i8 



two broad fillets from the sides of the body. The value has shown 

 a marked increase within the last few years, this being one of those 

 species of fish eminent!} 7 suitable for the frying trade. The flavour and 

 quality are both moderately good, but popular prejudice would doubtless 

 effectually bar a sale for the species if the Angler were displayed upon 

 the fishmonger's slab in an uncut condition. From thirty-five to forty 

 thousand hundredweights are annually landed in this country. 



No. 19. HALIBUT, HOLIBUT. 



Hippoglossus vulgaris, Fleming. 



Usual extreme length: 6 to 7 feet, but examples have been 

 recorded of 20 feet; the majority marketed seldom average more 

 than 1 8 inches to 3 feet. 



Description: The largest of all flat fishes, approaching- more 

 nearly in shape to a round fish than any other member of the 

 same group; eyes situated on the right side of the body; jaws 

 similar on both sides ; skin smooth, the scales being of small 

 size ; lateral line fairly conspicuous, exhibiting a sharp upward 

 turn above the pectoral fin. Coloration dark olive brown, with 

 marblings of a deeper tone. 



The Halibut spawns from February to May ; its food consists 

 chiefly of other fish and crustaceans. 



Range: Essentially a Northern fish, the species does not range 

 farther South than the English Channel, where it is by no 

 means plentiful. The largest supply comes from Iceland. 



Remarks: The Halibut is a table fish of high quality, suitable for 

 any form of cookery. The market value has shown a material increase 

 of recent years, it standing now half as high as that of soles. 



Note. The term "Flatfish," in contradistinction to that of "Round- 

 fish," is used to designate those species in which both eyes are situated 

 on the one side of the head ; the dorsal and anal fins are consequently 

 to be seen on opposite margins of the body, when the fish is viewed in 

 the ordinary way. Rays and Skates, in- which the trunk is compressed 

 from above and below, although flat fishes in every sense of the word, 

 are not included in this category. The several species of flatfish are 

 known as "right-sided" or "left-sided," according to the normal 

 position of the eyes, but it may be remarked that in their early stages of 

 life the members of this group have the organs of sight situated on both 

 sides of the head. The passing of the eye to the other side of the body, 

 and the assumption of the side-swimming habit, occur while the young 

 are still of small size. 



