On the Life-Histoiy of the Shanny (Blennius pholis L.). 373 



the 12^^ August tlie smallest is 19 mm in leugth. It differs from 

 the adult in coloration, proportional length and shape of fins, greater 

 size and more evident Separation of the eyes, in the simple papilla 

 of the anterior nostrils and in the more slender and elongated body. 

 At this stage the general coloration is pale greenish intensified here 

 and there with black pigment-specks (Plate XXI, figs. 3 and 3A), 

 the head being most variegated in this respect. Viewed from the 

 dorsum (fig. 3) a conspicuous area of dark pigment occurs over 

 the brain, whilst on each side of the dorsal fin — nearly throughout 

 its anterior two thirds — is a row of bold black pigment-specks. 

 At the anterior edge of the fin is a well-marked patch of small 

 pigment-grains, and two others follow at intervals, so that a character 

 is given to the dorsum. In some these specks are less developed 

 according to the respective age and advancement. In lateral view 

 (fig. 3A) the dilferentiation just mentionedis less visible. A less destinct 

 row of black specks runs on each side of the anal fin, and a few extend 

 upwards on the sides, but at this early stage they form no definite bands. 

 A few scattered black specks appear on the lips and cheeks — especially 

 in front of the pectorals, and brownish touches occur on the operculum 

 and in the iris. The pectoral fins are faintly greenish in front (externally), 

 but internally (posteriorly) they are boldly marked with black specks 

 which form rows along the interradial membrane, and give a character- 

 istic aspect to the organs. These pigment-specks are largest at the 

 base of the fin — smaller and more numerous distally, though in 

 some a few large specks are continued to the tip. As the fish at 

 this stage is more or less pelagic in the littoral pools, or even with 

 a wider ränge when the tide is füll, this pigment falls into the same 

 category as the bright yellow of the ventral fins of the young ling 

 and the black pigment on the same fins in the young rockling. In 

 the shanny the ventral fins show two rows of similar black pigment- 

 specks — also in the inter-radial membrane, and likewise on their 

 posterior faces. The papilla or Aap of the anterior nostril has a 

 shorter broader portion and a longer filiform process ; and the posterior 

 border of the pre-operculum has three papillae resembling spines. Para- 

 sitic Caligi frequent the posterior surface of the pectorals and other 

 parts at this stage. 



Occasionally, when only 1 mm. longer (on the same date, viz 12"^ 

 August) a decided charge in coloration ensues. All the black pigment 

 has disappeared from the interradial membrane of the pectorals. The 

 ventral aspect is pale with the exception of a few indistinct black 



