PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF FISH. 29 



specimens of which may be seen in most museums 

 and curiosity collections. 



Gobiidoe. The Gobies. 



Carnivorous fishes, living at the bottom, in fresh 

 and salt waters of temperate and tropical regions. 

 Gobius giuris is a very common Indian Example. 



Bleniidce. The Blennies. 



Are a most ferocious lot of little fishes ; they reside 

 mostly on or near the bottom, and include the Sea 

 Wolf, the Shanny, Jumper-fish, etc. ; some of the 

 species are remarkable for producing then young 

 alive, and not depositing eggs. 



Acronuridce. 



Herbivorous fishes, found in tropical seas, the tail 

 is usually provided with a sharp spine. 



Nandidce. 



Carnivorous fishes, of which the sub -family Nan- 

 dina, including the genera Badis, Nandus, and Cato- 

 pra, inhabit the fresh waters of the East Indies. 



Labyrinthici. 



Fresh waters of the East Indies, and South Africa. 



These fishes are remarkable for the length of time 

 they are able to live without water, their gills being 

 especially adapted to breathe the air direct. Even 

 when in water they are obliged to ascend to the sur- 

 face constantly to breathe, otherwise they are soon 

 drowned. Anabas scandeus, and Trichogaster fasciatus 

 are common Indian examples. 



