THE FISHES OF GREAT YARMOUTH. 563 



girth, 21 in. ; weight, 42 lb. Abundant in all our water-ways. 

 Tons are taken every autumn in Eel-sets on their way to the 

 sea; and a number of men pursue the species in the warmer 

 months with " babs " composed of threaded Worms, and find the 

 business sometimes fairly remunerative. On May 29th, 1892, I 

 examined some Eels, and found the ova well-developed in one. 

 I am strongly of opinion that many moderate-sized Eels do 

 return to the rivers in spring, which is contrary to the recognized 

 theory that they do not. A creamy white Eel, 15 in. long, taken 

 in the Bure, June 6th, 1895. The "lips" had a pink tinge, as 

 had the margin of the dorsal and anal fins. 



A. latirostris. Broad-nosed Eel. C. — Not so abundant as the 

 preceding species. Large ones often taken on the broads ; one 

 in the Bure, Aug. 10th, 1866. Length, 3 ft. 8 in.; girth, 10 in. ; 

 weight, 7j lb. 



Conger vulgaris. Conger. C. — " Not uncommon in the 

 roads; one, weighing nearly 50 lb., caught in 1808" (Pagets). 

 Not infrequently found ashore during severe weather, with 

 the wind E. Getting into shallow waters, the frost "nips" the 

 Conger's bladder, which, distending, floats it helplessly on the 

 surface, and the waves topple it ashore. I have met with several 

 thus cast on the sands ; notably one in the year 1879, which 

 weighed 14 lb. 



Siphonostoma typhle. Broad-nosed Pipefish. R. R. — I have 

 met with specimens occasionally on the beach, and in the 

 shrimpers' refuse. 



Syngnathus acus. Greater Pipefish. C. — Often taken in the 

 shrimpers' nets. Shrimpers often dry and varnish these fish, 

 placing them on their *' overmantels." Local, " Snakefish." 



*Nerophis cequoreus. Ocean Pipefish. R. R. — This species is 

 not infrequent. The first specimen recorded for the district was 

 found at the seaside in some draw-netters' refuse on April 12th, 

 1890. Now in Norwich Museum. I have seen several since. 



Syngnathus lumbriciformis. Worm Pipefish. R. — I have 

 found this on the beach, and in the Shrimp-nets. An adult, 

 carrying ova, 4j inches in length, brought to me on Aug. 2nd, 

 1890. Under S. barbarus, the Pagets undoubtedly refer to this 

 species. 



S. hippocampus. Hippocampus. A. — " Occasionally met 



