384 



Marvels of the Universe 



in turn is studded with needlc-likc flexible prickles, it must be a morsel to destroy the stoniacli 

 of any fish, however omnivorous, that \'cntured to swallow it. So far as is known, it <loo? not 

 inhabit abysmal depths, only one hundred and twenty-nine fathoms being the deepest, and its 

 size is not even hinted at in the scientific descriptions. But probably it is very small. 



Our old familiar friend, the Gurnard, is a quaint-looking fish in its normal appearance, but when 

 it goes in for decorations and protective covering it becomes fantastic, if one may safely apply the 

 term. Our picture represents a curious kind taken from' depths not exceeding two hundred fathoms, 

 and in spite of its habitat still retaining its \-ivid colouring, 1he best specimen obtained being a 

 bright crimson. As usual, the size of this specimen is small, only three hundred millimetres in 

 length — or, roughly, about a foot. 



Angler-fish abound in the great depths of an amazing ^•ariet^■, some of which are shown in 

 our illustrations. From most of the external characteristics of these bizarre fish one would 

 be led to the conclusion that thc\' were essentialh' licrs in \vait, dependent not upon speed but on 



finesse for the supply of 

 food which their general 

 appearance indicates that 

 thev require in fairly large 

 quantities. But here again 

 that condition of para- 

 dox confronts us. One 

 specimen shown is cer- 

 tainly ill-adapted for swim- 

 ming, its fins and tail being 

 of the feeblest, most rudi- 

 mentary kinil ; the latter, 

 indeed, appearing as if in- 

 tended more for a feeble de- 

 fence than for propulsion, 

 owmg to its spikiness and 

 exiguit}' of membrane. And 

 the pectoral fins, whereon 

 it must depend for its bal- 

 ance, are so tiny a ; to ap- 

 pear ludicrously inefficient 

 for any practical purpose. 

 Moreover, its eyes are mere pin-points, rudimentary, in fact, like most of its other organs, the 

 exceptions being the very efficient lure, or fishing-rod, and the enormous mouth. Perhaps the best 

 concise description that could be given of this fish is that of an " animated stomach," and to its 

 prey it should be a satisfaction that its size is so insignificant, only about two inches long. It has 

 been found in one thousand seven hundred fathoms. 



When we turn to another specimen, however, we find fins and tail enormously developed ; indeed, 

 the back and belly fins are each as long as the entire creature, while the pectorals, or chest fins, 

 now extraordinarily near the tail, have increased in size until they are nearly as wide as the body. 

 The fishing-rod has dwindled to an insignificant rudiment ; the mouth, though still mimense in its 

 gape by comparison with the body, is normal in shape and position ; the body is more elegant 

 and fish-like, and altogether the creature seems to be well adapted for swift pursuit and to have 

 abandoned the lurking habit altogether. Another peculiarity possessed by this species is that its 

 back is covered with luminous filaments, which, when all fully excited, must give the ci'cature a 

 dazzling appearance. 



[«.» A. TiridlP. 



SACK-THROATED WHIP-TAIL. 



In this vie^v ths fish has recently made a hasty meal. The fish eaten was larger than 

 itself, but the stomach has stretched to accommodate it. The eye of the victim will be 



seen showing through the skin of its capto 



