140 GIANT FISHES 



It is believed to move from the open sea to inshore waters 

 for spawning purposes, but little is known of its breeding 

 habits. 



Although of no commercial importance, this fish provides 

 wholesome and palatable food. 



The name Lepidopus is derived from two Greek words 

 meaning " scale " and " foot " — a reference to the scale-like 

 pelvic fins. 



BLACK SCABBARD-FISH. 



(Genus Aphanopus.) Fig. 47. 



Before concluding this chapter, mention may be made of 

 a close relative of the Scabbard-fish — the large dark-brown or 

 black fish, known as the Black Scabbard-fish (Aphanopus 

 carbo), found in rather deep water in the Mediterranean and 

 Atlantic. Apart from the colour, this fish may be easily 

 recognized by its huge eyes, the absence of teeth on the roof 

 of the mouth, the division of the dorsal fin into two nearly 

 equal parts, the absence of pelvic fins, and by the presence of 

 a curious dagger-like spine behind the vent. This fish, 

 which is often caught on long lines off the coast of Portugal 

 and in the neighbourhood of Madeira, is not uncommon in the 

 fish markets of the Mediterranean, and occasionally finds its 

 way to the London market, where it is generally regarded as 

 a great curiosity. 



HAIR-TAILS OR BLADE-FISHES. 



(Genus Trichiurus.) 



Also belonging to the family of Cutlass-fishes are the true 

 Hair-tails or Blade-fishes (Trichiurus), very slender, brilliantly 

 silvery fishes, of moderate size, in which the caudal fin is 

 wanting and the tail ends in a hair-like filament. Several 

 species are recognized, all from warm seas, and one is an 

 occasional visitor to the British Isles. They are much esteemed 

 as food. 



