4-6 THE BEAKED CH.ETODON 



TOE PLAISE AND FLOUNDER. 



The general habits both of the Plaise and Flounder, resemble those 

 of all the other flat-fish. These fish are 

 each found in great abundance in most 

 of the European seas. Flounders often 

 ascend rivers, and occasionally even so 

 far as to be beyond the immediate 

 influence of the tides. 



OF THE CHoETODON TK1BE. 



IN this tribe, although the species are very numerous, there is only 

 one of which I have met with any account in the least degree inter- 

 esting. 



The hqad and mouth of the Chaetodons are small, and they have 

 the power of pushing out and retracting the lips, so as to make a 

 tubular orifice. The teeth are mostly bristle-shaped, flexible, move- 

 able, closely set, and very numerous. The gill-membrane has from 

 three to six rays. The body is scaly, broad, and compressed ; and the 

 dorsal and anal tins arc generally terminated with prickles. 



THE BEAKED CH^ETODON. 



The Beaked Crsctodon or Shooting-fish frequents the shores and 

 mouths of rivers in 

 India, and about 

 I he Indian islands. 

 ]t is somewhat 

 more than six 

 inches in length. 



This fish feeds 

 principally on flies 

 and other small 

 winged insects that 

 hover about the 

 v/atcrs it inhabits ; 

 and the mode of 

 taking its prey is 

 very remarkable. 

 When it sees a fly 

 at a distance, on 

 any of the plants in 

 the shallow water, 

 it approaches very 



