Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/160

146 inducing a habit of keeping near the ground, or occasionally seeking cavities among rocks for shelter, thus render them liable to be left dry by the retiring tide, or destroyed by the force of waves dashing them against such opposing substances? The combination of great length with extreme tenuity of body, by diminishing the quantity of muscle, and at the same time preventing its being brought into concentrated action upon a single centre of motion, must necessarily leave them at all times much at the mercy of the currents, amid which they may wriggle or float, but against which they are evidently incapable of swimming with any vigorous effort; by their struggles in the ocean, they cannot fail to be speedily exhausted, and they are rejected by the waves like inanimate matter, upon any coast towards which the winds may have driven them. All observers agree that the tænioid [or ribbon-like] fishes are decidedly pelagic."

According to Mr. Swainson, one species at least of the genus is quite commonly met with on the coasts of Sicily, and is habitually exposed for sale in the fish-shambles of that island. From other sources, however, we learn that the flavour of its flesh is not held in much esteem. M. Risso asserts that on the Mediterranean coasts of France, the Band-fish lives principally among sea-weeds in the vicinity of the shore, feeding on crustaceous and molluscous animals. The statements of these naturalists, therefore, do not seem to confirm the general opinion of the oceanic habits of this Family; or at least imply a less