ANGLER-FISH. 



379 



species the general colour of the upper surface is uniform brown, becoming darker 

 on the tin-membranes ; while the under-parts, as well as the pectoral and pelvic 

 fins, are white ; the tail being dark blackish brown. The colour is, however, 

 subject to a certain amount of modification, according to the tint of the inanimate 

 surroundings of the individual. Although commonly not more than a yard in 

 length, specimens of this ugly monster have been known to measure more than 



BARRACUDA AND ANGLER-FISH (^ liat. size). 



5 feet. In all respects the angler affords us an example of a creature most 

 admirably modified and adapted for the exigencies of its particular mode of life. 

 Living on the mud or sand of a shallow sea-bottom, the angler is protected not 

 only \>y its power of adapting its own coloration to that <»f its environment, but 

 likewise by the fringed appendages surrounding the head presenting the appear- 

 ance of a mass of seaweed. The structure of the paired tins renders tli<' fi^li able 

 to walk on the sea-bottom : and with these limbs it also stirs up at times the sand 

 and mud to attract its prey, and at the same time to aid in concealing its own 



