78 THE COMMERCIAL SEA FISHES OF 



5. The Piper (Trigla lyra). 



Names. In Scotland, crowner and sea-hen. 



B. vii., D. 9-10 | 16-17, V. , A. 16, Caec. pyl. vi., Vert. f. 



Length of head 3^ to 3f ; height of body 4^- to 54. in 

 the total length. Eye. Diameter I to li in the postorbital 

 portion of the head, 2 diameters from the end of the snout 

 in adults, and \ to I diameter apart. Profile of snout 

 abrupt and concave. Preorbital elongated anteriorly, end- 

 ing in a broad triangular plate armed in front with several 

 denticulations. Opercle with a strong spine. Coracoid 

 terminates in a long spine almost equal to half the length of 

 the head. The maxilla does not reach to below the eye. 

 Teeth. Fine ones in the jaws and vomer, none on the 

 palatines or tongue. Fins. Dorsal spines strong, the third, 

 which is the longest, equalling half the length of the head. 

 Pectoral reaching to above the seventh or eighth anal ray. 

 Scales. Distinct in large examples. Lateral line unarmed ; 

 25 to 27 spinate elevations along the base of the dorsal fins. 

 Air-bladder oval. Colours. Bright red, becoming lighter 

 on the sides and beneath. Fins red. 



Habits. A wandering fish, sometimes common, at other 

 times rare. When captured it emits a hissing sound by 

 expelling air through its gills. On one being opened it was 

 full of Ophiuroidea. 



Means of capture. Usually taken with the beam-trawl. 



As food. It is generally considered excellent. 



Habitat. Common along the south and west coasts of 

 Great Britain, except during the winter months, but owing 

 to its wandering propensities it is often rare at one season 

 and common at another. It is little known in the north, 

 but is said not to be rare about Glasgow. In Ireland it is 



