PERCH-LIKE FISHES 127 



LEER-FISH. 



(Genus Lichia.) Fig. 42. 



Closely related to the Amber-fishes and Pilot-fishes. The 

 spinous dorsal fin has 7 or 8 spines, which in the adult fish are 

 not connected by membrane, and the second dorsal and the 

 anal fin are nearly equal in size. The pelvic fins are shorter 

 than the pectorals. The lateral line has an upward curve 

 above the pectoral fin, then a downward curve in the middle 

 of the side, and then runs straight to the tail. The coloration 

 is more or less greenish or bluish on the back, becoming grey 

 on the sides, and passing into cream or white on the belly. 

 The lateral line is black. The fins are mostly grey, but the 

 pectorals and pelvics are paler. Young individuals have 

 several more or less distinct dark cross-bands, which are 

 sometimes replaced by oval or rounded black spots. 



Grows to a length of 6 feet. 



The single species (L. amid) is found in the Mediterranean 

 and the Eastern Atlantic, extending southwards to the Cape 

 and along the east coast of Africa to Natal. 



Very little is known of the habits of this migratory fish, 

 which makes its appearance at different places on the African 

 coast at various seasons. It apparently feeds almost exclusively 

 upon fishes, especially pelagic fishes, such as the sardines and 

 mullets. 



The Leer-fish is used for food, young individuals being 

 sun-dried and sold as " bokkums ". Some regard the larger 

 fish as good for the table, but others describe them as coarse. 

 They provide good sport for the sea angler. 



The scientific names, Lichia and amia, are both derived 

 from ancient names for fishes. The Amia is mentioned by 

 Pliny, but it is not certain whether he was referring to this 

 species. 



DOLPHINS. 



(Family Coryph^nid^; ; Genus Coryphana.) PL IV c. 



The body is long, compressed, tapers behind and is covered 

 with small, smooth scales, The head is curiously shaped in 

 the full-grown fish, being high and with a nearly vertical 



