Generally the body is more or less lengthened, somewhat flattened on the summit of the head, and along the back: the mouth is commonly large, and frequently armed with formidable teeth. The intestine is short, and destitute of cæca; the swimming bladder is present.
About a hundred and twenty species constitute this Family; few of which are European. They are scattered, however, over the waters of both hemispheres; some are inhabitants of lakes and rivers, many are oceanic, and most are marine. They fall into two subordinate groups, Pikes and Flying-fishes.
1. Belonina. In this group, containing the Pikes, Gar-fishes, &c., the pectorals are of small size; the body is more or less lengthened; the muzzle much developed, either in breadth or length; the mouth widely cleft, and armed with numerous teeth. Great voracity is characteristic of these fishes. Beside the Pike, presently to be noticed, the most interesting forms in this division are the Gar-fishes (of which the British seas present three examples), remarkable for their lengthened eel-shaped bodies, and the excessive prolongation of one or both of their jaws into slender horny spears. Another singular genus is Stomias, whose widely cleft mouth is set with sharp and curved teeth, so enormously long, that when the mouth is shut, they project above and below, like immense tusks. In other respects also this is a curious form.
2. Exocœtina. Here the body is herring-shaped, but broader on the back: the pectorals are greatly enlarged, as are frequently the other fins also: the mouth is small, obliquely cleft; the teeth few
