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The Shooting-Fish Bringing Down a Fly

| usual luxury of a dish of collared eels or There are curious specimens of fish in fried mullet, as to enjoy the pleasure (fas- the tropics. My young readers will be interested in one that closely resembles a intently watches the surrounding objects, horse. This fish is one of the most and darts at its prey with great dexterity. common, and is often kept by the fisher- When two approach each other, they men in a dried state to sell as a curiosity often twist their tails together, and to seaside visitors. This species, says struggle to separate or attach themselves Couch, may be seen slowly moving about, to the weeds; this is done by the hinder in a singular manner, horizontally or part of their cheeks, or chin, which is perpendicularly, with the head down- also used for raising the body when a wards or upwards, and in every attitude new spot is wanted for the tail to entwine. of contortion, in search of food, which Another curious creature is the Shootseems to be chiefly water insects. The ing-fish, which fires a drop of water at tail is ready to grasp whatever it meets in any insect it wishes to bring down. This the water, quickly entwines in any direction fish is a sharp-shooter, and seldom fails round the weeds, and when fixed the animal to hit its mark.