The Meristic Characteristics of Witch Glyptocephalus cynoglossus L. (Pisces: Pleuronectidae), Sampled off the West Coast of Ireland

A sample of 101 witch Glyptocephalus cynoglossus was collected from the port of Rossaveal, Co Galway, on two different days in February 1999 and March 2000. A number of morphological characteristics were measured and the fish were examined meristically. The fish ranged in size from 24.5 to 36.9cm total length and a head length / total length ratio of 0.125 (± s.d. of 0.009) was recorded. Fin ray range for the dorsal, anal, caudal, pectoral and pelvic fins was determined, as well as the number of gill rakers. Mean numbers of 5.9 pelvic fin rays. 10.8 pectoral fin rays, and 10.85 gill rakers were recorded.