ANGLER-FISH. 
379 
species the general colour of the upper surface is uniform brown, becoming darker 
on the fin-membranes ; while the under-parts, as well as the pectoral and pelvic 
fins, are white; the tail being dark blackish brown. The colour is, however, 
subject to a certain amount of modification, according to the tint of the inanimate 
surroundings of the individual. Although commonly not more than a yard in 
length, specimens of this ugly monster have been known to measure more than 
BARRACUDA AND ANGLER-FISH (^'.j Uat. size). 
5 feet. In all respects the angler affords us an example of a creature most 
admirably modified and adapted for the exigencies of its particular mode of life. 
Living on the mud or sand of a shallow sea-bottom, the angler is piotected not 
only by its power of adapting its own coloration to that of its enviionment, but 
likewise by the fringed appendages surrounding the head presenting the appeal- 
ance of a mass of seaweed. The structure of the paired fins renders the fish able 
to walk on the sea-bottom; and with these limbs it also stirs up at times the sand 
and mud to attract its prey, and at the same time to aid in concealing its own 
