234 ORDER ACANTHOPTERYGII. 



and caudal are united, not, however, until the dorsal 

 is considerably depressed. 



Z, viviparus, Bl. viviparus, L., Bl. 72. A foot 

 long ; fawn-coloured with blackish spots along the 

 dorsal ; from the seas of Europe and throughout the 

 north : it has been long recognized as viviparous. 



Z. labrosus, Cuv. ; Bl. labrosus, Mitch, op. cit. i. 

 1. 7. A much larger American species, which is three 

 feet and more in length ; it is of an olive colour, 

 sprinkled with brown spots. 



Anarrhiciias *, Lin. 



So very similar are these fishes to the blenny, that I 

 would willingly name them blennies without ventrals. 

 The dorsal fin entirely composed of simple, but not 

 stiff rays, commences at the nape of the neck, and 

 extends, as well as the anal, close to that of the tail, 

 which is rounded, as well as the pectorals. Their 

 whole body is smooth and slimy; their palatine bones, 

 vomer, and mandibles are armed with stout bony 

 tubercles, surmounted with small enamelled teeth ; 

 the anterior ones, however, are longer and more 

 conical. This mode of dentition furnishes them with 

 powerful weapons, which, added to their great size, 

 render them ferocious and dangerous. They have six 

 rays to the gills ; the stomach short and fleshy, with 



1 Anarrhiciias, climber, a name invented by Gesner (Parali- 

 pomen. p. 1261.), because this fish is said to climb upon rocks and 

 shoals by the aid of its fins and tail. 



