204 NATURAL HISTORY IFishes. 



Species 3. — The Viviparous Blenny. 



Guffer or Eelpout, Sib. Scot. 25. Mustela vivipara Schonveldii, IVil. Icth. 

 122. Rail Syn. Pise. 69- Blennius viviparus, Lin. Si/s. 443. Brit. Zool. 

 172, tab. \0,Jig. 1. Ore. Greenbone. 



Found, with others of the genus, under stones, tang, &c. 

 at the low water-mark, in great numbers, from six inches to 

 ten in length, but the thickness scarce proportionable, having 

 an eel-like form ; hence, I suppose, the name Eelpout. 



It is not so coarse as the other blennies ; the fish tastes much 

 better, and fatter ; the back-bone is a most beautiful green, 

 which gives it its Orkney name. 



The colour on the back is a dirty yellow, clouded with brown 

 and black ; the sides lighter, and more inclined to greenish ; 

 the belly whitish ; the back-fin spotted. 



The pectoral fins are broad, and rounded at the end ; the 

 ventral fins in this, as well as the rest of the genus, small and 

 pointed ; the anal begins at the vent, and runs to, and unites 

 with the tail ; the colour yellow. 



The tail is small, ends in a point something similar to that of 

 an eel. 



Contrary to the nature of other fishes, these bring forth their 

 young alive, and ready to perform every function for the pre- 

 servation of life. When I first observed this, I put a number 

 of the small fishes in a tumbler-glass of sea water, and kept 

 them alive for many days, changing the water every tide. 



