THE BLENNIES. 



21 I 



nivorous, subsisting' upon larval aquatic insects, worms, 

 crustaceans, etc. 



It must be distinctly understood that there is no 

 affinity whatever between this fish and the Blackfish pro- 

 perly so-called. It should always be called the "River 

 Blackfish" (the "River" being a more essential part of the 

 name than the "Blackfish'') or else the "Slippery"'; the 



Fit:. 74. RIVER BLACKFISH (Gadopsia marmoratns). 



latter being, perhaps, more preferable, as it is not likely to 

 create any confusion in the observer's mind. 



The Joey: All of you in New South Wales who have 

 visited the seaside, and have walked along the shoreline 

 among the rock-pools, must have seen that pretty little varie- 

 gated fish the colours of which, harmonise so well with the 

 surrounding rock, and which makes short quick darts from 

 one place to another; instantly, upon coming to a state of 

 rest, being lost to sight ; through its protective colouration. 

 This is the little "Joey." Some people think that these are 

 little "Flathead," but they have no affinity with the latter. 

 The Joey is very common along a great portion of the 

 New South Wales coast attaining a length of about 4 inches. 



The Oyster Blenny : I have given this title to a very 

 curious little fish (with a cassowary-like helmet on its head), 

 which is very often to be found amongst dead and empty 

 oyster-shells, along the coast of New South Wales. It is 

 of a deep greenish colour, or sometimes blackish. The 

 dorsal fin is very pretty and is very high, a little beyond 

 the middle. 



This little Blenny grows to a length of about 3 inches. 



At any time of the year it may be found frequenting 

 the empty oyster-shells ; but, during the spawning season, 

 larger numbers are to be found, as in the shells their 



