61 
the enemy. This is a remarkable analogy to what obtains among 
butterflies in the genus Thecla (se below, p. 86). — Though I 
have not observed this case myself, I have found it preferable to 
mention it here, in connection with my own observations on pro- 
tective habits in fishes. 
Poulton!) quotes an interesting suggestion by Garstang that 
the black first dorsal fin of Trachinus vipera may act as a warn- 
ing coloration, this black fin alone being seen, while the body of 
the fish is completely buried in the sand. This conspicuous char- 
acter is supposed to prevent such fish as gurnards from mistaking 
the weever for the dragonet (Callionymus lyra), which is similar 
in size and habits. Mr. Garstang frequently found dragonets in 
the stomach of gurnards, but the weever never. Better than this, 
in my opinion, rather problematic case would seem to be that 
pointed out by Hickson (Op. cit.) of Acanthurus nobilis a. o. 
»Surgeons". A good example of this would be f. i. the Hepatus 
achilles (Shaw), with the scarlet coloured spot round the caudal 
Spine, s0 conspicuously contrasting against the black colour of the 
body”). . More convincing than these cases, however, which rest on 
no direct observations, only on theoretical conclusions, appears to 
be that of Trigla Kumu L. & G. and Lepidotrigla Biirgeri T. & 
S. recorded by Doflein (Op. cit. p. 206), "which by suddenly 
Spreading out their large, magnificently coloured pectoral fins frighten 
their would-be attacker and warn against their poison spines. 
Å very fine instance of protective coloration was also observed 
by Doflein (Op. cit. p. 203) viz. a small fish, probably a Serra- 
nid, that exactly matches in colour the coral (ÅAstræa sp.) with 
which it lives 3), 
During my stay at the Philippines I observed some cases of 
Protective adaptation among fishes, which appear to be hitherto un- 
recorded. 
On the flats of the coral reef at Little St. Cruz Island in the 
n E, Br Poulton. The colours of animals. 1890. p. 165. 
” Jordan & Evermann. The Aquatic Resources of the Hawaiian Is- 
lands. I. The Shore Fishes. Bull. U.S. Fish. Comm. XXIII. 1905. PI. LVIIT. 
7”) A fine coloured figure of this is given in V. Franz. Die japanischen 
Knochenfische der Sammlungen Haberer und Doflein. Abh. d. Bayr. 
pg Vee ne MBE SEE) Ree 
Naturgesch. Ostasiens: herausgeg. v. Doflein). 
