SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 



71 



which the singular organization of the fish is more distinctly seen [Case 13.] 

 to be in consonance with its habits. Pediculates are found in all 

 seas. The habits of all are equally sluggish and inactive : they 

 are very bad swimmers ; those found near the coasts lie on the 

 bottom of the sea, holding on with their arm-like pectoral fins to 

 seaweed or stones, between which they are hidden ; those of 

 pelagic habits attach themselves to floating seaweed or other 

 objects, and are at the mercy of the wind and current. A large 

 proportion of the genera, therefore, have gradually found their way 

 to the greatest depths of the ocean — retaining all the character- 

 istics of their surface-ancestors, but assuming the modifications by 

 which they are enabled to live in abyssal depths. The Fishing- 

 frogs (Lophius), also called Anglers or Sea-devils, are coast-fishes, 



Fig. 55. 



Angler, or Sea-devil (Lophius naresii). (From the Admiralty Islands.) 



living at very small depths. The wide mouth extends all round 

 the anterior circumference of the head, and both jaws are armed 

 with bands of long pointed teeth, which are inclined inwards, and 

 can be depressed so as to offer no impediment to an object gliding 

 towards the stomach, but prevent its escape from the mouth. 

 The pectoral and ventral fins are so articulated as to perform the 

 functions of feet, the fish being enabled to move, or rather to 

 walk, on the bottom of the sea, where it generally hides itself in 

 the sand or amongst seaweed. All round its head, and also 

 along the body, the skin bears fringed appendages, resembling 



