NATURAL HISTORY. 



45 T 



Family II. Myxinidse. 

 MYXINE (Gr. Mu^tvof, from fj-vga, slime.) 



Glutinosa (Lat. glutinous), the Myxine or Glutinous Hag-fish. 



The MYXINE, which, although a decided fish, was classed 

 by Linnaeus among the worms, occurs frequently on the eastern 

 coast of this country. The fishermen find it within the bodies 

 of fish attached to the lines. The Scarborough fishermen call 

 such fish " robbed," as the Myxine, in the course of a single 

 tide, will devour the whole fish, except the skin and bones. 

 It is usually found in the body of the cod. 



It is quite blind, but is supposed to derive considerable aid 

 from the eight barbules ranged round its mouth. Six indi- 

 viduals have been found in the body of a single haddock. 



Along the under surface of the body are two rows of pores, 

 from which the Myxine is enabled to throw out a most copious 

 gelatinous secretion, apparently for the purpose of escape from 

 its enemies. The length of the Myxine is from twelve to 

 fifteen inches. 



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