61 
and by their abundance are important as objects of 
commerce. They are divided into several genera, ac¬ 
cording to the number of the fins. The true Cod 
(Morrhua ) has three dorsal fins and a small beard ; the 
Coal-Fish (Merlangus) has also three dorsal fins, but 
no beard; while the Stock-Fish ( Merluccius) has only 
two dorsal and one anal fin. The Ling (Lota) differs 
from the latter in having a beard, while the Torsk 
(.Brosmius ) has only a single long dorsal fin. 
The family of Flat-Fish ( Pleuronectidce ) are peculiar 
amongst all the vertebrated animals, from the two sides 
of the head being dissimilar, both eyes being placed on 
one side, which is always uppermost when the fish swims, 
and strongly coloured, whilst the other side is white. 
The body is vertically compressed, fringed above by a 
long dorsal, and below by an anal fin. They live con¬ 
stantly in shallow water, near the shore. They are 
liable to varieties ; sometimes both the upper and under 
side are dark-coloured, and at others both are pale 
rosy white. When both the sides are brown, the fins 
are interrupted over the forehead, and the eyes are 
placed one on each side of the head of the fish. These 
fish have been divided into several genera, according 
to the length of the dorsal, and the distinctness of the 
pectoral fins. Some, as the Zebra Soles ( Plagusia ), 
are entirely without pectoral fins, and have the anal, 
caudal, and dorsal united into one. 
The third family of this division are the Suckers 
(Cyclopteridce), so called from the pectoral fins being 
united together into a disk, by which they attach them¬ 
selves to marine bodies. Their skin is slimy and naked, 
or with hard grains imbedded in it. The pectoral 
fins are large. They live in shallow water, near coasts, 
and swim with great vivacity. 
The Remorae (. Echeneisidce ) form the last family of 
the soft-finned, subbrachian fishes. They are known 
at once by the top of the head being flattened, and 
furnished with transverse series of cartilaginous plates, 
(somewhat 
ROOM XI. 
Nat. Hist. 
