607 



FIFTEEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK. 



Gasterosteus Spinachia. G. olivaceus^ subtus subargenieus y lima 



laterali scutata, spinis dorsalibus quindecim. 

 CKvaceous Stickleback, subargenteous beneath, with shielded 



lateral line, and fifteen dorsal spines. 

 Gasterosteus Spinachia. Lin, Fifteen-spined Stickleback. 



Perm. Br. ZooL 



Much larger than either of the preceding species, 

 and of a much more slender form : general length 

 from five to six, or seven inches : head of a pro- 

 duced and somewhat tubular shape : hinder parts 

 very slender towards the tail : lateral line broad 

 and composed of a series of small dusky laminae or 

 scuta : dorsal spines concealed at pleasure in a 

 longitudinal channel : ventral fins each composed 

 of two spines; the first long, the next short: native 

 of the European seas, frequenting shallow places, 

 and preying on marine insects, and the spawn of 

 other fishes : sometimes seen in vast numbers about 

 the coasts of Holland, &c. and occasionally used, 

 like the Common Stickleback, for the purpose of 

 manuring land, as well as for the preparation of oil 

 for lamps, &c. 



