12 



CHIM^.ROID FISHES AND THETR DEVELOPMENT. 



in Chimaera. In the water the moving fish gives one the impression that its pec- 

 toral fins are too large for its body ; they stand out prominently, and from their 

 transparency they remind one strongly of those of some specialized teleost, such as 

 a gurnet or a flying-fish. In figures (figs, i and 2), reproduced from photographs, 

 the transparency of the pectoral fins is indicated, though we gain little idea of their 

 delicacy and beauty. They are well supplied with blood, which passes through the 

 transparent fins in delicate vessels arranged parallel with the fin rays and sometimes 

 gives the fin a rosy tinge. 



COLORS. 



Chimera colliei, of which an immature specimen is pictured in plate xi, shows 

 lustrous colors when taken from the water. Its ground tone is silver, but at every 

 movement it reflects metallic hues brass, copper, and gold. Its snout is trans- 



Fig. 2. Photograph of living Chimaera colliei. 



This shows the pectoral fins extended on either side of the body at the time of the down stroke of the fin . The pelvic fins stand out on either 

 side apron-like, showing clearly their light-colored anterior border. In this position the spotting of the back is conspicuous. In lateral view (cf. fig. I ) 

 the spots can scarcely be seen. 



lucent, its optic cup is luminous, refracting pale greenish-blue, its iris brassy, and 

 on head and trunk are tinges of rose, cobalt, pale-green, and madder. Out of 

 water, however, its brilliant tones soon fade, and its delicate, scaleless skin blotches 

 and dries. In the aquarium, as one could naturally expect, the fish fails to show 

 much of its metallic luster, but, on the other hand, its pigments appear to greater 

 advantage. Its back region is dark umber, through which pass, as the fish changes 

 position, shades of olive and rose-madder. Its ventral region and fin bases are 

 white, the fins themselves translucent and even transparent. In the adult the 

 paired fins show little pigment ; they stand out from the body prominently, their 

 anterior rims white, and their constant movement adds greatly to the fish's beauty. 

 It may be added that the dorsal spine shows brightly in the water, forming ;i 



