340 



THE SUN-FISH. 



is alarmed, it draws the eye back against the sac of fluid, which is thus forced into the 

 folds of skin, and distends them so largely as nearly to conceal the entire organ 

 behind them. 



While swimming quietly along, and suffered to be undisturbed, it generally remains 

 so near the surface that its elevated dorsal fin projects above the water. Only in warm, 

 calm weather is it seen in this attitude, and during a stormy season it remains near the 

 bed of the sea, and contents itself with feeding on the seaweeds which grow so luxuri- 

 antly at the bottom of the shallower ocean-waters. 



The color of the Sun-fish is grayish brown, darker upon the back than on the sides of 

 the abdomen, and the skin is hard and rough. It often attains a very great size, one 

 that was harpooned on the equator measuring six feet in length. Several species of 

 Sun-fish are known. 



IN the strange-looking fishes which are represented in the accompanying illustration, 

 we have farther instances of the inexhaustible variations of form and structure with 



PEGASUS. Pegasus nataas. 



SEA DRAGON. Pegasus draco. 



which this world teems, and which seem to be more plentiful, more bizarre, and more 

 incomprehensible in the ocean than on the earth, in the air, or even in the rivers and 

 other fresh waters of the globe. 



The order to which these creatures belong is known under the name of Lopho- 

 branchii, or Crest-gilled fishes ; so called on account of the form of the gills, which are 

 composed of little round tufts, and nearly hidden by the gill-cover. There is but little 

 flesh upon the bodies of these remarkable fishes, which are protected by a hard bony 

 armor, which, when examined, is found to be most beautifully constructed, so as to 

 protect the animal and to allow of annual increase of dimensions. 



The habits of the Lophobranchiate fish are not less remarkable than their forms, more 

 especially those instinctive customs which relate to the continuation of their species. 

 In almost every case, the eggs are given into the care of the male fish, who is provided 

 with some apparatus suitable for the onerous task which he undertakes. In some 

 species, the eggs are placed in certain folds or pouches of skin on the abdomen, breast, 

 or tail ; in others they are carried between the ventral fins ; and in others again they 

 are deposited in rows on the abdomen or breast, and there retained until the young 

 escape from their prison. 



