2 4 o FISHES. 



The Red Mullet (Mull us barbalus] has the body and tail red, even after the scales 

 have been removed ; its size is ordinarily from eight to ten inches. It lives in many 

 seas, particularly in the Mediterranean, and is much prized for the excellence of its 

 flesh. It is celebrated on account of the pleasure which the Romans took in contem- 

 plating the changes of colour it displays whilst dying. Exorbitant prices were paid for 

 mullets of extraordinary size, and at entertainments they were brought to table alive, 

 and cooked before the eyes of the guests. 



The Surmullet (Mullus surmuletus) is larger than the mullet, and is longitudi- 

 nally striped with yellow. 



The family of the Mailed- Cheeks (Buccce Loricate?) is recog- 

 nized by the manner in which the bones of the face are prolonged 

 to the gill-covers, and protect the cheeks as with a bony case. In 

 this family are placed 

 The Plying Gurnards (Dactylopterus}* in which the pectoral fin-rays 



FIG. 249. ORIENTAL FLYING GURNARD. 



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

 tins, 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 tro- 

 pical 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 pounce upon them. 



The Squamipennesf (scaly-fins] are recognized by having 



* 8a.KTV\os, dactylos, a finger ; irrepov, pteron, a wing: finger- winged. 

 t Squama, a scale; penna, a feather ovfui. 



