376 FISHES OF THE FIRTH OF FORTH. 



first ray shorty the succeeding ones as far as about half-way down the 

 backj gradually increasing ; the rest gradually diminishing, the long- 

 est ray equalling the base of the first nine rays of the same fin. Anal 

 commencing in advance of the base of the pectorals, and ending in 

 a line under the last ray of the dorsal, the first ray short, the suc- 

 ceeding ones gradually increasing to about half-way down the fin ; 

 the remainder gradually diminishing, the last about the length of the 

 first, the longest raj-s equalling the length of the same rays of the dor- 

 sal. Caudal rounded at the end, all the rays branched except the two or 

 three lateral ones ; ventrals situated in a line under the preoperculum, 

 appearing like a continuation of the anal ; a small space intervening, 

 in which is placed the vent ; pectorals arising in a line under the 

 twentieth ray of the dorsal, the third and fourth rays the longest, 

 equalling the longest ray of the anal. Under jaw longest, ascending 

 obllquel}' ; teeth small and sharp, placed in many rows in front ; gape 

 wide ; maxillary extending back lo beneath the middle of the eye ; 

 eyes small, the lower placed rather in advance of the upper. Lateral 

 line forming a considerable arch over the pectorals, after which it 

 runs straight to the base of the tail, from thence along the under 

 margin of the middle caudal ray ; body smooth without tubercles ; 

 scales small and distinct. Number of fin rays — 

 D. 81 ; P. 11; V. 6; A. 63; C. 16. 



This fish, inferior to the turbot in excellence as well 

 as in size, is seldom found weighing more than ten pounds. 

 On the Cornish and Devonshire coasts it is common, where 

 it is known by the name of Kite, but becomes less frequent 

 as we advance towards the northern shores. In the Firth 

 of Forth it is taken witli the hook principally about Aber- 

 lady Bay, but scarcely ever found as high up the Firth as 

 Queensferry. It is of much less frequent occurrence than 

 the turbot. It feeds on Crustacea and small fish, and spawns 

 in spring. 



Rhombus hirtus.* — Mulleb's Topknot. 



Specific Characters. — Upper surface of the body , rough ; scales 

 ciliated ; first ray of the dorsal not longer than the second. 



* Rhombus hirtus, Varr. Pleuronecles hirtus. Mull., .Jen. Pleuronectes 

 fuiictatus, Penii. Black Fluke. 



