FLAT-FISHES, 
their horizontal position; and the smaller pec- 
toral and ventral fins on the under side are advan- 
tageous ’where there is so much less room for 
UNDER SIDE OP THE SOLE. 
their action^ than with the larger fins that are 
above. When suddenly disturbed, they some- 
times make a rapid shoot, changing their position 
from horizontal to vertical ; if the observer hap- 
pens to be opposite the white side, they may be 
seen to pass with the rapidity and fiash of a 
meteor ; but they soon sink down, resuming their 
previous motionless, horizontal position, and are 
then distinguished with difficulty, owing to their 
great similarity in colour to the surface on which 
they rest.”^ 
Very little variation from the common form is 
found in this Family, which yet is rather numer- 
ous in species : one hundred and fifty are enume- 
rated by the Prince of Canino, which are ail 
* Brit. Fishes, ii. 298. 
