Fishes. 9131 
would-be-murderer. As to the question of this species breeding here, 
I have yet some remarks to make, but must beg to reserve them until 
the approaching summer affords further opportunities for investi- 
gation. 
Henry L. Saxsy. 
Baltasound, Shetland, April 30, 1864. 
Lepidogaster bimaculatus in an Aquarium. 
By W. R. Hueues, Esq., F.L.S. 
Tuis beautiful little creature, which is one of the smallest and most 
interesting of British fishes, offers many important points of attraction 
both to the zoglogist and the marine naturalist. As a tenant of the 
tank it is unrivalled, especially to those who give the preference to 
animals of aroving rather than a sedentary habit, such as the anemones, 
corals and higher forms of radiate life. Its symmetrical form, its 
lively colour, its peculiar motion, and the readiness with which it 
accommodates itself to its new home, specially commend it to the 
attention of the aquarian naturalist. Our present efficient state of the 
aquarium is certainly matter for gratulation, when we read the following 
quaint passage in ‘ Yarrell.’ “ Colonel Montagu obtained the Lepi- 
dogaster bimaculatus, by deep dredging, at Torcross, adhering to 
stones and old shells, and kept some specimens alive for a day or two 
in a glass of sea-water!” Perhaps, as I am quoting from that eminent 
ichthyologist it may be as well to state that he classes the sucking 
fishes under the Cyclopteride, or third family of the sub-brachial 
Malacopterygii, assigning as the characteristics of the genus that “ the 
body is smooth, without scales ; dorsal and anal fins opposite and near 
the tail ; pectoral fins large, descending to the inferior surface of the 
body, and, by an extension of the membrane, surrounding an oval 
disk ; ventral fins united by a membrane, which extends circularly 
under the belly, forming a second concave disk.” 
The external appearance of the little sucking fish is, as Mr. Gosse 
remarks, somewhat tadpole-shaped, but a tadpole conveys but a faint 
idea of the graceful body of my pet. It does not exceed two inches 
in length ; the colour is a delicate pink, slightly speckled ; but this is 
subject to great change, dependent, perhaps, on the passions of the 
fish ; occasionally it may appear yellowish white, while at other times 
it assumes a rich carnation hue. The specific title owes its origin to 
