34 CATECHISM OF 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Of Prickly -finned Thoracic Fisfi. 



Q. Enumerate the principal genera of prickly 

 finned thoracic fish. 



A. The genera best known and most deserving 

 of attention are, 1. Gobius ; 2. Coryphsena; 3. 

 Scomber; 4. Perca; 5. Mullus; 6. Trigla; 7. Cot- 

 tus ; 8. Gasterosteus ; 9. Scorprcna. 



Q. Are there many species of the Gobius ? 



A. The genus Gobius contains eight species, 

 but Gobius Niger and Gobius Coeruleus are all 

 that demand particular attention. 



Q. Describe Gobius Niger. 



A. Gobius Niger or the common Goby, is a 

 native of the Mediterranean, and is usually about 

 six inches in length; its head is rather large, 

 body slender, colour dusky, and the fins of a pale 

 blue. It is but little esteemed as food. 



Q. Is the Cseruleus a remarkable Species ? 



A. Gobius Cseruleus, or the blue Goby} is small 

 but exceedingly beautiful, its general colour being 

 a fine blue, the tail red,, with a black border. It 

 is common on the eastern coast of Africa $ and, 

 from the brilliancy of its colours, it appears, 



