254 THE SAPPHIRINE GURNARD. 



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

 LONOSPINED COTTUS, or LUCKY PROACH (Coitus bubalis). In color this species is 

 very like the sea scorpion, but it mg,y readily be distinguished from that fish by the 

 array of long and sharpby 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 praaoperculum, 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 COTTUS (Coitus 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 praeoperculum. Its general 

 color is brown above, and grayish white below, the sides being yellow. The lateral 

 line is marked with rough points. 



ARMED PLATYCEPHALUS. Platycepbalus graadlsplnis. 



THE generic name of Platycephalus, which is appropriately given to this 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 to- 

 wards 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 color is brown, mottled and spotted on the fins with deeper and lighter shades 

 of the same color. 



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 tolerably common 

 occurrence upon our coasts. 



