The Descent of Man

tish Fishes,' vol. ii. 1836, p. 416, with an excellent
figure, and pp. 422, 432.) As the rays are
bold, strong and voracious fish, we may suspect
that the males require their sharp teeth for
fighting with their rivals; but as they possess
many parts modified and adapted for the prehension
of the female, it is possible that their
teeth may be used for this purpose.
In regard to size, M. Carbonnier (11. As quoted
in 'The Farmer,' 1868, p. 369.) maintains that the
female of almost all fishes is larger than the
male; and Dr. Gunther does not know of a single
instance in which the male is actually larger
than the female. With some Cyprinodonts the
male is not even half as large. As in many kinds
of fishes the males habitually fight together, it
is surprising that they have not generally become
larger and stronger than the females
through the effects of sexual selection. The males
suffer from their small size, for according to
M. Carbonnier, they are liable to be devoured