361 
WORM PIPEFISH. 
Aciis himhriciforwds, WiLLouGHBy; p. 160. 
Synynathus lumhriciforniis, Jejjyjjs; Maniinl, p. 488. 
“ “ Yarrell; Br. Pislje.s, vol. ii, p. 450. 
In its habits this little fish differs from all others of its 
family; and while one of the most common, it also appears to 
be the least numerous; perhaps with the exception of that one 
which is next to be described. Observation seems to shew 
that it is not able to raise itself above the ground; on which 
it creeps in its endeavours to escape being caught, with a 
serpentine motion much like that of the slow-worm. It is 
commonly found near low-water mark, where it seeks shelter 
under a stone, more frequently singly, but sometimes in a 
company of several together. There is no proof that it ever 
goes into the deeper water. In summer the grains of roe are 
found arranged along the under portion of the body of the 
male from the vent forward, as in the other species of this 
section of the family; but not always in very regular order; 
and they are held fast by a rising round each of the skin of 
the parent; but there does not appear to be any organic or 
vascular union between them. 
We copy some interesting observations that were made by 
the Swedish Professor Fries, on the curious phenomena displayed 
in the development of the young of this species; and which 
perhaps may be found to apply to others of this genus or 
family. It appears then that at the time of their escape from 
the egg the tail is covered with a fin-like membrane, which 
extends some way up the back and along the lower surface to 
the vent; and there are also pectoral fins; but subsequently 
these disappear, except that portion which forms the dorsal fin. 
the process appearing to be, that these apparent fins cease to 
VOi.. IV. 3 A 
