FISHES.
Labrax lupus [The Basse or Sea Perch].
This is a rare species with us, only three having come under my notice. One of these, a beautiful specimen, was found dead in our river, the Deveron, not far from its mouth, in 1839.
Acerina vulgaris [The Ruffe or Pope].
One is said to have been obtained off Troup Head about forty-two years ago.
Trachinus draco [The Great Weever].
Occasionally found. The fish is said to be possessed of very poisonous qualities, insomuch that a prick or even a mere scratch from either of the rays (which are hard and spinous) of the first dorsal or back fin, causes the severest pain imaginable. On the continent, where they are more numerous than they are here, and where they are used as an article of food, there is a very stringent law which forbids them being brought to market, or even exposed for sale in any shape whatever, unless these spines are all cut off; and in order to enforce obedience, parties found transgressing the law are severely punished.
Trachinus vipera [The Little Weever].
Specimens of the little weever are not unfrequently met with; which would seem to indicate that they are more numerous in the Firth than the preceding.
Mullus barbatus [The Bed Surmullet].
This and the striped red mullet (M. surmuletus) have both been obtained, the latter being the most frequent.
Trigla cuculus [The Red Gurnard] is pretty frequent; as is also
Trigla hirundo [The Sapphirine Gurnard].
Some splendid specimens of this latter fish are annually brought on shore by our fishermen towards the end of autumn.
Trigla gurnardus [The Gray Gurnard].
This is our commonest gurnard; and, judging from the numbers taken, must be very numerous. They are known here by the term of ‘Crunack.’ They are not much esteemed as an article of food, even among the peasants; and they are, in consequence, seldom brought to market.
Trigla pœciloptera [The Little Gurnard].
Somewhat rare. I remember once taking one from the stomach of a great northern diver, which was shot between Findochtie and Speymouth, in the spring of 1840, and which was sent me for the purpose of being preserved.
Cottus scorpius [The Short-spined Cottus].
Pretty frequent.
Cottus bubalis [The Long-spined Cottus].
Rather plentiful. I find them in abundance, in pools left by the tide, or beneath stones at low water. Many of them exhibit some most beautiful markings.
Cottus quadricornis [The Four-horned Cottus].
I have never found this species but in the stomachs of other fish; which leads me to conclude that they generally inhabit deep water; or, at least, that they do not come so near the shore as the preceding species.
Aspidophorus Europæus [The Armed Bullhead].
This is another stomach species. But I have found these, also, though very sparingly, amongst the rocks at low tide.
Gasterosteus trachurus [The Rough-tailed, Three-spined Stickleback] and
Gasterosteus leiurus [The Smooth-tailed Stickleback] are both plentiful. The former along the coast, and the latter in our streams and rivulets.
Spinachia vulgaris [The Fifteen-spined Stickleback].
Common amongst the pools along the shore. I have seen this species with sixteen and seventeen spines. They are known amongst our fishermen by the very peculiar denomination of “Willie-wan-beard.”
Chrysophrys aurata [The Gilt-head].
I have only seen two specimens of this fish which have been procured with us. The one was taken off Buckie in 1841; and the other was brought on shore at Portsoy, in 1839. They appear to be scarce, from the fact that the fishermen do not know them.
Pagellus centrodontus [The Sea Bream].
This is a more common species,—numbers appearing annually. In some seasons they appear in greater abundance than in others. They are sold here under the name of “Perch.”
Brama Raii [Ray’s Bream]. Rare.
Cantharus griseus [The Black Bream].
A few of these are generally procured every autumn, or about the beginning of winter. They are known and sold here under the term of “Old Wife.”
Dentex vulgaris [The Four-toothed Sparus].
Although this species, like many more, bears the name “vulgaris,” or common, it is not so with us. I am only aware of one specimen, which was taken off Troup Head.
Scomber scomber [The Mackerel].
This beautiful and highly prized fish generally appears on our part of the coast about autumn,—in some seasons, in great plenty,—in others, not so numerous.
Scomber colias? (The Spanish Mackerel?)
As will be seen, I have placed this species here as doubtful. A mackerel differing in many respects from the one noted above, and which agrees very well with Scomber colias, was taken off Portknockie, but by the time I had the pleasure of seeing it, it was a good deal disfigured. Still, as I have already said, it exhibited many of the markings and other characteristics of the Spanish Mackerel.
Thynnus vulgaris (The Tunny).
Several specimens of this fish have, from time to time, been taken with us. A very large one was captured in a salmon-net at Portsoy. It measured over nine feet in length, and six feet in girth.
Xiphias gladius [The Sword Fish].
A small specimen of this fish—rare on this part of the coast—was caught in our harbour by a shrimper.
Naucrates ductor [The Pilot Fish].
A very fine specimen of this rare and rather peculiar fish was taken in our bay some years ago, and was exhibited as a curiosity. It was unknown in the place, and also to the person who took it; but an old tar chancing to see it, who had seen some service abroad, having hitched up his trousers, and rid his mouth of a yard or two of tobacco juice, exclaimed, with something of a knowing air—“Well, I’ll be blowed if that aint a Pilot; and a pretty one it is, too. We used to see them often, when sailing in the Mediterranean.”
Caranx trachurus [The Scad or Horse Mackerel], or, as it is termed here, the “Buck Mackerel,” is not very numerous, and is very seldom used as an article of food. Its appearance here, is usually about the time of herring-fishing. I once found a rather strange variety of this species. It was about the usual size; but it was all over of a most beautiful golden yellow, finely striped and variegated with numerous lines of the brightest blue, except the fins, which were of the finest carmine.
Lampris guttatus [The Opah or King Fish] has occurred on several occasions; as off Troup Head, at Black Pots, on the shore near Portsoy, and at Buckie.
Mugil capito [The Gray Mullet].
I am only aware of two specimens of this Mullet which have been procured within our limits; the one at Gardenstown, the other at Cullen.
Blennius Montagui [Montagu’s Blenny].
One specimen taken from the stomach of a haddock.
Blennius gattorugine [The Gattoruginous Blenny].
I have met with this species only on two occasions.
Blennius Yarrellii [Yarrell’s Blenny].
Rarely met with. I have a splendid specimen in my collection, which was found cast on shore between Gardenstown and Crovie.
Blennius pholis [The Shanny or Smooth Blenny],
Gunnellus vulgaris [The Spotted Gunnel], and
Zoarces viviparus [The Viviparous or Green Blenny].
Are all to be met with amongst the low-lying rocks along our line of shore.
Anarrichas lupus [The Wolf Fish].
Frequent, but seldom used as food. I find them pretty often cast on shore dead, after a storm; which would seem to indicate that their habitat is not always in deep water.
Gobius niger [The Black Goby].
These inhabiting the rocky parts of the coast, become, at times, the prey of the haddock, etc. Though they do not seem to be numerous in this arm of the sea, I meet with them occasionally in the stomachs of fishes.
Gobius minutus [The Freckled or Spotted Goby].
This is another stomach species; as also the
Gobius Ruthensharri [The Double Spotted Goby], which appears to be the rarest of the three.
Callionymus lyra [The Gemmeous Dragonet].
This splendidly coloured fish is frequently met with; and the so-called
Callionymus dracunculus [Sordid Dragonet] is found in about equal number; for it is a general maxim, that where the husband is, there also should the wife be. Ichthyologists cling to the idea that these fish are distinct species. Out of about one hundred specimens which I have dissected, I have never yet found anything like roe or ova in those having the long rays on the first dorsal, and which are known as the Gemmeous; and in like manner I have never yet met with anything at all pertaining to a milt in those having the short rays, and which are known as the Sordid Dragonet. My conclusion is that they are only male and female of the same species.
Lophius piscatorius [The Angler or Fishing Frog, or, as it is called here, the Sea Devil] is frequently met with, but is not used as an article of food.
Labrus bergylta [The Ballan Wrasse].
Pretty frequent during summer.
Labrus mixtus [The Blue Striped Wrasse].
Rare. A very pretty specimen was taken off Macduff.
Crenilabrus melops [The Gilthead]. Rare.
Crenilabrus rupestris [Jago’s Goldsinny].
I have only seen one of this species in the neighbourhood. A beautiful specimen which I found one winter’s day, was cast on shore at the links.
Acantholabrus exoletus [The Small-mouthed Wrasse].
Like the last, only one specimen of this fish has, as yet, come under my notice, and that one was captured off Troup Head.
Cyprinus auratus [The Gold and Silver Carps, as they are termed], have been introduced, and have thriven pretty well, as at Macduff, where they have propagated to an amazing degree.
Leuciscus phoxinus [The Minnow].
This pretty active little fish is to be found in most of our streams. It is curious to see it stated in works on Ichthyology that this species is not to be met with north of the Dee, Aberdeenshire.
Belone vulgaris [The Gar Fish, or, as it is called here, “The Greenbeen,”] is by no means scarce, at certain seasons.
Scomberesox saurus [The Saury Pike].
Not so often met with as the last. In fact, it must be termed rare.
Salmo salar [The Salmon].
This valuable and highly-prized fish is found both along our coast and in our fresh waters. At one time, they were very numerous in the Deveron. From a pot or hole which once existed a little below the bridge which spans the river, at a little distance from the sea, and not far from the town, as many as one hundred, and sometimes more, have been taken at a haul. This was before stake and bag nets were so thickly planted along our sea-shore as they are now.
Salmo eriox [The Bull or Gray Trout].
Some large individuals of this species are often taken.
Salmo trutta [The Salmon Trout].
These were at one time believed to be the young of the Salmon; and the tacksman gave orders that they should not be taken. Previously, they had been fished for with small-meshed nets, and sold as Trout, under the name of “Finnock.” Time passed and the river beheld another tacksman, who, differing from his predecessor, gave orders that they should be again taken. Accordingly, they are now annually fished for, and are once more sold as “Sea Trout,” “White Trout,” and “Finnock.”
Salmo fario [The Common Trout].
In all our streams. These also are taken, and sold with the last mentioned.
Osmerus eperlanus [The Smelt]. Rare with us.
Clupea harengus [The Herring].
This species abounds along this coast, towards the middle of summer, and the beginning of autumn. The fry of this fish is met with nearly all the year round.
Clupea Leachii [Leach’s Herring].
A rather smaller-sized herring than the common species. It is generally met with in small shoals in May and June.
Clupea sprattus [The Sprat or Garnet Herring].
This is also met with about the same time, but in smaller numbers.
Alosa finta [The Twaite Shad].
Rare. A very fine specimen was taken in our river last summer, about a mile from the sea.
Alosa communis [The Alice Shad].
The same may be said of this species,—it is rare. They are termed, “rock herring.”
Morrhua vulgaris [The Cod].
It is to the stomach of this species that I am most indebted for many of the rarer of the testaceous and crustaceous specimens which I possess. (For the cod’s bill of fare see [p. 284].) The cod is extensively fished for along this part of the coast, and may be termed the poor man’s salmon. Great numbers are salted and dried, and in that state sent to the southern markets. I have occasionally met with a cod of a red colour, in all save the fins, which are generally of a yellowish tinge, and never larger than a common sized haddock. They are known here by the name of “rock codlings.”
Morrhua œglefinus [The Haddock].
Like the cod, it is extensively taken, and largely cured and forwarded south. Our Buckie haddocks are well known for their excellence, and are far famed for their superior qualities. Like the cod, the stomach of this species is also a rich mine for the Naturalist.
Morrhua lusca [The Bib or Whiting Pout].
Frequent; but not often brought to market, although they are most excellent eating. The fishermen generally cut them up and use them as bait.
Morrhua minuta [The Power Cod].
Not known as an inhabitant of the Firth until recently. They are excellent eating. It is a great pity that they are so small and scarce.
Merlangus vulgaris [The Whiting].
Often taken, but not so much admired as the Haddock.
Merlangus pollachius [The Pollack or Lythe]. Frequent.
Merlangus carbonarius [The Coal-fish].
Like the last; when young, great numbers of them are occasionally taken in our harbours, in small-meshed nets. They are termed “Gerrocks.”
Merlucius vulgaris [The Hake]. Found occasionally.
Lota molva [The Ling].
Fished for with the cod, and cured in the same manner. When salted and dried they are called “Kealing.”
Motella quinquecirrata [The Five-bearded Rockling].
Frequent among the pools left among the rocks by the tide.
Motella cimbria [The Four-bearded Rockling].
Rare. I have not met with it often.
Brosmius vulgaris [The Torsk or Tusk].
Taken with the cod and ling, and cured in the same fashion.
Phycis furcatus [The Great Forked Beard].
This fish is of rare occurrence with us, and that only at long intervals.
Platessa vulgaris [The Plaice].
Plentiful, and highly prized by many for its very delicate flesh and agreeable flavour.
Platessa flesus [The Flounder], or as it is called here, the Common Fluke, and the
Platessa limanda [The Saltwater Fluke] are also pretty frequent. In the stomachs of these fish I occasionally find, among other matters, Tellina fabula, T. tenuis, T. punicea (a most beautiful little shell), Natica Montagui, N. Alderi, Philine scabra, Cylichna truncata, C. cylindracea, etc.
Platessa microcephala [The Smooth Dab] and
Platessa pola [The Pole Dab] are not so often met with.
Platessa limandoides [The Yellow or Rough Dab], and the
Platessa elongata [Long Flounder] are of rare occurrence.
Hippoglossus vulgaris [The Halibut] and
Rhombus maximus [The Turbot] are both met with, inhabiting deep water. They are seldom taken near the shore. The former is the more plentiful. The latter is known here as the Roan Fluke, and always commands a ready sale and a high price. The other is called the Turbot; and though it sells well, it is not so valuable as the true turbot, nor yet so eagerly sought after by the higher classes.
Rhombus vulgaris [The Brill or Pearl Turbot].
This species is occasionally taken along with the two preceding, but must rank as rare with us.
Rhombus hirtus [Muller’s Topknot] occurs at intervals along our whole line of coast.
Solea vulgaris [The Sole] is not so common with us as its name would seem to indicate.
Solea pegusa [The Lemon Sole]. Rare.
Monochirus linguatulus [The Solenette] is of more frequent occurrence. I have found it in the stomach of the cod and haddock.
Lepidogaster Cornubiensis [The Cornish Sucker].
I remember finding a small fish, on one occasion, where our fishermen clean their lines, and which resembled the above in almost every particular. It is the only specimen that has come under my notice.
Lepidogaster bimaculatus [The Two-spotted Sucker].
Brought on shore, now and then, amongst the refuse entangled in the fishermen’s lines, and occasionally in old shells, such as Fusis antiquus, Buccinum undatum, and Cyprina Islandica, etc.
Cyclopterus lumpus [The Lump Sucker].
Frequent. Known here by the name of “Paddle Cock.” Not used as an article of food.
Liparis vulgaris [The Unctuous Sucker]. Of partial occurrence.
Liparis Montagui [Montagu’s Sucker].
I have only once met with this beautiful little fish here, and that but lately. It was brought on shore in an old shell. I should think it rare in the Firth.
Anguilla acutirostris [The Sharp-nosed Eel] and
Anguilla latirostris [The Broad-nosed Eel] are both found. The former is the most numerous, and brings the highest price.
Conger vulgaris [The Conger or Great Eel].
This large species is often met with, but is not used as food.
Ammodytes Tobianus [The Sand Eel], and
Ammodytes lancea [The Sand Lance].
The latter the most numerous. Both these are used by our fishermen for bait.
Syngnathus acus [The Great Pipe Fish] and
Syngnathus typhle [The Lesser Pipe-fish] are both met with, and are accounted by the fishermen to be superior to any other bait.
Syngnathus lumbriciformis [The Worm Pipe-fish] is met with; and is not so rare as one might expect.
Hippocampus brevirostris.
This rare and peculiar horse-headed looking creature has been met with here. Two were found cast on shore at the sands of Boyndie, near Banff, after a severe sea storm.
Orthagoriscus mola [The Short Sun-fish] and
Orthagoriscus oblongus [The Oblong Sun-fish] have been occasionally met with. Several have been brought on shore by the fishermen of Gardenstown, Crovie, and other places.
Acipenser sturio [The Sturgeon].
Rare. One has been taken in a salmon net.
Scyllium canicula [The Small Spotted Dog-fish].
Found occasionally.
Galeus vulgaris [The Tope].
I am only aware of two instances in which this fish has been found within our limits: the one near Buckie, the other in the bay of Banff.
Acanthias vulgaris [The Picked Dog-fish].
Plentiful; often too much so.
Scymnus borealis [The Greenland Shark].
In May 1849 a large specimen of the above shark was captured by some fishermen belonging to Pennan, off Troup Head. When brought on shore, it measured thirteen feet nine inches in length, and eleven feet in circumference where thickest.
Echinorhinus spinosus [The Spinous Shark]. (See [pp. 228], [231].)
Squatina vulgaris [The Angel Fish], or as it is here called (like the Angler), “the Sea-devil,” is sometimes procured. A large specimen was cast into our harbour during the winter of 1851.
Torpedo vulgaris [The Cramp-fish or Electric Ray].
A specimen of this fish is said to have been taken about six miles off Loggie Head, near Cullen, in 1817. Others are stated as having been caught.
Raia oxyrhynchus [The Sharp-nosed Skate].
Large individuals of this species are sometimes taken, with the more frequent of our Rays. One measuring upwards of seven feet in length, and over five in breadth, was captured by our fishermen some years ago.
Raia intermedia [The Flapper Skate].
A small skate, agreeing in many essential points with the flapper, was taken, in a bag-net set for salmon, some years ago, said to be a young one of the above species, and as such I include it here.
Raia batis [The Blue or Gray Skate] and
Raia clavata [The Thornback].
Taken, occasionally, In great numbers; the former being the most numerous and the most prized.
Raia radiata [The Starry Ray].
This small species is picked up now and then.
Petromyzon marinus [The Lamprey], or, as it is called here, the Lamper Eel, is often met with.
Petromyzon fluviatilis [The River Lamprey].
Considered rare. A very fine specimen was taken in the Deveron, some years since.
Petromyzon Planeri [Planer’s Lamprey or Lampern] has also occurred. These fish are generally termed “Nine-ee’d Eels,” and are by no means held in high estimation.
Gastrobranchus cæcus [The Myxine or Glutinous Hag].
This very curious and singular animal, whether you call it a fish or a worm, is of frequent occurrence.
ADDITIONS.
Perca fluviatilis [Perch].
Several of these fishes have been taken in the Deveron.
Trigla Blochii [Bloch’s Gurnard] in the Moray Firth, at Banff. An example of this gurnard (or, as we call them, “crunacks”) was captured here in a rock-pool. (See [p. 281].) I am not aware of the species ever having been detected on this part of the coast before.
Sebastes Norvegicus [Norway Haddock].
One taken off Buckie in 1859 is the only instance of this fish having been taken on our coasts.
Thynnus pelamys [Stripped Tunny].
A fine specimen of this tunny is in our Museum, taken off Whitehills in 1867.
Auxis vulgaris [The Plain Bonito].
Several of these have now come under my notice. One taken in a herring-net off Cullen measured over 20 inches in length and 12 in circumference behind the first dorsal. One very peculiar feature connected with it was, that if stroked down when wet it gave the hand all the appearance of having come across a piece of metal newly black-leaded. I am not aware of this peculiarity being mentioned in Yarrell or elsewhere.
Zeus faber [The Dory].
I have now ascertained that many of these fish have been taken here, chiefly in salmon-nets. It would seem that the dory is by no means an uncommon summer visitor on this part of the coast.
Capros aper [Boar-fish].
At least one example of this curious-looking fish is now known to have found its way to our shores. It was taken in a bag-net near Crovie in August 1862, and was sent here to be stuffed and named.
Trichiurus lepturus [Silvery Hair-tail or Bald Fish].
A very fine specimen of this fish, which is rare in the British seas, and especially on the east coast of Scotland, was found in the Firth here in April 1876. Although the head and tail were a good deal injured, it measured over 12 feet in length.
Gobius gracilis [Slender Goby]. Frequent.
Gobius albus [White Goby].
Frequent also. Numbers of these little fish are to be met with in our rock and sandy pools, whilst others are only to be found at extreme low water.
Gobius Nilssonii [Nilsson’s Goby]. (See [pp. 375-6].)
Labrus Donovani [Donovan’s Wrasse].
A specimen of this wrasse was captured in the bay of Boyndie in August 1863. The fishermen said that there were more, but they only managed to hook the one, and looked upon it as a curious species of mackerel. It was mostly of a beautiful pea-green colour, but striped with numerous yellowish lines.
Labrus microscopicus [Microscopical Wrasse].
It was during the summer of 1861 that I first observed this minute species. It was not, however, until 1864 that I had an opportunity of submitting a specimen for examination to some of our best ichthyologists, amongst whom was Mr. Couch. (See [p. 334].)
Tinca vulgaris [Common Tench].
One specimen taken in our bay in 1864 is the only example I have seen. It is now in our Museum.
Scopelus Humboldtii [Argentine].
This beautiful little creature would seem to be a regular winter visitor with us. I took it first in January 1863; and, since then, I have never missed it during that month. It is of various sizes. I have taken Argentines from under one inch to about three inches in length. I have never seen them in summer.
Couchia glauca [The Mackerel Midge].
Of all the little fish that I have yet found, this one resembles the Five-bearded Rockling, more than any of the Midges do the other Rocklings.
Couchia Thomsoni [Thomson’s Midge].
I first took a few of this species in May 1863. They were new to me, and as I could not find them in Yarrell, nor in other works of the same kind which I had an opportunity of consulting, I thought they might prove an undescribed form. Since that time, however, I have seen Mr. Thomson’s work, and have now no doubt but that my fish are identical with those taken by that gentleman in Strangford Lough, County Down, in July 1838, and named as above. (See [p. 337].)
Couchia Montagui [Montagu’s Midge].
I first obtained this species in October 1864. (See [p. 341].)
Couchia Edwardii [Edward’s Midge].
First taken at Banff, November 1865. (See [p. 344].)
Raniceps trifurcatus [Tadpole-fish].
Several of these are now known to have been found in this part of the Firth.
Rhombus megastoma [The Whiff].
This species seems to be rather rare with us. I have a very fine specimen which I found at the place where our fishermen clean their lines.
Rhombus arnoglossus [The Scaldfish or Smooth Sole].
This would appear to be another very scarce species with us. I have never met with it but in fish stomachs, and very seldom there. It is about the smallest of British flat-fish.
Monochirus variegatus [Variegated Sole].
This species would appear to be met with occasionally. Two pretty large ones were exposed for sale in our market in September 1860.
Echiodon Drummondii [Drummond’s Echiodon].
In March 1863 I took the first specimen of this strange-looking fish that I had ever seen. Since then, however, I have met with it several times, and always in winter,—save once, when I obtained it in summer. They were unknown in the Firth before. Specimens from here are now in the British Museum, London.
Acestra æquorea [Equorial Pipe-fish]. This species and the
Acestra anguinea [Snake Pipe-fish] are both occasionally found. The latter, however, are seemingly the most frequent.
Chimæra monstrosa [Northern Chimæra].
A specimen of this deep-sea and rather rare species was brought into our harbour in 1859 on board a herring-boat. It was found floating, and quite dead. The first dorsal was somewhat injured, and the cord-like portion of the tail was wanting. It was unknown to the fishermen who found it, and who, for want of a better name, called it the “devil.”
Scyllium melanostomum [Black-mouthed Dog-fish].
I am led to believe that this species does occasionally occur with us. It is generally mixed up with the commoner sorts.
Zygæna malleus [Hammer-headed Shark].
A specimen of this strange-looking animal was found dead on the shore about two miles beyond Whitehills in 1861. It was a middling-sized specimen, measuring about five feet in length and about eighteen inches across the head. It had lain some time, for the skin was blackish, and had the appearance of charred or burnt leather.
Lamna cornubica [Porbeagle].
It is now well known that the Porbeagle finds his way here occasionally, and usually about the herring season. There is a very fine specimen in our Museum.
Alopias vulpes [The Fox Shark].
So far as I have been able to learn, this shark appears to be very rarely met with here. It has, however, been found.
Notidanus griseus [Brown or Mediterranean Shark].
A large specimen of this shark was taken in the Firth here, and brought on shore at Whitehills in December 1857. After being exhibited in Banff by the fishermen, its captors, as an unknown monster, it was bought for the Banff Museum, where it now is. This shark is the first known to have been found in the British seas.
Raia miraletus [Homelyan Ray]. Occasionally met with.
Raia Spinosa [Sandy Ray].
This species is well enough known to the fishermen, but they do not often take it.
Raia chagrinea [Shagreen Ray]. This is also occasionally taken.
Ammocætes branchialis [Pride or Mud Lamprey].
We have, at least, one species of this peculiar genus as an inhabitant of the Deveron.