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Jack knife-fish, Equetus lanceolatus
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Jack knife-fish, Equetus lanceolatus
Jack knife-fish, Equetus lanceolatus (Knight fish, Eques americana). Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from George Shaw and Frederick Nodders The Naturalists Miscellany, London, 1802
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Media ID 23196344
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Americana Frederick Jack Knight Lanceolatus Miscellany Naturalists Nodder Polydore Shaw Eques
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This exquisitely detailed hand-colored copperplate engraving depicts the Jack Knife-fish, Equetus lanceolatus, also known as the Knight fish or Eques americanus. The illustration was drawn and engraved by the renowned natural history artist, Richard Polydore Nodder, and published in George Shaw and Frederick Nodder's The Naturalist's Miscellany in London, 1802. The Jack Knife-fish is a unique and fascinating species of tropical fish, native to the western Atlantic Ocean. It derives its name from its distinctive body shape and ability to move in a 'jackknife' motion, allowing it to quickly change direction and evade predators. The fish is characterized by its elongated, slender body, which is flattened on both sides and adorned with sharp, bony projections. Its dorsal and pectoral fins are modified into long, flat plates, resembling knives, which it uses to navigate through the sandy bottoms of its habitat. The Jack Knife-fish is an important species in the marine ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the food chain. Its diet consists mainly of small invertebrates and crustaceans, which it locates using its highly sensitive lateral line system. This system allows the fish to detect even the slightest vibrations in the water, enabling it to detect and capture prey with remarkable precision. This beautiful illustration not only showcases the intricate details of the Jack Knife-fish's anatomy but also highlights the exceptional skill of the artist, Richard Polydore Nodder, and the advanced techniques of copperplate engraving and hand-coloring used during the early 19th century. It is a testament to the fascination and appreciation for the natural world that existed during this period and continues to inspire us today.
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