242 THE LIVING ANIMALS OF THE WORLD 
As arule file-fishes are of small size, but 
some attain a length of 2 feet, and many are 
beautifully and symmetrically marked. 
The COFFER-FISHES derive their name 
from the box-like cuirass in which they are in- 
vested. This is formed by numerous closely fit- 
ting, hexagonal bony plates, forming a mosaic, 
and leaving only the fins and hind part of the 
tail free. This bony case varies greatly in 
form, in some species being three-ridged, in 
oA others four- or even five-ridged ; while in some 
long horns are developed, making the defensive 
armature still more complex. More than 
twenty species are known, all confined to 
tropical and sub-tropical seas. 
evaiuariesauiis The GLOBE-FISHES and SUN-FISHES con- 
retinitis senate fo th deastonet lot stitute the last family of this really extra- 
resemblance to the seaweed amongst which it dwells : ordinary assemblage. The covering of the 
body consists either of minute scales or large 
spines, which can frequently be raised or depressed at will. All the members inhabit tropical 
or sub-tropical seas, and a few occur in the fresh-waters of the same regions. 
The GLOBE-FISHES have short, thick bodies, covered either with small spines, as in the 
TOAD-FISH, or very large ones, as in the PORCUPINE-FISH, or SEA-HEDGEHOG, They are remark- 
able for their habit of filling the gullet with air, and then distending the body to an enormous 
size. This device enables the fish to escape its enemies; for when so inflated it rises to the 
surface and floats belly-upwards, and, the inflated portion projecting above the water, the fish 
is blown along by the wind to more secure regions. The more heavily armed species 
become still more formidable when inflated, as the spines are then fully erected. Escaping 
from enemies below by flight, they are thus secure from enemies above by reason of their 
armature. Globe-fishes have been found floating alive and unhurt within the stomachs of 
sharks which had swallowed them, and one has even been known to eat its way out through 
its captor’s side, and so killing its would-be devourer! When a globe-fish desires to return 
to its normal elongated shape, it expels the air from the gullet through the mouth and 
gills, the expulsion causing a curious hissing 
Photo by WH’, Saville-Kent, F.Z.S.] ( Milford-on-Sea 
sound. 
Extremely unlike the foregoing members 
of the group of comb-gilled fishes, the SUN- 
FISH is nevertheless quite as remarkable in 
form, looking as if it had undergone the am- 
putation of its hind parts. The singular shape 
of the other members of the comb- and tuft- 
gilled fishes are undoubtedly adaptations to 
avoid enemies, either by rendering the animal 
inconspicuous, or hurtful by reason of its 
powerful armature. The form of the sun- 
fish appears to be an adaptation for the 
capture of food, as this fish preys largely 
upon the fry of other fishes which inhabit 
enormous depths, and consequently can only 
be obtained by diving. Sun-fishes inhabit SEA-HORSES 
the surface-waters, but as divers have few Dideline Direeibas ie dein wade ey eter ee a 
equals. them 
Photo by WH’ Saville-Kent, F.Z.S.] [ Milford-on-Sea 
