68 History Supplements

Since some include the Sea-fox and the Sea-ape among the various types of sharks, I have decided to depict in this section an amphibious monster that resembles a land fox in its features. This creature, according to Gessner’s opinion, is said to be known by the Arabic name *Brethmechi*. It was captured on the island of Java in April 1551, measuring approximately ten cubits long and two and a half cubits high. It was largely reddish in color, though blue in certain areas. Its tail, where it fanned out like a horse’s tail, tended toward a pale blue hue and was dappled with red spots. Its claws appeared almost like those of a lion—or perhaps more like a panther’s—as did its tail, which seemed to resemble a panther’s on account of its spots.