. Carnegie Institution of Washington publication. 12 CHIM^ROID FISHES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT. in Chimaera. In the water the moving fish gives one the impression that its pec- toral fins are too large for its body ; they stand out prominently, and from their transparency they remind one strongly of those of some specialized teleost, such as a gurnet or a flying-fish. In figures (figs, i and 2), re])roduccd from photographs, the transparency of the pectoral fins is indicated, though we gain little idea of their delicacy and beauty. They are well supplied with blood, which passes through the trans
. Carnegie Institution of Washington publication. 12 CHIM^ROID FISHES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT. in Chimaera. In the water the moving fish gives one the impression that its pec- toral fins are too large for its body ; they stand out prominently, and from their transparency they remind one strongly of those of some specialized teleost, such as a gurnet or a flying-fish. In figures (figs, i and 2), re])roduccd from photographs, the transparency of the pectoral fins is indicated, though we gain little idea of their delicacy and beauty. They are well supplied with blood, which passes through the transparent fins in delicate vessels arranged parallel with the fin rays and sometimes gives the fin a rosy tinge. COLORS. C/iijiia-i-a collide of which an immature sjiecimen is pictured in |_)late xl shows lustrous colors when taken from the water. Its ground tone is silver, but at every movement it reflects metallic hues—brass, copper, and gold. Its snout is trans-. Fig. 2.—Photograph of living Chimaera colliei. This shows the pectoral fins extended on either side of the body at the time of the down stroke of the fin. The pelvic fins stand out on either side apron-like, showing clearly their light-colored anterior border. In this position the spotting of the back is conspicuous. In lateral view (cf. fig. 1 ) the spots can scarcely be seen. lucent, its optic cup is luminous, refracting pale greenish-blue, its iris brassy, and on head and trunk are tinges of rose, cobalt, pale-green, and madder. Out of water, however, its brilliant tones soon fade, and its delicate, scaleless skin blotches and dries. In the aquarium, as one could naturally expect, the fish fails to show much of its metallic luster, but, on the other hand, its pigments appear to greater advantage. Its back region is dark umber, through which pass, as the fish changes position, shades of olive and rose-madder. Its ventral region and fin bases are white, the fins themselves translucent and even transparent. In the
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