PLATESSA. FISHES. 427 



nearly the same as in other fishes, but of unequal proportions. Sometimes indivi- 

 duals are found which have the eyes reversed or on the opposite side, and others are 

 met with which have both sides of the body equally coloured. The Pleuronectes 

 are found on almost every coast, and furnish an agreeable and wholesome food. 

 This large family was included by Linnaeus in one genus, which Cuvier has subdi- 

 vided into many sub-genera. 



Gen. 11. PLATESSA, Cuv. Pleuronectes^ Lin. 

 Body rhomboidal ; a row of obtuse cutting teeth in each jaw, 

 and crowded teeth on the pharyngeal bones ; dorsal fin ad- 

 vanced to above the upper eye ; an interval between the anal 

 fin and the tail ; eyes on the right side. 



P. vulgaris, Cuv. The Plaise. Body smooth, palish brown above, 

 marked, as well as the fins, with numerous rather distant orange- 

 coloured spots ; white below ; six or seven tubercles forming a 

 line on the right side of the head, between the eyes ; a spine at 

 the commencement of the anal fin ; tail rounded. About a foot 

 long. Inhabits Northern seas. B. Shaw, iv. pi. 43. 



P. Flesus, Cuv. The Flounder. Body smooth, brown above, with 

 paler spots, with rough lateral line, and a series of spines at the 

 base of the fins ; white below ; tail slightly rounded ; a spine at 

 the commencement of the anal fin. About 10 inches long. In- 

 habits Northern seas. B. Block, pi. 44. This species is some- 

 times found with the eyes on the left side. 



P. Limanda, Cuv. The Dab. Body yellowish brown above, with 

 obscure spots, white beneath ; eyes large ; scales rough, with ci- 

 liated margins ; lateral line curved over the pectoral fins. 6 to 

 8 inches long. Inhabits Northern seas. B. Block, pi. 46. 



Gen. 12. HIPPOGLOSSUS, Cuv. Pleuronectes^ Lin. 

 Body oblong, compressed ; the jaws and pharynx armed with 

 slender pointed teeth, an interval between the dorsal and 

 anal fins and tail. 



H. vulgaris. Common Holibut. Body elongated, smooth, deep brown 

 above, white beneath ; eyes on the right side ; lateral line form- 

 ing an arch at the breast ; a spine at the commencement of the 

 anal fin ; tail cuneated. 3 to 6 feet long. Inhabits Northern 

 seas. B Block, pi. 47- 

 This is the largest species of the family, being sometimes taken of the weight of 



from two to three hundred pounds. 



H. macrolepidotus, Cuv. Body elongated, brownish yellow above, 

 white beneath ; scales large, each marked at the base by a dusky 

 spot; eyes on the left side; tail rounded. 2 feet long. Inha- 

 bits South American seas. Block, pi. 190. 



H. Boscii, Cuv. Body grayish ; eyes large ; under jaw longest ; 

 dorsal and anal fins with large black spots. 10 inches long. In- 

 habits Mediterranean &ea.r-Risso, pi. *J, fig- 33. 



H. limanoides, Cuv. Body elongated, rough ; brownish yellow above, 

 white beneath ; lateral line broad, straight ; tail rounded. In- 

 habits Northern seas. Block, pi. 186. 



