REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 61 



existence is more strenuous, because of the greater al)undance of 

 life in those ^vaters. 



In Rhode Ishmd waters are found eight species of flat-fislies which 

 represent the chief groups of the suborder Heterosomata. The 

 technical description of the tribes, genera, and species follows:* 



A. PLEURONECTIDAE. The Flounder Family. 



Preopercula margin distinct, and not hidden by scales; eyes large 

 and well separated; mouth large or moderate; teeth present. 



I.' HiPPOGLOSSiN.E. The Halibut Tribe. 



Large mouthed flounders with ventral fins symmetrical; jaws and 

 teeth neary equal on both sides. Pectoral and ventral fins well 

 developed, the ventral fins similar in position and in form of base, 

 the ventral fin of the eyed-side and not being attached along the 

 ridge of the abdomen. 



HIPPOGLOSSUS. Halibut. 



Eyes and color on the right side. Form oblong, not strongly com- 

 pressed. Mouth wide, oblicpie; teeth in the upper jaw in two series, 

 those below in one; anterior teeth in upper jaw and lateral teeth in 

 lower, strong; no teeth on vomer or palatines; lower pharyngeal 

 teeth in two rows. Dorsal fin beginning above the eye, its middle 

 rays elevated, the posteral rays of dorsal and anal bifid; cordal fin 

 lunate; ventral fins both lateral. Scales very small, cycloid; lateral 

 line arched in front. Gill rakers few, short, compressed, wide set, 

 vertebrie 16-|-34. Largest of the flounders. 



1. Hippoglossus hippoglossus. The Halibut. 



Body elongate, not stronglv compressed, deep mesially; head 

 broad; ej'es large, separated by a very broad flatfish area; the lower 

 eye slightly advanced; mouth large, maxillar}^ reaching middle of 

 orbit. Depth of body one-third its total length; head moderately 



♦The technical description of these fishes has been taken from "The Fishes of North 

 America," by Jordan and Evermann. 



