Google Wave: Up and Running

Colophon

The fish on the cover of Google Wave: Up and Running are flying gurnards (Dactylopterus volitans), alternatively called “helmet gurnards” for their bony heads. The fish vary in color from brown to olive green, with irregular blue or yellow spots. Not to be confused with flying fish, this species does not glide or leap above the surface of the water. The flying gurnard is a tropical fish common to sandy, near-shore areas, and can be found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, ranging as far north as New Jersey and the English Channel.

The flying gurnard is named for its distinctively large pectoral fins, which appear wing-like as it moves through the water. The fish looks relatively normal when calm; when alarmed, however, it fans out its semitransparent “wings,” which are marked with phosphorescent bright blue streaks and spots that serve to scare away predators.

A bottom dweller, the flying gurnard uses its spiny pelvic fins to walk along the ocean floor and hunt for the crustaceans and small invertebrates that make up its diet. Its name is derived from the French grognard (“grumbler”), referring to the grunting sound this fish makes when caught. Although a bit bland, the flying gurnard is edible, with firm white flesh perfect for frying, baking, or poaching.

The cover image is from Wood’s Animate Creations. The cover font is Adobe ITC Garamond. The text font is Linotype Birka; the heading font is Adobe Myriad Condensed; and the code font is LucasFont’s TheSansMonoCondensed. ...