Fig. 184.—Trumpet-fish, Aulostomus chinensis (L.) Virginia.
The Snipefishes: Macrorhamphosidæ.—Very remarkable fishes are the snipefishes, or Macrorhamphosidæ. In these forms the snout is still tubular, with the short jaws at the end. The body is short and deep, partly covered with bony plates. The dorsal has a very long serrated spine, besides several shorter ones, and the ventral fins have one spine and five rays.
Fig. 185.—Japanese Snipefish, Macrorhamphosus sagifue Jordan & Starks. Misaki, Japan.
The snipefish, or woodcock-fish, Macrorhamphosus scolopax, is rather common on the coasts of Europe, and a very similar species (M. sagifue) occurs in Japan. The Rhamphosidæ, represented by Rhamphosus, an extinct genus with the ventrals further forward, are found in the Eocene rocks of Monte Bolca. Rhamphosus vastrum has minute scales, short dorsal, and the snout greatly attenuate.
The Shrimp-fishes: Centriscidæ.—One of the most extraordinary types of fishes is the small family of Centriscidæ, found in the East Indies. The back is covered by a transparent bony cuirass which extends far beyond the short tail, on which the two dorsal fins are crowded. Anteriorly this cuirass is composed of plates which are soldered to the ribs. The small toothless mouth is at the end of a long snout.
Fig. 186.—Shrimp-fish, Æoliscus strigatus (Günther). Riu Kiu Islands, Japan.
These little fishes with the transparent carapace look very much like shrimps. Centriscus scutatus (Amphisile) with the terminal spine fixed is found in the East Indies, and Æoliscus strigatus with the terminal spine movable is found in southern Japan and southwards.
