98 



sand, while the tail is directed upwards, the axis of the body- 

 being thus nearly perpendicular. In this position the mouth 

 and gill cavity are opened rather widely and filled with water ; 

 then, by a sudden closure, the water is forced out in a jet on to 

 the sand below, with such force as to cause it to fly about and 

 expose any animal life which may be immediately under the 

 surface. (Compare Dumahel's statement that the '* Daurade," 

 Chrysophrys aurata, stirs up the sand with its tail in its search 

 for molluscs, etc.) A considerable depression may be made 

 in this way. The iish then examines the results closely, 

 occasionally finding something edible. After a time it moves 

 off to another place where it repeats the process till sometimes 

 the whole floor of the tank may be covered with the ringlike 

 depressions so caused. The position of its eyes and shape of 

 its forehead are specially suited for a close scrutiny of the region 

 laid bare by this blowing process ; the forehead is high, the 

 eyes being not far behind the vertical of the mouth and close 

 together, allowing of simultaneous concentration on any object 

 immediately in front. The high forehead and closely-set eyes 

 is characteristic of another fish (noted below), which searches 

 for its prey at close quarters, and the habit may perhaps be 

 associated with such modifications generally. 



The Red-stumpnose is of a quiet and retiring disposition, 

 in keeping with this humble and industrious method of obtain- 

 ing its livelihood, yet it is remarkable for its very vivid colours. 

 These consist of broad bands of bright red colours passing 

 vertically across the body. The bands of alternating red and 

 pale whitish colour may have something to do with the protec- 

 tion of the fish as seen at a distance. In the feeding attitude 

 these appear, of course, as horizontal bands. 



So far the habits of the Red-stumpnose had a very 

 obvious meaning, but another phase of its behaviour was some- 

 what puzzling. On repeated occasions one of these fish, some- 

 times two together, was observed apparently closely examining 

 Klip-fish( C/iwMs). The Klip-fish were usually lying unconcernedly 

 in a corner or nook in which they were fond of resting. The 

 Red-stumpnose was repeatedly observed intently gazing at a 

 Klip-fish from a distance of about six inches or so. It was 

 apparent from the persistence of this action, the following of 

 the Klip-fish when it moved off, and the twisting about to 

 secure a better view that this behaviour was not accidental. 

 It was at first thought that it was for the purpose of procuring 

 any parasites that might be on the Klip-fish, but none were 

 observed and, although the Stumpnose often approached to 

 within an inch or so of the Klip-fish, it never attempted to 

 seize it or any parasites that might have been present. This 



