CLASS V. PISCES: ORDEE 3. TELEOSTEA. 
445 
Oenus NAUCRATES : Naucrates. — This includes tlie Pilot-Fish, N. ductor, noted for its 
habit of accompanying ships for weeks 
together; the ancients even asserted 
that it j)ointed out the proper course to 
the mariner when he was at a loss how 
to proceed, leaving him when he had 
arrived in sight of the desired haven. 
It appears probable, however, that the 
Pilot-Fish only attends the voyager for 
the sake of the numerous pieces of food 
which are constantly being thrown overboard ; and a community of feeling in this respect may 
perhaps account for the frequent association of the Pilot-Fish and the Shark. It is, however, a 
general opinion among navigators that the Pilot-Fish really attends upon the Shark as a guide ; 
and an instance has been related in which two of them led a shark to a baited hook that had been 
thrown out for him. Another observer, however, states that he saw a shark, wliich was inclined 
to swalloAV a bait put out for him, prevented from doing so by one after another of four Pilot- 
Fishes which accompanied him ; and that when at length the shark had swallowed the tempting 
morsel and was being hauled out of the water, one of his diminutive friends clung to his side for 
some little time. Colonel Hamilton Smith also states that he had Avitnessed a similar circum- 
stance. The Pilot-Fish attains a length of about a foot. It is somewhat of the mackerel form, 
of a silvery-gray color, bluish on the back, and adorned with five dark blue bands, which go 
round the whole body. Its flesh is said to be very good. It is extensively distributed through- 
out the Atlantic, and is said to be occasionally seen on our coasts. 
The New York Pilot-Fish, A^. JVoveboracensis, resembles the preceding, and may be of the 
same species. 
THE XIPHIIDJ5. 
This family includes several species called Sword-Fishes. 
Genus XIPIilAS: Xiphias. — This includes the Common Sword-Fish, JT. gladius ; it is twelve 
to twenty feet long, and has the upper jaw prolonged into a long, bony, spear-like weapon. It 
is most predaceous in its habits, em2:)loying its spear for the destruction of the larger fishes. It 
is even said to attack whales. Its activity and strength are very great ; and it has been known 
to strike at ships passing through the water, and to bury its weapon in their timbers. Cuvier 
states that a j)arasitic crustacean buries itself in the flesh of the sword-fish, and torments it to 
such a degree that it will sometimes rush upon the shore ; the same cause of irritation may 
perhaps have something to do with its suicidal attacks upon such a very unequal antagonist as a 
ship. This species is found in European and North American waters ; the seas of tropical climates 
contain several others. Their flesh is said to be exceedingly good, especially when young. 
THE CORYPHJENID^. 
This includes, among other species, the Dorado, Coryphmna Tiipjmrus, sometimes called 
Dolphin, noted for its beautiful metallic tints, the swiftness of its course, and for the per- 
petual war of destruction which it wages against the flying-fish. It is about five feet long, the 
back bluish, the body yellow, the whole spotted with darker hues. When in the water it pre- 
sents a splendid golden luster, which rapidly vanishes when taken out of its natural element. 
This fish is common in the tropical seas of the Atlantic. 
The Bottle-headed Dolphin, C. glohiceps, resembles the preceding, and has been taken on 
our coasts. 
THE NOTACANTHIDiE. 
This family includes several species of fishes which have an elongated, eel-like form, the hinder 
extremity being usually surrounded by the same continuous fin that is characteristic of the eels. 
The whole surface is covered with small cycloid scales. Most of the species inhabit the tropical 
regions, some living in salt and some in fresh water. One species, the Notacanthus nasus, is 
found in the Arctic Ocean. 
TUE PILOT-FISH. 
