OSSEOUS FISHES. 
593 
The Frog-fish, Lopliius piscatorius — Linn. (Fig. 393), which 
attains the length of five or six feet, lives in the sand, or sunk in the 
mud, leaving the long and movable filaments with which the head is 
furnished to float in the water ; the shreds which terminate them act 
as natural bait when they float about in different directions, from their 
resemblance to worms and other living creatures. The fishes which 
swim above them, and which they see very well by the assistance of 
their two eyes placed on the summit of the head, are attracted by 
these deceitful decoys. When the prey arrives near to the enormous 
Fig. 393. The Frog-fish (Lopliius piscatorius). 
jaws, which are almost always wide open, it is engulfed and torn to 
pieces by its strongly-hooked teeth. 
This manner of lying in ambush, and fishing, as it were, with a hook 
and line for fishes which its conformation does not permit it to pursue, 
has acquired for it the name of the frog-fish, which is sometimes given 
to it. It is found more or less in all parts of the Mediterranean and 
in many parts of the Atlantic, being frequently taken both in the Gulf 
of Gascony and in the Channel. 
The family of Lahridse comprehends : I. The Wrasse ( Labrus ), a 
genus of fishes decked in the most lively colours; for the yellow, 
2 Q 
