^^^89L^'J PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 85 



9. Paralichthys dentatus L. Flounder. 



U. S. N. M. 43162. Numerous young of this species were seined and 

 larger ones taken in the pouud nets at the tiuie of Mr. Seal's visit. The 

 one here catalogued is but 4i inches long. In May, 1889, Mr. Seal ob- 

 tained the yonug of the common flounder at Point Lookout, Maryland, 

 securing specimens from 1 to 1^ inches long, and in September, 1889, 

 he collected examples from 5 to 10 inches in length at St. Jerome's, 

 Maryland. 



The flounder is called chicken halibut by the bay tishermen and also 

 by marketmen in Norfolk, Virginia, and Washington, District of Colum- 

 bia. 



10. Bothus niaculatus Mitch. Sand Flounder. 



U. S. N. M. 43131, 43179. Two specimens measuring Oi and 9 inches 

 in length. This species was obtained in small numbers by Mr. Seal, 

 and several specimens were brought alive to Washington, where they 

 do well in the marine aquaria. 



No. 43131 has D. 62; A. 52 ; V. 6. 



The pectoral of the eyed side is much longer than that of the blind 

 side, and contains one spine and nine rays, while that of the blind side 

 has but eight rays. The length of the eye is one-fourth that of the head, 

 and the mandible is slightly less than half length of head. Eyed side 

 and fins profusely spotted with brown, and the scales are edged with 

 black. 



11. Ophidium maiginatum De Kay. 



U. S. N. M. 43168. One specimen, 4^ inches long. 

 Mr. Seal seined several examples of this species at Cape Charles City, 

 a few of which were brought aliv^e to Washington. 



12. Hypsoblenniiis punctatus Wood. Blenny. 



TJ. S. N. iM. 43160, 43215. Eight si>ecimens from 2 to 5 inches long. 

 Abundant on oyster beds. 



By the bay fishermen the blennies are confounded with the toadfish, 

 Batrachus iau. 



D. XII, 14-15; A. 18; P. 14. 



13. Chasniodes bosquianus Lac. Oyster Blenny. 



U. S. N. M. 43218. Two specimens, 2^ inches long. Common on the 

 oyster beds. Mr. Seal found this species in considerable numbers on 

 the oyster beds of the Lower Potomac in May, 1889, I found a lernean 

 l)arasitc attached to the dorsal membrane of one of the specimens. 



This little fish is often found in oyster shells, where it apparently 

 seeks refuge from enemies. In January, 1889, Mr. Evan Lyons, of 

 Georgetown, District of Columbia, bought some oysters in Washing- 

 ton, and upon'opening one, which lie had kept two or three days, instead 



