MARINE BIOLOGICAL STATION AT PORT ERIN. 



35 



of fishes two species which we had not previously 

 succeeded in keeping more than a short time. These were 

 the Lump-sucker (Cyclopterus lumpus) and the three- 

 bearded Rockling (Motella tricirrata). Two young 

 specimens of the former, caught in a herring-net some 

 distance from land, were brought in, and one is still 

 thriving in company with a number of Wrasses. The 

 Rocklings have afforded us many opportunities of 

 observing their extraordinary voracity in pursuit of food. 

 During the day-time, at least, it is their habit to lie 



Fig. V.— The Fish Hatchery. 



concealed amongst the large stones at the back of their 

 tank, but the moment food, especially herring, is thrown 

 into the water they leave their hiding places and boldly 

 and successfully compete for it with fishes of larger size, 

 such as the Pollack- whiting. We have frequently noticed 

 that when in search of food on the bottom of the tank the 



