BLENNIES. 
393 
figured species (Chirus hexagrammus) being from Japanese waters. In the other 
genera the lateral line is single. 
The fourth family of the group ( Blenniidce) is much more 
Blennies. , . ... J ,, . . 
extensive than either ot the others, comprising a considerable 
number of genera, some of which are rich in species. The family agrees with the 
hairy-backs in the jugular position of the pelvic fins, which, when present at all, 
are composed of a very few soft rays. In the anal fin, the spines are few or 
wanting, and there is very generally a papilla in the neighbourhood of the vent. 
The low and elongate body is more or less cylindrical in form, and either naked or 
covered with scales, which are generally of small size. The dorsal fin, which may 
be either single, double, or triple, occupies nearly the whole length of the back; 
and when it has a distinct spinous portion, this is at least as much developed as the 
soft part, while in some instances the whole fin may be spiny, the anal being 
JAPANESE CHIRUS. 
elongate. In most cases false gills are present. All the marine members of the 
family are littoral forms, and the majority are of small size, while some are among 
the smallest of all fishes. They are abundant throughout all tropical and temperate 
seas 5 and whereas some forms inhabit brackish water, others aie exclusi\ely fresh¬ 
water. Dr. Gunther writes that “ one of the principal characteristics of the 
blennies is the ventral [pelvic] fin, which is formed by less than five rays, and has 
a jugular position. The blennies have this in common with many gadoids [cod 
tribe], and it is sometimes difficult to decide to which of these two families a fish 
should be referred. In such doubtful cases the presence of the pseudobianchiee 
(which are absent in gadoids) may be of assistance. In many blennies the vential 
fins have ceased to have any function, and become rudimentary, or e\ en entiiefiy 
absent. In others, the ventral fins, although reduced to cylindrical stylets, possess 
a distinct function, and are used as organs of locomotion, by the aid of which the 
fish moves over the bottom.” The family is not definitely known in a fossil state, 
although it may be represented by an extinct genus in the Monte Bolca Eocene. 
