Fig. 222.—Scale from the lateral line of Hemerocœtes acanthorhynchus, with lacerated margin.
Fig. 223.—Chirus hexagrammus, from Japan.
Small shore-fishes, characteristic of the fauna of the Northern Pacific, some of the species occurring on the American as well as Asiatic side. They have been referred to several genera, as
Chirus, which is distinguished by the presence of several lateral lines;
Ophiodon, with one lateral line only, cycloid scales, and slightly armed præoperculum;
Agrammus, with one lateral line only, ctenoid scales, and unarmed præoperculum; and
Zaniolepis, with one lateral line and minute comb-like scales.
Fourth Family—Blenniidæ.
Body elongate, low, more or less cylindrical, naked or covered with scales, which generally are small. One, two, or three dorsal fins occupying nearly the whole length of the back, the spinous portion, if distinct, being as much developed as the soft, or more; sometimes the entire fin is composed of spines; anal fin long. Ventrals jugular, composed of a few rays, and sometimes rudimentary or entirely absent. Pseudobranchiæ generally present.