58 CRUISE OF THE BARRERA 



of lesser crustaceans was sensed if not always 

 clearly seen. Ponderous-looking fish (Groupers) 

 frequented the deeper spots and lazily swam out of 

 our range of vision. Occasional schools of fish of 

 about four to five pounds' weight approached us 

 and suddenly taking fright would turn in perfect 

 military precision and dart away. Around and 

 about all the coral heads and openings in the rocks, 

 gorgeously hued small fish lingered quite indiffer- 

 ent to our presence so long as we remained still, but 

 vanished at any sudden movement to reappear 

 cautiously in a moment. These brilliantly painted 

 reef fishes which represent numerous species and 

 genera are one of nature's living color marvels — 

 like butterflies and orchids. Their conspicuous 

 colors are not protective in any simulation of their 

 surroundings but it is quite possible that they are 

 protective for quite the opposite reason. Their 

 would-be enemies possibly can more quickly 

 recognize in these metallic-hued creatures indigest- 

 ible morsels that had best be left alone. 



The interest of our immediate surroundings, 

 however, was lessened by comparison with that of 

 the wonderland in plain view just beyond us, on 

 the main axis of the reef. This was not more than 



