406 A DESCRIPTION OP FISHES. 
suit their wishes by placing seaweed and straws in the ves- 
sel: the desired effect was obtained, and has afforded me 
much to reflect upon in their habits. They now exhibit 
many of their peculiarities and few subjects of the deep 
have displayed, in prison, more sport or more intelli- 
gence." 
" 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 surrounding objects, and darts at its prey with the 
greatest dexterity. 
When the animals 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 entwine 
afresh. The eyes move independently of each other, as in 
the chameleon, and this, with the brilliant changeable 
iridescence about the head, and its blue bands, forcibly 
remind the observer of that animal." Brit. Fishes, vol. 
ii. p. 343. 
