THE MARINE FAUNA OF THE BLACKWATER ESTUARY 59
Gobius flavescens Fabricius Spotted Goby
One specimen, 21/2 in. long, trawled in the Blackwater in
September 1888 (Cole, 1888).
Gobius minutus Pallas Common Goby
Common and widely distributed on shelly bottoms. Often
taken in grab and dredge samples.
Aphia minuta (Risso) Transparent Goby
Occasionally taken in grab and dredge samples.
Callionymidae
Callionymus lyra Linne Dragonet
Occasionally taken in trawl hauls.
Blenniidae
Blennius gattorugine Linne
One caught off Stansgate in 1898 (Essex Naturalist).
Pholidae
Pholis gunnellus (Linne) Butterfish
Occasionally taken in dredge and trawl hauls and also found
beneath stones on the lower shore.
Zoarcidae
Zoarces viviparus (Linne) Viviparous Blenny
Occasional in trawl hauls.
Mugilidae
Mugil sp. Grey Mullet
Common in the summer, in creeks and around the warm water
discharge at the Barrier Wall, Bradwell.
Order Scleroparei
Triglidae
Trigla cuculus Linne Red Gurnard
Fairly common throughout the year, in the Blackwater and
offshore.
Trigla lyra Linne Piper
One record in 1960.
Cottidae
Cottus scorpius (Linne) Sea Scorpion
Occasional specimens in trawl hauls.
Cottus bubalis Euphrasen Long-spined Sea Scorpion
Trawled in the Blackwater, 1888 (Cole).
Agonidae
Agonus cataphractus Linne Armed Bullhead
Very common in shallow water in most parts of the area.