210 THE BLENNY FAMILY. 



fin was still large, and the dorsal edge of both divisions highly 

 arched. These fins were much more jDigmented than in the 

 younger stages, whereas the breast-fins in the preparation are 

 pale. Moreover the tips of five of the anterior rays are 

 considerably thickened — probably in connection with their 

 functions in progression and sensation. The ventral fins are 

 even stronger than formerly. The two short rays remain in 

 front of the anal. The flap over the lower nasal opening is 

 shorter and seems to be simple, 



In August of the year following, the young slianny attains a 

 length of 66 mm. (Guernsey) to 85 mm. (St Andrews). As they 

 increase in size the teeth become blunt. 



The Gunnel. {Pholis gunnellus, L.) 



Like the viviparous blenny, the gunnel' is characterised by 

 the presence of an unpaired reproductive mass in the form of a 

 median band between the intestine and the roof of the abdomen. 

 Unlike the former, however, the milt of the gunnel is also 

 single. In Day's British Fishes all that is mentioned in regard 

 to the spawning of this form is — " Nilsson states that its .spawn 

 is deposited in November. Mr Peach, however, in June believed 

 he discovered the spawn of this fish at Fowey, in Cornwall." 

 Frequent examination of the reproductive organs showed that 

 the latter observation was incorrect. In May the milt is less 

 prominent than the roe, the latter being the larger organ. The 

 milt, indeed, appears to be in a state of degeneration, large fatty 

 globules and other granules taking the place of the sexual 

 elements. The eggs at this time show great variation in size. 

 Towards the end of November the females, though of small size, 

 present a large, clavate ovary or roe, tapering from the liver in 

 front to a point behind the vent. The eggs are now readily 

 seen by the naked eye, those on the surface being of nearly 

 uniform size, viz. about '043 in. in diameter. Several oil-globules 

 (■012 in. diameter) occur in the larger eggs, and the yolk is 

 opaque — on account of the abundant straw-coloured, almost 



' Mcintosh and Prince, op. cit. p. 676. 



