Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/282

268 their superior parts variegated with shades of dark blue, bright blue, and purple; while the inferior parts, and all the fins, are of the richest orange colour. This perfection of colour, however, is only seen at the breeding season in spring; after

this is over, the red tints disappear, the blue and purple become dull, and the brilliant effect is lost. Its excellence as food is in proportion to the gaiety of its dress.

Some interesting points in the domestic economy of this fish, its parental affection and courage, have been noticed in a previous page of this work.