THE SCABBARD FISHES AND HAIRTAILS 



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Among the better-known forms, the scabbard fish (Lepidopus cauda- 

 tus) represents a genus characterized by the absence or rudimentary 

 condition of the pelvic fins, the long single dorsal, and the distinct but small tail 

 fin. Although it may attain a length of five or six feet, the attenuation of the body 

 is so great that the whole weight does not exceed as many pounds. The fish has a 

 very wide geographical distribution, ranging from the Mediterranean and warmer 

 regions of the Atlantic to the Cape, and thence to New Zealand and Tasmania, 

 while it occasionally wanders to the British coasts. This wide range may probably 

 be taken as an indication that the scabbard fish is a comparatively deep-sea form. 

 In New Zealand, where it is known as the frostfish, the scabbard fish is highly 

 esteemed for its flesh, which is white, rich, firm, and tender, with an excellent 



SCABBARD FISH. 



(One-thirteenth natural size.) 



flavor. On this account, says an anonymous writer, "the fish is eagerly sought 

 after, and commands a high price, as the supply is irregular, and not equal to the 

 demand. Not much is yet known of the manners and customs of the frostfish, 

 but the little that has been made manifest is decidedly peculiar. It is a deep-water 

 fish, and yet, strange to say, has never yet been taken by the net, the rod, or the 

 line. Even the all-gathering trawl has hitherto failed to bring it to the surface of 

 the deep. How then is its capture effected ? To all appearance the frostfish is 

 captured by the fishermen only when it commits suicide and immolates itself on the 

 sandy beaches of the Pacific. The facts are, that on calm and frosty nights, during 

 the autumn and winter months, numbers of frostfish come ashore alive through 

 the surf on the beaches before referred to, and there wriggle on the firmer sands 



