ZOOLOGY. 171 



A very curiously formed genus, all natlyes of the ocean ; 

 their flesh is in high estimation for the purposes of food. 



12. Pleuronectus. Flounder. Head small ; bodjj flat and 

 thin ; ei/es situated on the same side : gill-membrane 

 from four to seven rayed. 



This genus, contains a large variety of species, of aspects 

 ■widely diff"ering, but agreeing in general, habits and oecono- 

 my. The genus is divided into such as have their eyes 

 situated on the right side, and others, in which they are 

 placed on the left. The species are generally known by 

 the names of Halibuts^ Flounders^ Soles, Plaice, and 

 Turbots ; the flesh of the whole genus is held in high esteem 

 for food ; they all swim edgeways, and generally affect 

 sandy or muddy bottoms, are very voracious, and are mostly 

 caught by the hook and line ; though some of the lesser 

 kinds are taken in nets. 



13. Choetodon. Head and mouth small; lips retractile; 

 teeth mostly in a single row, sectaceous, flexile, move- 

 able, equal, closely set and yery numerous ; bodi^ 

 broad, compressed, scaly ; dorsal and anal fins rigid, 

 mostly spinous ; gill-membrane from three to six rayed. 



14. Acanthurus. Tee^/t small, mostly lobated ; faz7 spinous 



on each side ; in other respects agreeing with tlie laii 

 genus. 



15. Eques. Knight-Fish. Teeth iu several rows; bodjf 



banded. ' 



