150 MARINE AND FRESHWATER FISHES 



common form in the Mediterranean. The majority of 

 the preceding types will be found well represented in the 

 preserved series forming the Day Collection. Unfortunately 

 no method has yet been discovered of preserving their vivid 

 colours as in life. Visitors to the Exhibition will, never- 

 theless, have an opportunity of verifying the descriptions 

 given of these Wrasses, by an examination of the living 

 examples of various species that have been already 

 introduced into tanks of the Aquarium in the West Arcade. 

 A highly interesting fact connected with the Wrasses, is 

 their habit of moving about only by daylight, and of repairing 

 to the rocks to sleep at night. On taking a lantern to 

 their tanks after dark, they will be found in various 

 recumbent positions on the ledges or on the crannies of the 

 rockwork, and are so lethargic that they may be handled. 

 Grey Mullets likewise sleep at night, but floating at the 

 surface of the water. 



ORDER. II. SOFT-FINNED FISHES (Anacanthini). 



Vertical and ventral fins, without spinous rays ; the 

 ventral fins, if present, jugular or thoracic. Air-bladder, 

 when developed, without a pneumatic duct. 



FAMILY I. COD TRIBE (Gadida). 



Body more or less elongated, covered with small cycloid 

 scales ; the gill openings wide ; dorsal fins one, two, or 

 three in number, occupying nearly the whole length of 

 the back ; one or two anal fins ; the caudal fins free, 

 or united with both the last dorsal and anal fins ; bran- 



