266 



LOWER VERTEBRATES. 



The largest of the TEeniosorai are set apart in a distinct family designated Regal- 

 EciD^. In these the ventrals are represented by single styliform rays, more or less 

 dilated and oar-like at their extremities, and distinct ribs are developed. The species 

 appear to inhabit rather deep water, and some of them grow to a very large size, or at 

 least attain a great length. The species of which most specimens have been seen or 

 cast ashore along the coasts of the Scandinavian peninsula and Great Britain occasion- 

 ally reaches the length of at least twenty-two feet. But little is known of its habits. 

 One was observed alive, but in a dying condition, about six miles from land, lying on 

 its sides. When approached by a boat, the fish "righted itself, and came with a gen- 



FiG. 151. — Jiegalecits banksii^ oar-lisla. 



tie lateral, undulating motion towards them, showing its crest and a small portion of 

 the head occasionally above water; when it came alongside," a man struck it with a 

 hooked stick, and " it made off with a vigorous and vertical undulating motion, and 

 disappeared as quick as lightning under the surface." Twice the fish escaped its pur- 

 suers, but a third attempt enabled them to capture it, two men " putting their arms 

 round the fish," and lifting it into the boat. This specimen was twelve and a quarter 

 feet long. 



The Itegalecus banJcsii has received from the English the name of oar-fish, and 

 has also been mingled with the traditions of the sea-serpent, and described as such. 



A fish named Stylo2Jhorus chordatus has generally been referred to the same 



