204 NATURAL HISTORY [Fishes. 



Species 3. The Viviparous Blenny. 



Guffer or Eelpout, Sib. Scot. 25. Mustela vivipara Schonveldii, Wil. Icth. 

 122. Rail Syn. Pise. 69. Blennius viviparus, Lin. Sys. 443. Brit. Zool. 

 172, tab. 10, jig. 1. Ore. Greenbone. 



FOUND, with others of the genus, under stones, tang, &c. 

 at the low water-mark, in great numbers, from six inches to 

 ten in length, but the thickness scarce proportionable, having 

 an eel-like form ; hence, I suppose, the name Eelpout. 



It is not so coarse as the other blennies ; the fish tastes much 

 better, and fatter ; the back-bone is a most beautiful green, 

 which gives it its Orkney name. 



The colour on the back is a dirty yellow, clouded with brown 

 and black ; the sides lighter, and more inclined to greenish ; 

 the belly whitish ; the back-fin spotted. 



The pectoral fins are broad, and rounded at the end ; the 

 ventral fins in this, as well as the rest of the genus, small and 

 pointed ; the anal begins at the vent, and runs to, and unites 

 with the tail ; the coleur yellow. 



The tail is small, ends in a point something similar to that of 

 an eel. 



Contrary to the nature of other fishes, these bring forth their 

 young alive, and ready to perform every function for the pre- 

 servation of life. When I first observed this, I put a number 

 of the small fishes in a tumbler-glass of sea water, and kept 

 them alive for many days, changing the water every tide. 



