270 SHORTER PIPE-FISH. 



zontal, and not perpendicular. The aperture of the gills 

 is oval. The general appearance of the Sun-fish would 

 remind a casual observer of a bream, or some other deep 

 fish, cut in two. 



The Globe Diodon. The mode in which these fish de- 

 fend themselves from the attack of their foes is very 

 singular. Their belly is beset with spines ; and the 

 moment they are alarmed they blow themselves up until 

 they are nearly of a globular shape. In this state they 

 have an extremely formidable appearance. They are in- 

 habitants of the seas of warm climates ; but have in a few 

 instances been found near the British coasts. 



Their length is about eighteen inches, and the form of 

 their body is generally oblong. The mouth is small. 

 The back is of a deep blue colour, and the belly and sides 

 are white. The tail and fins are brown. 



21. PIPE-FISH TRIBE. 



The Pipe-fish are found on the sea-shores. Under their 

 tail there is a longitudinal groove, in which their eggs and 

 young ones are concealed until the latter are in a sufficient 

 state of maturity to provide food, and seek shelter for 

 themselves. 



Shorter Pipe-fish. The ancient writers on the subject 

 of natural history were not unacquainted with these fish. 

 They are mentioned both by Pliny and Aristotle. Fisher- 

 men often catch them in their nets upon sea-shores ; but 

 as they are not used for food, they are entirely neglected, 

 except for the purpose of bait for other fish. 



The Shorter Pipe-fish is generally from eight to twelve, 

 inches in length. In some of the individuals, the middle 



