206 WAITE 
Scales—As in R. plebewa, lateral line quite straight, with a 
branch continued forward to the margin above the middle of 
the orbit. 
Colours.—Upper surface dark grey, with dusky markings, 
lower surface colourless or with scattered black spots. 
Length.—442 mm. 
This species was included in the collection made for me by 
Mr. J. J. Niven, in Hawke Bay. It was also forwarded by 
Mr. Anderton, who writes: ‘‘The Yellow-belly (Rhombosolea 
flesoides) is rare in Otago Harbour, it is common in Wycliffe 
Bay and Hooper’s Inlet, but I have never known it to be taken 
by the trawlers outside the Heads.’’ 
On the other hand the species is tolerably well represented in 
our takings, but, as previously mentioned, I was not then in a 
position to identify the different members of the genus, which 
has proved to be a somewhat difficult task, an experience 
evidently also of previous workers on the group. The species 
is not referred to in the official report of the expedition, all 
records being entered as ‘‘Common Flounder (Rhombosolea 
monopus).”’ 
In describing this prime food fish under a new name, I have 
been largely guided by a study of the description and figure 
published of Victorian specimens determined by me as 
Rhombosolea flesoides?® with which species the New Zealand fish 
has been commonly associated. 
It seems to differ in its non-overhanging and less free snout, 
its wider interorbital space, and its smaller number of fin rays, 
which are for the most part split; it differs notably in the more 
posterior insertion of the ventral fin and the non-imbricate scales, 
the arch in the lateral line above the pectoral also is less 
marked. 
I have much pleasure in associating with this really valuable 
food fish the name of the Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Marine, 
by whose department the fisheries of the Dominion are controlled. 
He authorised the necessary expenditure for conducting the 
expedition, and it is due to the interest taken by him also, that 
it has been possible to publish the present report. 
(23) Waite, Rec. Aust. avi , vi., 1906, p. 197, pl. xxxv. Having left Sydney 
before this paper was printed, and not being able, therefore, to correct the 
proofs, I take this opportunity of making the following corrections :— 
Page 197, for ‘‘ fenibriated’’ read fimbriated. 
Pp. 204 and 205, for fig. 1 read fig. 2. 
Plate xxxvi. (explanation of), interchange figs, 2 and 4, also figs. 6 and 7. 
