Wz 
Fishes of Massachusetts. A79 — 
The Ventrals commence on a line with the base 
of the pectorals. 
Anterior to the Anal fin isa strong spine which 
projeets forwards, almost concealed by the flesh. 
The anal fin commences under the posterior third 
of the right ventral fin, and terminates on a plane 
with the dorsal fin; the rays of this fin, like those 
of the dorsal, are longest towards the middle of the 
fin. 
The length of the Caudal fin, one third more than 
its depth at the base. 
The anal, dorsal, and ventral fins on the left 
side, white, tinged with yellow ; pectorals, on same 
side, white. Fins on the right side edged with 
white. 
The fn raysare: D. 76; P. 10; V. 6; A. 55; 
. 1 
The most careless observer would readily distin- 
guish this from the “ Pleuronectes dentatus,” of 
Mitchell, by its small mouth, fleshy lips, closely 
Set teeth, and arched lateral line. 
It more nearly resembles the “limanda,” Lin. 
than any other species; so great indeed is its simi- 
larity that a minute examination is necessary to 
decide its difference. In its color; the number of 
its fin rays ; its general size ; the curved lateral line ; 
size of the mouth; ridge between the eyes, and 
several other minor particulars, it agrees pretty well 
With the description in the books of that species. 
But in other characters equally important, it differs. 
The “ limanda” is very rough on its surface ; our 
fish is perfectly smooth. ‘The color of the former, 
Li 
