. 



The Angler, being draped with flaps of skin which mimic 

 the surrounding weeds, is so completely one with the 

 seaboard that it is not surprising that it should be mistaken 

 for part of the landscape. Not only is its colour in perfect 



