COD-FISHES. 541 



attains to a length of three feet in the higher latitudes, but 

 remains smaller on more southern coasts ; like the Cod it ex- 

 tends across the Atlantic. The largest specimens are taken 

 on the British coast in winter, because at that time they leave 

 the deep water to spawn on the coast. Gadus merlangus, the 

 " Whiting," with a black spot in the axil of the pectoral fin. 

 Gadus luscus, the "Bib," "Pout," or "Whiting-pout," with cross- 

 bands during life, and with a black axillary spot, rarely ex- 

 ceeding a weight of five pounds. Gadus fahricii, a smaU species, 

 but occurring in incredible numbers on the shores near the 

 Arctic circle, and ranging to 80° lat. N. Gadus poUachius, the 

 " Pollack," without a barbel at the chin, and with the lower 

 jaw projecting beyond the upper. Gadus vir ens, the " Coal-fish," 

 valuable on account of its size and abundance, and therefore 

 preserved for export like the Cod. 



The fishes of the genus Gadus are bathymetrically suc- 

 ceeded by several genera, as Gadiculus, Mora, and Strinsia ; 

 however these do not descend to sufficiently great depths to 

 be included into the deep-sea Fauna ; the two following are 

 true deep-sea fishes. 



Halakgyreus.— Body elongate, covered with small scales. 

 Two dorsal and two anal fins ; ventrals composed of several rays. 

 Jaws with a band of minute villiform teeth ; vomer and palatines 

 toothless. No barbel. 



The single species known, H. johnsonii, proves to be a 

 deep-sea fish by its organisation as well as geographical dis- 

 tribution. Originally known from a single specimen, which was 

 obtained at Madeira, it has since been found off the coast of 

 New Zealand. There is no doubt that it will be discovered 

 also in intermediate seas. 



Melanonus. — Head and body rather compressed, covered 

 with cycloid scales of moderate size, and terminating in a long 

 tapering tail, without caudal. Eye of moderate size. Villiform 

 teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and palatine bones. Barbel 



