Fauuan — Seventh Rejiort on the Fishes of the Irish A tlantic Slope. 1 1 9 



Pernambiico, and it is represented on the coast of the United States by a 

 closely allied species, M. occidcnta/is, wliich Jordan and Everniann (1896-98) 

 suggest may be identical. Giintlier (1887) states that it occurs in the 

 Mediterranean. It is widely distributed in the Indian Ocean, and has been 

 taken at the Sandwich Islands. 



It is always found at moderate depths for a Maerurid. The recorded 

 depths of capture, 187-534 fathoms, correspond closely with the Hclga's 

 results, which give a certain range of 177-354 fathoms. The bottom 

 temperatures on the S.-W. coast of Ireland corresponding to depths of 

 177-354 fathoms fall within the limits of 9'5° C.-10'5° C, and agree fairly 

 well with those recorded for the species on the Valdivia expedition, viz. 

 8-0° G.-IO-S'^ C. 



Possibly it is even more widespread than the records suggest, in view of the 

 fact that deep-sea expeditions usually pursue their investigations in greater 

 depths than those in which it is most plentiful, while it is beyond the reach 

 of ordinary fishing carried on from the shore. 



Irish Distribution. — Before the UdcjcCs, investigations tliis species had 

 been taken off the west coast of Ireland by the Flying Fox and Finrjal 

 expeditious. 



The average number of specimens per haul taken by the Melga at various 

 deptlis were : — 



Deplli. Specimoiis per haul. No. of liauls. 



100-200 fathoms, 26 17 



200-300 „ 5-4 10 



300-100 „ -53 15 



Total number of specimens, 115. 



The approximate average depth at which the largest eighteen specimens 

 (46-52 cms.) were taken was 268 fathoms, and the smallest eighteen 191 

 fathoms. 



This suggests a possible migration of larger specimens into deeper water ; 

 but as only one sounding was taken on some stations, and as other considera- 

 tions, which there are not sufficient data to elucidate, may afiect the result, 

 this cannot be regarded as proved. 



Genus Bathygadus. 



The genus Batliygadus is distinguished externally by the forward position 

 of the mouth, the mandible usually extending in front of the snout ; the 

 small space between the first and second dorsal fins, the bases of which are 



