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THE TRIGGER-FISH. 



form of this creature with that of certain reptiles, the analogy between the Coffer-fish 

 and the tortoise is too close to escape observation. None of these fishes are in request 

 as articles of food, their flesh being small in quantity, and m some species even thought 

 to have a poisonous effect ; but the liver is very large, and yields a tolerable supply of 

 oil. All the Coffer-fishes are natives of the tropical seas, and but few species are known. 



THE very curious TRIGGER-FISH is an example of a moderately large genus, inhabit- 

 ing the warmer seas of many parts of the world, and which, on account of their rough. 

 and fierce exterior, are sometimes called FILE-FISHES, or LEATHER-JACKETS. 



The name of Trigger-fish is derived from the peculiar structure of the dorsal nn. 

 When the fin is erected, the first ray, which is very thick and strong, holds its elevated 

 position so firmly that it cannot be pressed down by any degree of force ; but li 

 second ray be depressed, the first immediately falls down like the hammer of a gun- 



TRIGGER-FISH. Batistes coaspiclllum. 



lock when the trigger is pulled. The mechanical structure of these curious rays is 

 extremely interesting, but the description would occupy too much space to be inserted 

 in this work, beside requiring careful illustrations. 



A strong feeling against the flesh of this fish exists among seafaring men, but, like 

 many other nautical prejudices, is quite without foundation, the flesh being sweet and 

 nutritious, though rather coarse. On the abdomen there is a bony keel, and on each 

 side of the tail there are several rows of horny spines. This species is found in Japanese 

 waters. In color it is one of the most striking of its genus, being tolerably large, and 

 black in color, diversified by some large pale yellow or white spots upon the sides of 

 the abdomen. Two other species are also given, in order to exhibit the curious variety of 

 form and coloring found in these remarkable fish. The BRISTLY TRIGGER-FISH is not- 

 able from the quantity of bristle-like appendages to the tail, and the general appearance 

 of the UNARMED TRIGGER-FISH can best be understood by reference to the illustration. 

 All the fishes of this genus (which has been divided by some authors into several other 

 genera) are inhabitants of the tropical seas, where they haunt the rocky coasts, and make 



