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.