472 
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
is near the dorsal ridge at the greatly depressed point in the profile described in the 
7-millimeter specimen, and it is in part visible from the left side. Pigmentation 
has not changed greatly from that of somewhat smaller fish. The markings are 
only a little more definite and a few chromatophores are now present on the sides 
of the body. At this size the color markings are identical and equally developed on 
both sides of the fish. (Fig. 86.) 
Specimens 11 millimeters long . — The right eye is situated on the ridge of the head 
and is “looking up.” Specimens of this size were stained, cleared, and mounted, 
making the vertebrae, or 
at least their projections, 
visible. A range from 9 or 
10 + 26 to 30 was found in 
the number of vertebrae in 
17 specimens enumerated. 
The number of vertebrae is 
not a distinctive character, 
however, as the number 
present is almost identical 
Figure 85 —Paralichthys sp. From a specimen 7 millimeters long . , 
with several other locally 
represented species of flounders. Pigmentation has progressed rather rapidly on the 
left side since a length of 8 millimeters was attained, and it is no longer identical 
on both sides, as the markings of the right side remain as in the somewhat smaller 
fish described in the foregoing paragraph. The new chromatophores of the left side 
are principally so placed as to suggest crossbars. The upward curve of the notochord, 
prominent in smaller specimens, is scarcely visible at this size, and the tail has lost 
it heterocercal appearance. (Fig. 87.) 
The fish is now plainly shaped like a Paralichthys, and the fin rays in the dorsal 
and anal are well enough developed to admit a fairly accurate enumeration. A further 
aid in identification is 
the presence of dark 
chromatophores on the 
sides arranged so as to 
suggest crossbars. 
Specimens 16 mil- 
limeters long. ■ — The 
form and shape is ap- 
proaching that of the 
adult at this size. How- 
ever, the Caudal poition Figure 86 . — Paralichthys sp. From a specimen 8 millimeters long 
is still a little too slender 
and the ventral outline has not yet become rounded as in the adult. The chest, 
with the pelvic bones, is well separated from the gill covers, leaving a vacant space. 
The right eye is well across the ridge of the head, and both eyes are situated on the 
left side of the head. Numerous chromatophores are present on the left side, both 
on the body and on the fins. Many are arranged in clusters, forming diffuse spots. 
On the blind side a row of dark dots remains along the dorsal and ventral periphera. 
Although pigmentation has progressed rapidly since a length of 11 millimeters was 
reached, it is not general. Live fish of 16 millimeters, and considerably larger ones, 
remain surprisingly transparent and are extremely difficult to see and no doubt 
