82
NEW ESSEX MARINE FISHES.
Molva vulgaris, Flem. Ling.—Mr. Fitch writes that his
informant, G. Gibson, has seen several Thames examples 9 to
12 inches long, during the winter and spring months, and one
was obtained in the trawl below Southend Pier on April 1st,
1897. It measured one foot in length, and contained in its
stomach a rockling half as big as itself.
Hippoglossus vulgaris, Flem. Holibut.—This was
recorded from Fowlness by Mr. H. L. Matthams in Essex
Nat, x., 292. Dr. Laver adds that another about five feet long
was reported to have been captured about 30 years ago.
Family PLEURONECTIDAE.
Hippoglossus limandoides, Bloch. Long Rough Dab.—
Mr. Fitch says that specimens of this fish have been taken in
the Blackwater in the spring.
Zeugopterus unimaculatus, Risso. Eckstrom's Topknot.
—Occasionally taken, but very rare.
Z. punctatus, Bloch. Muller's or Common Topknot.—As an
Essex fish, is very rare. Mr. Fitch says that one was caught in
the Blackwater, September 6th, 1900. Another in the Crouch,
November 6th, 1900. And as both these were considered by the
fishermen to be young brill, it is probable that the species may
be not uncommon, although seldom recognised.
Arnoglossus laterna, Walb. Scaldfish or Megrim.—Dr.
Laver was informed by Mr. Fitch that one of these fish was
caught in a trawl, near the Chapman Light, on April 21st, 1900.
It measured five inches long.
Pleuronectes cynoglossus, Linn. Pole, Craig Fluke, or
Long Flounder.—Very rare. Mr. Fitch writes that he has a
specimen from the Blackwater.
The List of Essex Fishes will now stand as follows:—
Records in Dr. Laver's book Marine Fishes 85, less the large-headed
cod, a variety of the common cod .. .. .. 84
Add the species recorded above .. .. .. 10
Fresh-water fishes, 28, less the sheat-fish and gold-fish, both
introductions, and the azurine, a variety of the rudd .. 25
119
But as the Lampreys, three in number in Essex, are now
generally removed from the Pisces to form the Class