2624 Bullet hi ^y, Ignited States National Mnsenm. 



its length varyiug considerably. Caudal fin somewhat double truncate, 

 with rounded angles, the middle rays being produced. Anterior nostril 

 of blind side with a long flap. Color olive brown, mottled Avith darker, 

 sometimes with very distinct round black blotches; vertical fins blotched 

 with dark; pectoral of colored side with oblique bars. Length 15 inches. 

 Southern California, rather common from Point Concepcion southward to 

 San Diego. It is a very variable species, the coloration and the length of 

 the pectoral fins having a wide range of variation. The body is indiffer- 

 ently dextral or sinistral. (Af/o?, smooth; XEit[<,, scale.) 



Xystrevrys Uolepis, Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1880, 34, Santa Barbara; 



Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. IT. S. Nat. Mns. 1880, 454 ; Jordan \- Gilbert, Proc. IT. S. Nat. 



Mus. 1881, 66; Jordan & Goss, Pteview of Flonndera .and Soles, 243, 1889. 

 Paralichtln/s Uole2>is, Jordan fc Gilbert, Synopsis, 825, 1883. 



1024. PARALICHTHYS, (Jirard. 

 (Bastard Halibuts.) 



Paralichthys, GiRARD, U. S. Pao. P. It. Surv., x, 146, 1858 (macxdosus = calif ornicvs). 

 rseudorhombus, Bleeker, Coniptes Eendus, Acad. Sci. Anisterd., xin, 1862, 5, Notice sur 



quelques genres do la famille des Plenronoctidro (polyspilos). 

 Uropsetta, GiLL, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1862, 330 (californicus^maciilosus). 

 Chceiiopsctta, Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Pliila. 1864, 218 (ocellaris^dentatus). 



Eyes and color normally on the left side. Body oblong; mouth large, 

 oblique; each jaw witli a single row of usually slender and sharp teeth, 

 which are more or less enlarged anteriorly ; no teeth on vomer or pala- 

 tines. Gill rakers slender. Scales small, weakly ctenoid or ciliated; 

 lateral line simple, with a strong curve anteriorly. Dorsal fine beginning 

 before the eye, its anterior rays not produced; both ventrals lateral; 

 caudal fin doubh' truncate, or double concave, its middle rays produced; 

 no anal sjiine. Species numerous, found in all warm seas. This genus, as 

 now restricted, contains a considerable number of species, inhabiting 

 both coasts of America and the eastern and southern coasts of Asia. As 

 indicated by the reduced number of vertebrie, the siiecies range further 

 southward than do those of the type of Eippoglossoides. (n-apdA/l^^Ao?, 

 parallel; tx'^^'i; fish.) 



n. Gill rakers in largo number, about 9 + 20. 



b. Gill rakers as long as eye and very slender. D. 72 ; A. 55 ; depth 2f in length. 



californious, 2991. 

 Ml. Gill rakers shorter, about J length of eye. D. 80; A. 61 ; depth 24 in length. 



^ESTUARIUS, 2992. 



aa. Gill rakers in moderate number (5 + 11 to 6 -f- 21), rather long and slender, 

 c. Dorsal rays 70 to 75 ; anal rays 54 to 60. 



d. Head small, lateral line 4| in length ; depth 2J ; interorbital space rather 

 broad and flatish, f diameter of eye; eyes small, 5j in head; gill 

 rakers rather short, 4 -f- 15, the longest about g eye. 



BRASILIENSIS, 2993. 



dd. Head ratlier large, 3i in length ; depth 2 to 24 ; eyes small. 



e. Gill rakers 5 to 6 -f- 15 to 18; eyes wide apart. adspersus, 2994. 



ce. Gill rakers 5-h 11 ; eyes close together. woolmani, 2995. 



cc. Dorsal raj s 85 to 93 ; anal rays 67 to 73 ; gill rakers 5 + 15 or 16, long and slen- 

 der, the limgest § length of eye; body ovate, the depth about 2 J in length; 

 head about 3g. dentatus, 2996. 



