426 



THE BEAKED CH^TODON 



TOE PLAISE AND FLOUNDER. 



The general habits both of the Plaise and Flounder, reseinble those 

 of all the other flat-fish. These fish are 

 each found in great abundance in most 

 of the European seas. Flounders often 

 ascend rivers, and occasionally even so 

 far as to be beyond the immediate 

 influence of the tides. 



OF THE Cn^TODON TEIBE. 



In this tribe, although the species are xerj numerous, there is only 

 one of which I have met with any account in the least degree inter- 

 esting. 



The head and mouth of the Ch^todons are small, aiid thej have 

 the power of pushing out and retracting the lips, so as to make a 

 tubular orifice. The teeth are mostly bristle-shaped, flexible, move- 

 able, closely set, and ^^ery numerous. The gill-membrane has from 

 three to six rays. The body is scaly, broad, and compressed ; and the 

 dorsal and auai liiis ai-e generally terminated with prickles. 



THE BEAKED CH.ETODON. 



The B.^aked Crsctodon or Shooting-fish frequents the shores 

 mouths of rivers in 

 India, and about 

 the Indian islands. 

 It is somewhat 

 more than six 

 inches in length. 



This fish feeds 

 principally on flies 

 and other small 

 wuifrcd insects that 



O 



hover about the 

 v.'aters it inhabits ; 

 and the mode of 

 taking its prey is 

 very remarkable. 

 When it sees a fly 

 at a distance, on 

 any of the plants in 

 the shallow water, 

 it approaches very 



