SKELETON OF PLEUKONECTID^E. 



639 



result is such a distortion of the whole framework of the face, that both 

 the orbits are transferred to the same side of the mesial line of the back. 



Fig. 315. 



Osteology of the Flounder (Pleuronectesjlesus). 



(1739.) The position of the pectoral and ventral fins slightly parti- 

 cipates in this want of symmetry ; but in other respects the skeleton 

 (fig. 315) precisely corresponds with that of the generality of osseous 

 fishes. The superior and inferior spinous processes of the vertebrae 

 are amazingly developed, and the interspinous bones (74) of inordinate 

 length ; so that the vertical diameter of the body is disproportionately 

 increased, and the animal is obliged to swim and rest upon one side. 

 The dorsal fin (75) runs along the whole length of the back ; the anal 

 fin (a) reaches from the large spines that form the posterior boundary 



