2-4 



No. 25. FLOUNDER, FLUKE. 



Pleuronectes flcxnx, Linnaus. 

 Usual extreme length: |S inches. 



Description: Somewhat similar in general appearance to the 

 Plaice, but easily distinguishable by the following- cha- 

 racteristics, viz : The occurrence of a row of rough spiny 

 processes (modified scales) at the base of the dorsal 

 and anal fins, and around the front end of the lateral 

 line; and the absence of tubercles on the ridge between 

 the eyes. The former of these characteristics are more 

 strongly developed in fish from the Baltic, and often lacking in 

 others from the Mediterranean. The Flounder, moreover, 

 possesses fewer fin rays than any other member of the same 

 group, there being sixty to sixty-two in the dorsal, and thirtv- 

 nine to lorty-five in the anal, a fact that appears to render the 

 caudal fin more distinctly separated from the rest of the bodv 

 than it is in the Plaice. The coloration above is very dark 

 brown, almost black, with indistinct markings, the lower surface 

 pure white. The eyes are usually situated on the right side, 

 but examples in which this order is reversed are not uncommon 

 (see figure). 



The Flounder spawns from February to June. 



Rang-: -From the Norwegian coast and the Baltic to the 

 Mediterranean. The species affects brackish, or even fresh 

 water, being found largely in estuaries easily accessible from 

 the sea. 



Remarks: In the market, young Plaice are often described as 

 Flounders. Despite the fact that the value is considerably less, the 

 present species is preferred by many people to Plaice. It should be 

 noted that the Flounder of this country is an entirely different fish from 

 the American species, which is held in such high esteem in the United 

 States. 



