134 MACKEKEL MIDGE. 



A very beautiful specimen was sent me of this fish 

 by Alexander Miller, Esq., of Chepstow Salmon Fishery. 

 It was full of roe. For a considerable distance along 

 the lateral line from the tail it is remarkable as having 

 on each side a row of spines, of a dagger shape, and 

 which fall backwards, each of which forms a sharp 

 lancet of a very hard transparent horn-like substance. 



Belonging to the same genus is the Mackerel Midge 

 (Ciliata glauca, Motella glaiica, Concilia glauca), so called 

 among the fishermen, as descriptive of its colour and 

 very minute size. It is the smallest fish with which I 

 am acquainted. 



In June, 1872, I received from Mr. Matthias Dunn, 

 of Mevagissey, specimens of this interesting little fish. 

 He writes : — 



"It is many years ago since such quantities of 

 mackerel midges (Conchia minon) were known to be on 

 our coasts as are now to be seen there. They may be 

 easily discovered on any calm morning, rippling the sur- 

 face of the sea like grains of sand scattered from the 

 hand. Bass and mackerel are making short work with 

 these little innocents. The recovery of mackerel, after 

 spawning, to their usual plump and firm condition, when 

 feeding on this diet, is marvellous." 



MAIGRE. 



Acanihopteri, Scianml^e. 



[Sci(Fna aguUa.) 



The Maigre is a rare fish. I have been fortunate 

 enough, nevertheless, to have had the opportunity of 

 examining nine specimens. During 1866 I recorded 

 the capture of no less than six specimens. In fact, I 

 generally get one a-year. The Latin names of this fish 



