Volume 27, Plate III / Ichthyology (Fish)

Short Sun-Fish

Orthagoriscus mola

A fish whose fin-rays stretch round the whole posterior part, acting in place of a tail, taken occasionally on these coasts and named for both its shape and the brightness of its skin. Little is known of its manners, though it is reported to lie and perhaps sleep with the head out of water, to keep near the bottom feeding on sea-weeds, and to make powerful but awkward attempts to escape when taken.