164 TWO-SPOTTED GOBY. 



first dorsal the longest, decreasing gradually, in another the 

 second and third ray longer, the rays of these and the anal 

 not bound down, but carrying out the membrane. Second 

 dorsal and anal with the first rays longest, and both these 

 fins equal in length, ending far from the tail. Pectoral fin 

 having rays of nearly equal length, except the two or three 

 lowest rays, which are shorter. Tail slightly round. Ventrals 

 forming a simple oval, with a slight line through the middle. 

 Colour a lively chesnut brown, mottled on the back with 

 some regularity, sometimes with light specks. At the root of 

 the tail a conspicuous, dark, ocellated spot, and another at the 

 side, covered partly by the pectoral fin. Fins usually pale, 

 but sometimes with longitudinal bars. Iris of the eye commonly 

 red. In one specimen the first ray of the second dorsal fin 

 was shorter than the second, and in another it was longer 

 than all besides; and in this example the second dorsal and 

 anal advanced nearer to the tail than in others. These 

 mark a distinction of species; but in this instance they are 

 pointed out to shew the liability of some kinds of Gobies to 

 sport into varieties. 



