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MARKETABLE BRITISH MARINE FISHES 



which appear under the microscope as though separated by fine 

 lines. The whole egg is extremely transparent. There is no oil 

 globule, and the space within the egg-membrane is small. 



The egg develops and hatches in a very short time, namely. 



Fig. 



-Egg of the Sprat, alive, magnified. 



three or four days. The length of the larva or young sprat when 

 first hatched is 3-0 to 37 mm. (jy_ inch to yVV inch). As may be 

 seen in Fig. Sy, it is by no means so far developed as the newly 



Fig. 87. — Newly-hatciied larva of the Sprat, alive, magnified. 



hatched herring, the mouth not being open, and the eyes being un- 

 pigmented. It is very transparent, and there are only a few minute 

 black specks on the body. The position of the vent near the end 

 of the tail is the same as in the other members of the family. 



