THE BLENNIES. 211 



nivorous, subsisting upon larval aquatic insects, worms, 

 crustaceans, etc. 



It must be distinctly understood that there is no 

 affinity whatever between this fish and the Blackfish pro- 

 perly so-called. It should always be called the "River 

 Blackfish" (the "River" being a more essential part of the 

 name than the "Blackfish'') or else the "Slippery"; the 



Fig. 74. RIVER BLACKFISH (Gadopsis marmoratus) . 



latter being, perhaps, more preferable, as it is not likely to 

 create any confusion in the observer's mind. 



The Joey: All of you in New South Wales who have 

 visited the seaside, and have walked along the shoreline 

 among the rock-pools, must have seen that pretty little varie- 

 gated fish the colours of which, harmonise so well with the 

 surrounding rock, and which makes short quick darts from 

 one place to another; instantly, upon coming to a state of 

 rest, being lost to sight ; through its protective colouration. 

 This is the little "J oev -" Some people think that these are 

 little "Flathead," but they have no affinity with the latter. 

 The Joey is very common along a great portion of the 

 New South Wales coast attaining a length of about 4 inches. 



The Oyster Blenny : I have given this title to a very 

 curious little fish (with a cassowary-like helmet on its head), 

 which is very often to be found amongst dead and empty 

 oyster-shells, along the coast of New South Wales. It is 

 of a deep greenish colour, or sometimes blackish. The 

 dorsal fin is very pretty and is very high, a little beyond 

 the middle. 



This little Blenny grows to a length of about 3 inches. 



At any time of the year it may be found frequenting 

 the empty oyster-shells; but, during the spawning season, 

 larger numbers are to be found, as in the shells their 



