Pareioplite, or Mailed-cheek Fishes 645 
In the islands of the Pacific are numerous dwarf species 
less than three inches long, which have been set apart as a 
separate genus, Sebastapistes. The longest known of these is 
Sebastapistes strongensis, named from Strong Island, abundant 
in crevices in the corals throughout Polynesia, and much dis- 
liked by fishermen. 
The genus Scorpenopsis differs from Scorpena in the absence 
of palatine teeth. It is still more fantastic in form and color. 
Fig. 541.—Sea-scorpion, Scorpena mystes Jordan. Mazatlan. 
Scorpenopsis currhosa, Scorpenopsis fimbriata, and other species 
are widely distributed through the East Indies and Polynesia. 
The lion-fishes (Pterots) of the tropical Pacific are remarkable 
for their long pectoral fins, elongate dorsal spines, and zebra-like 
coloration. The numerous species are fantastic and hand- 
somely colored, but their poisoned, needle-like spines are dreaded 
by fishermen. They lurk in crevices in the coral reefs, some 
of them reaching a foot in length. 
Inimicus japonicus, common in Japan, has a depressed and 
monstrous head and a generally bizarre appearance. It is usually 
black in color but is largely bright red when found among red 
alge. <A related species, [nimicus aurantiacus, is blackish when 
near shore, but lemon-yellow in deep water (see plate). A 
related species in the East Indies is Pelor filamentosum, called 
Nohu or Gofu in Polynesia. 
Still more monstrous are the species of Synanceia, short, 
thick-set, irregularly formed fishes, in which the poisoned spines 
