SEA-PIKES. 
69 
The nostril in the Perch has two external open- 
ings, surrounded by several orifices, through which 
issues a mucous secretion for the defence of the 
skin against the action of the water. The dis- 
tribution of the mucous orifices over the head,” 
remarks Mr. Yarrell, ^^is one of those beautiful 
and advantageous provisions of Nature which are 
so often to be observed and admired. Whether 
the fish inhabits the stream or the lake, the cur- 
rent of the water in the one case, or progression 
through it in the other, carries this defensive se- 
cretion backwards, and spreads it over the whole 
surface of the body. In fishes with small scales, 
this defensive secretion is in proportion more 
abundant; and in those species which have the 
body elongated, as the Eels, the mucous orifices 
may be observed along the whole length of the 
lateral line.”^ 
Family II. Sphyr^nad^. 
{Sea-Pikes). 
The fishes of this Family were placed by Lin- 
naeus among the Pikes, which they resemble in 
their lengthened form, in their strong and pointed 
teeth, and in the projection of their lower jaw. 
They are now, however, widely removed from 
that genus. Cuvier arranged them in the great 
Family of the Perches, with which they have 
many points in common; but the Prince of Canino 
forms them into a distinct Family. 
They have the ventral fins placed considerably 
behind the pectorals, and the bones of the pelvis 
* Brit. Fishes, i. 4. 
