374 
SPINY-FINNED FISHES. 
bottom of shallow seas. The tile-fish and its allies are, however, large deep-water 
forms; and the genus Bothy draco has been taken from depths of over 1200 
fathoms. They inhabit all seas except the Arctic, where they are almost unknown. 
The star-gazers, as typically represented by the genus TJrano- 
scopus, of which one species ( U. scaber) is shown in the upper figure 
of the accompanying illustration, form the first subfamily, and take their name 
from the upward direction of their small eyes, which are situated on the upper 
surface of the head. They are further characterised by the continuous lateral 
line, and by the spinous portion of the single or double dorsal fin being less 
STAR-GAZER AND WEAVER (g nat. Size). 
de\ eloped than the soft part, which is similar to the anal. The members of the 
typical genus are distinguished by the large, broad, and massive head being partly 
coveied with bony plates; the vertical cleft of the mouth; and the minute size of 
the scales. The first of the two dorsal fins has from three to five spines, and the 
lays of the pectorals are branched. Villiform teeth are present in the jaws and 
on the bones of the palate, but there are no tusks. The gill-cover is armed; 
and there is generally a long filament below or in front of the tongue, but there 
is no air-bladder. While the figured species is from the Mediterranean, the others 
lange from the Indo-Pacific to the Atlantic. Rarely measuring a foot in length, 
these exceedingly unprepossessing fish can raise or depress their small eyes at will, 
and are generally found lying sluggishly on the sea-bottom in wait for their prey, 
frequently concealed among stones. The filament in front of the mouth, which 
