Image ID 412983 Photographic Services & Permissions           1. & 2. Lookdown (Selene vomer), 3. Windowpane [Flounder] (Scophthalmus aquosus), 4. Hogchoker (Trinectes maculates), 5. Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), 6. Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), 7. Blue Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), 8. Sea Raven (Hemitripterus americanus) Engravings after Dr. Samuel Akerly From: Samuel L. Mitchill, The Fishes of New-York, described and arranged. Literary and Philosophical Society of New York. Transactions. Vol. 1, no. 5 (New York, 1815) NYPL, Rare Books Division, Stuart Collection

Many of the numerous fish species in New York City waters in the early 19th century were described by Dr. Samuel Mitchill, and illustrated by "Dr. Samuel Akerly drawn from nature." Some, such as the Fourspine Stickleback and Windowpane Flounder, were recorded for the first time.

Some fishes common in 1815, such as the Windowpane, remain abundant in city waters. Others are no longer found, such as the Sheepshead, named for its facial profile, which gave its name to the Brooklyn fishing village of Sheepshead Bay, where it once was common.

Animal names are often colorfully descriptive. The Windowpane is nearly transparent. The Lookdown appears to be looking down its nose. The individuals depicted are juveniles, who sport long filaments that help camouflage them in salt marsh grasses. The Sea Raven’s early name "Scorpaena flava" ("Yellow Scorpion") describes a formidable-appearing creature.