Irish Sport Fishes
A guide to their identification
Central Fisheries Board, Ireland.
Copyright, 2003.

Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

INTRODUCTION
The object of this booklet is to help the angler to identify the fishes
he is likely to catch in Irish waters. Most of the species which havebeen taken on rod and line on the Irish coast or in Irish lakes andrivers are illustrated and briefly described. Also included are(a)(b)

a few species not usually caught on rod and line, but which
the angler may encounter anda few species which have, not yet been recorded from Irish
waters, but which may occasionally visit them.

Fig. 1 shows the chief external features of five species of fish ofdivergent types. The external features important in the identificationof fishes are in the main
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)

general form
presence of gill slits or a gill cover
number, position and shape of the fins
number of spines or soft jointed rays in the fins(sometimes written in formula)nature of the scales
nature of the teeth (in certain families)

Too much reliance cannot be placed on size (one may be dealing
with a young example of a species which grows to a large size) or
colour, since this is subject to considerable variation in some species.
Note: Fin Ray counts in this booklet are written in formula.
D = dorsal fin
A = anal fin
Spiny fin rays indicated by Roman numerals; soft fin rays by Arabic
numerals.
In this guide the following annotations are used; M=marine fish;
F=freshwater fish; B=brackish water fish. Indicated sizes are usually
the approximate maximum the species has been known to attain.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

PORBEAGLE Lamna nasus M.
Ir. Craosaire sgadan; Fr. Taupe; Ge. Heringshai; Du. Harringhaai;
It. Smeriglio; Sp. Cailon, Marrajo.

Body stout, gill-slits and eye rather large. Tail-fin set vertically, withthe upper lobe somewhat the larger. A keel on each side of the tailcolumn and a smaller seco ndary keel on the tail below it. Second
dorsal small, placed over the anal fin. Teeth long, slender with (in theadult) small secondary cusps at their base. Brownish or greyish.
Grows to over 400 lb.
MAKO Isurus oxyrinchus M.
Fr. Mako; Ge. Makrelehai; It. Squalo mako; Sp. Marrajo.

Rather like porbeagle, but less stoutly built and with a smaller eye.
Tailfin more symmetrical, without small secondary keel. Small second
dorsal fin in advance of anal fin. Teeth long, slender, without basal
cusps. Bluish in colour. Grows to over 1000 lb.
BLUE SHARK Prionace glauca M.
Ir. Craosaire gorm; Fr. Requin bleu; Ge, Blauhai; Du. Blauwe haai;
It. Verdesca; Sp. Tintorera.

Slender shark with small gill-slits, raked-back tail and very long,
slender pectorals. Teeth triangular, with a finely serrated cuttingedge. Vivid blue above when fresh caught. Grows to several hundred
pounds in weight.
TOPE Galeorhinus galcus M.
Ir. Fhmaire; Fr. Milandre, Ha; Ge. Hundhai; Du. Ruwehaai; It. Canesca;
Sp. Cazon, Tollo.

Small greyish shark, with short triangular pectorals and a short, deep
notch in the tail-fin. Cutting teeth. Grows to more than 70 lb.
SMOOTH HOUNDS M.
Fr. Emissole; Ge. Glatthail. Du. Toorthaai; It. Palombo; Sp. Musola.

Resemble clumsily built tope-like shark with, at most, a shallow notchin the tailfin. Teeth adapted for crushing rather than cutting, in beds
like those of a skate. Two European species:(1) Mustelus mustelus. Plain grey. Its status as an Irish
species is uncertain.
(2) Mustelus asterias. Grey sprinkled with small, palespots. Not uncommon. Grows to about 4 feet.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

LESSER SPOTTED DOGFISH Scyliorhinus caniculus M.
Ir. Freangach; Fr. Petite rousette; Ge. Kleiner Katzenhai; Du. Hondshaai;
It. Gattuccio; Sp. Pintarroje, Gato marino.

Small, slender, sinuous, rough-skinned shark, with two small dorsal
fins placed far back and close together. Thickly sprinkled with small
dark brown spots. Nasal flaps simple, continuous and touchingmouth. Anal fin ends under or in advance of the origin of the second
dorsal. Grows to about 2.5 feet in length.
GREATER SPOTTED DOGFISH Scyliorhinus stellaris M.
Ir. Madadh mor, Fr. Grande rousette; Ge. Grosser Katzenhai; Du. Grotehondshaai; It. Gattopardo; Sp. Alitan, Gata.

Also called Bull huss. Rather stouter in the body than the previous
species and often with larger spots but these features cannot be
relied upon for identification. Nasal flaps separate from each otherand from the mouth. each with a central rib, the tip of which projects
as a little point. Anal fin ends under the second dorsal. Grows to over
20 lb.
SPUR DOG Squalus acanthias M.
Ir. Fiogach; Fr. Aiguillat; Ge. Dornhai; Du. Doornhaai; It. Spinarolo;
Sp. Mielga, Galludo.

Blue-grey or brownish with a few pale spots. A claw-like spine in frontof each of the two dorsal fins; no anal fin. Grows to about 20 lb.
BRAMBLE SHARK, SPINOUS SHARK Echinorhinus brucus M.
Fr. Boucle Ge. Stachelhai; Du. Stekelhaai., It. Ronco; Sp. Pez tachuela

A fairly large, clumsily built shark occurring mainly in fairly deep water
Two small dorsal fins (without claw-like spines) placed far back; noanal fin. Skin sprinkled with clumps of thorn-like spines.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

THRESHER Alopias vulpinus M.
Fr. Renard de mer; Ge. Fuchshai; Du. Voshaai; It. Squalo volpe;
Sp. Pezzorro.

A large shark with an enormously long and powerful tail, large
pectorals and tiny second dorsal and anal fins. Grows to about 1000
lb.
SIX-GILLED SHARK flexanchus griseus M.
Fr. Griset; Ge. Grauhia; Du. Grauwehaai; It. Squalo cappopiatto; Sp.
Canabota.

A fairly large shark, brownish in colour, with six gills instead of theusual five on either side of its throat. Long tail. A single dorsal fin;anal fin present.
HAMMERHEAD SHARK Sphyrna zyguena M.
Fr. Marteau; Ge. Hamrnerhai; It. Pesce martello; Sp. Pez martillo.

A large shark with an oddly and distinctively shaped head. No Irish
records, but this species has been recorded on a number of occasions on the British coast. Several other species of hammerheads
occur in various parts of the world.
GREENLAND SHARK Somniosus rnicrocephalus M.
Fr. Leiche; Ge. Eishai; Du. Apekalle. It. Squalo di groenlandia;
Sp. Tiburon boreal.

A large clumsily built shark with small gill-slits. Two small, spinelessdorsal fins'. pectorals and tail small; no anal fin. An Arctic species; no
Irish records, but has been recorded from the Scottish coast.
BASKING SHARK Cetorhinus maximus M.
Ir. Liomhan greine; Fr. Pelerin; Ge. Riesenhai; Du. Reuzenhaai. It. Squalo elfante;
Sp. Peregrino.

A huge shark, growing to more than thirty feet in length. Gillslits
almost encircle throat. A plankton feeder, with tiny teeth.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

COMMON SKATE Raja batis M.
Ir. Scalaphort; Fr. Pocheteau; Ge. Glattroche; Du. Schate vleet; It. Razza
bavosa; Sp. Raya noruega.

Leading edges of wings taper progressively into snout. Upper side
grey. On capture, yellow or gold spangle-like markings and/or eyelike spots may he present, but these fade rapidly after death.
Underside usually greyish, sometimes almost black in the central
region, but often becoming white towards the wing tips. Entirely
white-bellied forms are common, but the pores are always marked
with black. Grows to more than 200 lb. in weight.
NOTE: The larger species of Raja are commonly referred to as"skates" while the smaller species are called "rays". A further point ofdistinction is that, if a straight-edge is laid from wing-tip to tip ofsnout, the leading edge of the disc will fall behind the straight-edge in"skates," whereas in "rays" part of the disc will overlap the straighedge. None of the rays have black-marked pores on the underside,which is always White.

WHITE SKATE Raja alba M.
Ir. Scalaphort ban; Fr. Raie bordee; It. Razza bianca; Sp. Raya blanca.

Snout a narrow, parallel-sided projection. jutting out from the outlineof the disc, giving this skate a distinctly " bottle-nosed " appearance.
Distance from tip of snout to mouth not exceeding 20 per cent Of
total length. Upper side grey, sometimes with markings which fadeafter death. Underside white, with a black border to wings in young
and sometimes a greyish border in adults; Pores not. marked withblack. Grows to several hundred pounds.
LONG-NOSED SKATE Raja oxyrinchus M.
Fr. Raie capucin; Ge. Spitzschnauziger Roche; Du. Scherpsnuit;
It. Razza monaca; Sp. Picon.

Disc shaped like an inverted kite. Distance from the tip of the snout
to the mouth at least 25 per cent of total length of the fish. Grey orbrownish above, sometimes with a few pale spots on capture, which
fade later. Underside usually greyish, with dark spots marking the
opening of the pores. Grows to about 5 feet. Essentially a deep-water
species, rarely taken inside the 100 fathom line.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

CUCKOO RAY Raja natevus M.
Ir. Roc na sul dubh; Fr. Raie fleurie; Ge. Kukuksroche; Du. Koekoeksrog;
It. Razza fiorita; Sp. Raya santiaguesa.

Disc heart-shaped. Yellow-brown in colour with, on each wing, alarge, circular black spot overlaid with yellow spots and hieroglyphic
markings. Grows to about 2 1/2 feet.

SANDY RAY Raja circularis M.
Fr. Raie circulaire; Ge. Sandroche; Du. Zandrog; It. Razza rotonda;
Sp. Raya falsavela.

Disc heart-shaped. Brownish, with a number of small, but distinct
cream or yellow spots symmetrically arranged on the wings. Grows
to nearly 4 feet. Not common.

STARRY RAY Raja radiata M.
Fr. Raie radiee; Ge. Sternroche; Du. Keilrog;

Shape rather like a blonde ray; upper surface of disc sprinkled withcurved spines with ribbed bases. Brownish above without permanentmarkings; tail not banded. Grows to about 2 feet. A northern species,
not so far recorded from Ireland, but has been taken on the Welsh
coast and in Scotland.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

THORNBACK Raja clavata M.
Ir. Roe garbh; Fr. Raie bouclee; Ge. Nagelroche; Du. Ruige rog, Stekelrog;
It. Razza chiodata; Sp. Raya de clavos.

Disc diamond-shaped; wing-tips more pointed and general outline
more angular than in other rays. Characteristically, a curved row ofrather large spines on the upper surface of each wing*. However,these spines are sometimes reduced in number or size or may beentirely lacking. Occasionally examples are taken which have somelarge spines on the underside, and such examples may or may nothave spines on the upper surface. Coloration very variable. Typically,
the upper side is sprinkled with dark and pale spots and may havesome larger dark and pale markings. However, examples occur
which have extensive white vermicular markings; or extensive black
patches; or prominent black markings on the centre of each wing.
Two colour variations are illustrated. The most constant feature of thecoloration of this ray is the dark banding on the tail. Grows to about
40 lb.
SHAGREEN RAY Raja fullonica M.
Fr. Raie chardon; Ge. Chagrinroche; Du. Kaardrog; It. Razza spinosa;
Sp. Raya cardadore.

Characters largely negative. In general outline, more like a "skate"
than a "ray" and might he mistaken for a small skate. However, thesnout is proportionately shorter than in the common skate and is notbottle-nosed as in the white skate, while the underside is uniform
white, without dark pores. Upper surface of the disc very roughbecause of coarseness of the denticles. No distinctive pattern on
upper surface. Grows to about 31 feet. Not common.
PAINTED RAY, SMALL-EYED RAY Raja microocellata M.
Ir. Roe ban-striocta; Fr. Raie melee; Du. Uilrog.

Anterior margin of the disc only slightly undulated. Colour pattern
distinctive comprising white spots and lines on a greyish ground; themain lines tend to run parallel with the anterior and posterior marginsof the wings. A few dark spots may also be present. Grows to about
32 inches. Localised.
*These spines are not to be confused with the thornlike spines which may
occur along the midline of the back and which link up with those on the tail ofmost species; or with the beds of small but prominent prickles which occur
near the wingtips in the males of all species of Raja.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

BLONDE RAY Raja brachyura M.
Ir. Roe fionn; Fr. Raie blanche; Ge. Blonde; Du. Blonde rog; It. Razza a coda
corta; Sp. Raya boca de rosa.

Disc heart-shaped. Upper surface fawn or brownish, thickly sprinkledwith small dark brown spots which extend to the hind margins of thewings. The anterior margin of the disc, on the underside, has aborder of prominent prickles. Grows to about 40 lb.

HOMELYN, SPOTTED RAY Raja montagui M.
Ir. Roe breac; Fr. Raie douce; G. Gefleckter Roche; Du. Gladde rog; It. Razza
maculata; Sp. Raya pintada.

Generally resembles blond ray, but the spots are larger, lessnumerous and normally do not extend to hind margin of wings.
Grows to about 2 1/2 feet. A circular configuration of spots midway
on each wing.

UNDULATE RAY Raja undulata M.
Ir. Roe dubh-striocta; Fr. Raie ondulee; Ge. Banderroche; Du. Mozaickrog; It.
Razza ondulata; Sp. Raya mosaica.

Anterior margin of disc very strongly undulated in males, rather lessso in females. Coloration distinctive - a pattern of dark lines on a greyor fawn ground, most of the dark lines bordered with row of whitespots. Grows to about 3 1/2 feet. Common in Tralee Bay, rareelsewhere.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

ELECTRIC RAY Torpedo nobiliana M.
Ir. Craimpiase; Fr. Torpilla; Ge. Zitterroche; Du. Electricke rog; It. Torpedino;
Sp. Tremiegla.

Disc almost circular in outline. Tail portion of the body fleshy, with two
dorsal fins and a terminal tail-fin - rather like a monkfish. Skinsmooth, no spines or prickles. Black, grey or brown, without
markings. Powerful electric batteries in the wings. Grows to over 100
lb.

STING RAY Dasyatis pastinaca M.
Ir. Roe an ghaith nimhe; Fr. Pastenague; Ge. Stechroche; Du. PijIstaart;
It. Pastinacha; Sp. Pastinaca.

Disc heart-shaped, not greatly elevated. Tail whip-like, without fins,
but with a long, barbed venomous spine near its junction with thedisc. This can inflict severe and possibly dangerous wounds. Grows
to over 70 lb.

HORNED RAY Mobula mobular M.
Fr. Mante; Ge. Teufelsroche; Du. Duivelsrog; It. Manta; Sp. Manta.

One of the mantas. Wings narrow, pointed. Tail whip-like, with a small
dorsal fin and a spine near its junction with the disc. Head projectingfrom general outline, with forwardly -directed hornlike processes(cephalic fins) on either side of it. May grow to more than 15 feetlong. A single Irish record.

EAGLE RAY Myliobatis aquilla M.
Fr. Aigle de mer; Ge. Adlerroche; Du. Groote pijlstaart; It. Aquila dimare; Sp. Aquila de mar.

Wings pointed; tail whip-like, with a small dorsal fin and a spine nearits junction with the disc. Head prominent, elevated, and projectingfrom general outline. No cephalic fins. Teeth bar-like, extending
across jaws. Grows to about 5 feet. Not common.

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HERRING Clupea harengus M.
Ir. Scadan; Fr. Hareng; Ge. Hering; Du. Haring; It. Aringa; Sp. Arengue.

Belly knife-edged; pelvic fins under about the middle of the dorsal.5360 scales in a longitudinal series. May grow to about 15 inches.
PILCHARD Sardina pilchardus M.
Ir. Pilshar; Fr. Sardine; Du. Sardine; It. Sardina; Sp. Sardina.

Scales larger than in herring (only 28-30 in a longitudinal
series).Radiating lines on gill-cover. Grows to about 10 inches. The
young is the sardine of commerce.
SPRAT Sprattus sprattus M.
Ir. Sprot; Fr. Sprat; Ge. Sprott; Du. Sprot; It. Spratto; Sp. Espadin.

Body proportionately shorter and deeper than in herring; belly
distinctly saw-edged. Pelvic fins slightly in advance of dorsal fin.
Grows to about 6 inches. Marketed as brisling.
ANCHOVY Engraulis encrasicolus M.
Fr. Anchois; Ge. Anchovis; Du. Anjovis; It. Acciuga; Sp. Anchoa.

Conical snout projecting well beyond mouth. Maxillary slender,
straight, extending back far beyond eye. Grows to about 8 inches.
Rare in Irish waters.
ALLIS SHAD Alosa alosa M. and F.
Fr. Alose; Ge. Maifisch; Du. Groote meivisch;It. Allaccia; Sp. SAbalo.

In adults, only a single dark spot behind the gill-cover. Gill-rakers
long and closely spaced, at least 60 on the lower limb of the first gillarch. Grows to about 8 lb. Ascends rivers to spawn and may travel
far beyond tidal limits.
TWAITE SHAD Alosa fallax M. and F.
Ir. Capall cnarnhach; Fr. Alose finte; Ge. Finte; Du. Meivisch; It. Cheppia;
Sp. Saboga.

Large, deep-bodied, herring-like fish. A row of dark spots on theupper side, but some or most of these may be obscured by thesilvering on the scales. Gill-rakers shorter and more widely-spaced
than in the allis shad-in adults, not more than 30 on the lower limb of
the first gill-arch. Grows to about 3.5 lb. Shoals ascend rivers tospawn, but usually do not travel beyond the head of the tide. A landlocked form occurs in the lakes of Killarney.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

COD Gadus morhua M.
Ir. Trosc; Fr. Morue; Ge. Dorsch; Du. KabeIjauw; It. Merluzzo; Sp. Bacalao.

Three dorsal and two anal fins. Upper jaw the longer. Well-developed
barbel on chin. Lateral line white in adults, which vary in colour fromgrey to brown, thickly sprinkled with small dark spots. Juveniles(codling) may he variegated rather than spotted. Grows to over
100lb.
HADDOCK melanogranimus aeglifinus M.
Ir. Cadog; Fr. Eglefin; Ge. Schellfisch; Du Schelvis; It. Asinello; Sp. Eglefino.

Three dorsal, two anal fins. Upper jaw the longer. Small barbel on
chin. Tail-fin somewhat forked. Lateral line black and a conspicuous
black patch on shoulder, above the pectoral fin. Grows to over 10 lb.
NORWAY POUT Trisopterus esmarkii M.
Fr. Tacaud norvegian; Ge. Spiirling.

Very like poor cod (which see), but more slender and lower jaw issomewhat the longer.
POOR COD Trisopterus minutus M.
Fr. Capelan; Ge. Zwergdorsch; Du. Dwergbolk; It. Merluzzo cappellano;
Sp. Mollero.

Three dorsal, two anal fins. Upper jaw somewhat the longer; a thinbarbel under chin. Body less deep than in previous species. First
anal begins about level with end of first dorsal; pelvics reach backonly to the vent. Pinkish brown, Without bands. Grows to about 10
inches.
POUTING Trisopterus luscus M.
Ir. Trosgan sturoige; Fr. Tacaud; Ge. Franzosendorsch; Du. Steenbolk;
It. Merluzzo francese; Sp. Faneca.

Three dorsal, two anal fins. Upper jaw somewhat the longer; a thin,
wispy barbel under chin. Body rather deep. First anal fin being wellunder first dorsal. In adults, pelvic fins reach back beyond beginningof anal fin. Pinkish-bronze in colour, usually with broad verticalbands, but these may fade after death. Grows to over 4 lb.
WHITING Merlangius merlangus M.
Ir. Faoitin; Fr. Merlan; Ge. Wittling; Du. Wijting.

Three dorsal, two anal fins. Upper jaw the longer; no barbel. Tail-fin
not forked. Lateral line a narrow, brown seam. Pinkish brown above,
silvery on the sides. Grows to about 6 lb.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

POLLACK Pollachius pollachius M.
Ir. Mangach; F. Lieu; Ge. Pollack; Du. Pollak; it. Merluzzo, giallo; Sp. Abadejo.
Three dorsal, two anal fins. Pelvic fins tiny. Tail-fin not forked when
expanded. Lower jaw protruding; no barbel. Lateral line a brown
seam, sharply bent behind pectoral fin. Usually brown on the back,with gold or orange reflections on the side. Grows to about 20 lb.

COALFISH Pollachius virens M.
Ir. Glasan; Fr. Lieu noir, Charbonni&e; Ge. Kbhler, Seelachs; Du. Koolvis;
It. Merluzzo nero; Sp. Carbonero.

Three dorsal, two anal fins. Pelvic fins tiny. Tail-fin forked. Lower jaw
the shorter in young juveniles, but protruding in larger examples. A
barbel present, but so minute as not to he noticeable. Lateral line awhite stripe, nearly straight (not marked by a white stripe in young
juveniles). Dark green or blackish green above, paler on the sides.
Grows to about 40 lb.
HAKE Merluccius merluccius M.
Ir. Colmoir; Fr. Merlu; Ge. Sechecht; Du. Stockvisch. It. Nasello; Sp. Merluza.

Two dorsals, one anal fin. Tail-fin square cut. jaws about equal or
lower slightly the longer; no barbel. Mouth large, with numerous long,
sharp teeth, some of which fold backwards. Silvery grey with a black
lateral line. Grows to about 25 lb.
LING Molva molva M.
Ir. Langa; Fr. Lingue; Ge. Leng; Du. Leng; It. Molva;

Two dorsals, one anal fin. Tail-fin rounded. A well- developed barbel
under chin. A somewhat eel-like fish, more or less olive in colour,
sometimes mottled. Lateral line rather inconspicuous. Grows to about
50 lb.
THREE-BEARDED ROCKLING Gaidropsarus vulgaris M.
Ir. Langa carraige; Fr. Motelle A trois barbillons; Ge. Dreibdrtelige Seequappe;
Du. Driedradige meun; It. Motella; Sp. Lota.

Sometimes called Spotted Rockling. Superficially suggestive of asmall ling. A single dorsal fin, with a low vibratile membrane in frontof it, set in a chink in the back. One anal fin. Two barbels on snout
and one under chin. Yellow-brown to reddish in colour, dappled withdark brown spots or blotches. Grows to about 2 lb.
NOTE: Several other species of rockling occur between and beyond tidemarks. They vary in size, colour and number of " beards".
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LESSER FORKBEARD, TADPOLE FISH Raniceps raninus M.
Fr. Trident; Ge. Froschdorsche; Du. Vorschkwal;It. Mustello; Sp. Bratola de roca.

Two dorsal fins, the first minute, a single anal fin. Head and anterior
part of body rather bulky; mouth large, with a tiny chin barbel. Dark
brown. Grows to about 12 inches.
TORSK Brosme brosme M.
Fr. Brosme; Ge. Lumb; Du. Lom; It. Brosmio; Sp. Brosmio.

Somewhat like a ling, but shorter and stouter and with a single
dorsal; one anal fin; tail fin rounded and continuous with dorsal andanal. Barbel present. G.rey or brown with pale margins to fins. Grows
to about 3.5 feet. Rare in Irish waters.
BASS Dicentrarchus labrax M. & B.
Ir. Doingean; Fr. Bar; Ge. Meerbarsch; Du. Zeebaars; It. Spigola; Sp. Lubino.

Blue-backed, silvery hard-scaled fish with two adjacent dorsal fins ofabout equal size, the first with strong spines. Anal fin short, tail fin
forked, pelvic fins (each with a spine and five soft rays) underpectorals. Corner of gill-cover spinous; edge of pre-operculum(cheek- bone) serrated. Grows to about 20 lb.
STONE BASSE Polyprion, americanus M
Fr. Cernier brun; Ge. Wrackbarsch; Du. Reuzeribaars; It. Cernia di fondale;
Sp. Cherna.

A single dorsal fin, with strong spines anteriorly; anal fin short; basesof soft dorsal and anal fleshy. Tafl-fin rounded or square-cut. A ridged
spine running across gill-cover; preoperculum serrated. Formchanges with growth. Young examples may be variegated; big
examples usually greyish. Young (up to 201b. or so) sometimes
encountered at surface near floating wreckage; Adults, which may
grow to 100 lb, keep near bottom in deep water.
COMBER Serranus cabrilla M.
Fr. Serran cabrille, Serran petite chevre; Ge. Sagebarsch; It. Perchia;
Sp. Cabrilla.

A single dorsal fin with strong spines anteriorly; anal fin short; tail-fin
square-cut or slightly concave. Corner of gill-cover spinous.
Preoperculum serrated. Brownish, with dark vertical bars and bluishor greenish lengthwise streaks on head and along body (Note: do notconfuse with male cuckoo wrasse!). Grows to about 10 inches.
Rough ground in shallow water; rare on the Irish coast.
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THICK-LIPPED GREY MULLET Crenimugil labrosus M. and B.
Ir. Lannach; Fr. Muge noir, Mulet A grosses levres; Ge. Meerdsche; Du. Herder.

Back broad; head short and broad; small, triangular mouth. Dorsal
fins small, well separated, the first with four strong spines. Tail fin
forked; pelvics set some distance behind pectorals. Large hardscales. No spines on head or gill-cover. Greyish in colour with lengthwise dark streaks. Upper lip thick, with papillae; its greatest depth
more than half the diameter of the eye, jugular interspace (see illustration) narrow and parallel when gills closed. Grows to more than 10
lb. Common on the Irish coast.
THIN-LIPPED GREY MULLET Liza ramada M. and B.
Fr. Muge, Mulet ramada; Ge. Grosskopf meedische;

Differs from previous species in thinner upper lip (greatest depth lessthan half diameter of eye) and broader, oval-shaped jugularinterspace. Grows to over 10 lb. Recorded from England but not from
Ireland.
GOLDEN GREY MULLET Liza auratus M. and B.
Fr. Muge dore; Ge, Goldiische; It. Cefalo dorato; Sp. Lisa dorada.

Upper lip less than half diameter of eye; jugular interspace oval. A
well defined golden spot behind eye and another on gill cover (not tobe confused with the golden reflection sometimes seen on gill-coversof other species). Grows to about 18 inches. Recorded from England,
but not from Ireland.
RED MULLET Mullus surmuletus M.
Ir. MiIIead dearg; Fr. Rouget; Ge. Streifenbarbe.,Du. Zee barbeel; It. Triglia discoglio; Sp. Salmonete de roca.

Two dorsal fins, well separated, the first with 7 or 8 spines, thesecond short. Tail-fin forked; anal short; pelvics under pectorals.
Large, hard scales. Two stiff barbels under chin. Red with golden
markings. Grows to about 15 inches.

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SEA BREAM, RED BREAM Pagellus bogaraveo M.
Ir. Dearghn; Fr. Rousseau, Dorade (also applies to Sparus aurata);
Ge. Nordischer Meerbrassen; Du. Roode zeebrasem; It. Pagello; Sp. EspArido.

Body rather deep, profile steep, eye large. Single dorsal fin withspinous anterior portion. Anal fin of moderate length with spines
anteriorly. Tail-fin forked, pectorals long and pointed. No spines onhead or gill-cover. Conical teeth in front of laws, rows of molars
behind. Red or reddish on the back, more silvery on the sides. Adults
with a conspicuous black patch on the shoulder. Grows to over 9 lb.
BLACK BREAM Spondyliosoma cantharus M.
Fr. Breme de mer; Ge. Seekarpfen, Streifen brassen, Du. Zeekarper; It. Tanuta;
Sp. Chopa.

Shape and fins not unlike previous species, but jaws with a single
row of sharp-pointed teeth; no molars. Grey or purplish grey, oftenwith dark vertical bars and with longitudinal markings on the sides.
Grows to about 6 lb. Not common on the Irish coast.
BOGUE Boops boops M.
Fr. Bogue; Ge. Gelbstriemen; It. Boga; Sp. Boga.

One of the sea breams, but body much less deep than in most
species. Teeth-a single row of notched incisors; no molars or conicalteeth. Blue-grey above, more silvery on the sides, which have yellow,
lengthwise streaks. Grows to about 14 inches. Not common on the
Irish coast.
RAY'S BREAM Brama brama M.
Fr. Castagnole; Ge. Brachsenmakrele; Du. Praam; It. Pesce castagna;
Sp. Castaileta.

Body deep and compressed, profile steep and rounded. A single long
dorsal and a single long anal fin, with short rays without protruding
sharp tips. Tail-fin crescentic, pectorals long and pointed. Silvery inlife; fades to grey after death. Grows to more than 6 lb.
JOHN DORY Zeus faber M.
Ir. Dormchad na sul mor; Leathog De; Fr. Doree, Saint-Pierre; Ge. Heringskbnig;
Du. Zonnevisch; It. Pesce san Pietro; Sp. Pez de san Pedro.

Body deep and strongly compressed. Head large; huge, protrusible
mouth. Body edges with spines; spiny first dorsal and anal fin
preceded by a spiny, separate fin. Dorsal fin membrane produced as"streamers" between the spines. Yellowish-olive, with a dark spot on
the side. Grows to more than 8 lb.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries BoardBALLAN WRASSE Labrus bergylta M.
Ir. Ballach; Fr. Vielle commune; Ge. Gefleckter Lippfisch; Du. ClevIekte lipisch;
It. Tordo marvizzo; Sp. Maragota.

In this and most species of wrasse the body is fairly deep, but notexcessively compressed and is covered with hard scales. There is asingle long dorsal fin, with spines in the anterior portion; anal fin ofmoderate length, with spines anteriorly. Tail broad and somewhat
rounded; pectorals broad and rounded. No spines on gill cover; lips
thick and fleshy; jaws with powerful conical teeth. In the ballan wrasse,the fin-ray formula is D M-XX/9-11, A 111/8-10 and the edge of the preoperculum (cheekbone) is smooth. Coloration very variable, not related
to sex; usually some shade between brown and green, may be mottled,with red or orange on throat and fins. Grows to over 10 lb. Common.
CUCKOO WRASSE Labrus mixtus M.
Ir. Ballach Muire; Fr. Labre mele; Ge. Lippfisch;Fin-ray formula D XVI-XVIII/11-14, A Ill/9-11. Coloration:males orange,
vivid blue heads and vivid blue lines across the gill covers and along
the sides; females red, with three dark spots on the back, under andbehind the soft dorsal. Grows to about 2 lb.
GOLDSINNY Ctenolabrus rupestris M.
Fr. Ctenolabre; Ge. Klpipenbarseh; Du. Klip-Lipvisch.

Fin-ray formula D XVI-XVIII/SA0, A 111-1V/7-8. Teeth in the jaws in several rows. Sepia to reddish, with a dark spot on the spinous dorsal andanother on the upper edge of the tail, just in front of the tail-fin. Grows
to about 7 inches. Common but infrequently captured.
CORKWING WRASSE Crenilabrus melops M.
Ir.Bod gorm;Fr. Crenilabre melops;Ge. Schwarzdugigerlippfisch;Du. Zwartoog-LipvischFin-ray formula D XV-XVIII/8-10, A 111/8-10. Edge of preoperculum
serrated. Coloration very variable, not related to sex, varies from brownto green, sometimes with bars or other markings; throat may be
streaked or netted with orange and/or blue; fins may be spotted. Oftena small dark spot near the end of the lateral line, but this may beabsent in large examples. Grows to about 1 lb. Common.
ROCK COOK Centrolabrus exoletus M.
Resembles corkwing in form and variable coloration, mouth small; preoperculum serrated; more than 3 spines in anal fin; teeth in a single
row in jaws. DXVI11-XX/5-7, A W-VI/6-8. Grows to about 6 inches. Not
common.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

RAINBOW WRASSE Coris julis M.
Fr. Girelle; Sp. Doncella.

Fin-ray formula DVIII-IX/ 12, A 111/ 11- 12. Body elongated.
Coloration variable and striking. Brownish above, yellow orange
beneath, with a band along the side. In males, this band is zig-zag
stripe of red or orange, bordered with blue. Grows to about 10
inches. Rare.
MACKEREL Scomber scombrus M.
Ir. Ronnach; Fr. Maquereau; Ge. Makrele; Du. Makreel; It. Maccarello, Sgombro;
Sp. Caballa.

First dorsal fin well separated from main portion of second dorsal.
Two small keels on each side at base of tail-fin. Back withcharacteristic wavy stripes (rarely with spots or scribblings); a line oflongitudinal blotches below lateral line, but no, spots or blotches onlower sides. Grows to about 6 lb. No swim-bladder.
SPANISH MACKEREL, COLIAS MACKEREL Scomber colias M.
Ir. - (Ronnach Spainneach =garfish); Fr. Maquereau espagnol; Ge. Kolios;
Du. Spaansche mackreel; It. Lanzardo, Sgombro cavallo; Sp. Estornino.

Generally similar to mackerel but with a larger head. Dorsals well
separated; two small keels on each side at base of tail-fin. Scales in
the pectoral region larger than elsewhere. Coloration much as inmackerel, but with dark spots or blotches on the lower sides. Grows
to about 2 feet. Uncommon. Swim-bladder present.
FRIGATE MACKEREL, PLAIN BONITO Auxis thazard M.
Fr. Thazard; It. Tombarello; Sp. Melva.

Dorsal fins well separated. On each side, a well-defined keel an the
tail column, in addition to the two small keels at
the base of the tail-fin. Corselet of enlarged scaled in the pectoral
region. Vague wavy markings on back. Grows toabout 2 feet. Not common.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

OCEANIC BONITO Ka,tsuwonus pelamis M.
Fr. Bonite, Ge. Echter Bonito; It. Tonetto striato; Sp. Listado.

Body rather stout. Dorsal fins separated by only a short gap; the first
begins high and then, dips sharply. Keel on side of tail column andtwo keels at base of tail-fin. Longitudinal stripes on lower sides, parallel with curve of belly. DXV- 1 / 11- 12 + 8 finlets. Grows to about 40
lb. Not common.
BELTED BONITO Sarda sarda M.
Fr. Pelamide; Ge. Pelamide; It. Palamita; Sp. Bonito.

Not so stout as previous species. Dorsal fins separated by only ashort gap; the first highest anteriorly and decreasing in heightprogressively. Keel on side of tail column and two keels at base of
tail-fin. Slanting stripes on sides and/or' dark vertical bands, but one
or other of these sets of markings may fade away. DXXlXXIV-1516+7-10 finlets. Grows to about 12 lb. Not common.
ALBACORE Thunnus alalunga M.
Fr. Germon, Thon blanc; Ge. Germon; It. Tonno bianco, Alalonga; Sp. Albacora.

Dorsal fins separated by only a narrow gap. Keel on side of tailcolumn and two keels at base of tail-fin. Pectoral fin very long,reaching back beyond origin of anal fin. Grows to about 70 lb. Not
common.
TUNNY, BLUEFIN TUNA Thunnus thynnus M.
Ir. Tuinnin; Fr. Thon rouge; Ge. Thunfisch; Du. Tanijn; It. Tonno; Sp. Atun.

Dorsal fins separated by only a narrow gap; main portions of second
dorsal and anal not greatly elevated and dark in colour. A keel onside of tail column and two keels at base of tail-fin. Pectoral finsshort. Grows to over 1,000 lb. Not common.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

GREY GURNARD Eutrigla gurnardus M.
Ir. Cnudan glas; Fr. Grondin gris; Ge. Grauer Knurrhahn; Du. KIeine poon;
It. Capone gorno, Sp. Borracho, Perlon.

Lateral line a prickly ridge. Greyish or reddish grey, head usuallysomewhat orange. Body and head sprinkled with pale spots.
Pectorals without conspicuous markings. Grows to over 3 lb.
Common.
RED GURNARD Aspitrigla gurnardus M.
Ir. Cnudan dearg; Fr. Grondin rouge; Ge. Roter Knurrhalm; Du. Engelesche poon;
It. Capone imperiale, Capone coccio; Sp. Arete, Eseacho.

Lateral line crossed by plates which produces a ribbed effect. Intense
red; pectorals may have greyish or greenish streaks, but are without
a blue border on inner surface; "fingers" not banded. Grows to over 3
lb. Common.
TUB GURNARD Trigla lucerna M.
Ir. Cnudan gorm; Fr. Perlon; Ge. Seeschwalbe; Du. Groote poon; It. Capone
gallinella; Sp. Bejel.

Lateral line a raised seam, not prickly or crossed by plates. Reddishbrown; pectorals very large, their inner sides with a vivid blue borderat the tip (young may have a blue patch, with pale 11 polka dots," on
the inner aspect of the pectorals). Grows to over 10 lb. Common.
STREAKED GURNARD Trigloporus lastoviza M
Ir. Feochadan; Fr. Rouget camard; Du. Gestreepte poon; It. Capone ubriaco.

Skin along sides vertically ridged. Reddish; pectorals with blue bands
and "fingers" conspicuously banded. Grows to about 14 inches. Not
common.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

ATHERINE, SAND SMELT Atherina presbyter M.
Ir. Traslan; Fr. Pratre; Ge. Ahrenfisch; Dw Schrapper; It. Lattarino; Sp. Pejerreyes.

Small, slender, fork-tailed fish, with a brilliant silvery stripe along theside and a dark streak beneath it. Two dorsal fins, well separated, thefirst with 7 or 8 slender spines, the second with two slender spinesand 10-13 jointed rays. Grows to about 7 inches. Distantly related togrey mullet. Harbours and lower reaches of estuaries.
SMELT Osmerus eperlanus B.
Fr. Eperlan; Ge. Stint; Du. Spierling; It. Sperlano, Eperlano; Sp. Eperldno.

Another small, slender forked-tailed fish, with a brilliant silvery stripe
along the side. A short but rather high-dorsal fin on the middle of theback; a small adipose fin some distance behind it. Long, sharp teeth.
Grows to about a foot, usually 5-8 inches. Often confused with theprevious species, but is related to the salmon and trout rather than
the grey mullets. Smells strongly of cucumber. Estuarine; ascends totidal limits in spring to spawn. Landlocked (freshwater) populations
occur on the continent.Abundant in the Shannon; not recorded
elsewhere in Ireland.
LESSER WEEVER Trachinus vipera M.
Ir. lasgan an ghaith nimhe; Fr. Petite vive; Ge. Kleiner Petermann;
Du. Kleine Pieterman;

Body rather elongated and compressed; skin with diagonal pleating.
Two dorsal fins, the first short, the second long and low; and long
and low. D V-VII-21-24. A 24-26. Gape of mouth directed upwards.
Golden-brown in colour; first dorsal fin black. The dorsal spines and alarge spine on each gill-cover have poison glands at their bases andcan inflict painful and potentially dangerous wounds requiring medical
attention. Grows to about 6 inches. Common in many places on
sandy bottoms in shallow water along beaches.
GREATER WEEVER Trachinus draco, M.
Fr. Grande vive; Ge. Petermann; Du. Groote Pleterman; It. Trachina drago;
S p. Araila.

Essentially similar to previous species but body more elongated.
Dark on the back, yellowish on the sides with dark markings; firstdorsal with most of the membrane black. D V-VIII-29-32; A 11/28-34.
A larger species, growing to about 16 inches. Just as dangerous as
the previous species, but lives further from shore and is less often
captured.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

PLAICE Platmsa platessa M.
Ir. Leathog bhreac; Fr. Plie, Carrelet; Ge. Scholle; Du. Schol; It. Passera; Sp. Solla.

The plaice, like other flatfishes, lies and swims on its side. During
post-larval development, the skull bones twist, so that both eyes areon the same side of the head. This is the side which is upper-mostand pigment is confined to this side. The plaice has the eyes on theright side and there is a row of bony knobs on the head ridge behindthe eyes. Scales smooth. Colour, brownish with well defined red ororange spots. Grows to more than 7 lb.
FLOUNDER Plathithys flesus. M, B, F.
Ir. Dubh-leatha; Fr. Flet; Ge. Flunder; Du. Bot; It. Passera pianuzza; Sp. Platija.

Eyes and colour normally on the right side, but "reversed" examples
are commoner amongst flounders than amongst other flat fishes.
Conspicuous eniarged, rough, hard scales on head ridge, anterior
part of lateral line and along bases of dorsal and anal fins on theeyed side. Dark brown to greenish-grey, sometimes with vague
orange spots, blind side uniform opaque white. Grows to about 5 lb.
Often occurs in fresh water well above the limits of the tide.
DAB Limanda limanda M.
Ir. Leathog; Fr. Limande; Ge. Kliesche; Du. Schar; It. Limanda; Sp. Limanda.

Eyes and colour on the right side, on which the scales are roughwhen rubbed towards the head. Lateral line strongly curved over the
pectoral fin. Sandy with black and orange. flecks on the eyed side.
Except in the body cavity region, the blind side is translucent bluishwhite even in large examples. Grows to about 2 lb.
SOLE Solea solea M.
Ir. Sol; Fr. Sole; Ge. Tunge; Du. Tong; It. Sogliola; Sp. Lenguado.

The soles are distinguishable by their footprint-like outline, very flexible bodies and the projection of the snout beyond the, small, downcurved mouth. In this species, the nostrils on the blind side of thehead are not enlarged; the pectoral on the blind side is developed tonearly the same extent as that on the eyed side; and there are no
regularly-recurring black rays in the dorsal and anal. Greyish, with, inlife, dark and light variegations. Grows to about 5 lb.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

TURBOT Scophthalmus maximus M.
Ir. Turbard; Fr. Turbot; Ge. Steinbutt; Du. Tarbot; It. Rombo chiodat; Sp. Rodaballo.

Eyes and colour on the left side, which is vareigated brownish withnumerous bony tubercles. Body diarnGnd-shaped. Grows to about
50 lb.
BRILL Scophthalmus rhombus M.
Ir. Broit; Fr. Barbue; Ge. Glattbutt; Du. GTiet; It. Rombo liscio; Sp. Ramol.

Eyes and colour on the left side, which resembles the turbot incolour, but is covered with smooth scales and lacks the tubercles.
Outline more rounded than in the turbot. Grows to over 15 lb.
MEGRIM Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis M.
Ir. ScioltAn; Fr. Cardine; Du. Scharretong; It. Rombo giallo; Sp. Lliseria, Gallo.

Eyes and colour on left side. Outline narrower than in turbot or brill
and body very thin. Pinkish brown, occasionally with some temporary
mottlings. Grows to about 2 feet.
NOTE : In Ireland, this species is often called "witch" a name thatproperly belongs to the craigfluke, Glyptocephalus cynaglossus which
is a right-handed flatfish. Both species are marketed as "white sole."
HALIBUT Hippoglossus hippoglossus M.
Ir. Bo-leatha; Fr. Wtan; Ge. Heilbutt; Du. Heilbot; It. Halibut; Sp. Halibut.

Outline norrower but body thicker through than in most flat fishes.
Mouth larger, with jaws equally developed on blind and eyed side.
Brownish on the eyed side, white on the blind side. Grows to over
600 lb.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

COMMON TOPKNOT Zeugopterus punctatus M.
Ir. Leathog lice; Fr. Targeur; It. Cornetto; Sp. Caracol gris.

Eyes and colour on the left side. Might be mistaken for a young
turbot or brill, but the anal fin is united with the pelvic fins, and both
dorsal and anal are continued under the tail on the blind side.
Brownish, with dark patches and spots: one spot on the middle of theside is particularly prominent. Grows to about 10 inches. Common
but seldom captured.
ECKSTROM'S TOPKNOT Phrynorhombus regius M.
Eyes and colour on the left side. Pelvic fins not connected to anal,
but both anal and dorsal continued under blind side of tail. Brownish,with dark blotches and regularly-recurring dark rays in the dorsal andanal fins. Grows to about 8 inches. Infrequently captured but
probably not uncommon.
MONKFISH, ANGEL RAY Squatina squatina M.
Ir. Brathair; Fr. Ange de mer; Ge. Meerengel; Du. Bergelote; It. Squadro, Sp. Angelote.

Sometimes confused with the angler fish (which is marketed as"monkfish") but this species is a cartilaginous fish. Looks like a crossbetween a shark and a skate., but is more closely allied to theformer. Mouth terminal, instead of back behind snout as in sharks
and skate. Grows to about 100 lb.
ANGLER FISH Lophius piscaterius M.
Ir. Lairnhineach, lasgaire; Fr. Baudroie; Ge. Seeteufel; Du. Zeeduivel; It. Rana pescatrice; Sp. Rape.

Skin naked, with numerous lappets, especially around the mouth.
Huge head and wide mouth with numerous long teeth. Pectoral finswith fleshy bases; the gill opening behind the pectoral. First dorsal finon the head, the rays separate; the anterior ray over the mouth andtipped with a " lure.." Grows to 150 lb.
A second species (Lophius budegassa) has recently been identified
in Irish waters. The chief identifying feature is the lining of thestomach cavity. In Lophius piscatorius it is white and in Lophiusbudegassa it is black

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries BoardGARFISH Belone bellone M.
Ir. Ronnach Sphinneach; Fr. Orphie; Ge. Hornhecht; Du. Geep; It. Aguglia; Sp.
Aguia.

Long, slender, sand eel-like fish with a long, toothed, snipe-like bill.
Green-backed, silvery-sided. Dorsal and anal fins rather short, both
placed far back, not divided up into finlets. Tail-fin forked; pelvic finson middle of belly. Bones bright green. Grows to over 3 lb.
SKIPPER, SAURY PIKE Scomberesax saurus M.
Fr. Orphie maquereau; Ge. Makrelenhecht; Du. Makreelgeep; It. Costardella; Sp.
Paparda.

Like garfish, but body proportionately deeper; bill proportionately
shorter; dorsal and anal each divided up into a principal portion
followed by a row of [inlets. Grows to about 18 inches.
GREATER SAND EEL Hyperoplus lanceolatus M.
Ir. SeadArt gainmhe, Guibin; Fr. Lan~ori; Ge. Grosser Sandaal (Tobiasfisch =lesser
sand eel); Du. Groote Zandaal. It. Cicerello; Sp. Pion.

Slender, eel-like fish; dorsal and anal long and low; tail-fin small,forked, separate from dorsal and anal. No pelvic fins. Green backed,
silvery. Grows to over 12 inches. Four other smaller species occur in
Irish waters.
RED BANDFISH Cepola rubescens M.
Fr. Cepole; Ge. Roter Bandfisch;

Body long, compressed, band-like. A single long dorsal and a single
long anal fin, tail tapers to a point. Pelvic fins under pectorals. Rosyred, with yellow markings. Grows to over 2 feet.
CONGER Conger conger M.
Ir. Eascon mara; Fr. Congre; Ge. Meeraal; Du. Kongeraal; It. Grongo; Sp. Congrio.

Dorsal, caudal and anal fins continuous; no pelvic fins. Dorsal begins
about level with tip of pectoral. Body rather stout and muscular.
Mouth large; the upper jaw the larger. Grows to over 100 lb.
Offshore, inshore and in lower reaches of large estuaries.
EEL Anguilla anguilla E, B, M.
Ir. Eascon; Fr. Anguille; Ge. Aal; Du. Paling; It. Ariguilla; Sp. Anguila.

Slimmer than conger. Dorsal begins well behind peciorals. Mouth
rather small; the lower jaw the longer. Grows to about 10 lb. In
estuaries and even salt water as well as lakes and rivers.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

LUMPSUCKER Cyclopterus lumpus M.
Ir. Leasan lice; Fr. Gros mollet; Ge. Seehase; Du. Snotdolf. It. Cicloterro.

Body bulky, with rows of tubercles. First dorsal, in adult, overgrownby fleshy ridge; second dorsal free with soft rays. A flatsucking disc ofcomplicated structure on the breast. Females variegated brownish or
greenish; breeding males bluish above, red beneath. Grows to about
20 lb. NOTE: The young, less than 4 inch long, have the first dorsal free (though it iscovered by skin) and lack the tubercles.

DRAGONET Callionymus lyra M.
Ir. Iasgan nimhe; Fr. Callionyme lyre, Lavandiore; Ge. Leierfisch; Du. Pitvisch.

Head and anterior part of body depressed (flattened from above
downwards); hind part of body slender. Two dorsal fins, the first
triangular. Pelvic fins large, fan-like, in advance of pectorals. A groupof claw-like spines on the cheek. Females and young males are
sandy-brown with variegated markings; the first dorsal is about thesame height as the second. Adult males have the first dorsal greatly
elongated and are vividly marked with blue and yellow. Grows toabout 12 inches. NOTE: Two other species have been recorded from the Irish
coast. They are smaller and the males have the first dorsal less elongated. The colour
pattern of males is different, though not less vivid.

SHORT-SPINED SEA SCORPION Myoxocephalus scorpius M.
Ir. Greasaidhe chladaigh; Fr. Chabot, It. Seazzone.

Skin naked. Two adjacent dorsal fins of about equal size. Pectorals
very large, none of the rays separated. Pelvics contain one stiff andsome soft rays. Head large and wide; mouth large; gill-membranes
united across the throat, forming a pocket of skin on the under sideof the head. Head with numerous spines, some of which can beerected. Variegated brownish or red-brown, mottled orange and blue
beneath. Grows to about 3 lb. Mainly beyond tide marks, young
examples in pools. A related but smaller species is common in tidepools.
SCAD Trachurus trachurus M.
Ir. Scadan carraige; Fr. Saurel; Ge. Bastardmakrele; Du. Horsmackreel; It. Suro,
Sugarello; Sp. Jurele..

Shape somewhat like a mackerel, but body more compressed. First
dorsal short, spiny, second dorsal and anal long, with two spines
in front of the anal. Tail-fin deeply forked; pectorals long and pointed.
Lateral line, with keeled plates, conspicuous and spiny posteriorly.
Blue green above, steel blue on sides. Grows to about 3 lb.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

ATLANTIC SALMON Salmo salar M. and F.
Ir. Bradan; Fr. Saumon; Ge. Lachs; Du. Zalm; It. Salmone de reno; Sp. Salmon.

In the salmon, the eye is intersected by or is below a horizontal line
through the tip of the snout. The caudal peduncle or "wrist" of the tailnarrows in and then swells out again at the base of the tail-fin.
Fresh-run salmon are blue and silver. At spawning time, the females
are dull leaden coloured; the males, which develop a hook in thelower jaw, become mottled with red and orange (and are sometimes
mistaken for large brown trout). Grows to 100 lb. in weight.
SEA TROUT Salmo trutta M. and F.
Ir. Breac geal; Fr. Truite de mer; Ge. Meerforelle; Du. Forel. It. Trota di mare;Sp. Trucha.

Eyes above the level of a horizontal line through the tip of the snout.
The "wrist" of the tail does not narrow in and then expand again as
distinctly as in the salmon. Fresh-run sea trout are blue or green andsilver with small, x-shaped black spots. Fish which have been up in
fresh water for a long time may become dark and heavily spotted likebrown trout. Microscopic examination of the scales is sometimes
necessary to distinguish with certainty between salmon, sea trout andbrown trout (it reveals differences in age, growth and migration
history).
SALMON PARR
Young salmon spend one to three years in fresh water before turningsilvery (becoming smolts) and migrating to the sea. The young premigration salmon are known as parr and are sometimes mistaken foryoung brown trout. They may be distinguished as follows: Maxillary boneCadual peduncle
Tailfin
Adipose fin
Spots on cheekand gill cover
Spots on sides
Parr marks

Parrdoes not reach beyond pupilof eyeSlenderForkedNo red on fin
2 or 3, in line
Few or none below lateralline.
Well defined

Young Brown Troutreaches beyond pupil; mayreach hind margin of eye.
Stout
Slightly forked
Red spot and/or margin.
Numerous, not regularly
arranged.
Numerous spots below
lateral line
Less well defined; usuallyabsent in larger juveniles.

It is very difficult to distinguish between young sea trout and young
brown trout, since both belong to the same species.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

BROWN TROUT Salmo trutta F. and B.
Ir. Breac; Fr. Truite; Ge. Forelle; Du. Forel ;It. Trota; Sp. Trucha.

Build varies according to feeding. Coloration very variable. In acidwaters, usually olive, bronze and gold, with numerous black and red
spots; dark spots more or less round and often surrounded with apale ring (ocellated). In limestone waters, often silvery, with x-shaped
black spots and few or no red spots (except foradipose fin).
Numerous spots on gill-covers and cheeks, not regularly arranged.
Tail-fin usually not spotted, but spots may be present, especially on
the upper lobe, in some large lake trout. Size very variable, from 2
oz. to over 20 lb. according to habitat and food supply.
RAINBOW TROUT Salmo gairdneri F.
Ir. Breac ioldaite; Fr. Truite are-en-ciel, Ge. Regenbogenforelle;
Du. Regenboogforel; It. Trota iridea; Sp. Trucha arco-iris.

Coloration variable according to habitat. In acid waters, greenish on
the back, with a vivid rosy flush on the gill cover and along the side.
In alkaline waters, rainbows are more silvery and the bar along theside is, at most, slightly pink. Black spots only, absent from cheekand gill-cover and also, for the most part, along the mid-line of thesides. Tailfin heavily spotted. Sometimes faint spots on anal andpelvic fins also. In Irish waters, grows to, about 10 lb.
CHAR Salvelinus alpinus F.
Ir. Breac dearg; Fr. Omble-chevalier; Ge. Seesaibling It. Salmerino; Sp. Salvelino.

Troutlike fish, occurring in some deep lakes. Coloration variable,according to habitat, sex and breeding conditions. Olive or bluegrey
above, becoming lighter on the sides. Some fish, especially breeding
males, become red or orange on the belly and have the lower finspink or red, with cream or white edges. Char have pale spots on adark ground, whereas trout and salmon have dark spots on a light
ground. In Irish waters, char grow to about 1.5lb. but are often muchsmaller. Several types of Irish char have been recognised.
POLLAN Coregonus albula F.
Blue-backed, silvery, fork-tailed, herring-like fish occurring in shoals
in Lough Neagh, Lough Ree, Lough Derg and the Erne lakes. Allied
to trout and salmon it has an adipose fin, but no spots. Grows toabout 1.5 lbs.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

PIKE Esox lucius F.
Ir. Lius; Fr. Brochet; Ge. Hecht; Du. Snoek; It. Luccio; Sp. Lucio.

Torpedo shaped body; shovel like snout; large mouth with many sharp
teeth; single dorsal fin set far back, over the anal fin. Greenish olive,
mottled with lighter patches; the young have a more barred coloration.
Grows to about 60 lb.
PERCH Perca fluviatilis F.
Ir. Peirse; Fr. Perche; Ge. Baarsch; Du. Baars; It. Pesce Persico; Sp. Perea.

Two dorsal fins set close together, the first with sharp spines. Spines
also in the origin of the anal fin and in the origin of the pelvic fins, which
are placed under the pectorals. Greenish-olive, with black bars on thesides; pelvics, anal and tail-fin red or orange. Grows to about 6 lb.
DACE Leuciscus leuciscus F.
Fr. Vandois; Ge. Hasel; Du. Serpeling.

More slender than roach or rudd (which see). Olive on the back, silvery
on the sides; pelvics, anal and tail-fin pinkish-brown or sepia. From thechub (which does not occur in Ireland) the dace is distinguished by its
smaller head and concave dorsal and anal fins (convex in the chub).
Grows to about 1lb. In Ireland, found in the Cork Blackwater system,
the River Barrow, Doon Lake and the Lower Shannon.
CARP Cyprinus carpio F.
Ir. Carban; Fr. Carpe; Ge. Karpfen; Du. Karper; It. Carpa; Sp. Carpa.

Mouth inferior, with thick lips and two pairs of barbels, one pair long.
Tail-fin forked; dorsal fin long; a barbed, bony ray in the origin of thedorsal and in the origin of the anal fin. Several varieties, differing
considerably in scaling and height of body, including (a) common
carp,fully scaled carp; (b) mirror carp, with some greatly enlarged andshining scales (sometimes in rows, sometimes haphazardly distributed)
on otherwise naked bodies; (c) leather carp, with a thick skin and only afew scales or none; (d) a leaden-coloured form, which appears naked,
but really has a.full covering of very thin scales entirely devoid of pigment. Carp grow to over 40 lb. Localised.
TENCH Tinca tinea F.
Fr. Tanche; Ge. Schleie; Du. Zeelt; It. Tinca; Sp. Tenea.

A thick-set fish with strong fins. Dorsal short, rounded, tailfin only
slightly concave. Pelvic fins very large, spoon shaped and with greatly
thickened anterior rays in adult males. A pair of minute barbels attached
to mouth. Greenish olive. with orange-red eyes. Grows to about 10 lb.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

ROACH Rutilus rutilus F.
Fr. Gardon; Ge. P16tz, Rotauge; Du. Blankvoorn; It. Triotto; Sp. Bermejulea.

Mouth inferior; dorsal fin noticeably large, with its origin over theinsertion of the pelvic fins. Anal fin short, with 9-12 branched rays
(excluding the unbranched ray at the leading edge of the fin and theshort rays fused with it). 40-46 scales along lateral line. Blue on theback, silvery on the sides (sometimes with a bronze lustre in bigfish); dorsal, brownish red; pelvics, anal and tailfin red. Grows toabout 4lb. Now spreading through most major river systems.
RUDD Scardinius erythrophthalmus F.
Ir. Talog or Roiste; Fr. Rotengle; Ge. Rotfeder; Du. Ruisvoorn; It. Scardola.

Cleft of mouth directed obliquely upwards; dorsal fin small, its origin
well behind insertion of pelvic fins. Anal fin short, with 10-13
branched rays. 39-44 scales along lateral line. Young blue and silver;large fish green-backed, with a golden lustre, on the sides. Dorsal
reddish-brown; pelvies, anal and tail-fin red. Grows to about 4 lb.
Commonly miscalled "roach."
BREAM, BRONZE BREAM Abramis brama F.
Ir. Bran; Fr. Breme; Ge. Blei, Brachsen; Du. Brasom. It. Brama.

Mouth inferior. Dorsal short-based, but high and ‘peaked’, its origin
some distance behind insertion of pelvic fins. Anal fin very long, with
23-29 branched rays. Tail-fin large, deeply forked, the lower lobe thelonger. 49-57 scales along the lateral line. Very slimy. Young fish (upto about 12 inches) greyish above, silvery on the sides, fins grey.
Large fish bronze, with very dark fins. Grows to over 12 lb.
HYBRIDS
Mouth
Dorsalfin
Analfin
Lateralline
Colour(Young)(Adults)

Roach x Rudd

Roach x Bream

Rudd x Bream

Terminal
Large, somedistance behindpelvics
Short, 9-13
branched rays

Inferior

Intermediate length,
I5-20 branched rays

Terminal
Rather small
somewhat “peaked”
well behind pelvics
Intermediate length,15-21 branched rays.

39-46 scales.

42-54 scales.

46-50 scales.

Blue and silver,
red fins
Blue and silver,sometimes
golden lustre,
red fins.

Blue-grey and silver,
pinkish brown fins

Blue-grey and silver,
pinkish brown fins.
Olive, silvery with abronze orbrassy-bronze lustre,
blackish red fins.

Large, short distancebehind pelvics

Olive, silvery with bronze
lustre, blackish red finsCentral Fisheries Board. Copyright,2003.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

MINNOW Phoxinus phoxinus F.
Ir. Libin; Fr. Vairon; Ge. Elritze; Du. Elrits; It. Sanguinerolla; Sp. Piscardo.

Dorsal fin base overlaps origin of anal fin. Mottled brownish, with adark band along the side, ending in a black spot at boe, of tail. At
spawning time, the dark bar becomes greenish rather than black andblack and red pigment develops on the throat and belly. Grows to 4
inches, rarely longer.
STONELOACH Noemacheilus barbatulus F.
Ir. Cailleach Ruadh; Fr. Loche franche, Ge. Bartgrundl; Du. BermpJe; It. Barbatello;
Sp. Lobo.

Rather elongated body; three pairs of barbels around mouth; tailfin
square-cut or slightly concave; eye very small. Mottled olive or
greenish-olive. Grows to about 5 inches, usually much smaller.
GUDGEON Gobic, gob,io F.
Ir. Gaistoin, bronag; Fr. Goujon; Ge. Grundling; Du. Grondel; It. Gobione;
Sp. Gobio.

A single pair of barbels; tail-fin forked; eye fairly large. Yellowisholive, with blackish patches; fins with rows of dark spots. Grows toabout 4 oz.
EEL Anguilla anguilla F, B. M.
Ir. Eascon; Fr. Anguille; Ge. Aal; Du. Paling; It. Anguilla; Sp. Anguila.

Dorsal, anal and tail-fin continuous; dorsal begins well behind
pectorals. No pelvic fins. Mouth small, with lower jaw the, longer.
Growing eels are greenish-olive on the back, yellowish on the sides
and have a small eye. Mature eels, when ready to migrate to the sea
to spawn (and subsequently die), become dark on the back andsilvery on the sides and the eye becomes much bigger. Eels grow toabout 10 lb. See also Conger Eel.
SEA LAMPREY Petromyzon marinus F. and M.
Ir. Loimpre; Fr Lamproie marine; Ge. Meereunauge; Du. Zeeprik; It. Lampreda dimare; Sp. Lamprea de mar.

Eellike but lacks pectoral or pelvic fins and gill covers. Has a row ofseven circular gill openings behind the eye. Two dorsal fins on hindpart of the body. Mouth eliptical when open, closes to a slit, withnumerous hooked teeth arranged in rows. Olive brown above withblack mottling, whitish grey beneath. Grows to about 40 inches.
Migrates to sea, returns to freshwater to spawn and die. Parasitic onother fishes in adult stage.
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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

There are two other Irish species of lampreys:

RIVER LAMPREY Lampetrafluviatilis F. and M.
Ir. Peist da shuil deag; Fr. Lamproie de riviere; Ge. Flussneunauge; Du. Rivierprik;
It. Lampreda di Fuime; Sp. Lamprea de rio.

Both parts of the dorsal fin separated by a distinct space. The sucker
disc with few, strong, well developed teeth. Colour grey, creamy
beneath. Grows to 12-15 inches. Parasitic on other fishes.

BROOK LAMPREY Lampetra planeri F.
Fr. Petite lamproie; Ge. Bachneunauge; Du. Beekprik; It. Lampreda minore; Sp.
Lamprea de arroyo.

The dorsal fins are continuous with a dip in the margin of the fin near
the tail. The fins are unpigmented except close to the body. The
sucker disc, small with few weakly developed blunt teeth. Colour greyor brown dorsally, white or creamy beneath. Grows to about 8 inches.
Non-migratory; non-parasitic; common.

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Irish Sport Fishes - A guide to their identification. Central Fisheries Board

How to contact the Central Fisheries Board
Address:
The Central Fisheries Board,
Balnagowan House,
Mobhi Boreen,
Mobhi Road,
Dublin 9,
IRELAND

42.985 kg

40

18.144

Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax )

17

10

4.536

Black Sole (Solea solea )

6.32

2

0.907

Bluemouth (Helicolenus dactylopterus )2.4

1.98450.9

Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus )

9

5

2.268

Coalfish (Pollachius virens )

31.45

15

6.804

Cod (Gadus morhua )

42

20

9.072

Conger (Conger conger )7240

18.144

Dab (Limanda limanda )138lbs ozs kg

2

5.5

1.5

0.68

12

16

7.257

- Lesser Spotted (Scyliorhinus caniculus ) 4

4

3.25

1.474

12

5.443

21.25

Flounder (Platichthys flesus )4.91

Garfish (Belone bellone )

3

3

1.361

10.5

2.25

1.021

3

1

1.5

0.68

- Red (Aspitigla cuculus )

3

9.5

2

0.907

- (Belone svetovidovi )

1.11

0 14

0.355

- Tub (Trigla lucerna )

12

3.5

5

2.268

Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglifinus )

10

13.5

7

3.175

Hake (Merluccius merluccius )

25

5.5

10

4.536

Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus )

156

50

22.68

Herring (Clupea harengus )0.425 kgJohn Dory (Zeus faber )7

8Ling (Molva molva )48

Mackerel (Scomber scombrus )4

Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis )1.85 kgMonkfish (Squatina squatina )73

Mullet - Grey, thick lipped (Crenimugil labrosus )

9.1

5

2.268

-

1

0.454

- Red (Mullus surmuletus )Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa )8.23

Pollack (Pollachius pollachius )

19

0.75

0.34

4

1.814

8

25

11.34

2

2.5

1.134

3

1.75

0.794

50

22.68

4

1.814

12

5.443

Pouting (Trisopterus luscus )

4

13.5

3

1.361

Ray - Blonde (Raja brachyura )

36

8

25

11.34

- Cuckoo (Raja naevus )

5

11

4.5

2.041

- Electric (Torpedo nobiliana )

40 kg

20

9.072

- Homelyn (Raja montagui )

8.28

5

2.268

- Painted (Raja microcellata )

17.21

10

4.536

- Sting (Dasyatis pastinaca )33.2 kg30

13.608- Thornback (Raja clavata )

37

20

9.072

kg

- Undulate (Raja undulata )

18

14

6.35

Ray's Bream (Brama brama )

6

4.25

5

2.268

Red Sea Bream (Pagellus bogaraveo )

9

6

4.5

2.041

Rockling, Three Bearded (Gaidropsarus vulgaris ) 3

1

1.75

0.794

2.15 pm - 5.30 pm

IRISH RECORD

ozs

Dogfish - Greater Spotted (Scyliorhinus stellaris ) 23

Gurnard - Grey (Eutrigla gurnardus )SCHEDULE OF SPECIMEN WEIGHTS 2003
FRESHWATER FISH

lbs

Angler Fish (Lophius piscatorius )- Spur (Squalus acanthias )Telephone:from Ireland: (01) 884 2600
from abroad: + 353 1 884 2600
Fax:
from Ireland: (01) 836 0060
from abroad: + 353 1 836 0060
Email:
info@cfb.ie
Public office hours:
9.15 a.m - 13.00 pm and

SEA FISH

SPECIMEN WEIGHT

lbs

ozs

lbs ozs

Bream (Abramis brama )

12

3

7.5

3.402

Carp (Cyprinus carpio )

29

13

12

5.443

Dace (Leuciscus leucisus )

1

2

0.772

0.35

Eel (Anguilla anguilla )

6

15

3

1.361

Perch (Perca fluviatilis )

5

8

2.646

1.2

Pike (Esox lucius ) (Lake)

4130

13.608

Shark - Blue (Prionace glauca )Pike (Esox lucius ) (River)

42

20

9.072

- Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus )-200

90.718

Roach (Rutilus rutilus )1.425 kg2

0.907

- Porbeagle (Lamna nasus )

365

150

68.038

Roach/Bream Hybrid

7

3.528

1.6

- Six-Gilled (Hexanchus griseus )

154

100

45.359Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus )

4

8

2.25

1.021

- Thresher (Alopias vulpinus )-120

54.431

Rudd/Bream Hybrid

7

10

3

1.361

221

Suspended

Tench (Tinca tinca )

8.15

6

2.722

Salmon (Salmo salar )57

Brow n Trout (Salmo trutta ) (Lake)

26

Brow n Trout (Salmo trutta ) (River)20

Sea Trout (Salmo trutta )16

Slob Trout (Salmo trutta )-Central Fisheries Board. Copyright,2003.
http://www.cfb.ie

2
6

Scad (Trachurus trachurus )

1.97

1.5

0.68

Shad - Allis (Alosa alosa )

-

4

1.814

- Tw aite (Alosa fallax )Skate - Common (Raja batis )1.54 kg
206

2.42551.1

100

45.359- Long Nose (Raja oxyrinchus )-8036.287- White (Raja alba )

165

120

54.43120

9.072

Smooth Hound (Mustelus asterias )

16.58

7

3.175

10

4.536

Stone Basse (Polyprion americanus )

10

13

8

3.628

5

2.268

Tope (Galeorhinus galeus )

66

8

40

18.144

6

2.722

Torsk (Brosme brosme )

10

11

6

2.721

10

4.536

Trigger Fish (Balistes carolinensis )

4.83

3.25

1.474

Tuna - Albacore (Thunnus alalunga )

-

26.26

12

-Bluefin (Thunnus thynnus )440 kg330.75

150

18

8.165

3

1.361

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus )34

Whiting (Merlangius marlangus )4

Wrasse - Ballan (Labrus bergylta )4.3 kg- Cuckoo (Labrus mixtus )

2

14.5
7

4.75

2.154

1.25

0.567