374 



SPINY-FINNED FISHES. 



Star-Gazers. 



bottom of shallow seas. The tile-fish and its allies are, however, large deep-water 

 forms; and the genus Bathy draco has been taken from depths of over 1200 

 fathoms. They inhabit all seas except the Arctic, where they are almost unknown. 

 The star-gazers, as typically represented by the genus Urano- 

 scopus, of which one species ( U. scaber) is shown in the upper figure 

 of the accompanying illustration, form the first subfamily, and take their name 

 from the upward direction of their small eyes, which are situated on the upper 

 surface of the head. They are further characterised by the continuous lateral 

 line, and by the spinous portion of the single or double dorsal fin being less 



STAR-GAZER AND WEAVER (J nat. size 



developed than the soft part, which is similar to the anal. The members of the 

 typical genus are distinguished by the large, broad, and massive head being partly 

 covered with bony plates ; the vertical cleft of the mouth ; and the minute size of 

 the scales. The first of the two dorsal fins has from three to five spines, and the 

 rays of the pectorals are branched. Villiform teeth are present in the jaws and 

 on the bones of the palate, but there are no tusks. The gill-cover is armed ; 

 and there is generally a long filament below or in front of the tongue, but there 

 is no air-bladder. While the figured species is from the Mediterranean, the others 

 range from the Indo-Pacific to the Atlantic. Karely measuring a foot in length, 

 these exceedingly unprepossessing fish can raise or depress their small eyes at will, 

 and are generally found lying sluggishly on the sea-bottom in wait for their prey, 

 frequently concealed among stones. The filament in front of the mouth, which 



