H02 Prof. M'lntosh's Notes from the 



It is interesting that rock-frequenting species, like the pre- 

 sent form, Cyclopterus^ and others, should display such vivid 

 tints both in the post-larval and occasionally in the adult 

 condition. 



2. On the Post-larval Condition o/'Liparis Montagui. 



In former notes* mention has been made of the ova and 

 larval condition of this species. The chief peculiarities of 

 the post-larval form, about 10 millim. in length, may now be 

 indicated. In this specimen the notochord still projects supe- 

 riorly from the tip of the tail, and the hypural edge is almost 

 vertical. The caudal region with its fin-rays is bluntly conical. 



A marked feature is the elevation of the first region of the 

 dorsal fin and its wider rays, a diiferentiation perhaps indi- 

 cating the relationship with a form in which such is present 

 in the adult, or marking the region which in others becomes 

 the first dorsal. This elevation disappears in the adult. The 

 head and cheeks have a few black specks, and these also occur 

 on the anterior region of the body. The pectorals are speckled 

 in a similar manner. The elongated rays of these fins are 

 not yet developed, so that this is a subsequent character ; 

 their margins trend evenly from the anterior part of the 

 sucker backwards and upwards. 



The difference in regard to the size of the eye of such a 

 species as this and one of the post-larval Gadoids is marked, 

 the large eyes of the latter being diagnostic, and probably 

 associated with their greater adroitness and rapidity in catch- 

 ing minute prey. 



3. On a peculiar Teleostean Yolk-sac. 



One of the most interesting larval fishes of this season 

 (1887) at the Laboratory was an unknown form (though 

 there are some grounds for associating it with the gunnel), 

 distinguished amongst all others with which we are at present 

 acquainted by the remarkable peculiarity of the presence of a 

 large portion of the liver in the yolk-sac. A full description, 

 with figures^ of this elongated and very hardy species will be 

 given by Mr. Prince and myself in the " Researches " from 

 the Laboratory ; but it may be mentioned that the yolk-sac 

 is directed downwards and forwards from the body of the fish , 

 and is slightly opaque, while the oil-globule is of crystalline 

 translucency and furnished with a thick protoplasmic invest- 

 ment. Though the globule is near the inferior border of the 

 sac, yet it is close to the heart, from the shortness of the sac. 

 The liver proceeds downwards on the left side, and extends 



* Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. June 1886, and Reports to the Fishery 

 Board for Scotland, 1885 and 1886. 



