BLENNIIFORMES 



461 



Division 2. Pediculati. The scapula and coracoid are lengthened 

 and project outwards, and the two or three elongated radials loosely 

 articulated with them ; a more or less prominent and jointed or genicu- 

 lated lobe is thus formed by the base of the pectoral fin. Although the 



Fie. 48V. 

 Ogcocephalus vespertilio, L. Dorsal view. (From Jordan and Evermann.) 



opercular bones remain large, the branchial opening is reduced to a pore, 

 generally behind the attachment of the pectoral. The caudal fin is well 

 developed, the tail as a rule not lengthened, and the anal and soft dorsal 

 fins short. The spinous dorsal becomes peculiarly modified into one or 

 more separate spines extending on to the snout. Here the anterior spine 



Fig. 48S. 

 Ogcocephalus vespertilio, L. Anterior view. (From Jordan and Evermann.) 



is developed into a movable lure, often with a fleshy terminal appendage, 

 which can be dangled in front of the mouth (Fig. 489). Branching fleshy 

 outgrowths simulating seaweed, etc., are often distributed over the body. 

 So- strangely modified is the structure of these fish that they are often 

 placed in a separate sub-order ; they appear, however, to be merely 

 specialised Blenniiformes. 



