350 THE FRESH-WATER FISHES OF EUROl'K. 



Coregomis vimba (LINNAEUS). 



9 

 D. 12, A. 14 16. Scales : lat. line 80, transverse - 



Popularly distinguished under the name Sik-wimma, this variety of 

 Coregonus is widely distributed in Sweden. It is most closely allied to C. 

 albula, with which it agrees in fin rays, arrangement of the scales, and number 

 of the vertebra. There are similarly seven longitudinal rows of scales between 

 the lateral line and the root of the pectoral fin. The diameter of the eye is in 

 both cases equal to the length of the snout, and about one-quarter of the length 

 of the head, and we are unable from Dr. Gun ther's diagnosis to recognise any 

 sufficient character to separate it as a species. Mr. Lloyd states that the 

 adipose fin is said to be slightly serrated. 



The habits of the different kinds of Sik are similar. They live in deep 

 water; but in spring approach the shore, following the Smelt to the 

 spawning-ground, for the purpose of feeding on the spawn. In the autumn 

 they return to the shore again for their own spawning. The least blow on the 

 head, according to Mr. Lloyd, causes death. The fish is reputed very cunning, 

 and the Swedes have a saying of a sly person that he is " as cunning as a Sik." 

 The flesh is eaten fresh or salted, and is occasionally smoked. During the 

 long winter in Lapland it furnishes a considerable part of the food of the 

 people. 



Coregomis pollan (THOMPSON). The Pollan. 



D. 1314, A. 1213, V. 12, P. 15-16, C. 23. 

 Scales : lat. line 80 86, transverse 9/11. 



The Pollan is known only from the loughs of Ireland, where it is com- 

 monly about six inches long, though occasionally twice this length. Its 

 habits are not dissimilar to those of the Powan. It approaches the shores in 

 large shoals in spring and summer in search of food, and even far on into the 

 autumn. It is commonly fished for in the afternoon, probably for the evening 

 meal. It is rarely taken with the fly, from which we may infer that it is not 

 insect-eating, but feeds on small mollusca. Mr. Thompson records that 

 seventeen thousand two hundred and twenty were taken in a single draught in 

 Lough Neagh in one September, and were sold on the spot for .23 6s. 8d. They 

 are largely consumed in Belfast, where the cry of " Fresh Pollan ! " is more 

 common than that of " Fresh Herring ! " It is taken to neighbouring places 

 by rail, but requires to be eaten speedily after capture. 



