M. glutinosa, Linn. Syst. Nat. torn. i. p. 1080. Flem. Brit. An. p. 164. Nilss. Prod. Ichth. Scand. p. 123. Gastrobranchus csecus, Block, Ichth. pl. 413. Shaw, Nat. Misc. vol. x. pl. 362. Turt. Brit. Faun. p. 110. Myxine caeca, Blainv. Faun. Franc. p. 2. Glutinous Hag, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. iv. p. 39. pl. 20. f. 15. Id. (Edit. 1812). vol. iii. p. 109. Le Gastrobranche, Cuv. Reg. An. torn, it p. 406.

Length

From ten to fifteen inches.

Description

{Form). Body elongated, vermiform, thick and cylindric anteriorly, compressed and slightly tapering behind: head scarcely distinguishable, obliquely truncated in front: mouth large, circular, obliquely terminal, surrounded by eight barbules; in the middle of the upper margin a single nostril or spiracle of a roundish form; a pair of barbules are placed on each side of the spiracle; the remaining pairs at the sides of the mouth: maxillary ring soft and membranaceous, with a single curved tooth on the upper part; two rows of strong pectinated teeth on each side of the tongue: eyes wanting: branchiae opening externally by two small apertures, placed beneath, near the mesial line, at a little beyond one-fourth of the entire length: a row of pores along each side of the abdomen: skin naked, invested with an abundant mucosity: a low and rather obscure fin commences beyond the middle of the length, turns round the tail, and is continued along the under surface of the body as far as the vent: this last placed at a great distance from the head, scarcely one-twelfth of the entire length intervening between it and the posterior extremity. (Colours). "Blue above; whitish beneath." Blainv.

* Blainville.

† Pinax, p. 138.

This species was placed by Linnaeus in his class Vermes. Its affinity, however, to the other Cyclostomous Fishes is obvious. Inhabits the northern seas, but is met with on some parts of the English and Scottish coasts. Said by Pennant to be often taken at Scarborough, where it is in the habit of " entering the mouths of other fish when on the hooks attached to the lines which remain a tide under water, and totally devouring the whole except the skin and bones." The fishermen there call it the Hag. According to Dr. Johnston, it occurs on the coast of Berwickshire*.

* Proceed. of Berwicksh. Nat. Club. p. 7.