322 SPINY-FINNED FISHES. 



rays are very numerous, and united by a membrane so as to form 

 large pectoral fins, whereby these fishes are enabled to sustain 

 themselves in the air when they spring out of the water in the hope 

 of escaping from their enemies. Voyagers meet with them in the 

 Mediterranean, but more frequently in tropical seas. They swim in 

 numerous shoals, which the Bonito and other voracious fishes 

 fiercely pursue ; and when, to escape this danger, they spring into 

 the air, another, not less great, awaits them, for a host of sea-birds, 

 such as the Frigate-bird and Phaeton, are always ready to pounc 

 upon them. 



The Squamipennes * (scaly fins) are recognised by 

 having the soft and sometimes the spinous part of 

 the dorsal fin covered with scales, and scarcely dis- 

 tinguishable from the mass of the body. Their jaws 

 are furnished with several rows of teeth, resembling in 

 their conformation and arrangement the hairs of a 

 brush. Their mouth is very small, and the dorsal 

 and anal fins covered with scales. These fishes are 

 numerous in the seas of hot climates, and are re- 



FlG. 250. THE SHOOTING -FISH. 



markable for the beauty and brilliancy of their 

 colours. Among them may be mentioned a singular 

 group, called 



The Archers, or Shooting-fishes (Toxotes)^ of which a common 

 species, Toxotes jaculatcr, inhabits the Ganges and the seas of India, 



* Squama, a scale ; penna, a feather or fin. 

 t To|oTi7s, toxotes, an archer. 



