Zoology. 175 



B. pholis. — The Shanny is common in rocky pools 

 round the coast. 



Carelophus Ascanii. — Yarrell's Blenny was added to 

 the Irish list by Thompson, from specimens taken at Carrick- 

 fergus in May 1839. Ogilby records two from Portrush in 

 1875, taken in crab-pots, and obtained many examples there 

 in the two following years. 



Centronotus gunnellus. — The Butter-fish is very 

 common and has many local names, such as " Nine-eyes," 

 "Coddick," " Flutterick," etc. 



Atherina presbyter. — The Atherine, or Sand-Smelt, 

 is common in Strangford Lough and Portrush harbour, but 

 appears to be somewhat local. It has been frequently sent 

 up as the Smelt ( Osmerus eperlanus)^ which has not been 

 obtained in Ireland. 



Mugil chelo. Lesser Grey Mullet. — Very common, 

 and often taken in considerable numbers. M. capita is 

 unknown here. 



Gasterosteus aculeatus. Three-spined Stickleback. — 

 Very common. 



var trachurus. — Common. 



var. semiloricatus.— Extremely rare. Donaghadee 



and Rathlin, only British records, 

 var. semiarmatus. — Very rare. RathUn, Wolfhill. 

 var. gymnurus. — The commonest inland form. 



Swarms in Lough Neagh. 

 var. brachycentrus. — Rare. Belfast, Lough Neagh. 

 var. spinulosus. — Rare. Belfast. 



G. pungitius. — The Ten-spined Stickleback is com- 

 paratively rare. It has been obtained in the Blackstaff, and 

 at Portaferry (Thompson), Owen O'Cork Marsh (H. L. Orr), 

 and it has been taken round Lough Neagh. 



G. spinachia. — The Fifteen-spined Stickleback, or Sea 

 Stickleback, is found around the coast. It is called " Horn- 

 eel" at Portrush (Ogilby). 



Labrus maculatus. — The Ballan Wrasse is common, 

 and has many local names, such as "Bavin," "Merrin," 

 "Gregagh," etc. Examples up to 8 lbs. weight have been 

 taken at Donaghadee. 



L. mixtus. — According to Ogilby the Striped Wrasse 



