Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/593

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE FISHES OF GREAT YARMOUTH.
559

example taken in North river, Oct. 11th, 1893, with a double mouth.

Maurolicus pennantii. Pearlsides. A.—Whilst turning over some freshly-thrown seaweed left by a draw-netter on the beach near the harbour mouth, I found a living example of this species. It was in company with some young Herrings and a number of Three-spined Sticklebacks. The double row of emerald dots running on either side the abdomen and the protruding lower lip proclaimed its identity forthwith; length, 1½ in. Three others were left on the sands after a gale on Feb. 24th, 1890, and another was picked up on Scratby beach in March, 1893.

Esox lucius. Pike. C.—Abundant in our broads and rivers. Attains to a large size, and is noted for its voracity. The late Dr. Norman recorded in 'Land and Water' one captured near Yarmouth which weighed 36½ lb., measuring 54 in. Very stunted individuals are found in the ditches north of the town.

Scomberesox saurus. Skipper. A.—But one record for Yarmouth; date uncertain (vide Trans. Norf. Nor. Nat. Soc. 1872–73, p. 42).

Belone vulgaris. Garfish. C.—An example was taken within five miles of Norwich (Lubbock). Occasionally several are landed in a day at the wharf with Mackerel. Is in no repute as food, being very oily. Local, "Guard-fish."

Cyprinus carpio. Carp. R.R.—Found in some broads, seldom taking a bait. On two or three occasions I have seen specimens that were found struggling in the salt-water on Breydon, having come down stream on the ebb-tide, one seven pounds. The dimensions given by Lubbock of one taken in a broad are as follows:—"Length, 29¼ in.; girth, 29 in.; weight, 13½ lb."

*C. auratus. Goldfish. R.R.—Dr. Lowe, on Mr. Gunn's authority, says "these fish are bred in several mill-ponds in the county." A local angler-artist aasures me this fish breeds in the Ormesby waterworks reservoir.

*C. carassius. Crucian Carp. R.R.—Very local; common in one or two broads, but never takes the hook. Taken at Fritton when the decoy is netted. "A solitary specimen has twice been observed in the Yare" (Lubbock). Dr. Lowe, on J.H.G.'s authority, says "it is common in ponds in East Norfolk.... Known to hybridize freely with Common Carp." The same writer mentions a specimen weighing 1 lb. 7 oz.