On the Life-History of the Slianny (Blennius pliolis L.]. 375 



whereas the pigment on the area in front of the bases has increased. 

 Viewed from the dorsum (Plate XXI, fig. 5) seven distinct pigment- 

 touches are visible, biit the development of the intervening pigment 

 renders them less isolated. Laterally (Plate XXI, fig. 5A) the dorsal 

 touches are separated from the lateral for the most part — except 

 in the case of the last, and a tendency to a V-shaped form is observed 

 in the first three lateral pigment-spots behind the pectorals — the 

 open end of the V being inferior. The second dorsal is in most 

 the higher fin, and the depression between the divisions is marked. 

 All the fins, indeed, are proportionally large at this stage. 



When about 27 or 28 mm long (28*^^ August) the general in- 

 crease of pigment is marked (Plate XXI, figs. 6 and 6A), the bars 

 and touches on the sides being thus rendered less distinct (or less 

 isolated). No large black pigment-specks occur on the pectorals or 

 ventrals. The V-shaped touches or bars under the chin are cons- 

 picuous. The bifid papilla of tha anterior nostril is broader, and the 

 shorter more evident. The cheeks are smooth, and the pigment-cor- 

 puscles affect the outer or anterior aspect of the pectoral rays — 

 not the interradial membrane, and the same occurs in the dorsal and 

 anal fins. Pigment is found only at the base of the caudal. At 

 this stage the pelvic fins are of much greater proportional length than 

 in the adult, the extremities of the rays being long, filiform and 

 flexible, the organ petaining to a pelagic fish, and not yet utilized 

 for Support or progression on the bottom. 



Before the end of September (e. g. the 22 the young shannies 

 (of the lengths given under the date) have the tips of the pelvic fins 

 considerably abbreviated, probably from use on the bottom. This is still 

 more marked in October (7*^ ), and, moreover, injury to these fins would 

 appear to take place not infrequently — • one or both being removed 

 or represented only by a stump. It is interesting that on this date 

 (7*^1' Oct.) small examples also occur with black pigment on the inter- 

 radial membrane of the pectorals. These probably belong to late broods. 



On the 14*^ December a small example about IV4 inches in 

 length was procured in a pool. As seen from above six dark touches 

 occur on the dorsum behind the head, and they are also well-marked 

 in a lateral view of the semi-translucent body. A series of white 

 touches adjoining aid in relieving them; and two or three of the 

 anterior touches have a dark pigment-mass below the white and 

 above the vertebral column — which is outlined by the dark pigment 

 above and below it. The sides of the body have a series of some- 



