PIPE-FISHES. 
283 
exhibit many of their peculiarities, and few sub- 
jects of the deep have displayed, in prison ^ more 
sport or more intelligence. 
When swimming about, they maintain a 
vertical position ; but the tail is ready to grasp 
whatever meets it in the water, quickly entwines 
in any direction round the weeds, and, when 
fixed, the animal intently watches the surround- 
ing objects, and darts at its prey with great 
dexterity. When two approach each other, they 
often twist their tails together, and struggle to 
separate, or attach themselves to the weeds ; this 
is done by the under part of their cheeks or 
chin, which is also used for raising the body 
when a new spot is wanted for the tail to en- 
twine afresh. The eyes move independently of 
each other, as in the Chameleon ; this, with the 
brilliant changeable iridescence about the head, 
and its blue bands, forcibly reminds the observer 
of that animal.”^ 
It must not be forgotten that the Chameleon 
entwines its prehensile tail around the twigs of 
plants when watching for prey, thus presenting 
another analogy between these highly curious 
animals of different Classes. 
* Yarrell’s Brit. Fishes, ii. 453, 
