GEN. CENTRISCTJS. THE TRUMPET-FISH. 311 



head ; they are covered with small scales, and have 

 also some larger denticulated ones in the apparatus 

 to which we have just alluded. This first ray is 

 capable of motion, and thus forms a very powerful 

 weapon. 



(Sp. 94.) C. scolopax. (Plate XXIII.) The 

 Trumpet-fish, or Sea-snipe. This very remarkable 

 looking fish is not uncommon in the Mediterranean, 

 but only three instances have been recorded of its 

 having been seen in the British seas; so that we 

 must regard it but a rare visitor. One specimen was 

 thrown ashore on the coast of Cornwall in the year 

 1804; and Mr. Donovan states that two instances 

 of its capture had come within his notice. The best 

 account we have seen of it is that of Mr. Yarrell, 

 from whom we learn that the fish is but of small 

 dimensions, not extending beyond a few inches; 

 the Cornwall specimen reached to five inches. The 

 elongated snout is terminated by a very small 

 mouth, which has no teeth ; the eyes are large, the 

 irides silvery, streaked with red. The back is ele- 

 vated, forming a slight ridge, and ending in a short 

 spine, just in advance of the long and strong denti- 

 culated one of the first dorsal fin. This anterior 

 dorsal fin has but three spinous rays, although 

 authors generally state them to be four. The first 

 spine is thrice as long, and also much stronger, than 

 the others ; it is pointed, moveable, and toothed 

 like a saw on the under part, constituting a formi- 

 dable weapon of defence ; the other spines are short, 

 with their points projecting beyond the membrane 



