122 



THE STORY OF LIFE IN THE SEAS. 



open ocean is the Sun-fish. It has a very wide 

 distribution in the tropical and temperate regions. 

 In the adult condition it is almost circular in 

 outline and considerably flattened from side to 

 side like a John Dory. It sometimes reaches a 

 size of eight feet in diameter and 

 a very great weight. From the 

 little that is known of its de- 

 velopment it apparently under- 



FIG. 34. The Sun-fish. 



goes some extraordinary changes 

 in shape before it reaches the 

 adult form. 



In addition to these and 

 several other Fish of a large size which may be 

 found at the surface of the open ocean, there are 

 several species known to science which never 

 grow to a length of more than a few inches. 



