III). 1)1. 1 l) lol^hthalmui baibanis 

 ( Incorrectly listed in dealers' catalogs as P. koelrcutcri) 

 (Popular names. "Mud Springer" and "Stone Skipper") 

 (T-H'O-llurds life si::e) 

 This is one of the most remarkable of fishes and seems to form a connecting 

 link between aquatic and amphibious animals. As the tide recedes, these little fel- 

 lows make no effort to follow it, but instead come out on the mud flats, stones, and 

 even climb small Inishes in search of insect prey, which they are adepts at catching 

 "on the wing." The pectoral fins, nearly developed into legs, are used in vigorous 

 leaping. See pages 255 (B 6) and 261 (N 6). 





, -» •■ J--'-;.- ^ if , ^ 



Fig. tj2. Climbjnc Perch "W.\lkinc" on L.\xd (Aiiahas scaiidciis) 



(Half sice) 



Although this fish has no feet, "it gets there just the same." In its native 

 habitat the ponds have a way of drying up at seasons. If the water becomes very 

 low this fish leaves the pond at night, wriggles its way to a deeper one, and, if the 

 dry spell continues, buries itself in the mud nnoil more favoralile times return. The 

 "walking" is done mainly by extending the spiny gill plates and working the body 

 from side to side. 



These fishes have air chambers in their gills and are known as "lung fishes." 

 Breeding habits, page 256. 



96 



