RIFLE-FISHES. 95 



In America, it is known by the names of "Flasher" 

 and "Tripletail" ; the last being in reference to the slight 

 appearance as of three tails, which it possesses, due to the 

 greatly-enlarged soft portions of the anal and dorsal fins. 



RIFLE-FISHES. 



(Family: To.rotidce.) 



ONE species of this family is found on the coast of Queens- 

 land, where it is known by the name of Rifle - Fish 

 (Toxotes jacitlator). It has earned this name from its most 

 remarkable habit of capturing insects that are flying near 

 the surface of the water, by shooting drops of water at them. 

 It has a most unerring aim. The Malays who call 

 it "Ikan sumpit" keep it in a bowl, in order to witness this 

 singular habit, which it continues even in captivity. 



Fig. 37. RIFLE-FISH (Toxotes jaculator). 



Such a peculiar habit as this, is really most wonderful, 

 and gives us something to ponder over ; as it has to be re- 

 membered, that owing to refraction, the insect when on the 

 wing, will appear to the fish in the water, to be in quite 

 a different position to that in which it really is; the accur- 

 acy of the fish's aim, is then all the more to be wondered at. 

 In addition to its occurrence on our northern coastline, it is 

 also found in the seas of India and the Malay Archipelago. 



