THE FISHING FliOG. 
119 
ample that either of us had seen. It was taken in a sprat-net, and was 
endeavouring to bury itself in the sand when Dr. Ball observed it. 
This specimen is 5 inches in length ; D. 4 — 10; P. 20 or 21 ; Y. 5 ; 
A. 10 ; C. 10. 
The two posterior rays of the anal and second dorsal fins which I have 
enumerated differ from the other rays in those fins, in having a common 
base, and consequently might by some authors be reckoned but as 
one ray. 
The first dorsal fin is so pale in colour as to be transparent as far as 
the second ray, thence to the extremity black. 
Side line as described by Lacep. 
The largest specimen of which I have a memorandum was taken at 
Holywood, in April, 1844 ; it measured inches. 
Mr. Hyndman captured one in a trawl-net at the depth of 27 fathoms 
off the mid-entrance to Belfast Bay, in August, 1850 ; and I have notes 
of others being caught on long lines baited with lug-worms, in the same 
bay, both in the summer and winter seasons. 
A Newcastle fisherman informed me in Oct., 1851, that he occasionally 
takes this species, as well as that last treated of, on his long lines when set 
upon muddy ground, but never on sandy bottom. 
Family Lophihle. 
The Fishing Frog, Angler or Sea-Devil,* Lophius piscatorius, Linn., 
Is common around the coast. 
Fishes of this species are generally cut into on the N. E. coast, that the 
contents of their stomachs may be observed, after which they are thrown 
overboard, and are washed ashore. This accounts for their being so often 
seen lying dead on the beach. They are not eaten in the North. 
Dublin, 1839. — Professor Allman states that the L. piscatorius is com- 
mon on the S.W. coast of Cork, and is held in great detestation : when 
captured, the fishermen strike their heel into the posterior part of the 
skull, and then throw the Lophius overboard. They never cut into their 
stomachs as on the West coast to get the fish from them. 
Nov. 13, 1841. — Dr. M‘Donnell sent me three fresh examples of this 
species which were taken at Carrickfergus. In the pouches of all three were 
specimens of Chondr acanthus Lophii ; the stomachs of two contained the 
remains of small Gadidce, which had been about 6 inches in length ; that 
of the third contained the remains of a small sole or smooth dab, a whelk 
( Turbo littoreus), and a Pagurus Bernharclus of moderate size. Dr. 
JVPDonnell was told by the person who sent him these fishes that he had 
lately taken five good-sized plaice alive from the stomach of a Lophius. 
Colour of the three examples, “ dirty ” or dull brown above — of a different 
shade in each fish, the middle-sized one was, besides, marked over with small 
spots of a blackish colour ; they were whitish beneath, but dusky towards 
tip of tail ; lower portion of ventrals and pectorals the whitest portion of 
the fish, but both V. and P. black on the under side for about the last 
third ; the little points of the extreme margin white. 
December 7, 1841. — A fine specimen taken in Belfast Bay was brought 
to Dr. M‘Donnell ; its pouches were filled with Chondracanthi. Its total 
length was 4^ feet ; unfortunately, parts were removed before I saw it, so 
* This fish has various local names — Frog-fish , Friar , Molly Gowan, Briar- 
hot , &c. [At Strangford Lough it is called “ Kilmaddy.” — Ed.] 
