158 PAGANELLUS. 



it is more abundant in the Mediterranean, and even so far 

 south as Madeira. 



In addition to the comparative description of this species we 

 have already given, it is to be observed, that in one of two 

 examples sent to me, the rays of the first dorsal fin were of 

 very great length, the fourth of them (which was the longest) 

 extending to the fourth ray of the second dorsal, — a particular 

 Avhich appears to have existed also in the specimen of which 

 a figure is given by Willoughby, as referred to above, but in 

 either case it seems to be of no usual frequency. 



The uncertainty or confusion which has existed among 

 eminent naturalists in regard to the Paganellus, is; singularly 

 shewn by comparing the description given by E.isso, with that 

 which is found in the work of Lacepede, to which the former 

 writer refers without apparent hesitation. E,isso describes the 

 tail of this fish as elongated in the middle, while Lacepede 

 is careful to say that it is nearly straight. In our own examples 

 the shape is as represented by Lacepede, or but slightly more 

 round. As a further mark of distinction. Dr. Gunther says 

 there are fifteen or sixteen longitudinal rows of scales between 

 the second dorsal and anal fins. 



I have not found an example to exceed about four inches 

 in length. The general proportions much like those of the 

 Rock Goby, but the fins appear more extended, and the 

 pectorals especially longer; the anal not passing so far back as 

 the second dorsal. The scales small, but well marked. General 

 colour dull yellow, mottled with brown, and with brown lines 

 radiating from the eyes, but in this particular liable to variation. 

 First dorsal fin with six rays; the border white, with successive 

 bands of blue and pink. Second dorsal with fifteen rays, with 

 two equal bands of blue and pink. Anal with twelve rays, 

 and, in one example I counted ten; blue, with a white border. 



