182 
MALACOPTERYGII. 
in the 3rd D. fin, the third, fourth, and fifth rays are longest, and of about equal 
length ; in the 1st A. fin the rays gradually increase in length posteriorly to the 
seventh, which, with the eighth and ninth, are of about equal length. Tail 
slightly forked, just as represented in both editions of Pennant’s British Zoology. 
“ Feb. 19th, 1836. In Belfast market I obtained a G. minutus which was taken 
along with a quantity of atherines (A. Presbyter ) in Strangford Lough. Its length 
is 6 inches ; the exact number of fin-rays are, D. 13, 24, 20 ; A. 27, 22 ; P. 14; 
Y. 6 ; C. 20 (with many side rays). 
“ Lateral line curved anteriorly for very nearly half its length, remainder 
straight. Colour just as described by Bloch ; above the lateral line pale yellow- 
ish brown, marked with extremely minute black dots, below it silvery minutely 
dotted with black, which latter marking prevails in the pectoral and anal fins ; 
irides silvery, tinged with black above. 
“ In the same jar with the last-mentioned Gadus Callarias were three specimens 
of G. minutus , which I learned from Mr. Marshall were taken at the same time 
and place with it, and with the same bait. The largest is 8§ inches long, dia- 
meter of its eye 8f lines. Jan. 12th, 1838, I received a G. minutus 8 inches in 
length from Killough, on the coast of Down. Among fishes from Youghal, 
submitted to my examination by Dr. R. Ball, in July, 1837, were two indivi- 
duals of this species, one 8f the other 10§ inches in length. 
“ The figures of G. Callarias and G. minutus in Mr. Yarrell’s British Fishes 
are very characteristic ; the curve of the lateral line, however, approaches the 
tail more nearly in my specimens of the latter than is represented in the figure 
— in all of them about one half of this line is curved.” 
This species is permanently resident on the shores of Ireland, evinced 
by my obtaining them at all seasons of the year. 
On the coast of Down and Antrim they are chiefly taken in our shel- 
tered bays, where I have no doubt they breed. 
The fishermen distinguish them from all the other Gadi, by their gold- 
coloured backs, the silvery aspect of the lower portion of their sides, and 
the deciduousness of their scales. The largest example which I have 
seen (with the exception of that already mentioned as measuring 104- 
inches) was taken at Killough, County Down; it was 10 inches long 
and inches deep. 
In the stomachs of those examined Crustacea chiefly are found ; in one 
was a full-grown Pagurus Bernhardus, which must have been dragged 
from its shell and eaten. 
Fragments of the marine plants Zostera marina and Asperococcus jistu- 
losus have also occurred. 
The observation of Mr. Couch, as quoted by Mr. Yarrell (p. 242, vol. 
ii. 2nd ed.), that this fish frequents the edges of rocks, although doubtless 
correct, induces me to remark, that most of the examples which have come 
under my observation were taken on a soft oozy bottom, and some of these 
in the middle and deepest portion of Belfast Bay. 
The Whiting, Merlangus vulgaris, Cuv., 
Is taken commonly around the coast. In the North it is not held in much 
estimation, and it is consequently sold at a low rate. At Killough (County 
Down), where this species is abundant, examples weighing 5 lbs. are said 
to be occasionally taken.* 
The whiting is considered best in spring. 
* Mr. B. Meenan. 
