THE RUDDER-FISH. 249 
on the head which characterizes the Dolphin of the ancients. Ancient authors do not give 
much attention to the Coryphene ; hence, to the cetacean rightfully belongs the place in art. 
Poets have celebrated the beauties of Coryphene. The colors are beyond description, and the 
changeable hues are surprisingly beautiful. As seen from the side of a vessel, as the Cory- 
phene playfully accompanies it, the gleam of golden and silvery lights, changing now and 
again to rich metallic tints — emerald, sapphire, and many gorgeous colors — it is a never-failing 
source of wonder and enjoyment. Two species are seen near our shores in the warmer seasons, 
though they are essentially pelagic. 
A vert remarkable fish is allied rather closely to the preceding species, in spite of the 
great difference in form, and by some writers was placed in the same genus as that fish. 
The Eyed Pteraclis is a good example of the curious genus to which it belongs, and 
which can always be recognized by the extreme depth of the dorsal and anal fins, and their 
delicate tenuity of structure. The dorsal fin is, moreover, remarkable for the bold sweep of 
its extent, passing in an unbroken curve from the forehead to the tail. Owing to the develop- 
ment of the anal fin, the two ventrals are placed very far forward, and are seen under the 
throat. The members of this genus are spread over the Indian Ocean, the Sea of Marmora, 
and some of the American coasts. 
The Eyed Pteraclis is found on the Mozambique coast. It is a very beautiful fish, the 
general color being shining white, as if made of polished silver, with a wash of gold upon 
the pectoral and tail fins, and a deepish tint of blue-gray upon the others. On the dorsal fin 
there is a round spot of dark blue. It seems to be a small species. About four members of 
this genus are known to naturalists. 
These fishes form a small family called Bramidce , the Bramoids, included in four genera 
and about ten species. Pteraclis Carolina , a small fish, inhabits the waters of the Carolinas. 
Before quitting this family, we must briefly notice the handsome Opah, or King-fish 
(La/mpris luna). 
This beautiful species seems to be the sole representative of its genus, it having been 
separated from the genus Zeus, in which it had formerly been placed, in consequence of its 
single dorsal fin. It sometimes attains to a considerable size, a specimen having been taken 
which measured five feet in total length, and weighed about one hundred and fifty pounds. 
The flesh of this fish is red, very good, and is said to resemble that of the salmon. 
The color of the Opah is bright green on the upper part of the back and sides, with reflec- 
tions of purple and gold in certain lights. The fins and eyes are scarlet, and a number of 
round spots of pale gold are scattered upon the sides. 
The Opahs (family Lamprididce) are fishes of large size and gorgeous coloration, inhabit- 
ing the open Atlantic. A single genus is known. Lampris guttata is sometimes seen off 
Newfoundland. It is estimated as one of the most gorgeously colored fishes known. Sun-fish 
is a local name. 
W e now arrive at a rather large family of fishes, which has been separated from the 
mackerels on account of certain anatomical variations, which will be mentioned at the end of 
the volume. 
The Cordonnier, or Cobbler-fish, has derived its popular name from the long sharp 
spines of the dorsal and anal fins, which are thought to resemble the awl and bristles employed 
by cobblers in their trade. This fish is a good example of the large genus to which it belongs, 
and in which no less than seventy species have been classed. It is found in various localities, 
from the Bed Sea throughout all the Indian seas, and is tolerably common. The form of this 
fish is sufficiently curious to render it a conspicuous species, and it may be easily distinguished 
from its many congeners by the oblong spot on the operculum, and the six black bands that 
are drawn across the body and reach nearly to the abdomen. 
Another species of this genius is the Btjdder-fish, ( Caranx carangus ), so called because 
it is fond of hovering about the rudders of vessels, apparently for the sake of picking up the 
VOL. m.— 33, 
