280 



THE COKDONNIEE OE COBBLEK-FISH. 



Tlie EYED PTEEACLTS is a good example of the curious genus to which it belongs, and 

 which can always be recognised by the extreme depth of the dorsal and anal fins and 

 their delicate tenuity of structure. The dorsal fin is moreover remarkable for the bold 

 sweep of its extent, passing in an unbroken curve from the forehead to the tail. Owing 

 to the development of the anal fin, the two ventrals are placed very far forward, and are 



seen under the throat. The mem- 

 bers of this genus are spread over 

 the Indian Ocean, the Sea of 

 Marmora, and some of the Ameri- 

 can coasts. 



The Eyed Pteraclis ia found 

 on the Mozambique coast. It is 

 a veiy beautiful fish, the general 

 colour being shining white as if 

 made of polished silver, with a 

 wash of gold upon the pectoral 

 and tail fins, and a deepish tint 

 of blue-grey upon the others. On 

 the dorsal fin there is a round 

 spot of dark blue. It seems to 

 be a small species. About four 

 members of this genus are known 

 to naturalists. 



BEFORE quitting this family, 

 we must briefly notice the hand- 

 some OPAH, or KING-FISH (Lam- 

 m-is luna), which is sometimes, 

 but rarely, found in the British 

 seas. 



This beautiful species seems 

 to be the sole representative of its 

 genus, it having been separated 

 from the genus Zeus, in which it 

 had formerly been placed, in con- 

 sequence of its single dorsal fin. 

 It sometimes attains to a con- 

 siderable size, a specimen having 

 been taken on the northern coast 

 of England which measured five 

 feet in total length, and weighed 

 about one hundred and fifty pounds. 

 The flesh of this fish is red, very 

 good, and is said to resemble that 

 of the salmon. 



The colour of the Opah is 



bright green on the upper part of the back and sides, with reflections of purple and gold 

 in certain lights. The fins and eyes are scarlet, and a number of round spots of pale 

 gold are scattered upon the sides. 



WE now arrive at a rather large family of fishes, which kis been separated from the 

 mackarels on account of certain anatomical variations, which will be mentioned at the 

 end of the volume. 



The CORDONNIER, or COBBLZE-FISH has derived its popular name from the long 

 sharp spines of the dorsal and anal fins, which are thought to resemble the awl and 

 bristles employed by cobblers in their trade. This fish is a good example of the large 



CORDONNIER, OR COBBLER-PISH. Gorans cili&rls. 



