Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/277

Rh their horizontal position; and the smaller pectoral and ventral fins on the under side are advantageous where there is so much less room for

their action, than with the larger fins that are above. When suddenly disturbed, they sometimes make a rapid shoot, changing their position from horizontal to vertical; if the observer happens to be opposite the white side, they may be seen to pass with the rapidity and flash of a meteor; but they soon sink down, resuming their previous motionless, horizontal position, and are then distinguished with difficulty, owing to their great similarity in colour to the surface on which they rest.”

Very little variation from the common form is found in this Family, which yet is rather numerous in species: one hundred and fifty are enumerated by the Prince of Canino, which are all