86 FISH GALLERY. 



in New Zealand, and was captured in the estuary of the River 

 Waimakariri. In its size it is quite equal to the large Trout some- 

 times found in the River Thames, which it also resembles in general 

 appearance. The Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), the Vendace, called 

 White-fish in North America (Coregonusfig. 73), numerous in species 



Fig. 73. 



m W^ 



Vendace (Coregonus vandesius). (From Loch Maben.) 



in Europe and North America, and the Graylings (Thymallus) are 

 other well-known and highly esteemed members of this family. 

 [Case 20.] The Mormyrida (Case 20) are a type peculiar to the fresh waters 

 of tropical Africa. The genus Mormyrus is numerous in species, 

 some of which attain to a length of four feet. Many are remark- 

 able for their long and decurved snout. The common species of the 

 Nile [Mormyrus oxyrhynchus) was an object of veneration to the 

 ancient Egyptians, and therefore frequently occurs in their 

 emblematic inscriptions. Another member of this family is Gym- 

 narchus niloticus, of eel-like habit and growing to a length of six 

 feet. 



The Esocidee (Case 20), or Pike, are inhabitants of the fresh 

 waters of the temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and America. The 

 European species (E. lucius) inhabits all three continents. Very 

 large specimens are called " Muskellonge " in America. An old 

 painting of a large Pike is exhibited, which, according to the legend, 

 was caught in the year 1230 by the Emperor Frederick II., marked 

 with an inscribed ring, and caught again after the lapse of more 

 than two centuries. 



The Scombresocida (Case 20) are chiefly marine. The Gar-pike 



