442 
SOFT-FINNED GR O UF. 
Psettodes. 
are exclusively carnivorous. In a fossil state the flat-fish are but poorly repre¬ 
sented, and it is probable that they were not evolved till the commencement of 
the Tertiary period; the earliest known form being a turbot from the middle 
Eocene of Monte Bolca, while a fossil sole has been described from the Miocene of 
Wiirtemberg. As a food-supply the flat-fish are of especial value, not only on 
account of the large size, and abundance of their numerous representatives, but 
likewise from the excellent quality and flavour of the flesh of the majority of 
these. It is on the coasts of the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere 
that the pursuit of these fish is carried out with the greatest energy and success. 
The least specialised member of the family (Psettodes erumei), 
which ranges from the Red Sea through the Indian Ocean to China, 
and also occurs on the West Coast of Africa, belongs to a group in which the teeth 
and jaws are nearly equally developed on both sides, and is specially distinguished 
by the dorsal fin commencing on the nape of the neck, whereas in all the other forms 
it starts from above or in front of the eyes. In the Indian fish, which attains a 
length of about 16 inches, the eyes are as frequently on the right as on the left 
side, and the transposed one is situated nearly in the line of the dorsal fin. This 
species is a connecting link between the other members of the family and ordinary 
fishes, and is reported to swim at times in a vertical position. 
Having the jaws nearly equally developed on both sides, and the 
dorsal fin commencing above the eyes, the holibut (Hippoglossas 
vulgaris ) is one of two species forming a genus characterised by the eyes being on 
the right side, and the teeth of the upper jaw arranged in a double series, those in 
the front of the upper and on the sides of the lower jaw being enlarged. The 
mouth is relatively wide. In colour the holibut is dusky brown, frequently 
inclining to olive, on the dark side; the opposite side being white and smooth. It 
is the largest member of the family, ranging usually from 3 to 6 feet in length; 
one specimen with the latter length having a breadth of 30 inches, and a weight of 
161 lbs. It is stated, however, that an example taken in the early part of this 
century off the Isle of Man was nearly double that weight. Holibut are found 
near all the northern coasts of Europe, as well as those of Kamschatka and Cali¬ 
fornia, generally frequenting banks at some distance from the shore, in water of 
from fifty to one hundred fathoms in depth, where they often associate in consider¬ 
able numbers. The flesh is coarse, and of inferior flavour. This fish is shown in 
the upper figure of the coloured Plate. 
Turbot etc In & enus typi ca % represented by the turbot (Rhombus 
maximus) the dorsal fin commences on the muzzle in advance of the 
Holibut. 
eyes; the eyes are on the left side ; the mouth is wide ; and the jaws are furnished 
with a single series of equal-sized villiform teeth, while there are also teeth on the 
vomer. Scales are either very small or wanting. The genus includes seven species, 
ranging over the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, but those on the two sides of 
the Atlantic are different. The turbot, which attains a yard in length, and is by 
far the best food-fish of its tribe, is exclusively European, and has the pelvic fins 
distinct from the anal, and no scales; the general colour being greyish or brownish, 
sometimes spotted with a darker tint. On the other hand the brill (Rli. Icevis ), 
which is likewise European, is a smaller fish, of more oval shape, with the body 
