176 CONNECTING-LINK FISHES 



scales are ^'ery large. Its pectoral and ventral fins are very 

 long and leg-like, and are covered with scales everywhere save 

 on the edges, where the fin-rays are situated. 



One of the most extraordinary features of this strange fish 

 is the possession of large and very remarkable molar teeth, 

 those above being set in the palate (vomer), and evidently 

 designed for the cutting up of vegetable food. Leaving bony 

 anatomy out of consideration, it is quite clear that the living 

 fish which stands nearest to Ceratodus is the jumping fish" or 

 mud-skipper, of the Malay Peninsula, which hops about on 

 land with surprising independence and agility. Its long pec- 

 toral fins are really foot-like in usefulness. 



Both in the Burnett and Mary Rivers of Queensland, 

 where it lives, and also in captivitj^ this Lung-Fish frecjuently 

 rises to the surface of the water to take breath, like a porpoise. 



The allied Mud-Fish (Lepidosi'ren) of the Amazon, and the 

 AJrican Mud-Fish (Protop'terus) of the River Gambia, have 

 legs that are mere wisps of skin and flesh, and strongly re- 

 semble our Amphiuma, of the Class Amphibia. They are 

 rarely seen alive in captivity. 



