76 THE COMMERCIAL SEA FISHES OF 



It lives on Crustacea, molluscs, and such small fish as it 

 can capture. It appears to be very partial to shrimps, and 

 has been observed in an aquarium to use the free rays of 

 its pectoral fins in order to disturb them by feeling and 

 poking about. A sordid dragonet, Callionymus lyra, has 

 been found inside one, also shells of considerable size. 



Means of capture. The beam-trawl along with other 

 fish ; or in salmon nets during the autumn, while they will 

 take a bait. 



Breeding. Couch found their roe enlarged both at 

 Christmas, also during May and July. In January, 1883, 

 I obtained a spent one very much out of condition. 



As food. Is certainly one of the best of the gurnards, 

 while it is often preferred, due to its attaining to a large 

 size. It is rather dry, and is improved by sauce. It is 

 salted in the north of Europe. 



Habitat. From Northern Europe round the British Isles 

 to the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Most abundant 

 along the south coast, decreasing in numbers towards the 

 north. It is found round Ireland. It attains to at least 

 14 Ib. weight. 



4. Grey Gurnard (Trigla gurnardus). 



Names. Hardhead ; Bloc/is gurnard. In Scotland 

 crooner or croonach (croon " to croak "). Knoud or nowd, 

 Ireland. 



B. vii., D. 8-9 | 19, V. -f, A. 18-19, L - 1- 73~76, Caec. pyl. 

 vii.-ix., Vert. -14. 



Length of head 3f to 3 f- ; height of body 6 in the total 

 length. Eye. High up, situated nearer the posterior than to 

 the anterior end of the head. Mouth. Elongated, its upper 

 profile riearly straight, but most obtuse in the young. Two 



