THE DRAGONET. 



97 



The second name, Dragonet, probably originated from 

 its large wing-like fins, and speckled appearance, -which 

 induced some naturalists to think the species allied to 

 the flying fishes. It is a handsome fish, with a smooth 

 skin, and having the head singularly striped with blue, 

 on yellowish ground. When just taken its appearance 

 is most beautiful. The first ray of the first dorsal fin 



GEMMEOUS DKAGONET I" CalUonyimis lyra,'^ or Yellow SluJpin). 



is very extraordinarily elongated, so as to suggest the 

 resemblance to the strings of a musical instrument. 

 Hence its classical name Lyra. It is not a common 

 fish on our coasts ; it frequents deep waters, and keeps 

 close to the bottom. The length is from ten to twelve 

 inches. Two specimens of this curious little fish were 

 washed ashore at Wick during a gale ; one of them 

 being newly killed was very brilliant in its varied colours 

 on being first observed. I have a specimen in my 

 museum caught off Hastings, and kindly presented by 

 Dr. Bowerbank. 



The Sordid or Dusky Dragonet (Calliomjmus dracun- 

 culus) IS probably so called from its dingy hues, com- 

 pared with its congener. 



8 



