258 LASHER BULLHEADi 



white variegations, which are sometimes accom* 

 panied by a reddish tinge : the belly is entirely 

 white: the fins and tail are transparent, slightly 

 clouded with brown, and the rays barred regularly 

 with deep-brown : the pectoral fins are Very large, 

 rounded, and denticulated or scolloped on the 

 edges : the dorsal and anal of moderate size $ the 

 ventral small ; the tail even at the end : the lateral 

 line is strait, and formed by a train of small scaly 

 points, covered by the common skin. 



This fish is an inhabitant of the mediterranean 

 and northern seas, and is said to be particularly 

 plentiful about the coasts of Greenland, where it is 

 much esteemed as a food. It is a strong fish, swim- 

 ming with great rapidity, and preying on the 

 smaller fishes, sea-insects, &c. It is said to be able 

 to live a considerable time out of water ; having 

 the power of closing the gill-covers in such a manner 

 as to exclude the effects of atmospheric air. When 

 first caught, if held in the hand, it exerts a strong 

 and peculiar sound by the expulsion of air through 

 its mouth, &c. during this action the mouth is 

 opened to the utmost width, the pectoral fins are 

 strongly expanded, and the whole body is agitated 

 by a vibrating or tremulous motion. 



