19 



THE BLENNIES. 



AcaiithojHeri. 



Blenniidce. 



Blennies are frequently found left by the retiring tide 

 m small pools on the rocky parts of the coast, and are 

 active and vigilant, hiding themselves in small crevices 

 or under seaweed, and remaining concealed till the 

 return of the tide. 



Blennies possess a curious faculty, which was formerly 

 attributed solely to the chameleon, the power of moving 

 their eyes either in unison or independent of each other: 

 thus, they are seen glancing in one direction with one 

 eye, Avhile the other remains motionless, or is turned 

 towards a different point. Blennies, m-asses, suckers, 

 possess this peculiarity in the powers of vision. 



The Shanny, or Smooth Blenny (German : Die Meer- 

 lerche; French : La Blennie pJwlis) rarely exceeds Sin. 

 in length, and is easily distinguished from its con- 

 geners by having no tentacles on the head. It is 

 very active and vivacious, and by help of its ventral 

 fins creeps up the rocks with great facility. It will live 

 for many hours out of water, and is such an adept at 



THE SHANNY, OR SMOOTH BLEXNT (Blennius pJloUs). 



concealing itself, that though so very common, speci- 

 mens are procured with difficulty. It takes up its 



