CAXADIAN FISHERIES EXPEDITIOX, lOJ.'rl'j 



447 



The subject demands much more extensive investigation than the present oppor- 

 tunity affords, but from the cursory examination made, it would appear that in warmer 

 water the species matures at a smaller size, as is seen very definitely to be the case with 

 S. serratodentata. 



The southern gulf specimens in early maturity approach the Baltic subspecies, 

 S. elegans haliica. It is rather difficult to say what is the upper limit in size in this 

 area, owing to the currents bringing outside individuals into the area. As the chief 

 current sweeps across this part of the gulf from west to east, the individuals of the 

 eastern side are perhaps most representative. In June, at Princess station 20 the 

 largest individual was 25mm. long, at station 25, farther north, 32mm. long. In August 

 at Princess station 50, the largest was 20mm. long; at station 49, 20mm. long, and at 

 station 48, 26mm. long. In June, at No. S3 stations 4-15 (all in this same area between 

 Prince Ed'ward, Cape Breton, and Magdalen Islands) the largest individuals were 

 26mm. long. This (26) may be considered as the maximum size for individuals that 

 have grown up in the area (the larger ones at Princess station 25 may well have been 

 carried in from without. In the Bay of Fundy at Pnnce station 3 the maximum size 

 was 35mm. In the Bay of Islands at A'o. 33 stations 57 and 59 the maximum was 

 45mm. (at station 57 a very large number were obtained with the young fish trawl, and 

 among these one individual 52mm. long was seen). 



The maximum size therefore varies |with the temperature, being higher in colder 

 water. 



S. elegans haltica, according to Ritter-Zahony, has from eight to ten jaws on each 

 side, the number being largest in specimens of medium size (about 16mm.). In S. 

 elegans elegans, the number is from eight to eleven, with probably no decrease in older 

 individuals. In S. elegans arctica, the number is from eight to twelve, with apparently 

 no decrease in older individuals. 



Counts were made to determine whether a difference could be detected in this 

 respect between the Bay of Islands specimens and those from the Lower Gulf. 



Bay of Islands (No. 33 Statiox 57.) 



