266 SALT-WATER FISHES 



to a length of over 40 in. and a weight of over 40 lb., but 

 the average figures would be far below these. It is a good 

 food-fish in Shetland waters, and is said to taste of the crabs 

 and lobsters that form no small portion of its natural food ; 

 but it is little appreciated elsewhere, only the liver being re- 

 tained, and not always even that. 



In colour the torsk is grey, with bronze or yellow reflec- 

 tions on the upper parts, and lighter beneath, with some 

 yellow stains on the fins, which are enveloped in tough skin. 

 There is a barbel on the chin. The largest of its teeth are in 

 the lower jaw and vomer. The scales are very small, and the 

 fish has a slimy skin. 



The torsk is a fish of very voracious habits, feeding on 

 other members of its own family, as well as on crustaceans. 

 It spawns from April to June, and the egg, first described by 

 Dr. Wemyss Fulton, of the Scotch Fishery Board, floats in 

 the water, measures in diameter rather more than -^ in., and 

 has a large reddish oil-globule. Dr. Fulton considered that 

 the number of eggs in a female measuring 34 in. would 

 exceed two and a quarter millions. 



The larvae, some of which hatched out on the ninth day, 

 measured nearly \ in., and were distinctly marked with black 

 bands. They have considerable vitality, and bear transport 

 long distances in a little water. Those under observation at 

 St. Andrews were increasingly active each day, the breast fins 

 showing rapid vibration. Professor Mcintosh regards one of 

 10 in., captured in February, as about a year old, which, if 

 correct, indicates an earlier spawning-season than that usually 

 named. 



Ophidiidae 



The Sand-Eels 



At almost all stages of their development a most im- 

 portant food for some of our principal fishes, and in the 

 full-grown stage the very best bait for bass, pollack, coal-fish. 



