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This is the only fish in the order Syngnathiformes which defies the general
rule of ' father turn mother ‘, since the incubation of eggs takes place in the
so called brood pouch of the female described above.
(10) BARRACUDAS
Barracudas, also called Sea-pikes, are represented in waters of
Maharashtra by three species viz. Sphyraena acutipinnis, S. jello and S.
obtusata, belonging to the family Sphyraenidae. Of these, S. obtusata, the
striped barracuda, is known to grow to a length of 6 feet and weight of 100
pounds.
In some parts of the world, particularly in Florida and West Indies, the
barracudas arc more dreaded than sharks, because they are not only
ferocious but are liable to attack human beings without any provocation.
The barracudas have powerful jaws, armed with strong dagger like teeth.
Barracudas, in general, are voracious eaters, their food consisting mainly
of smaller fishes of all types.
They are readily taken on rod and line and are considered good food-
fishes, except that there is a certain prejudice against eating them in
certain seasons, when the flesh has an ill reputation of being poisonous.
(11) DOLPHIN FISH
Dolphin fish or the ‘ dorado’,Coryphaena hippurus, an oceanic fish with
world wide distribution, is the only species known of the- family
Coryphaenidae. The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a
curiously shaped head provided with a vertically cutting edge in front. The
dorsal fin is long extending from the nape to the tail, The fish has brilliant
colour when fresh, the back being emerald green dotted with brilliant blue
spots, dorsal fin purple with light-coloured stripes, the belly golden and
the tail yellow.
FAUNA 108