THE DRAGONET. 
*73 
°ften found in the ftomach of the eod-filk. It breathes 
to the manner of the cetaceous fifties, by means of two 
°nfices in the crown of the head, through which it forces 
the water received by the mouth *. 
The ventral fins are jugular, and placed before the pec- 
toral, a circumftance by which all the filh of this divifion 
a re diftinguiflied ; they are placed at a diftance from each 
other, are broad, and of one piece. The pc&oral fins are 
r °und, of a light brown colour, the rays aculeated, and ex- 
tending beyond the membrane that conne&s them like 
Ounces. The dorfal fins are two ; the firft of a form fo fingu- 
* ar > that it at once diftinguifties this fpecies from every other. 
The firft ray is cetaceous, and extends in a curvated di- 
ie< ftion, almoft as far as the tail. The rays of the fecond 
^tofal fin are of an eqital length, except the laft, which 
e *tends a confiderable way beyond the reft : The anal 
1111 is placed exa&ly oppofue to it, and refembles it very 
Ilea t'ly, both in ihape and fize. 
The tail of this fpecies is long, rounded, and fupport- 
by ten rays. It has obtained the name of the gemme- 
° Us dragonet, from the variety and brilliancy of its co=> 
°urs : When taken out of the water, the yellow, the 
^he, and rich caerulean blue, with which it fparkles, 
a ^ e a fine appearance ; the laft colour in particular 
® CrWs with inexpreftible fplendour. 
^ The fordid dragonet is inferior in fize, as well as beau- 
x ’ , bein g only about fix inches in length ; and about 
to thicknefs. It is of an olive colour above, and 
Ite below, The fides are marbled with fmall fpots of 
filvery 
® n t. Z»ol. clafs iv. geo. 17 - 
