69 



THE FISHES OF BANFFSHIEE. 



BY MR. THOMAS EDWARD. 



(Continued from page i.J " 



The Freckled or SjDotted Goby. {Gobius minutus.) This is another stomach 

 species ; as also the Double Spotted Goby, {G. Ruthersparri,) which appears 

 to be the rai'est of the three. 



The Gemmeous Dragonet. {OalUonymus lyra.) This splendidly coloured 

 fish is frequently met with ; and the so-called Sordid Dragonet (C dracun- 

 culus) is found in about equal number ; for, it is a general maxim, that 

 jv'here the husband is, there should the wife be also. It is somewhat 

 strange, and not a little curious, that ichthyologists of this enlightened age 

 should still cling to the idea that these fish are distinct species. I wish no 

 man to adopt my opinions, either on this or any other subject, but I am 

 fully persuaded that they are the selfsame fish. Looking at the very trifling 

 diiference exhibited between them, — a difference which, in my humble judg- 

 ment, only shows them to be remarkably alike, — I wonder how Naturalists 

 could have set them down as distinct species. Let us examine them inter- 

 nally. Out of about one hundred specimens which I have cai*efully dis- 

 sected, I have never yet found any thing like roe or ova in those having the 

 long rays on the first dorsal, and which are known as the Gemmeous; and, 

 in like manner, I have never yet met with any thing at all pertaining to a 

 milt, in those having the short raj's, and which are known as the Sordid 

 Dragonet. Their manner, also, when sporting in their native element, 

 which I have often observed in both young and old, goes far to strengthen 

 my opinion. They are always found in the same neighbourhood, and I have 

 frequently seen the adults pursuing each other, but could discover no differ- 

 ence except in the brighter markings and the longer rays already alluded to. 

 Hence my conclusion that they are only male and female of the same 

 species. 



The Angler, or Fishing Frog, {Lophius plscatorius,) or, as it is called here, 

 the Sea Devil, is frequently met with, but is not used as an article of 

 food. 



The Ballan Wrasse. {Lahrus hergylta.) Pretty frequent during summer. 



The Blue Striped Wrasse. (Z. mixtus.) Rare. A very pretty specimen was 

 taken last season (1853) off Macduff, and is now in the possession of Mr. 

 M'Gregor of that place. 



The Gilthead. (Crenilahrus melops.) Rare. 



Jago's Goldsinny. {C. nipestris.) I have only seen one of this species in 

 this neighbourhood ; — a most beautiful specimen which I found one winter s 

 day. cast on shore at our links. 



