queer and rare fishes of new zealand

... from THE QUEER AND RARE FISHES OF NEW ZEALAND BY ARTHUR W. PARROTT

THE INFAMOUS RIBBONFISH - agrostichthys parkeri.

Each fish is born printed with a musical score, the complexity of which gradually evolves with age. The perforated ribbonfish can be coiled up and fed into the barrel of a player piano, as was popular in the late 19th century thus bringing about the species' near extinction. The ribbonfish dislikes dissonance and in general a ribbonfish tune will be simple and catchy like a nursery rhyme.