l82 GIANT FISHES 



phases of the development of the individual repeat to a greater 

 or lesser extent the history of the race, and the Flatfishes 

 provide an excellent example of this phenomenon of recapitu- 

 lation, as it is called. Without going into details, it may be 

 pointed out that all the available evidence suggests that the 

 ancestral Flatfishes originated from symmetrical fishes not 

 unlike the Sea Perches. Some of these Perches have the 

 habit of lying upon their sides when at rest, and the earliest 

 Flatfishes probably lengthened these resting periods, remaining 

 on their sides when awaiting their prey, and then darting off 

 in pursuit. There is one very primitive type of Flatfish still 

 living to-day in tropical seas which has habits of this sort, 

 and this interesting fish bears a marked resemblance to some 

 of the Sea Perches. The eye of the blind side remains on the 

 top of the head, instead of moving over in the direction of its 

 fellow, and the dorsal fin commences behind the head instead 

 of above the eyes. Further, the front part of the dorsal fin 

 consists of slender spine-like rays and the hinder part of soft 

 flexible rays ; and each pelvic fin consists of a spine and 5 

 soft-rays. 



The flesh of the Halibut is both wholesome and nutritious, 

 but lacks the delicate flavour of that of the Turbot or Sole. 

 At one time it was so little esteemed in Britain that it was 

 referred to in parts of the country as " workhouse turbot ". 

 Nowadays, however, it is gradually growing in popularity; 

 and small Halibuts, known to the fishermen as " chicken 

 halibut ", are much esteemed. The liver provides a valuable 

 medicinal oil, which threatens to rival the better-known 

 cod-liver oil. 



Halibuts are caught mainly by hook and line, although a 

 certain proportion are taken in the trawl. The British supply 

 comes mainly from the rich fishing-grounds near Iceland and 

 the Faroe Islands, and the chief ports of landing are Grimsby 

 and Hull, especially the former. 



The scientific name, Hippoglossus, is the ancient name for 

 the Halibut, and is derived from two Greek words meaning 

 " horse " and " tongue " — a reference to the general shape of 

 the fish. 



