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The dragonets belonging to the family Callionymidae are represented in
waters of Maharashtra by a single species Callionymus sagitta. It is mostly
inhabitant of shallow bays and is brightly variegated in colour. Its head is
flat and body is scaleless. There is sexual dimorphism in this fish, the
males having first dorsal ray more elongated than in the females. The
preopercle is armed with 5 strong spines which are said to be venomous.
(38) SURGEON FISHES
The surgeon fishes are represented in our waters by a single species
Acanthurus gahm belonging to the family Acanthuridae. It is characterised
by the presence of a lance-like, sharp movable spine on each side of the
caudal peduncle.
When the fish is excited, the spine or the surgeon's knife, which is
pointing forward, is extended out at right angles to the body and with
lashing movements of the tail, it inflicts a deep and painful wound.
(39) MARINE NEONS, STAR GAZERS AND
DOCTOR FISHES
The fishes belonging to the family Labridae, represented in the waters of
Maharashtra are Platyglossus dussumieri — the parrot fish, Callyodon
jasciatus — the giant parrot fish, Fissilabrus dimidiatus — the delicate
marine neon fish also known as Doctor Fish which has brilliant colours,
and the star-gazer Ichthyoscopus lebeck. The star- gazer aquired this
popular name on account of its habit of remaining buried in the sand with
only the eyes and mouth protruding above, lying all the time at the bottom
of the sea as if to gaze at the stars above. This habit has resulted in certain
structural modifications such as the month becoming almost dorsal in
position and the eyes, instead of being on the sides, have shifted to the top
of the head. The star-gazer is also endowed with venom apparatus, which
consists of two shoulder spines with venom glands attached to them.
Besides, it has electric organs, in the form of two oval areas behind the
FAUNA 127