Fishes. 529 



Vol. III. p. 478., in reply to a query on the subject in Vol. II. 

 p. 102. In addition to J. TVs (Vol, III. p. 478.) notice of the 

 occurrence, in some individuals, of a tail differing in structure 

 from that usual to the species, I may state, that, in the end of 

 1832, I saw, in an aquarium in Messrs. Loddiges's nursery, 

 Hackney, several gold and silver fishes ; and, amongst them, 

 one (I find I have not noted the colour; but this does not 

 matter) with a double tail-fin ; that is, two fins connate, or 

 apparently connate, at their upper edge: for these, as the fish 

 swam, exhibited the figure of the capital V inverted. Similar 

 instances, I have since been told, are not rare. I have heard 

 it stated that the multiplication of gold and silver fishes is 

 much promoted by the frequent admission of a portion of 

 warm water into their place of residence ; as had been acci- 

 dentally discovered from the refuse water of a huge boiler, 

 in use for some purpose, having been allowed to frequently 

 pass warm into a pond in which gold and silver fishes were 

 then kept. — J. D. 



The Tunny (Scomber Thynnus L.). — This Mediterranean 

 fish is said to occur not unfrequently on the western coast of 

 Scotland. The only specimen, however, which I have heard 

 of was taken in the Gairloch, nearly opposite Greenock, in 

 July, 1831. It had entered the lake in pursuit of herrings, 

 got entangled among the nets, was sent by the fishermen to 

 Glasgow, and is now deposited in the Andersonian Museum. 

 This specimen exceeded the average size, being nine feet in 

 length. — John Scouler, M. D. Glasgow, July 25. 1833. 



The Bonito (Scomber Pelamys L.). — This tropical fish was 

 taken in the Frith of Clyde, in July, 1832. Dr. Fleming 

 mentions, on the authority of Mr. Stewart, that another spe- 

 cimen was taken in the Forth. — Id. 



The Toothed Gilthead (Brama Rail). — This fish is not un- 

 common on the west coast of Scotland ; at least I have seen 

 several individuals from the Frith of Clyde and from the Ar- 

 gyleshire coast. This species appears to be very much an- 

 noyed by intestinal worms. In a specimen which I dissected, 

 about eight or ten worms were found in the muscular texture. 

 They were several inches in length, and of considerable size. 

 Rudolphi says that it is rare to dissect a gilthead in which the 

 white worm (Gymnorhynchus reptans) is not found. — Id. 



The Piper (Trigla lyra). — According to Dr. Pennant this 

 fish is frequently found on the west coast of England ; while 

 Donovan says it is very rare. It is not unfrequently to be 

 seen in the Glasgow market, and fine specimens may be pro- 

 cured, measuring 2 ft. 4 in. in length, and weighing 7 lbs. — 

 Id. Oct. 4. 1833. 



Vol. VI. — No. 36. ■ m 



