TWO-SPOTTED GOBY. 163 



The habits of this limited section of the Gobies are amusing 

 in no slight degree, as we watch them in a summer's day 

 where the sea is unruffled and the tide flowing gently in, 

 while the observer keeps himself still or concealed behind a 

 rock; for as these creatures have reason to fear an enemy on 

 every side, they shew their apprehension of every unusual 

 appearance, by instantly darting into some neighbouring crevice, 

 where they lie hid until the danger is passed. 



The two or three species which have been confounded 

 together under one common name, may at this time be seen 

 floating in scattered groups at mid-water, where they appear 

 to enjoy the sunshine, but are ever ready to rush after the 

 minute animals that come within their reach, at the same time 

 keeping careful watch against being themselves the prey of 

 prowling fishes of a larger size. They perhaps may seek 

 concealment also at the bottom or among sand, where the 

 crevice of a rock or stone is not near; and the mottled ap- 

 pearance of their back will tend to aid concealment; but it is 

 not their habit to rest on the ground as those species do which 

 are of a more heavy form. Nor do they commonly pass into 

 a considerable depth of water; and the only exceptions to this 

 remark that I have met with among the smaller Gobies, have 

 been in the instance of one or two presently to be described 

 under the name of Slender Goby, or a kindred species, examples 

 of which were obtained from the depth of about forty fathoms, 

 in the months of December and February. 



The Doubly-spotted Goby is found on every part of our 

 coast suited to its habits, as well in England as in Ireland. 

 Nilsson says it is also abundant in the north of Europe, 

 except in the Baltic, where it has not been seen. As there 

 are two species at least which are met with on our coasts 

 that bear the name of Two-spotted Goby, we shall first describe 

 that one which we have represented in our engraving under 

 that name. 



It seldom reaches two inches and a half in length; the 

 general shape compressed, and moderately lengthened. Head, 

 before the eyes, short; lower jaw a little protruding. Eyes 

 high on the cheek, near each other, and conspicuous. A 

 slight channel in front of the dorsal fins; these fins close 

 together, and in some examples I find the first ray of the 



