196 FISHES FOR MARINE AQUARIA. 



smaller than the species just mentioned, but not less 

 beautiful in its bright green body, variegated with a 

 net-work of scarlet and blue. Its fins are of the 

 brown colour of cork, whence the common name of 

 this fish. The rainbow wrasse (Fig. 129) is a very 

 rare fish, whose name is borrowed from its prismatic 

 or rainbow tints. As the specific name implies, it is 

 very abundant in the Mediterranean. 



Fig. 129. 



Rainbow Wrasse (jTtlis Mediterraned], 



The dragonet, or yellow skulpin (Callionymus lyrd) 

 is another common aquarium fish, whose gorgeous 

 colours and dragon-like fins and appearance are suffi- 

 cient recommendation for its introduction. It is not 

 a common British fish ; but this may be because it is 

 fond of deep, water, and of keeping at the bottom. 

 Like the wrasses, the male and female are differently 

 coloured, and were formerly believed to be different 

 species. The male is easily distinguished by the 

 very long dorsal fin ray. Their green eyes gleam 

 with a beautiful fire-like expression, and are pro- 



