298 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



of the dorsal and anal fins, the posterior margins of the body and tail, and the whole caudal 

 fins, which are all deep yellow. 



Length, 18-0. Breadth, 8*5. 



Fin rays, D. 81 ; P. 10 ; V. 6 ; A. 59 ; C. 14 |. 



This is a rare species, and notwithstanding the discrepancies in the radial formula, I believe 

 it to be identical with the ferruginea of Dr. Storer. The fishermen say that it is only found 

 in deep water. It has hitherto been observed only on the coasts of New- York and Massa- 

 chusetts. 



THE TOOTHED FLAT-FISH. 



Platessa dentata. 



The Flounder of New-York, Pleurmectes dentaiia. MiTCHILL, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 390. 

 Platessa dentata. The Flounder of New-York. Storeb, Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 143. 



Characteristics. Reddish brown. Mouth large ; lower jaw with a blunt spine at the chin. 

 Length twenty to twenty-five inches. 



Description. Figure elliptical. Length of the head to the body, exclusive of the caudal 

 fin, as one to four. Mouth very large. Upper jaw slightly projecting over the lower, and both 

 furnished with a single row of prominent sharp teeth separated from each other, so that when 

 the mouth is closed, the teeth of one jaw shut into the spaces between those of the opposite 

 jaw. The lower jaw has a blunt spine at the chin. Lips small. Eyes separated by a bony 

 ridge, covered with scales similar to those over the whole head. The lateral line makes a 

 curve over the pectorals, so slight as to be scarcely observable. The dorsal fin commences 

 over the eyes. The anal behind the middle of the pectorals. 



Color. On the right side reddish brown or pale brown, without lines or spots. Pupils black ; 

 irides golden. The edges of the anal and dorsal fins bordered with white. 



Length, 20*0. 



Fin rays, D. 91 ; P. 11 ; V. 6 ; A. 70; C. 18. 



This species is extremely common in our markets, and is called the Summer Flounder. It 

 is a well flavored fish. 



