SPINED LOACH. 73 



posterior portion of the head of the Weever. A figure of this 

 fish obtained by myself from nature appears to be too small to 

 afiEbrd a satisfactory likeness; and therefore we borrow a copy 

 from Bloch, of what appears to be the usual size of the fish. 

 Nor does a lengthened descrij)tion appear necessary in order 

 to distinguish it from the unarmed species already described. 

 It is relatively of a more slender form, as is implied in the 

 trivial name of Tcenia, or the Tape; but the situation of the 

 fins and barbs is the same. The fins are a little smaller and 

 narrower, the barbs scarcely so long, and the snout is slightly 

 more projected. The sharp and doubly-pointed spine, which 

 forms the principal character of this fish, is a ready mark of 

 distinction, but it is to be remarked that it may lie so closely 

 pressed down as not to be readily discerned. 



Doubly-pointed spine. 



VOL. IV. 



