OVO-VIVIPAROUS FISHES. 63 



The second, or Viviparo-acotyledonous method, 

 in which the ova undergo a development, more or 

 less complete, in the oviduct of the parent, is not 

 very uncommon in osseous fishes ; though its several 

 examples seem far from being ascertained, and no 

 full enumeration of them has, so far as we know, 

 been attempted. We shall therefore specify a few. 

 In Cuvier's Tenth family, that with labyrinthiform 

 pharyngeals, in the genus Osphronemus^ we find the 

 well knowTi Goramy (Gourami), so highly prized as 

 food, appertaining to this category. In the Annales 

 Marltimes et Colonieles, 1827, we are informed that 

 three young goramies were made the subject of 

 examination by competent persons in the French 

 colony of Guadaloupe. From the largest, which did 

 not reach tvv^o inches in length, the vesicle contain- 

 ing the young was removed, and, with the aid of a 

 lens, the young fishes were perfectly perceptible 

 through the transparent vesicle which contained 

 them. With the help of a lancet, ten distinct and 

 well formed diminutive fishes were taken, and sur- 

 vived the operation, swimming about in the plate 

 which contained them for half an hour. In the 

 other two specimens, which were still smaller, the 

 ova were not so far advanced, but still w^ere quite 

 distinct. The fecundity of this fish is said to be 

 astonishing. (Zool. Journ. iv.312.) Cuvier's Twelfth 

 family, however — that of the Gobioidas — is the one 

 which is by far the most celebrated for this pecu- 

 liarity, so interesting as it regards structure, instinct, 

 and habits ; and is pre-eminent in the genus Clinus, 



