ICHTHYOLOGY. 31 



CHAPTER VIL 



Of Prickly Finned Jugular Fish. 



-Q, NAME the principal genera in this order. 



A. 1. Trachinous or Weever. 2. Uranosco- 

 pus. 3. Plennius. 



Q. How many species of Trachinus are known ? 



A. Two only ; Trachinus Draco and Trachi- 

 nus Osbeckii. 



Q. Describe Trachinus Draco, 



A. Trachinus Draco, or Dragon Weever, is of a 

 lengthened shape, and covered with small scales 

 that are easily detached from the body ; the mouth 

 is wide and opens vertically*) and the jaws are 

 armed with sharp teeth. It is about ten or twelve 

 inches long, and of a silvery colour, with a dusky 

 yellow cast on the back. 



Q. Is not this species armed with a formidable 

 weapon I 



A. Yes; its first dorsal fin is armed with spines 

 with which it inflicts a severe and dangerous 

 wound, if accidentally trodden on, as it lies em- 



Vertkally, ad. perpend icularly; in the direction of a 

 straight line up and down. 



