264 FISHES. 



ecus ; Blenniops, Zoarccs (not in Mediterranean) ; Cepola ; 

 Lepadogastei'. 



Of the Anacantliini the Gadoids are as numerous as in 

 the Arctic Ocean, most being common to both districts; 

 they are represented by Gadus, Gadiculus, Merluccius, Phycis, 

 Molva, Motella, Pianiceps, and Brosmius ; but, whilst the 

 majority show their northern origin by not extending into 

 the Mediterranean, Anwiodijtes and most Pleuronectidce. prove 

 themselves to be the more southern representatives of this 

 order. In the British district we find HijJiwglossus, Hiipijo- 

 glossoides, Bhombus, Phry7ior]wml)us, Plcuroncdes, Solea, and 

 only the two first are not met with in the Mediterranean. 



Labroids are common ; with the exception of the North 

 American Tautoga, all the other genera are met with. 



Physostomes are not well represented, viz. by one species 

 of Osmerus, one of Engraiilis, one of Conger, and about five of 

 Clupea. 



Syngnathiis and Nerophis become more common as we 

 proceed southwards; but the existence of Scleroderms and 

 Plectognaths is indicated by single individuals only, stragglers 

 from their southern home, and unable to estal)lish them- 

 selves in a climate ungenial to them. 



The Gadoids are accompanied by Myxine ; and Branchio- 

 stoma may be found in all suitable localities. 



2. The Mediterranean district is distinguished by a great 

 variety of forms ; yet, with the exception of a few genera 

 established for single species, none of the forms can be con- 

 sidered peculiar to it; and even that small number of 

 peculiar genera is more and more diminished as our know- 

 ledge of the distribution of fislies advances. Some genera 

 are identical with those found on the western coasts of the 

 Atlantic and in the West Indies ; but a most remarkable 

 and unexpected affinity obtains with another very distant 



