222 THE CHOGSETT OR GUNNER. 



with a pattern as geometrically regular a.s if drawn by the aid of rale and compass. This fish 

 is found on the coasts of Ceylon. Its color is bright green on the back, gradually changing to 

 golden-yellow towards the abdomen. The checkered marks on the body are purple and gi'ay, 

 and the stripes and spots on the head are rich, glowing orange. In allusion to the wicker-like 

 markings and the brilliant colors of the fish, tlie natives call it by the name of Henibili 

 Girawah ; the former word signifying the little basket in which betel is carried, and the latter 

 a parrot. 



Though edible, this fish is not regularly captured for the markets. It generally frequents 

 the rocky portions of the coast. It never attains any great dimensions, none seeming to meas- 

 ure more than fifteen inches in length. 



The cnrious fish, Sly Epibulus, has derived its popular and scientific titles from the 

 crafty manner in which it obtains its food. 



In this fish, the mouth and jaws exhibit a very remarkable modification of structure, 

 which enables the creature to jjrotrude its nioutli with great rapidity, and to such a degree, 

 that when pushed forward to its greatest extent it is even longer than the head. Aided by 

 this apparatus, the Sly Epibulus captures its prey as follows : It feeds mostly upon small 

 fishes, and instead of alarming them by charging among their ranks, and so giving itself a 

 tedious and jiossibly an unsuccessful chase, it quietly withdraws itseK to some sheltered spot, 

 and waits, still and motionless as the watchful kingfisher, and no less dangerous to the smaller 

 members of the finny tribe. No sooner does an unwary fish pass near the cunning enemy, 

 deceived by its apparent harmlessness, than the movable mouth is suddenly i^i'ojected with the 

 raj)idity of a serpent's stroke, and the victim is seized and swallowed in a moment. 



The TiLE-Fisir {LopJiolatilus chamceleonticeps, Goode and Bean) is a newly-discovered 

 food-fish, the value of which is thought to be very considerable as an addition to our list 

 of food-fishes. It is abundant in deej) water oflf Massachusetts Bay ; it is a fine large fish and 

 highly colored, and belongs to family LatilidcE. 



From the many species of the genus Labrus, the Ballan Wrasse has been selected. 

 This fish, otherwise laiown by the popular names of Ancient Wrasse, or Old Wife, is one 

 of those species which is mostly found haunting the rocky ijortions of the shore. 



It is not in any great estimation as an article of food, the flesh being too soft, and not 

 possessing any particularly good flavor. It generally frequents the deep rocky gullies, where 

 the water is tolerably tranquil, except when the waves are beaten into foam by a stonn. Here 

 it may be seen swimming about in the clear element, concealing itself among masses of sea- 

 weed, and ever and anon darting forth to secure some tempting morsel, such as a passing 

 crab or prawn. 



Mr. Couch remarks concerning this species, that "it takes a bait freely, and fishermen 

 remark that Avhen they first fish in a place, they take but few, and those of a large size ; but 

 on trying the same sjxjt a few days after, they catch a greater number, and those smaller ; 

 from whence they conclude that the large fish assume the dominion of a district, and keep the 

 younger at a distance." 



The Wrasse deposits its spawn in spring or towards the beginning of summer, and, as is 

 usual with most fishes, assumes its brightest apparel previous to performing that duty. There 

 is much uncertainty about the coloring of the Ballan Wrasse, but in general the color is red 

 above and on the sides, variegated with oval spots of rich bluish-green ; the fins are green, 

 sparely spotted with red, and the abdomen is pale oi-ange. It does not attain to any great 

 size, seldom having been known to exceed sixteen or eighteen inches in length, and two 

 or three pounds in weight. 



Of the family ia^z/rfa', the Gunners are important as food-fishes. The Ciiogsett or Gun- 

 ner {Ctenolabrus adspersa) is, perhaps, the most familiar sea-fish on our New England coast. 

 During the summer months it is the principal source of angling sport. It is a singular fact 



