THE LONG-SPINED COTTUS. 185 



extendino' beyond the posterior margin of the operculum ; 

 and in having a conical elevation between the nasal spines. 

 Whereas the lateral line in Cottus huhalis is rough ; the 

 spine of the preoperculum extends beyond the posterior 

 margin of the operculum ; and no elevation between the 

 nasal spines. 



We have reason to suppose that this fish does not exist 

 in the Mediterranean, since Risso makes no mention of it 

 in his Ichthyologie de Nice, nor is it found so plentiful on 

 the southern coast of England as on the east and west 

 coasts of Scotland. It is common in the Firth of Forth in 

 the months of July and August, and is found as far up 

 as opposite Kincardine, where a few are occasionally taken. 

 The flesh is eaten on some parts of the coast, but is by no 

 means considered a delicate morsel. It feeds on Crustacea 

 generally, and small fishes, keeps not far from shore, and 

 is frequently found in small pools left by the receding tide. 

 The common length is from seven to nine inches, although 

 occasionally specimens are found to exceed a foot. 



. CoTTUS BDBALIS.* ThE LoNG-SPINED CotTDS. 



Specific Characters. — Preoperculum with four spines ; the longest 

 extending' beyond the operculum. 



Description. — From a specimen five inches in length. Body 

 rounded, without scales^ tapering gradually to the base of tlie tail. 

 Head large, armed with spines, some directing backwards, others 

 downwards. Colour of the head, back, and sides, reddish-brown ; 

 belly dull white ; fins more or less mottled with dark-brown, with a 

 shade of orange, but very variable ; more brilliant in the spawning 

 season. Lateral line elevated, rough, more so behind the pectorals, 

 taking a slight bend at its origin and passing straight to the tail. 

 Eyes nearer the nose than to the posterior margin of the operculum ; 



" Cottus hubalus, Cuv., Yar., Jen. Long-spined Cottus, Father Lasher, 

 Lucky Proach, Scotland. 



