The Whistle-Fish.} OF ORKNEY. 199 



Species 7. The Whistle-Fish. 



Gadus Mustela, Lin. Sys. 430. Brit. Zool. 165. Brit. Zool. Illus. tab. 33. 



Ore. Red-ware Fishik. 



THIS species is commonly found under the stones among 

 the sea-ware, seldom exceeding nine or ten inches in length. 

 The body is round to the vent, then becomes compressed ; 

 blackish brown on the back ; a dusky yellow, inclining to 

 white, on the belly ; the mouth has five beards, four of which 

 are placed above, and one below the chin ; the first back-fin 

 is very weak, and placed in a pretty deep furrow, which be- 

 gins at the back of the head ; the first ray of the fin is cirrhat- 

 ed ; the second back-fin begins where the last ended, and 

 runs almost to the tail ; the anal fin begins there, and in like 

 manner reaches near the tail ; the tail is round and reddish ; 

 the scales small ; and the whole body covered with a great 

 deal of slimy humour. 



These small fish are reckoned pretty good eating, but are 

 never got in any quantity ; never caught at a hook ; the only 

 method of getting them is by shifting the stones at low water, 

 when they are to be found with the blennies. 



