ANGLER-FISH. 



379 



species the general colour of the upper surface is uniform brown, becoming darker 

 on the fin-membranes ; while the under-parts, as well as the pectoral and pelvic 

 fins, are white; the tail being dark blackish brown. The colour is, however, 

 subject to a certain amount of modification, according to the tint of the inanimate 

 surroundings of the individual. Although commonly not more than a yard in 

 length, specimens of this ugly monster have been known to measure more than 



BARRACUDA AND ANGLER-FISH (^ liat. size). 



5 feet. In all respects the angler affords us an example of a creature most 

 admirably modified and adapted for the exigencies of its particular mode of life. 

 Living on the mud or sand of a shallow sea-bottom, the angler is protected not 

 only by its power of adapting its own coloration to that of its environment, but 

 likewise by the fringed appendages surrounding the head presenting the appear- 

 ance of a mass of seaweed. The structure of the paired fins renders the fish able 

 to walk on the sea-bottom ; and with these limbs it also stirs up at times the sand 

 and mud to attract its prey, and at the same time to aid in concealing its own 



