548 



lilST OF FISHES 



Cyclopterus. 



C. Lumpus. » Lump-fish ; Lump- sucker ; Padle. 



This is brought to market in the spring months^ 

 nets being set for it on the Sands off Portobello^ 

 The male (called by our fishermen Cock-padle), is, 

 for the table, at that season much preferable to the 

 female, (which is named the Hush,. Hen-padle 9 

 and in Fife the Bagaty). The female is general- 

 ly of a larger size than the male ; and, later in the 

 year, it is nearly of equal quality.- 



Lop hi us. 



L. piscatorius, (L. Europceus of Dr Shaw) ; Frog- 

 fish ; Toad-fish ; Mulrein. 

 The uncouth appearance of this animal has pro- 

 cured it many expressive English and Scottish 

 names. Besides Frog-fish and Toad-fish, it is of- 

 ten called Sea-devil ; and, from its lying buried in 

 the sand, and moving its tentacula or cirri, like 

 worms, in order to entice its prey, Mr Pennant 

 styles it the Angler. Here, it is named the NLuU 

 rein, or Mareillen j sometimes the Merlin fish. 

 In the North Isles of Scotland, it is very charac- 

 teristically termed the Wide-gab, the mouth being 

 hideously large, extending entirely across its dis- 

 proportionately great head, which is bigger than 

 all the rest of the body. 



