338 



ABDOMINAL SOFT-FINNED FISHES. 



shaped like hands, and project so far from the 

 surface of the body as to be capable of being bent 



FlG. 269. MARBLED ANGLER. 



forward and used as feet, as represented in the accom- 

 panying figure (Fig. 269). 



The Common Angler (Lophius piscatorius) (Fig. 268) is a large 

 fish, sometimes attaining five feet in length. The head, as will be 



FlG. 270. THE ANGLER. 



observed, is furnished with one or two slender horns, divided at the 

 tip into several processes resembling little worms. The use of these 

 organs is very remarkable. The fish is not one gifted with swift 

 motion, and therefore cannot take its prey by pursuit; instead of 

 this it usually conceals itself in the mud at the bottom, or perhaps 

 among the stalks of floating weeds, while it agitates its curious 

 fleshy baits. Their resemblance to worms and their motion attract 

 other fishes, which, coming within reach, are seized by the capacious 

 mouth of the concealed frog-fish and swallowed at a gulp. 



