82 THE FISHERIES OF THE ADRIATIC, 



The Ribbon-fishes (Trachypteridce) are likewise deep-sea fishes, but it 

 has not been ascertained at what maximum depth they live : their occur- 

 rence is general in these waters, though rare ; they are common in the south, 

 for instance, at Naples, where their flesh is considered a delicacy. 



Only one species of the genus Hcliastes is known here ; it is common, 

 but little valued as food. 



The Wrasses (Labrida) constitute one-seventh of the Mediterranean 

 fauna, and are, therefore, one of its chief characteristics. Twenty-one species 

 are, more or less common to these seas : some show the most brilliant 

 colouring, hence they derive such names as Peacock, Rainbow, Parrot, 

 Butterfly, Damsel, &c. They do not seem to exceed a length of 12-15 inches, 

 and are almost valueless as food, the smaller ones being thrown in amongst 

 the minutaja (mixed fish). The Ballan Wrasse and the striped Wrasse, the 

 Cork-wing and the Rainbow Wrasse, are species which extend to British 

 waters. 



The Cod tribe (Gadidce) is poorly represented in these seas ; its most 

 valuable representatives, viz., the Cod, Haddock, Coal-fish, Pollack, and the 

 Ling, are altogether wanting. Three kinds, however, are of some importance 

 in the fisheries on these coasts, i.e., the Hake {JMerluccius vulgaris), the Poor, 

 or Capelan {Gadus minutus) and the Whiting {Gadus merlangus). They 

 constitute a considerable share of the produce of the trawlers ; they are also 

 caught by means of the ground-line, and these are infinitely superior in quality 

 to the produce of the trawls. Gadus euxinus and Gadus luscus (Bib, Pout, or 

 Whiting- Pout) do not come into consideration, from the fact of their rarity. 1 

 Hake is caught all the year round, and is best eating in winter, the Poor in 

 October. Ground-line fishing for Whiting is a favourite summer sport. The 

 Hake attains to a length of 28 to 32 inches, and the Poor to a weight of 

 2 lb. ; Poor and Whiting are common only in the north. Next in importance 

 is the three-bearded Rock-ling [Motella tricirrata) which attains to a length 

 of 8-12 inches, and is pretty common in summer. The two kindred species, 



1 Gadus euxinus is not rare at Spalato, where, in summer, it is more common than 

 G. minutus. — Kolombatovic. 



