162 VERTEBRATA. PISCES. 



instead of the right side, are quite common. Both 

 these species will thrive if confined to fresh water ; 

 they feed on insects, worms, and small shell-fish. 



Hippoglossus* the Halibut, 



The Halibut has stronger and sharper teeth than 

 the Plaice, which it much resembles in its fins ; the 

 form is more oblong, and thicker in proportion to 

 the width. In some of the species the eyes are on 

 the left, and in others on the right. The latter is 

 the case with the great Northern Halibut, (H. Vul- 

 garis,} the largest of the family, attaining the di- 

 mensions of eight feet in length, and a weight of 

 five hundred pounds. It is occasionally to be seen 

 in the shops of the London fishmongers, where it 

 is sure to attract notice from its gigantic size and 

 unusual appearance. It is commonly sold in cuts 

 at a low rate, being little esteemed. 



Rhombus,^ the Turbot. 



The Turbots have the eyes and colour on the 

 left side ; the dorsal advances before the eyes, and, 

 as well as the anal, reaches to the tail ; teeth in the 

 jaws and throat, small and densely crowded. Our 

 shores produce five or six species, of which the 

 well-known Turbot (R. Maximus) is the largest 

 and most highly and deservedly esteemed. It usu- 



, hippos, a horse, and yXuo-ffet, glossa, the tongue, 

 t From its shape. 



