20 Mr. Thompson on Fishes new to Ireland. 



ences appear in the dark blotches and transverse bands of S. 

 variegata (Pleur. variegatus, Don.) contrasted with the com- 

 paratively uniform tint of S. Lingula ; in the scales of S. varie- 

 gata being very much smaller *, in its eyes being relatively to 

 each other placed more vertically, in the dorsal and anal fins 

 being rather more distant from the caudal fin, and in the 

 general form of the body, which tapers less towards the tail ; 

 the rays too of the dorsal and anal fins are considerably fewer 

 in number than in S. Lingula. 



The colour generally of the S. variegata is very similar to 

 that of Donovan's figure (British Fishes, vol. v. pi. 117)> being 

 of a pale yellowish brown, with the three conspicuous dark 

 transverse markings approximating more the form of bands, 

 and equidistant from each other, the last extending entirely 

 across the body ; the indication of a fourth band appears above 

 the termination of the opercle, one (narrow and inconspicuous) 

 at the base, and another near the extremity of the caudal fin ; 

 the body is likewise marbled with blackish brown, towards, 

 and spreading over, the base of the dorsal and anal fins ; be- 

 tween the bands are faint markings of pale brown ; dorsal 

 and anal fins pale yellowish brown, marked irregularly with 

 black towards the tail. 



The four specimens of S. Lingula, though not all exactly 

 of the same shade of colour, are on the upper side of a pale 

 brown, entirely and closely freckled over with a darker tint, 

 and exhibiting several small roundish dark brown and white 

 spots on the body at the base of the dorsal and anal fins, and 

 along the lateral line : these brown and white spots are often 

 disposed alternately. The largest individual presents in ad- 

 dition to them, small white specks over the body generally. 



* Although I here speak only relatively to the size of the scales of S. 

 Lingula, the remark may without explanation seem inconsistent with Do- 

 novan's " specific character" of the variegated sole, in which the scales are 

 stated to be "large;" but a reference to his general description will show 

 that it is the comparative magnitude of its scales to^those of the common sole 

 (S. vulgaris) to which he alludes, and in which he is correct, as he likewise 

 is in describing those of the latter species to be " remarkably diminutive." 

 The scales of my specimen accord in size with those of Donovan's figure of 

 P. variegatus: being reckoned from the origin of the lateral line to the base 

 of the rays of the caudal fin (those on the rays not being enumerated) they 

 are about eighty-five in number ; in the specimen of S. Lingula examined 

 there are about seventy scales within the same space. The scales lie more 

 closely to the body in S. Lingula than in S. variegata. 



