DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE-HISTORIES OF TELEOSTEAN FISHES. 831 



At this stage the ling measures about 20 mm. in length, and the differentiation of 

 the first dorsal is complete, its position being as in the adult. The relations of the 

 second dorsal fin are similar, as is also the case with the anal and caudal, the 

 approach to the adult condition being marked. The tail, however, is more ovoid in 

 shape than in the adult. The pectorals (pf) are broad dorso-ventrally, while the ventrals 

 appear to be less advanced, that is, more directly under the pectorals than in the adult. 

 The development of the hyoidean and opercular structures alters the outline of the 

 angle of the mandible. At this stage the parasitic young Caligi also occur on the ling. 



The next stage observed was a specimen 3^ inches long, which had been stranded in a 

 pool on the sands in the middle of December.* The fish is now boldly striped longi- 

 tudinally ; thus an olive-brown band passes from the tip of the snout in a line with the 

 middle of the eye straight backward to the base of the caudal fin-rays. The pale ventral 

 surface bounds it inferiorly, while dorsally a stripe with a beautiful opaline lustre runs 

 from the tip of the snout over the eye backward to the base of the caudal rays. The latter 

 band is opaque white on the tail, and it gives the fish a characteristic appearance. The dorsal 

 fins are well marked, the first presenting a distinct black speck posteriorly, and another 

 black pigment-patch occurs at the end of the last division. The dorsal line from the 

 brain backward is distinguished by a narrow edge of dull orange or pale olive, and this 

 brings out in relief the colours formerly mentioned. The little ling is thus a longi- 

 tudinally striped form, and in strong contrast with the tessellated condition of the young 

 cod. The barbel is proportionally large, and is borne by the fish horizontally, i.e.. 

 projecting in front of the snout. 



At a later stage, viz., from 8 to 9 inches in length, when it abundantly 

 frequents the rocky margins, the ventrals show three free filaments, the first shorter 

 than the second and third — which are nearly equal. These filaments in the previous 

 stage (3 inches) are worn off in confinement, indeed all the fins are frayed. The 

 change which ensues at this advanced stage has been formerly described by one 

 of us,"}" and may be summarised in a specimen 7f inches long as follows : — The 

 fish is now boldly and irregularly blotched with brown, both dorsally and laterally, 

 the region of the white stripe being indicated by the pale and somewhat scalloped area 

 dividing the lateral from the dorsal blotches. Fourteen or fifteen of the latter occur 

 between the pectorals and the base of the tail ; they are separated by the whitish areas, 

 which thus assume a reticulated appearance over the anterior dorsal and lateral regions, 

 and both kinds of pigment invade the dorsal fins. The original dark greenish band is 

 more or less evident from the tip of the snout to the posterior part of the operculum, but 

 thereafter it is lost. The tail has a pale border, with a dark brownish belt of consider- 

 able breadth, and a few black touches in it. A broad white streak exists in the upper half 

 within this, but is feebly marked inferiorly. The black pigment is largely developed in the 



* Third Annual Report, Fishery Board for Scotland, p. 62, 1885. Another example of the same size has since 

 occurred in March. 



t Fourth Annual Report, Fishery Board for Scotland, p. 209. 



