414 



FISHES. 



depth of 345 fathoms. In their general form they resemble 

 the Sea-Perches, attain to a weight of from one to four lbs., 

 and are generally esteemed as food. 



SooEP^NA. — Head large, slightly compressed, generally with a 

 transverse naked depression on the occiput ; bones of the head 

 armed with spines, and generally with skinny tentacles. Scales 

 of moderate size. Mouth large, oblique. Villiform teeth in. the 

 jaws, and at least on the vomer. One dorsal, il:i», A. ^/j. 

 Pectoral fins without detached rays, large, rounded, with the 

 lower rays simple and thickened. Air-bladder none. Vertebrae 

 twenty-four. 



Fig. 179. — Head of Scorpsena percoides, from New Zealand. 



About forty species are known from tropical and sub- 

 tropical seas. They lead a sedentary life, lying hidden in the 

 sand, or between rocks covered with seaweed, watching for 

 their prey, which chiefly consists of small fishes. Their 



Fig. 180. — Scorpsena bynoensis, from the coasts of Australia. 



strong undivided pectoral rays aid them in burrowing in the 



