19 

 THE BLENNIES. 



AcrnxUioptcri. Blenniidce. 



Blennies are freq[nently foniid left by tlie retiring tide 

 in small pools on the rocky p^-ts of the coast, and are 

 active and vigilant, hiding themselves in small crevices 

 or under seaweed, and remaining concealed till the 

 return of the tide. 



Blennies possess a curious faculty, which was formerty 

 attributed solely to the chameleon, the power of moving 

 their eyes either in unison or independent of each other: 

 thus, they are seen glancing in one dii*ection with one 

 eye, while the other remains motionless, or is turned 

 towards a different point. Blennies, ^Tasses, suckers, 

 possess this peculiarity in the powers of vision. 



The Slianny, or Smooth Blenny (German : Die Meer- 

 lerche ; French: La Blennie jjlwlis) rarely exceeds 5in. 

 in length, and is easily distinguished from its con- 

 geners by having no tentacles on the head. It is 

 very active and vivacious, and by \ie\j) of its ventral 

 fins creeps up the rocks with great facility. It will live 

 for many hours out of water, and is such an adept at 



THE SHANNT, OR SMOOTH BLENNY {BleillUUS plloUs). 



concealing itself, that though so very common, speci- 

 mens are procured with difficulty. It takes up its 



