THE ZOOLOGICAL STATION AT NAPLES. 



38:3 



been in the past, and it is on this ground that they confidently I'ecom- 

 mend the policy of sending selected investigators to Naples each year — 

 a practice which has led to such satisfactory results in the past and is full 

 of promise for the future. 



APPENDIX II. 



Keports on the Occupation of the Table. 



Report on the Occupation of the British Association Table at Naples, 

 from October to December 1899-1900. 



a. The Anatomy of the Flatfishes {Heterosomata). By H. M. Kyle, M.A., B.Sc. 



During the period, from October to the third week in December, 1899, 

 when I had the privilege of occupying the British Association Table at 

 Naples, the special research which engaged my attention was the Anatomy 

 of the Flatfishes {Heterosomata). The species examined there were the 

 following : — 



Solea lascaris, Risso. 

 (Solea Kleinii), 

 Solea ocellata, L. 

 Microchirus variegata, Don. 

 Microchirus minuta, Parn. 

 Monochirtis hispida, Cos. 

 Ammopleurop)s lacteus, Gtr. 



/ 



Citharus linguatula, L. 

 Rhomboidichthys mancus, Risso. 

 Arnoglossus Grohma,nni, Bon. 

 Arnoglossus laterna, Walb. 

 Lepidorhombus Boscii, Gtr. 

 ScophthaJmus unimacidatus, Risso. 

 Rhombus maxhnus, Kl. 

 Solea vidgaris, Quens. 



In addition to the above, through the courtesy of the Naples staff, 

 I was able to examine several species of other families of the Teleosts, as 

 well as the eggs, larv£e, and young of fishes to be found at that season. 



The main conclusions arrived at have been embodied in a paper 

 entitled: 'On the Classification of the Flatfishes (Heterosomata),' -which. 

 is in process of publication in the Scottish Fishery Board's Report for 

 1899. In this paper it is shown that Citharus linguatula, a species very 

 common in the Mediterranean, is a transitional form between the Halibut 

 and Turbot groups of Flatfishes. The characters employed as tests of 

 relationship are chiefly the position and structure of the ventral or 

 pelvic fins, the position and structure of the olfactory organs, and the 

 position of the eyes. Further, although Citharus is the only form in 

 European waters which marks the transition between these two main 

 groups, the American fauna possesses many similar forms, and the 

 classification has therefore been altered in order to include these within 

 one group or subfamily. It is also shown how the various subfamilies of 

 the Flatfishes are restricted to fairly well-marked zones of distribution. 



In conclusion, I wish to offer my best thanks to the Committee of the 

 British Association for the opportunity granted me of pursuing my studies 

 at Naples, and also to the authorities of the station for their kindness 

 and courtesy. 



