96 Part second. 



the element in which they live. But a number of them also frequent 

 the coasts, from habit or in search of food ; while others swim about to 

 greater distances, or may, like the pelagic fish, become independent of 

 coast and sea-bottom and live in the open water. 



We shall first treat of those forms which frequent the coasts, be- 

 ginning with the Labroida, characteristic by their large protrusible lips and 

 conspicuous by their brilliant colouring. The brightly coloured Wrasse, 

 Labrus (Fig. 35 and 36), and the Peacock -wrasse, Crenilabrus 

 (Fig. 34), belong to this group; they swim about with a curious jerking 

 motion. The gaily coloured Labrus festivus is interesting on account 

 of the close watch the jealous male animal keeps over its brood. The 

 small Coris vulgaris and Julis pavo (Fig. 157 and 155) are graceful 

 and brilliant fishes darting about the tank. They are possessed of intense 

 curiosity and great greediness, devouring instantly anything that is thrown 

 to them. They are very sensitive to the cold, and retire into the sand 

 at night; so that on a nocturnal visit to the tank only their heads can 

 be seen protruding from the sandy bed. In cold wintry weather, they 

 remain in the sand all day, and always take refuge there when alarmed. 

 The larger species of Labrus and Crenilabrus may often be seen 

 resting at the bottom of the tank leaning against a rock or stone, re- 

 minding one of the ground-loving fish. 



Nearly allied is Xyrichthys (Fig. 156), which behaves exactly like 

 Coris, and the small Heliases (Fig. 32), troop of which play about on 

 all steep coasts. 



In sharp contrast to these lively fishes are the phlegmatic Sea- 

 perches , the largest and most easily kept of which is the Serranus 

 gigas (Fig. 56). It loves to remain for hours on the same spot, 

 generally where the water enters the tank, sometimes in an upright po- 

 sition with widely opened mouth and gill-cover, and seems to enjoy 

 the stream of freshly aerated water which passes through its gills. When 

 alarmed it takes refuge under some arch of the rocks and from there 

 darts out on its prey with rapid and unerring aim. All its habits 

 characterize a cautious, timid fish, loving safe hiding-places; and with 

 this view the observations of the fishermen agree. It is greatly valued 

 and sought after in the Italian markets, going by the name of Cernia, 

 and fetches good prices. - - The small Lettered-perch, Serranus scriba 

 (Fig. 72), with a brilliant colouring, resembles in shape, though not in 

 appearance, its larger relation. It has received its name from the mark- 

 ing like Arabic writing upon its gill-covers. We may also mention in 

 this connection the fine rose-coloured Apogon (Fig. 33). 



Much more lively than the "giant" Serranus is the Bass or Sea- 

 dace, Labrax lupus (Fig. 55). It is a predacious fish, occurring in 

 the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and was well known at the Roman 

 time. It attains a length of three feet and is one of the most delicate 

 fishes in the market, where it is known as Spinola. It is usually found 

 near the coasts and sometimes proceeds some way up the rivers. In 

 stormy weather it approaches the coast in large numbers to feed on the 

 crabs which are carried away by the waves. It is generally caught with 

 the line , large specimens offering very energetic resistance. In the 



