184 PLAICE. 



of the length, excluding the caiidal fin. The most elevated eye 

 is close to the upper margin of the body, which there suffers 

 a depression in its outline; and the lower eye is in advance, 

 near the end of the mystache, with a ridge between them, 

 and six tubercles in a line backward, reaching to the lateral 

 line. Lower jaw projecting; small teeth; gaj^e rather small. 

 Eody and cheeks covered with small scales, which do not 

 overlap each other; lateral line a little arched at its com- 

 mencement and afterward straight. The dorsal fin begins with 

 short rays close above the upper eye, and is widest behind 

 the half of its length, ending at a short distance from the 

 tail, as does the anal. Ventral fins about midway between the 

 throat and the beginning of the anal fin; pectoral moderate; 

 tail round. The colour varies in different examples from 

 brown to deep bluish green; but both body and fins are dotted 

 over with bright yellow or orange-coloured spots. 



