FLYING-FISHES 
235 
noticed, are enabled, by reason of the 
great development of the breast-fins, 
to take extended journeys through 
the air. The flight of these fishes 
is, however, not quite the same as 
true flight, inasmuch as the fins serve 
mainly as a parachute, and do not, by 
sustained vigorous movements, propel 
the body through the air, like the 
wings of bats and birds. Darting out 
of the water when pursued by an 
enemy or frightened by a passing 
vessel, these fish are borne along 
by the wind, the speed at first being 
very considerable, exceeding indeed 
that of a ship going ten miles an 
hour. At a si ngle fl ight they may 
cover as much as 500 feet, but are 
quite unable to steer themselves, 
except when, during their course, the tail-fin is immersed in the water, when by a stroke 
from one side to the other the direction may be changed from left to right, or vice versa, 
as the case may be. By day they will avoid ships, but by night, when they are unable to 
see, “ they frequently fly,” writes Dr. Gunther, “ against the weather-board, where they are 
caught by the current of air and carried upwards to a height of 20 feet above the surface 
of the water, while under ordinary circumstances they keep close to it.” 
'-‘-pi 
Photo hv /f. ft. Rudland & Sons 
FLYING-FISH 
Alore that! forty distinct species oj this family are kno'ivn 
CHAPTER VI 
THE JVRASSE-LIKE FISHES 
BY W. P. PYCRAFT, A.L.S„, F.Z.S. 
T he members of the four families noticed in this chapter are remarkable for their won- 
derful coloration. The species of the first family, from their peculiarly striking re- 
semblance to the Scaly-finned group, share with them the name of CORAL-FISIIES. This 
resemblance is a very remarkable one. Occurring, like the Scaly-fins, more abundantly in the 
neighbourhood of coral-reefs, they also resemble the latter not only in shape, but also in colora- 
tion, the same pattern being often common to members of both families. 
To this family belongs the remarkable fish known as the A.MPHIPRION, which makes its 
home in the interior of an enormous species of sea-anemone measuring 2 feet across. When 
first discovered by Mr. Saville-Kent, it was believed that the fish had been swallowed — a view, 
however, which was speedily rejected, when it was found that, if ejected by means of a stick, 
it invariably returned. Thus the anemone is obviously to be regarded as host, and not as 
captor. More than this, from the facts so far to hand, it appears that this strangely assorted 
pair are mutually dependent on one another, at least to a large extent — the fish undertaking 
to supply the larder, whilst the anemone in return affords shelter from- enemies. The part 
played by each is as follows: — The fish, which is very conspicuous, wearing a livery of 
vermilion crossed by three bands of white, sallies forth and swims about till it attracts the 
attention of some other carnivorous member of its class, on which, if it gives chase, the 
amphiprion returns with all speed to its living cave, and quickly disappears down its mouth. 
The pursuer, blundering against the outspread tentacles, is immediately paralysed by a shower 
