THE CAPE KLII>-I-ISHES. 



219 



One variety has already been formed — C. siipefciliosiis, var : 

 ^.irborescens — which is met with in the same locahties and is very 

 Mmilar in shape and size. The distinguishing- characteristics are 

 the comparative lowness of the dorsal crest, which is about the 

 same height as in the female of C. siipeyciliosus, and the fact 

 that it does not differ in the sexes; further, the orbital tentacles 

 show a slight but constant divergence, being usually of a light 

 yellowish colour and rounded and fringed or branched at the 

 sides in distinction to the flattened and divided stalk of a dark 

 blackish-brown or liver colour met with in C. siipeyciliosus. The 

 •tombinalions and richness of the colouring arc not so pronounced 

 m this sub-species, nor are there anv reticulated markintrs on the 

 head. ' ^ 



A species closely resembling the foregoing, but of a coarser 

 build when mature, and with perpendicular corrugated markings 

 •on the lips, is C. rohustus. The anterior spines of the dorsal 

 • fln are not so high, but are strong and erect, and there is a deep 

 notch between the third and fourth spines. This fish possesses in 

 a very marked degree the power of assimilating its appearance 

 to its environment, and has been observed in the Aquarium to put 

 ■ aside its usual colour scheme of dark brown or bronze, green, 

 •etc., with dark transverse bands and to assume a dingv white 

 hue corresponding to the sand on which it rested. 



Another of the group is a handsomelv marked fish called 

 -C. ornatus, generally caught on weed-grown banks off-shore. 

 The spines of the dorsal fin are long, slender and flexible and the 

 •connecting membranes between them delicate and easilv broken; 

 the crest formed b\' the three anterior spines is as high as that of 

 •C. superciliosHs, but is more oblong in shape as the spines are 

 rrnore equal in length. This fish well deserves its name of 

 '' ornatus " from its very vivid colouring; orange and red mark- 

 ings and patches predominate and the membranes between the 

 rays of the pectoral and caudal fins are usually transparent and 

 ^crossed with lines of orange or brown dots. 



Mingling with C. supcrciliosus and its sub-species, especially 

 in localities where sand intermixes with rock and weed, is the 

 •'• Bull-klip " (C. taunis). Its broad bull-like head and compara- 

 tively large mouth, with the heavily fringed tentacles like eye- 

 brows oyer the strong orbital ridges, give it rather a truculent 

 aspect; in the Aquarium, however, it is of an easy disposition, 

 generally lying quietly about in nooks and crevices, but it can 

 give a shrewd nip when incautiously handled, and possibly in its 

 natural state it may derive some protective benefit from its fierce 

 appearance. The spines of the dorsal fin are short and strong, espe- 

 >cially the first three, which are separated from the rest by a 

 membranous notch. The colouring of this fish is generally 

 strongly marked and deep in tone, sometimes very handsome 

 but often gaudy^ and bizarre ; in some localities it is a uniform 

 shade of dull crimson or brick-red, bronze or light green, etc.. 

 in others three or four irregular dark bands cross a ground of 

 ■fiark yellow ochre or reddish brown, bronze or light green, etc. ; 

 the whole body frequently splashed or blotched with irregular 

 Jarge white or red patches, often irregular pinkish patches occuf 



