Cope.] *J- [Jan. 17,1873. 



The characters which separate this genus from Oadopsis are many. 

 The pectoral ventrals with five rays and the large pseudobranchise are 

 among the most marked. In the former point it is less, in the latter 

 more like the Blenniidm; on the side of the Anacanthini its form is most 

 like that of Brosmophyeis, Gill, which, however, has the ventrals much 

 reduced. 



Lateral line not flexed nor interrupted, dorso-lateral. Eye large. 



Character specificus. — Body gradually contracting from the anterior 

 part of dorsal fin. Head broad, but narrowed above; muzzle descend- 

 ing rather abruptly. Eye very large, equal length of muzzle, 3.66 times 

 in length of head to apex of bony operculum, beyond which extends a 

 considerable dermal flap. Length of head four times in the total, 

 exclusive of caudal fin. Depth 5.1 in the same. Dorsal and anal fins 

 not very elevated, the rays of both about 1.5 times the length of the eye "s 

 diameter. Radii, Br. VI; D. 47; A. 34; P. 20, the inferior rays much 

 subdivided distally. Lateral line following dorsal outline; numerous 

 lines of mucous pores with short tubules on the head. Scales, 9 — 101 — 

 30. A band from the top of the head to the first dorsal ray naked; 

 jugular region scaled. The dorsal fin originates above the bony angle 

 of the operculum much in advance of the basis of the pectoral, while 

 the origin of the ventrals marks a point between the two. Four pyloric 

 casca. Total length, twelve inches. Color, a dark leather-brown every- 

 where, with some purple reflections on the head. Anal fin, dark purplish. 

 A deep black spot crossing the extremities of the webs and first five 

 spines of the dorsal fin. Extremities of the lower pectoral rays blackish. 



From near Sitka, Alaska. 



The large eye of tins species renders it probable that it inhabits con- 

 siderable depths of the ocean. The discovery of this species, due to 

 Mr. Davidson, is the most important result of his investigation in this 

 field, bringing to light, as it does, a high northern representative of a 

 form supposed hitherto to be confined to the fresh waters of Tasmania 

 and Australia. Pleuronecti'/ii . 



Pleuronectes terakcuatus. Cope. 



Teeth obtusely conical. Lateral line strongly curved in front, the 

 width of the arch nearly half its length and nearly twice the width of 

 the basis of the pectoral fin. Scales ciliated, not spiny, 91 on the lateral 

 line; head scaly. Front between orbits very narrow, keeled. Inferior 

 orbit a very little in advance, 4.66 times in head, a little larger than the 

 muzzle. A short lateral line along the basis of the dorsal fin, its pos- 

 terior terminus opposite the origin of the real lateral line. Under jaw- 

 longer than upper, maxillary reaching to anterior line of orbit. Length 

 of head 3.5 times in length without caudal fin, depth of body 4-9ths of 

 the same. Radii, D. 74; A. 59-60. Length, six inches. 



Color, reddish-brown, unspotted. Fins, dusky; a series of rather large, 

 very faint spots on the dorsal fin. 



This flat-fish belongs to the group Platichthysoi Girard. It is near his 

 P. umbrosus, but has more anal radii and scales, a more strongly curved 

 lateral line, and lacks the interorbital tubercles, &c. 



