254 



THE SAPPHIRINE GURNARD. 



ANOTHER and much more formidable species is the well-known FATHEE LASHER, 

 LONG-SPINED COTTUS, or LUCKY PROACH (Cottus bulalis). In colour this species is very 

 like the sea scorpion, but it may readily be distinguished from that fish by the array of 

 long and sharply pointed spines with which its head is armed. 



There are two spines proceeding from the back of the head and pointing towards the 

 tail, four spines on the preeoperculum, and three on the operculum, besides those on the 

 snout and other parts of the head and front of the body. The fish is quite aware of the 

 formidable nature of these bony spears, and whenever it is threatened or touched, it spreads 

 out the gill-covers, so as to present the sharp points in all directions, like the quills of an 

 angry porcupine. It is a rather large species, measuring ten inches in length. It is 

 common on our coasts, and like the preceding species may be taken in the rock pools at 

 low water. 



The FOUR-HORNED COTTTJS {Cottus quadricornis) is sometimes, but rarely, found on the 

 shores of England. It may be easily known by the four bony protuberances on the crown 

 of the head. There are four spines on the prseoperculum. Its general colour is brown 

 above, and greyish white below, the sides being yellow. The lateral line is marked with 

 rough points. 



ARMED PLATYCEPHALUS. Platydphalm grandispinit 



THE generic name of Platycephalus, which is appropriately given to tbis and the other 

 fish placed in the same group, is of Greek origin, and signifies Broad-head. 



In the illustration, the great width of the head is not seen, but its very considerable 

 flatness is well shown. On looking down on the head, it is seen to be even wider in 

 proportion than that of the bull-head, but is narrower towards the snout and not so 

 rounded. The body is also flattened in front, but assumes a more cylindrical form towards 

 the tail. 



The ARMED PLATYCEPHALUS is remarkable for the great length of the lower spine which 

 proceeds from the praeoperculum, and which reaches almost to the edge of the elongated 

 operculum. It is also very wide and strong, being indeed about four times as large as the 

 spine immediately above it. There are three little spines in front of the eye. Its coloui 

 is brown, mottled and spotted on the fins with deeper and lighter shades of the same 

 colour. 



WE now come to the typical genus of this family, which is represented by several well- 

 known British species. 



The SAPPHIRINE GURNARD, so called from the fine deep blue which tints the inner 

 surface of the pectoral fins, is one of the British fishes, and is of toterably common 

 occurrence upon our coasts. 



