SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 



67 



The Carangida (Cases 12, 13), or Horse-Mackerels, are a large [Case 12.] 

 family of carnivorous fishes allied to the true Mackerels, and 

 inhabiting the tropical and temperate seas. One species (Caranoc 

 trachurus) is common on our coasts, and almost cosmopolitan 

 within the temperate and tropical zones of the northern and 

 southern hemispheres. The " Yellow-tails " (Seriola) occur in 



Fig. 50. 



Yellow-tail (Seriola lalcmdii). (From South Australia.) 



all the temperate and tropical seas; the larger grow to a length 

 of from four to five feet, and are esteemed as food. The Pilot- 

 fish (Naucrates ductor} is so named from its habit of keeping 



Fig. 51. 



Pilot-fish (Xaucrates ductor). 



company with ships and large fish, especially Sharks. The con- 

 nection between the Shark and the Pilot-fish has received various 

 interpretations; being a small fish, it obtains greater security 

 when in company of a Shark, which would keep at a distance all 



