ae The Blennies: Blenniidxe 
occurs in Formosa. In this species, alone of the sand-lances, 
the ventral fins are retained. These are jugular in position, 
as in the Zoarcide, and the rays are I, 3. The discovery of 
this species makes it necessary to separate the Ammodytide 
and Bieekeriide widely from the Percesoces, and especially from 
the extinct families of Crossognathide and Cobitopside with which 
its structure in other regards has led Woodward, Boulenger, and 
the present writer to associate it. 
Although an alleged sand-lance, Rhynchias septipinnis, with 
ventral fins abdominal, was described a century ago by Pallas, 
mo one has since seen it, and it may not exist, or, if it exists, it 
may belong among the Percesoces. The relation of Ammodytes 
to Embolichthys is too close to doubt their close relationship. 
According to Dr. Gill the Ammodytide belong near the Heme- 
rocetide. 
The Pearlfishes: Fierasferide.—In the little group of pearl- 
fishes, called Fuerasferide or Carapide, the body is eel-shaped 
Fig. 644.—Pearlfish, Fierasfer dubius Putnam, embedded in a layer of mother-of- 
pearl. La Paz, Lower California. (Photograph by Capt. M. Castro.) 
with a rather large head, and the vent is at the throat. Numer- 
ous species of Fierasfer (Carapus) are found in the warm seas. 
These little fishes enter the cavities of sea-cucumbers (Holo- 
thurians) and other animals which offer shelter, being frequently 
taken from the pearl-oyster. In the Museum of Comparative 
