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].