THE AFRICAN BEAKED FISH 



2849 



figured species belonging to a group in which the dorsal fin is relatively short, 

 scarcely exceeding the anal in length, while the muzzle is long and bent down. 

 From its nearest allies the species in question is distinguished by the production of 

 the extremity of the lower jaw into an elongated, conical, dependent, fleshy 

 appendage, nearly equal in length to half the head. In color the skin is dark 

 brown, relieved by two lighter cross-bands between the dorsal and anal fins. Other 

 species have have the muzzle short and blunt; and whereas some grow to a length 

 of between three and four feet, others are comparatively small fishes. No less 

 than eleven species of this genus are found in the Nile; which, together with some 

 of the West African rivers, is likewise the home of the single representative of the 



PETERS' BEAKED FISH AND SLENDER PIKELET. 

 ( One-third natural size. ) 



genus Gymnarchus. In form the later fish is eel-like; its jaws being armed with a 

 series of incisor-like teeth, and its length reaching to upward of six feet. Both genera 

 are furnished with a pair of organs lying on the two sides of the tail, which are stated 

 to be transitional in character between ordinary muscle and a true electric organ; 

 although, if this be correct, it is difficult to conceive what can be the object or use 

 of such a structure. Each consists of an oblong capsule, divided by vertical parti- 

 tions into a number of chambers filled with a gelatinous substance. One of the 

 species ( M. oxyrhynchus} from the Nile, is frequently depicted in the frescoes of the 

 ancient Egyptians. 

 179 



