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BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY).
DAYS AND HOURS OF ADMISSION.
The Exhibition Galleries are open to the Public, free, every day of the
week, except Sunday, in
January and February, | from 10 a.m, till 4 p.m. Sa:
March and April, . ees eee | -
May to August, Spt ty ay See as ’ Phe, of
September and October, SS Loomer a
November and December, eS ee ee = ae
Also, from May Ist to July 15th, on Mondays and Sehinigglene
till’ 8 p.w., one ats
and from July 15th to August ee on Mondo and senate
- only, till 7 P.M. is :
.e Museum is closed on Good-Friday, Christmas-Day, and on days
of Public Fast or Thanksgiving.
W. H. FLOWER.
Director.
| |: | : : ii |
EST ERTES
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| REPTILES AND FISHES
IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY.
OF THE
BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY). —<
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ILLUSTRATED BY 101 WOODCUTS AND 1 PLAN,
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PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES.
1887.
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LLUSTRATED BY 101 WOODCUTS AND 1 PLAN.
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES.
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a £21506
» PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
PREFACE
THE rooms in which the dry and mounted specimens of Reptiles
and. Fishes are exhibited are two parallel galleries of the ground-
floor approached from the Bird Gallery.
The exhibition of mounted specimens of Reptiles offers greater
difficulties than that of the other classes of Vertebrate animals.
Only the larger and hard-skinned forms, like Crocodiles and
Tortoises, can be preserved in a dried state without distortion of
their natural features; whilst every attempt at reproducing the
finely moulded body of a Lizard or Snake, or at restoring the
exquisite arrangement of their scales, has ended in failure. Neither
has plastic art of ancient or modern times succeeded in producing
a faithful or life-like representation of a Reptile.
Fishes lend themselves more readily to exhibition in a dried
state than Reptiles ; and some of the mounted specimens, especially
those prepared by the taxidermists of the Madras Museum, leave
nothing to be desired as regards the shape of the body or the pre-
servation of the various external organs. But we do not possess
the means of preserving the beautiful colours of many marine
fishes, especially of the Tropics, which rival in this respect those
of the most brightly coloured of Birds. In order to give some
1v PREFACE.
idea—inadequate though it may be—of the richness and singu-
larity of pattern of the coloration of these fishes, a few have been
painted from living specimens. Very small kinds of fishes or such
as possess a very soft body cannot be instructively exhibited in a
dried state, and are represented by specimens in spirit if prac-
ticable.
Some groups of Reptiles and Fishes are therefore represented
in these Galleries by a comparatively much larger number of spe-
cimens than’ others, which may comprise many more species. But
in the present Guide, which has for one of its objects to give a
general account of these animals, a more uniform treatment of
the subject has been adopted. In its preparation I have been
assisted by Mr. G. A. Boutencer, the assistant in charge of
these Collections.
ALBERT GUNTHER,
Keeper of the Department of Zoology.
British Museum, N. H.,
February 28, 1887.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
THE REPTILE GALLERY.
Scemetal Noteson Reptiles. . “So 5 ec A oH 8 1
Crocodilia (Crocodiles and Alligators) . . . . . . 8
Paetorepiaiia (PUatera) 2 2 . ss s + some, D
MperatberCPnZaTON co se eH sw sk ee SO
MepecreemSTIAM ES) cee ea es we eG
ehelonia, (Tortoises.and Turtles), .—.-. . 3 « $1. . 24
THE FISH GALLERY.
General Notes on Batrachians . . Sere Re hp tbees ene
Tailless Batrachians (Frogs and nor ery) oo
Tailed Batrachians (Salamanders and Newts). . . . 42
fess batrachians “. fs. . 6. ew ee AG
General Notes on Fishes . . . 5 as eee ee
Acanthopterygii (Perches, Nee ee be. jig Tes eee OS
Meatyurocnath: (Wrassés) ... » . «© «ss » 6
Amacanthini (Cod- and Flat-fishes) . . . . . . . -%8
ieousostom.(Carps, Herrmgs, &e.) 2.5)... sw) 82
Papuobranchi (Pipe-fishes) . 4 ..2-— . . . . 90
Plectognathi (File-, Globe-, and eae ee eer sf OE
Ganoidei -. . . ere sss, OO
Chondropterygii (Sharks aif neat ee 2, AROU
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THE REPTILE GALLE RY,
GENERAL NOTES ON REPTILES.
THERE is but a short step from the Class of Birds to that of
Reptiles. No doubt, as regards external appearance, the dissimi-
larity between the living animals of these two classes is sufficiently
great to allow of a sharp line of demarcation being drawn between
them: Birds being shortly characterized as warm-blooded vertebrate
animals clothed with feathers, Reptiles as cold-blooded, and covered
with horny or bony shields, tubercles, or “scales.” But there
- are numerous and important agreements between these two classes,
especially in the structure of their skeleton, in their internal
organs, and their mode of propagation; and their close relation-
ship becomes still more apparent when fossil forms are examined,
such as Hesperornis and Archeopteryx, of which a cast is placed in
Case A, in the corridor leading from the Bird- into the Reptile-
Gallery (see also the figure given on p. 35 of the Geological Guide).
Reptiles are termed “ cold-blooded” because the temperature of
their blood is raised but a few degrees above, and varies with, that
of the outer atmosphere, owing to the imperfect separation of the
divisions of their heart, which allows more or less of a mixture of
the arterial and venous currents of the blood. Reptiles are ovi-
parous or ovoviviparous; no important change takes place after
exclusion from the egg; they breathe by lungs throughout life.
Their skull articulates with the vertebral column by a single occi-
pital condyle (see fig. 1), and their lower jaw with the skull by a
separate bone (quadrate) (see figs. 1, 13, and 14).
The remains of the oldest known Reptiles, those found in the
Permian formations, seem to belong to the Rhynchocephalian type,
B2
2 REPTILE GALLERY.
Back view of skull of Crocodile.
0, single occipital condyle; g, quadrate bone.
of which only one representative is still living (in New Zealand).
Reptiles flourished and attained their greatest development in the
Secondary period—Pterosaurians (large flying Lizards, see Geolo-
gical Guide, p. 39), Dinosaurians (huge terrestrial Reptiles far
exceeding in size our largest Crocodiles), Dicynodonts, Ichthyosau-
rians, and Plesiosaurians (large marine creatures, Geological Guide,
pp. 41, 45, 47), Crocodiles, Lizards, and Turtles lived in abun-
dance ; Snakes, however, did not appear before the Tertiary period.
At present some 4000 species of Reptiles are known, which are
unequally divided among five Orders, viz. Crocodilia (Crocodiles
and Alligators), Rhynchocephalia, Lacertilia (Iazards), Ophidia
(Snakes), and Chelonia (Tortoises and Turtles).
In this classification of Reptiles the naturalist is guided much
more by the structure of the skeleton and the other internal organs
than by the external appearance. In fact, in Reptiles, as in many
other classes of the Animal Kingdom, outward similarity is decep-
tive as to the natural relationship—that is, as to the degree in
which they are related to each other as descendants from a more or
Jess remote common ancestor. Take, for instance, a Crocodile, a
Lizard, a Slowworm, and a Snake. The observer who, like the
CROCODILES. 3
naturalists of the last and preceding centuries, is guided by external
appearance only, would without hesitation place the Crocodile and
Lizard together, and associate the Slowworm with the Snake ;
whilst a study of their internal structure shows the Lizard and the
Slowworm to be most closely related to each other, and both
nearer to the Snake than to the Crocodile.
Reptiles are most abundant in hot climates, become less nume-
rous in higher latitudes, and are altogether absent in the Arctic
and Antarctic regions.
In the Gallery—
Wall-Cases 1-10 contain the Crocodilians.
i. a 5 Rhynchocephalians.
2 11-22 +f Lizards.
ay 23-27 3 Snakes.
AS 28-44, He Tortoises and Turtles.
Large specimens are exhibited separately on stands placed on the
floor of the Gallery.
Order I. CROCODILIA.
The Crocodilians differ in many anatomical characters from
the Lacertilians, or true Lizards, with which they were formerly
associated on account of their external resemblance. The organs
of their chest and abdomen are separated from each other by
a muscular diaphragm; their heart is divided into four cavities,
as in the higher vertebrates. The ribs are provided with two
heads for the articulation with the vertebra, and with processes
directed backwards; and their abdomen is protected by a series of
transverse bones, as may be seen in the skeleton of the large Cro-
codile (Case EH, opposite Wall-Case 5). The teeth are implanted in
sockets, while in other recent Reptiles they are united to the jaws.
The tongue is completely adherent to the floor of the mouth. The
nostrils are situated close together at the upper side of the extre-
mity of the snout; the eyes and the ears likewise are near to the
upper profile of the head, so that the animal can breathe, see, and
hear whilst its body is immersed in the water, the upper part of
the head only being raised above the surface. When it dives, the
nostrils are closed by valves, a transparent membrane is drawn over
[Cases
1-10. }
4 REPTILE GALLERY.
the eye, and the ear, which is a horizontal slit, is shut up by a
movable projecting flap of the skin. The limbs are weak, the ante-
rior provided with five, the posterior with four digits, of which three
only are armed with claws, and which are united together by a more
or less developed web. The tail is long, compressed, crested above,
very powerful, and admirably adapted for propelling the body
through the water. The back, tail, and belly are protected by a
dermal armour formed of quadrangular shields, of which the dorsal
and, in several Alligators, also the ventral contain true bone
imbedded in the skin.
The Crocodilians are thoroughly aquatic in their habits, and
the most formidable of all the carnivorous freshwater animals.
Crocodiles and Alligators, when young, and the Gharials through-
out their existence, feed chiefly on fish; but large Crocodiles
attack every animal which they can overpower, and which they
drown before devouring. The eggs, of which one (of Crocodilus
porosus) is exhibited in Case 2, are oblong, hard-shelled, and
deposited in holes on the banks of rivers and ponds. The flesh
of these animals is not eaten, but their hides have lately been
introduced as an article of commerce; a portion of the skin pre-
pared for the trade may be seen in Case 5.
The large stuffed Crocodilians are arranged in two groups in the
middle of the Gallery, that (C) nearest the entrance containing
the Old-World forms, the other (D) the American kinds. The
smaller specimens occupy Wall-Cases 1-9, and a series of skulls
is exhibited in Case 10.
About 25 species are known.
Crocodiles proper (Crocodilus) are distinguished from the Alli-
gators by having the fourth lower tooth passing into a notch at the
lateral edge of the upper jaw. They inhabit Africa, Southern
Asia, the tropical parts of Australia, Central America, and the
West Indies. The Indian Crocodile (Crocodilus porosus) grows to
a length of 80 feet, and is very common in the East Indies and
Tropical Australia. A large specimen obtained in North-east
Australia is exhibited in the middle of the Gallery. The African —
Crocodile (Crocodilus vulgaris) attains nearly to the same size as the
Indian species. It was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, and
was once common in Egypt proper. It has now been almost exter-
TUATERA. 5
minated in the lower parts of the Nile, but infests in great numbers
all the freshwaters of Tropical Africa; and it is believed that more
people are killed by Crocodiles than by any other of the wild beasts
of Africa.
The Gharials (Gavialis) may be readily recognized by their
extremely long and slender snout. The Gharial of the Ganges
(G. gangeticus), of which a large specimen (B) is mounted in the
middle of the Gallery opposite to the entrance, is abundant in that
_ river and its tributaries, and attains to a length of 20 feet. It
feeds chiefly on fishes, for the capture of which its long and slender
snout and sharp teeth are well adapted. Old males have a large
cartilaginous hump on the extremity of the snout containing a
small cavity for the retention of air, by which means these indi-
viduals are enabled to remain under water for a longer time than
females or young. .
In the Alligators (Alligator) the fourth lower tooth is received
in a pit in the upper jaw, when the mouth is shut. With the
exception of one species which has been lately discovered in
China, they are found only in America. They do not grow to the
large size of the true Crocodiles. The species most generally
known is A. mississippiensis, which abounds in the southern parts
of North America. The Black Alligator (A. sclerops) iscommon in
South America as far south as 32° lat. S.
Order II. RHYNCHOCEPHALIA.
Of this Order, which seems in the Permian and subsequent forma-
tions to have been represented by various genera, one species only
has survived to our period. It is the Tuatera of the Maoris, or
Hatteria of naturalists. Case 11 contains an example of this inter-
esting Reptile, with skeleton and skulls. It is the largest of the
few Reptiles inhabiting New Zealand, but scarcely attains toa
length of 2 feet. Formerly it was probably found in several parts
of the northern island ; but at present it is restricted to afew small
islands in the Bay of Plenty, where it lives in holes feeding on
other small animals. Externally there is nothing to distinguish
the Tuatera from ordinary Lizards; but important differences
obtain in the structure of its skeleton, viz. the presence of a double
[ Cases
7-9. |
[Case 11.}j
[Cases
1-22.]
6 REPTILE GALLERY.
horizontal bar across the temporal region, the firm connection of
the quadrate bone with the skull and pterygoid bones, biconcave
vertebre (as in Geckos and many fossil Crocodilians), the presence
of an abdominal sternum and of uncinate processes to the ribs (as
in Birds).
Order III. LACERTILIA, or Lizarps.
The Order of Lizards comprises over 1600 species, which
exhibit a great variety of form and structure. Some, like our
common Lizards, possess four legs and a long tail, and are
endowed with great rapidity of motion ; others, like the Chame-
leons, are arboreal, and have their limbs and tail adapted for climb-
ing on the branches of trees ; others, like the Geckos, can ascend
smooth vertical surfaces, their toes being provided with special
adhesive organs. The limbs may be rudimentary or disappear
entirely, as in our common Slowworm, in which case the Lizard
assumes the appearance of a Snake; but, in all, rudiments at least of
both pectoral and pelvic bones are hidden under the skin. Lizards
may be characterized as Reptiles with the skin covered with scales
Fig. 2.
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Hind iegs of Lizards, to show the gradual abortion.
a, Chaleides ocellatus; b, Chalcides mionecton; c, Chalcides tridactylus ;
d, Lygosoma lineo-punctulatum ; e, Chalcides guentheri.
——
LIZARDS. <
or tubercles ; with non-expansible mouth, the rami of the mandible
being firmly united anteriorly by a suture; with four or two limbs,
or at least rudiments of pectoral and pelvic bones; with teeth which
are ankylosed to the jaws, and not implanted in sockets; with a
transverse anal opening. Moveable eyelids and an ear-opening are
usually present. If the limbs are developed, they are generally
provided with five digits armed with claws; but as in some kinds
the limbs get weaker and shorter, the number of toes is gradually
reduced ; and there are Lizards in which the little limb terminates
in a single useless toe, or is even entirely toeless. The tongue offers
very remarkable differences in form and function. It is simple,
broad, short, soft in the Geckos, Agamas, and Iguanas, and is pro-
bably an organ of taste; in the majority of the other families it is
narrow, more or less elongate, often covered with scale-like papille,
and with a more or less deep incision in front, assuming more and
more the function of an organ of touch. It is of extraordinary
length, worm-like, and terminating in two fine, long points in the
Monitors, in which, as in Snakes, it acts as a feeler only. The
tongue of the Chameleons will be noticed subsequently.
Lizards are spread over the whole world except the very cold
regions, and are, like all other Reptiles, most numerous, both as
regards species and individuals, between the tropics. They are
divided into many families, some of which can be alluded to here
by name only :—
Families—1l. Geckonide. 2. Eublepharide. 3. Uroplatide.
4. Pygopodide. 5. Agamide. 6. Iquanide. 7. Xenosauride.
8. Zonuride. 9. Anguide. 10. Anniellide. 11. Helodermatide.
12. Varanide. 18. Xantusiide. 14. Tetide. 15. Amphis-
benide. 16. Lacertide. 17. Gerrhosauride. 18. Sceincide.
19. Anclytropide. 20. Dibamde.
The last family, the Chameleontide, is so distinct from all the
others that some herpetologists would remove it from the Lacertilia
altogether.
The majority of Lizards, especially the smaller kinds, are not
suitable objects for exhibition in a dry state; they must be pre-
served in spirit; consequently only a selected series is exhibited
in this Gallery.
8 REPTILE GALLERY.
[Case 1l.} The Geckonide, or Geckos, are Lizards of small size, the largest
measuring about a foot, and have always attracted attention by
their possessing the faculty of ascending smooth surfaces, or even of
running on the ceilings of rooms like a fly. For this purpose the
Head of Gecko verticillatus (Kast Indies).
lower surface of their toes is provided with a series of moveable
plates or disks, by the aid of which they adhere to the surface over
which they pass. Geckos are found in almost every part of the globe
between and near the tropics, frequenting houses, rocks, and trees.
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Hind leg of Gecko verticillatus.
With few exceptions they are nocturnal, and consequently large-
eyed, animals, the pupil being generally contracted in a vertical
direction. Geckos are extremely useful in destroying insects, and,
though greatly feared by those not acquainted with their habits, are
perfectly harmless. Nearly all Geckos possess a voice; and the
—S—— ee on
LIZARDS. 9
large Gecko verticillatus, which is extremely common in the East-
Indian Archipelago, utters a shrill cry, sounding like “tokee” or
tock.”
The Varanide, or Water Lizards, are the largest of Lizards,
some exceeding a length of six feet. A few (Varanus griseus,
Case 11) are terrestrial, but the majority semi-aquatic, the former
having a rounded, the latter a compressed tail, with a sharp saw-
like upper edge, which assists them greatly in swimming, and at
the same time constitutes a formidable weapon with which these
powerful animals can inflict deep wounds on the incautious captor.
They range all over Africa, the Indian region, and Australia. Their
prey consists of other vertebrate animals—small mammals, birds,
frogs, fishes, and eggs. In India they are well known under the
misnomer “ Iguanas” as dangerous neighbours to poultry-yards.
Among the species which grow to the largest size may be men-
tioned the gigantic Monitor (Varanus giganteus, Case 16), from
N. Australia; the two-streaked Monitor (V. salvator, Cases 15-17),
common in the East-Indian Archipelago; the common Indian
Water-Lizard (V. bengulensis); and the African Monitor (V.
niloticus), ranging over the whole of Tropical Africa (Case 14).
The Helodermatide contain a single genus, the remarkable
Heloderma horridum, an inhabitant of the western parts of Mexico.
As far as is known at present, it is the only Lizard whose bite is
poisonous. Its teeth are fang-hke, provided with a deep groove
as in some Snakes, and the submaxillary gland is enormously
developed and secretes the poisonous fluid. It is about two feet
long.
The Tejide (bottom of Case 18) are the American represen-
tatives of the Lizards proper, from which they somewhat differ in
their dentition. The Teguexins (Tupinambis teguexim and nigro-
punctatus) are the largest, attaining to a length of about four feet,
and found in most parts of the South-American continent. The
Dracena guianensis is a rare Lizard, found in the Guianas and
Brazil, and was considered a kind of Crocodile by old authors, who
saw a distinct resemblance to those animals in its compressed,
keeled tail, as well as in the large tubercles which are arranged
pretty regularly on its back.
[ Cases
ee
[Case 18. ]
[Case 18. ]
Of the Amphisbenide, singular worm-like Reptiles, a few [Case 18.]
[Case 18, ]
[Case 18. ]
[Case 18. ]
10 REPTILE GALLERY.
specimens and a skeleton are exhibited. All their external cha-
racters testify to their mode of life; they are burrowing animals,
passing the whole of their existence under ground in loose soil,
sand, or ant-heaps. The skin is not protected by either scales or
scutes, but divided by circular and longitudinal folds into quad-
rangular segments arranged in rings. The colour of the skin is
either whitish, reddish, or greyish, without any ornamentation.
Legs are absent (with the exception of the genus Chirotes, in which
a pair of very short fore legs are developed). The head and tail
are both short; and the superficial similarity of the two extremities
in some of the species has led to the belief that they could progress
backwards and forwards with equal facility. Their eyes are quite
rudimentary, hidden below the skin; ear-openings are likewise
absent. The Amphisbenians are inhabitants of hot countries—
Africa, America, and the countries round the Mediterranean.
About 50 different species are known.
Lizards proper (Lacertide) are confined to the Old World, and
found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They seldom reach a length
of eighteen inches (Lacerta ocellata), and feed on small animals
only, insects and worms being the principal diet of most kinds of
Lizards. The Common British Lizard is Lacerta vivipara; the
Sand Lizard (ZL. agilis) and Green Lizard (L. viridis) bemg more
locally distributed in the Southern Counties and the Channel
Islands, but very abundant in various parts of the continent of
Europe.
The Anguide include limbed as well as limbless forms; of
the latter the Slowworm or Blindworm (Anguis fragilis), common
in Great Britain, is the best known. The Glass Snake, or Sheito-
pusik (Pseudopus pallasii), common in South-eastern Europe and
Western Asia, is another example.
The Scincide or Skinks, recognizable by their round imbricate
scales, also include forms in which the limbs are rudimentary
or absent. The largest forms of this family are Australian,
as Tiliqgua gigas and nigrolutea, and Trachydosaurus, the last
remarkable for their rough scales and short tail, somewhat re-
sembling the cone of a fir-tree. A very curiously shaped form,
also from Australia, is Hyernia stokesit, with its short conical
tail armed with dagger-pointed spinous scales. )
LIZARDS. iE
The Iguanide are American pleurodont Lizards (see Fig. 7) exhi-
biting an astonishing variety of form. The largest and best known
are the Iguanas (Iguana rhinolophus and tuberculata, Case 20), found
Iguana tuberculata (Brazil).
in the forest-regions of Tropical America only, in the neighbourhood
of water, into which when frightened they jump from the overhang-
ing branches of trees, to escape capture by swimming and diving.
Feeding exclusively on leaves or fruits, they are themselves highly
esteemed as food, and their eggs also are eagerly sought for by the
natives. Iguanas grow to a length of five feet. The marine
Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus, Case 19) is an inhabitant of the
Galapagos Islands, living on the rocks of the shore and feeding on
seaweeds. No other Lizard enters sea-water. Among the smaller
representatives of this large family may be mentioned the Anolis,
extremely numerous in Tropical America and the West Indies—
small, slender, agile, thoroughly terrestrial and arboreal Lizards,
Californian “ Toad” (Phrynosoma cornutum),.
[Cases
19-21.)
| Case 22,]
12 REPTILE GALLERY.
of rare beauty and variety of colour, and forming a striking contrast
to the species of Phrynosoma (Case 19) of North America and
Mexico, which, on account of their shape and sluggish habits, have
earned the name of Horned or Californian Toads (fig. 6).
The Agamide represent the Iguanas in the Old World. They
are distinguished by the acrodont dentition, the teeth being anky-
Lower jaws, showing the acrodont (a) and pleurodont (6) dentition.
losed to the upper edge of the jaws, an arrangement which occurs
also in the Rhynchocephalians, some Amphisbenians, and the
Chameleons. Lizards of this family are most abundant in the
Indian and Australian regions, showing a great variation of form |
analogous to that of the preceding family. The perhaps most
highly specialized Agamoid is the genus Draco, small winged Lizards
from the East Indies (fig. 8). The Dragons are tree-lizards, and
possess a peculiar additional apparatus for locomotion: the much-
prolonged five or six hind ribs are connected by a broad expansive
fold of the skin, the whole forming a subsemicircular wing on each
side of the body, by which they are enabled to take long flying
leaps from branch to branch, and which are laid backwards at the
sides of the animal while it is sitting or merely running.
The Frilled Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is an Australian
Agamoid, growing to a length of two feet. It is provided with a
frill-like fold of the skin round the neck, which, when erected,
f
Fig. 8.
MIN)
ci
xin
Dragon (Draco teniopterus) ; Siam.
13
14 REPTILE GALLERY.
resembles a broad collar, not unlike the gigantic lace-ruffs of Queen
Elizabeth’s time. When startled, this Lizard is said to rise with
Frilled Lizard from Australia (Chlamydosaurus kingit).
the fore legs off the ground, and to jump in kangaroo-fashion. An
extraordinary creature is the Moloch (Moloch horridus), also from
Moloch horridus (Australia).
Australia; the tubercles and spines, with which it is entirely
covered, give it a most repulsive appearance ; but it is perfectly
harmless. Other Lizards of this family are the Australian Amphi-
bolurus and the African and Asiatic Uromastix.
LIZARDS. 15
The Chameleontide, or Chameleons, are almost peculiar to [Case 22.]
Africa, and most numerous in Madagascar; one (the common)
species extends into India and Ceylon. No other member of
the Order of Lizards shows such a degree of specialization as the
Chameleon. The tongue, eyes, limbs, tail, skin, lungs are modi-
Fig. 11.
Common Chameleon.
fied in a most extraordinary manner to serve special functions in
the peculiar economy of these animals. They lead an exclusively
arboreal life: each of their feet is converted into a grasping hand,
Fig. 12.
Hand of Chameleon.
by means of which, assisted by a long prehensile tail, they hold so
fast to a branch on which they are sitting that they can be dis-
lodged only with difficulty. Their movements are slow and awk-
ward on the ground, and still more so in the water, where they
c
[Cases
23-27. |
16 REPTILE GALLERY.
are nearly helpless. The tongue is exceedingly long, worm-like,
with a club-shaped viscous end ; they shoot it out with incredible
rapidity towards insects, which remain attached to it, and are thus
caught. ‘The eyes are almost entirely covered by a thick lid, pierced
with a small central hole, and not only can be moved in any direc-
tion, but each has an action independent of the other—one eye
may be looking forwards, whilst an object behind the animal is
examined with the other. The faculty of changing colour, which
they have in common with many other Lizards, is partly dependent
on the degree in which the lungs are filled with air, and different
layers of chromatophores* are pressed towards the outer surface of
the skin. The adult males of some of the species possess long
horns or other excrescences on the head. The largest species
attain a length of 18 and 20 inches.
Order IV. OPHIDIA, or Snakes.
The Snakes, or Ophidians, are scaly Reptiles, with exceedingly
elongate, limbless body, without sternum, without, or with only
rudiments of, a pelvis, with the mandibles united in front by an
elastic ligament. The ribs are articulated movably with the verte-
bral column. The jaws are armed with sharp, fang-like teeth,
which are ankylosed to the bone. The peculiar mobility of the
jaw-bones enables these animals to extend the gape in an extra-
ordinary degree, and to work their prey (which generally is much
thicker than the Snake itself and always swallowed whole) through
the throat into the stomach. The tongue is narrow, retractile into
a basal sheath, and terminates in two long thread-like points ;
it is frequently and rapidly exserted when the animal is excited or
wants to touch an object. Snakes have no eyelids; but the part
of the epidermis which covers the eye is transparent, convex, and
has the shape of a watch-glass, behind which the eye moves. There
is no ear-opening. ‘The scales are not isolated formations, as in
fishes, but merely folds of the outer skin, which is cast off in a
single piece several times every year. The head is generally covered
with large, symmetrical, juxtaposed plates (see figs. 15 & 16), and the
* Cells in the skin in which the colouring-pigment is deposited.
SNAKES. 17
belly with large transverse shields. The organs of locomotion for
the exceedingly elongate body of the Snakes are the ribs, the
number of which is very great, nearly corresponding to that of
the vertebre of the trunk. Although the motions of Snakes are
in general very quick, and may be adapted to every variation of
ground over which they move, yet all the varieties of their locomo-
tion are founded on the following simple process. When a part
of their body has found some projection of the ground which affords
it a point of support, the ribs, alternately of one and the other
side, are drawn more closely together, thereby producing alternate
bends of the body on the corresponding side. The hinder portion
of the body being drawn after, some part of it finds another
support on the rough ground or a projection, and the anterior
bends being stretched in a straight line, the front part of the body
is propelled in consequence. During this peculiar kind of loco-
motion, the numerous broad shields of the belly are of great
advantage, as, by means of the free edges of those shields, they
are enabled to catch the smallest projections on the ground, which
may be used as points of support. Snakes are not able to move
over a perfectly smooth surface.
Non-venomous Snakes have generally two rows of short, thin
Skull of Snake (Python).
m, maxillary ; pm, premaxillary ; g, quadrate bone.
teeth, pointed like a needle, on each side of the upper jaw, and
one in the lower; sometimes one or two of the anterior teeth are
c2
18 REPTILE GALLERY.
longer than the rest, but they are not grooved or perforated, nor
do they communicate with a poison-gland.
The poisonous Snakes are armed with a long canaliculated tooth
in front of the upper jaw; the channel terminates in a small slit
at the extremity, and is in connection with a duct which carries
Fig. 14.
Skull of Poisonous Snake (Vipera nasicornis).
m, maxillary, with poison-fang; a bristle is inserted in the openings of the
channel at the base and point of the tooth; d, undeveloped poison-
fangs; pm, premaxillary ; g, quadrate bone.
the poisonous fluid from a large gland to the tooth. This venom-
gland is situated on the side of the head, above the angle of the
mouth, and invested by a dense fibrous sheath, which is covered
by a layer of muscular fibres. At the moment the Snake opens
its mouth to bite, the muscles compress the gland, and force its
contents through the excretory duct into the channel of the venom-
tooth, whence it is ejected into the wound. The force with which
the gland is compressed is shown by the fact that irritated animals
have been seen to spout the poison from the aperture of the tooth
to a considerable distance. The venom-apparatus serves these
creatures not only for defence, but also, and chiefly, for the pur-
pose of overpowering their prey, which is always killed before they
commence to swallow it.
The dental apparatus is not the same in all poisonous Snakes.
The venom-tooth is always fixed to the maxillary bone; but in
some this bone is as long, or nearly as long, asin the non-venomous
Snakes, and generally bears one or more ordinary teeth on its
hinder portion. This venom-tooth is always more or less erect,
SNAKES. 19
not very long, and its channel generally visible as an external
groove. Poisonous Snakes with such a dentition resemble also in
other respects the non-venomous Serpents, and are designated as
Venomous Colubrine Snakes.
In the other venomous Snakes the maxillary bone is extremely
short, and does not bear any ordinary teeth, only an exceedingly
long curved fang, perforated in its entire length. Although this
tooth also is fixed to the bone, the bone itself is very mobile; so
that the tooth, which is laid backwards when at rest, can be
erected the moment the animal prepares to strike. The tooth is
occasionally lost ; but others, in different stages of development,
lie in the gum behind it, ready to take the place of the lost tooth.
Most Snakes feed on living animals, a few only on eggs. They
are oviparous or ovoviviparous. They number about 1800 species,
and are spread over all temperate regions, but are most numerous
between the tropics. They are absent in New Zealand. The
Order is divided into three Suborders and numerous minor groups.
Suborder I. OpHtp11 CoLUBRIFORMEs.
(Innocuous Snakes.)
Typhlopide (Burrowing or Blind Snakes); Stenostomatide,
Tortricide, Xenopeltide, Uropeltide, Calamariide, Oligodontide,
Colubride, Homalopside (Freshwater Snakes); Psammophide
(Sand-Snakes) ; Dendrophide (Tree-Snakes) ; Dryiophide, Dipsa-
dide, Scytalide, Lycodontide, Amblycephalide, Pythonide, Boide,
Erycide, Acrochordide.
Suborder II. Opu1p11 CoLUBRIFORMES VENENOSI.
(Venomous Colubrine Snakes.)
Cobras and Coral Snakes (E/apide) and Sea-Snakes (Hydro-
phide).
Suborder III. Oruip11 Virerirormgs.
(Viperine Snakes.)
Vipers (Viperide), Pit-Vipers, and Rattlesnakes (Crotalide).
Snakes are most unsuitable objects for preservation im a dry
state, as no method is known by which the singularly regular
[Case 26.]
[Case 26. |
20 REPTILE GALLERY.
arrangement of their scales, and their sometimes beautiful colo-
ration and lustre can be preserved. Therefore only a small propor-
tion of the collection is exhibited, of which the following deserve
particular notice :—
The Burrowing or Blind Snakes (Typhlopide &c.) are small
worm-like species, with teeth in one of the jaws only, and without
enlarged ventral plates. They are numerous in Africa and India,
though occurring also in tropical America and Australia; one
species is found in South-eastern Europe.
The Colubride form the great bulk of the Order, and are
found in every part of the temperate and tropical regions, but
are only scantily represented in Australia and the islands of the
Fig. 15.
Smooth Snake (Coronella
levis). natrix).
Pacific. To this group belong the Smooth Snake (Coronella
levis), found in the southern parts of England, and the Common
or Ringed Snake (Tropidonotus natrix). Spilotes and Ptyas are
known by the name of Rat-Snakes.
The Freshwater Snakes (Homalopside) are thoroughly aquatic,
several of them even entering the sea. In some points of their
organization they approach the truly marine Hydrophide. They
feed on fish, and belong chiefly to the Indian region.
The Tree- or Whip-Snakes (Dendrophide and Dryophide)
are exceedingly slender and elongate, and some are exquisitely
SNAKES. 21
coloured, green being the predominant hue. They feed chiefly on
tree-lizards and birds, and are found in all the tropical regions.
Bucephalus capensis is from South Africa.
The Pythonide, or Rock Snakes, are found in the hottest
parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia, and attain a very large size
(from 8 to 24 feet). They climb as well as swim, most of
them preferring the neighbourhood of water. Like the Boas, to
which they are closely related, and from which they differ chiefly
in the presence of intermaxillary teeth, they overpower their prey
by constriction. The Pythons of Africa and Asia and the Morelia
of Australia represent this family.
The Boidea, or Boas, are restricted to the tropical parts of
Fig. 17.
Anaconda, from Tropical America (Boa murina).
[ Cases
24, 25.]
[ Cases
23, 24.]
| Case 26. ]
[Case 27. ]
[Case 27.]
22 REPTILE GALLERY.
the New World. The Anaconda (Boa murina), of which a spe-
cimen (F) measuring 29 feet is exhibited in a separate glass case,
and represented in the act of seizing a Peccary (which frequently
falls a prey to this species), is the largest Snake known, the true
Boa constrictor being a much smaller species (Case 24).
The Erycide (Case 23) are small Snakes, closely allied to the
Boas, but differing by possessing a very short nonprehensile tail ;
their habits are terrestrial, or even burrowing. Cliftia fusca and
Erebophis asper, the latter from New Britain, belong to this family.
The Acrochordide are distinguished by their small, wart-lke,
not imbricate, tubercular or spiny scales. Acrochordus javanicus,
from Java and the Malayan peninsula, grows to a length of
8 feet.
The Elapide are poisonous Snakes, with the physiognomy of
the harmless Colubrine Snakes: they occur in all the tropical
regions, and are most abundant in species in Australia, where they
form almost the entire Snake-fauna. The Indian Cobra (Naya
tripudians) and the African Cobra (Naja haje) ave two of the
best known and most dreaded Ophidians. They possess the re-
markable faculty of expanding their neck when irritated, by raising
the elongated ribs of this region, and thus stretching the skin
outwards on each side; the dilatable portion is frequently orna-
mented on the back by a figure resembling a pair of spectacles.
The Hamadryad, Ophiophagus elaps, is allied to the Cobra, but
attains to a much larger size, and is one of the most dangerous
venomous Snakes, as it is well known to frequently attack people.
It feeds on other Snakes, and occurs in many parts of the Indian
continent and archipelago. A specimen, 13 feet long, is exhibited
in a spirit-tank opposite the wall-case. The true Elaps, or Coral-
Snakes, are small, brilliantly-coloured Snakes, and their very small
mouth renders them much less dangerous to man.
The Sea-Snakes, Hydrophide, are inhabitants of the tropical
parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and most abundant in the
East-Indian archipelago and in the seas between Southern China
and North Australia. They pass their whole life in the sea. Their
tail, which is compressed and paddle-shaped, answers all the pur-
poses of the same organ in a fish, and their motions in the water
are almost as rapid as they are uncertain and awkward on land,
SNAKES. 23
These Snakes are highly poisonous; their dentition resembling
that of the preceding family. Their food consists entirely of fish.
Sea-Snake (Hydrophis), from the Indian Ocean.
The greatest size to which some species attain is about 12 feet.
Pelamys bicolor and Hydrophis are examples of this family.
The Vipers (Viperide) and Rattlesnakes (Crotalide) are Snakes [Case 27. |
with the most perfect poison-apparatus ; the latter family being
distinguished from the former by the presence of a deep pit on
the side of the snout, between the eye and the nostril. These
Snakes have generally a short thick body and a broad head, are
[ Cases
28-44. ]
24, REPTILE GALLERY.
slow in their movements, and nocturnal; some live on bushes,
most of them on the ground. They are viviparous. The true
Vipers are chiefly African, a few species only occurring in Europe
and Asia. The common British Viper is one of the smallest of
BEE a
<=
Loy
IK)
Oa
us
Common Viper (Vipera berus).
this group; the Puff-Adder (Clotho arietans), the most dangerous
Snake of South Africa.
The Pit-Vipers and Rattlesnakes are found only in Asia and
America, most abundant and reaching a larger size in the latter
part of the world. The true Rattlesnakes (Crotalus) are distin-
guished by the “rattle” at the end of the tail, formed by several
horny rings, which the animal shakes when irritated, producing a
peculiar sound. It is stated that the length of the “ rattle”
indicates the age of the individual; and it is a fact that rattles of
such a length and so many joints (twenty-one), as are exhibited in
Case 27, are now of extremely rare occurrence, as these dangerous
creatures, with the advance of cultivation, have now but rarely the
chance of surviving to a very old age.
Order V. CHELONIA (Tortoises and Turrss).
The Chelonians, or Tortoises and Turtles, are distinguished from
all other Reptiles by the more or less ossified case or “ shell”
which encloses the body, and into which most of the species can
TORTOISES AND TURTLES. 25
retract their head and limbs. This armour consists of two shields
united by their lateral margins; the upper, or carapace, is formed
by the expansion and union of the vertebre and ribs; the lower,
or plastron, by dermal bones only. In most of these animals the
carapace presents three series of central bony plates—the vertebral
medially,and the costal laterally —and they are surrounded bya series
Fig. 20.
Skeleton of Tortoise, in a vertical section through the carapace.
e, neck; v, dorsal vertebre ; ¢, tail; 7, costal plates ; pl, plastron;
s, shoulder-bones ; p, pelvis.
of marginal plates; the plastron bones are generally nine in number,
one median and four pairs. Horny epidermic plates cover the
carapace and plastron; their arrangement is also symmetrical,
but by no means corresponds to that of the underlying bones;
they constitute what is called the “ Tortoise-shell,” which in some
species has great commercial value. The jaws are toothless,
covered by a horny bill, rarely hidden under fleshy lips. The
four limbs are always well developed, and modified according to
the mode of life of the species,—the terrestrial Tortoises having
short, club-shaped feet furnished with blunt claws; the freshwater
Turtles, digits distinct, armed with sharp claws, and united by a
more or less developed membrane or web; and, finally, the marine
26 REPTILE GALLERY.
Turtles, having their limbs transformed into regular paddles, re-
sembling those of Cetaceans. The tail is constantly present, but
frequently extremely short ; in a few forms only it attains to a con-
siderable length. Chelonians are oviparous, and the eggs are
generally covered with a hard shell.
The Chelonians form only a small part of the Class Reptilia, the
number of species amounting to about 300. If they occupy in
this Gallery almost half of the wall-cases, it is because they are
more suited than the other Reptiles for being preserved and exhi-
bited in a dried state.
Chelonians are divided into the following Suborders :—
. Sphargide, or Leather-Turtles.
. Cheloniide, or Sea-Turtles.
. Trionychide, or Freshwater Turtles.
. Emydide and Chelydida, or Freshwater Tortoises.
5. Testudinide, or Land Tortoises.
rm CO OO =
In the first three several important characters remind us of
other orders of Reptiles, especially Crocodilians, whilst the two
last are farthest removed from the ordinary Reptilian type.
[Case29,] 1. The Sphargide are a geologically ancient type, im which the
formation of a protecting bony carapace has made but little
advance. The skin, which in a fresh state is flexible, like thick
leather, contains bony deposits arranged like mosaic; but this
dermal shield is not united to the vertebre and ribs, which remain
free, and are not particularly dilated, as may be seen in the large
skeleton (G) exhibited opposite to Case 29. In this arrangement
the dermal shield and skeleton are in the same relation to each other
as in the Crocodiles. The structure of the limbs is the same as in
the marine Turtles, with which the Leather-Turtle agrees in its
mode of life; the bones of the paddles, however, are still more
simple, merely rods, and claws are entirely absent. Only one
species exists in our time (Sphargis coriaceus), which seems to
become gradually rarer, although it is found occasionally through-
out all the seas of the tropical and temperate regions, specimens
having strayed now and then to the British coast. This Turtle is,
perhaps, the largest living Chelonian, exceeding a length of 6 feet,
and is said to be herbivorous.
TORTOISES AND TURTLES. - 27
2. Cheloniide or Marine Turtles. Their feet are transformed
into long compressed fins, the anterior pair considerably longer
than the posterior, the digits bemg enclosed in a common
skin, out of which only one or two claws project; the carapace
is broad and much depressed, but large interspaces between
the extremities of the ribs remain unossified; it is covered with
symmetrical horny plates. These Turtles are thoroughly marine
animals, their fin-like feet and their light shell rendermg them
the best swimmers in the class of Reptiles. They sometimes
live hundreds of miles distant from the shore, to which, however,
they periodically return in order to deposit from 100 to 250 soft-
shelled eggs, which are buricd in the sand. The food of some
species (Chelone) consists exclusively of alge; others (Caretta,
Caouana) subsist upon fish and mollusca. They are found in all
the intertropical seas, but sometimes they travel far into the tem-
perate regions, specimens being occasionally captured on the
British coasts. The flesh and eggs of all the species are edible,
the Green Turtle (Chelone viridis) being the most esteemed. The
Hawk’s-bill Turtle (Caretta imbricata) furnishes the commercial
tortoise-shell ; the finest sort comes from Celebes, whence it is
exported to China. Specimens of polished shell from the Indian
Ocean and Jamaica are exhibited. A common Atlantic species
is the Loggerhead Turtle (Caouana caretta), which forms an
exception to all other recent Chelonians in having five instead of
four epidermic plates on the side (costals).
3. Trionychide, Freshwater Turtles, with much depressed shell,
which is covered with soft skin, and not with epidermic plates ;
the digits are movable, strongly webbed, and each foot has only
three sharp claws, belonging to the three inner digits, exactly as in
Crocodiles. The jaws are covered with fleshy lips, and the snout
is produced in a short tube bearing the nasal orifices, and enabling
the animal to breathe while the rest of the head is submerged
under water. These animals are thoroughly aquatic and carni-
vorous, and inhabit the hotter parts of Asia, Africa, and North
America. We may note the Javanese and Gangetic Trionyx
(Trionyx javanicus and gangeticus), and the Nilotic Trionyx (7.
niloticus, T. africanus), as showing the largest size attained by
these Turtles.
[ Cases
8, 29.]
[Cases
29, 30. |
[ Cases
31-38. |
[Cases
39-44, ]
28 REPTILE GALLERY.
4. The Emydide, or Freshwater Tortoises, possess a perfectly
ossified carapace covered with epidermoid plates, and movable
digits furnished with sharp claws. The mode of life of some is
aquatic, of others almost terrestrial; the former having their shell
least convex, and a more or less developed web between the toes.
Thoroughly aquatic are the Alligator Terrapens of North America
(Chelydra, Case 33), in which the tail attains to a great length,
and is furnished with a crest resembling that of a Crocodile ; Che-
lydra temminckiwt is the largest freshwater Tortoise. The East-
Indian Batagur (Case 34) approach in their physiognomy and
habits and in size the Freshwater Turtles. The smaller forms are
most abundant in North America, and sometimes beautifully
marked (Emys picta, rivulata, ornata, &c., Case 36). The Euro-
pean species (Lutremys europea, Case 38) is abundant in South
Europe, and found, less frequently and locally, in Germany as far
north as Berlin; its fossil remains have been found in the fen-
country. Pya«idea, Geoemyda, Lutremys live as much on land as
in water; and, finally, we have an example of an exclusively ter-
restrial Emydoid in the Box-Tortoise ( Cistudo carolina, Case 88),
which lives in the woods of the southern parts of the United States,
and possesses, like other Freshwater Tortoises, a hinge in the
lower shield, rendering its anterior portion movable. A lid is thus
formed by which the posterior opening of the shell can be com-
pletely closed.
The following Freshwater Tortoises differ from the preceding in
not being able to retract the head and neck, but in bending it side-
ways under the shell, as the American Podocnemys expansa (Case
31), of which a fine skeleton is exhibited, and the Australian
Chelodina. But the most remarkable form of this group is the
Mata-Mata Tortoise (Chelys fimbriata, Case 31), a native of Brazil
and the Guianas. Its head and neck are fringed with warty appen-
dages, floating in the water like some vegetable growth, whilst the
rough, bossed carapace resembles a stone,—an appearance which
evidently is of as great use to this creature in escaping the obser-
vation of its enemies as in alluring to it unsuspicious animals on
which it feeds.
5. Testudinide, or Land Tortoises, with very convex carapace,
and with feet adapted for progression on land only. They are
TORTOISES AND TURTLES. 29
The Mata-Mata (Chelys fimbriata) ; British Guiana.
vegetable-feeders, and inhabit the hotter parts of the Old as well
as New World, but are absent in Australia. The greater part are
referable to the genus Testudo, of which one species occurs in
Southern Europe (Testudo greca, Case 42) ; another closely allied
species is 7. mauritanica, extremely abundant in Morocco and
Algiers, and imported in great numbers into England. But the
most interesting forms of this group are the Gigantic Tortoises
(Cases 39-41), which were formerly found in great numbers in
the Mascarene and Galapagos islands. At the time of their dis-
covery these islands were uninhabited by man or any large
mammal; the Tortoises therefore enjoyed perfect security, and
this, as well as their extraordinary degree of longevity, accounts
for their enormous size and the multitude of their numbers. They
could be captured in any number with the greatest ease within a
few days, and proved to be a most welcome addition to the stock
of provisions. They could be carried in the hold of a ship, with-
out food, for months, and were slaughtered as occasion required,
each Tortoise yielding, according to size, from 80 to 300 pounds
of excellent and wholesome meat. Under these circumstances, the
numbers of these helpless creatures decreased so rapidly, that in
the beginning of this century their extermination was accomplished
in the Mascarenes; and now only a few remain in a wild state
in Aldabra and some of the islands of the Galapagos group. We
may note particularly the gigantic Land Tortoise of Aldabra (Tes-
tudo elephantina) ; the large male specimen (H) exhibited weighed
870 pounds, and although known to have been more than 80 years
30 REPTILE GALLERY.
old, was still growing at the time of its death; the gigantic Land
Tortoise of Abingdon Island (7. abingdonii), remarkable for its
Fig, 22.
Testudo abingdonit. The Tortoise of Abingdon Isl., Galapagos.
long neck and its thin shell, which may be easily pierced by a
knife. The specimens exhibited were obtained by Commander
W. E. Cookson during the visit of H.M.S. ‘ Petrel’ to the
Galapagos Islands in 1875, and were probably the last survivors of
their race.
Pak, FISH GALEERY
BATRACHIANS.
(Frogs anp Newrs.)
GENERAL NOTES.
A TABLE-case placed in the corridor which leads from the Bird-
to the Fish-Gallery contains a small series of this class of animals.
The softness of their skin prevents their being preserved in a dry
condition ; therefore of the thousand species known only a few
typical specimens are exhibited.
Although Batrachia are popularly regarded as Reptiles, their
zoological affinities are with the Fishes, from which it is by no
means easy to separate them.
They may be defined as cold-blooded * Vertebrata, the majority
of which have a pair of lungs which lie below the digestive tract,
which for some, or the whole, period of their existence breathe by
gills, have three chambers to the heart, and two or no occipital
condyles ; their limbs, if present, have not more than five fingers
developed, and if, as is rare, they possess dorsal fins, these are
merely folds of the integuments without those supporting carti-
laginous rays which are found in Fishes.
The skin is soft, moist, richly provided with blood; small scales
with rounded edges are found only in some of the Limbless forms.
In the majority of Batrachians the young when it leaves the egg
is totally unlike, and afterwards gradually changes into, the form
and condition of the perfect animal. This change is called ‘ meta-
morphosis.” The young or larva is fish-like and breathes by gills,
* See page 1 with regard to this term.
32 FISH GALLERY.
which are gradually exchanged for lungs; in some Batrachians
in which the larva is a vegetable-feeder, the change from a vege-
table to an animal diet is accompanied by a shortening of the
intestine; and in many the loss of a tail is compensated by the
growth of four limbs, whilst in others the tail is persistent through-
out life. The metamorphosis is very complete in Frogs and Toads,
in which the limbless, long-tailed larva or ‘Tadpole’ differs so
much from the perfect animal that only direct observation can
afford the proof of these changes being the developmental stages of
the same creature. However,a few Tailed Batrachians (Proteide,
Sirenide) retain the gills throughout their existence, though pro-
ducing one or two pairs of limbs; and a certain number of Frogs
belonging to various genera (Rana, Hylodes, Rhinoderma, Pipa,
&c.) are known to leave the egg in the perfect form.
The greater number of Batrachians are oviparous ; some, like
the Salamander, are ovoviviparous. The eggs are deposited in
water or damp places, and generally (in all the British species)
enveloped in a gelatinous mass, which protects them from mecha-
nical injury and atmospberic influences: those of the Frogs form
large coherent lumps, whilst the Toads deposit theirs in long
strings, and the Newts attach theirs singly to water-plants. In
a few species the female carries the eggs in a pouch on her back
(Nototrema), or in dorsal cells (Pipa), or attached to her belly
(some Rhacophori) ; in a few the male carries the eggs round his
legs (Alytes) or in a gular sac (Rhinoderma).
The tongue is occasionally absent ; when present it is generally
attached to the front end of the floor of the mouth instead of, as
in the higher Vertebrates, at the hinder end; in the majority
of the Tailless Batrachians it can be thrust out of the mouth,
and act as the organ with which they seize their prey. (See
fig. 25, p. 37.)
In many species a sac or a pair of sacs are developed on the
throat or the side of the head in the males; they act as resonants
to the waves of sound set up by the air which is passing from the
lungs, and the species that possess them are much more noisy than
those that are without them.
All Batrachians have numerous small glands imbedded in their
skin for the secretion of a whitish slimy fluid. In some these glands
TAILLESS BATRACHIANS. 33
are more developed than in others, and when many are placed close
together they form protuberant masses, sometimes on each side
of the neck (parotoids of Toads and Salamanders), sometimes on
the loin or on the hind legs, or on other parts of the body. There
is no doubt that in some species this secretion has more or less
poisonous properties ; that of the Common Toad is sufficiently dis-
agreeable to dogs, birds of prey, &c. to act as a protection to the
Batrachian ; but that of some South-American species (Bufo agua,
Dendrobates) is said to be a much more active poison, and to be
used by the Indians as one of the ingredients of their arrow-
poison.
All the Batrachians which flourished in the older formations,
Carboniferous to Trias inclusively, belonged to the extinct order
Stegocephala or Labyrinthodonta, and were succeeded in the Cre-
taceous by the Tailed, in the Tertiary by the Tailless Batrachians,
which order appears to have now attained its highest point of
development. No fossil Ceecilian has as yet been found.
Recent Batrachians are referable to three orders, viz. :—
1. Ecaudata, Tailless Batrachians, such as Frogs and Toads ;
2. Caudata, Tailed Batrachians, such as Salamanders, Newts,
and Permanent Gill-breathers ;
3. Apoda, Limbless Batrachians or Ceecilians.
Order I. ECAUDATA, or TAILLESS BATRACHIANS.
This order, which comprises over 800 species, includes Batra-
chians destitute of a tail, with shortened body and four limbs, of
which the hinder pair is longest and adapted for leaping.
Their skeleton shows many peculiarities. The following account
refers to the Frog :—The skull is large and flattened, with enormous
orbits; the vertebral column shortened, with constantly eight pree-
sacral and one sacral vertebra, and a coccygeal style formed by the
ossification of the caudal notochord of the early stage of life.
The following is an enumeration of the principal bones of the
skull :—On the upper surface two large bones, the fronto-parietals
(fig. 23, fp), formed by the fusion of the frontals and parietals,
leaving uncovered anteriorly a portion of the ethmoid (e); a pair
of nasals (n) ; the prootic (po) on each side between the fronto-
D2
834 FISH GALLERY.
parietals and the squamosal (sq); the latter is a mallet-shaped
bone, the basal extremity of which is in contact with a small bone,
the quadrato-jugal (qj), which represents the quadrate and jugal
Skeleton of Rana esculenta.
of higher Vertebrates; there are then two premaxille (pm) and
two mawille (mx), bearing, in certain species, closely-set, small,
acute teeth. On the lower surface we distinguish the vomers (vo),
each of which bears sometimes a group of teeth, the palatines (pl),
horizental, rod-shaped bones, the ethmoid (e), a large T-shaped
TAILLESS BATRACHIANS. 30
parasphenoid (psp), and the pterygoids (pt). On the back of the
skull are the exoccipitals (eo), with a condyle on either side of the
foramen magnum for articulation with the first vertebra ; there is
no basioccipital. The toothless lower jaw is composed of several
bones, as in the Reptiles, to which is added on each side a peculiar
symphyseal (sy).
The number of presacral vertebre (v) is eight ; the ninth, or
sacral (sv), gives attachment to the pelvis. The vertebrze possess
strong transverse processes but no ribs, and, save in the first
and sacral, the centra are proccelous or concavo-convex. The
coccyx (c) is a long styliform bone, articulating with the sacral
vertebra by a double concavity receiving the double condyles of the
latter.
The pectoral arch (fig. 23) is composed of a pair of precoracoids
(peo) and a pair of coracoids (co) nearly parallel, and firmly con-
nected in the median line by a narrow cartilage, the epicoracoid
(eco) ; this structure of the pectoral arch is termed the “ Firmi-
sternal,” to distinguish it from the “ Arciferous ” type as seen in
many families—for instance the Toads, in which the coracoid and
Sternal apparatus of Leptodactylus pentadactylus.
precoracoid on the one side are connected by an arched epicoracoid
cartilage overlapping that of the other side (fig. 24). In front is
the omosternum (ost), composed of a cartilaginous disk and a bony
36 FISH GALLERY.
style ; posteriorly the sternum (sé), similarly formed. Above the
scapula (sc), on the dorsal side, is the suprascapula (ssc), partly
cartilaginous. The fore limbs present this peculiarity, that the ulna
and radius (cr) coalesce into a single bone; the functional digits
number four, but there is a rudimentary thumb (po). The pelvic
arch also differs much from that of higher Vertebrates ; the alza (7/)
are elongated bones set parallel to the vertebral column, and join-
ing posteriorly the pubis and ischium (pt), which are united into
a single small discoid bone. The acetabulum, or socket for the
reception of the head of the femur, is far removed from the sacrum.
In the hind limb also the tibia and fibula (tf) are united into a
single bone, and the two proximal elements of the tarsus (a; astra-
galus, ca) are so elongated and strong as to resemble the real tibia
and fibula of other animals—the Newts, for instance. The toes
are also much elongated, and number five, with-an additional
ossicle (VI) on the inner side, which is regarded as a rudimentary
sixth toe.
The Tailless Batrachians are distributed over the whole surface
of the globe except the Arctic Regions, and are most abundant in
the tropical and subtropical zones. They are divided into two sub-
orders and fifteen families as follows :—
Suborder PHanEroctossa, furnished with a tongue, and with the
internal ear-openings separated.
Series A. Firmisternia*.
Families :—1]. Ranide. 2. Dendrobatide. 38. Engystomatide.
4. Dyscophide. 5. Ceratubatrachide. i
Series B. Arcifera*.
Families :—6. Cystignathide. 7. Dendrophryniscide. 8. Bufo-
nde. 9. Hylide. 10. Pelobatide. 11. Discoglosside. 12. Am-
plignathodontide. 13. Hemiphractide.
Suborder Il. Acrossa, without tongue, and with a single
internal ear-opening.
Families :—14, Dactylethride. 15. Pipide.
* For the meaning of this term see p. 35.
TAILLESS BATRACHIANS, Oo”
The Ranide, or true Frogs, have teeth in the upper jaw; the
transverse processes of the sacral vertebra are not distinctly dilated.
Two species occur in this country: the common Frog (Rana tem-
Fig. 25,
~ WAS ~
Liana temporaria (Common Brown frog).
poraria) is indigenous; the second species, the Edible Frog of the
Continent (R. esculenta), has been introduced, and has thoroughly
established itself in some parts of Norfolk. The Bull-Frogs, so
called from their bellowing powerful voice, are R. catesbiana of
North America, and R. tigrina, the largest and commonest Frog
of India; R. adspersa, also one of the largest species, is found in
various parts of tropical Africa, and remarkable for its toad-like
appearance. ‘This family also contains arboreal types, of which
Rhacophorus maximus, from the Himalayas and the hills of Assam,
is a representative. In this genus the webs between the fingers
and toes are much developed and very broad, so that some natu-
ralists have represented this structure to be of service to the frog
in taking flying leaps (the Flying Frog of Wallace), What is
-
38 FISH GALLERY.
certain is that the disk-like dilatations of the tips of the fingers act
as adhesive organs (fig. 26), by means of which the animal attaches
itself to vertical or smooth surfaces, as may be observed in the
common Tree-Frog from the continent, which is frequently kept
in captivity in this country.
Fig. 26.
Foot of Hylambates palmatus.
The Deéndrobatide are small Tree-Frogs, closely allied to the
preceding family, but destitute of teeth, in which respect they
resemble the Toads. The savage tribes of some parts of South
America extract a deadly poison for their arrows from Dendrobates
tinctorius, of which a specimen is exhibited, and from other allied
species.
The Cystignathide represent the Ranide in tropical America
and Australia. They differ from the true Frogs in the structure
of the sternal apparatus, which, as in Toads, belongs to the
“ Arciferous”’ type. Several of the genera lack altogether a web
between the toes (Leptodactylus), whereas others (e. g. Pseudis)
have the toes extensively webbed. This Pseudis Frog was believed
by the earliest observers who studied the fauna of the Guianas to
reverse the course of the ordinary metamorphosis and to change
into a fish. This fable originated in the enormous size of the
tadpole, which frequently far exceeds that of the perfect animal.
Several larvze of this interesting Batrachian are exhibited. The
Ceratophrys, or Horned Frogs, also belong to this family.
The Bufonide, or true Toads, have no teeth, and the transverse
processes of the sacral vertebra are more or less strongly dilated
or mallet-shaped. Two species, Bufo vulgaris (the Common Toad)
and Bufo calamita (the Natterjack), represent this group in the
TAILLESS BATRACHIANS. 39
Fig. 27,
Cerutophrys ornata (Horned Frog).
British Isles. The largest species is the Agua Toad (Bufo marinus)
of Sonth America, which attains to a length of 8 inches, the limbs
not included, and which possesses enormous parotoid glands.
The Hylide, or true Tree-Frogs, resemble very closely the
arboreal Ranide as regards form and habits; but the structure of
their skeleton proves their affinity to the Toads, from which they
are distinguished by the presence of teeth in the upper jaw. The
large Tree-Frog exhibited, Hyla dolichepsis, from New Guinea, and
the common European species, Hyla arborea, are examples. Closely
allied to Hyla is Nototrema (fig. 28), a marsupial Frog provided
with a dorsal pouch, into which the ova are introduced (probably
by the male) immediately after they are laid, and preserved from
injury until hatched. The commonest species, N. marsupiatum,
is a native of the Andes of Ecuador. The species of Phyllo-
medusa, or ‘“quadrumanous”’ Frogs, are still more strongly
adapted to arboreal life, the first digit of both hands and feet
being opposable to the others, like the thumb of the band.
Several species are known from tropical America.
40
FISH GALLERY.
Xenopus levis, from Tropical Africa.
TAILLESS BATRACHIANS. 41
The Discoglosside differ from all the preceding families in pos-
sessing short ossified rudimentary ribs, and the vertebree, instead
of being proccelous are opisthoccelous, two characters in which
they approach the Newts. They are represented by but few
species; among them the Fire-bellied Toad (Bombinator igneus),
so abundant in many parts of Germany, and the curious “ Midwife
Toad ” (Alytes obstetricans), an inhabitant of Western Europe: the
latter owes its name to the assistance rendered by the male to his
mate during the deposition of the ova; he then twists the strings
of ova round his legs and carries them until they reach maturity.
The Amphignathodontide and Hemiphractide, as well as the Ce-
ratobatrachide of the series Firmisternia, are remarkable for pos-
sessing teeth in the lower as well as in the upper jaw.
Pipa amerneaa (Surinam Toad).
AY FISH GALLERY.
The Dactylethride (Xenopus, fig. 29) of tropical Africa and the
Pipide of South America are small groups which form the suborder
of tongueless Frogs—the former being chiefly distinguished by the
presence of teeth in the upper jaw, whereas the latter are absolutely
toothless. The Surinam Toad (Pipa americana, fig. 30) is well
known for its curious mode of reproduction, the eggs being placed
by the male in cells on the back of the female, where they remain
until the completion of the metamorphosis.
Order Il. CAUDATA, orn TAILED BATRACHIANS.
Elongate, lizard- or eel-like in form, with two, or, exceptionally,
one pair of limbs and with a tail. Short ribs are constantly present,
and the vertebral centra are biconcave or proccelous. Over 100
species are known, from Europe, Temperate Asia, North Africa, and
North and Central America, but they are entirely absent in the
Southern Hemisphere. They are arranged in four families :—
1. Salamandride. 2. Amphiumide. 3. Proteide. 4. Si-
renide@.
Amblystoma tigrinum (Axolotl of Mexico).
The Salamandride, or Newts and Salamanders, lose their gills
before they reach the adult state. However, there are instances
occurring in various genera, of which the Axolotl (fig. 31) is the
a a,
TAILED BATRACHIANS. 43
best known, of specimens retaining the gills throughout life, whereas
other individuals of the same species undergo the regular meta-
morphosis. The common land-Salamander (Salamandra maculosa)
is very common over nearly the whole of Europe and in North
Africa. Three species of Newts (Mole) are found in Great Britain,
viz. the large Crested Newt (M. cristata), the Common Smooth Newt
(M. vulgaris, fig. 32), and the Palmated Newt (M. palmata). These
Molge vulgaris (Common Smooth Newt).
species live in the water in spring and during part of the summer,
whilst they are engaged in depositing their eges, coming at in-
tervals to the surface for the purpose of respiration. The remainder
of the year they pass on land.
The Amphiumide are exclusively aquatic, although they lose the
gills during metamorphosis. They are easily distinguished from the
Salamandrid@ by the absence of eyelids. The species of Amphiuma
(fig. 33) are eel-like creatures, with very small limbs, from North
AA, FISH GALLERY.
America. The Gigantic Salamander (Megalobatrachus maximus),
from Japan and China, belongs to this family; it is the largest
living Batrachian, attaining a length of four feet, and the living
Fig. 33.
Amphiuma means, from North America.
representative of the fossil Salamander of CEningen, the remains
of which were originally regarded as those of man (Homo diluvii
testis).
The Proteide and Sirenide are permanent gill-breathers, and
TAILED BATRACHIANS. 45
distinguished from the preceding families by the absence of
maxillary bones. Proteus anguinus (fig. 34) inhabits the sub-
terranean waters of the caves of Carniola, and in consequence of its
long sojourn in absolute darkness its eyes have become rudimentary
aud are concealed in the skin, which is entirely devoid of pigment.
Fig. 35.
Fig. 34. Froteus anguinus, from the caves of Carniola.
Fig. 35. Siren lacertina, from North America.
Siren (S. lacertina, fig. 35), a native of North America, possesses
only one pair of limbs, viz. the anterior.
46
FISH GALLERY.
Order IIT. APODA, or LIMBLESS BATRACHIANS.
Fig. 36.
Ureotyphlus africanus.
These are worm-like burrowing crea-
tures, destitute of limbs, without or with
only a rudimentary tail, frequently with
small scales imbedded in the skin; the
vertebree are biconcave. About 35 species
are known, belonging to one family,
Cecilude, which is found in tropical Africa,
the East Indies, and tropical America. A
specimen of Siphonops annulatus, the com-
monest species in South America, and a
skeleton of Ichthyophis glutinosus, from the
East Indies, are exhibited. The species
figured (fig. 36) has been recently dis-
covered in West Africa. Very little is
known of their habits; they seem to live
buried in mud or very soft moist soil. The
ova are of large size and few in number.
Some species are ovoviviparous. Ichthyo-
phis deposits its eggs, shortly after impreg-
nation, in a hole in damp earth. These
eggs form a small mass, which the mother
protects by coiling herself round it.
In the embryo large external gills are
developed within the egg ; and the larva is
provided with an opening, or spiraculum,
on each side of the neck.
FISHES. A7
FISHES.
Visitors who desire to inspect the exhibited series of Fishes
have to pass from the Bird-Gallery on the ground-floor by the
first corridor on the right-hand side into a large side Gallery, as
shown on the plan accompanying this Guide. The contents are
chiefly stuffed specimens * and skeletons; the former arranged in
a continuous series in the Wall-cases numbered 1-44, the latter in
Table-cases marked A-G. Large objects are exhibited in special
cases, or placed on stands on the floor of the Gallery.
GENERAL NOTES.
The class of Fishes, of which now some 10,000 species are known,
exhibits a much greater amount of variation of external form, and
of diversity of their principal internal organs, than any of the
higher Vertebrates. But as all, without exception, live in the
water throughout life, they possess common distinctive characters
in those systems of their organization which are in direct relation
to their aquatic mode of life, viz. in the organs of respiration and
locomotion.
Fishes, therefore, may be described as vertebrate animals living
in water, and breathing the air dissolved in the water by means of
gills or branchize ; whose heart consists of two chambers only, viz.
a single ventricle and single atrium; whose limbs, if present, are
modified into fins, supplemented by unpaired, median fins; and
whose skin is either naked or covered with scales or osseous scutes
or bucklers. With few exceptions, Fishes are oviparous.
* The collection of Fishes preserved in spirit is placed with other similar
preparations in a separate locality, such specimens being preserved to meet
the requirements of the scientific student, and generally unsuitable for
exhibition.
E
48 FISH GALLERY.
The earliest fossil remains referred to this class are found in the
Lower Silurian, in the form of small horny bodies which have been
regarded as teeth of Cyclostomes or Lampreys. But the first
undeniable evidence of a Fish, probably a Plagiostome, occurs in
the Upper Silurian ; from the Devonian to the Cretaceous, Ganoids
were extremely abundant and exhibited an endless variety of forms,
many of which recall, with regard to external appearance, the
Teleosteans of the present time ; from the former formation started
also Chondropterygians and other Paleichthyes ; in the Tertiary
Epoch the Teleosteans almost entirely replaced the Ganoids, and
have continued to be the predominant type of Fishes down to
our times.
Fishes are distributed over all the waters of the globe, and may,
on the whole, be divided into Freshwater and Marine forms.
However, a sharp line cannot be drawn between these two kinds of
Fishes, for there are not only species which can gradually accom-
modate themselves to a sojourn in either salt or fresh water, but
there are also such as seem to be quite indifferent to a rapid change
from one to the other, as, for instance, Sticklebacks and some species
of Clupea, or Herrings. Further, Fishes belonging to freshwater
genera descend rivers and sojourn in the sea for a more or less
limited period; whilst others annually or periodically ascend
rivers for the purpose of spawning—for instance, the Salmon and
many Sturgeons. Marine Fishes fall, with regard to their life and
distribution, imto three divisions:—1l. Shore Fishes, that is,
Fishes which inhabit chiefly parts of the sea in the immediate
neighbourhood of land or banks ; 2. Pelagic Fishes, which inhabit
the surface and uppermost strata of the open ocean, and approach
the shores only accidentally or occasionally (in search of prey), or
periodically (for the purpose of spawning); 3. Deep-sea Fishes,
which inhabit such depths of the ocean as to be but little or not
at all influenced by light or the surface temperature, and which, by
their organization, are prevented from reaching the surface stratum
in a healthy condition. But it must not be imagined that these
three divisions are more sharply defined than Freshwater and
Marine Fishes, and, like these latter, they gradually pass into each
other.
A number of Skeletons are exhibited in the wall-cases and table-
49
FISHES.
"YoIIg Jo woyopeyg
ee <i
ee
\
My
"Lg ‘SLT
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50 FISH GALLERY.
cases. An idea of the principal features of the bony framework of
a typical Fish may be given in the two accompanying engravings—
of the skeleton of the Perch (fig. 37), as illustrative of the
Teleostean type, and of a Chondropterygian (fig. 42, p. 55),
Carcharodon rondeletit.
Like that of the higher Vertebrates, the skeleton of a Fish
consists of the Skudl (from which a branchial apparatus is sus-
pended), the Vertebral column, composed of vertebre to which
ribs are attached, the Scapular arch, giving attachment to the fore
limbs (pectoral fins), and the Pelvic arch, giving attachment to the
hind limbs (ventral fins). Besides these parts, the typical Fish
possesses a series of dermal bones, spines, or rays, forming the
vertical fins, viz. dorsal, anal, and caudal.
Looking at the Perch’s skull from the side (fig. 37), we distin-
guish:—The premaxillary (17), armed with teeth, and, parallel to
it, the toothless maxillary (18). The mandible (34), the right and
left rami of which are united by a ligament in front ; each ramus
is formed of three pieces, viz. the articulary (36), angular (35),
and dentary (34) bones, the latter armed with teeth. An infra-
orbital ring of bones (19), of which the anterior is the largest and
named preordital. Four large bones, constituting the gill-cover,
and distinguished as preoperculum (80), operculum (28), suboper-
culum (32), and interoperculum (33).
The chain of flat bones which, after the removal of the tem-
poral muscles, appear arranged within the inner concavity of the
preoperculum, are comprised with the latter under the common
name of mandibulary suspensorium. They are:—The epitympanic
(23), the mesotympanic (31), the pretympanic (27), and the
hypotympanic or quadrate (26), which has a condyle for the man-
dibulary joint.
The palatine arch connects the suspensorium with the anterior
extremity of the skull and is formed by three bones—the ento-
pterygoid (fig. 38, 25), the pterygoid (24), and the palatine (22) ;
the latter is toothed.
In the occipital region (fig. 38) we have the basioccipital (5),
readily recognized. by the conical excavation corresponding and
similar to that of the atlas, with which it is articulated through
the intervention of a capsule filled with a gelatinous substance (the
FISHES. 51
remains of the notochord) ; on each side, the ewoccipital (10) ; and
the supraoccipital above (8), which is raised into a crest. The
formation of the posterior part of the skull is completed by the
mastoids (12) and parietals (7).
On the lower surface of the skull (fig. 38) are seen the basi-
Lower view of skull of Perch.
sphenoid (6), the vomer (16), which, like the palatines, is beset
with teeth, the alisphenoids (11), and orbitosphenoids (14).
In addition to these bones we have to notice those of the
upper surface of the skull (fig. 37), viz. the frontals Ch); the
prefrontals (2), the postfrontals (4), and the turbinals (20), all
paired bones.
Attached to the skull are the hyo-branchial apparatus and the
scapular arch (figs. 39, 40).
52 FISH GALLERY.
Fig. 39.
Hyoid and scapular arches of Perch.
The hyoid arch is suspended on each side by a slender styliform
bone, the stylohyal (29), from the hyomandibulars ; it consists
of three segments—the epiyal (37), ceratohyal (88), and basi-
hyal (39, 40), the latter formed by two juxtaposed pieces. A
median ossicle, extending forwards into the substance of the tongue,
is called glossohyal or os linguale (41). And below the junction of
the two hyoid branches there is a vertical single bone (42), ex-
panded along its lower edge, which, connected by ligament with
the anterior extremity of the humeral arch, forms the zsthmus
separating the gill-openings. This bone is called the wrohyal.
Articulated or attached by ligaments to the epihyals and cerato-
hyal are a number of sword-shaped bones or rays (43), the branchio-
stegals, between which the branchiostegal membrane is extended.
The branchial arches (fig. 40) are enclosed within the hyoid
arch, with which they are closely connected at the base. They
are five in number, of which four bear gills, whilst the fifth (56)
remains dwarfed, is beset with teeth, and called the Jower
pharyngeal bone. The arches adhere by their lower extremities to
a chain of ossicles (53, 54, 55), basibranchials. ach of the first
three branchial arches consists of four pieces. The lowest is the
FISHES. 53
SIA es a
Hyoid and branchial arches of Perch.
hypobranchial (57), the next much larger one the ceratobranchial
(58), and above this, a slender and a short irregularly-shaped
epibranchial (61). In the fourth arch the hypobranchial is absent.
The uppermost of these segments (62), especially of the fourth
arch, are dilated and more or less confluent ; they are beset with
fine teeth, and generally distinguished as the upper pharyngeal
bones. Only the ceratobranchial is represented in the fifth arch
or lower pharyngeal. On their outer convex side the branchial
segments are grooved for the reception of large blood-vessels
and nerves; on the inner side they support horny processes (63),
ealled the gill-rakers, which do not form part of the skeleton.
The scapular or humeral arch (fig. 89) is suspended from the
skull by the suprascapula (46) ; then follows the scapula (47),
and the arch is completed below by the union of the coracoid (48)
with its fellow. Two flat bones (51,52) attached to the coracoid may
be regarded as radius and ulna; and two series of small bones (53)
between the forearm and the fin (54) as carpals and metacarpals.
A two-jointed appendage, the epicoracoid (49, 50), is attached to
the clavicle.
The pelvic arch (fig. 37) is reduced to a pair of flat bones, called
pubic bones (80), to which the ventral fins (81) are articulated.
5A FISH GALLERY.
The series of bones constituting the axis of the body, and des-
tined to protect the spinal cord and some large longitudinal
blood-vessels, is called the vertebral or spinal column; the single
bones are the vertebre.
The vertebra consists of a body or centrum (fig. 41, c), with a
concave anterior and posterior surface, and of several processes or
Fig. 41.
Vertebra of Fish.
apophyses, as:—1. Two neurapophyses (na) which, on the dorsal
side, rising upwards, form the neural arch over the canal, in which
the spinal cord is lodged. 2. Two parapophyses (pa), projecting
from the lower part of the sides of the body, or two hemapophyses
(ha), which coalesce to form on the ventral side the hemal canal
for a large trunk of the vascular system. 8. A neural spine (ns),
which crowns the neurapophyses. 4. A hemal spine (hs), having
the same relation to the hemapophyses. 5. Two pleurapophyses
or floating ribs, suspended from the parapophyses. 6. Oblique
articular processes, zygapophyses (za), developed from the base of
each neurapophysis.
The vertebrge are divided into abdominal and caudal, the latter
distinguished by the coalescence of the parapophyses into a com-
plete heemal ring; the suspension of the anal fins forms the boundary
between the two divisions (fig. 37). The abdominal vertebre,
55
“NPOJAPUO.L NOPOMDYILD JO U0ZTEAS
SSS}
a FPO JIN) S<SeS . i mal e ”
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i=") fm — SS ES Na SOE far: SARA ARS aurea
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56 FISH GALLERY.
with the exception of the first (atlas) and last, are provided with
ribs, many of which are bifid (72). A series of flat spines (73),
called interneurals, to which the spines and rays of the dorsal fins (d)
are articulated, are supported by the neural spines. A similar
system of bones, the interhemals (79), afford the base for the
articulation of the rays of the anal fin (a). The last and smallest
caudal vertebra articulates with the hypural (70), a fan-hke bone,
which, together with the dilated hindermost neural and hemal
elements, supports the caudal rays (c).
As an example of the Chondropterygian type, a figure of the
skeleton of Carcharodon rondeletii, which is exhibited in the
Entrance Hall, is given here (fig. 42, p. 55).
The substance of the skull is cartilage. The articulation
with the vertebral column is effected by a pair of lateral condyles,
and a central conical excavation corresponds to that of the
centrum of the first vertebra. The cranium itself is an undivided
Skull of Carcharodon,
cartilage, with three rod-like plates forming the base of the pro-
jecting conical snout. As separate cartilages there are appended
to the skull a suspensorium (su), a palatine (pl), mandible (md),
hyoid (Ay), and rudimentary maxillary elements. The suspen-
sorium is movably attached to the side of the skull. What is
generally called the upper jaw of a Shark is not the maxillary, but
the palatine. It consists of two simple lateral halves, each of
FISHES. 57
which articulates with the corresponding half of the lower jaw.
Both upper and lower jaws are armed with teeth.
The hyoid consists of a pair of long and strong lateral pieces
and a single mesial piece. From the former cartilaginous filaments
(representing branchiostegals) pass directly outwards. Branchial
arches (br), similar to the hyoid, succeed it; and are suspended
from the side of the foremost part of the spinal column, and, like
the hyoid, bear a number of cartilaginous filaments.
The vertebral column is composed of a series of centra (¢), coni-
cally excavated in front and behind, with a central canal through
which the notochord is continued, and with neural (na) and
hemal (ha) apophyses. The caudal extremity of the vertebral
column shows a heterocercal condition, 7.e. its axis is turned upwards
and the hemapophyses are much more developed than the neurapo-
physes. The vertical fins are supported by interneural and inter-
hzmal cartilages, to which the fin-rays are attached without articu-
lation.
The scapular arch is formed by a single coracoid cartilage (co)
bent from the dorsal region downwards and forwards, not suspended
from the skull as in the majority of Teleosteans. Behind, at the
point of its greatest curvature, three carpal cartilages are joined to
the coracoid, which are distinguished as propterygium, meso-
pterygium, and metapterygium, the former occupying the front, the
latter the hind margin of the fin. Several transverse series of
styliform cartilages (ph) follow; they represent the phalanges, to
which the horny filaments (7), which are imbedded in the skin of
the fin, are attached.
The pubic is represented by a single median transverse cartilage
(pu), with which a tarsal cartilage articulates. The latter supports
the phalanges and fin-rays. To the end of this cartilage is also
attached, in the male, a peculiar accessory generative organ or
clasper.
The Class of Fishes is divided into 8 Subclasses and 9 Orders :—
Subclass I. Texuoster. Heart with a non-contractile bulbus
arteriosus ; intestine without spiral valve; optic nerves decussating.
Skeleton ossified, with completely separated vertebrz.
Orders :—1. Acanthopterygti. 2. Acanthopterygii Pharyngo-
58 FISH GALLERY.
gnathi. 8. Anacanthini. 4. Physostomt. 5. Lophobranchit.
6. Plectognathi.
Subclass II. Panaicutuyes. Heart with a contractile conus
arteriosus; intestine with a spiral valve; optic nerves non-decussating
or only partially decussating.
Orders :—7. Ganoidea. 8. Chondropterygi.
Subclass III. Cycrostomata. Heart without bulbus arteriosus;
intestine simple. Skeleton cartilaginous or notochordal. One nasal
aperture only. No jaws; mouth surrounded by a circular lip.
Order :—9. The Lampreys.
In many works on Fishes a fourth Subclass,. Leptocardii, is
admitted ; it comprises the Lancelet (Branchiostoma) only, which,
however, differs so much not only from the Class of Fishes, but
from the general Vertebrate type, that in a strictly systematic
account it should be referred toa distinct class. As it is exhibited
in this Gallery, it will be mentioned at the end of this Guide.
TELEOSTEI.
Order I. ACANTHOPTERYGII, on SPINY-RAYED FISHES.
Acanthopterygians are bony fishes in which part of the dorsal,
anal, and ventral fins are non-articulated, more or less pungent
The Pike-Perch (Lucioperca) : a Spiny-rayed Fish.
spines; the lower pharyngeal bones are generally separated; the
air-bladder, if present, is without pneumatic duct in the adult.
This Order, the most numerous in species, is divided into a great
SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 59
number of Families, many of which can be alluded to here by name
only :—
1. Percide (Perches). 2. Berycide. 3. Aphredoderide. A.
Mullide (Red Mullets). 5. Sparide (Sea-Breams). 6. Squami-
pinnes (Coral-fishes). 7. Cirrhitide. 8. Scorpenide. 9. Cottide
(Bullheads, Gurnards). 10. Trachinide (Weevers). 11. Scie-
nide (Meagres). 12. Polynemide. 13. Sphyrenide (Barra-
cudas). 14. Trichiuride (Hair-tails). 15. Scombride (Mackerel).
16. Carangide (Horse-Mackerels). 17. Xiphiide (Sword-fishes) .
18. Gobiide (Gobies). 19. Discoboli (Lumpsuckers). 20.
Oxudercide. 21. Batrachide. 22. Pediculati (Frog-fishes).
23. Blenniide (Blennies). 24. Acanthoclinide. 25. Come-
phoride. 26. Trachypteride (Ribbon-fishes), 27. Lophotide.
28. Teuthidide. 29. Acronuride (Surgeons). 380. Hoplo-
gnathide. 31. Malacanthide. 32. Nandide. 33. Polycentride.
84. Labyrinthici. 35. Luciocephalide. 36. Atherinide (Atherines).
37. Mugilide (Grey Mullets). 88. Ophiocephahde. 39. Tri-
chonotide. 40. Cepolide (Band-fishes). 41. Gobiesocide. 42.
Psychrolutide. 43. Centriscide. 44. Gastrosteide (Stickle-
backs). 45. Fistwlariide (Flute-mouths). 46. Mastacembelide,
The Acanthopterygians occupy Wall-cases 1 to 14, and skeletons
are exhibited in Table-cases 1 and 2.
The Percide, or Perch-family (Cases 1-5), constitute a large
family of which the common Freshwater Perch (Perca fluviatilis) is
the best-known example. This fish is generally distributed over
Europe and Northern Asia, and equally common in North America.
The Bass (Labraz) are common on the coasts of Europe and in the
fresh waters of North America (Z. lineatus, L. rufus, &c:.) ; the
best-known European species (Z. /upus) is an inhabitant of the
sea, entering brackish but never fresh water.
The Pike-Perches (Lucioperca) are inhabitants of lakes and
rivers of Europe, temperate Asia, and North America; the European
species (L. sandra) is one of the most esteemed freshwater fishes,
and attains to a length of 3 or 4 feet and to a weight of from
25 to 30 ]1b. The Black Bass of North America (Huro nigri-
cans) is an esteemed food-fish, the introduction of which into
Germany is an accomplished fact. The Sea-Perches proper (Ser-
[Cases
1-5.]
[Case 6. ]
60 FISH GALLERY.
ranus) are found on the shores of all temperate and tropical seas,
and extremely numerous in species. Some (S. gigas and others)
attain to a size of over 7 feet, and become then dangerous to man.
Three fine specimens of these gigantic Sea-Perches are exhibited
in separate cases opposite the wall-cases.
The Mullide, or Red Mullets (Case 5), are characterized by the
rather low and slightly compressed body, covered with large thin
scales; two long erectile barbels are suspended from the hyoid,
and can be laid backwards in the hollow at the lower side of the
head ; the mouth is rather short, and the teeth are very feeble ; two
short dorsal fins remote from each other, the first with feeble spines.
They are marine fishes, celebrated for the delicacy of their flesh.
The European Mullet (Mullus barbatus) was prized by the ancient
Romans above any other fish,
The Sparide, or Sea-Breams (Cases 5, 6), are recognized chiefly by
their dentition, which consists of either cutting-teeth in front of the
jaws or molar teeth on the sides. By the latter they are enabled to
crush and feed on hard-shelled crustaceans or mollusks. The Gilt-
head (Chrysophrys aurata) is common in the Mediterranean, but
occasionally found on the south coast of England. Other British
species belong to the genera Pagellus (P. erythrinus, P. centrodontus,
the common Sea-Bream or Chad) and Cantharus (C. lineatus). One
of the largest species is the “Sheep’s-head ” (Sargus ovis), from the
coast of the United States, which attains to a weight of 15 lb., and
Fig. 45.
The Snapper (Pagrus unicolor).
SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 61
is highly esteemed on account of the excellency of its flesh. The
* Snapper” (Pagrus unicolor) is one of the best-known sea-fishes
of Southern Australia and New Zealand ; it attains to a length of
more than 3 feet and to a weight exceeding 20 |b.
The Squamipinnes, or Coral-fishes (Case 7), are inhabitants of
the tropical seas, and abound chiefly in the neighbourhood of
coral-reefs. They attain only small dimensions, and comparatively
few are used as food. They are carnivorous, feeding on small
invertebrates. The typical forms of this family are readily
recognized by the short and deep form of their body, and by
having the soft, and frequently also the spinous, part of their
Henvochus macrolepidotus. (Indian Ocean.)
[Case 7. ]
[Case 7.]
[Case 8. ]
62 FISH GALLERY.
dorsal and anal fins so thickly covered with scales that the
boundary between fins and body is entirely obliterated. The
beauty and singularity of distribution of the colours of some
genera (Chetodon, Heniochus, Holacanthus) is scarcely surpassed
in any other group of fishes. The genus Chelmo is remarkable in
having the snout produced into along tube, which probably enables
the fish to draw from holes and crevices animals which otherwise
could not be reached by it. A well-known species from the Hast
Indies is Toxotes jaculator. It has received its name from its
habit of throwing a drop of water at an insect which it perceives
close to the surface in order to make it fall into it. The Malays
keep it in a bowl in order to witness this singular habit, which it
continues even in captivity.
The Scorpenide (Case 7) are carnivorous marine fishes, many of
which possess skinny appendages resembling the fronds of seaweeds,
by which they either attract other fishes or by which they are
enabled more effectually to hide themselves. The dentition is
feeble, but some of the bones of the head are armed with spines.
To this family belong the Sebastes, which approach the Sea-Perches
in forms and habits; the Scorpena, the head of which is strongly
armed with spines, and generally furnished with skinny tentacles.
Alhed to the preceding is Pterois volitans. The dorsal spines and
pectoral rays of this fish are much prolonged, passing beyond the
margin of the connecting membrane. It is one of the most
singularly formed and most beautifully coloured fishes of the
tropics, and was formerly believed to be able to fly like Dactylo-
pterus. But the membrane connecting the pectoral rays is much
too short and feeble to enable it to raise itself from the surface of
the water. The species of the genus Synanceza are justly feared
on account of the dangerous wounds which they can inflict with
their poisonous dorsal spines. The terminal half of each spine is
provided with a deep groove on each side, at the lower end of
which lies a pear-shaped bag contaiming the milky poison. This
sac is prolonged into a membranous duct, lying in the groove of
the spine, and open at its point.
The Cottide, or Gurnards (Case 8), are fishes of singular
appearance, nearly all marine, bad swimmers, and generally living
at the bottom near the coasts. Their body is oblong, subcylindrical,
SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 63
their head thick. The dentition is feeble. Some bones of the
head are armed, and a bony stay connects the preopercular spine
with the infraorbital rng. The “ Bull-heads,” or“ Millers’-thumbs ”
(Cottus), are small fishes from the shores and fresh waters of
Northern Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. The
common British Miller’s-thumb (C. gobio) is exclusively confined
to fresh waters; two marine species are common on our coasts
(C. scorpius and bubalis). The Gurnards (Trigla), of which seven
species occur on the British coast, are principally characterized by
the free finger-like pectoral appendages which serve as organs of
locomotion as well as of touch. The Flying-Gurnards (Dactylo-
pterus), of which three species are known, are very abundant in the
Mediterranean, the tropical Atlantic, and Indo-Pacific. They and
the “ Flying-Herrings”’ (Hzocetus) are the only fishes which are
enabled by their long pectoral fins to take flying leaps out of the
water, and deserve the name of “ Flying-fishes”; when young
their pectorals are much shorter, and consequently they are unable
to raise themselves out of the water.
The Trachinide (Case 8) have the body elongate, naked, or
covered with scales, and the spinous portion of the dorsal fin
always much shorter than the soft. The Weevers (Zrachinus) are
Fig. 47.
The Weever (Zrachinus draco); with separate view of opercular spine.
common fishes on the European coasts, and but too well known to
all fishermen. Wounds by their dorsal and opercular spines are
much dreaded, being extremely painful, and sometimes causing
violent local inflammation. In the absence of any special poison-
organ, it is very probable that the mucous secretion in the vicinity
of the spines has poisonous properties. The dorsal spines as well
F
[Case 8. ]
[Case 9.]
64 FISH GALLERY.
as the opercular spine have a deep double groove in which the
poisonous fluid is lodged, and through which it can be inoculated
in the punctured wound.
The Scienide (Cases 8, 9) are chiefly coast-fishes of the tropical
and subtropical Atlantic and Indian Oceans, frequently entering
the mouths of large rivers. Some of the larger species wander far
from their original home, and are not rarely found at distant
localities as occasional visitors. Thus the “ Maigre” (Sciena
aquila) reaches sometimes the British coasts, and has been found
at the Cape of Good Hope and on the coast of Southern Australia.
Large specimens of allied species (S. antarctica, S. diacanthus)
are exhibited in table-cases. To this family also belong the
Umbrine (Umbrina) and the “Drum” (Pogonias). The latter
derives its name from the extraordinary sounds which it produces.
These sounds are better expressed by the word “drumming” than by
any other, and are frequently noticed by persons in vessels lying at
anchor on the coast of the United States, where these fishes abound.
It is still a matter of uncertainty by what means the “ Drum”
produces the sounds. Some naturalists believe that it is caused
by the clapping together of the pharyngeal teeth, which are very
large molar teeth. However, if it be true that the sounds are
accompanied by a tremulous motion of the vessel, it seems more
probable that they are produced by the fishes beating their tails
against the bottom of the vessel in order to get rid of the parasites
with which that part of their body is infested.
Alhed to the preceding family are the Polynemide (Case 9),
characterized by the free filaments which. are inserted on the
humeral arch at some distance from the pectoral fin, of which,
however, they form merely a detached portion. They can be
moved quite independently and are organsof touch. The Polyne-
moids are very useful to man; their flesh is esteemed, and some of
the species are provided with an air-bladder which yields a good
sort of isinglass ; specimens of this important article of trade are
exhibited. These fishes belong to the littoral fauna of the Tropics,
and some attain to a length of four feet.
The family of Sphyrenide (Case 9 and Table-case) consist of one
genus only, Sphyrena, generally called “ Barracudas,” large vora-
cious fishes from the tropical and subtropical seas. They attain to
~ ere
SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 65
a length of eight feet and a weight of 40 1b.; individuals of this
large size are dangerous to bathers. They are generally used as
food, but sometimes (especially in the West Indies) their flesh
assumes poisonous qualities, in consequence of their feeding on
smaller poisonous fishes, especially certain Clupeoids.
The Scombride, or Mackerel family (Cases 10, 11), are pelagic
forms, abundant in all the seas of the tropical and temperate
zones. They are one of the four families of fishes which are the
most useful to man, the others being the Gadoids, Clupeoids, and
Salmonoids. They are fishes of prey and are unceasingly active,
their power of endurance in swimming being equal to the rapidity
of their motions. They wander about in shoals, spawn in the open
sea, but periodically approach the shore, probably in the pursuit of-
other fishes on which they feed. The type of this family is the
Common Mackerel (Scomber scomber). The Tunny (Thynnus
thynnus), abundant in the Mediterranean, and ranging to the south
coast of England and to Tasmania, is one of the largest fishes of
the Ocean, attaining to a length of 10 feet and to a weight of
more than 1000 pounds. The fishery of the Tunny is systemati-
cally carried on in the Mediterranean. To the same genus belongs
the Albacore (7. albacora). Specimens of both these species are
exhibited in a separate table-case. Other highly esteemed fishes
of this family are the “John Dorys” (Zeus). The remarkable
Sucking-fishes (Zcheneis) have the spinous dorsal fin modified into
Fig. 48.
Sucking-fish (Echeneis scutata) ; with separate view of sucking-disk.
(Indian Ocean.)
F2
[Case 10. ]
[Case 11. ]
66 FISH GALLERY.
an adhesive disk, which occupies the upperside of the head and neck.
These fishes, of which ten different species are known, are enabled
by means of this disk to attach themselves to any flat surface. The
adhesion is so strong that the fish can only be dislodged with
difficulty, unless it is pushed forwards by a sliding motion. They
attach themselves to sharks, turtles, ships, or any other object which
serves their purpose, and, being bad swimmers, they allow them-
selves to be thus carried about by other animals endowed with a
greater power of locomotion or by vessels. This genus is connected
with the more normal forms of this family through Elacate, which,
though closely allied to the Sucking-fish, have the spinous dorsal
fin formed of free spines. Coryphena, generally (though by mis-
application of the name) called “ Dolphins,” are pelagic fishes,
Fig. 49.
) UL. ou :
LV =
Dolphin (Coryphena hppurus). (From the Atlantic Ocean.)
distributed over all the tropical and subtropical seas; they are
most powerful swimmers, congregate in shoals, and pursue the
Flying-fish, which try to escape their enemies by long flying
leaps. They attain to a length of 6 feet, and are eagerly caught
by sailors on account of their well-flavoured flesh. The beauty of
their, unfortunately fugitive, colours has ever been a subject of
admiration. The Opah or King-fish (Lampris luna) is one of the
most beautiful fishes of the Atlantic, and occasionally occurs on
the British coast. It attains to a length of four feet. The
skeleton (of which a specimen, together with a stuffed example, is
exhibited im a table-case) exhibits several peculiarities, viz., an
extraordinary development and dilatation of the humeral arch, and
great strength of the numerous and closely-set ribs.
SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 67
The Carangide (Cases 12, 18), or Horse-Mackerels, are a large [Case 12.]
family of carnivorous fishes allied to the true Mackerels, and
inhabiting the tropical and temperate seas. One species (Caranex
trachurus) is common on our coasts, and almost cosmopolitan
within the temperate and tropical zones of the northern and
southern hemispheres. The “ Yellow-tails ” (Seriola) occur in
Sz
q 7a
Yellow-tail (Seriola lalandit). (From South Australia.)
all the temperate and tropical seas; the larger grow to a length
of from four to five feet, and are esteemed as food. The Pilot-
fish’ (Naucrates ductor) is so named from its habit of keeping
Fig. 51.
Pilot-fish (aucrates ductor).
company with ships and large fish, especially Sharks. The con-
nection between the Shark and the Pilot-fish has received various
interpretations; being a small fish, it obtains greater security
when in company of a Shark, which would keep at a distance all
[Case 13.]
68 FISH GALLERY.
other fishes of prey that would be likely to prove dangerous to
the Pilot. With regard to the statement that the Pilot itself is
never attacked by the Shark, all observers agree as to its truth;
but this may be accounted for in the same way as the impunity of
the swallow from the hawk, the Pilot-fish being too nimble for the
unwieldly Shark. The Sea-bats (Plataz), so called from the
extraordinary length of their dorsal and anal fins and of their
ventrals, are also remarkable members of this family.
The Xiphiide, or Sword-fishes (Case 13), are pelagic fishes,
occurring in all tropical and subtropical seas. Two species are
objects of regular and profitable fisheries, viz. the Mediterranean
Sword-fish (Xtphias gladius), the flesh of which is considered to be
superior to that of the Tunny; and the Sword-fish of the North-
American coast (Histiophorus gladius). The other species, which are
found in the open ocean, and endowed with extraordinary strength
and swimming powers, are but rarely captured, and still more rarely
preserved. ‘The species found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans
belong to the genus Histiophorus, which is distinguished from
Sword-fish of the Indian Ocean.
the common Mediterranean Sword-fish, or :Xiphias gladius, by
the presence of ventral fins, which, however, are reduced to two
long styliform appendages. Some species have the dorsal rays
exceedingly elongate, so that the fin, when erected, projects beyond
the surface of the water: it is stated that these Sword-fishes, when
quietly floating with the dorsal fin erect, can sail before the wind,
SPINY-RAYED FISHES, 69
hike a boat. Sword-fishes are the largest of Acanthopterygians,
and not exceeded in size by any other Teleostean; they attain
to a length of from 12 to 15 feet, and swords have been obtained
more than three feet long, and with a diameter of at least three
inches at the base. This sword forms a most powerful weapon.
Sword-fishes never hesitate to attack large Whales, and after
repeatedly stabbing these animals they generally retire from the
combat victorious. The cause which excites them to these attacks
is unknown; but they follow this instinct so blindly that they
not rarely attack boats or large vessels in a similar manner,
evidently mistaking them for Cetaceans. Sometimes they actually
succeed in piercing the bottom of a ship, endangering its safety ;
but, as they are unable to execute powerful backward move-
ments, they cannot disengage their sword, which is broken off by
the exertions of the fish to free itself. A piece of a two-inch
plank of a whale-boat, thus pierced by a Sword-fish, in which the
broken sword still remains, is exhibited, as well as a second block
Block of wood pierced by Sword-fishes,
of wood, from a ship, pierced by three swords. Attacks by small
Sword-fishes on the frail canoes of the natives of the South-Sea
Islands or on the stronger boats of the professional Sword-fish
hunters are of common occurrence, and only too often the persons
sitting in them are dangerously wounded.
The Gobiide and Discoboli (Case 13) are two closely allied
families in which the ventral fins are usually united to form an
adhesive disk. The former contains numerous species, small
[Case 13.]
70 FISH GALLERY.
[Case 13.] carnivorous littoral fishes, many of which have become aceli-
matized in fresh water. It is represented in British waters by
several species of Gobius and one of Callionymus (Dragonet).
The latter family contains the Lump-suckers (Cyclopterus), the
Fig. 54.
Lump-sucker (Cyclopterus lwmpus) ; with a separate view of the
sucking-disk.
common species (C. lumpus) occurring in North Europe and
North America. It is difficult to remove it from any object to
which it has once attached itself by means of its sucking-disk.
The Pediculati or Sea-devils (Case 13) contain a larger number
of bizarre forms than any other; and there is, perhaps, none in
SPINY-RAYED FISHES. rfl
which the singular organization of the fish is more distinctly seen [Case 13.]
to be in consonance with its habits. Pediculates are found in all
seas. The habits of all are equally sluggish and inactive: they
are very bad swimmers; those found near the coasts lie on the
bottom of the sea, holding on with their arm-like pectoral fins to
seaweed or stones, between which they are hidden; those of
pelagic habits attach themselves to floating seaweed or other
objects, and are at the mercy of the wind and current. A large
proportion of the genera, therefore, have gradually found their way
to the greatest depths of the ocean—retaining all the character-
istics of their surface-ancestors, but assuming the modifications by
which they are enabled to live in abyssal depths. The Fishing-
frogs (Lophius), also called Anglers or Sea-devils, are coast-fishes,
Fig. 55.
Angler, or Sea-devil (Lophius naresit). (From the Ce Islands.)
living at very small depths. The wide mouth extends all round
the anterior circumference of the head, and both jaws are armed
with bands of long pointed teeth, which are inclined inwards, and
can be depressed so as to offer no impediment to an object gliding
towards the stomach, but prevent its escape from the mouth.
The pectoral and ventral fins are so articulated as to perform the
functions of feet, the fish being enabled to move, or rather to
walk, on the bottom of the sea, where it generally hides itself im
the sand or amongst seaweed. All round its head, and also
along the body, the skin bears fringed appendages, resembling
[Case 13. ]
72 FISH GALLERY.
short fronds of seaweed—a structure which, combined with the
extraordinary faculty of assimilating the colours of the body to its
surroundings, assists the fish in concealing itself in places which
it selects on account of the abundance of prey. To render the
organization of these creatures perfect in relation to their wants,
they are provided with three long filaments inserted along the
middle of the head, which are, in fact, the detached and modified
first three spines of the anterior dorsal fin. The filament most
important in the economy of the Fishing-frogs is the first, which
is the longest, terminates in a lappet, and is movable in every
direction. There is no doubt that the Fishing-frog, like many
other fish provided with similar appendages, plays with this
filament as with a bait, attracting fishes, which, when sufficiently
near, are engulfed by the simple act of the Fishing-frog opening
its gape. It is extremely interesting to find that in Fishing-frogs
which inhabit great depths of the ocean, to which no ray of light
can penetrate, the filament is provided at its end with a luminous
or phosphorescent organ ; the light issuing from it attracts other
creatures, in the same manner as surface-animals congregate round
the lamp of a boat during a dark night. The stomach of the
Sea-devil is distensible in an extraordinary degree, and not
rarely fishes have been taken out of it quite as large and
heavy as their destroyer. The British species (L. piscatorius)
grows to a length of more than five feet; an allied species from
the Admiralty Islands (Lophius naresii) is figured here. Chaunax
pictus is a deep-sea form, hitherto found near Madeira, Japan,
and the Fiji Islands, at a depth of 215 fathoms. Another curious
fish of this family is Malthe vespertilio, common on the shores of
the tropical Atlantic; the anterior part of the snout is produced
into a long process, beneath which there is a retractile tentacle.
The Blenniide, or Blennies (Case 18), are mostly small-sized
littoral fishes; some species have become acclimatized in fresh
water, and many inhabit brackish water. Four species of Blen-
nus occur on the British coasts. The Sea-wolf or Sea-cat
(Anarrhichas lupus) is a gigantic Blenny, attaining to a length
of more than six feet. With its enormously strong tubercular
teeth it is able to crush the hardest shells of crustaceans or
mollusks, on which it feeds voraciously. It is an inhabitant of
SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 73
Sea-wolf (Anarrhichas lupus).
the northern seas, occurring plentifully on our northern coasts.
Of late it is frequently to be seen in the London market, its
flesh being firm and well-flavoured. A stuffed specimen and
skeleton are exhibited in a table-case.
The Trachypteride, or Ribbon-fishes, are true deep-sea fishes,
met with in all parts of the.oceans, generally found when floating
dead on the surface or thrown ashore by the waves. Their body
Fig. 57.
MG
KMM2 \\
sss ms
Ribbon-fish (Regalecus gladius).
is like a band, specimens of from 15 to 20 feet long being 10 to
12 inches deep, and about an inch or two broad at their thickest
part. The bones contain very little bony matter, are very porous,
thin and hght. A few specimens are exhibited on the top of
Cases 13 and 16.
The Acronuride, or Sea-Surgeons (Case 14), are inhabitants of
the tropical seas, and most abundant on coral-reefs. They feed
either on vegetable substances or on the superficial animal matter
of corals. The best known are Acanthurus, readily recognized by
the sharp lancet-shaped spine with which each side of the tail is
armed. When at rest the spine is hidden in a sheath ; but it can
[Case 13. ]
[Case 14. ]
74: FISH GALLERY.
[Case 14.] be erected and used by the fish as a very dangerous weapon, by
striking with the tail towards the right and left. Naseus,
Fig. 58.
Naseus unicornis. (From the Indo-Pacific Ocean.)
remarkable for the horn-like projection on its forehead, also
belongs to this family.
The Labyrinthicti (Case 14) are freshwater fishes of Tropical
Africa and the East Indies. They are able to live for some time
out of water, or in thick or hardened mud. In an accessory
branchial cavity there is lodged a laminated organ which has the
function of assisting in the oxygenization of the blood. The
Climbing-Perch (Anabas scandens) is well known for its faculty
Gourami (Osphromenus olfazx).
of moving for some distance over land, and even of ascendimg
trees. The Gourami (Osphromenus olfax) is reputed to be one
SPINY-RAYED FISHES. 75
of the best-flavoured freshwater fishes of the East-Indian Archi-
pelago. Being an almost omnivorous fish and tenacious of
life, it seems to recommend itself particularly for acclimatization
in other tropical countries, and specimens kept in captivity become
as tame as Carp.
The Mugilide, or Grey Mullets (Case 14), are characterized by
a more or less oblong and compressed body, covered with cycloid
scales of moderate size, by the absence of a lateral line, and by
their anterior dorsal fin being composed of four stiff spines: They
inhabit, in numerous species and in great numbers, the coasts of
the temperate and tropical zones. They frequent brackish waters,
in which they find an abundance of food, which consists chiefly of
organic substances mixed with mud or sand. Several species are
more or less abundant on the British coasts.
The Gastrosteide, or Sticklebacks, are small fishes with elongate,
compressed body, without scales, but generally with large scutes
Fig. 60.
Stickleback and Nest.
along the side, and parts of the skeleton forming an incomplete
external mail. The ventral fins are abdominal, articulated to the
[Case 14. ]
[Case 14.]
76 FISH GALLERY.
pubic bone, and composed of a spine and a smallray. The spines
of the anterior dorsal are isolated. Three species are common
in the British Isles, and are very remarkable for the elegant nests
they construct. The three-spined and ten-spined Sticklebacks
(Gastrosteus aculeatus and pungitius) are inhabitants of the
fresh and brackish waters; the larger, or fifteen-spined species
(G. spinachia) is marine, and abundant in brackish water.
The Fistulariide, or Flute-mouths (Case 14), are gigantic marine
Sticklebacks, living near the shore. They are distributed over
the whole of the tropical and subtropical parts of the Atlantic and
Indo-Pacific. The species are few in number.
Order Il. PHARYNGOGNATHI.
Acanthopterygians with the lower pharyngeal bones coalescent.
They are divided into four families :—1. Pomacentride. 2. La-
bride. 3. Embiotocide. 4. Chromides.
Separate upper and united lower pharyngeal bones of Labrus maculatus.
The Pomacentride ave small marine fishes, resembling the
Chetodonts with regard to their geographical distribution, mode
of life, and coloration.
The Labride, or Wrasses (Cases 14, 15), are a large family of
littoral fishes, very abundant in the temperate and tropical zones,
but becoming scarcer towards the Arctic and Antarctic circles, where
they disappear entirely. Many of them are readily recognized by
WRASSES. 77
their thick lips, which are sometimes internally folded, a peculiarity
which has given to them the German term of “ Lip-fishes.” They
feed chiefly on mollusks and crustaceans, their dentition being
admirably adapted for crushing hard substances. Others feed on
corals, others on zoophytes ; a few are herbivorous. Nearly all are
distinguished by their beautiful coloration, and some of the species
are, perhaps, the most gorgeously coloured in the whole class of
Fishes. Several species occur on the British coasts, belonging to
Fig. 62.
Wrasse (Labrus maculatus).
the genera Labrus, Crenilabrus, Ctenolabrus, Acantholabrus, Centro-
labrus, and Coris. The Parrot-Wrasses (Scarus and Pseudoscarus) [Case 15.]
Fig. 63.
Parrot-Wrasse (Pseudoscarus troschelii). (From the Indian Ocean.)
78 FISH GALLERY.
[Case 15.] are chiefly tropical fishes, which have the jaws transformed into a
sharp beak, the teeth being soldered together.
The Embiotocide are marine fishes characteristic of the fauna
of the temperate North Pacific, the majority living on the
American side, and only a few on the Asiatic. They are vivi-
parous.
The Chromides are freshwater fishes of rather small size, from
the tropical parts of Africa and America. Some are herbivorous,
“ Bulti” of the Nile (Chromis niloticus).
the others carnivorous. Chromis niloticus, the “ Bulti”’ or “ Bolty ”
of the Nile, is one of the few well-flavoured fishes of the Nile.
Several species are common in Lake Tiberias.
Order III. ANACANTHINI.
Bony fishes without spinous rays in the vertical and ventral fins ;
the air-bladder, if present, without pneumatic duct, and the ventral
fins, if present, jugular or thoracic.
They form two divisions, viz. the Gadoidet (Cod-fishes) , in which
the head and body are symmetrically formed; and the Pleuro-
nectoidei (Flat-fishes), in which the head and part of the body
are unsymmetrical. ‘The former group contains four families :—
COD-FISHES. 79
Lycodide, Gadide, Ophidiide, and Macruride ; the latter includes
a single family only—Pleuronectide.
The Gadide, or Cod-fishes (Case 16), consist partly of littora
and surface species, partly of deep-sea forms. The former are
almost entirely confined to the temperate zones, extending north-
wards beyond the Arctic circle; the latter have, as deep-sea fishes
generally, a much wider range, and hitherto have been found chiefly
at considerable depths in rather low latitudes. Only two or three
species inhabit fresh waters. Cod-fishes form one of the most
important articles of food and subsistence to the fishermen in
Europe and North America, and to whole tribes bordering upon the
Arctic Ocean. The common Cod (Gadus morrhua) measures from
two to four feet, and attains to a weight of one hundred pounds.
It occurs between 50° and 75° N. lat., in great profusion, to a
depth of 120 fathoms, but is not found nearer the Equator than
40° lat. It is met with singly all the year round close to the
coast, but towards the spawning-time it approaches the shore in
numbers; this happens in January in England, and not before
May on the American coasts. The English resorted to the Cod-
fisheries of Iceland before the year 1415; but since the sixteenth
century most vessels go to the Banks of Newfoundland, and almost
all the preserved Cod consumed during Lent in the various
continental countries is imported from across the Atlantic. At
one time the Newfoundland Cod-fishery rivalled in importance the
Whale-fishery and the Fur-trade of North America. Cod-liver oil
is prepared from the liver of the common Cod on the Norwegian
coast, but also other species of this genus contribute to this most
important drug. The Haddock (G. eglefinus), the Whiting (G.
merlangus), the Bib or Pout (G. luscus), the Pollack (G. pollachius),
and the Coal-fish (G. virens) are other well-known species of the
same genus. The Hake (Merluccius vulgaris) is also found on
both sides of the Atlantic, and forms, preserved as “‘ Stock fish,” an
important article of trade. The Ling (Molva vulgaris), of which
a stuffed specimen and skeleton are exhibited in a separate case,
is likewise a very valuable species, from three to four feet long,
abundant in the north of Great Britain. The Rocklings (Onus) are
small fishes of which several species occur on the British coast. The
Burbot or Eel-pout (Lota vulgaris, fig. 65) is a freshwater fish
G
[Case 16. ]
80 FISH GALLERY.
[Case 16.] which never enters salt water. It is locally distributed in Central
and Northern Europe and North America; it is one of the best
freshwater fishes, and exceeds a length of three feet.
Fig. 65.
The Burbot (Lota vulgaris).
The Ophidiide ave small Gadoids with more or less elongated,
naked, or scaly body. The “ Sand-eels” or “ Launces ” (Ammo-
dytes, fig. 66) occur on the British coast, and are well known
The Sand-eel (Ammodytes lanceolatus).
for the incredible rapidity with which they bury themselves in the
sand; they are much sought after for bait.
The Macruride ave deep-sea Gadoids of curious shape, occurring
at depths of from 120 to 2600 fathoms. This family, known a few
years ago from a few species only, proves to be one which is
distributed over all oceans, occurring in considerable variety and
great abundance. About 40 species are known, of which many
attain a length of three feet.
FLAT-FISHES, 8l
The Pleuronectide are called Flat-fishes, from their strongly
compressed, high, and flat body. In consequence of the absence
of an air-bladder, and of the structure of their paired fins,
Fig. 67.
Macrurus purallelus : from a depth of 350 fathoms,
they are unable to maintain their body in a vertical position,
resting and moving on one side only. The side turned towards
the bottom is sometimes the left, sometimes the right, colourless,
and termed the ‘ blind” side; that turned upwards and towards
the light is variously, and in some tropical species even vividly,
coloured. Both eyes are on the coloured side, on which side also
the muscles are more strongly developed. The dorsal and anal
fins are exceedingly long, without division. All the Flat-fishes
undergo remarkable changes with age; when quite young, they
are perfectly symmetrical, with an eye on each side of the head,
and swim in a vertical position like other fishes. Flat-fishes when
adult live always on the bottom, and swim with an undulating
motion of their body. They occur in all seas, except in the
highest latitudes.and on rocky precipitous coasts, becoming most
numerous towards the Equator; those of the largest size occur in
the Temperate zone. Some enter fresh water freely, and others
have become entirely acclimatized in ponds and rivers. All are
carnivorous. Those most generally known are:—The Holibut
(Hippoglossus vulgaris), the largest of all Flat-fishes, attaining to a
length of 5 or 6 feet, and a weight of several hundredweight ;
the Turbot (Rhombus maximus), one of the most valued food-
fishes ; the Brill (R. levis); the Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) ;
the Dab (P. limanda) ; the Flounder (P. flesus); and the Soles
(Solea).
G2
[Case 16. ]
EC 71
[Case 17. }
82 FISH GALLERY.
Order IV. PHYSOSTOMI.
Bony fishes with all the fin-rays articulated, only the first of the
dorsal and pectoral fins sometimes ossified ; ventral fins, if present,
abdominal, without spine. Air-bladder, if present, with a pneu-
matic duct (except in Scombresocide). 29 families :—
1. Siluride. 2. Characinide. 3. Cyprinide. 4. Haplochitonide.
5. Sternoptychide. 6. Scopelide. 7. Stomiatide. 8. Salmonide.
9. Percopside. 10. Galaxide. 11. Mormyride. 12. Esocide.
13. Umbride. 14. Scombresocide. 15. Cyprinodontide. 16.
Heterupygi. 17. Gonorhynchide. 18. Hyodontide. 19. Osteo-
glosside. 20. Clupeide. 21. Chirocentride. 22. Bathythrisside.
23. Alepocephalide. 24. Notopteride. 25. Halosauride. 26. No-
tacanthide. 27. Gymnotide. 28. Symbranchide. 29. Murenide.
The Stluride, or Cat-fishes (Cases 17, 18), are a large family,
represented by numerous genera, which exhibit a great variety of
form and structure of the fins. The skin is naked or protected by
osseous scutes, but without scales; barbels are generally present.
These fish imhabit the fresh waters of all the temperate and
tropical regions ; a few only enter the sea, but keep near the coast.
The European species (Silurus glanis, fig. 68) is found in the
Wels (Stlurus glanis).
waters east of the Rhine, and is, next to the Sturgeon, the largest
of European freshwater fishes, attaining to a weight of 300 or
400 lb. The “ Bayad” (Bagrus bayad) is common in the Nile,
and grows to a length of over five feet; it is eaten. Arius, of
CAT-FISHES, 83
which numerous species are known, has a wide distribution, being [Case 18.]
found in almost all tropical countries which are drained by large
rivers; some of the species prefer brackish to fresh water, and a
few enter the sea. Arius latiscutatus (Case 17), from West Africa,
is one of the largest species of this genus. Pimelodus (Case 18),
common in South America, also includes some very large species.
The Electric Cat-fish (Malapterurus, fig. 69) occurs in Tropical
Fig. 69.
Electric Cat-tish (Malapterurus). (From Tropical Africa.)
Africa, and grows to a length of about four feet. The electric
organ extends over the whole of. the body, but is thickest on the
abdomen. The Callichthys of Tropical America (fig. 70) have the
Callichthys. (From British Guiana.)
body wholly protected by two series of Jarge imbricate shields on each
side ; they construct nests for their ova. The species of Aspredo
are inhabitants of the Guianas, and remarkable for their mode of
carrying their ova: after having deposited the eggs, the female
attaches them to, and presses them into, the spongy integument
of her belly by merely lying over them, and carries them until they
are hatched.
[Case 19. ]
[ Cases
20, 21. |
84: FISH GALLERY.
The Characinide (Case 19) are confined to the fresh waters of
Africa and tropical America, where they replace the Cyprinoids.
The family includes herbivorous as well as strictly carnivorous
forms ; some are toothless, whilst others possess a most formidable
dentition. Many are provided with an adipose dorsal fin, like the
Salmonide and some Siluride. Among the carnivorous forms,
Myletes (Caribe) and Hydrocyon are most destructive to other
fishes, and are known to attack and annoy even bathers.
The Cyprinide, or family of Carps (Cases 20, 21), is the most
numerously represented in the fresh waters of the Old World and
North America. Most feed on vegetable and animal substances ;
a few only are exclusively vegetable-feeders. The absence of teeth
in the jaws is compensated by the development of large teeth on
the pharyngeal bones. The Carp (Cyprinus carpio), originally a
Fig. 71.
Pharyngeal bones of the Chub.
native of the Kast, abounds in a wild state in China, where it
has been domesticated for many centuries; thence it was trans-
ported to Germany and Sweden, and the year 1614 is assigned
as the date of its introduction into England. Two allied and
common species are the Crucian Carp (C. carassius) and the Gold-
fish (C. auratus). The Catla of the Ganges (Catla buchanani) is
one of the largest Cyprinoids, growing to a length of more than
three feet, and esteemed as food. The Barbels (Barbus) are a genus
very numerous in species, inhabiting the temperate and tropical parts
of the Old World ; one species is British (B. vulgaris); B. mosal, or
“ Mahaseer ” (fig. 72) of the mountain-streams of India, is probably
the largest species of the genus, the scales being sometimes as large
as the palm of the hand. The White-fish (Leuciscus) are also
SALMON. 85
extremely numerous in species in the Old and New Worlds, of
which the following are well known in England:—The Roach
(ZL. rutilus), the Chub (L. cephalus), the Dace (L. leuciscus), the
Mahaseer (arbus mosal).
Rudd (L. erythrophthalnus), and the Minnow (L. phowxinus).
Other British Cyprinoids are the Tench (Tinca tinca), the Bleak
(Alburnus alburnus), the Bream (Abramis brama), and the Loaches —
(Nemachilus barbatulus and Cobitis tenia).
The Salmonide (Case 19) are one of the most valuable families
of the Class of Fishes. They are inhabitants of the sea and fresh
water; but the majority of the marine genera are deep-sea forms.
The freshwater forms are peculiar to the Temperate and Arctic
zones of the Northern Hemisphere, one only occurring in New
Zealand. Many migrate periodically or occasionally from fresh
water to the sea, or vice versd. ‘The genus Salmo, containing the
Salmon, Trout, and Char, is abundant in species, some being
migratory, others not; they are spread over the whole of Europe
and North America.
Of the species exhibited attention is directed especially to the
following :—the Lake-Wenern Trout (Salmo venernensis), a non-
migratory species; a large Sea-Trout from the River Narenta,
Dalmatia (S. dentex) ; two male British Sea-Trout (S. ¢rutta) with
extraordinary development of the jaws; a large specimen of the
Alpine Char (S. alpinus) from Nova Zembla; the Brook-Trout of
North America (S. fontinalis and S. hoodit). Ina tank on a table-
ease between wall-cases 17 and 18 a beautiful large specimen of
the Common Trout (S. fario) is exhibited, which has been reared
[Case 19. ]
[Case 20, |
86 FISH GALLERY.
in New Zealand, and was captured in the estuary of the River
Waimakariri. In its size it is quite equal to the large Trout some-
times found in the River Thames, which it also resembles in general
appearance. The Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), the Vendace, called
White-fishin North America (Coregonus, fig.73), numerous in species
aa aay
A
An is Ne
X\(N LAK uy
rane wi Wvean
Vendace (Coregonus ath aa Loch Maben.)
in Europe and North America, and the Graylings (Thymallus) are
other well-known and highly esteemed members of this family.
The Mormyride (Case 20) are a type peculiar to the fresh waters
of tropical Africa. The genus Mormyrus is numerous in species,
some of which attain to a length of four feet. Many are remark-
able for their long and decurved snout. The common species of the
Nile (Mormyrus oxyrhynchus) was an object of veneration to the
ancient Egyptians, and therefore frequently occurs in their
emblematic inscriptions. Another member of this family is Gym-
narchus niloticus, of eel-like habit and growing to a length of six
feet.
The Esocide (Case 20), or Pike, are inhabitants of the fresh
waters of the temperate parts cf Europe, Asia, and America. The
European species (H. /ucius) inhabits all three continents. Very
large specimens are called ‘“ Muskellonge” in America. An old
painting of a large Pike is exhibited, which, according to the legend,
was caught in the year 1230 by the Emperor Frederick II., marked
with an inscribed ring, and caught again after the lapse of more
than two centuries.
The Scombresocide (Case 20) are chiefly marine. The Gar-pike
FLYING-FISHES. 87
(Belone) have both jaws prolonged into a long slender beak. The
most curious members of this family are the Flying-fishes (Hxoce-
tus, fig. 74), of which numerous species are known from tropical
Fig. 74.
Wenn
aa
AAR Js WV)
AOR oleate 1
Flying-fish (Exocetus spilopterus).
and subtropical seas. Their usual length is about 10 or 12 inches,
but specimens of 18 inches have been caught. They are enabled to
execute flying leaps by means of the great development of their
pectoral fins. They dart out of the water when pursued by their
enemies, or frightened by an approaching vessel, but frequently also
without any apparent cause, as is also observed in many other
fishes; they rise without regard to the direction of the wind or
waves. During flight the fins are kept quietly distended, without
any motion, except an occasional vibration caused by the air when-
ever the surface of the wing is parallel with the current of the
wind. Their flight is rapid, greatly exceeding that of a ship going
10 miles an hour, but gradually decreasing in velocity, and rarely
extending beyond a distance of 500 feet. Flying-fishes often fall
on board of vessels ; but this never happens during a calm, or from
the lee side, but during a breeze only, and from the weather side.
The Osteoglosside (Case 21) are large freshwater fishes of the
tropics. Of the genus Osteoglossum three species are known—one
from Brazil and the Guianas, one from Borneo and Sumatra, and the
third from Queensland. The single species of the genus Heterotis
(H. niloticus) is not uncommon in the Upper Nile and the West-
African rivers. The genus Arapaima (fig. 75) also contains a
single species, A. gigas (exhibited in separate table-cases), from the
rivers of Brazil and the Guianas, and highly esteemed as an article
[Case 20. ]
[Case 21. ]
[Case 21. ]
[Case 22.]
88 FISH GALLERY.
of food. It is the largest freshwater Teleostean known, exceeding
a length of 15 feet, and a weight of 400 lb.
Fig. 75.
Arapaima of the River Amazon.
The Clupeide, or Herrings (Case 21), are probably unsurpassed
by any other family in the number of individuals, although others
comprise a much greater variety of species. The Herrings are
principally coast-fishes; none belong to the deep-sea fauna;
scarcely any have pelagic habits, but many enter or live in fresh
waters communicating with the sea. They are spread over all the
temperate and tropical seas. The genus of Ilerrings proper
(Clupea) includes more than sixty species, of which several are
extremely common on our coasts, viz. the Herring (Clupea harengus)
of immense commercial value, the Sprat (C. sprattus), the Shad
(C. alosaand C. finta), and the Pilchard or Sardine (C. pilchardus).
The “ Mossbanker ” (C. menhaden) is common on the Atlantic
coasts of the United States. The economie value of this fish is
surpassed in America only by that of the Gadoids, and derived
chiefly from its use as bait for other fishes, and from the oil
extracted from it. Albula and Elops reach a size of three feet, but
are not esteemed as food. The largest species of the whole family
is the Gigantic Herring (Megalops thrissoides) [a specimen of
which is exhibited on the top of the case], from the Tropical
Atlantic, exceeding a length of five feet, and excellent eating.
The Chirocentride and Notopteride (Case 22) are small families,
inhabiting, the former the Indian Ocean, the latter fresh waters of
the East Indies and West Africa.
The Gymnotide (Case 22) are eel-like freshwater fishes from
Tropical America, of which the best known is the Electric Eel
(Gymnotus electricus, fig. 76) ; it is the most powerful of electric
fishes, growing to a length of six feet, and extremely abundant in
certain localities of Brazil and the Guianas. The electric organ
-
EELS. 89
consists of two pairs of longitudinal bodies, situated immediately
below the skin, above the muscles—one pair on the back of the tail
Fig. 76.
Electric Eel (Gymnotus electricus).
and the other pair along the anal fin. The electric shock may be
of sufficient strength to temporarily paralyze a man. [Cases
The Hels, Murenide (Cases 28, 24), are a numerous family, 23, 24.]
spread over almost all fresh waters and seas of the temperate and
Bie. 163
.
Murena helena. (From the coast of Europe.)
tropical zones; some descend to the greatest depths of the oceans.
Some 25 species of true Hels (Anguzlla) are known from the fresh
waters and coasts. They are known to migrate to the sea, but the
history of their propagation remains still obscure, ‘Two species are
[Case 27. ]
90 FISH GALLERY.
found in Great Britain, A. vulgaris and A. latirostris. The
Congers (Conger) are marine Eels, differmg from the preceding in
the absence of scales ; the common British species (C. conger) seems
to be almost cosmopolitan. The genus Murena and its allies are
abundantly represented in the tropical and subtropical seas, and
mostly beautifully coloured and spotted. The majority are armed
with formidable pointed teeth, well suited for seizing other fish on
which they prey; in shallow water they readily attack persons who
happen to disturb them in their retreat. The Mediterranean species
(M. helena, fig. 77) was highly prized by the ancient Romans.
Order V. LOPHOBRANCHII.
The Lophobranchi are bony fishes in which the gills are not
laminated, but composed of small rounded lobes attached to the
branchial arches ; the gill-cover is reduced to a large simple plate ;
Lobular gill of Hippocampus.
the air-bladder is simple, without pneumatic duct; a dermal
skeleton, composed of numerous pieces arranged in segments,
replaces more or less soft integuments ; the muscular system is not
much developed; the snout is prolonged, and the mouth terminal,
small, toothless, formed as in Acanthopterygians.
This Order (Case 27) contains only two families, Solenostomide
and Syngnathide. They are small marine fishes, which are abundant
on such parts of the coasts of tropical and temperate zones as offer
by their vegetation shelter to these defenceless creatures. They are
bad swimmers, and are frequently and resistlessly carried by currents
into the open ocean or to distant coasts. All enter brackish water,
some fresh water. The males of most of the species carry the eggs
PIPE-FISHES. 91
either in a sac at the base of the tail, or attached to the abdomen. [Case 27. ]
The best known are the Pipe-fishes (Syngnathus) and the Sea-horses
(Hippocampus).
Vi \ ) jive HC i inlay
EERE Eee Pent
Pipe-fish (Syngnathus acus). (From the Cornish coast.)
The lower figure represents the pouch below the tail, opened on one side to
show the young, which are ready to escape from the pouch.
Order VI. PLECTOGNATHI. (Cases 25-27.)
Teleosteous fishes with rough scales, or with ossifications of the
cutis in the form of scutes or spines ; skin sometimes entirely naked.
Skeleton incompletely ossified, with the vertebrz in small number.
Gills pectinate ; a narrow gill-opening in front of the pectoral fins.
Mouth narrow ; the bones of the upper jaw generally firmly united.
A soft dorsal fin, belonging to the caudal portion of the vertebral
column, opposite to the anal; sometimes elements of a spinous
dorsal besides. Ventral fin none, or reduced to spines. Air-
bladder without pneumatic duct.
This Order consists of two families, Sclerodermi and Gym-
nodontes. |
The Sclerodermi comprise the genera Triacanthus, Balistes, Mona-
canthus, and Ostracion. 'he File-fishes (Balistes, fig. 80) inhabit
the tropical and sub-tropical seas; both jaws are armed with eight
strong incisor-like and obliquely truncated teeth, by which these
fishes are enabled to break off pieces of corals on which they feed,
or to chisel a hole into the hard shells of Mollusca, in order to
92 FISH GALLERY.
extract the soft parts. In the sea round Ceylon they have been
found to destroy an immense number of Pearl-Oysters, thus doing
Fig. 80.
File-fish (Balistes vidua). (From the Indian Ocean.)
a great deal of injury to the fisheries. Shells pierced by File-fish
are exhibited in Case 27. The Coffer-fishes (Ostracion) have the
Fig. 81.
Yh
Coffer-fish (Ostracion quadricornis). (From the West Indies.)
[Case 26.] integuments of the body formed into a hard continuous carapace,
consisting of hexagonal scutes juxtaposed in mosaic fashion ; only
the snout, the bases of the fins, and the hind part of the tail
are covered with soft skin.
The Gymnodontes contain the genera Triodon, Tetrodon, Diodon,
and Orthagoriscus. The Globe-fishes (Tetrodon and Diodon) have
a short, thick, cylindrical body, more or less studded with spines ;
they possess the power of inflating their body by filling their dis-
tensible cesophagus with air, thus assuming a more or less globular
form, the spines protruding and forming a defensive armour, as in the
hedgehog ; therefore they are frequently called “ Sea-~hedgehogs.”
SUN-FISHES. 93
In these fish, as in the others of the same family, the bones of the [Case 25.]
upper and lower jaws are confluent, forming a beak with a trenchant
Fig. 82, Globe-fish (Diodon maculatus). (From the Indian Ocean.)
Fig. 83. The same, inflated.
edge, without teeth. The Sun-fishes (Orthagoriscus, figs. 84, 85)
are, with regard to external form, perhaps the most singular of all
Bony Fishes; they present the appearance of a fish with the tail cut
off, this latter part of the body being extremely short. Two species
(O. mola and O. truncatus) are known, both of which occasionally
approach the southern coasts of England and Ireland. The former
species, which attains to a very large size, measuring 7 or 8 feet,
has a rough, minutely granulated skin. The second species is
distinguished by the more elongate form of its body, and by its
smooth tessellated skin. A very large specimen of O. mola, from
Australia, is exhibited opposite the wall-cases ; a full-grown speci-
men of O. truncatus in a separate table-case.
94
FISH GALLERY.
Vig. oe Rough Sun-fish (Orthagoriscus mola). (Captured near Portland.)
Fig. 85. Smooth Sun-fish (Orthagoriscus truncatus), (From the Atlantic.)
GANOIDEI, 95
PALMICHTHYES.
Order VII. GANOIDETI.
The fishes belonging to this Order have the skeleton either
cartilaginous or ossified ; the body is provided with median and
paired fins, the hinder pair abdominal; the gills are free, rarely
partially attached to the walls of the gill-cavity ; one external gill-
opening only on each side, and a gill-cover; the air-bladder with
a pneumatic duct. The ova are small, impregnated after exclusion.
The embryo or the young sometimes with external gills.
To this Order belong the majority of the fossil fish-remains of
Palzeozoic and Mesozoic age, whilst it is very scantily represented in
the recent fauna, and evidently verging towards total extinction.
Small as is the number of the surviving forms, they represent not
less than five Suborders:—1. Amioidei. 2. Polypteroidei.
3. Lepidosteoidei. 4. Dipnot. 5. Chondrostei.
AmriorpEI.—The sole living representative of this Suborder, the
Mud-fish of North America (Amia calva), differs from the following
Ganoids in being covered with cycloid scales, and approaches in its
general appearance and many points of its internal structure the
Teleostean type very closely indeed. ‘The skeleton is entirely
ossified. This fish is not uncommon in ce of the fresh waters
of the United States.
Potyrreroriper (Case 28).—They resemble the Lepidosteoidei in
the form and arrangement of the scales, but the structure of their
Fig. 86.
Ss Ss Shee ee
Ss = 8
Sy Sas
aS
Ss
SS sehe
SES
Polypterus. (From Tropical Africa.)
dorsal fin is quite unique; it consists of a series of dorsal spines, to
each of which an articulated finlet is attached. Polypterus (fig. 86)
H
[Case 28. |
[Case 28.]
96 FISH GALLERY.
is an inhabitant of tropical Africa, occurring in abundance in the
rivers of the West coast and in the Upper Nile.
LeprpostEo1pEI (Case 28).—The fishes of this group, as well as
the following, are remarkable for the hard, bony, lozenge-shaped,
polished (ganoid) scales with which they arecovered. The skeleton
is nearly completely ossified. The dorsal and anal fins are composed
of articulated rays only, and placed far backwards, close to the
caudal. Though the end of the body appears nearly diphycercal
(i.e. with the caudal rays inserted above as well as below the
vertebral axis, as in the case of most Teleosteans), the termination
of the vertebral column is, in fact, distinctly heterocercal, as in
Fig. 87.
Gar-Pike of North America (Lepidosteus viridis).
Sharks. The Gar-Pike (Lepidosteus, fig. 87) are at present limited
to the temperate parts of North America, Central America, and
Cuba. They feed on other fishes.
Dirnot (Case 28).—The skeleton is notochordal. There are two
pairs of nostrils, more or less within the mouth. Their respiratory
organs are gills as well as lung-like sacs. The dentition is very
peculiar ; it consists of a pair of large molars, above and below, and
a pair of vomerine teeth. The molars, the upper pair of which are
inserted on a pterygo-palatine ossification, are provided with strong
cusps or lateral prongs. The vomerine teeth are conical, pointed,
or incisor-like. The fore limb differs greatly from the pectoral fin
of other fishes. It is covered with small scales along the middle
from the root to its extremity, and surrounded by a rayed fringe
similar to the vertical fin. A muscle split ir+- numerous fascicles
extends all the length of the fin, which is hexiwle in every part
and in every direction. The cartilaginous frame k supporting
it is joined to the scapular arch by an oblong cartilage, followed by
a broad basal cartilage, generally single, sometimes sowing traces
DIPNOI. 97
of a triple division. Along the middle of the fin runs a jointed
axis, the joints gradually becoming smaller and thinner towards the
extremity ; each joint bears on each side a three-, two-, or one-
jointed branch. This “axial” arrangement, which evidently
represents one of the first and lowest conditions of the skeleton of
the limb of Vertebrates, is found in Ceratodus with the branches,
but in Lepidosiren the jointed axis only has been preserved, with
the addition of rudimentary rays in Protopterus.
Three recent genera and four species are known, viz.:-—Lepidosiren
paradoxa (fig. 88), from the system of the River Amazons, and so
Fig. 88.
Lepidosiren paradoxa, (From the River Amazon.)
rare that no specimen could be procured hitherto for the British
Museum ; Protopterus annectens, spread over the whole of tropical
Africa and common; and Ceratodus, from the fresh waters of
Queensland, with two species, C. forsteri and C. miolepis. Proto-
pterus lives in shalle™,waters which periodically dry up. During
the dry season they yorm a cavity in the mud, the inside of which
is lined with a\spsule of mucus, and from which they emerge again
when the rains refill the pools inhabited by them. The balls of
clay containing the fishes in a torpid condition are sometimes
H 2
[Case 28. ]
[ Cases
29, 30. ]
98 FISH GALLERY.
brought to Europe, and some are exhibited here. Protopterus, and
probably also Lepidosiren, are carnivorous. The Barramunda
(Ceratodus, fig. 89) is herbivorous ; it is locally plentiful in the
The Barramunda (Ceratodus). (From Queensland.)
Burnett, Dawson, and Mary rivers, and grows to a length of six
feet. To the settlers it is known by the name of Burnett or Dawson
Salmon. It can breathe either by gills or by its lung alone, or
by both simultaneously. Fossil teeth have long been known from
- Triassic and Jurassic formations in various parts of Europe, India,
and America.
CuonprostTeI (Cases 29, 30).—The skeleton is cartilaginous,
and the skin is naked or partially protected by bucklers. This
Suborder is divided into two families—Acipenseride and Polyo-
dontide. To the former belong the Sturgeons (Acipenser) , inhabi-
tants of the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere ; they are
either entirely confined to fresh water, or ascend periodically, for the
purpose of spawning, from the sea into rivers. About 20 different
species can be distinguished. The best-known are the Sterlet
(A. ruthenus) from Russian rivers, celebrated for the excellence of
its flesh, but rarely exceeding a length of three feet ; the Hausen
(A. huso), from rivers falling into the Black Sea and the Sea of
Azow, sometimes 12 feet long, and. yielding an inferior kind of
isinglass ; the Common Sturgeon of the United States (A macu-
losus), which sometimes crosses the Atlantic to the coasts of Great
Britian ; Giildenstadt’s Sturgeon (A. gueldenstedtii), common in
European and Asiatic rivers, which yields more than one fourth
of the caviare and isinglass exported from Russia*; the Common
Sturgeon of Western Europe (A. sturio), which is said to attain to
a length of 18 feet, and has established itself also on the coasts of
* In a small table-case between Cases 30 and 31 sampies of the best sorts
of Russian isinglass are exhibited.
CHIMZERAS., 99
Eastern North America. A fine example from the Doggerbank
is placed outside the case. Scaphirhynchus is a closely allied genus,
of which four species are known—one from the river-system of the
Mississippi, and the three others from Central Asia.
The Polyodontide, or Sword-bill Sturgeons, which have the
snout produced into an exceedingly long shovel-like or conical
process, contain two species—one from the Mississippi, Polyodon
folium, growing to a length of about six feet ; the other, Psephurus
gladius (exhibited im a tank opposite wall-case 29), inhabits
the large rivers of China, the Yantsekiang and Hoangho. The
great depth of the rivers in which these fishes live, as well as the
turbid condition of their water, renders the organ of sight almost
useless: the eyes of these Sturgeons, therefore, are remarkably
small; and to obtain their food they evidently use the rostral
process in stirring up the mud at the bottom, thus dislodging
and finding the small animals on which they prey.
Order VIII. CHONDROPTERYGII.
The skeleton is cartilaginous, with the vertebral colunin generally
heterocercal. The body has median and paired fins, the hinder
pair being abdominal. The gills are attached to the skin by the
outer margin, with several intervening gill-openings (except in the
Chimeeras, which have only one gill-opening on each side) ; a gill-
cover is absent, as also the air-bladder. Some are viviparous,
but the majority are oviparous. A pair of semiossified appendages
of the pubic, called claspers, are characteristic of all male indivi-
duals. These appendages are sometimes armed with hook-like
osseous excrescences. They are irregularly longitudinally convo-
luted, and when closely adpressed to each other form a canal open
at their extremity. The ova are large and few in number, and
invested with a tough leathery envelope or shell (fig. 90), presenting
great variety of shape.
This Order comprises the Chimeras, Sharks and Rays, and is
divided into two Suborders—Holocephala and Plagiostomata.
HotocerHata, or Chimeras (Case 30).
These are chiefly characterized by having one external gill-opening
only, covered by a fold of the skin; also their dentition strongly
100 FISH GALLERY.
[Case 80.] resembles that of the Dipnoids. In fact this Suborder connects
the Ganoids with the Plagiostomes. It contains one family only,
represented in the living fauna by two genera—Chimera and
Callorhynchus. Of the former three species are known—Ch. mon-
strosa, from the coasts of Europe and Japan and the Cape of Good
Fig. 90.
Egg of a Dog-fish (Scyllium). (From Magelhan Straits.)
Hope; Ch. colliei, from the west coast of North America; and
Ch. affinis, from the coast of Portugal. Callorhynchus antarcticus
is common in the southern temperate zone, and differs from the
preceding by the curious shape of the snout, which bears a —
cartilaginous prominence terminating in a cutaneous flap.
PiaGiostomata, or Sharks and Rays.
These have from five to seven gill-openings and the teeth are
numerous. They differ greatly among each other with regard to
SHARKS. 101
the general form of their body. In the Sharks, or Selachoidei, the
body is elongate, more or less cylindrical, gradually passing into
the tail; their gill-openings are lateral. In the Rays, or Batoidei,
the gill-openings are always placed on the abdominal aspect of the
fish ; the body is depressed, and the trunk, which is surrounded
by the immensely developed pectoral fins, forms a broad flat disk,
the tail appearing as a thin and slender appendage. However,
some of the Rays approach the Sharks in having the caudal
portion less abruptly contracted behind the trunk. Fossil Plagio-
stomes are very numerous in all formations, but in the oldest the
only remains they have left consist of teeth and fin-spines. Some
of the earliest determinable fish-remains are believed to be, or are,
derived from the Plagiostomes. The recent forms, of which nearly
300 species are known to exist, are arranged in the following
families :—
A. Selachoidei, or Sharks.
1. Carchariide. 2. Lamnide. 3. Rhinodontide. 4. Notidanide.
5. Scylliide. 6. Cestraciontide. 7. Spinacide. 8. Rhinide.
9. Pristiophoride.
B. Batoidei, or Rays.
10. Pristide. 11. Rhinobatide. 12. Torpedinide. 18. Ravde.
14. Trygonide. 15. Myliobatide.
A. SELACHOIDEI: Sharks.
Sharks are most numerous in the tropics, and become scarcer
beyond ; they are exclusively carnivorous, and those armed with
powerful cutting-teeth are the most formidable tyrants of the
ocean. Many of the smaller kinds are eaten. Sharks’ fins form
in India and China an important article of trade (specimens of
this article are exhibited in Case 32). Sharks have no scales, like
other fishes; their skin is covered with calcified papilla, and if
these papille are small, pointed, and close-set, the skin is called
“ shagreen.””
Carchariide (Cases 31-34).—To this family belong the true
Sharks (Carcharias), common in the tropical, but less so in the
temperate seas. Numerous species are distinguished, of which
one of the most common is the Blue Shark (C. glaucus). Indi-
[Cases
31-33. ]
102 FISH GALLERY.
viduals of from twelve to fifteen feet are of very common occurrence,
but some of the species attain a much larger size and a length of
25 or more feet. Such large specimens are very dangerous to
man.
The species of Galeocerdo (Case 33: two large specimens of
G. arcticus, fig. 91, in the middle of the Gallery) also attain to a very
Fig. 91.
Galeocerdo arcticus. (From the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.)
The figure of the tooth is of the natural size, and taken from a specimen
11 feet long.
[Case 34,] large size, and belong to the most dreaded of their kind. On the
other hand, the Tope (Galeus), is a diminutive form, found on the
British coast (G. canis), but spread over nearly all the temperate
and tropical seas, and is common in California and Tasmania. The
Hammerheads (Zygena) (Case 34) have the same powerful dentition
as the Carcharias, and although they do not attain to the same
large size, they belong to the most formidable fishes of the ocean.
The peculiar form of their head is quite unique among fishes, the
anterior part being produced into a lobe on each side, the extremity
of which is occupied by the eye. By far the most common is
Z. malleus, which occurs in nearly all tropical and subtropical seas.
The “ Hounds” (Mustelus) are small Sharks, abundant on the
coasts of all the temperate and tropical seas; two of the five species
4
known occur on the coasts of Europe, viz. M. levis and M. vulgaris.
.
SHARKS. 103
Lamnide (Case 35).—All the fishes of this family attain to avery [Case 35. ]
large size and are pelagic. The Porbeagle (Ozyrhina cornubica,
fig. 92) occurs in the North Atlantic, frequently straying to the
Porbeagle (Oxyrhena cornubica).
British coasts. It attains to a length of ten feet, and feeds chiefly
on fishes; its lanceolate teeth are not adapted for cutting, but
rather for seizing and holding its prey, which it appears to swallow
whole. Carcharodon rondeletii, of which enormous jaws are ex-
hibited, is the most formidable of all Sharks. It is strictly pelagic,
and appears to occur in all tropical and subtropical seas. It is
said to attain to a length of 40 feet. The Fox-Shark or Thresher
Fig. 93.
Thresher Shark (A/lopecias vulpes).
The figures of the teeth are those of the upper and lower jaws, of the natural
size, and taken from a specimen 14 feet long.
(Alopecias vulpes, fig. 93) (exhibited in Case 35, and also in the
corridor leading into this Gallery) is the most common of the larger
kinds of Sharks which occur on the British coasts; and seems to be
[Cases
36-39. |
104 FISH GALLERY.
equally common in other parts of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, as
well as on the coasts of California and New Zealand. It attains toa
length of 15 feet, of which the tail takes more than one half, and is
quite harmless to man. It follows the shoals of Herrings, Pilchards,
and Sprats in their migrations, destroying incredible numbers ;
when feeding it uses its long tail m splashing the surface of the
water, whilst it swims in gradually decreasing circles round a shoal
of fishes, which, thus kept crowded together, fall an easy prey
to their enemy. The Basking-Shark (Selache maxima, fig. 94),
Fig. 94,
Basking-Shark (Selache maxima).
of which a male specimen 28 feet long, obtamed near Shanklin,
Isle of Wight, is exhibited in the middle of the Gallery, is the
largest Shark of the North Atlantic, growing to a length of more
than 30 feet. It is quite harmless if not attacked, its food con-
sisting of small fishes and other small marine animals which swim
in shoals. On the west coast of Ireland it is chased for the sake
of the oil which is extracted from its liver, one fish yielding from
a ton to a ton and a half. Its capture is attended with some
danger, as one blow from its enormously strong tail is sufficient
to stave in the sides of a large boat.
The Notidanide are characterized by having only one dorsal fin,
without spine, opposite to the anal, and by lacking a nictitating
membrane or eyelid; they contain two genera—Notidanus, dis-
tributed over nearly all the tropical and subtropical seas; and
Chlamydoselache, from Japan.
The Scylliide, or Dog-fishes, are mostly of small size. The
SHARKS. 105 .
teeth are small and generally arranged in several series; the fins
are not armed with spines, a nictitating membrane is absent, and
the spiracle is always distinct. Two species of Scylliwm are found
on the British coast—the “Larger” and “ Lesser Spotted Dog-
fish,” S. caniculum and S. catulus. They are coast-fishes, living
on the bottom, and feeding on crustaceans, dead fishes, Sc.
The Zebra- or Tiger-Shark, Stegostoma tigrinum, one of the
commonest and handsomest Sharks of the Indian Ocean, reaches
a size of 10 to 15 feet. Crossorhinus (Case 39), a genus of ground
Sharks from the Indo-Pacific Ocean ; they are sluggish and lie
concealed on the bottom watching for their prey. In accordance
with this habit their colour closely assimilates that of a rock or stone
covered with short vegetable and coralline growth, a resemblance
which is increased by the frond-like tentacles on the side of the
head.
The Cestraciontide (Case 40) have, like the preceding, several
series of teeth simultaneously in function ; each of the dorsal fins
is armed with a spine. This family is one of particular interest,
because representatives of it occur in numerous modifications in
Primary and Secondary strata. Their dentition (of which pre-
parations are shown in Table-case C) is adapted for the prehension
as well as mastication of crustaceons and hard-shelled animals. A
few recent species are known, from various parts of the Pacific
Ocean.
The Spinacide, or Spiny Dog-fishes (Cases 39, 40), so called on
account of the spine with which their dorsal fins are usually armed,
are a family containing numerous genera, the majority of the species
being of small size. Acanthias is the best known, the two species,
A. vulgaris and A. blainvillii, occurring on the British coast. The
species of Centrophorus live at a considerable depth, perhaps at a
greater depth than any of the other known Sharks. The Portuguese
fishermen fish for them in 400 or 500 fathoms with a line of some 600
fathoms in length. The Greenland Shark (Lemargus borealis) is an
inhabitant of the Arctic regions, rarely straying to the latitudes of
Great Britain. It grows toa length of about 15 feet, and is extremely
voracious. The “ Spinous Shark” (Echinorhinus spinosus) is a
ground Shark, probably living at some depth, and but accidentally
coming to the surface. More frequently met with in the Medi-
[Case 40. ]
| Case 41.]
106 FISH GALLERY
terranean, it has been found occasionally on the south coast of
England.
The family of Rhinide contains only one species, the “ Angel-fish”
or “ Monk-fish 7’ (Rhina squatina) (Case 41), which approaches the
Rays as regards form and habits. Within the temperate and tropical
zones it is almost cosmopolitan; it does not exceed a length
of five feet ; it is viviparous, producing about twenty young at
a birth.
The Pristiophoride (Case 41) resemble so much the common
Saw-fishes as to be easily confounded with them, but their gill-
openings are lateral, and not inferior. They are also much smaller
in size, and a pair of long tentacles are inserted at the lower side
of the saw. The four species known occur in the Australian and
Japanese seas.
B. Batorper: Rays.
The true Rays lead a sedentary life, moving slowly on the
bottom, rarely ascending to the surface. They progress solely
by means of the pectoral fins, the broad and thin margins of
which are set in an undulating motion, identical with that of the
dorsal and anal fins of the Pleuronectide, or Flat-fishes. They
are exclusively carnivorous, like the Sharks, but unable to pursue
and catch rapidly-moving animals.
The Saw-fishes, Pristide (Case 41), agree with the Rays in the
position of their branchial clefts. They are abundant in tropical, less
so in subtropical seas. They attain to a considerable size, specimens
with a saw of 6 feet long and 1 foot broad at the base not being of
uncommon occurrence. The saw, which is their weapon of defence,
renders them most dangerous to almost all the other large inhabitants
of the ocean. Its skeleton consists of three, sometimes five, rarely
four, hollow cylindrical tubes, placed side by side, tapering
towards the end, and incrusted with an osseous deposit, as shown
in a preparation in Table-case C. The teeth of the saw are
implanted in deep sockets of the hardened integument. The teeth
proper, with which the jaws are armed, are much too small for
inflicting wounds or seizing other animals. Saw-fishes use this
weapon in tearing pieces of flesh off an animal’s body or ripping
open its abdomen ; the detached fragments or protruding soft parts
SAW-FISHES. 107
are then seized by them and swallowed. They feed also largely on
cuttle-fishes.
A
Ay [
Lower view of head of Saw-fish.
The Rhinobatide (Case 42) contain the genera Rhynchobatus, [Case 42.]
Rhinobatus, and Trygonorhina. Preparations of their curious den-
tition are exhibited in Table-case C. They feed on hard-shelled
animals, and attain scarcely a length of 8 feet. They are confined
to the coasts of tropical and subtropical seas.
The Torpedinide, or Electric Rays (Case 42).—The electric
organs with which these fishes are armed are large, flat bodies,
lying one on each side of the head ; they consist of an assemblage
of vertical hexagonal prisms, whose ends are in contact with
the integuments above and below. ‘The fish gives the electric
[Case 42. ]
108 FISH GALLERY.
shock voluntary, when it is excited to do so in self-defence or
intends to stun or to kill its prey; but to receive the shock the
object must complete the galvanic circuit by communicating with
the fish at two distinct points, either directly or through the
medium of some conducting body. It is said that a painful
i .
l, i Gale ii
i)
Electric Ray (Torpedo marmorata). (From the Mediterranean.)
sensation may be produced by a discharge conveyed through
the medium of a stream of water. The electric currents created
in these fishes exercise all the other known powers of electricity :
they render the needle magnetic, decompose chemical com-
pounds, and emit the spark. The dorsal surface of the electric
organ is positive, the ventral negative. This family contains
several genera, of which Torpedo is the best known. Of the latter
six species are known, distributed over the Atlantic and Indian
RAYS. 109
Oceans ; three of them are rather common in the Mediterranean,
and one (7. hebetans) reaches the south coast of England. They
attain to a width of from two to three feet, and specimens of that
size can disable by a single discharge a full-grown man, and
therefore may prove dangerous to persons bathing.
The Raiide, or True Rays (Case 43), have a wide geographical
range; they are chiefly inhabitants of temperate seas, and much
more numerous in those of the northern than of the southern
hemisphere. More than 380 species of the genus Raia are known,
of which the following are found on the British coasts :—The
Fig. 97.
=
os
Sting-Ray (Zrygon uwarnak). (From Madras.)
Thornback (R. clavata), the Homelyn Ray (R. maculata), the
Starry Ray (R. radiata), the Sandy Ray (R. circularis), the
[Case 43. ]
110
FISH GALLERY.
Fig. 98.
Hagle-Ray (Myhobatis aquila). (From Madeira.)
Fig. 99.
Jaws of the Eagle-Ray (Mylhobatis).
RAYS. 111
Common Skate (R. datis), the Burton Skate (R. marginata), and
the Shagreen Skates. Some of these species, especially the Skates,
attain a considerable size, the disk measuring six and even seven
feet across. All are eatable, and some of them regularly brought
to market. Teeth are exhibited in Table-case C.
The Trygonide, or Sting-Rays (Cases 43, 44), are as numerous
as the Rays proper, but they inhabit tropical rather than temperate
seas. The specics armed with a spine use it as a weapon of defence,
and the wounds inflicted by it are, to man, extremely painful, and
have frequently occasioned the loss of a limb. Some forms,
however (Urogymnus, Case 43), ave devoid of that caudal weapon.
The genus Tygon is numerous in species, one of which (7. pasti-
naca) occurs on the south coast of England. ~ Large specimens of
TL’. sephen and T. uarnak (fig. 97) are exhibited on stands opposite
Case 42.
The Mylobatide (Case 44), also called Devil-fishes, Sea-devils,
or Hagle- Rays, are generally of large size, inhabiting temperate and
tropical seas. The tail is very long and slender. Some genera
(Cephaloptera, Dicerobatis) possess a pair of singular cephalic
processes, which generally project in a direction parallel to the
Jongitudinal axis of the body, but are said to be flexible in the
living fish, and used for scooping food from the bottom and
conveying it to the mouth. Some of them, if not all, attain an
enormous size ; specimens weighing 1250 pounds, or 20 feet broad,
are on record. In the Myliobatina the dentition consists of
perfectly flat molars, forming a kind of mosaic pavement in both
the upper and lower jaws—a most perfect mechanical arrangement
for crushing alimentary substances. Examples of the dentition are
exhibited in Table-case C.
CYCLOSTOMATA. (Case 44.)
Their skeleton is cartilaginous and notochordal, without ribs
and without real jaws ; the skull is not separated from the vertebral
column. Limbs are absent, and the body is eel-like. The gills
are in the form of fixed sacs, without branchial arches, numbering
Six or seven on each side. There is a single nasal aperture. The
T
=
[Case 44. ]
[Case 44.]
112 FISH GALLERY.
mouth is anterior and suctorial, surrounded by a circular or sub-
circular lip.
This Subclass comprises the Lampreys (Petromyzon) and Hag-
fish (Myzine).- The former are found in the rivers and on the
coasts of the temperate regions of the northern and southern
hemispheres. ‘Their habits are but incompletely known, but so
much is certain that at least some of them ascend rivers periodically
for the purpose of spawning, and that the young pass several years
in rivers whilst they undergo a metamorphosis. In the larve
the mouth is toothless, and surrounded by an imperfect lip. The
Lampreys feed on other fishes, to which they suck themselves fast,
scraping off the flesh with their teeth. Whilst thus engaged they
are carried about by their victim. The British species are the Sea-
Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), exceeding a length of three feet,
and not uncommon on the European and North-American coasts ;
the River-Lamprey or Lampern (P. fluviatilis), ascending in large
numbers the rivers of Europe, North America, and Japan, and
scarcely attaining a length of two feet; the “Pride” or ‘‘ Sand-
piper ” or “Small Lampern” (P. branchialis), scarcely 12 inches
long, the larva of which has long been known under the name of
Ammocetes. The Hag-fishes, or Myzine (fig. 100), are marine fishes
Fig. 100.
Hag (Myzine). (From the German Ocean.)
g. Gill-opening.
most plentiful in the higher latitudes of the temperate zones of the
northern and southern hemispheres; some descend to a depth of
345 fathoms. They are frequently found buried in the abdominal
cavity of other fishes, especially Gadoids, into which they penetrate
to feed on their flesh. They secrete a thick glutinous slime in
incredible quantities, and are therefore considered by fishermen a
great nuisance, seriously interfering ou the fishing in localities
where they abound. .
.
—_ eee ee ae
LANCELET, 113
LEPTOCARDII.
The Lancelet (Branchiostoma or Amphioxus) has been long
considered to be the lowest in the scale of fishes, but it lacks so
many characteristics, not only of this class, but of the Vertebrata
generally, that it is better referred to a separate class, the chief
characters of which are as follows :—Skeleton membrano-cartila-
girous and notochordal, ribless. No brain. Pulsating sinuses in
place of a heart. Blood colourless. Respiratory cavity confluent
with the abdominal cavity ; branchial clefts in great number, the
water being expelled by an opening in front of the vent. Jaws none.
Six species of Lancelet (Branchiostoma, fig. 101) are known, and
Fig. 101.
aki LLL Ue ‘ KKK y
MS K \ SS
oo oS SIN
Lancelet (Branchiostoma).
a, mouth ; b, abdominal porus; ¢, vent; d, anterior end of notochord.
found at almost every suitable locality within the temperate and
tropical zones. ‘Their small size (rarely exceeding three inches),
transparency, and the rapidity with which they are able to bury
themselves into the sand are the causes why they so readily escape
observation, even at localities where they are known to be common.
Shallow, sandy parts of the coast, at some distance from the influx
of fresh water, seem to be ue places on which the Lancelet may be
looked for.
on ' ‘oily ee or ’ ‘ods ‘i we
6
Hie Py eee as ati ae iait ‘
on c Ls
urepts f f a ee Gn Mee at re
Se “a ee 0 aie Ries,
Sep eka: Poy ss tai Bo, in Bary :
aS AL F<
Abramis, 85.
Acanthias, 105.
Acanthoclinidee, 59.
Acantholabrus, 77.
Acanthopterygii, 57,
58
Acanthurus, 73.
Acipenser, 98.
Acipenseride, 98.
Acrochordide, 19, 22.
Acronuride, 59, 73.
. Agamide, 7, 12.
Aglossa, 36.
Agua Toad, 39.
Albacore, 65.
Albula, 88.
Alburnus, 85.
Alepocephalide, 82.
Alligator, 5.
Terrapen, 28.
Alopecias, 103.
Alytes, 41.
Amblycephalide, 19.
Amblyrhynchus, 11.
Amia, 95.
Amioidei, 95.
Ammocetes, 112.
Ammodytes, 80,
Amphibolurus, 14.
Amphignathodontide,36,
41
Amphioxus, 1138.
Amphisbenidz, 7, 9.
Amphiumide, 42, 48.
Anabas, 74.
Anacanthini, 58, 78.
Anaconda, 22.
Anarrhichas, 72.
Anelytropide, 7.
Angel-fish, 106.
Angler, 71.
Anguide, 7, 10.
Anguilla, 89.
Anniellid, 7.
INDEX.
Anolis, 11.
Aphredoderide, 59.
Apoda, 33, 46.
Arapaima, 87.
Archeopteryx, 1.
Arcifera, 36.
Arius, 82.
Aspredo, 83.
Atherines, 59.
Atherinide, 59.
Axolotl, 42.
Bagrus, 82.
Balistes, 91.
Band-fishes, 59,
Barbel, 84.
Barbus, 84.
Barracuda, 59, 64.
Barramunda, 98.
Basking-Shark, 104.
Bass, 59.
Batagur, 28.
Bathythrisside, 82.
Batoidei, 101, 106.
Batrachians, 31.
Batrachide, 59,
Bayad, 82.
Belone, 86.
Berycide, 59.
Bib, 79.
Black Bass, 59.
Bleak, 85.
Blennies, 59.
Blenniidx, 59, 72.
Blind Snakes, 19, 20.
Blindworm, 10.
Boa, 21.
Boide, 19, 20.
Bolty, 78.
Bombinator, 41.
Box-Tortoise, 28.
Branchiostoma, 58, 113.
Bream, 85.
Brill, 81.
Brook-Trout, 85.
Bufonide, 36, 38.
Bull-Frog, 37.
Bullheads, 59, 63.
Bulti, 78.
Burbot, 79.
Burnett Salmon, 98.
Burrowing Snakes, 19,
20.
Burton Skate, 111.
Calamariidz, 19.
Californian Toad, 11,
Ds
Callichthys, 88.
Callionymus, 70.
Callorhynchus, 100.
Cantharus, 60.
Caouana, 27.
Carangide, 59, 67.
Caranex, 67.
Carcharias, 101.
Carchariide, 101.
Carcharodon, 108.
Caretta, 27.
Caribe, 84.
Carp, 84.
Cat-fish, 82.
Catla, 84.
Caudata, 33, 42.
Centriscide, 59.
Centrolabrus, 77.
Centrophorus, 105.
Cephaloptera, 111.
Cepolidee, 59.
Ceratobatrachide, 36,
41.
Ceratodus, 97, 98.
Ceratophrys, 38.
Cestraciontidse,
105.
Chad, 60.
Chetodon, 62.
Chameleons, 15,
10],
116
Char, 85.
Characinide, 82, 84.
Chaunax, 72.
Chelmo, 62.
Chelone, 27.
Chelonia, 24.
Cheloniid, 26, 27.
Chelydide, 26.
Chelydra, 28.
Chelys, 28.
Chimera, 99.
Chirocentride, 82.
Chlamydosaurus, 12, 14.
Chlamydoselache, 104.
Chondropterygii, 58,
99
Chondrostei, 95, 98.
Chromides, 76, 78.
Chrysophrys, 60.
Chub, 85.
Cirrhitide, 59.
Cistudo, 28.
Climbing-Perch, 74.
Clupea, 88.
Clupeide, 82, 88.
Coal-fish, 79.
Cobitis, 85.
Cobra, 19, 22.
Cod-fish, 78, 79.
Cacilia, 46.
Coffer-fish, 92.
Colubridzx, 19, 20.
Comephoride, 59.
Common Snake, 20.
Conger, 90.
Coral Fishes, 59, 61.
-—— Snakes, 19, 22.
Coregonus, 86.
Coris, 77.
Coronella, 20.
Coryphena, 66.
Cottide, 59, 62.
Cottus, 63.
Crenitabrus, 77.
Crocodilia, 3.
Crocodilus, 4.
Crossorhinus, 105.
Crotalide, 19, 23.
Crotalus, 24.
Crucian Carp, 84.
Ctenolabrus, 77.
Cyclopterus, 70.
Cyclostomata, 58, 111.
Cyprinide, 82, 84.
Cyprinodontide, 82.
Cyprinus, 84.
Cystignathide, 36, 38.
Dab, 81.
Dace, 85%
INDEX.
Dactylethride, 36, 42.
Dactylopterus, 63.
Dawson Salmon, 98,
Deep-sea Fishes, 48.
Dendrobatide, 36, 38.
Dendrophide, 19, 20.
endrophryniscidee,
Devil-fish, 111.
Dibamide, 7.
Dicerobatis, 111.
Diodon, 92.
Dipnoi, 95, 96.
Dipsadidee, 19.
Discoboli, 59, 69.
Discoglosside, 36, 41.
Dog-fish, 104, 105.
——,, Spiny, 105.
Dolphin, 66.
Dracena, 9.
Draco, 12.
Dragon, 12.
Dragonet, 70.
Drum, 64.
Dryiophide, 19, 20.
Dyscophide, 36.
Eagle-Ray, 111.
Ecaudata, 33.
Echeneis, 65.
Echinorhinus, 105.
Eel, 89.
Eel-pout, 79.
Egernia, 10.
Elacate, 66.
Elapide, 19, 22.
Elaps, 22.
Electric Cat-fish, 83.
Kel, 88.
Rays, 108.
Elops, 88.
Embiotocide, 76, 78.
Emydide, 26, 28.
Limys, 28.
Engystomatide, 56.
Erycide, 19, 22.
Hsocide, 82, 86.
Eublepharide, 7.
Lxocetus, 68, 87.
File-fish, 91.
Firmisternia, 36, 41.
Fishes, 47.
Fishing-frog, 71.
Fistulariide, 59, 76.
Flat-fishes, 78, 81.
Flounder, 81.
Flute-mouths, 59, 76.
Flying-fish, 63, 87.
Flying-Herrings, 63.
Fox-Shark, 103.
Freshwater Snakes, 19,
20.
Tortoises, 26, 28,
Turtles, 26, 27.
Frilled Lizard, 12. ~
Frog, Common, 37.
, Common Indian
?
37.
——,, Kdible, 37.
fishes, 59.
——.,, Flying, 37.
—., Horned, 38.
——, Marsupial, 39.
——,, Quadrumanous, 39.
Gadide, 79.
Gadoidei, 78.
Gadus, 79.
Galaxide, 82.
Galeocerdo, 102.
Galeus, 102.
Ganoidei, 58, 95.
Gar-Pike, 86, 96.
Gastrosteide, 59, 75.
Gavialis, 5.
Gecko, 8.
Geckonida, 7, 8.
Geoemyda, 28.
Gerrhosauride, 7,
Gharial, 5.
Gigantic Tortoise, 29.
Guilt-head, 60.
Glass-Snake, 10.
Globe-fish, 93.
Gobies, 59.
Gobiesocidee, 59.
Gobiide, 59, 69.
Gobius, 70.
Goldfish, 84.
Gonorhynchide, 82.
Gourami, 74.
Grayling, 86.
Greenland Shark, 105.
Green Lizard, 10.
Turtle, 27.
Grey Mullets, 59, 75.
Gurnards, 59, 62, 63.
Gymnarchus, 86.
Gymnodontes, 91, 92.
Gymnotide, 82, 88.
Haddock, 79.
Hag-fish, 112.
Hair-tails, 59.
Hake, 79.
Halosaurids, 82.
Hamadryad, 22.
Hammerheads, 102.
Haplochitonide, 82.
Hatteria, 5.
Hausen, 98.
Hawk’s-bill Turtle, 27.
Heloderma, 9.
Helodermatide, 7.
Hemiphractide, 36, 41.
Heniochus, 62.
Herring, 88.
——,, Gigantic, 88.
Hesperorms, 1.
Heteropygii, 82.
Heterotis, 87.
Hippocampus, 91.
Hippoglossus, 81.
Histiophorus, 68.
Holacanthus, 62.
Holibut, 81.
Holocephala, 99.
Homalopside, 19, 20.
Homelyn Ray, 109.
Hoplognathide, 59.
Horned Toad, 12.
Horse-Mackerels, 59,
67.
Hound, 102.
Hydrocyon, 84.
Hydrophide, 19, 22.
Hydrophis, 23.
Hylide, 36, 39.
Hyodontide, 82.
Ichthyophis, 46.
Iguanas, 9, 11.
Iguanide, 7, 11.
Innocuous Snakes, 19.
John Dory, 65.
King-fish, 66.
Labraz, 59.
Labrid, 76.
Labrus, 77.
Labyrinthici, 59, 74.
Labyrinthodonta, 33.
Lacertidz, 7, 10.
Lacertilia, 6.
Lemargus, 105.
Lake-Wenern ‘Trout,
Du
Lamnidz, 101, 108.
Lamipern, 112.
Lampreys, 58, 112.
Lampris, 66.
Lancelet, 113.
Land-Tortoises, 26,
28.
Launce, 80.
Leather-Turtles, 26.
Lepidosiren, 97.
INDEX.
Lepidosteoidei, 95, 96.
Lepidosteus, 96.
Leptocardi, 58, 113.
Leuciscus, 84.
Limbless Batrachians,
4G.
Ling, 79.
Lizard, 6, 10.
Loach, 85.
Loggerhead Turtle, 27.
Lophius, 71.
Lophobranchii, 58, 90.
Lophotide, 59.
Lota, 79.
Luciocephalide, 59.
Lucioperca, 59.
Lumpsuckers, 59, 70.
Lutremys, 28.
Lycodide, 79.
Lycodontide, 19.
Mackerel, 59, 65.
Macruridx, 79.
Mahaseer, 84.
Malacanthide, 59.
Malapterurus, 83.
Malthe, 72.
Marine Turtles, 27.
Mastacembelide, 59.
Mata-Mata, 28.
Meagres, 59, 64.
Megalobatrachus, 44.
Megalops, 88.
Midwife Toad, 41.
Millers’-thumbs, 63.
Minnow, 8d.
Molge, 48.
Moloch, 14.
Molva, 79.
Monacanthus, 91.
Monitor, 9.
Monk-fish, 106.
Morelia, 21.
Mormyride, 82, 86.
Mossbanker, 88.
Mud-fish, 95.
Mugilid, 59, 75.
Mullide, 59, 60.
Murenide, 82, 89.
Muskellonge, 86.
Mustelus, 102.
Myletes, 84.
Myliobatide, 10], 111.
Myzxine, 112.
Nandide, 59.
Naseus, 74.
Natterjack, 38.
Naucrates, 67.
Nemachilus, 85.
TFs
Newt, 48.
Notacanthide, 82.
Notidanide, 161, 104.
Notopteride, 82.
Nototrema, 39.
Oligodontide, 19.
Onus, 79.
Opah, 66.
Ophidia, 16.
Ophidiide, 79, 80.
Ophiocephalide, 59.
Ophiophagus, 22.
Orthagoriscus, 92, 93,
94.
Osmerus, 86.
Osphromenus, 74.
Osteoglossidee, 82, 87.
Ostracion, 91, 92..
Oxudercidze, 59.
Oxyrhina, 103.
Pagellus, 60.
Pagrus, 61.
Paleichthyes, 58, 95.
Parrot-Wrasses, 77.
Pediculati, 59, 70.
Pelagic Fishes, 48.
Pelamys, 23.
Pelobatide, 36.
Perch, 59.
Percidee, 59.
Percopside, 82.
Petromyzon, 112.
Phaneroglossa, 36,
Pharyngognathi, 76.
Phrynosoma, 1).
Phyllomedusa, 39,
Physostomi, 58, 82.
Pike, 86.
Pike-Perch, 59.
Pilchard, 88.
Pilot-fish, 67.
Pimelodus, 83.
Pipa, 42.
Pipe-fish, 91.
Pipide, 36, 42.
Pit-Vipers, 19, 24,
Plagiostomata, 99, 100.
Plaice, 81.
Platax, 68.
Plectognathi, 58, 91.
Pleuronectes, 81.
Pleuronectidx, 81.
Podocnemys, 28.
Pogonias, 64.
Pollack, 79.
Polycentride, 59.
Polynemide, 59, 64,
Polyodon, 99.
118
Polyodontide, 98, 99.
Polypteroidei, 95.
Polypterus, 95.
Pomacentridz, 76.
Porbeagle, 103.
Pout, 79.
Pride, 112.
Pristidz, 101, 106.
Pristiophoride,
106.
Pristis, 106.
Proteidze, 42, 45.
Proteus, 45.
Protopterus, 97.
Psammophide, 19.
Psephurus, 99.
Pseudis, 38.
Pseudopus, 10.
Pseudoscarus, 77.
Psychrolutidee, 59.
Pterois, 22.
Ptyas, 20.
Puff-Adder, 24.
Pygopodide, 7.
Berhunidas 19520:
Pyxidea, 28.
Raia, 109.
Raiide, 101, 109.
Ranide, 36, 37.
Rat-Snakes, 20.
Rattlesnakes, 19, 23,
101,
24,
Rays, 100, 109.
Red Mullets, 59, 60.
Rhinidz, 101, 106.
Rhinobatidze, 101, 107.
Rhinobatus, 107.
Rhinodontide, 101.
Rhombus, 81.
Rhynchobatus, 107.
Rhynchocephalia, 5.
Ribbon-fishes, 59, 73.
Ringed Snake, 20.
Roach, 85.
Rockling, 79.
Rock-Snakes, 20.
Rudd, 85.
Salamander, 42, 43.
, Gigantic, 44.
Salamandride, 42.
Salmon, 85.
Salmonidz, 82, 85.
Sand-Eel, 80.
Sand-Lizard, 10.
Sandpiper, 112.
Sand-Snakes, 19.
Sardine, 88.
Sargus, 60.
INDEX.
Saw-fish, 106.
Scaphirhynchus, 98.
Scarus, 77.
Sciena, 64.
Scizenide, 59, 64.
Scincide, 7, 10.
Sclerodermi, 91.
Scombresocide, 82,
86.
Scombride, 59.
Scorpenide, 59, 62.
Scopelide, 82.
Seylliide, 101, 104.
Seyllium, 105.
Seytalidee, 19.
Sea-bat, 63.
Sea-Breams, 59, 60.
Sea-cat, 72.
Sea-devil, 70, 111.
Sea-hedgehog, 92.
Sea-horse, 91.
Sea-Perch, 59.
Sea-Snakes, 19, 22.
Sea-Surgeons, 73.
Sea-Trout, 85.
Sea-Turtles, 26.
Sea- Wolf, 72.
Sebastes, 62.
Selache, 104.
Selachoidei, 100, 101.
Seriola, 67.
Serranus, 59,
Shad, 88.
Shagreen Skate, 111.
Sharks, 100, 101.
Shark, Blue, 101.
, Spinous, 105.
Sheep’s-head, 60.
Sheltopusik, 10.
Shore-fishes, 48.
Siluride, 82.
Silurus, 82.
Siphonops, 46.
Sirenidee, 42, 45,
Skates, 111.
Skink, 10.
Slowworm, 10.
Smelt, 86.
Smooth Snake, 20.
Snakes, 16.
Snapper, 61.
Sole, 81.
Solea, 81.
Solenostomide, 90.
Sparidee, 59, 90.
Sphargide, 26.
Sphyrzenide, 59, 64.
Spilotes, 20.
Spinacide, 101, 105.
Spiny-rayed Fishes, 58.
Sprat, 88.
Squamipinnes, 59, 61.
Stegocephala, 33.
Stenoptychide, 82.
Stenostomatide, 19.
Sterlet, 98.
Sticklebacks, 59, 75.
Sting-Rays, 111.
Stock-fish, 79.
Stomiatide, 82.
Sturgeon, 98.
, Sword-bill, 99.
Sucking-fish, 68.
Sun-fish, 93.
Surgeons, 59, 73.
Surinam Toad, 42.
Sword-fishes, 59, 68.
Symbranchide, 82.
Synanceia, 62.
Syngnathide, 90.
Syngnathus, 91.
Tailed Batrachians, 42.
Tailless Batrachians, 33.
Teguexin, 9.
Tetidx, 7, 9.
Teleostei, 57, 58.
Tench, 85.
Terrapen, 28.
Testudinide, 26, 28.
Tetrodon, 92.
Teuthidide, 59.
Thornback, 109.
Thresher, 103.
Thymallus, 86.
Thynnus, 65.
Tiger-Shark, 105.
Tiliqua, 10.
Tinea, 85.
Toad, 38.
, Fire-bellied, 41.
Tope, 102.
Torpedinidze, 101, 107.
Torpedo, 108.
Tortricidee, 19.
Tortoise, 24.
Toxotes, 62.
Trachinide, 59, 63.
Trachydosaurus, 10.
Trachypteride, 59,
73
Tree-Frog, 38, 39.
Tree-Snakes, 19, 20.
Triacanthus, 91.
Trichiuridx, 59.
Trichonotidz, 59,
Trigla, 65.
Triodon, 92.
Trionychide, 26, 27,
Tropidonotus, 20. ,
Trout, 85.
Trygonide, 101, 111.
Trygonorhina, 107.
Tuatera, 5.
Tunny, 65.
Tupinambis, 9.
Turbot, 81.
Turtle, 24.
Typhlopide, 19, 20.
Umbride, 82.
Umbrina, 64.
Urogymnus, 111.
Uromastix, 14.
Uropeltidx, 19.
INDEX.
Uroplatide, 7.
Varanide, 7, 8.
Varanus, 9.
Vendace, 86.
Vipers, 19, 23, 24.
Water-Lizard, 9.
Weevers, 59, 63.
Wels, 82.
Whip-Snakes, 20.
White-fish, 84, 86.
Whiting, 79.
Wrasses, 76.
119
Xantusiide, 7.
Xenopeltide, 19.
Xenopus, 42.
Xenosauridez, 7.
Xiphias, 68.
Xiphiide, 59, 68.
Yellow-tail, 67.
Zebra-Shark, 105,
Zeus, 65.
Zonuridz, 7.
Zygena, 102.
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