THE TRUE FISHES. igi 



Dolphins (C0rypk&m&f). The dolphins (Fig. 223) are 

 large -headed pelagic fishes, tapering to the tail ; the dorsal 

 fin high, and extending nearly the entire length of the body. 



FIG. 223. Flying-fish (Exoccetus} pursued by the dolphin. 



NOTE. They are justly celebrated for their wondrous colors, that 

 defy description, especially when dying, the various changes being due 

 to the pressure of the convulsively contracted muscles on the chromato- 

 phores or pigment-cells. 



Allied to them are the pompino and pilot-fishes {Nau- 

 crates}. The latter are little fishes that resemble the blue- 

 fish in shape, and accompany large fishes, several always 

 being found with large sharks. 



Mackerel (Scomber). The mackerel is one of the 

 most valuable of the food-fishes. They are from ten to 

 eighteen inches in length, and richly ornamented with 

 steel-blue and pearly tinls. They run in schools, ranging 



