SMOOTH BLENNY, ETC. 55 



the surface of the water. This is an arrangement 

 which I would strongly recommend to be adopted in 

 other tanks; for not only is the variety and beauty 

 of the whole thereby materially improved, but a sort 

 of bank, if I may so speak, is afforded to such of the 

 occupants as occasionally like to leave the water and 

 bask in the open air. There are few animals that 

 exhibit a greater readiness to avail themselves of this 

 privilege than the Blenny a curious little fish, that 

 soon contrives to make itself a genuine favourite with 

 his master. The Blenny is indeed, both from viva- 

 city and intelligence, deserving of more consideration 

 than it would appear, judging from the scanty space 

 devoted to it in professedly zoological works, to have 

 hitherto received. 



The Blenny, or, as it is variously termed, Shanny, 

 or Tansy, occurs in great numbers in the rocky pools 

 on our shores. It is the Sticklebat, or Tittlebat, of 

 the fresh- water pond the little fish that boys capture 

 in scores, by means of a worm and pin attached to a 

 bit of thread. The Blenny varies from two to three 

 inches in length. The back is ornamented with ex- 

 quisite markings, but the most characteristic feature 

 is the brilliant crimson dot both on and immediately 

 beneath either eye. 



It is a very timid creature, and although, as will 

 presently appear, able to overcome this nervousness 

 when tamed, great caution is required in its capture. 

 When desirous to procure a specimen, it is best to 

 choose as small a pool as you can for your hunt. 



