45 TELEOSTEI 



Family BLENNIIDAE. The subocular shelf is usually developed. The 

 maxilla contributes to the margin of the protractile mouth. Generally 

 with many dorsal spines, and a distinct caudal fin. The dentition is 

 sometimes very formidable, as in Anarrhichas (Fig. 483). Some genera 

 (Alticus) become adapted to progression on land, and closely resemble the 

 Gobiid Periophthalmus. 



FIG. 481. 

 Blennius vulgaris, Poll., the Blenny. (After Seeley, Freshwater Fishes of Europe.) 



Pterygocephalus, Ag. ; Eocene, Italy. Clinus, Cuv. ; Blennius, Art. 

 (Fig. 481) temperate and tropical seas ; Miocene, Europe. Anarrhiclias, 

 Art. ; Cliasmodes, C. and V. ; Petroscirtcs, Riipp. ; Salarias, Cuv. ; Stichaeus, 

 Kroyer ; Blenniops, Nils. ; Pataecus, Rich. ; Gadopsis, Rich. ; Opistho- 

 centrus, Kner ; Xiphasia, Blk. (Fig. 482) widely distributed, chiefly 

 marine. 



Fio. 482. 

 Xiphasia setifer, S\v. (After Day, Fishes of India.) 



Family PHOLIDIDAE. Differing from the preceding in the absence 

 of a subocular shelf, and of parapophyses on the precaudal vertebrae. 

 Pelvics absent or vestigial. Only spines in the dorsal. The lips are 

 thickened. 



Pholis (Centronotus), Fl. ; Apodickthys, Gir. Northern seas. 



Family ZOARCIDAE. Degenerate forms, separated by Jordan and 

 Evermann from the Gadidae, with which they used to be associated, 

 but from most of which they differ by the possession of a perforate 

 scapula, and usually well developed pseudobranch, and homocercal tail. 



