88 
GREKN POLLACK. 
length (which is the usual size of what is termed the Green 
Pollack) to about a foot, at which size the undoubted marks 
of the Coalfish shew themselves. If we could suppose these 
fishes to be of different species, the distinctions between them 
would be, that in the Green Pollack the jaws appear equal, 
and the lateral line without the white appearance; but when 
the other characters of the Coalfish are seen the jaws still 
remain with little difference of length, and the small amount 
of final increase is almost imperceptibly given. The green 
colour of the back, and yellow hue on the sides give place to 
a darker tint when the fish has reached the length of about 
ten inches, and it becomes still blacker with the increase of age. 
The name of Sey Pollack, by which this fish or the Coalfish 
is known in most northern districts of the British Island, 
appears to be of Scandinavian origin, and, with a distinctive 
adjunct, is applied by Nilsson to several species. It is to be 
observed further, that something more than doubt is felt by 
eminent naturalists, whether the Coalfish is to be found in 
regions so close to the polar ocean as has been supposed. On 
the contrary, as already intimated, it has been suggested that 
this more northern fish is a distinct species. 
Deformity in fish is not of rare occurrence, but in one 
instance a Coalfish of large size was met with that seems to 
require particular notice. The upper jaw was shortened in 
such a manner as to give the head a peculiar appearance. 
The body was depressed out of the regularly straight shape. 
But the most remarkable deviations from what is usual was in 
the fins, of which the first dorsal was more narrow, lofty, and 
sharper, having its origin nearer to the head; between it and 
the second dorsal was a vacant space, and a much larger space 
between the second dorsal and the third, both of them 
unnatural. Three anal fins; the first an irregular triangle, 
second very narrow, and a considerable space in a curve 
between it and the third, which also was unnatural. The vent 
was much behind its usual situation. This fish appeared to be 
thin and ill fed. 
