FISHES. 277 



must guard their spawn with such surroundings, or it would be 

 devoured. 



This species is by no means solitary, several of different 

 sizes being found under one stone. It would be much more 

 plentiful than it is, but is persistently hunted, being used as a 

 bait to trail behind a boat for Lyths, etc. 



The spawn of the Spotted Blenny seen by Mr. Moodie- 

 Heddle was in a small mass about the size of a chestnut, and 

 pearly white in colour, the separate grains appearing to him 

 about the size of lobster-roe. 



Zoarces viviparus, L. Viviparous Blenny. 



Orc. = Grreenbanes (Prof. Heddle). 



Low mentions that he found this species common under stones 

 at low-water mark, from 6 to 10 inches in length. He 

 also attributes the name "Eel-pout" to them, and describes 

 how he kept the young alive in a glass for several days, chang- 

 ing the water at every tide. 



Baikie also describes them as common. Mr. Moodie-Heddle 

 says : " Occurs in Orkney. One on being put into spirits exuded 

 a single ovum much larger than that of a Swordick." 



Division ACANTHOPTEBYGII MUGILIFOKMES. 

 Family MUGILID^. 



Mugil chelo, Guv. Lesser Grey Mullet 



Some confusion exists between the Grey Mullet (Mugil capito) 

 and the Lesser Grey Mullet. The latter is said to be much the 

 commoner in the north of Scotland, and it is probable that the 

 notes we have received refer to it. 



Mr. Moodie-Heddle records both species from Melsetter in 

 summer, and says they are common. 



Mr. Irvine-Fortescue writes : " Grey Mullet, sp. ? I got one in 

 a trout-net in Swanbister Bay. I have seen them in the bay of 

 Firth. Common also, I believe, in the loch of Stenness and 

 the bay below Melsetter." 



