202 THE COMMERCIAL SEA FISHES OF ' 



under the tail. Ventral, commencing under the throat, is 

 joined posteriorly to the anal ; the skin from this fin passes 

 to the posterior surface of the base of the anal rays, a 

 groove being formed for the vent. Caudal rounded. 

 Scales. Spinate on the coloured side, present on rays of 

 vertical and caudal fins. Smooth on the blind side. 

 Lateral-line. Forms a curve over the base of the pectoral 

 fin, after which it becomes straight. Colours. Of a rich 

 dark brown, having a wide black, light-edged band passing 

 backwards and outwards from each eye. Three or four 

 round black marks on the back, and some irregular dark 

 blotches, and occasionally numerous light spots. Jaws 

 blackish. Fins dark brown, with some irregular bands and 

 blotches, more especially on the dorsal or anal. Under 

 surface white. 



Varieties. According to Mr. R. Couch, this fish is very 

 subject to malformation of the anterior end of the dorsal 

 fin, causing it to form an arch over the eyes. J. Couch 

 observed upon having seen this fish with almost the whole 

 of its upper surface, except the head and a small patch 

 near the tail, without colours or scales, like the lower 

 surface ; the border of the dorsal and anal fins yellowish 

 red, and with only two or three rays having scales ; on the 

 tail the rays extended beyond the border of the membrane. 

 In another instance there was no caudal portion, so that 

 where the dorsal and anal fins were brought closely to- 

 gether the body terminated. 



Habits. Frequents sandy bays having low shelving 

 rocks covered with seaweed, and here it conceals itself. In 

 an aquarium it conceals itself very effectually. 



Means of capture. Trammels. In the Firth of Forth 

 occasionally taken in crab-pots. 



Breeding. Summer and autumn and in winter the young 



