361 



WORM PIPEFISH. 



Acus Ininlridformis, WiLLOUGiiHy; p. 160. 



Syngnatlias lumhrlcifonnis, Jehyhs; Manual, p 483. 



" Yarrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 450. 



In its habits this little fish differs from all others of its 

 family; and while one of the most common, it also appears to 

 be the least numerous; perhaps with the exception of that one 

 which is next to be described. Observation seems to shew 

 that it is not able to raise itself above the ground; on which 

 it creeps in its endeavours to escape being caught, with a 

 serpentine motion much like that of the slow-worm. It is 

 commonly found near low-water mark, where it seeks shelter 

 under a stone, more frequently singly, but sometimes in a 

 company of several together. There is no proof that it ever 

 goes into the deeper water. In summer the grains of roe are 

 found arranged along the under portion of the body of the 

 male from the vent forward, as in the other species of this 

 section of the family; but not always in very regular order; 

 and they are held fast by a rising round each of the skin of 

 the parent; but there does not appear to be any organic or 

 vascular union between them. 



We copy some interesting observations that were made by 

 the Swedish Professor Fries, on the curious phenomena displayed 

 in the development of the young of this species; and which 

 perhaps may be found to apply to others of this genus or 

 family. It appears then that at the time of their escape from 

 the egg the tail is covered with a fin-like membrane, which 

 extends some way up the back and along the lower surface to 

 the vent; and there are also pectoral fins; but subsequently 

 these disappear, except that portion which forms the dorsal fin, 

 the process appearing to be, that these apparent fins cease to 

 VOL. IV. 3 A 



