NATURAL HISTORY. 341 



" Of fishes every size and shape, 

 Which nature frames of light escape, 

 Devouring man to shun." SMART. 



Sub-order III. Pharyngonatha. 



1097. Wit y is the third sub-order designated pharyngonatha 



The name is derived from pharynx, the pharynx, the muscular 

 fang at the back part of the mouth ; and gnathos, thu jaw, 

 indicating that the pharyngeal bones are united. 



1098. This sub-order includes aa assemblage of fishes of diverse forms, in which 

 there are both soft and spinous rayed ; the pharynxed bones of this sub-order are 

 completely united, so as to form a single bone, which is usually armed with teeth. 

 The air-bladder is always completely closed.* 



1099. Why is the garfish usually called the mackerel guide ? 



Because it commonly approaches the shore to spawn, a little 

 prior to mackerel doing so. Hence the popular idea that the 

 garfish guides mackerel to the shore. 



1 100. Why is the parrot fish so called ? 



Because of the peculiar hooked formation of its mouth, and 

 the brilliancy of its colours. 



1101. Why has the parrot fish rounded jav;s and scale- 

 like teeth? 



Because they browse on newly-formed layers of stony cwnls, 

 digesting the animal matter therein contained, and setting free the 

 carbonate of lime in a chalky state. Their jaws and teeth possess 

 immense strength. 



Sub-order IV.Acanthoptera. 



1 102. Why is ihe fourth sub-order called acanthoptera ? 



From acanthos, a thorn, and pterygion^ a fin, meaning thcrn- 

 finned. One of the most distinguishing features of these fishes is, 



* Orr's " Circle of the Sciences." 



