NORTON 



A FLW FISH r PEAKS 



67 



bubbling over with surprises. Nature has given to the Grouper, as 

 she has to many of her charges, the secret of adaptive coloration, 

 that is, the ability to change color as circumstance dictates. When 

 in captivity he changes color for no particular reason except possibly 



Courtesy N. Y. Zoclcgical Society 

 Fig. 3. Ladder Fish. N. Y. Aquarium 



habit and that he may wish to be obliging; but when in the open 

 sea, the Grouper habitat is deep in the waters about the West 

 Indies, Florida and Bermuda, there are the best of reasons for the 

 change of garb. The chief causes of the color change are for the 

 purpose of concealment from natural enemies, the capture of food, 

 and for signaling other fish of his kind upon the approach of danger. 

 The change of color is also used to mimic the color and actions of 

 other fish, and, most important of all, to win the love of "Mrs. 

 Fish." 



