76 WHITING. 



considerably less than formerly from causes of wliich we may 

 speak when we have to describe the habits of some other kinds 

 of fishes, and especially the Pleuronectidce or flatfishes. 



This fish will reach to about sixteen inches in length, and 

 a usual weight may be three or four pounds, but I have been 

 informed of one that weighed seven pounds. Head and body 

 compressed, the deepest part at the vent, which is opposite 

 the middle of the first dorsal fin; eye moderately large; upper 

 jaw a little beyond the lower; long sharp teeth in both, and 

 a triangular spot of teeth on the palate. The scales small; 

 lateral line high at first, ar.d becoming lower opposite the end 

 of the pectoral fin. Dorsal fins three, and two anal; pectoral 

 rounded at its termination; ventrals slender; tail even. Colour 

 of the back dusky yellow, the sides paler, but often with 

 dashes of the same; belly silver white; edge of the anal fins 

 whitish ; a dusky or black spot on the upper side of the root 

 of tiie pectoral fin. 



I 



