The head is decorated with bands
of pink, orange and green; the pectoral fins are pale green with a bold
medial stripe of puce, and the tail is a study of blue-green and puce.
When the fish is drawn from the water the colours live, the play of
lights being marvellously lovely. The colours differ, and they also vary
in intensity in individuals. Though the prevailing tint may be radiant
blue, it will be shot with gold in one and with pink in another.
The flesh is edible, though (as is common with parrot fish) not
particularly admirable with regard to flavour. It is wonderful and
beautiful. Are not these qualities all-sufficient? Must everything be
good to eat? To the natives of the island this jewel of the sea is
known as "Oo-ril-ee," and to scientists as belonging to the scaroid
family.
TURTLE GENERALLY
Three species of turtle frequent these waters--the loggerhead
(THALASSOCHELYS CARETTA), the hawksbill (CHELONE IMBRICATA), and the
green (CHELONE MYDAS). Both of the latter are herbivorous and edible;
but the flesh of the first-named, a fish and mollusc eater, is rank and
strong, and it is therefore not hunted, the shell being of little if any
value.
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