516 
THE OCEAN WORLD, 
The king of the herrings (Fig. 354) is from five to six feet in length, 
of a general silvery colour, spotted with brown. It inhabits the North 
Sea, living on molluscs and crustaceans ; occasionally, as if to justify the 
title which has been given it, levying heavy contributions upon the 
herrings. Another species, C. antardica, is found in the southern 
hemisphere, which greatly resembles, in its conformation and habits, 
the northern species. In both the end of the muzzle terminates in a 
cartilaginous appendage, which projects forward, curving afterwards 
over the mouth. This extension assimilates to a crest. 
Fig. 354. The Arctic cbimsera. 
The Sturgeons ( Acipenser ) are among the largest fishes known. On 
this account, as well as from their exterior conformation, they approach 
the SqualidcV. Their muscles, however, are less firmly knit, their 
flesh more delicate, and their muscular strength consequently infinitely 
smaller. Neither is their mouth armed with so many rows of teeth. 
Moreover, they are less voracious, and their habits altogether less 
ferocious. 
The sturgeons are sea-fishes which periodically ascend the large 1 
rivers. A great many species are known in Europe. They abound m 
the Black Sea and Sea of Azof, but they are chiefly known as fre- 
