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MALACOPTEKYGII. 
placed more vertically, in the dorsal and anal fins being rather more distant 
from the caudal fin, and in the general form of the body, which tapers less 
towards the tail ; the rays too of the dorsal and anal fins are considerably fewer 
in number than in S . Lingula. 
“ The colour generally of the S. variegata is very similar to that of Donovan’s 
figure (British Fishes, vol. v. pi. 117), being of a pale yellowish brown, with the 
three conspicuous dark transverse markings approximating more the form of 
bands, and equidistant from each other, the last extending entirely across the 
body ; the indication of a fourth band appears above the termination of the 
opercle, one (narrow and inconspicuous) at the base, and another near the ex- 
tremity of the caudal fin ; the body is likewise marbled with blackish brown, 
towards, and spreading over, the base of the dorsal and anal fins ; between the 
bands are faint, markings of pale brown ; dorsal and anal fins pale yellowish 
brown, marked irregularly with black towards the tail. 
“ The four specimens of S. Lingula, though not all exactly of the same shade 
of colour, are on the upper side of a pale brown, entirely and closely freckled 
over with a darker tint, and exhibiting several small roundish dark brown and 
white spots on the body at the base of the dorsal and anal fins, and along the 
lateral line : these brown and white spots are often disposed alternately. The 
largest individual presents, in addition to them, small white specks over the body 
generally. Rays of dorsal and anal fins occasionally black. Pupil dark blue, 
surrounded by a golden ring of about a hair’s breadth. The number of fin-rays 
in my specimen of S. variegata are, D. 63; A. 49 ; P. 4 ;* V. 4 ; C. 19 in all. 
In two of the specimens of S. Lingula, varying most from each other in size, 
there are 72 rays in the dorsal and 56 in the anal fin ; two others have the dorsal 
with 76 and the anal with 58 and 59 rays. 
“ Both species have papillae on the under surface of the head, are rough with 
ciliated scales on the under as well as the upper side, and have the nostrils 
tubular, but not to such an extent as Risso, terming the projection a ‘ barbillon,’ 
figures that of his Monochirus Pegusa. 
“ The variegated sole of Donovan and Yarrell appears to be the same, and 
with it I consider the individual under consideration identical. With Mr. 
Jenyns’s description of S. Lingula my other specimens accord, as they also do 
with Mr. Hanmer’s description and figure of the red-backed sole (Pennant’s 
British Zoology, vol. iii. p. 313, pi. 48, ed. 1812), with the exception of the 
black markings on the dorsal and anal fins, extending over several rays and their 
connecting membrane, instead of being confined to a single ray, as in all the 
specimens I have examined. 
“ It is worthy of investigation whether the Monochirus Pegusa of Risso (t. iii. 
p. 258, f. 33, ed. 1826) be different from the Solea variegata here treated of. 
The figure and description of that species, though not in every respect accordant 
with each other, present many characters in common with it. 
“ The 8. variegata is here for the first time recorded as occurring on the coast 
of Ireland.” — Annals Nat. Hist. vol. ii. Sept., 1838. 
“ By the kindness of Dr. Parnell in supplying me with specimens of the red- 
but a reference to his general description will show that it is the comparative 
magnitude of its scales to those of the common sole (S. vulgaris ) to which he 
alludes, and in which he is correct, as he likewise is in describing those of the 
latter species to be “remarkably diminutive.” The scales of my specimen ac- 
cord in size with those of Donovan’s figure of P. variegatus : being reckoned 
from the origin of the lateral line to the base of the rays of the caudal fin 
(those on the rays not being enumerated) they are about eighty-five in number ; 
in the specimen of S. Lingula examined there are about seventy scales within 
the same space. The scales lie more closely to the body in 8. Lingula than in 
8. variegata. 
* This refers to the upper side, in which the second ray is the longest, and 
terminated by a filament; length of this ray and filament 1| line: P. fin on 
under side rudimentary, half a line in length, and rays undistinguishable. 
