IQ2 THE COMMERCIAL SEA FISHES OP 



beneath the middle of the orbit, the lower jaw the longer. 

 Teeth. Pointed, the anterior being the longest, the front 

 ones are placed somewhat distantly apart, and in one row 

 in each jaw. Fins. The dorsal commences above the first 

 third of the upper eye, but is not continued so far as the 

 base of the caudal fin, its rays are simple, and the longest 

 are situated about midway between the hind edge of the 

 head and the base of the caudal fin. The anal has a short 

 spine directed forwards at its base, just where it commences 

 on a vertical line beneath the middle of the pectoral ; it 

 ends similarly to the dorsal ; its highest rays are slightly 

 below the centre of its length, and are similar to those of 

 the dorsal fin. Caudal wedge-shaped, its central rays being 

 slightly the longest. Free portion of the tail two-thirds as 

 long as high. Scales. Ctenoid, covering head, including 

 jaws and body, as well as a row on each fin ray. Lateral- 

 line. Nearly straight anteriorly, becoming quite so opposite 

 the hind end of the pectoral fin. Ccecal appendages. Four. 

 Colours. On upper surface of a pale brownish grey or 

 sandy ; under surface white. Occasionally it is said to be 

 slightly spotted. 



Habits. It frequents sandy shores, is captured along 

 with plaice and other Pleuronectoids, and, according to 

 Parnell, several may be daily found in the Edinburgh 

 markets from May to July. Parnell obtained what appeared 

 to be fragments of some species of Asterias in the stomach 

 of one he examined. Cock's specimen had its stomach 

 filled with the shells of Turritella terebra, two-thirds of 

 which contained hermit crabs (Pagurus). 



Means of capture. It appears to be usually taken with 

 the beam-trawl. 



Breeding. rln May and June. 



As food. Its flesh is sweet and good, but rather dry. 



