P. H. GOSSE, _del._ LEIGHTON, BROS.
FRECKLED GOBY. BUTTERFLY BLENNY.
]
It is therefore with the more satisfaction that I can record the
possession of two specimens, one taken in Weymouth Bay from deep water,
the other among the hanging weeds of this shore. Both were in full
development and high colour, the spot on the fin from which both the
specific and the popular names are derived, strongly marked, so that
I am enabled to give a representation of this interesting fish in its
vivid hues, as it appears in life and health.
The form is thick-set, as is that of the other more common species of
the genus; the forehead is, however, rounded and less abrupt, which
imparts to it a different physiognomy. The fins are ample, with the
exception of the ventrals, which in all this genus consist of two
rays each; the pectorals very large, nearly circular, transparent and
colourless, with pearly rays. The dorsal is divided into two portions,
of which the first is elevated like a tall sail, the first ray standing
up a long way beyond the membrane. Its colour is smoke-brown, deeper at
the summit; towards the hind end of this portion there is a large round
black spot, surrounded by a well-defined pale ring; very conspicuous,
indeed, in my specimens, and strikingly suggestive of the eye-spots in
the wings of many butterflies and moths. As if conscious of its beauty,
the fish travels _with all sail set_, and thus shows its characteristic
mark to advantage.
The body is varied with different hues of brown, black, and grey, the
deeper colours forming transverse bands on the upper parts; while along
each side run two rows of spots of pearly azure, defined by a dark edge.
Just in front of each eye there is a small appendage which looks like
a small horn, with the tip and edge cut into segments; it is but a
projection of the skin. Several other species of the genus have similar
ornaments on various parts of the face and head: I have no conception
of their use in the economy of the tribe.