Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/584

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THE ZOOLOGIST.

p. 159, is a very poor representation. Dr. Lowe (Trans. Norf. and Nor. Nat. Soc, 1872–3, p. 32) introduces a so-called new species, Gobius pusillus. He also says (Ibid., 1893–4, p. 637): "His (Mr. Patterson's) claim for it as the first recorded Norfolk specimen is rendered doubtful by Mr. Day having pronounced my G. pusillus to be the same as G. ruthersparii. I think, however, that the two are quite distinct, and that G. pusillus is a good species." Against this deduction I am convinced that G. pusillus and G. minutus are identical, and his description exactly tallies with the last named.

*G. auratus. Yellow-speckled Goby. C.—Preferring a sandy habitat, this species abounds off this coast all the year round. The shrimpers net thousands; but no use is made of it, either as bait or food. Local, "Gobble-belly."

*G. niger. Rock Goby. R.R.—Was first recorded for Norfolk on June 13th, 1876, from an example taken at Hunstanton. I obtained the second, and the first for this locality, from a shrimper on Aug. 13th, 1889. I have had several since. It undoubtedly turns up every summer.

Latrunculus pellucidus. White Goby. R.R.—Identical with Gobius gracilis of Couch, and G. albus of Yarrell. The first example of this new Norfolk species was brought me on June 9th, 1890, by a shrimp lad. It was identified by Dr. Günther. Subsequently a bribe of twopence apiece brought me so many that I had to withdraw the premium. Since that year I have very seldom met with the species. Its Smelt-like appearance, notwithstanding its prominent teeth, undoubtedly confounds it with the young of Osmerus eperlanus.

Callionymus lyra. Yellow Skulpin. C.—The Pagets describe it as "Very rare; taken in Shrimp-nets, April, 1816 and 1826." vI have found it to be very commonly taken in the shrimpers' nets, a score being no unusual take in a morning's tide. Pagets give also "the Sordid Dragonet" (or Dusky Skulpin) as "also taken, May, 1816." As a matter of fact it is identical with C. lyra, being either the female or immature male. Local, "Tiger-fish."

Cyclopterus lumpus. Lump Sucker. F.—Large examples taken occasionally in Shrimp and draw nets. "One taken in river, 1819" (Pagets). Several taken in April and May, 1895, some two stones in weight; a previous record is of one 15 lb. in