TWO-SPOTT'ET) GOBY. 
163 
The hahits of this limited section of the Gobies are amusing 
in no slight degree, as we watch them in a summer’s day 
where the sea is unruffled and the tide flowing gently in, 
while the observer keeps himself still or concealed behind a 
rock; for as these creatures have reason to fear an enemy on 
every side, they shew their apprehension of every unusual 
appearance, by instantly darting into some neighbouring crevice, 
where they lie hid until the danger is passed. 
The two or three species which have been confounded 
together under one common name, may at this time be seen 
floating in scattered groups at mid-water, where they appear 
to enjoy the sunshine, but are ever ready to rush after the 
minute animals that come within their reach, at the same time 
keeping careful watch against being themselves the prey of 
prowling fishes of a larger size. They perhaps may seek 
concealment also at the bottom or among sand, where the 
crevice of a rock or stone is not near; and the mottled ap- 
pearance of their back will tend to aid concealment; but it is 
not their habit to rest on the ground as those species do which 
are of a more heavy form. Nor do they commonly pass into 
a considerable depth of water; and the only exceptions to this 
remark that I have met with among the smaller Gobies, have 
been in the instance of one or two presently to be described 
under the name of Slender Goby, or a kindred species, examples 
of which were obtained from the depth of about forty fathoms, 
in the months of December and February. 
The Doubly-spotted Goby is found on every part of our 
coast suited to its habits, as well in England as in Ireland. 
Nilsson says it is also abundant in the north of Europe, 
except in the Baltic, where it has not been seen. As there 
are two species at least which are met with on our coasts 
that bear the name of Two-spotted Goby, we shall first describe 
that one which we have represented in our engraving under 
that name. 
It seldom reaches two inches and a half in length; the 
general shape compressed, and moderately lengthened. Head, 
before the eyes, short; lower jaw a little protruding. Eyes 
high on the cheek, near each other, and conspicuous. A 
slight channel in front of the dorsal fins; these fins close 
together, and in some examples I find the first ray of the 
