96 Part second. 



at night; so that on a nocturnal visit to the tank only their heads can 

 be seen protruding- from the sandy bed. In cold wintry weather, they 

 remain in the sand all day, and always take refuge there when alarmed. 

 — The larger species of Labrus and Crenilabrus may often be seen 

 resting at the bottom of the tank leaning against a rock or stone, re- 

 minding one of the ground-loving fish. 



Nearly allied is Xypiehthys (Fig. 155), which behaves exactly like 

 Coris, and the small Heliases (Fig. 32), troop of which play about on 

 all steep coasts. 



In sharp contrast to these lively fishes are the phlegmatic Sea- 

 perches, the largest and most easily kept of which is the Seppanus 

 gigas (Fig. 56). It loves to remain for hours on the same spot, 

 generally where the water enters the tank, sometimes in an upright po- 

 sition with widely opened mouth and gill-cover, and seems to enjoy 

 the stream of freshly aerated water which passes through its gills. When 

 alarmed it takes refuge under some arch of the rocks and from there 

 darts out on its prey with rapid and unerring aim. All its habits 

 characterize a cautious , timid fish , loving safe hiding-places ; and with 

 this view the observations of the fishermen agree. It is greatly valued 

 and sought after in the Italian markets , going by the name of Cernia, 

 and fetches good prices. — Tiie small Lettered-perch, Seppanus scpiba, 

 (Fig. 72) , with a brilliant colouring , resembles in shape , though not in 

 appearance, its larger relation. It has received its name from the mark- 

 ing like Arabic writing upon its gill-covers. — Anthias also belongs 

 here. It lives mostly in depths of 100 to 300 metres on a rocky bottom, 

 and it has therefore taken considerable trouble to accustom it to life in 

 the Aquarium, where it gladly hides itself in clefts in the rocks. — We 

 may also mention in this connection the fine rose-coloured Apogon 

 (Fig. 83). 



Much more lively than the « giant » Serranus is the Bass or Sea- 

 dace , Labpa lupus (Fig. 55). It is a predacious fish, occurring in the 

 Mediterranean and the Atlantic , and was well known in Roman ti- 

 mes. It attains a length of three feet and is one of the most delicate 

 fishes in the market, where it is known as Spinola. It is usually found 

 near the coasts and sometimes proceeds some way up the rivers. In 

 stormy weather it approaches the coast in large numbers to feed on the 

 crabs which are carried away by the waves. It is generally caught with 

 the line , large specimens offering- very energetic resistance. In the 

 Aquarium it lives for years and will spawn freely, but unfortunately the 

 young have not been able to be reared. 



Perhaps the most common fishes in the Bay are the different spe- 

 cies of Grey Mullet, Mugil (Fig. 45). They are easily distinguished 

 by their slender, silvery grey bodies, and their curious lips. The upper 

 lip is provided with a notch into which fits a process of the lower lip. 

 They swim round the coasts in shoals and live on soft decaying matter. 

 In tank Nr. 16 they will be seen feeding on the sea-weeds and on 

 decaying animal and vegetable products, so that they are distinctly use- 

 ful animals. Their fiesh is very good , and as they are very common 

 they form a staple article in the Italian markets {Cefalo). 



