THE MARINE FAUNA OF THE BLACKWATER ESTUARY 57
Salmonidae
Salmo salar Linne Salmon
Salmon have not been recorded from the tidal waters, but it
has been noted that on 12th April, 1904, a salmon, which must
have travelled up the Blackwater, was caught at Kelvedon. Some
years previous to this event, salmon could be caught in nets in
the Blackwater estuary (Essex Naturalist).
Salmo trutta Linne Trout
Noted as being caught in the Blackwater Estuary in 1889
(Essex Naturalist). Recently re-introduced to non-tidal parts of
the Blackwater by the Essex River Authority.
Osmeridae
Osmerus eperlanus (Linne) Smelt
Common in the winter but also present at other times. One
caught in a trawl on the Colne Bar (27.5.1965).
Order Apodes
Anguillidae
Anguilla anguilla (Linne) Common Eel
Often common at places where there is some freshwater run-off
from the land. Also found around the warm water discharge at
the Barrier Wall, Bradwell.
Congridae
Conger conger (Linne) Conger Eel
Specimens, occasionally of large size, recorded from the Black-
water. During the winter of 1962-63 many were washed up dead
on the shore.
Order Synentognathi
Scomberesocidae
Scomberesox saurus (Walbaum) Skipper
One specimen caught at West Mersea in 1907. Noted as being
common in the Thames Estuary in 1960 (Wheeler & Mistakidis).
Belonidae
Belone belone (Linne) Garfish
Fairly common in the summer and taken as a food fish locally.
Order Solenichthyes
Syngnathidae
Syngnathus acus Linne Great Pipe-fish
Fairly common. Specimens taken in trawl hauls from along
the south shore and mid-river in the Blackwater and in the Bench
Head area (1960-65).
Syngnathus rostellatus Nilsson
Fairly common in trawl hauls in the Blackwater.