THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, VOL. VI., [With Six Plates.] ■» ♦- SYDNEY: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED FOR THE SOCIETY BY F. W, WHITE, 59 MAP^KET STREET, AND SOLD BY THE SOCIETY, 1882. oJ>7
v membrane, and that by a
similar membrane to the caudal. Colour (in spirits) greyish-
yellow, with faint marmorated brown spots ; the fin membranes
are obscure, with oblique transverse white lines ; the caudal is
covered with very small white spots, as is also the anal, which is
black edged ; pectorals and ventrals yellow. Length five inches.
Dampier's Archipelago. "West Coast.
547. Blennius cinereus, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 26.
D. 12/19. A. 21.
ITeight of body five times and a half in the length, (without
caudal), length of head four times and a-half ; diameter of eye
four and a-half times in the length of the head ; anterior profile
of head very oblique, almost straight ; no curved tooth in the
jaws ; orbital tentacles long, not divided, pointed ; interorbital
space very narrow, with a transverse ridge over the eyes in front
of the tentacles ; head rugose, with a compressed, rounded crest
on the posterior pari. Caudal fin rounded. Body granular,
entirely of a dark blackish-grey ; dorsal fins with oblique stripes
of black and whitish-grey ; anal dark, with three series of white
spots ; the other fins dark and immaculate.
Queensland (Castelnau). Three and a-half inches in length.
548. Blennius pardalis, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 26.
No tentacles over the e}-es. Height of body four times and
one-fourth in the length (without caudal), length of head the
same ; eye very large, one-third of the length of the head, which
is rounded and vertical in front ; the dorsal fin increases slightly
in height posteriorly. Colour brown, grey on the throat ; the
back on its anterior half, is marked with narrow longitudinal
black lines ; the body is entirely covered with oblong whitish
BY W. MACXEAY, F.L.S. 5
blotches ; the dorsal fin is brown, with transverse whitish lines
formed of oval or rounded blotches ; a series of minute black
blotches near the edge of the fin ; caudal rounded, with three
transverse series of black dots ; anal brown, marked with whitish
round blotches ; pectorals grey, variegated with brown.
Cape York (Castelnau). Length three inches.
549. Blennius tjxicorxis, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 3S4.
Port Jackson. Length two inches.
550. Blexxius castaxeus, n. sp.
D. 12/13. A. 19.
Height of body about one fourth of the length. Head rounded
and nearly vertical in front, the eyes about half their diameter
apart ; the tentacle above each orbit short, broad, and three or
four-pointed ; a lateral line consisting of skinny threads extending
from the upper angle of the operculum in a curve to the middle
of the sides where it seems to terminate. Colour yellowish, with
reddish-brown spots along the back and sides, disposed in pairs,
and some brownish bars on the head. Fins yellowish, the dorsal
with a black spot between the first and second spines, and a few
faint brownish marks throughout ; anal with a slight blackish
margin.
Port Jackson (Macl. Mus.)
Genus Pethosctrtes, Piipp.
Body moderately elongate, naked. Snout generally short, or
of moderate extent. A single dorsal fin, (sometimes with a
semidetached portion), ventrals jugular, composed of two or three
rays. Cleft of the mouth narrow ; a single series of immovable
teeth in the jaws ; a strong curved canine tooth behind the
others, much longer and stronger in the lower jaw. Head some-
times with tentacles. Gill-opening closed beneath, and reduced
6 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
to a more or less small fissure above the root of the pectoral.
Sis branchiostegals ; air-bladder and pseudobranckire present ;
pyloric appendages none.
Indian and Australian Seas.
551. Petroscirtes variabilis, Cant.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 234.
B. C. D. 28-31. A. 17-21. Vert. 12/23.
The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length, the
length of the head one-fifth. The snout is somewhat produced,
truncated in front. The canine teeth of the lower jaw very large,
those of the upper small. No orbital tentacle. The width of the
interorbital space is greater than the diameter of the eye, which
is one-fourth of the length of the head. The dorsal fin is not
elevated, commences on a line with the posterior margin of the
prasoperculum, and terminates at a short distance from the root
of the caudal. The two inner rays of the ventral fin equal in
length. Caudal fin with some of the upper and lower rays
prolonged. From the eye to the tail a broad blackish band ;
dorsal and anal fins spotted and clotted with black ; caudal some-
times with a black central spot.
Port Jackson.
552. Petroscirtes axolis, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes III., p. 238.
D. 29. A. 22.
Head elevoted into a high crest ; snout somewhat elongate ;
nve or six of the middle dorsal rays very elongate, filiform.
Greenish, with darker vertical linos ; head with some silvery
streaks ; cheek and base of the pectoral fin with a black spot ;
fins yellowish, dorsal blackish anteriorly, with numerous fine
oblique brown stripes.
Port Jackson.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 7
553. Petroscirtes pttnctatus, Cuv. & Yal.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 231.
D. 12/22. A. 23.
Height of body one-sixth of total length, length of head
slightly more. Snout short ; the upper canine tooth half the
size of the lower. The dorsal fin extends to the root of the
caudal. Greyish, with three longitudinal series of black spots ;
the upper along the base of the dorsal fin ; the lower along the
middle of the body.
Australia (Yal.)
554. Petroscirtes eloxgatus, Peters.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes III., p. 233.— Joum. Mus. Godef., Heft
XIII., p. 196.
D. 32. A. 24. Y. 2.
The height of the body is six times and a-half in the length
(without caudal) ; the length of the head five times and one-third.
Snout with a very convex profile, scarcely as long as the diameter
of the eye. The width of the interorbital space is one-third of
the diameter of the eye. Canine teeth of lower jaw twice the
size of those of the upper. The dorsal fin is not elevated,
it is emarginate, and begins rather before the vertical from the
root of the pectoral. Caudal fin emarginate. Greenish : a white-
edged, ocellated spot on the operculum ; dorsal and anal fins
brown, with white stripes, longitudinal on the former, and oblique
on the latter. Male with an ocellated spot between the twenty-
third and twenty-fifth dorsal rays.
North Australia (Gunther).
555. Petroscirtes solorensis, Bleek.
KnerVoy. Novara, Ichth., p. 196.— Gunth. Cat. Pishes III., p. 235.
D. 30. A. 20.
8 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISTIES,
Height of body one-sixth, and length of head one fifth of the
total length ; no orbital tentacles ; diameter of eye one-fourth of
the length of the head, and twice the length of the snout, and
width of the interorbital space. The teeth in both jaws number
twenty-eight or thirty ; canines strong in both jaws and sometimes
larger on one side than on the other. The vaulted forehead
descends perpendicularly to the mouth. The dorsal fin begins
over the operculum and extends to the tail, which is similarly
continuous with the anal fin ; the anterior rays of the dorsal fin
are prolonged into short filaments and are equal to the height of
the body ; ventrals long. Colour brownish, the belly lighter,
the sides clouded ; ventral fins violet, the other fins blackish.
Length fifteen lines.
Sydney (Kner).
556. Petroscirtes fasciolatus, n. sp.
D. 33. A. 26.
Height of body about equal to the length of the head and one-
eighth of the total length. Head and snout very convex and
obtuse ; the diameter of the eye about the length of the snout
aud twice the width of the interorbital space ; cheeks swollen,
ventral fins with two rays, the inner one longest ; the last few
rays of the dorsal and anal fins somewhat enlarged at their apex.
Colour reddish-yellow, with numerous reddish-brown spots on the
side of the head, and six to eight very fine, oblique, pearly or
silvery streaks on the side of the body as far as two-thirds of its
length, and about three longitudinal streaks of the same kind on
the posterior third. The fins are a little paler than the body
and transparent ; the dorsal and anal with a narrow black margin
with the extreme tips white ; a cloudy blotch near the summit of
the eighth to tenth dorsal rays, counting from the tail.
Port Jackson (Macl. Mas.) Length two to three inches.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 9
557. Petbosctrtes guttatus, n. sp.
J). 12/18. A. 21.
Height of body about equal to tbe length of the head, and
one-fifth of the total length. Snout slightly pointed, the profile
oblique, rather longer than the diameter of the eye, which is
about equal to the interorbital space ; a low skinny ridge from
between the eyes to the occiput ; the latter part of the dorsal fin
elevated, as high as the body and extending to the tail ; ventral
fins two-rayed, the inner much longer than the other. Eeddish,
with four irregular rows of deep blue small spots along the
sides, and a few more minute ones on the thorax ; the fins are
immaculate ; the rays dusty-yellow, the membranes transparent.
Port Jackson (Macl. Mus.) Length two to three inches.
558. Petrosctetes eothndiceps, n. sp.
D. 34. A. 24.
Height of body one-seventh, and length of head one-sixth of the
total length. Head very round and obtuse above, below and in
front. Diameter of eye rather more than the width of the inter-
orbital space, and less than its distance from the extremity of the
snout. Some of the rays of the vertical fins have a slight tendency
to run into filaments. Colour reddish-3-ellow, with a broad
longitudinal line of reddish-brown blotches along the middle of
the body from the eye to the tail, a black spot behind the eye
and another above the pectoral fin. The fins yellow, the anterior
part of the dorsal, and the base of the entire dorsal faintly
spotted with brown.
Port Jackson (Macl. Mus.) Length two and a-half inches.
559. Peteoscietes ceisticeps, n. sp.
D. 30. A. 21.
Height of body about equal to the length of the head, and one
sixth of the total length. Head almost vertical in front and
10 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN' EISHES,
surmounted by a very compressed elevated skinny crest, rounded
above, and extending along the top of tbe head from before the
vertical from the orbit to close to the origin of the dorsal fin.
The posterior rays of the dorsal fin elevated and filamentose.
Colour (in spirits) an obscure bluish-red, with darker red blotches
on the side ; fins more or less tinged with blackish.
Port Jackson (Macl. Mus.) Length two and a-half inches.
Genus Salarias, Cuv. & Yal.
Body moderately elongate, naked ; snout short, with the cleft
of the mouth transverse ; a series of numerous email teeth in the
jaws, implanted in the gum and movable ; generally a curved
canine tooth on each side of the lower jaw. Dorsal fin continuous
sometimes divided into two portions by a notch ; ventrals jugular,
with two, three, or four rays. Tentacle above the orbit more or
less developed. Gill-opening wide ; pseudobranchiaj. Branchi-
ostegals six. Air-bladder and pyloric appendages absent.
All warm Seas.
560. Salarias easciatus, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 244.— Journ. Mus. Godef., Heft.
XIII., p. 201, pi. 115, fig. H.
D. 12/18-19. A. 19-21.
Height of body one-fifth of the total length, length of head
about one-sixth. Anterior profile nearly vertical ; no canine
teeth ; a pair of fringed tentacles above the orbits, another on the
nape ; crest none. The dorsal fin is not notched, begins in the
vertical from the extremity of the operculum, and is continuous
with the caudal fin. The anterior anal rays are sometimes semi-
detached and elongate. Brown, irregularly variegated, spotted
and dotted with yellow and blue ; immature specimens with eight
brown vertical bands ; throat and chest with three yellowish
cross-bands, several whitish spots before the root of the pectoral.
Cape Grenville (Chevert Exp.)
BY V. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 11
561. Salaeias Dussumieei, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 251.
D. 12/20. A. 22.
Height of hodji one-sixth or one-seventh of the total length.
A short fringed tentacle above the orbit and at the nostril. No
canine teeth. The dorsal fin deeply notched, extending to the
caudal. Brownish, indistinctly marbled with reddish-brown ; the
rays of the dorsal and caudal fins dotted with brown ; anal
greyish, with blackish margin. (In life, green, with rose-coloured
dots.— Val.)
Port Essington.
o
562. Salaeias heleageis, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 256.
D. 12/20. A. 22. Vert. 11/26-17.
The height of the body is contained six times or six times and
a-half in the total length ; the length of the head five times and
a-half. A crest on the head, a fringed tentacle half as high as
as the head, above the orbit, another small one at the nostril.
No canine teeth ; dorsal fin deeply notched, extending on to the
caudal ; the posterior portion lower than the body, but higher
than the anterior portion. Grejush, with pairs of indistinct,
brownish, vertical bands, and with round white dots ; the dorsal
fin with oblique stripes ; anal blackish, with white spots.
Tasmania (Cuv. & Val.), Cape York (Gunther), Nepean Island
(Chevert Exp.) mistaken for S. biseriatus.
563. Salaeias llxeolatus, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 336, pi. 13, fig. 2.
Darnley Island (Chevert Exp.)
564. Salaeias geminatus, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 336, pi. 13, fig. 3.
Torres Straits (Chevert Exp.)
12 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
565. 8at.a-r.tas irroratus, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. L, p. 337, pi. 13, fig 4.
Low Island (Chevert Exp.)
566. Salarias filaatextosus, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 337, pi. 14, fig. 1.
Cape York (Chevert Exp.)
567. Salarias auridexs, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. L, p. 338, pi. 14. fig. 2.
Darnley Island (Chevert Exp.)
568. Salarias cristicers, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, Vol. I., 338, pi. 14, fig. 3.
Darnley Island (Chevert Exp.)
569. Salarias Sraldixgi, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 358, pi. 9, fig. 4.
Port Darwin (Macl. Mus.)
570. Salarias Ciieverti, n. sp.
D. 12/20. A. 20.
Height of body about equal to the length of the head, and
one-sixth of the total length. Eyes prominent on the upper
angle of the head, less than their diameter apart ; face perpen-
dicular, gape of mouth wide, a tentacle above the eyes, of about
half their diameter in length, and ending in a single filament.
The dorsal fin notched to about half its depth, the ventrals with
two rays, fleshy and nearly equal in length ; pectorals broad, of
fourteen simple rays. Colour in spirits, bluish-brown, with the
fins yellow, the dorsal and caudal spotted with brown ; very pot
bellied.
Darnley Islaud (Chevert Exp.)
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 13
Cuvier and Yalenciennes have described a species of Salarias
from New Holland, (S. Kinyii, Cuv. & Val., Hist. Poiss., Vol.
XI., p. 334.), but it lias never since been identified, and there is
a doubt as to the correctness of the habitat given by them.
Another species, Salarias liseriatus, (Kner., Voy. Nov. Fische,
page 197, pi. 8, fig. 5), has been mentioned by Dr. Alleyne and
myself (Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, Vol. I., 336), as having
been found at Nepean Island, Torres Straits, during the voyage
of the Chevert. I have however, since satisfied myself that it is
S. mcleagris, and that there is no evidence of S. liseriatus being
ever taken in Australian waters.
Genus Lepidoblexnius, Steind.
Body scaly ; two dorsal fins, the first formed by flexible spines
the second by simple rays ; pectoral fin much developed, with
the lower rays simple. A band of viliform teeth in both jaws,
the outer series containing stronger teeth.
Dr. Steinclackner formed this genus for the reception of a Fish
from Queensland, to which he gave the specific name of
haplodactylus.
I have never seen his description and cannot therefore include
it in this Catalogue. The following species seems to enter this
genus.
671. LEriDOBLEXKIUS GEJIIXATUS, 11. SJ).
D. 17/12. A. 19. L. kit about 70.
Height of body one-seventh, and length of head one-si::th of
the total length. Eyes near the front angle of the head, the
space between hollow and narrow, less than half their diameter ;
gape of mouth rather large, the maxillary reaching to below the
middle of the eye ; the profile straight and at an angle of 45° ;
the snout as long as two diameters of the eye ; teeth numerous
and sharp, in the centre of each jaw there is an exterior row of
14 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
crowded large ones, directed outwards ; gill membranes broadly-
connected beneath ; scales small, none on the head ; lateral line
straight. The first dorsal fin commences above the pra^operculuin,
is less than half the he'ght of the body, and is joined to the
second by a very low membrane ; the second dorsal is slightly
higher than the first ; the caudal is rather long, narrow, and
truncate ; the anal consists of thick isolated rays, the membranes
not, or scarcely joining them ; the pectorals long, reaching to the
fifth anal ray, with the six lower rays simple ; ventrals two-rayed,
fleshy, joined at the base. Colour in spirits, yellowish, with a
number of rather faint reddish-brown spots and double vertical
fascia) along the body ; fins of a more dusky yellow, with a brown
spot at the extremity of the first dorsal spine, and another on the
membrane between the third and fourth ; anal margined with
blackish.
Port Jackson (Macl. Mus.)
Genus Cllxus, Cuv.
Body moderately elongate, covered with small scales ; snout
rather short ; a narrow band or sometimes a single series of small
teeth in the jaws and on the palate. Dorsal fin long, formed by
many spines and a few rays, without a detached anterior portion ;
anal spines two ; ventrals jugular, composed of a small spine
hidden in the skin, and two or three rays. Tentacle above the
orbit more or less developed. Gill-opening wide ; pscudobranchia) ;
six branchiostegals ; air-bladder and pyloric appendages absent.
Seas of temperate regions.
572. Clixus desficillatus, Richards.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 271.
D. 3/35/4. A. 2/25. V. 1/3.
Height of body five times and two-thirds in the total length,
the length of the head four times and a-half. Snout rather
F.L.S. 15
subcorneal, "with the jaws equal. Palatiue teeth none, those on
the vomer form an angular band, narrowest in the middle.
Interorbital space convex, its width equal to the vertical diameter
of the eye ; a small branched tentacle above the orbit. Scales
exceeding small. The three anterior dorsal spines are remote
from, but connected with the others ; the height of the dorsal fin
is about one-third of that of the body ; with the spines rather
slender, and is contiguous with the caudal. Greyish-brown (in
spirits), with bars and spots of deeper brown along the back
and sides, vertical fins dusky towards their margins, caudal
spotted.
Tasmania. Length four inches.
Genus Neoblexxius, Casteln.
Elongate ; one dorsal fin extending over the entire back, almost
all spines. Teeth strong, sharp, numerous and curved, larger on
the upper jaw, on the vomer and palatines in transverse series.
Body almost naked, a few scales embedded in the skin. Caudal
fin free ; ventrals thoracic, of four rays ; eye large ; lateral line
on the anterior part of the body only ; no barbel. (Casteln.)
573. Neoblexxius easciatus, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 28.
D. 30/4. A. 2/24. V. 1/4.
Height of body five times and two-thirds in the total length,
length of head over four times ; eye three times and a-half in the
length of the head ; dorsal fin large ; caudal pointed ; ventrals
with the two central rays long and articulated ; pectorals large,
of thirteen rays ; the male organ very large and prominent.
Colour (in spirits) of a fleshy-pink, with the head and fins yellow,
the body is generally marked by five broad, transverse, faint
bands of a darkish colour ; fins sometimes speckled with black.
South Australia. Length under three inches.
16 DESCItirTIYE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Genus Heteroclixus, Casteln.
Body subelongate ; mouth opening upwards ; snout without
tentacles; ventral fins jugular, formed of one short and two long-
rays ; dorsals two, the first short, the second with numerous spines
and three rays ; the dorsal, caudal, and anal somewhat continuous;
lateral line only marked on the anterior part of the body ; gill
membranes inflated.
South Australia.
Count Castelnau has omitted to state whether the body is scaly
or naked, but from his description of the species given below, I
am inclined to think it is without scales.
574. Heteroclixtjs Adelaide, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Yol. II., p. 68.
D. 3. 28/3. A. 2/25.
The height of the body is contained a little less than five times
in the total length, the length of the head four times and two-
thirds ; the eye is half the length of the head, and prominent ;
the head appeal's truncate in front when the mouth is shut ; the
cleft of the mouth is oblique ; the upper lip embraces the lower jaw.
The first dorsal spine is strong and rather elongate, the second
dorsal fin terminates with three soft rays which are attached
by a membrane to the caudal, the anal fin is similarly attached
to the caudal, which is rather long, Four longitudinal grooves
on the body. Colour reddish-brown, yellowish-white beneath,
with an irregular black, longitudinal band on the sides and some
blackish blotches beneath ; the dorsal and anal fins are obscure,
with some white portions ; the ventrals, caudal, and pectorals of
a light colour, the last two sprinkled with black ; the elongate
portion of the first dorsal is red. Length three and a-half inches.
South Australia (Casteln.)
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 17
Genus Ophioclintts, Casteln.
Body very elongate, mouth, opening' upwards ; snout with, two
short filaments ; ventral fins jugular, consisting of one short and
two long rays ; one dorsal fin, all spinous except the last two
rays, and continuous with the caudal and anal ; scales very
minute and imbedded in the skin; teeth short, strong, and
numerous ; gill membranes inflated.
South Australia.
575. OrmocLixus antaecticus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 69.
D. 63/2. A. 39.
Height of body one-seventh, and length of head one-sixth of
the total length ; the diameter of the eye is one fourth of the
length of the head ; mouth very oblique ; numerous short, thick,
blunt teeth on the jaws and on the vomer and palatine bones ; a
short, broad, rounded barbel on the snout in front of the eyes,
which are large and lateral ; scales on the posterior part of the
body more distinct ; the lateral line only visible behind the gills ;
there are five longitudinal depressions or grooves on the body ;
the male organ very prominent. Colour uniform brownish-red,
lighter beneath ; some minute black spots on the fins, which are
rather red ; caudal and anal bordered with black. Length five
inches.
South Australia (Castelnau).
Genus Cbjsticeps, Cuv. & Yal.
Body moderately elongate, covered with small or rudimentary
scales. Snout rather short, with the cleft of the mouth of
moderate width. A band of small teeth in the jaws; teeth on
the vomer. Two dorsal fins ; the anterior short, of three spines,
the posterior long and spinous, with a few posterior articulated
rays. Yentral fins jugular, with one spine and two or three rays.
B
18 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OP AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Head generally with, tentacles. Gill-opening wide ; six branchi-
ostegals. Pyloric appendages none.
Yiviparons Fishes ; European, Indian and Australian Coasts
and Eivers.
576. Cristiceps aktixectes, Gunth.
Cristicejps argentatus, var. antinectes, Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p.
272, and note p. 273.
B. 6. D. 3/30/4. A. 2/23. V. 1/2.
The height of the "body is contained six times in the total
length, the length of the head five times and a-third. The snout
is of moderate extent, subconical, with the lower jaw somewhat
prominent. Palatine teeth none. The width of the interorbital
space is less than the diameter of the eye ; a small, simple tentacle
above the orbit. Scales exceedingly small. A short detached
dorsal fin on the nape of the neck, the spines of which it is formed
are slender and rather longer than those of the second dorsal ;
the latter is not emarginate and is united with the base of the
caudal. Brown or yellowish, more or less spotted and marbled
with darker ; generally a series of whitish or yellowish spots
along the sides.
"West Australia.
•377. Cristiceps xasutus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 273.
D. 3/28/4. A. 2/21. Y. 1/3. P. 13. C. 9.
The height of the body is five times and a-half in the total
length, the length of the head four times and a-half. The snout
is subconical, somewhat longer than the eye, with the jaws equal.
The width of the interorbital space is much less than the vertical
diameter of the eye. A long fringed tentacle at the nostril, that
above the orbit rather shorter. Scales minute. The detached
dorsal fin is situated above the operculum, the last dorsal ray is
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 19
fixed to the tail, hut not to the caudal fin. Uniform yellowish,
(in spirits) .
New South Wales (Gunther).
578. Ckisticeps koseus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 274.
B. 6. D. 3/25-26/4. A. 2/20-21. V. 1/3. P. 12. C. 9.
Vert. 14/26.
The height of the body is contained five times in the total
length, the length of the head four times and two-fifths. Snout
subconical, equal in length to the eye, lower jaw prominent.
Teeth on the vomer, none on the palate. The width of the
interorbital space is much less than the vertical diameter of the
eye. A fringed tentacle at the nostril ; that above the orbic
well developed with obtuse fringes. Scales rudimentary. The
detached dorsal fin situated above the operculum, somewhat
higher than the second dorsal, the last ray connected by a
membrane with the base of the caudal ; the anal fin quite free
from it ; the inner ventral ray not half the length of the middle
one. Yellowish (in spirits), head, body and first dorsal fin marbled
with rose-colour ; the second dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins with
rose-coloured cross-bars.
Freycinet Harbour (Herald).
579. CmsTicErs fasciatus, n. sp.
D. 3/30/2. A. 21. V. 2. C. 10.
Height of body about one-fifth of the length. Head rather
depressed ; the interorbital space rather convex, its width being
about equal to the diameter of the eye ; tentacles at nostril and
over orbit moderate ; cleft of mouth wide ; scales small, very
distinct ; lateral line continuous. The detached part of the dorsal
fin situated over the operculum and connected by a membrane
with the second, the three spines equal in length and of same
20 DESCEirnvE catalogue of Australian fishes,
height as the rest ; the last dorsal ray is connected with the tail,
the anal is free, pectoral fins rather large, the ventral rays con-
joined for half their length. Reddish yellow with sis equidistant
"broad reddish-brown fascia?, of verj' irregular outline on the sides
of the body, and not quite reaching the bach or belly ; the fins
are immaculate.
Port Jackson (Macl. Mus.)
This species and Clinus despieillatus. should be placed in a new
genus, intermediate between Clinics and Cristiceps, and probably
the three preceding species, C. antinectes, nasutus, and roseus,
ought to accompany them. The compresssed body and elevated
first dorsal fin placed on the head, mark the species which should
properly belong to Cristiceps.
580. Ceisticeps austealis, Cuv. & Yal.
Gunth,, Cat. Fishes III., p. 275.
D. 3/27-29/8-5. A. 2/23-25. V. 1/3. Vert. 15/31.
The anterior dorsal fin commences above the posterior margin of
the orbit, and is much higher than the posterior ; both widely
separated from each other. A simple tentacle above the orbit,
and a pair of bifurcate ones above the snout.
Rivers of Tasmania. Swan River (Gunther).
The above is all the description given by Dr. Gunther of this
species, and I cannot at present refer to Cuv. and Yal., tome 9,
p. 402, pi. 336, where the fish is described and figured. But
Count Castelnau, who carefully studied the genus, gave a decided
opinion that the present species is quite distinct from the Port
Jackson species long believed to be C. australis, and to which he
has given the specific name C. Macleayi. He suggests however,
that his C. Howitlii may be identical with australis, in this I
believe he is entirely wrong.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 21
.581. Cristiceps Magleayi, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 385.
Port Jackson.
582. Cristiceps Howittii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 48.
The height of the body is contained about five times in the
total length, the length of the head four times and one-third ; the
diameter of the eye four times and two-thirds in the length of
the head. No scales. The lower jaw longer than the upper.
The first dorsal fin is placed over the centre of the orbit, its first ray
much prolonged; the second dorsal is high, and highest posteriorly,
of thirty-five rays ; caudal very long and lanceolate ; the anal is
like the second dorsal, and of twenty-seven rays ; the vontrals
have two rays one of them bifid. Colour in preserved specimens
reddish-brown ; the front part of the head is yellow, and there
is a broad, black band running oblicpiely downwards below the
orbit. Body marbled and banded with brown, with some ocellated
light spots ; dorsal and anal fins yellow, with five broad, obscure,
transverse bands ; the caudal is yellow at its base and brown on
its terminal half, the pectorals are yellow with their base brown.
Western Port. Length four and a-half inches.
583. Cbisticeps kodustus, Gunth.
Gunth., Ann. and Mag., Nat. Hist. 1867, Vol. XX., p. 62.
D. 3/32/7. A. 2/25.
The anterior dorsal fin commences over the hind margin of the
prce operculum, and is not higher than the posterior. A fringed
tentacle above the orbit, a small one at the nostril. Back with
seven dark cross-bands, the first below the anterior dorsal, sub-
ocellated.
Melbourne. Pive inches long, (Gunther.)
22 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
584. Cristiceps splexdexs, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Yol. IT., p. 66.
D. 3/28/6. A. 2/23. Y. 1/4.
Head very convex above and in front. Height of body
contained a little over four times in the total length, the length
of the head three times and two-thirds, eye five times in the
length of the head ; snout longer than the diameter of the eye,
which is equal to the width of the interorbital space. A long
quadridigitate tentacle on the nostril ; another, stronger and rather
longer, above the orbit, compressed and simple, excepting a small
angle anteriorly. Teeth numerous and sharp in the jaws, with
in the lower jaw an external series of larger and more conical
ones, the teeth on the vomer more blunt. Scales small, round,
deciduous ; lateral line continuous, formed of a succession of
little ridges not contiguous. The first dorsal fin is placed over
the orbit, the first spine as high as the body, the second shorter,
the third half the length of the first, the second dorsal begins over
the end of the operculum, and increases gradually in height to
its posterior extremity, the last ray is attached by a membrane to
the tail at some distance from the commencement of the caudal
fin ; the caudal is long, of nine rays, which extend beyond the
uniting membrane, the ventrals are formed of two short and two
long rays. Colour (in spirits) uniform carmine with the head
and fins orange.
South Australia. length seven inches.
*B '
585. Cristiceps auraxtl^cus, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Yol. III., p. 386.
Port Jackson.
586. Cristiceps multifexestratus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Yictoria, Yol. I., p. 131, and Yol. II., p. 48 note.
D. 3/30/4. A. 2/23, Y. 1/3.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 23
Of rather elongate form. Height of body contained five times
and a-half in the total length, length of head four times ; diameter
of eye four times and five-sixths in the length of the head ; a long
branched tentacle over the eye, a small simple one on the snout.
Scales minute. Lower jaw longest. The first dorsal fin is
situated above the end of the prreoperculura, the two first spines
longer and nearer together than the third, the space between the
two dorsals equal to the transverse diameter of the eye ; the
second dorsal grows a little higher at its posterior extremity,
which is rounded, the spines and rays are strong, and the
membranes extend to the apex of the rays ; the caudal is rounded
and formed of nine rays ; the anal in form resembles the second
dorsal, but the rays extend beyond the connecting membrane ;
the ventrals have their rays united at the base, the middle one
the longest. Of a handsome purple colour, with large, black,
rounded blotches, forming a line on the back and on each side,
the last being the smallest ; between these there are numerous
short, irregular, interrupted, white, longitudinal lines. The
belly is of a pale and pinkish colour, with large white oval blotches;
the head is punctured with red, and has two irregular longitudinal
lines on the prreoperculum, the second rather oblique ; the lips
are marbled with pale brown, and on the sides of the head are
five or six silvery blotches. The dorsal and anal fins are
transparent, covered with purplish-brown opaque lines, forming
a sort of trellis work ; the rays are brown, marbled with yellow ;
the rays of the caudal are similar, and that fin is bordered with
orange, as is also the soft part of the dorsal ; the ventrals are
striped yellow and purple ; the pectorals are dark ; the eye is
pink, with an external series of red spots.
Melbourne. Length ten inches.
587. Cristiceps am^enus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 48.
24 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Count Castelnau says (he. cit.J that this species resembles much
the preceding1 species fC. multifenestratusj in having numerous
transparent spots on the dorsal and anal fins, in a sort of trellis
work arrangement ; but the height of the body is contained four
times and two-thirds in the present species in the length of the
body, and the operculum is strongly striated. The general colour
is a beautiful orange red.
Melbourne. Length eight inches.
588. Cristicets Forsteri, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 132.
D. 3/29/4. A. 26. V. 1/3.
Head elevated and gibbous. Height of body four times and
a-half in the total length, length of head four times and one-third;
diameter of eye four times and one-fourth in the length of the
head. A single bifid filament over the eye. Lips thick and
prominent. The first dorsal fin commences in f r out of the vertical
from the end of the operculum and is elevated, the second dorsal
is separated from it by only a small space ; the caudal is rounded
and formed of nine rays ; the rays of the anal increase a little in
length towards the posterior part, which is rounded ; the ventrals
have the external ray short, the others long and connected towards
the base. General colour green, with the sides of the head and
the anterior part of the lower side of the body ochreous-yellow ;
lips purple ; ' lower portions of prsoopcrculum carmine ; dorsal,
caudal, and anal fins green, with the spines and rays purple ;
ventrals yellow ; pectorals purple- There are two rounded white
spots between the bases of the ventral and pectoral fins and on
the second dorsal there are fenestrated rounded spots between
the fourth and fifth rays, the ninth, tenth, and eleventh, the
twentieth, and twenty-first, the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh,
and the thirty-second and thirty-third ; on the anal there are
similar spots between tho seventeenth and eighteenth, and the
twentieth and twenty -first, and one covering nearly all the twenty-
BY W. IVTACLEAY, F.L.S. 25
third, twenty-fourth, and twenty-fifth, and between the twenty-
fifth and twenty-sixth rays are two additional fenestrated spots,
one over the other.
Melbourne. Length six and a-half inches.
589. Ckisticeps riCTUS, n. sp.
D. 3/29/6. A. 25. V. 1/3.
Body very compressed. The first dorsal fin situated over the
eye and twice the height of the second dorsal. A simple tentacle
over the eye, a branched one on the nostril. No scales. The
last two rays of the dorsal fin short, the body part of the tail long,
narrow, compressed, becoming more expanded at the junction
with the caudal fin ; the fin elongate, pointed. Ventrals termin-
ating in one short and two long filaments. Colour (in spirits)
red on the body, yellow on the head and thorax, with a brown
vertical band beneath the eye. Fins dark purple with minute
blackish dots, on the second dorsal are four almost vertical
' transparent bands, one about the seventh and eighth spines, one
about the thirteenth and fourteenth, one about the twentieth and
twenty-first, and the fourth on the two last short rays, there is
also a round spot of the same character about the twenty-sixth
spine, the caudal and anal fins have also some of these transparent
spots, but not so large. The pectoral and ventral fins are barred
with yellow.
Port Jackson. Length three inches.
590. Ckisticeps aegyeopleera, Kner.
Kner., Yoy. Novara, Fische, p. 199, Tab. 7, fig. 4.
L>. 3/34. A. 27. V. 3. P. 10. C. 11.
The first dorsal fin situated over the anterior part of the eye,
higher than the body, and attached by a low membrane to the
second. Caudal fin elongate. Silvery lines under the eye and
26 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
at the base of the pectorals, and a series of silvery spots on the
sides.
Port Jackson (Kner). Two inches long.
591. Cristiceps pallpdus, n. sp.
D. 3/29/6. A. 26. V, 3. P. 10.
Body compressed, height one-fifth of total length. The first
dorsal fin over the middle of the eye, and scarcely higher than
the last dorsal rays, which are longer than the first spines of the
second dorsal. Head rather depressed, flat between the eyes,
which space is less than the diameter of the orbit. Snout much
shorter than eye ; cleft of mouth oblique ; scales very small ;
lateral line marked with distant, elongate scales ; tail elongate.
Colour uniform pale reddish -yellow ; fins very pale yellow, and
immaculate.
King George's Sound (Mad. Mus.)
Genus Tripterygium, Pdsso.
Body not very elongate, covered with rather small or with
scales of moderate size. Snout of moderate extent. Jaws with
a band of villiform teeth ; teeth on the palate. Three dorsal fins,
the two anterior spinous, the middle one longest. Ventrals
jugular with two soft rays. Six branchiostegals. Pseudobranchiae.
European, New Zealand and Australian Coasts and Pavers.
592. Tripterygium marmoratum, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Yol III., p. 34, pi. 3, fig. 2.
King George's Sound (Macl. Mus.)
593. Tripterygium atrigulare, Gunth.
Journal Mus., Godef., Heft. TV., p. 91.
D. 3/12/8. A. 14. L. lat. 33.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 27
The height of the body is less than the length of the head,
which is two-sevenths of the length of the body without the
caudal fin. Eyes large, more than one-third of the length of the
head and longer than the snout. Scales with toothed edges.
Lateral line distinct to the end of the second dorsal fin. Head
without scales. The pectoral fins reach to the vertical from behind
the termination of the second dorsal. The body is of a reddish-
brown, without markings ; the underside of the head and the
base of the pectorals are black ; the peduncle of the tail above
and below with a small blackish spot.
Bowen (Gunther).
Genus Stenopiius, Castelnau.
Of elongate form. No ventral fins. Dorsal fin entirely spinous
united by a membrane with the caudal and anal. Scales small ;
several lateral lines ; gill-openings united below the throat. Teeth
numerous, rather compressed and curved.
North Australia.
594. Stenopiius marmobattts, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 27.
Height of body contained ten times and a-half in the length,
without the caudal fin ; length of head five times and one-third ;
lower jaw rather in advance of the upper ; aperture of mouth
extending below the anterior edge of the eye ; upper part of
head naked ; prseoperculum scaly ; a longitudinal ridge on the
the operculum ending in a point, the portion above this ridge is
scaly, below, naked ; a short lateral line above the point of the
operculum formed of small granulations.
Gulf of Carpentaria (Castelnau).
595. Stenophus obscufojs, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 27.
28 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Height of the body contained nine times and two-thirds in the
length without the caudal fin, length of the head about six times ;
lower jaw considerably longer than the upper ; teeth numerous,
conical, rounded at their extremity. A few very small scales
apart from one another on the posterior part of the head ;
operculum scaly ; body covered with rather small scales ; lateral
line emitting an abbreviated upper branch behind the operculum.
Colour obscure brown on the upper parts, dark yellow below.
Gulf of Carpentaria (Castelnau). Length eleven inches.
Genus Neogunellus, Casteln.
Form elongate, rather compressed. Scales very small and
rudimentary. Vertical fins long, united to the caudal ; dorsal
entirely spinous ; vcntrals long, filamentary, of two rays. Teeth
numerous, thick, conical, the outer ones larger. Head small.
One species from South Australia.
596. Neogunellus sulcatus, Castelnau.
Eescarches on the Pishes of Australia, p. 27.
D. G7. A. 43.
Height of body about eight times in the total length, length
of head six times and two thirds ; diameter of eye five times and
one-third in the length of the head. The dorsal spines are very
feeble, but the twenty-sixth and thirty-first are much stronger ;
caudal fin pointed, the middle rays being much the longest ; anal
long and formed of flexible spines. The male has the sexual
organ conspicuous, and a kind of thoracic corselet as in some of
the Scomlridce. Colour (in spirits) reddish-brown without spots
the vertical fins are black, and the lower part of tho head rather
livid.
South Australia. Length about five inches.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 29
Genus Sticharium, Gunth.
Body elongate, compressed, naked or with scarcely a trace of
scales. Anterior part of lateral line distinct, near the dorsal
profile. Snout short ; small teeth in the jaws, without canines ;
palate apparently toothless. Dorsal fin long, formed hy pungent
spines only; ventrals jugular with two rays; caudal distinct.
Gill-openings rather wide, the gill-membranes broadly united
below the throat, and quite free from the isthmus.
597. Stichabium dorsale, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1867, Vol. XX., p. 03.
D. 41. A. 2/36.
The height of the body is two-thirds of the length of the head,
which is contained six times and a-half in the total length, (with-
out caudal). Cleft of mouth extending to below the middle of
the eye ; lower jaw slightly prominent. Length of the trunk
not much exceeding that of the head. Dorsal and anal fins very
low, terminating in a low fold of the skin, which is continued to
the caudal. Ventrals much longer than the pectorals. A broad
white band runs along the upper surface of the head and back.
Sides finely marbled with brown, the markings radiating from
the eye on the head.
Port Jackson ? (Gunth.)
Genus Notograptus, Gunth.
Body elongate, compressed, covered with minute scales. Lateral
line complete, running along the base of the dorsal fin. Head
longish and rather depressed ; snout of moderate extent, some-
what pointed ; cleft of the mouth wide ; a short flat barbel at the
symphysis of the lower jaw. Bands of villiform teeth in the jaws
and palatine bones, none on the vomer ; tongue narrow, long,
free. Vertical fins confluent ; dorsal and anal with numerous
spines, the posterior becoming gradually stiff er and more pungent
30 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
than the anterior. Ventrals jugular, close together, reduced to
a single bifid ray. The gill-membrane is attached to the isthmus
before the ventrals. Pseudobranchiae well developed. Intestinal
tract short, simple, without pyloric appendages. Air-bladder
none.
598. NOTOGRAPTUS GUTTATUS, Guntll.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1867, Vol. XX., p. 64.
D. 69. C. 11. A. 43.
The height of the body is one-twelfth of the length vithout
caudal, length of the head two-fifteenths. Hye small; barbel
shorter than the ventrals, which are about twice as long as the
eye. Reddish or brown, dorsal fin, upper and lateral parts with
numerous blue dots, those on the head largest. Young with the
spots on the body, indistinct and of a brown colour.
Cape York. Port Darwin (Macl. Mus.)
Genus Pat.ecus, Pichardson.
Body oblong, anteriorly elevated, very compressed, and tapering
to the tail. Forehead projecting beyond the snout ; minute teeth
in the jaws and on the vomer, none on the palatine bones.
Mouth small, no scales. Dorsal fin long, some of the anterior
spines strong, continuous with the caudal ; ventrals none. Gill-
openings wide ; no pseudobranchiae ; branchiostegals sis. No
cleft behind the fourth gill.
Australia.
599. Pat/ecus pronto, Pichards.
Ichth. Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 20, pi. 13.— Gunth., Cat. III.,
p. 292.
B. 6. D. 24/16. A. 11/5. P. 8.
Head very high and compressed, front of the head more than
perpendicular. Dorsal fin beginning before the eyes, the first
spine short and stout, the next few stout and long, equalling the
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 31
height of the body behind the operculum. Pectoral fins longer
than the head, reaching to the sixth anal spine. Colour uniform
brownish red.
West Australia.
600. Patjectts maculatus, Gunth.
Cat. Fishes III., 292.— Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Vol.
II., p. 231.
D. 31. A. 12. P. 8.
The pectoral fin shorter than the head. Olive, black-spotted.
Dr. G-unther's description of this Fish cannot be accurate, or
its resemblance to fronto must be very slight. It will probably
be found that for D. 3 1 . we should read D. 41 . Count Castelnau's
description in the Third Yolume of our transactions will assist in
the identification of the species, which is from South Australia.
601. Patjecus "Waterhousei, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 24-1.
The pectoral fin rather longer than the head, only extending
to the anus ; dorsal with thirty spines, the first sensibly longer
than the others, and with its membrane deeply emarginated ;
caudal with the fifth, sixth and seventh rays considerably
prolonged ; anal with ten rays, the posterior ones elongated and
pointed ; mouth surrounded by several series of bifid papilla?.
Brown, marbled with white.
South Australia.
602. Patjecus suboceleatus, Gunth.
Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1871, p. 665, pi. 64.
D. 39. A. 15. C. 10. P. 8.
The first dorsal spine very short, the second is the longest, as
long as the head. The interraclial membrane of the anal fin is
32 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
so narrow, that the fin cannot be erected, and the last ray is
attached to the lower edge of the tail. The three upper pectoral
rays much shorter than the fourth. No orbital rim. Skin
entirely smooth, without tubercles or tentacles. Four ocellated
spots, about as large as the eye, — the anterior equidistant from
each other — along the upper half of the body. Fins indistinctly
reticulated with brown, some of the reticulations being distinct
rings.
South Australia.
Division XI. ACANTH. MUGILTFOKMES.
Two dorsal fins more or less remote from each other, the
anterior either short, like the posterior, or composed of feeble
sjnnes ; ventral fins well developed, 1/5, abdominal.
Family XXX. SPHYKzENIDyE .
Body elongate, subcylindrical, covered with small cycloid scales;
lateral line continuous. Cleft of mouth wide, armed with strong
teeth. Eye lateral, of moderate size. Seven branchiostegals ;
pseudobranchiae and air-bladder present. Two dorsal fins remote
from each other ; ventrals abdominal.
Genus SphypwExa, Artedi.
Body more or less elongate, covered with small, smooth scales ;
cleft of the mouth wide. Large trenchant teeth in the jaws and
on the palatine bones, none on the vomer. Two short dorsal fins
situated at a great distance from each other, the ventrals opposite
the anterior dorsal, and the anal opposite and of the length of
the posterior. Seven branchiostegals ; air-bladder large, bifurcate
posteriorly. Pyloric appendages in great number.
Nearly all tropical and temperate seas.
603. Spiiyiuena Noy.e-Hollandle, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes II., p. 335.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 33
D. 5. 1/9. A. 1/10. L. lat. 135.
Very slender and elongate ; height of body one-eleventh of the
total length, the length of the head one-fourth ; the diameter of
the eye one-seventh of the length of the head. Operculum
rounded posteriorly. The length of the pectoral fin is one-twelfth
of the total, and more than that of the ventral, the spine of the
latter is not much shorter than the rays. The origin of the first
dorsal fin is behind the vertical from the root of the ventral, and
before the middle of the length of the fish, without caudal. The
space between the dorsals is one-fourth of the total length. Colour
above greenish, beneath silvery.
Port Phillip. Port Jackson, young specimens.
604. Spiiyu.exa Porsteri, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes II., p. 337.— Journ. Mus. Godef., Heft.
XIII., p. 211, pi. 119, fig. a.
D. 5. 1/9. A. 1/9. L. lat. 110. L. trans. 30.
The height of the body is one-ninth of the total length, the
length of the head nearly one-fourth ; the diameter of the eye is
nearly five times in the length of the head ; the maxillary readies
to beneath the anterior edge of the orbit. Operculum with a
single flexible point. Lower jaw with a conical tubercle in front,
and with about nineteen stronger posterior teeth. The length of
the pectoral fin is about one-eleventh of the total, and more than
that of the ventrals. The root of the ventral fins falls below the
posterior half of the pectorals. The first dorsal commences just
above the extremity of the pectoral, but behind the root of the
ventral. Above uniform greenish ; beneath silvery. Dorsal and
caudal fins violet, the others yellowish.
South Coast, New Guinea (Chevert Exp.)
605. Spiiyr.exa Commersoxii, Cuv. & Yal.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes II., p. 338. — Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc,
Yict., II., p. 102.
C
34 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
D. 5. 1/9. A. 1/9. L. lat. 80-90.
The height of the body is about one-ninth of the total length,
the length of the head about one-fourth ; the diameter of the eye
one-fifth of the length of the head ; the maxillary bone reaches
to the anterior edge of the orbit. Operculum with a flexible
pnnt. Lower jaw with a conical tubercle in front, and about
fifteen to eighteen longer posterior teeth. The length of the
pectoral fin is one-tenth or one-eleventh of the total, and more
than that of the ventrals. The first dorsal fin commences just
above the point of the pectorals, but behind the insertion of the
ventrals. Above uniform bluish-green, beneath silvery; dorsal,
caudal, and anal fins violet.
Knob Island, North Australia (Castclnau).
606. SPHYRiENA OBTUSATA, CllV. & Yal.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes II., p. 339.— Journ. Mus. Godef., Heft.
XIIL, p. 212, pi. 119, fig. b.
D. 5. 1/9. A. 1/9. L. lat. 90.
The height of the body is contained seven or eight times in
the total length, the length of the head three times and a-half ;
the diameter of the eye is more than a-fifth of .the length of the
head. Operates scaly. Lower jaw without or with a very slight
fleshy appendage in front. The first dorsal and the ventral fins
commence in the vertical from the extremity of the pectorals.
Proeoporculum not rounded, with the angle slightly produced.
Above uniform greenish lead-coloured, beneath silvery. Fins
yellow.
Port Jackson.
This is the " Pike" of the Sydney Fishermen. I have given
Dr. Gunther's description, theie but maybe are two species, as it
is scarcely in accordance with what I have observed. In all the
Sydney specimens I havo seen, the ventral (ins commence opposite
fie last fourth of the pectorals, and the first dorsal over the last
EY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 35
fourth of the ventrals. A dark band runs from the snout to the
tail below the lateral line ; the fins are all of a deep yellow colour
with the outer rays black ; there is also a black blotch under and
at the root of the pectorals. L. lat. 85.
607. Spkykjexa langsak, Bleek.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes II., p. 340.— Macl., Linn. Soc. N. S. W., II.,
p. 359.
D. 5. 1/9-10. A. 10-11. L. lat. 80.
The height of the body is contained nine times in the total
length ; the length of the head three times and three-quarters ;
the diameter of the eye is one-fifth of the length of the head.
Operculum without spine ; prseoperculum obliquely emarginate,
with an acute membranaceous angle. The maxillary bone does
not reach to the level of the eye ; lower jaw with a conical point
but without appendage. The first dorsal fin commences just
above the extremity of the pectoral, but behind the root of the
ventrals. The distance between the dorsal fins is twice the length
of the second dorsal. Above uniform greenish, beneath silvery ;
fins scarcely coloured.
Port Darwin, young specimens, (Macl. Mus.)
Genus Laxioperca, Gunth.
Body compressed, elongate, covered with deciduous scales of
moderate size. Head with the snout produced and pointed,
entirely covered with small scales. Cleft of the mouth wide,
with the lower jaw projecting. Jaws, vomer, and palatine bones
with narrow bands of villiform teeth, and with an outer series of
stronger teeth. A pair of very strong canine teeth in the upper
jaw. Tongue smooth. Eye of moderate size. Seven branchi-
ostegals ; pseudobrauchue. Two dorsal fins, the first short ; the
anal with two spines. No denticulations on the cranial bones,
the opercular margins being very thin and membranaceous.
3G DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
608. Lanioperca mordax, Guntli.
Ann. and Mag., Nat. Hist. 1872, Yol. X. p. 183.
Linolestes Mullen, Klunz., Arch. f. Nat., 1872, p. 29, tab. 3.
JSfeosphijrcena multiradiata, Casteln., Proc. Zool. Soc, Yict. I., p. 90.
J). 5. 1/19. A. 2/25. L. lat. 60.
The height cf the body is contained five times in the length
(without caudal); the length of the head three times and one-
fourth. The eye is nearer to the end of the opercle than to that of
the snout, its diameter being two-elevenths of the length of the
head, and equal to the width of the interorbital space. Tho
maxillary does not quite reach the vertical from the front margin
of the eye, which is immediately below the upper profile. The
teeth of the outer series in the upper jaw are subequal in size,
and much smaller than those in the lower, the four or five
posterior of which are enlarged, distant, and canine like. Posterior
margin of the proooperculum deeply emarginate. Pectoral fin
not quite half as long as the head, the upper rays the longest ;
root of the ventrals at a very short distance behind that of tho
pectorals. Dorsal spines very feeble. Caudal forked. Coloration
silvery-grey, fins yellowish, sometimes a black spot on tho upper
lobe of the tail. Length twelve to eighteen inches.
Tasmania. Port Phillip. Port Jackson.
Family NXXI. ATHEEINIDvE.
Body more or less elongate, sub cylindrical, covered with scales
of moderate size ; lateral line indistinct. Cleft of tho mouth of
moderate width, with, the dentition feeble. Eye lateral, well
developed. Gill-opening wide ; four gills ; pseudobranchia) ;
five or six branchiostegals. Two dorsal fins ; the spines of the
first feeble, the second of moderate length ; anal like the second
dorsal or rather longer. Ventral fins abdominal, with one spine
and five rays. Vertebra) very numerous in the caudal and
abdominal portions.
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 37
Genus Atiierina, Artedi.
Body subcylindrical or slightly compressed ; snout more or less
obtuse, with the cleft of the mouth straight, oblique, extending
to or beyond the anterior margin of the eye. Teeth minute,
those on the palate sometimes indistinct. Scales cycloid, of
moderate size. Ventral fins some distance behind the pectorals.
Air-bladder present. No pyloric appendages. A silvery band
along the side.
Nearly all temperate and tropical seas entering rivers.
609. Atiierixa iiepsetoides, Eicbards.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1843, XI., p. 187.— Guntli., Cat.
Fishes III., p. 397.
D. 9. 1/11. A. 1/14. P. 15. Vert. 48.
The anterior dorsal fin is between the base of the ventral and
the vent. The height of the body is one-eighth of the total
length, the length of the head nearly one-sixth ; the diameter of
the eye is one-third of the length of the head, and a little more
than the length of snout. Cleft of mouth oblique ; teeth minute.
Port Arthur, Tasmania (Eicharclson).
610. Atiierina presbyteroides, Eichards.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1843, XI., p. 179.— Guntli., Cat. III.,
p. 397.
D. 9/10-11. A. 1/12. P. 11. Vert. 46.
The first dorsal fin stands wholly anterior to the anus, com-
mencing just perceptibly behind the ventrals. The height of the
body equals the length of the head and is one-fifth of the total.
The diameter of the eye is one-third of the length of the head,
and more than that of the snout. Teeth distinct. There are
two series of scales above the silvery band.
Port Arthur, Tasmania (Eichardson).
38 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
nil. Atiierixa pixguis, Lacep.
Grunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 399.
" HardyJiead" of Sydney Fishermen.
D. 6. 1/10. A. 1/14-15. L. lat. 42-45. L.transv. 7. Vert. 20/23.
The origin of the spinous dorsal is at some distance behind the
vertical from the vent, and its distance from the operculum is
equal to one and a-third of the length of the head. The height
of the body is five times and two-thirds in the total length, the
length of the head four times and two-thirds. The diameter of
the eye is two-fifths of the length of the head, equal to the width
of the interorbital space, and much longer than the snout. Snout
short, obtuse, with the cleft of the mouth very oblique, and the
upper jaw overlapping the lower ; the maxillary extends beyond
the vertical from the anterior margin of the eye. Teeth distinct
in the jaws, on the vomer and the palatine bones. The silvery
streak occupies the third series of scales and the adjoining quarter
of the fourth. The membrane in which the dorsal scales are
rooted, is minutely dotted with white ; a blackish blotch on the
posterior extremity of the pectoral ; iris with a blackish spot
superiorly.
Port Jackson. South Australia.
612. Atiierina lacuxosa, Bleek.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 400.— Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales,
Vol. I., p. 340.
D. G. 1/9. A. 1/13-15. L. lat. 41.
The spinous dorsal is nearar to the anal fin than to the ventrals.
The height of the body is two-thirteenths in the total length, the
length of the head two-ninths. Snout much shorter than the eye,
the maxillary extending to below the pupil ; teeth in the jaws,
less distinct than on the vomer and palatine bones. Margin of
the scales denticulated. No black spot on the pectoral fin.
Capo York (Chcvert Exp.)
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 39
613. Atiieriisa EXDRAcnTE^sis, Quoy & Gaim.
Gunth., Gat. Fishes III., p. 401.
D. 5. 1/8. A. 1/10. L. transv. 7. Vert. 36.
lTeight of body one-sixth, of total length ; the width of the
head between the eyes is two-thirds of its length ; snout half as
long as the ej'e ; pectoral fin long, somewhat less than one-fourth
of total length. A series of black dots along the middle of the
silvery band ; two other series along the side of the back, and a
single series on the belly.
South West Coast of New Holland, (Val.)
614. Atiierixa microstoma, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. III., p. 401.
D. 6. 1/10. A. 1/12. P. 12. L. lat. 40. L. tr. 8.
The whole of the spinous dorsal is above the ventral fin ; the
height of the body is six times and a-half in the total length, the
length of the head five times ; the diameter of the eye is one-
third of the length of the head, equal to the width of the inter-
orbital space, and more than the extent of the snout, which is
short and slightly pointed. The cleft of the mouth is very oblique
with the jaws equal anteriorly ; the mouth is rather small, the
maxillary not extending to the anterior margin of the eye. Teeth
conspicuous, on jaws and vomer. The silvery band occupies half
of the fourth and fifth series of scales, and it has two or three
rows of dots running along its whole length.
Tasmania.
615. Atiierina iattciradiata, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 491.
D. 5-6. 1/6. A. 1/7. L. lat. 25. L. transv. 6.
The spinous dorsal fin is above the posterior half of the ventral.
The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length, the length
40 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN PISHES,
of the head one-fourth : the diameter of the eye is throe times
and two-thirds in the length of the head, equal to the extent of
the snout, but much less than the width of the interorbital space.
Mouth very protractile, oblique, with the jaws equal anteriorly ;
the maxillary extends to below the anterior margin of the eye.
Minute teeth in the jaws. The silvery band is narrow, occupying
the central half of the third series of scales.
North-west Coast of Australia.
G16. Atiierixa stercus-muscarum, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1867, Vol. XX., p. 64.
D. 7. 1/8. A. 1/9. L. lat. 33. L. transv. 8 or 9.
Origin of the spinous dorsal behind the root of the ventrals.
The height of the body is contained four times and two-thirds in
the total length (without caudal), length of the head thrice and
two-thirds. Snout not much shorter than the eye. Dorsal spines
feeble. Pectoral fin short, extending to the root of the ventral.
A black band from the snout through the eye to the root of the
pectoral. A silvery band along the fourth series of scales. Each
scale with a black dot at the base.
Cape York. Length two inches.
617. Atiieroa sigxata, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1867, Vol. XX., p. 61.
Fseudomugil algnifcr, Kuer., Voy. Novara, p. 27o, pi. 13.
D. 3. 1/6. A. 1/10. L. lat. 28. L. transv. 7.
Origin of the first dorsal fin behind the root of the ventrals.
The height of the body is thrice and three-fourths in the total
length (without caudal), length of the head four times. Snout
obtuse, shorter than the eye. The three dorsal spines are united
into a narrow lobe, terminating in a long filament. Anterior
dorsal and anal rays, lobes of the caudal fin, and the ventrals
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 41
prolonged into long filaments. The middle of the sides silvery ;
the prolonged parts of the fins deep black ; ventrals white.
Cape York. Length one and a-half inch.
Genus Atherixichthys, Bleek.
Characters of Athcrim, but -with the snout produced and the
cleft of the mouth not reaching the orbit.
618. Atiieuixiciithys jacksoniana, Quoy & Gaim.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 402.
D. 8. 1/11. A. 1/18.
The spinous dorsal is above the interspace between the ventral
fins and the anal. The height of the body is one-ninth of the
total length.
Port Jackson. Tasmania (Gunther\
G19. Atiieriniciitiiys Duboulayi, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 143.
Eichmond Piver.
620. Atiierixichthys modesta. Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 136.
D. 6. 1/9. A. 1/10. L. lat. 40.
Height of body five times and a-half in the total length, length
of head four times and a-quarter ; diameter of eye three times
in the length of the head, and considerably more than the length
of the snout ; mouth protractile ; scales large. The distance from
the origin of the first dorsal fin to the snout is equal to that from
the termination of the same fin to the origin of the caudal ; from
the origin of the first dorsal to that of the second, the distance is
equal to that between the origin of the second dorsal and the
base of the caudal ; the height of the first dorsal is equal to the
distance from the point of the snout to the centre of the eye ; the
42 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
caudal fin is strongly bilobed ; the anal is inserted very slightly
in advance of the first dorsal ; the pectorals are longer than the
height of the dorsal, and are composed of twelve rays. Colour
light greyish-green, with the edges of the scales on the back of
a dark colour. A broad silvery band on the sides ; dorsal, caudal,
and pectoral fins yellow ; anal and yentrals white ; eyo silvery.
Hobson's Bay and lower Yarra. Length two to three inches.
621. Atiieiientichtiiys edelexsis, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 134.
More elongate than A. modesta, the height being about one-
seventh in the total length, the length of the head three times
and three-quarters. The first dorsal fin is inserted at an equal
distance from the snout and the base of the caudal. In all else
the description of A. modesta applies to this species.
Western Australia.
C22. Atiierixiciitiiys picta, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 137.
D. 8/10. A. 11. C. 17. L. lat. 44.
Height of body six and a-half times in the total length, the
length of the head four times ; the diameter of the eye three
times and one-fifth in the length of the head. Body elongate ;
scales large, snout considerably shorter than the diameter of the
eye. The two dorsal fins are placed as in A. modesta; the anal
a little in front of the dorsal ; the vcntrals under the first dorsal ;
caudal long, emarginate. Of a pretty light green, with the lower
parts of the body white and silvery, a broad longitudinal red band
on each side ; fins diaphanous ; caudal 3-ellow ; oye silvery ; a few
very minute black points on the sides of the head.
Capt. Tinnot's Dock, Lower Yarra. Under two inches.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 43
623. Atiiekiniciithys cephalotes, Castoln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 137.
1). 7. 1/8. A. 1/12. L. lat. 42.
Height of body seven times and one-third in the total length,
the length of the head three times and two-thirds. Eye very
large, its diameter three times and one-third in the length of the
head. Lower jaw longer than upper, the teeth in the lower
rather longer, in both, curved and pointed. Mouth large, but the
cleft does not reach the orbit. The first dorsal fin commences a
little nearer to the snout than to the base of the tail, its first spine
is considerably shorter than the others ; the anal is inserted below
the second dorsal, but is much longer ; the ventrals are inserted
a little in advance of the first dorsal ; the caudal is forked.
Colour light green, with the belly white, a broad silvery band on
the side, a large round, black spot, (sometimes indistinct) on the
base of the caudal fin. The head has an olive tint, the dorsals
are greyish, the caudal and pectorals yellow, anal and ventrals
white.
Hobson's Bay. Length six inches.
024. Atiieeiniciithys obscuha, Casteln.
liesearches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 31.
D. 7. 1/11. A. 1/16.
The cleft of the mouth far in advance of the anterior margin
of the orbit ; body very elongate, its height being eight times
and a-half in the total length. Eye large, about one-third of the
length of the head, and equal to the length of the snout. The
first dorsal fin is inserted a little behind the base of the ventrals,
caudal very deeply forked. Colour blackish, the width of the
silvery band varies from one to three series of scales in different
specimens.
Swan Eiver. Length one and c-half inch.
44 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN PISHES,
Genus Nematocentris, Peters.
Distinguished from Atherinichthys, by the presence of vomerine
and palatine teeth, absence of a lateral line, pungent first spine
of the two dorsal fins, the other spines of the first dorsal being-
flexible.
925. Nematocentris nigrans, Richards.
Atherina nigrans, Richards., Ann. and Mag., Nat. Hist., 184.5,
XI., p. 180. Nematocentris splendida, Peters, Monatsb. Ak.
Wiss., Berlin, 1866.
D. 1/4/1/12. A. 1/18. L. lat. 35. L. transv. 10.
The height of the body is one-fourth of the total length, the
length of the head one-fifth ; the diameter of the eye equals the
length of the snout (in mature specimens) and is nearly one-fourth
of the length of the head. The first dorsal spine pungent, the
others filiform ; the last dorsal rays produced, reaching to the
base of the caudal. The ventrals end in a thread-like tip which
overlaps the commencement of the anal. The dorsal and anal fins
commence in nearly the same vertical. An even black stripe
replaces the usual silvery band and is continued forward over
the gill-cover, upper half of the eye, and sides of the snout ; it
occupies the fifth series of scales and the adjoining parts of the
fourth and sixth. Length three inches.
Freshwaters of Port Essington, Severn River, Pitzroy, Clarence
and Brisbane Rivers.
626. Nematocentris pusilla, Casteln.
Zantecla pu&illa, Casteln., Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 88.
D. 1/5/1/9. A. 1/17. L. lat. 35. L. transv. 10.
Height of body three times and a-third in the total length,
diameter of eye twice and one-third in the length of the head ;
head attenuated and pointed ; lower jaw longer and thicker than
the upper. The first dorsal fin is inserted at an equal distance
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 45
from the snout and the base of the caudal, the second is separated
from the first by a space equal to the diameter of the eye, its
spine is long and carved as is also that of the anal fin, the last
rays of both fins prolonged. Colour silvery, with the bach of a
light lilac, a broad silvery band bordered with black on each
side, the dorsal rays and extremities of the anal blackish.
Port Darwin. Length two inches.
Genus Athekinosoma, Casteln.
Form and characters of Atherina, but with numerous large,
hooked teeth in the jaws, and with the vomer, palatine bones,
tongue, and all the upper surface of the mouth strongly toothed.
For the reception of this and the following genus Count
Castelnau suggested a new Family, to be named Neoatherinidce,
the dentition being so very much stronger than in the Atherinidce
proper.
627. Atiiebinosoma vobax, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 138.
D. 6. 1/9. A. 1/8. L. lat. 36.
Height of body seven times in the total length, length of head
four times and a-half, diameter of eye three times and one-third
in the length of the head. Lower jaw longer than upper ; snout
considerably shorter than the diameter of the eye. The first
dorsal fin rather rounded, its posterior membrane attached to the
back ; it is inserted nearer to the muzzle than to the root of the
caudal ; caudal forked ; ventrals rather large, situated a little in
front of the first dorsal. Head scaly to between the eyes. Colour
light green, beneath white and silvery, a broad brilliant band
along th.3 side, dorsal and caudal fins yellow ; anal and ventrals
white.
Cape Schanck. Length three inches.
46 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Genus Neoatiierixa, Casteln.
Form compressed, subelongate ; snout rather projecting. Teeth
strong, on the upper jaw in two series, those in front long and
Llunt, those on the sides triangular; in the lower jaw numerous
and pavement like, with an external series of larger and conical
teeth ; several transverse lines of strong teeth on the palate.
Scales large, ciliated. Two dorsal fins, each with one strong
spine.
628. Neoatherina australis, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 32.
D. 1/4/1/11. A. 1/17. L. lat. 28.
Subelongate, convex on the anterior part of the bach ; height
of body four times in the length, length of head four times and
a-third, the diameter of the eye three times and a-half in the
length of the head, and equal to the length of the snout ; anterior
teeth directed forwards ; cheeks and opercles covered with large
scales ; mouth rather wide, resembling that of a Clupea. The four
soft rays of the first dorsal are much longer than the spine, and
higher than the second dorsal ; ventrals with six long rays ;
pectorals small, of twelve rays. Colour (in dried specimens)
purplish above and whitish below, with a bluish longitudinal
band on the side.
Swan River. Length four inches.
&■
Family XXXIL MUGILIDiE.
Body more or less oblong and compressed, covered with cycloid
scales of moderate sko ; lateral line none. Cleft of the mouth
narrow, or of moderate width, without, or with feeble teeth.
Eye lateral, well developed. Gill-openings wide ; four gills ;
pseudobranchise ; five or six branchiostegals. Two short dorsal
fins, the anterior with .' »ur stiff Bpines, anal longer than second
BY TV. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 47
dorsal. Yentrals 1/5, abdominal, suspended from the elongate
coracoid bone. Vert. 24.
Coasts and freshwaters of all temperate and tropical regions.
Genus Mugil, Artedi.
See Macl. Mon. Mug., Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Vol. IV., p. 412.
629. Mugil gkandis, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 386.
Prom Brisbane to Gipps Land Lakes.
630. Mugil dobula, Guntb.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, Vol. IV., p. 41 1.
Rivers of East Coast ; Hawkesbury Eiver.
631. Mugil cepiialotus, Cuv. & Val.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 416.
Port Jackson. (Kner.)
632. Mugil argenteus, Gunth.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 417.
Pockl.ampton (Guntber).
633. Mugil occidentalism, Cast3ln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 418.
West Australia, rivers.
634. Mugil waigiensis, Quoy. & Gaim.
Pioc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 420.
North Coast. Cape York.
635. Mugil Peeoxii, Cuv. & Val.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV.. p. 121.
Western Port. Port Jackson.
48 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OE AUSTRALIAN EISIIES,
636. Mugil COMPRESSUS, Guntli.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 421.
New South Wales rivers.
637. Mugil Pettaldi, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 122.
Richmond River.
638. Mugil delicatus, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 422.
Capo York, (Chevert Exp.)
639. Mugil ventricosus, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 423.
Nicol Bay, West Australia.
640. Mugil crenidens, Kner.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 424.
Sydney, (Kner.)
Genus Agoxostoiia, Gunth.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 42 1.
641. Agonostoma diemensis, Eicharclson.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 425.
Port Phillip, Tasmania, and West Australia.
642. Agonostoma lacustris, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 425.
Gipps Land Lakes.
Genus Myxus, Guntli.
rroc. Linn. Soo. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV, p. 426.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 49
643. Mirxus elongatus, Gunth.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 426.
Hobson's Bay. Port Jackson.
Division XII. ACANTH. GASTEEOSTEIFORMES.
Spinous dorsal fin composed of isolated spines if present ; the
ventrals have an abdominal position in consequence of the
prolongation of the pubic bones, which are attached to the
humeral arch.
Family XXXIII. FISTULAEID^.
Of greatly elongated form ; the anterior bones of the skull
much produced, forming a long tube terminating in a narrow
mouth. Teeth small. Parts of the skeleton and dermal produc-
tions form external mails ; scales none or small. The spinous
dorsal either absent or formed of isolated feeble spines ; the soft
dorsal and anal of moderate length ; ventral fins abdominal, of
six rays, without spine, separate from the pubic bones, which
remain attached to the humeral arch. Five branchiostegals ; air-
bladder large ; four gills ; pseuclobranchioe ; pyloric appendages
in small number ; intestinal tract short ; vertebra3 very numerous.
Genus Fistularia, L.
Body scaleless. Caudal fin forked, with the two middle rays
prolonged into a filament ; no free dorsal spines. Teeth small.
Tropical Seas.
644. Fistularia serrata, Cuv.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 533.
B. 7. D. 13-15. A. 14-15. V. 6. C. 2 x 6/2/6 x 2. Vert.
47/34 (Eiip.). 47/29 (Rosenth.)
50 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISITES,
The outer edge of the tube is very distinctly serrated . Browni sh-
grey, silvery beneath, sometimes some bluish spots on the back
or on the sides.
Port Jackson. All Australian Seas.
Genus Aulostoma, Lacep.
Body covered with small scales. Caudal fin rhombic, without
filiform rays ; a series of isolated, feeble dorsal spines. Teeth
rudimentary.
Tropical Seas.
G15. AULOSTOMA ClIIXEXSE, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 538.
D. 8-12/24-27. A. 27/28. V. G.
The base of the soft dorsal and anal fins is black ; sometimes
another short, black streak above, across the anterior rays.
Ventral fin with a round black spot at the base, sometimes nearly
uniform brown without markings. A barbel at the end of the
maxillary and another on the chin.
Knob Island, Torres Straits (Castelnau.
Division XIII. ACANTII. CENTBISCIFOEMES.
Two dorsal fins, the spinous short, the soft and the anal of
moderate extent. Ventral fins truly abdominal, imperfectly
developed.
Family XXXIV. CENTFJSCIML
Form of body compressed, oblong or elevated, the anterior
bones uf the skull much produced, forming a long tube which
terminates in a narrow mouth. Teeth none. Body either covered
with a cuirass, or with non-confluent ossifications, scales none or
small. Two dorsal fins ; the spinous short, with one of the spines
strong ; the soft and the anal of moderate extent. Ventral fins
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.8. 51
small, without spine, or rudimentary, abdominal. Branchiostegals
three or four ; air-bladder large, four gills, pseudobranchire.
Pyloric appendages none ; intestinal tract rather short. Vertebras
in small number.
Genus Centriscus, Cuv,
Body scaly or covered with prickles.
All Seas.
646, Centriscus humerosus, Eichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 56, pi. 34.— Gunth., Cat. III., p. 522.
D. 7/15. A. 17. C. 4x4x5x5.
The height of the body is somewhat less than the distance of
the operculum from the base of the caudal. The second dorsal
spine is exceeding long and strong, its length being a little more
than one-half the distance of the opercle from the caudal. The
bodji is strongly compressed and elevated, covered with very
small scales each terminating in a spine, and with two series of
bony plates on the side of the back. The first dorsal fin is
situated far back and immediately above the second.
South Australia (Eichardson).
Genus Amphisile, Cuv.
Body elongate, strongly compressed, provided with a dorsal
cuirass formed by portions of the skeleton ; the longitudinal axis
of the tail is not in the same line with that of the trunk. Scales
none. Teeth none. Two dorsal fins situated on the hindmost
part of the back ; ventrals rudimentary.
Indian and Chinese Seas.
647. Amphisile strigata, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 528.
D. 3/10. A. 12. C. 10. P. 12. V. 4.
52 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
The distance of the posterior margin of the operculum from
the root of the pectoral is somewhat less than its distance from
the anterior margin of the orbit. A black streak runs from the
snout, through the eye and the base of the pectoral fin, along the
lower edge of the dorsal cuirass ; it is double between the eye
and the gill-opening, and undulated along the side.
Cape York.
Division XIV. AOANTH. GOBIESOCIFOKMES.
No spinous dorsal, the soft dorsal and anal fins short, or of
moderate length, situated on the tail ; ventral fins subjugular,
with or without an adhesive apparatus between them.
Family XXXV. GOBIESOCIDJE.
Body rather elongate, anteriorly depressed, naked. Teeth
conical, compressed. A single dorsal fin on the tail without spinous
portion ; anal short ; ventrals widely apart with one spine hidden
in the skin and four or five rays. Between the ventrals is a large
adhesive apparatus, the posterior portion of which is suspended
on the coracoid bones, which are partly free, in the axil of the
pectoral fins. Three or three and a-half gills. No air-bladder ;
intestinal tract short, wide, without pyloric appendages. Skeleton
firm. Vert. 13-14/13-22.
Genus Cretidogaster, Gunth.
Anterior part of the body depressed ; snout produced, much
depressed. Dorsal fin situated on the tail. Posterior portion of
the adhesive disk with the anterior margin free. Villiform teeth
in both jaws without incisors. Gills three ; pseudobranchia)
none or rudimentary ; gill membranes united under the throat
and not attached to the isthmus.
Australia and Tasmania.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 53
648. Crepidogaster tasmaxiensis, Guntk
Gunth,, Cat. Fishes III., p. 507.
B. 5. D. 10. A. 9.
Caudal fin quite free from dorsal and aual. The coracoid
extends upwards somewhat beyond the middle of the base of the
pectoral. Snout produced, somewhat pointed, much narrower
than the head.
Tasmania. Length twenty-six lines.
649. Crepidogaster spatula, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 508.
D. 6. A. 7.
Dorsal and anal fins terminating at some distance from the
caudal. The coracoid extends upwards to the middle of the base
of the pectoral fin. Snout very broad and long, much depressed,
scarcely narrower than the posterior part of the head.
Mouth of Swan Biver, dredged in three fathoms. Length
twenty-one lines.
Division XV. ACANTH. CHANNIFOBMES.
Body elongate, covered with scales of moderate size ; no spine
in any of the fins, dorsal and anal long. No superbranchial
organ, only a bony prominence on the interior surface of the
epitympanic bone.
Family XXXVI. OPHIOCEPHALID.E.
Body elongate, anteriorly subcylindrical ; covered with scales
of moderate size ; head depressed, covered with shield-like scales
superiorly ; lateral line with an abrupt curve or subinterrupted.
Cleft of mouth lateral, wide ; teeth in the jaws and on the palate.
Eye lateral. Gill-opening wide, the gill membranes of both sides
joined below the isthmus ; four gdls ; no pseudobranchia). A
cavity accessary to the gill cavity, for the purpose of retaining
54 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
water. An air-bladder. One long dorsal and anal fin without
spines. Ventrals absent or thoracic, of six rays, the outer not
branched. Vertebra) numerous ; the caudal vertebra) provided
with ribs, the abdominal cavity being continued to below the
caudal portion.
Genus Ophiocepiialus, Bl.
Ventral fins present. Pyloric appendages two. Fine teeth in
the jaws, on the vomer and tho palatino bones, sometimes inter-
mixed with larger ones.
Freshwaters of the East Indies.
650. Opiiiocepiialus striatus, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 474.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Oph., Tab.
3, fig. r.
D. 40 45. A. 26-27. L. lat. 57. L. tr. 5-6/12-13. Vert. 53-55.
Several large teeth on the side of the lower jaw, those of the
palatine bones cardiform. Height of body nearly seven times in
the total length ; the length of the head three times and three-
fourths, the length of the caudal six times ; the width of the
interorbital space is rather more than the length of the snout and
two-ninths of the length of the head. Cleft of the mouth large,
the maxillary extending behind the orbit. Eight or ten scales
between the orbit and the angle of the pra)operculum. The
pectoral fin does not reach to the origin of the anal, and its length
is one-half of that of the head ; the length of the]ventral is three-
fourths of that of the pectoral. Brownish-grey (in spirits) on
the back and the sides, emitting vertical processes towards the
belly, which is white. Dorsal and anal fins sometimes with oblique
dark streaks ; frequently some white dots on a black ground on
the hindmost part of these fins.
Sydney (Kuer., Voy. Novara, p. 234).
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 55
Division XVI. TJ3NIIFOEMES.
Anal fin absent ; caudal rudimentary, or not in the longitudinal
axis of the fish. Skeleton soft.
Family XXXVII- TEACHYPTEBID.E.
Body elongate, strongly compressed, naked ; eye lateral ; mouth
small, dentition feeble. One dorsal fin occupying the whole back
with a detached anterior portion, composed of flexible rays.
Ventrals thoracic ; gill-opening wide, pyloric appendages in very
great number. Vertebrse numerous.
Genus Eegalecus, Briinn.
Each ventral fin reduced to a long filament, dilated at the
extremity ; caudal fin rudimentary or absent.
Europe, Africa, India.
651. Eegalecus gladius, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes III., p. 308.
B. G. D. 312. A. 0. C 0. P. 14. V. 1.
The length of the head equals the height of the body, which
is contained five times and two-thirds in the distance of the vent
from the snout; the snout is truncated, the cleft of the mouth
vertical, and the upper jaw very protractile ; a series of minute
teeth in each of the jaws ; the single ventral ray very long,
terminating in a broad lobe, and another cutaneous flap on the
second third of its length ; the anterior twelve dorsal rays are
produced, the first five forming a separate division over the eye ;
skin covered with small tubercles. Colour light grey, purplish
on the back ; dorsal fin margined with rod ; head bluish-grey.
Said to have been seen on the Tasmanian Coast.
652. Eegalecus jacksonexsis, Eamsay.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. V., p. 631 pi. 20.
Port Jackson.
56 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Division XVII. NOTACANTHIFOEMES.
Soft dorsal fin absent or quite rudimentary ; ventrals abdominal
composed of several articulated and unarticulated rays.
Family XXXVIII. NOTACANTHI.
Body elongate, covered with very small scales, snout protruding
beyond the mouth. Eye lateral, of moderate size. Dentition
feeble. Dorsal fin short, composed of short free spines ; anal
very long, anteriorly with many spines ; ventrals abdominal,
composed of more than five soft, and of several unarticulated, rays.
Genus Notacanthus, Bl.
Characters the same as of the Family.
All Seas.
653. Notacanthus sepspinis, Eichards.
Vog. Erebus and Terror, p. 54, pi. 32, figs. 4-11. — Gunth., Cat.
III., p. 545.
D. 6/1. A. 14/ ?. E. 13-14. V. 2/7.
The ventral fins are completely united to each other, so as to
form but one fin, its base being before the vertical from the first
dorsal spine. A small forked jointed ray stands in the axil of
the last dorsal spine.
King George's Sound.
Order II. ACANTHOPTERYGII PHARYNGOGNATRI.
The inferior pharyngeal bones are coalesced, with or icithout a median
longitudinal suture. Part of the rays of the dorsal, anal, and ventral
fins not articulated, forming spines. Air-bladder icithout pneumatic
duct.
Family I. POMACENTKIDiE.
Body compressed, more or less short, covered with ctenoid scales.
Dentition feeble, palato smooth. The lateral line docs not extend
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 57
to the caudal fin or it is interrupted. One dorsal fin, with the
spinous portion as well developed as the soft, or more. Two,
sometimes three, anal spines ; the soft anal similar to the soft
dorsal. Ventral fins thoracic, with one spine and five rays.
Branchiostegals five, six, or seven ; gills three and a-half ;
pseudobranchiae and air-bladder present. Pyloric appendages in
small number ; intestinal tract of moderate length. Vertebra}
12/14.
Genus Ampiiiprion, Bl.
All the opercles and the procorbital are denticulated, the teeth
of the operculum and suboperculum being very long. Teeth in
the jaws in a single series, small, conical. Dorsal fin with nine
to eleven spines, anal with two. Scales rather small ; the lateral
line ceases below the end of the dorsal fin. Branchiostegals five.
Pyloric appendages two or three.
Indian and Polynesian Seas, Western Pacific.
654. Amphiprion Clarkii, Benn.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes IV., p. 5.
Amphiprion poli/mmis, Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Pomac. Tab. l,fig. 7-8.
D. 10/16. A. 2/14. L. lat. 55. L. transv. 6/19.
Ground colour brown or black, with three pearl-coloured cross-
bands, the last round the tail ; thorax, chin, and pectoral, ventral
and caudal fins yellow. The dorsal fin is scarcely notched and
has the spines stout and short. The caudal fin is emarginate.
The height of the body is rather less than one-half of the total
length (exclusive of the caudal fin).
Endeavour, Cooktown.
655. Amphiprion percula, Lacep.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes IV., p. 6.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Pomac. 1. 1, f. 2.
D. 11/15. A. 2/12. L. lat. 55. L. transv. 7/23.
58 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OE AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Ground colour light brown or brown, with three broad white
cross-bands, edged with black ; the anterior is curved and encircles
completely the hind part of the head, its convexity being directed
backwards; ihe middle descends from the notch of the dorsal fin
to the vent, and is angularly produced on the middle of the side ;
the posterior encircles the free part of the tail ; fins with a black
and white margin. The dorsal spines are moderately long and
strong, the posterior ones much shorter than the middle ones,
there being a deep notch between the spinous and soft portions.
The height of the body is two-fifths of the length, (caudal fin
excluded).
North Australian Seas. Darnley Island.
656. A>iriirpRioN bictnctus, Iiupp.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 8.
B. 5. D. 10/16. A. 2/14. L, lat. 58. L. transv. 8/20.
Brownish, with two white cross-bands, one across the head and
nock, the other across the middle of the body ; the soft dorsal fin
is greenish, the others yellow, the ventral having the outer margin
brown. Caudal fin emarginate, sometimes with the upper lobe
produced. Dorsal fin scarcely notched, with the spines of
moderate strength and length. The height of the body is one-
half or a little more than one-half the length, (exclusive of the
caudal fin).
Port Darwin.
657. AiirnirnioN melanotus, Block.
Atl. Ichth. Pomac.,Tab. 2, fig. 7.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 8.
D. 10/17. A. 2/14. L. lat 48-50. L. transv. 5/18.
Brownish black, lighter anteriorly, with a pearl-coloured band
from the neck to the opcrcles ; tail yellow posteriorly ; ventral
and anal fins black ; dorsal, caudal, and pectoral fins yellow.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 59
Dorsal spines moderately strong-. The height of the body is one-
half of the length (the caudal fin not included).
Port Darwin. One very young specimen almost entirely
yellow.
658. Ampiiipeion tricolor, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 8.
D. 10/16-17. A. 2/14-15. L.lat. 56. L. transv. 7/19.
Blackish-brown : thorax, all the lower parts, and the free
portion of the tail dull orange-coloured ; a pearl-coloured band,
edged with black, from the nape of the neck across the opercles.
Ventral, anal, and caudal fins dull orange-coloured ; the two
former edged with black — the ventral exteriorly, the anal
inferiorly. Prajorbital and praeoperculum strongly serrated. The
dorsal fin is nearly even, the middle and posterior spines being
about the same length. Caudal rounded. The height of the
body is one-half of the length, (caudal fin not included).
Port Darwin.
659. AjipmrRioN Euppelii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 91.
D. 10/18. A. 2/14. L. lat. 38.
Height of body twice and two-thirds in total length, diameter
of eye three times in the length of the head ; the upper profile
very convex ; the lower jaw longer than the upper; the infra-
orbital very strongly serrated ; the snout considerably shorter than
the diameter of the eye ; the preeoperculuni feebly denticulated
on its posterior edge, and not at all on the inferior one ; the
operculum is very strongly serrated and four-lobed. Dorsal fin
equal, without notch, caudal rounded, with the central rays
prolonged. General colour dark brown, much paler in young
specimens, with a very large, black blotch covering all the back
and the sides up to the base of the pectoral fins, and two pearly
60 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAX FISHES,
cross-bands one from the nape, the other narrow about the middle
of the body.
Port Darwin. Cape York.
660. Amphipriox bicolor, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II., p. 92.
D. 13/13. A. 2/12.
The height of the body is twice and two-thirds in the total
length, the length of the head four times ; the diameter of the
eye three times in the length of the head. Praooperculum bilobed
and strongly serrated. The thirteenth spine of the dorsal fin
much the longest, the caudal fin is oblong. The colour is deep
black, with three transverse, pearly bands ; the first arched and
covering the posterior part of the head, the second beginning on
the ninth, tenth, and eleventh dorsal spines, straight on its
posterior edge, but dilated on the anterior below the pectoral fins,
the third on the tail ; the edge of the second dorsal, caudal, and
anal fins, and the pectorals white.
Port Darwin.
Genus Premxas, Cuv.
All the opercles serrated, the prseorbital terminating in a very
strong and long spine posteriorly. Teeth small, conical, in a
single series. Dorsal fin with nine or ten spines, anal with two.
Scales small ; the lateral line ceases below the end of the dorsal
fin. Branchio'stegals five or six ; gills three and a-half, pseudo-
branchia) present ; pyloric appendages three.
Indian Seas. Australia.
661. Premxas gibbosus, Castelu.
Researches on the Pishes of Australia, p. 34.
Body oval, compressed, the profile descends abruptly from the
back ; the head is rounded and convex above and almost truncate
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 01
in front. The eye is large, its diameter "being about twice and
a-lialf in the length of the head ; snout very short ; teeth large,
square, truncate ; praeorbital with two spines the upper one long
and straight, the other half the length. The operculum has five
or six moderate and equal obtuse teeth on the lower edge. Black,
with the sides of an olive yellow ; four pearl-coloured cross-bands,
bordered with black, one on the posterior part of the head, one
towards the middle of the body and two on the tail.
Cape York, (Castelnau).
Genus Dascyllus, Cuv.
Prreoperculum and sometimes the pra)orbital serrated. Teeth
small, villiform, in a narrow band, with an outer serier of some-
what larger ones. Dorsal fin with twelve or thirteen spines, anal
with two. Scales of moderate size, in less than thirty transverse
series ; the lateral line ceases below the soft dorsal fin. Branchi-
ostegals five ; pseudobranchire ; air-bladder large ; pyloric
appendages t\vo or three.
Indian and Polynesian Seas.
662. Dascyllus aruanus, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., 12.
Tretradachmum arcuatum, Cant. — Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Pomac, tab.
10, fig. 6.
D. 12/12. A. 2/12. L. lat. 26-27. L. transv. 3/9. Csec. pylor. 3.
Tert. 12/14.
Three black cross-bands : the first descending obliquely from
the oi'igin of the spinous dorsal fin through the orbit to the chin,
leaving a greyish patch on the forehead ; the second slightly
curved, from the sixth to ninth dorsal spines to the ventral fins,
which are black ; the third from the soft dorsal to the anal ;
dorsal and anal fins black ; caudal whitish.
Queensland (Castelnau).
62 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
663. Dascyllus fasciatus, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 361, pi. 10, fig. 2.
Port Darwin.
Genus Heptadecantiius, All. & Macl.
Body high., compressed. Prreoperculum and proeorbital finely
serrated. Teeth conical, in a single series, with minute teeth
between. Dorsal fin with seventeen spines, anal with two. Scales
moderate ; the lateral line extends to the commencement of the
soft dorsal. Gills three and a-half ; pseudobranchire.
Australia.
664. Heptadecantiius longicaudis, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 343, pi. 15, fig. 3.
Cape Grenville (Chevert Exp.)
Genus Pomacentrus, Cuv. & Val.
Prceopcrculum and generally the infraorbital ring serrated ;
operculum with one or two small spines. Teeth small, compressed,
with the crown entire or slightly emarginate, in a single series.
Dorsal fin with twelve or thirteen spines, anal with two. Scales
of moderate size, of less than thirty transverse series ; the lateral
line ceases below the soft dorsal fin. Branchiostegals five ;
pseudobranehia) ; an air-bladder ; pyloric appendages three.
All tropical seas ; chiefly Indian and Polynesian.
665. Pomacentrus littoralis, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes IV., p. 32.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Pomac, tab.
5, fig. 8.
D. 12-13/15-13. A. 2/14-15. L. lat. 26-27. L. transv. 3/9.
Vert. 11/15.
The height of the body is twice and four-fifths in the total
length ; prreorbital strongly denticulated with one or two stronger
BY V. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 63
teeth, anteriorly ; the dorsal spines increase in length backwards,
caudal fin emarginate, with the lobes rounded. Brown, either
uniform or with darker spots — one at the base of the pectoral,
one at the commencement of the lateral line, and one on the back
of the tail behind the dorsal fin.
Port Darwin, Endeavour, Palm Islands.
C66. PoMACEXTRUS CIIRYSURUS, CllV. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 29.
D. 13/15 A. 2/15. L. lat. 26. L. transv. 3/10.
The height of the body is contained twice and three-fourths in
the total length. Snout rather shorter than the eye ; the
diameter of which is nearly one-third of the length of the head ;
interorbital space slightly convex, as broad as the orbit. Prse-
orbital naked, half as broad as the orbit, with a shallow notch
anteriorly, and a spinous tooth posteriorly ; scales on the cheek
in two series ; the lower prseopercular limb with another series of
very small scales; proeoperculum strongly serrated. Teeth narrow.
The two last dorsal spines rather longer than the middle ones,
three-fifths as long as the head ; the soft, dorsal and anal rounded ;
caudal fin emarginate, its length being a little more than one-
fifth of the total. Brown : caudal fin yellow, the others blackish,
sometimes a round, black spot, edged anteriorly with bluish, near
the base of the six last dorsal rays ; an indistinct brown dot
superiorly in the axil of the pectoral. No spot at the origin of
the lateral line.
Darnley Island.
667. Pomacentrtjs scoLorsis, Quoy. & Gaiin.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes IV., p. 28.
D. 12/10-17. A. 2/13-14. L lat. 27. L. transv. 2/10. Vert. 12/15.
The height of the body is two-fifths of the total length ; the
prseorbital is serrated. The posterior dorsal spines are scarcely
64 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
longer than the middle ones ; caudal fin slightly emarginate, -with
the lobes rounded. Blackish-brown, each scale with a silvery
dot ; a curved silvery line round the lower part of the orbit. A
black spot on the base of the last three dorsal rays and another
superiorly in the axil of the pectoral.
Port Darwin.
I have several specimens about four inches long. In all of
them there are two silvery lines in front of the eye, and a distinct
black spot on the upper margin of the operculum. It may prove
to be another species.
668. Pomacentrus Bankanensis, Bleek.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 26.
D. 13/14. A. 2/14-15. L. lat. 26-28. L. trans. 3/9.
The height of the body is contained twice and two-thirds in the
total length ; pneorbital denticulated. The dorsal spines increase
in length backwards ; caudal fin sub truncated. Brownish : caudal
fin yellow, each scale with a bluish dot ; two bluish lines along
the forehead, convergent on the snout, and extending on to the
back ; two similar lines through the iris to the maxillary ; a dark
blue spot superiorly on the operculum ; a black ocellus edged
with white on the base of the ninth, tenth, and eleventh dorsal
rays.
Port Darwin.
669. Pomacentrus obscurus, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 343, pi. 15, fig. 2.
Torres Straits.
670. Pomacentrus bilineatus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 89.
D. 13/14. A. 2/14. L. lat. 30. L. transv. 3/9.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 65
Height of body twice and two-thirds in the total length, length
of head four times ; diameter of eye twice and a-half in the
length of the head. Praeorbital and preeoperculum strongly
crenulated ; the dorsal spines increase in length backwards ; the
two outer rays of the ventral fins terminate in filaments which
extend to the second anal spine. Colour (in spirits) light purple
brown ; a narrow blue line runs over each eye, from the mouth
to the base of the dorsal fin, these lines unite over the mouth ;
several other blue lines, irregular and interrupted, run on the
sides of the head ; two or three light blue dots on each scale ; fins
yellow, extremity of dorsal rather obscure.
Port Darwin.
671. Pomacextrus modesttjs, Casteln.
Researches on the Pishes of Australia, p. 35.
D. 13/12. A. 2/? L. lat. 18.
Height of the body twice and one-third in the length, without
the caudal fin; length of head a little over three times in the
same ; infraorbital ring entire ; praooperculum strongly serrated,
operculum sinuous on its edge ; scales of the body very large and
ciliated ; the second anal spine is very long ; the ventrals are
elongate, nearly as long as the head ; the inferior profile convex
behind the operculum. The colour (in spirits) is brownish red ;
the caudal, ventral, and pectoral fins have a yellow tinge. Length
two inches.
Gulf of Carpentaria.
672. Pojiacentrus Dolii, n. sp., (Plate I., fig. 1.)
D. 13/12. A. 3/12. L. lat. 20.
Body much more convex on the under side than on the back.
The height of the body one-third of the total length, the length
of the head one-fifth, the diameter of the eye is greater than the
length of the snout, which is short and obtuse, with the cleft of
E
66 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
the mouth very oblique. A single row of incisor teeth in each
jaw, the intermaxillary bone is covered with a rather large
uniformly broad lip, the maxillary showing largely behind and
beneath it. The operculum and preeoperculum completely covered
with ctenoid scales, the spines of the former very small, as are
also the serrations of the latter. The lateral line is marked on
twenty scales. The vertical fins are low and increase slightly
backwards, the dorsal commencing above the origin of the
pectorals ; the caudal fin is broad and bilobed. The colour (in
spirits) is a pale brownish-yellow, with a small black spot at the
upper root of the pectoral fins.
Port Jackson. Length from three to four inches.
Two specimens found in a large Dolium shell. A very curious
Fish, which might well be placed a in new genus.
Genus Glyphidodon, Gill.
Prreoperculum not denticulated. Teeth compressed, in a single
series ; the series sometimes composed of alternate teeth. Dorsal
fin with twelve or thirteen spines, anal with two. Scales of
moderate size, in thirty or less transverse series ; the lateral line
ceases below the posterior portion of the dorsal fin. Branehi-
ostegals five or six ; pseudobranchiae present ; an air-bladder,
pyloric appendages three.
Tropical and temperate seas of both hemispheres.
Glyphisodon is the name given to this genus by Lacepede and
Cuvier. Dr. Gunther has substituted Glyphidodon as being more
correct.
673. Glyphidodon ccelestinus, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 38.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Pomac,
tab. 9, fig. 5.
D 13/13. A.2/12-14. L.lat. 29-30. L. transv. 4/11. Vert. 11/15.
The height of the body is one-half or somewhat more of the
length, (exclusive of caudal fin). The width of the interorbital
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 67
space equals that of the orbit, in adult specimens rather more ;
the breadth of the infraorbital ring below the centre of the eye
is one-third of the greatest breadth of the praeorbital. The soft
dorsal fin is produced into a point, the fourth and fifth rays being
the longest ; caudal fin forked. Body with five blackish cross-
bands, which are not broader than the interspaces between them ;
the first from before the origin of the spinous dorsal to the base
of the pectoral fin ; the second from the fourth, fifth, and sixth
dorsal spines towards the middle of the ventral fin ; the third
from the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth dorsal spines towards the
anal spines ; the fourth from the middle of the anal fin ; the fifth
across the middle of the free portion of the tail.
Port Darwin (Macl. Mus.)
674. Glypiiidodon Waigiensis, Bleek.
Dr. Gunther places this species as a synonym of G. ecehstinus,
but with some doubt, as he notices the more elevated form of the
body. Count Gastelnau regards it as undoubtedly distinct. The
height of the body is three-fifths of the length, (exclusive of the
caudal fin). The colour is olive-yellow, with the upper part of
the head, the fins and five narrow transverse bands, black.
Pectoral fins transparent. Length four inches.
Cape York.
675. Glypiiidodon Bankieri, Richards.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 54. — Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Pomac, tab.
9, fig. 8.
D. 13/10-11. A. 2/10-11. L.lat. 26-28.
The height of the body is two-fifths of the length, (the caudal
fin not included) ; the snout is shorter than the eye ; the width
of the infraorbital ring below the orbit is less than one-third of
that of the orbit ; each jaw with about forty teeth, the anterior
ones short, distinctly compressed. The middle rays of the dorsal
68 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
and anal fins form an angular point ; caudal deeply forked, with
the lobes more or less produced into filaments. Violet ; tail and
caudal fin orange-coloured ; the scales on the head and tail -with
a blue dot, those on the trunk with a transverse streak ; a blue
ocellus edged with brown at the origin of the lateral line. Dorsal
fin brownish-violet, yellow posteriorly ; anal brownish-yellow ;
pectoral with a large brown spot superiorly at the base.
Cape G-renville (Chevert Exp.)
676. Glypiiidodon Victoria, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1873, Vol. XI., p. 115. — Castelnau,
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 146.
"Rock Perch" of the Melbourne Fishermen.
D. 13/17. A. 2/15. L. lat. 30. L. transv. 4/10.
The height of the body is somewhat less than one-half of the
length (without the caudal fin). Teeth narrow, not emarginate,
twenty-one on each side of the upper jaw. Infraorbital scaly ;
the width of the praeorbital is two-thirds of that of the orbit.
Five or six series of small scales on the cheek. Vertical fins scaly
nearly to their margins. The third and seventh dorsal spines
nearly equal, one-half the length of the head. Caudal fin forked.
Reddish-violet (in a dried state); fins yellowish ; a broad purplish
white stripe round the operculum.
Port Phillip. Length eight to ten inches.
Ghjpliisodon nigroris, Cuv. and Val. belongs evidently to the
vegetable feeding division of the Sjxiridce ; Dr. Gunthor refers
it to the genus Jfelambajjhcs, described by him in " Ann. and
Mag. Nat. Hist., 1863, Vol. XL, p. 115.
Genus Parma, Gunth.
Pra>operculum not denticulated. Teeth compressed, in a single
series. Dorsal fin with twelve or thirteen spines, anal with two.
Scales of moderate size, in more than thirty transverse series ;
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 69
the lateral lino ceases below the posterior portion'of the dorsal
fin.
Pacific Ocean.
677. Parma microlepis, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 57.
D. 13/18. A. 2/16. L. lat. 37. L. transv 4/13.
The height of the body is two-fifths of the length exclusive of
the caudal fin ; teeth very narrow and slender ; prajorbital much
narrower than the orbit. The fourth and fifth dorsal spines are
the longest, the posterior being shorter than those in the middle ;
caudal fin emarginate. Brown, with two blue lines on each side
of the back : the upper commences below the spinous dorsal fin,
and extends above the orbit to the snout ; the lower from the
ocellus above the lateral line to the orbit. A large black ocellus
edged with blue on the four posterior dorsal spines ; body with
scattered blue dots, the dots forming a series or an uninterrupted
line below the orbit ; anal and ventral fins blackish ; a blue spot
posteriorly in the axil of the dorsal fin.
Port Jackson.
678. Parma squamipinnis, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 58.
D. 12-13/15-17. A. 2/15. L. lat. 40. L. transv. 5/14.
The height of the body is one-half the length, exclusive of the
caudal fin. Snout a little longer than the eye. Teeth narrow,
compressed, of moderate length, about fifty in the upper jaw.
Praoorbital scaly, rhombic, its width above the angle of the mouth,
being two-thirds of that of the orbit. The scales on the upper
surface of the head advance nearly to the extremity of the snout ;
prreoperculuin covered with small scales, a narrow space round
its margins being naked. Scales on the operculum half the size
of those on the middle of the body. The fourth to eighth dorsal
70 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN PISHES,
spines are the longest, and of moderate strength. The anterior
half of the soft dorsal fin is much higher than the spinous, and
the posterior part of its upper margin is vertical. Caudal fin
deeply forked, with the lobes somewhat pointed, the upper lobe
being as long as the head. The second anal spine is as long as,
but stronger than the longest dorsal spine ; the basal half of the
dorsal, and nearly the whole of the caudal and anal fins are
covered with scales. The ventral extends to the anal. Uniform
brownish (in a preserved state), with the fins blackish ; posterior
margin of the soft dorsal white. The colour during life appears
to have been red with golden reflections.
Port Jackson. Length six inches.
679. Parma polylepis, Gfunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 59.
D. 13/18. A. 2/14. L. lat. 40. L. transv. 5/15.
The height of the body is more than one-half of the length
exclusive of the caudal fin ; the profile between the dorsal fin and
the snout is arched, forming nearly a-quarter of a circle. Snout
elevated, a little longer than the eye ; teeth very narrow,
compressed, about fifty in the upper jaw. Prreorbital naked,
subquaclrangular, nearly as wide as the eye. The scales on the
upper surface of the head do not advance to the front margin of
the eye ; praooperculum covered with small scales, a narrow space
round the margin, naked. Scales on the operculum of about
the same size as those on the body. The dorsal spines are of
moderate length and strength, increasing in length posteriorly ;
they are nearly entirely enveloped in scales ; the soft dorsal is
angular, with the posterior partof its upper margin vertical. The
second anal spine is as long as, but stronger than the longest of
the dorsal fin. Anal and caudal fins scaly. Caudal fin forked,
with the lobes rounded, the upper lobe being as long as the head.
Tho ventral fin extends to the anal. Colour apparently greenish,
with tho fins and snout blackish, and two broad brown cross-bands,
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 71
one below the middle of the spinous dorsal hn, the other between
the soft dorsal and anal.
Norfolk Island.
Genus Heliastes, Gunth.
Prreoperculum not denticulated. Teeth small, conical, in a
narrow band, or irregular series. Dorsal fin with twelve to
fourteen spines, anal with two. Scales of moderate size ; the
lateral line ceases below the posterior portion of the dorsal fin.
Branchiostegals five ; pseudobranchirc ; pyloric appendages two.
Tropical and temperate Seas.
680. Heliastes iiypsilepis, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1867, Vol. XX., p. 66.
D. 13/14. A. 2/13-14. L. lat. 29.
The height of the body is a little less than one-half the length
exclusive of the caudal fin. The scales on the sides are twice as
deep as long ; the soft dorsal and anal fins are pointed ; the
caudal is deeply forked, and the second anal spine is longer and
stronger than those of the dorsal. Yellowish (in spirits) with a
white spot below the end of the soft dorsal fin, and with the
upper half of the base of the pectorals black.
Port Jackson.
Family II. LABKIDiE.
Body oblong or elongate, covered with cycloid scales. The
lateral line extends to the caudal fin, or is interrupted. One dorsal
fin, with the spinous portion as well developed as, or more than,
the soft ; the soft dorsal similar to the anal. Yentral fins thoracic,
with one spine and five soft rays. Palate without teeth ; only
one lower pharyngeal bone without median suture. Branchi-
ostegals five or six ; gills three and a-half ; pseudobranchia3 and
air-bladder. Pyloric appendages none ; stomach without cajcal sac.
72 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN PISHES,
Genus Cilerops, Biipp.
Body compressed, oblong, covered with rather large scales ;
snout obtuse ; cheeks high, with very small scales which are
generally not imbricate ; operculum scaly. Each jaw anteriorly
with four strong canine teeth, the lateral teeth being more or less
confluent into an obtuse osseous ridge. Dorsal spines thirteen,
anal three. Lateral line not interrupted.
Indian and Australian seas.
681. Ch/Erops macrodon, Bleek.
G-unth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 94.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Labr., tab.
47., fig. 1.
D. 13/7. A. 3/9. L. lat. 32.
A posterior canine tooth. Serrature of the prreoperculum
minute in young specimens, and lost with age. Head obtuse,
with the forehead elevated, its length being two-sevenths of the
total. Scales on the cheek subimbricated. Ground colour of the
head and of the back darker than that of the posterior and inferior
parts and dotted with red ; a more or less distinct white blotch
below the lateral line, covered by the hinder third of the pectoral
fin. Dorsal fin blue, with orange-coloured spots along the base,
and with two bands of the same colour along the middle ; anal
blue, reticulated with orange ; caudal greenish ; pectoral yellow,
dark blue at base.
North Coast of Australia.
682. Cu/EROPS ommopterus, Bichards.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 94.
Chccrojis Schonlcinii, Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Labr., tab. 46, fig. 3.
D. 13/7. A. 3/10. L. lat. 29. L. trans. 4/12.
No posterior canine tooth. Serrature of the prajoj^erculum
very distinct. Head obtuse, as high as long ; prasorbital very
high ; scales on the cheek not imbricate. Green, each scale
BY W. MA.Cr.KAY, F.L.S. 73
with a blue spot in the centre ; an oblique, blue band from the
angle of the mouth to the interoperculum ; a blue streak round
the gill-opening ; dorsal fin with a series of blue spots along the
middle and with a round, black spot on and before the last spine ;
anal fin with a blue streak along the base, two series of blue spots
and a purple margin ; corners of the caudal fin purplish.
Cape York. Port Darwin.
683. Cil"eiiops notatus, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. M.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 344, pi. 1G, fig. 1.
Capo Grenville (Chevert Exp.)
684. Chjerops cyanodox, Eichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, Fishes, p. 131, pi. 55, fig. 5-7. — Gunth.,
Cat. IY., p. 96.
D. 13/7. A. 3/10. L. lat. 30. L. transv. 3/10.
No posterior canine tooth. Pra3operculum not serrated. Head
obtuse, as high as long ; prrcorbital very high ; scales on the
cheek not imbricate. Back crossed by three or four dark bands,
separated by shining silvery interspaces ; dorsal and anal fins with
yellow longitudinal lines ; caudal greyish, with small round
transparent spots, and with an intramarginal line ; pectoral with
a blackish upper margin. The dark cross-bands are sometimes
indistinct.
Western Australia, Port Essington, and Cape York.
685. Cuterops kubescexs, Guntk.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 97.
D. 13/7. A. 3/10. L. lat. 30. L. transv. 4/12.
No posterior canine tooth. Serrature of the pra30perculum
very distinct. Uniform reddish.
West Coast of Australia.
74 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
686. Cilerops crassus, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 39.
D. 13/12. A. 3/13.
No posterior canine tooth. Praeoperculum not serrated. Scales
on the cheeks imbricate, in five series ; body short and thick ;
the extremities of the dorsal and anal fins rather prolonged ;
caudal fin truncate. Coloration (in a preserved state) dark bluish
purple on the upper parts, white or yellow beneath, sometimes a
dark narrow submarginal line on the dorsal fin.
Dampier's Archipelago. Length one foot.
Salted and used as food by the pearl fishers.
687. Chterops cephalotes, Casteln.
Eesearches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 39.
D. 14/7. A. 3/10. L. lat. 30.
Head one-third of the length of the fish, (exclusive of caudal
fin), and nearly as high as long ; forehead prominent and very
convex ; snout very obtuse and convex ; head covered with small
tubercles formed by scales buried in the skin ; operculum with
large scales ; canine teeth very large ; no posterior canine. Eye
one-sixth of the length of the head. Dorsal and anal fins pointed
behind ; caudal rounded. Coloration above purple, beneath
yellow or white ; the cheeks and operculum covered with small
white spots ; the spinous dorsal has an obscure band on its base ;
the anal and caudal are dotted with white, the other fins greyish.
Preeoperculum without serrature.
Cape York. Cape Grenville. Length thirteen inches.
Grenus XymocniLus, Bleek.
Body oblong, covered with large scales. Head scaly, nearly as
high as long ; snout obtuse ; both limbs of the praeoperculum
naked. Lateral line continuous. Fins not scaly at the base ;
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 75
dorsal spines eleven or twelve ; anal, three. The upper lip is
thin, sword-shaped and can be nearly entirely hidden beneath
the prceorbital. Both jaws anteriorly with four canine teeth ;
the lateral teeth united into an osseous ridge ; a posterior canine
tooth. Six branchiostegals.
Indian Ocean and Archipelago.
688. XyruocniLUS fasciatus, Gunth.
Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1867, p. 101, pi. 10.
D. 12/8. A. 3/10. L. lat. 29. L. transv. 4/10.
The height of the body is one-third of the total length ; the
length of tho head nearly one-fourth. Head rather longer than
high, compressed, the width of the interorbital space (which is
flat) being equal to the diameter of the eye. Eye immediately
below the upper profile, in the middle of the length of the head.
Anterior and posterior canine teeth greenish-blue. Scales on the
cheek in six series. Opercular membrane of moderate extent.
Pectoral fin without a notch behind, nearly as long as the head,
extending to the vent. Caudal fin truncate. The head and
upper part of the body seems to have been reddish-orange, the
hinder and lower parts greenish. Head and body with bluish-
ashy cross-bands edged with violet : two narrow in front of the
eyes, one broad, between the eyes, one from the eye to the mouth
and round the chin, one from the nape to the throat and five on
the body. Dorsal fin orange with the base and tips violet ; anal
and ventral similar; pectoral and caudal orange-coloured.
Length eight inches.
Cape York.
Genus Trochocopus, Gunth.
Body oblong, covered with rather small scales ; head scaly, as
long as, or longer, than high, with the snout of moderate extent ;
both limbs of the prseoperculurn naked and without serrature.
76 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
.Lateral line continuous. Base of the soft dorsal not scaly. Both
jaws with four canine teeth anteriorly ; lateral teeth distinct ; a
posterior canine tooth.
Indian and Australian Seas.
689. Trociiocopus uxicolor, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1876, Vol. XVII., p. 398.
D. 11/11. A. 3/11. L. lat. 45.
Eight longitudinal series of scales between the lateral line and
spinous dorsal fin. Snout rather obtuse ; the small eye nearly in
the middle of the length of the head. The height of the body is
little more than the length of the head, and one-third of the
total length, exclusive of the caudal fin. The membrane behind
each dorsal spine deeply excised. Dorsal spines short and stout.
Coloration uniform brownish black.
Port Jackson. (Darnel.)
690. Trociiocopus rufus, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 35, pl.5, fig. 3.
King George's Sound.
Genus Cossyphus, Gunth.
Body compressed, oblong, with scales of moderate size ; snout
more or less pointed ; imbricate scales on the cheeks and opercles ;
vertical fins scaly on their basal portion. Lateral line not
interrupted. Teeth in the jaws in a single series ; four canine
teeth in each -jaw anteriorly ; generally a posterior canine tooth.
Formula of fins D. 11-12-13/9-11. A. 3/10-12-14.
Tropical and semitropical seas.
691. CossYnius vulpinus, Eichards.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1851, Vol. VIE, p. 287.
Br. 4. D. 12/11. A. 3/12. C. 14. 2/2. P. 1G. V. 1/5.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S.
The height of the body is one-fourth of the total length, and
about equal to the length of the head. The profile rises in a
concave line at an angle of 30° from the acute snout to above the
back of the orbit, from that to the commencement of the dorsal
fin the profile almost horizontal. The lateral teeth are widely set,
six on each upper jaw and fourteen on each lower. The pra>
orbital and lower jaw are without scales ; the posterior line of
the praeoperculum is finely serrated ; there are six rows of scales
on the cheek and on the interoperculum, those on the disk of the
praeoperculum are smaller than these, and those on the operculum
and suboperculum larger. L. lat. 30. The first dorsal spine
stands over the axil of the ventrals, and the ventral spine beneath
the base of the lowest pectoral ray. The soft parts of the dorsal
and anal fins are somewhat peaked and rise above the spines. The
angles of the caudal project a little beyond the straight inter-
mediate border. Colour uniform, faded.
Australia. Length sixteen inches.
The above is a curtailed description of this Fish as given by
Sir John Richardson. It seems to resemble very closely the next
species.
692. COSSYPHUS UXIMACULATTJS, Guiltll.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 109.
"Pig Fish " of Sydney Fishermen.
D. 12/11. A. 3/12. L. lat. 36. L. trans. 6/12.
Snout pointed, its length being more than one-third of the head ;
head longer than high ; praeoperculum minutely serrated,'; pectoral
fin obliquely rounded, more than half the length of the head ;
the ventral longer, the first ray produced. The dorsal fin increases
gradually in height from the first spine to the seventh soft ray,
the last spine is twice as long as the first and equal to the ventral
spine. The anal spines are exceedingly strong, the third longest,
nearly as long as the twelfth dorsal spine ; the longest ray of the
78 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
anal is shorter than the base of the fin. Caudal fin emarginate
with the lobes produced. Colour uniform red, with an oblong-
deep black spot at the base of the sixth and eighth dorsal spines,
and a small black speck on the fifth and ninth.
Port Jackson.
693. Cossyipius Gouldii, Richards.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1851, Vol. VII., p. 288.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes IV., p. 111.
11 Blue Gropcr" of Sydney Fishermen.
D. 11/11. A. 3/11. L. lat. 39. L. transv. 6/14.
No posterior canine teeth. Upper profile of head bent down-
wards in a regular curve ; prreorbital elevated ; scales on the
cheek not imbricate ; prasoperculum not serrated ; dorsal fin scaly;
caudal truncated. Colour uniform dark purple.
Western Australia. Port Jackson.
This species should be placed in another genus. It is a very
large fish, attaining a length of from three to four feet.
Genus Labriciitiiys, Bleek.
Body compressed, oblong, covered with large scales ; snout
more or less pointed. Opercles scaly ; cheeks more or less seal}- ;
prreoperculum not serrated ; lateral line continuous. Teeth in
the jaws in a single series ; sometimes an interior series of smaller
teeth to replace the others. Posterior canine tooth generally
present. Formula of the fins D. 9/11. A. 3/10.
Pacific and Indian Archipelago.
694. Labriciitiiys celidota, Forst.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 113. — Richards., Voy. Erebus and
Terror, p. 53, pi. 31, f. 1-5.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 27. L. trans v. 3/9. Vert. 10/13.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 79
A posterior canine tooth, (absent in young specimens). Beddish
olive (in spirits), with some irregular cloudy spots, several forming
indistinct cross-bands ; a large round brown patch on the lateral
line, below the origin of the soft dorsal fin ; two brown streaks
radiate from the orbit to the shoulder and to the operculum,
another across the pra3orbital. Anal fin with two brown spots
near the base. Cheeks with several series of scales, base of
dorsal fin not scaly.
Port Essington. Botany Bay ?
695. Labrichthys bothryocosmus, Eichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 53, pi. 31, f. 6-10.— Gnmth., Cat.
Fishes IV., p. 114.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 27. E. transv. 3/9.
A posterior canine tooth. Eeddish or greenish-olive (in spirits);
a cluster of black spots between the lateral line and the hind part
of the spinous dorsal fin. Infraorbital ring with a bluish streak.
Dorsal and anal fins with a dark longitudinal band. Dorsal fin
not scaly ; cheek with several series of scales.
South Australia. Tasmania.
696. Labeichthys psittacula, Eichards.
Toy. Erebus and Terror, p. 129, pi. 56, f. 7-10.— Gunth., Cat.
EishesIV., p. 114.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 27. L. transv. 3/9. Vert. 9/16.
A posterior canine tooth. Two anterior canines in each jaw ;
cheek entirely scaly below the eye, the scales arranged in four
series. Uniform hyacinth-red ; the soft dorsal and anal fins with
five or six series of yellow spots ; a few streaks behind the angle
of the mouth.
Tasmania.
80 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
697. Labriciitiiys inscripta, Richards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 134, pi. 56, f. 1-2.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes IV., p. 115.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L.lat.25-27. L. transv. 3/9.
A posterior canine tooth. The anterior pair of mandibulary
teeth long, subhorizontal. Cheek with five to seven series of
small scales. Dark brown, with a pale mark on each scale,
bearing some resemblance to the characters of the Persian alphabet.
Some dark marks on the cheek and prreoperculum, and one on
the base of the pectoral fin ; the membrane connecting the three
first dorsal spines is blackish, sometimes with pale specks. Anal
fin uniform, or with many pale specks.
Norfolk Island.
698. Labriciitiiys laticlavius, Eichards.
Toy. Erebus and Terror, p. 128, pi. 56, f. 3-6.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes 17., p. 115.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 26. L. transv. 3/9. Vert. 9/16.
A posterior canine tooth. Two anterior canine teeth in each
jaw. Caudal fin rounded. Green, with two red (blackish in
spirits) longitudinal bands, which are confluent on the side of the
tail ; another, rather indistinct and interrupted, along the lower
side of the tail. Dorsal and caudal fins purplish, edged with
vermilion and blue, and spotted posteriorly with round blue spots.
The anal fin has along the base a narrow vermilion stripe, then
a broad yellow one, edged above and below with blue, and lastly
a band of purple, spotted thickly with blue and edged with the
same.
Tasmania. King George's Sound. Port Jackson.
699. Labriciitiiys luculenta, Richards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 130.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 116.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 25. L. transv. 3/7.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 81
A posterior canine tooth. The interopercles overlapping each
other. Four anterior canine teeth in the lower jaw, two in the
upper ; cheek with ahout six series of small scales. Greenish or
reddish, each scale below the lateral line with a vertical silvery
line ; a black spot on the two first dorsal spines ; sometimes two
irregular brown lines along the snout, and two blackish spots on
the base of the soft dorsal fin. Scales of the back extending on
to the base of the dorsal fin.
East and West Coast of Australia. Norfolk Island.
700. Labiuchthys tetbica, Eichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 126, pi. 55, f. 1. — Gunth., Cat. Fishes
IV., p. 116.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 27. L. transv. 3/9.
A posterior canine tooth. Two anterior canine teeth in each
jaw ; cheek with only two series of narrow scales, a large portion
of it being naked. Uniform purplish-red : vertical fins dark at
the base, whitish towards the margins, and black at the tips ;
pectorals with a black spot superiorly at base.
Tasmania, South Australia, and King George's Sound.
701. Labiuchthys paeila, Richards.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1851, Vol. VII., p. 286.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes IV., p. 117.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 27. L. transv. 3/10.
No posterior canine tooth. Two anterior canine teeth in each
jaw ; cheek with only one (indistinct) series of scales, the greater
part of it being naked. Greenish, irregularly spotted and dotted
with brown, the spot on the anterior dorsal spines being darker
than the others.
West Australia (Richardson). Port Jackson (Castelnau, Proc.
Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 389.)
F
82 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
702. Labrichthys gymxogenis, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 117. — Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc.
N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 389.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 25. L. transv. 3/10.
A posterior canine tooth. Cheek nearly naked, only a single
series of small scales descending from behind the eye to below
the infraorbital ring. Greenish (in a dried state), in life purplish
brown, with more or less numerous whitish-red spots, anal fin
with a dark longitudinal band ; vertical fins with a narrow dark
edge.
Port Jackson.
703. Labrichthys punctulata, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 118.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 27. L. transv. 3/10.
A posterior canine tooth. Cheek nearly naked, some
rudimentary scales being situated near the limb of the prse-
operculum. Yellowish-olive (in a dried state) with numerous
bluish dots ; they are edged with brownish on the middle of the
length of the fish, and entirely brownish posteriorly on the tail.
West Australia.
704. Labrichthys Guntheri, Bleek.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, app. Vol. IV., p. 507.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 26-27.
A posterior canine tooth ; jaws with four canine teeth anteriorly.
Cheek with four series of scales ; tubules of the lateral lino
branched ; the scaly sheath of the dorsal and anal fins low.
Caudal fin convex, with the lobes not produced. Pose-coloured
olive, with six or seven indistinct brown cross-bands ; six brown
streaks radiate from the eye ; a deep blue spot between the first
and third dorsal spines and at the root of the pectoral fin superiorly;
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 83
a blue band along the middle of the dorsal and anal fins ; a
brownish band across the middle of the caudal fin.
Australia (Bleeker).
705. Labriciithys Bleekeri, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 148.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 25. L. transv. 3/7.
Two posterior canine teeth ; two anterior canines in each jaw,
the lateral teeth decreasing in size backwards with an inner series
of smaller and blunter teeth. The opercles are scaly, there are
two series of scales on the cheeks, and the whole head is rough
and covered with irregular lines which radiate from the orbit.
The height of the body is three times and one-third in the total
length ; the length of the head four times ; eye four times and
one-third in the length of the head ; the dorsal scales do not
extend on the base of the fin ; caudal fin rounded, of thirteen
long rays ; pectorals large. Greenish above, dark blue beneath ;
a broad black band from the eye to the operculum ; cheeks
covered with small white spots ; throat purple, spotted with
white ; the scales of the body bordered with carmine. "Fins green :
the spinous dorsal with a red tinge, the soft spotted with purple
and bordered with red ; the caudal is orange, spotted with carmine;
the anal has three series of large, round carmine spots ; the
ventrals are pink ; the pectorals yellow.
Port Phillip. Length ten to twelve inches.
706. Labriciithys Eichardsoxii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 150.
D. 9/11. A. 3/11. L. lat. 26.
A posterior canine tooth ; the other teeth as in the last species .
Three series of scales on the cheek ; the surface of the head very
rough ; the dorsal scales do not extend on the base of the fin.
Colour light bluish-green, with a black spot on the extrmeity of
84 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
the operculum, and two broad transverse "bands on the body, one
from the third or fourth dorsal spine, the other behind ; a few
dark spots on the fifth, sixth, and seventh dorsal spines ; caudal
fin with a posterior orange margin.
Port Phillip. Length fourteen inches.
707. Labriciithys ephippium, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist , 1863, Vol. XI., p. 116.
Lahrichthjs vestita, Casteln., Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I.,
p. 151.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 27. L. transv. 3/10.
A posterior [canine tooth. Cheek with three series of very
small scales. Base of dorsal fin not scaly. Each tube of the
scales of the lateral line with numerous branches. Coloration in
a dried specimen : back violet-olive to the end of the spinous
dorsal fin ; head, belly, and tail reddish, the latter with a broad
violet-olive band between the posterior halves of the soft dorsal
and anal fins. A blackish spot behind the operculum ; the
pectoral, ventral, caudal, and spinous dorsal fins reddish or
yellowish ; the first with a black spot superiorly in the axil ; the
soft dorsal and the anal blackish-violet.
Port Phillip. Length seventeen inches.
This is not Labrus ephippium of Cuv. and Val., as Dr. G-unther
seems to think.
708. Labrichthys Cuvieri, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II., p. 53.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 27.
No posterior canine teeth ; a well formed inner series of teeth
in the upper jaw. Profile of head not very convex ; head rugose ;
cheeks with a narrow band formed of two series of scales ; no
scales on base of dorsal fin. Colour greenish, with two broad
red transverse bands, the second nearly covering the posterior
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 85
half of the body. The pectoral fins are of a brilliant orange
yellow ; the spinous dorsal is of the same colour, and the soft is
dark and almost Hack ; the caudal olive.
Hobart Town.
709. Labrichtiiys Bostockii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II., p. 53.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 25.
Like L. tetricus. A small posterior canine tooth ; two large
anterior ones in each jaw ; cheeks with two series of indistinct
scales ; head covered with minute tubercles ; caudal fin truncate,
the upper ray longer than the others ; the dorsal and anal
prolonged posteriorly ; the arbuscles of the lateral line more
complicated than in tetricus. Colour (in spirits) is dark purplish
red ; the fins are lighter ; the base of the dorsal black.
West Australia. Length seven and a-half inches.
710. Labrichtiiys edelexsis, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 137.
Allied to L . imnctulata ; scales of the operculum as large as
those of the body ; prreoperculum almost naked, with one line of
scales ; the arbuscles of the lateral line are much ramified and
cover the scales ; no scales on the base of the dorsal fin ; a posterior
canine tooth ; body more convex than in most of the genus, with
the scales covered with strong transverse stride. Colour uniform
brown, with the fins yellow ; no spots.
Western Australia. Length eight inches.
711. Labriciithys uxicolor, Casteln.
Researches on the Pishes of Australia, p. 37.
" The upper profile very little curved, cheeks without scales,
covered like the head with very strong granulations ; operculum
with three series of large scales ; one posterior canine tooth, and
86 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
two others in front of each jaw ; scales of the body covered with
strong longitudinal stripe ; those of the lateral line having a large
fan-like arbuscule which covers the greatest part of them and
presents no transverse reticulation ; caudal truncated ; colour of
a dark brown rubyish tint." (Castelnau.)
West Australia. Length eight inches.
712. Labriciithys rubra, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 37.
" Cheeks covered with strong granulations, but without scales ;
one posterior canine tooth ; two anterior ones in each jaw ; caudal
fin slightly rounded ; no scales on base of dorsal ; scales of lateral
line covered by very large arbuscules, formed of a fan-like series
of concentric lines ; these do not extend to the base of the scale,
which is covered with strong granulations ; lips very long, the
upper one when extended, covering entirely the teeth. The
general colour (in spirit specimens) is of a fine brick-red ; on the
lower parts of the body the centre of the scales is of a silvery
white; the eye is surrounded by indistinct and concentric obscure
lines, and numerous spots of similar hue are seen on the head
and back ; in some specimens these form indistinct transverse
bands, four or five in number ; the dorsal fin is scarlet, with
rounded dark spots ; the caudal has a yellow tinge ; the anal red,
with the rays marked with white spots, sometimes intermixed
with black ones ; the pectorals of a beautiful orauge ; none of
the fins have a coloured margin." (Castelnau.)
Swan River. Length eight inches.
713. Labriciithys convexa, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 38.
Body elevated behind the head, the upper profile very convex.
No posterior canine tooth ; two strong canines in front of each
jaw, the other teeth long and sharp ; cheeks with four series of
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 87
very large scales, the two external very strongly granulated ;
operculum scaly ; scales of the body very large, with strong
longitudinal strife, and other much finer transverse ones ; scales
of tail more elongate ; arbuscules of the lateral line very large,
expanded, and intricate. Colour purplish, beneath lighter.
Swan Eiver. Length seven inches.
714. Labrichtiiys nigromarginata, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 35, pi. 3, fig. 3.
Port Jackson.
715. Labrichthys fucicola, Eichards.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1840, p. 26.— Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 127,
pi. 54, figs. 1-2.
B. 6. D. 9/11. A. 3/10. C. 14. P. 13. V. 1/5.
Like L. tetricus. Bones of the head less uneven ; some small
scales are scattered among the larger ones on the operculum ; the
cheek has four rows of small scales near the angle of the mouth,
towards the temples three rows. L. lat. 27. Teeth larger than
in tetricus ; the canine tooth at the angle of the jaw curved ; the
caudal fin is rounded, the anal somewhat arched ; the soft dorsal
is a little higher anteriorly than posteriorly. Colour dark plum-
purple, towards the belly buff, with four pale spots on the back ;
one on the the suprascapular, another near the eighth spine of the
dorsal fin, and the other two at the base of the soft dorsal. Some
faint curved lines are traceable about the cheek and nose ; a dark
bar crosses the pectoral fin at a-third of its length, and at its base
there is a black spot. Length fourteen inches.
Tasmania and South Australia.
716. Labrichtiiys dorsalis, n. sp.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 25. L. transv. 3/8.
88 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Body much, compressed ; snout rather pointed, its length from
the eye equal to two diameters of the orbit ; posterior canine
teeth very small; anterior — two in the upper jaw and four in the
lower, the two middle ones received between those of the upper
jaw. Head rugose ; four series of scales on the cheek below the
eye, reduced to two series of larger scales behind the eye ; scales
on the operculum large ; those on the body larger, with many
radiating strise ; tubes of lateral line long, with two branchlets at
the extremity on the body, and without branchlets towards the
tail ; caudal fin subtruncate ; dorsal scales extending on to base
of dorsal fin. Colour (in spirits) uniform dull reddish-brown,
with the outer half of the fins much paler ; a black blotch between
the second and third dorsal spines.
Port Jackson. Length seven inches.
717. Labriciithys labiosa, n. sp., (Plate I., fig. 2.
D. 9/11. A. 2/10. L. lat. 25.
Oblong, the length of the body about one-fourth of the total
length. Snout rather short ; lips fleshy ; mouth protractile ; a
posterior canine tooth, the others strong and conical, the anterior
pair in each jaw longer ; three series of scales on the cheek ;
scales of the lateral line with the tubes six-branched ; caudal fin
truncate, with the angles rounded, and the rays clothed with
elongate scales to near the apex. Spines and raj^s of the dorsal
and anal fins soft, and enveloped in a dense membrane without
scales. Colour (in spirits) yellowish, with a more or less distinct
brown stripe from the eye to the tail and another (broader) from
the operculum to the tail, there are also some indistinct cross-
bands on the body. The dorsal fin has a blackish blotch near
its commencement and a series of round black spots along its
base.
Port Jackson.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 89
718. Labbichthys maculata, n. sp.
Height of body one-fourth of the total length, snout little
longer than the diameter of the eye ; teeth acute, the two anterior
of the lower jaw received between the anterior two of the upper.
Head rugose ; two series of scales on the cheek ; scales of the
lateral line twenty-five, the tubes divided at their extremity into
three or four branchlets until near the tail ; scales extending on
the dorsal and caudal fins. Colour (in spirits) reddish-brown,
with a distinct black spot on each scale on the operculum and
upper part of the body : the spots becoming smaller below the
middle, and disappearing towards the belly. A large black
blotch across the upper part of the tail behind the dorsal fin ; the
anal fin is margined with black.
King George's Sound. Length four inches.
719. Labbichthys melanuba, n. sp.
Height of body about a-third of the total length ; snout rather
pointed ; eye small ; a strong posterior canine tooth ; anterior
ones moderate ; five series of scales on the cheek below the eye ;
scales on the operculum as large as those on the body. L. lat.
26 ; the under profile of the body more convex than the upper ;
scales extending a little on the dorsal fin, and for quite one-third
on the caudal ; the latter is truncate. Colour (in spirits)
yellowish, with a brownish centre to every scale, darkest above
the lateral line ; three parallel dark streaks extend from the
hinder part of the orbit to the end of the operculum ; a small
black spot on the upper part of the root of the pectoral fin ; a
broad brownish band occupies the second third of the caudal ;
a faint trace of a dark bank on the dorsal and anal fins, and a
dark spot on the second and third spine of the former.
Port Jackson. Length six inches.
720. Labbichthys bubicunda, n. sp.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L. lat. 25.
90 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Height of body about one-fourth of the total length ; head
slightly convex and swollen looking between and in front of the
eyes ; lips large ; teeth strong and acute, two posterior canines
on each side, numerous small asperities on the head ; four series
of small scales on the cheeks under the eyes ; tubules of the
lateral line much branched with long foot stalks ; caudal fin sub-
truncate, the lobes very slightly produced. Colour (in spirits)
yellowish-red, with the basal portion of all the scales of a brilliant
pinkish-red, with the appearance of a few paler or pearly longi-
tudinal stripes ; the fins are paler ; a deep bluish-black patch on
the back at the base of the three last dorsal rays, and a trace of
another spot behind it on the free part of the tail. Length nine
inches.
King George's Sound.
Genus Toeresia, Castelnau.
Body compressed, oblong, covered with large scales ; cheek
and operclos scaly ; prasoperculum serrated ; dorsal fin with
thirteen spines.
Australia.
721. Torresia australis, Casteln.
Eesearches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 36.
D. 13/7. A. 3/10. L. lat. 28.
Convex profile ; height of body twice and two-thirds of the
length (exclusive of caudal fin); and about equal to the length of
the head ; the diameter of the eye is one-fourth of the length of
the head ; teeth equal, of moderate size, and in a single series ;
four canines in the upper jaw and six in the lower ; the two front
ones of the upper jaw much the largest ; no posterior canine teeth.
Colour olive-green ; head with throe abbreviated, longitudinal
blue stripes, bordered with black ; a large round black blotch on
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 91
the back at the end of the spinous dorsal fin. Length four and
a-half inches.
Cape York.
Genus Ciieilinus, Lacep.
Body compressed, oblong, covered with large scales ; lateral
line interrupted ; cheeks with two series of large scales ; prae-
operculum entire ; teeth in a single series, two canines in each
jaw, not bent outwards ; no posterior canine tooth ; lower jaw
not produced backwards. Dorsal spines sub-equal in length;
the third anal spine longest.
Tropical seas of India, China, and Polynesia.
722. Cheilinus oxyrhynciius, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth.tab.28,f. 2.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 133.— Casteln.
Eesearches on the Fishes Australia, p. 40.
D. 9/10. A. 3/8. L. lat. 23.
The height of the body is less than the length of the head, and
a little more than one-fourth of the total length ; the depth of
the head is contained once and three-fifths in its length ; snout
produced, conical, with the jaws ecpial ; tubules of the lateral
line simple. Caudal fin rounded. Yellowish-olive (in spirits);
snout without markings ; reticulated brown lines on the hinder
half of the head, on the body, and on the soft portions of the
vertical fins ; suboperculum crossed by several brown lines ; two
irregular blackish blotches on the tail ; dorsal fin with a blackish
spot between the first and second spines.
Cape York. Length eleven inches.
723. Cheilinus ciilorurus, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 32.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth., tab. 27, f. 3.
Cheilinus guttatus, Bleek., Casteln., Ees. Fishes Aust. p. 40.
D. 10/9. A. 3/8. L. lat 22.
92 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
The height of the body is a little more more than one-third of
the total length ; snout subconieal ; canine teeth of moderate
size. Caudal fin rounded, with the lobes slightly produced in
adult specimens. Tubules of the lateral line moderately branched.
Greenish-brown : head with round yellow spots, body with series
of smaller dots. The spinous dorsal fin brownish, with red
margin, and black dots on the spines ; the soft dorsal red ; anal
and ventral ivith numerous, very small yellow dots; caudal green,
yellow spotted.
Cape York. Length eight inches.
724. Ciieilinus aurantiacus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 70.
D. 9/11. A. 3/10. L, lat. 23. L. transv. 3/7.
Body rather elongate and compressed, the height three times
and three-quarters in the total length ; head four times and one-
third in the same ; eye four times in the length of the head.
Head rather concave ; two rows of scales on the cheek ; radiant and
reticulated round the eye and prreoperculum ; canine teeth rather
long ; snout pointed, not longer than the eye ; the lower jaw
longer than the upper ; caudal fin large, formed of four long and
five or six shorter rays. Colour (in spirits) orange with the back
carmine ; the dorsal and anal fins yellow, Avith a broad external
black band and a series of feeble, obscure spots near the body ;
the space between the first and second dorsal spines is black, and
the sides of the caudal fin are obscure, there are also traces of
brown spots on the back, and on the head round the eyes ; the
ventral fins have their first half orange, the other black ; the
pectorals are entirely of a fine reddish-orange.
South Australia (Castelnau).
Genus Ciieilolabrus, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 315.
North-oast Australia.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 93
725. Cheilolabrus magnilabris, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 345, pi. 16, fig. 2.
Darnley Island (Chevert Exp.)
Genus Hemigymnus, Gunth.
Body compresseed, oblong, with scales of moderate size ; cheek
rather high. Opercles naked, cheek with a stripe of very small
scales ; pra3operculum not serrated ; lateral line continuous.
Teeth in the jaws in a single series, two canines in each jaw
anteriorly, the lower pair received between those of the upper;
generally a posterior canine.
From the Eed Sea to the North Coast of Australia.
726. Hemigymnus melanobterus, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth. Lab., tab. 45, f. 2-3.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 139.
Tautogamelapterus, Richards., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1843,
XL, p. 358.
D. 9/11. A. 3/11. L. lat. 29. L. transv. 5/14.
A posterior canine tooth, hidden by the skin. Lips very thick,
with folds ; the lower lip notched anteriorly, each lateral part
pendent, like a wattle. Cheek with a band of small scales.
Back and sides, between the vertical fins, brownish, abdomen
and thoracic region yellowish ; a blackish blotch behind the orbit ;
dorsal and anal fins with a light margin and with a bluish intra-
marginal band, edged with darker.
Port Essington. Endeavour Reef.
727. Hemigymnus Bleasdalii, Casteln.
Eesearches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 38.
D. 9/10. A. 3/10. L. lat. 24.
A short posterior canine tooth ; the head and cheeks are rough
but without scales ; the height of the body is one-third of the
91 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
length ; the caudal fin not included ; the tubules on the lateral
line are much branched, nearly covering the whole scale ; caudal
fin rounded. General colour green, with numerous crimson spots
on the body, but not on the head ; the opercle is whitish ; the
lower parts are pink, with a large rounded silvery spot on each
scale ; the dorsal fin is red with the spines spotted with brown,
the soft portion has its external half green ; caudal green ; anal
similar to soft dorsal ; ventrals white ; pectorals of the same
colour, with the outer half pink.
South Australia.
Genus Stetiiojulis, Gunth.
Body compressed, oblong, covered with scales of moderate size ;
head entirely naked ; lateral line not interrupted ; scales on the
thorax as large as, or larger than, those on the side of the body.
A posterior canine tooth. Dorsal spines nine.
Indian and Pacific Seas.
728. Stetiiojulis strigiventer, Benn.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 140.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Lab., tab.
43, fig. 1.
D. 9/11. A. 2/11. L. lat. 26. L. trans. 2/9.
The height of the body is one-fourth of the total length, the
length of the head two-sevenths ; caudal fin rounded ; ventral
rather short. Greenish : lower parts of the sides with several yelloio
longitudinal lines and with some black dots ; a brownish band from
the mouth below the eye to the operculum ; a black dot at the
base of the penultimate dorsal ray ; sometimes a small black spot
on the base of the caudal fin.
Low Island (Chevert Exp.)
Genus Platyglossus, Bleek.
Body compressed, oblong, covered with scales of moderate size
(L. lat. 30. or less) ; head naked ; lateral line not interrupted ;
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 95
scales on the thorax smaller than those on the body. A posterior
canine tooth ; none of the anterior canine teeth are bent outwards
and backwards. Dorsal spines nine.
Tropical Seas.
729. Platyglossus Dussumieri, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 113.
llalielwrcs nigrescens, Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Labr., p. 118, tab. 37, f. 4.
D. 9/12. A. 3/12. L. lat. 29. L. transv. 3/10. Vert. 10/15.
The height of the body is two-sevenths to two-ninths of the
total length, the length of the head one-fourth. Caudal fin
rounded ; dorsal spines rather slender ; the first ventral ray
produced. A bluish-black yellow edged ocellus between the fifth
and seventh dorsal spines ; corners of the caudal fin broadly
yellow. Brownish-green, with eight or nine dark cross-bands on
the back ; pectoral fin with a bluish-black spot in the axil ; dorsal
and anal fins with one or two series of large, round, yellow spots
along the basal half.
Port Darwin (Macl. Mus.)
My specimens have none of the bands on the back, mentioned
above, nor is there any trace of yellow spots on the dorsal and
anal fins, so that I may be wrong in ascribing them to this species,
but the colours of all these Labroid fishes are so completely
effaced by spirits, that no dependence can be placed on marking
or colouring.
730. Platyglossus immaculatus, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 363 pi. 10, fig. 1.
Port Darwin.
731. Platyglossus miniatus, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. IV., p. 150.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Labr., p. 114, tab.
41, fig. 5.
/
96 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
D. 9/11. A. 3/11. L. lat. 28. L. trans. 2/9.
The height of the body is equal to the length of the head, and
rather less than one-fourth of the total length. Caudal fin
rounded. Eed : most of the scales along the middle of the sides
with a blackish spot ; six blackish spots along the back ; sides
of the belly with numerous crescent-shaped vertical streaks ; a
deep violet spot behind the eye ; a curved silvery streak from the
angle of the mouth to below the orbit, bent downwards over the
operculum to the interoperculum. Dorsal fin with numerous,
oblique, undulated violet lines, descending obliquely backwards,
and generally with two black ocelli between the two anterior
spines and behind the first ray ; anal dotted all over with black ;
caudal rays with small red dots.
Australia (Macgillivraj).
i
Genus Pseudojulis, Bleek.
Body compressed, slender, covered with scales of moderate size
(L. lat. less than 30) ; head naked ; lateral line not interrupted ;
scales on the thorax smaller than those of the body. No
posterior canine tooth; anterior teeth conical. Dorsal spines
nine.
Indian and Australian Seas ; California.
732. Pseudojulis lineata, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 138.
D. 9/12. A. 3/12.
The height of the body is contained a little over four times in
the total length, and is about equal to the length of the head ;
the teeth are conical and directed forwards, two long ones in front ;
caudal fin rounded and scaly on the basal half ; the pectorals
have thirteen rays ; the ventrals are pointed. The general colour
(in spirits) is an uniform light brown, with numerous longitudinal
and regular lines of a darker colour, extending all along the body ;
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 97
the dorsal and anal fins appear to have been yellow, on the first
of these there is a narrow black spot behind the first spine.
Length over eight inches.
West Australia.
733. Pseudojulis maculifer, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 35.
D. 9/11. A. 2/11. L. lat. 31.
The height of the body is three times and two-thirds in the
length, exclusive of the caudal fin, the length of the head twice
and three-fourths in the same ; diameter of the eye one-fourth of
the length of the head ; the lateral line consists of twenty-four
scales before its deflection, and is formed of a succession of small
ridges which are bifid posteriorly. Colour yellowish-white : on
the head a round spot behind the eye, three bands — one oblique
before the eye and two angular on the cheeks — the end of the
operculum, and a few spots on the top of the head, black ; the
body has two very broad nebulous longitudinal bands with a black
spot at the base of the pectorals and another between the first
and third dorsal rays. Length three and a-half inches.
Queensland.
Genus Jtjlis, Cuv. & Val.
Body compressed, oblong, covered with scales of moderate size ;
head entirely naked ; lateral line not interrupted ; snout of
moderate extent, not produced ; no posterior canine teeth. Dorsal
spines eight.
Tropical and subtropical seas.
734. Julis aneitensis, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 183.
D. 9/11. A. 3/11. L. lat. 28. L. transv. 3/9.
a
98 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
11 The height of the body equals the length of the head, and
is somewhat more than one-fifth of the total length ; the outer
caudal rays are produced into filaments ; the length of the ventral
fins is two-thirds of that of the pectoral in half grown specimens,
three-fourths in adults. Colours of dried specimens : anterior
part of back and thorax brownish-olive ; body greenish, each
scale with a vertical streak ; head violet, with three green bands
edged with darker : the upper from the eye to the origin of the
lateral line, the middle from below the eye to the hind part of
the suboperculum, the lower from the angle of the mouth to the
suboperculum ; sometimes a fourth on the interoperculum.
Pectoral fin with a broad, oblique, black band across its posterior
half, and with a black spot in the axil ; a black spot beteen the
second and third dorsal spines ; two fine brown lines run along
the whole length of the dorsal fin, one along its base, the other
above the middle of its height ; they are the edges of a broad,
brownish band running along the middle of the fin ; anal with a
similar line running nearer to its base than to its margin, and
separating the brown basal portion from the green outer one ; a
yellow band along the upper and lower margins of the caudal."
(Gunther).
North-east Australia (Rayner).
735. Julis Adelaidensis, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 35.
The height of the body is one-fourth of the length exclusive of
the caudal fin, the length of the head is three times and one-third
in the same. Dorsal spines and rays very much alike ; caudal fin
rounded ; lateral line about 50. Body of a beautiful pink colour,
silvery beneath ; head pearly white with its upper parts of an
obscure blue ; on the anterior part of the cheek are three or four
narrow blue lines, bordered with black, and directed obliquely
downwards ; dorsal fin yellowish, with a broad longitudinal pink
band extending on all its length higher than the width of the fin.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 99
the portion of this band on the three first spines is black ; caudal
without spots ; anal with the rays pink. Length nine inches.
South Australia.
Genus Coris, Lacep.
Body compressed, oblong, covered with small scales (L. lat. 50
or more) ; head entirely naked, lateral line not interrupted ;
dorsal spines nine.
All warm seas.
736. Coris aygula, Lacep.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 201.
D. 9/12. A. 3/12. L. lat. 60-65. Vert. 9/16.
The height of the body equals the length of the head, and is
contained thrice and three-fourths in the total length. A
prominent hump on the nape, more developed in large specimens.
Posterior canine tooth small, hidden, sometimes absent. The
upper lip broad with folds, the lower not continuous with that of
the other side, pendent. The anterior dorsal spine produced ;
caudal fin subtruncate ; ventral long, pointed. Black or blackish,
sometimes with a light vertical band above the vent. Back and
vertical fins with some blue dots. Three red angular cross-bands
on the neck ; edges of the prceoperculum and operculum red ;
extremity of the operculum blue. Vertical fins with green
margins. Dried specimens nearly uniform black.
Australia (Gunther).
737. Coris auricularis, Cuv. & Val.
Eichards., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1843, XI., p. 422.— Gunth.,
Cat. Fishes IV., p. 206.
D. 9/12. A. 3/12. L. lat. 78. L. transv. 6/28.
The height of the body equals the length of the head, and is
four times and a-half in the total length. No posterior canine
100 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
tooth. Caudal fin rounded ; dorsal and anal rather elevated/the
spines being flexible and slender ; the length of the posterior
spines is two-thirds of that of the head. Uniform reddish-yellow
(in a dried state) ; opercular point with a black spot, edged with
white anteriorly ; dorsal fin with a black spot between the two
first spines and with numerous undulated brownish lines in its
upper half ; anal with three lines near the margin ; caudal with
irregular transverse bands.
West and South Australia.
738. Coris lixeolata, Cuv. & Val.
G-unth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 206.
Described by Count Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales,
Vol. III., p. 390.
Port Jackson. West Australia.
739. Coris pallida, n. sp.
D. 9/12. A. 3/12. L. lat. about 50.
Compressed, snout rather elongate, pointed ; eye large ; caudal
fin somewhat rounded. Colour pale yellow, with some small black
spots on the head, a few indistinct dark transverse marks on the
sides, and a minute black spot on the second dorsal spine and
another larger about the second ray. Pins colourless, immaculate.
Endeavour Eiver. Length two inches.
Genus Pseudoscarus, Bleek.
The upper jaw projecting beyond the lower ; two or more series
of scales on the cheek ; dorsal spines more or less flexible ;
anterior teeth soldered together, arranged in quincuncial order ;
the dentigerous plate of the lower pharyngeal longer than broad.
D. 9/10. A. 2/8. L. lat. 23-25.
Tropical Seas.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 101
740. PSEUDOSCARUS RIVULATUS, CuV. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 222.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Labr., p.
44, tab. 9, fig. 3.
Two series of scales on the cheek, and two scales on the lower
prccopercular limb ; the middle series composed of six scales.
Upper lip broad. Jaws whitish, each with two small pointed
teeth at the corner ; teeth of moderate size. Anterior dorsal
spine shortest ; fourteen or fifteen pectoral rays ; caudal fin sub-
truncate. Green, each scale with a reddish margin ; snout and
lower half of the head reddish, the former with rather numerous
undulated green lines. A narrow green band along the base and
margin of the dorsal fin, and an irregular band of the same colour,
or series of spots along its middle. Anal fin green, lighter
towards the margin, which is broadly edged with dark green.
Caudal with irregular green spots.
Cape Grenville (Chevert Exp.)
741. PSEUDOSCARUS FLAVOLINEATUS, All. & Mad.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 346, pi. 16, fig. 3.
Cape Grrenville (Chevert Exp.)
742. Pseudoscarus nudirostris, All. & Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. L, p. 346, pi. 17, fig. 1.
Cape Grenville (Chevert Exp.)
743. Pseudoscarus obscurus, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 41.
' ' This sort belongs to the Division having two series of large
scales on the cheeks ; the teeth are white and well marked, and
distinct on the edge. The general form is oblong ; the height is
contained three times in the total length without the caudal ; the
head is about equal to the height ; the lateral line is marked by
tubercles, almost all simple, and the others simply bifide at their
102 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
extremity. The opercule is produced and very broad ; the pectorals
have fifteen rays ; the caudal truncate ; the eye is nearly twice
and two-thirds in the length of the snout ; colour of a dark purple
(in spirits) ; a whitish blotch covers the chin ; another is visible
on the opercle, and a broad transverse one extends on the back
behind the opercule ; the fins are purple, without spots, as is also
the snout. The length of specimen is about twelve inches."
"Nota. — This sort seems to resemble the Scar us nigricans, ol
Ehrenberg (Cuv. & Val.), which is only imperfectly known. Cape
York."
744. Pseudoscarus modestus, Casteln.
Eesearches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 41.
" Upper jaw projecting slightly beyond the lower ; three series
of scales on the cheek, the lower prrcopercular limb being entirely
naked ; teeth white, the two of the upper jaw strongly denti-
culated ; those of the lower jaw distinct laterally by longitudinal
lines in the laminated pieces. Form, oblong ; the greatest height
of the body contained rather more than four times and a-half in
the total length of the fish ; the upper profile of the head pointed ;
caudal rounded ; fourteen pectoral rays ; general colour pink,
with the head yellow ; no spots ; fins white ; length three inches.
Adelaide."
"Nota. — This sort would come in Dr. Gunther's Division with
Pulchellus and Harid, but appears different from both. It is
probably a young specimen."
745. Pseudoscarus Dumerilii, Casteln.
Eesearches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 41.
" The teeth soldered together into a broad lamina. The largo
scales of the body and the two series of scales on the cheeks, place
this fish in Dr. Bleeker's genus Pseudoscarus. Its jaws of a white
colour, and its broad upper lip, place it in a small section which
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 103
contains Ghobban, Collana, and a few other sorts from the Indian
Archipelago. The height is contained four times and a-half in
the total length ; the head three times and two-thirds in the same ;
the diameter of the eye is four times in the length of the head ;
upper lip broad ; no tooth at the angle ; the edge of the pra>
operculum is finely denticulated ; the lateral line is strongly curved
over the pectoral, and runs over thirty-six transverse series of
scales ; the scales over the base of the caudal are pointed ; the
dorsal has twenty-one rays, the two last rather prolongated ; the
caudal is pointed, of twelve long rays, the central ones being the
longest ; the anal is rather large, of twelve rays, the two last
rather prolongated. The general colour is of a pinkish-brown,
with the back purple ; the lower parts pink ; the sides appear to
have been marbled with brown ; fins light vellow. One single
specimen, four and a-half inches long. Adelaide."
746. Pseudoscartis Eichardsoxii, Casteln.
Researches on the Eishes of Australia, p. 42.
" General form rather short ; upper profile convex ; height less
than twice and two-thirds in the length without the caudal ; two
series of scales on the cheeks ; the lower row composed of six ;
lateral line marked by a series of nearly simple tubes. General
colour of an olive-green ; on the cheeks a large lilac blotch,
extending over the throat ; this and the lower part of the opercles
covered with oblong, narrow, irregular pink spots, bordered with
dark brown ; these form two irregular, transverse lines on the
chin ; • teeth yellow ; a transverse blotch, light colour, on the sides,
behind the end of the pectorals ; posterior part of the tail flesh
colour ; dorsal, caudal, ventrals, and anal flesh colour ; the dorsal
has a dark violet longitudinal line on its upper part, another near
its base, and between these there is a series of circles, the centre
of which is yellow ; the outer third of the anal is yellow ; pectorals
large, dark, almost black, with the two anterior fins yellow ; a
very large and pointed free scale at the base of the pectoral ;
104 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
caudal emarginate ; the scales behind the eye strongly granulate ;
thirteen rays to the pectorals. Length thirteen inches and a-half .
Cape York."
747. Pseudoscarus viridescens, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 42.
" This also enters division having two series of large scales on
the cheeks ; teeth white, with their edge well marked, and the
separation of each tooth marked by a faint line on all its length.
The general form of the body is short and inflated ; the height
of the body is twice and two-thirds in the total length without
the caudal ; or a little less than three times in the same with this
fin ; the head is contained over three times and one-third in the
length (without caudal) ; the diameter of the eye is not quite
twice and a-half in the snout ; the pectorals have thirteen rays ;
the lateral line is marked by a succession of complicated arbuscules
on its first half, and of more simple but irregular ones on its
posterior part ; caudal subtruncate. The general colour (in
spirits) is green, becoming rather lilac on the cheeks and the
lower part of the head ; the dorsal, caudal, and anal appear to
have been red ; the other fins yellow. Length of specimen, eight
inches. From Cape York."
Genus Heteroscarus, Casteln.
Upper jaw longer than the lower ; teeth soldered together,
forming a sharp cutting ridge on both sides, with a median suture
in the upper and none in the lower jaw. Scales large ; fourteen
or fifteen stiff dorsal spines ; head naked, porous, cheeks dotted
with imbedded and impressed non-imbricate scales ; large scales
on the operculum ; lateral line continuous.
East and South Coasts of Australia.
748. Heteroscarus filamentosus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. IL, p. 74.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 105
D. 15/11. A. 2/12. L. lat. 29. L. transv. 12.
Form oblong, oval, rounded in front, gibbous on the back ;
height of body three times and one-eighth in the total length,
length of head nearly four times in the same, diameter of eye five
times in the length of the head ; two rows of large scales on the
operculum, the first of six or seven, the second four or five scales.
Operculum striated ; the two first dorsal spines ending in long
filaments ; caudal fin truncate ; pectorals large, rounded, of four-
teen rays ; ventrals united at the base, smaller than the pectorals,
with one long slender spine and four rays. Colour (in spirits)
reddish pink, becoming light brown on the back, with faint
traces of three or four irregular transverse brown bands, which
are interrupted a little under the lateral line, and reappear as
blotches on the belly. The head is brown above and pink below
and on the sides ; a narrow well defined blue stripe, bordered
with black, extends from the eye to the scaly part of the operculum ;
a second runs below the eye from the front of the mouth ; a third
extends from the angle of the mouth to the serrated part of the
pra3operculum. The spines of the dorsal fin are white, but the
membranes and filaments black ; the rest of the fin is yellow, with
a broad dark blue stripe nearer the margin than the base ; the
anal and ventral fins similar ; the caudal and pectorals are of a
fine yellow.
South Australia. Length seven inches.
749. Heteeoscarus modestus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 75.
D. 14/10. A. 2/11. P. 13. L.lat. 32. L. transv. 13.
Shorter than H.filamentosus. Cheeks covered with large thin,
flat scales ; minute scales on the upper limb of the prreoperculum,
which is striate-serrate ; the operculum is naked on its anterior
half and covered with pores, on its posterior portion there are
three series of large scales, behind which again it is naked and
106 DESCllirXIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
striated. The first few spines of the dorsal end in filaments ; the
caudal fin is truncate ; ventrals united at the base, of one spine
and four rays' Colour (in spirits) of a fleshy pink, with the sides
of the head brilliant ; no trace of coloured stripes on the head ;
the fins are yellow, with a black tinge on the anterior and
posterior parts of the dorsal ; the caudal has four transverse black
bands ; the anal with a broad, faint, black stripe along the
middle, and the second half of the ventral is of the same colour.
South Australia. Length six inches.
750. Heteroscartjs Castelnaui, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 36, pi. 5, fig. 2.
Port Jackson.
Genus Odax, Cuv. & Val.
Cheeks and opercles scaly ; scales of the body small or rather
small ; lateral line continuous ; Snout conical. The edge of each
jaw is sharp, cutting, without distinct teeth anteriorly ; the
dentigerous plate of the lower pharyngeal triangular, much
broader than long.
Coasts of Australia and New Zealand.
751. Odax baleatus, Cuv. & Val.
Grunth., Cat. Pishes IV., p. 240.
" Kelp Fish " of Tasmania.
Odax algensis, Eichards., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1840, p. 26.
I). 16-17/12. A. 3/12. L. lat. 39. L. transv. 4/13. Vert. 19/17.
Prreoperculum finely serrated posteriorly. Sides of the head
with red and blue streaks ; dorsal and anal fins with dark purple
edges and with many very short, slender, oblique bars, regularly
crossing the rays. Specimens in spirits show a dark band running
from the snout, through the eye, to the curve of the lateral line,
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 107
•where it disappears, or is replaced by a series of indistinct dark
blotches.
Tasmania. Port Jackson.
752. Odax fhexatus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 241.
D. 31. A. 13. L. lat. 42. L. transv. 3/11.
Preoopercnlum. entire ; dorsal fin nearly even ; a dark brown
band from the snout, through the eye, to the end of the operculum ;
a silvery band below the brown one, and continued on to the tail,
•where it is gradually lost ; a blackish spot anteriorly on the
dorsal fin.
West Australia.
753. Odax Kichardsoxii, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 241.— Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc,
Victoria, Vol. I., p. 152.
" The Stranger" of the Melbourne Fishermen.
D. 17/13. A. 3/11-12. L. lat. 60. L. transv. 7/20.
Prceoperculum finely serrated posteriorly ; none of the fin rays
produced ; dorsal fin even ; caudal rounded. Colour of fresh
specimens green, or blue, or red, tinged with yellow, with six to
eight rather obscure dark cross-bands ; belly white ; sides of
head with blue and yellow bands.
Port Phillip.
754. Odax semifasciatits, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 241. — Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc,
N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 390.
"Rock Whiting" of the Sydney Fishermen.
D. 18/12. A. 2/11. L. lat. 63. L. trans. 15-20.
Very much like O. Richardsonii, but with the prrcoperculuni
entire. The colour is sky-blue with a golden spot on each scale,
108 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OE AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
or green with the belly white, and with transverse black spots
on the back.
Port Jackson. Length fourteen inches.
755. Odax radiatus, Quoy. & Gaiin.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 242.
Odax lineatus, Richards., Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 133, pi.
60, fig. 1-5.
D. 30/31. A. 13. L. lat. 44. L. transv. 4/10.
Pracoperculum entire ; the first dorsal spine slightly produced ;
caudal fin with the middle prolonged, rhombic. Back violet,
belly orange-coloured, a carmine red band along the side of the
back ; a reddish violet line commences behind the eye, and is
forked at the origin of the lateral line, one part running above ;
the other below, the convex portion of the lateral ine ; a single
reddish- violet line runs along and above its straight portion.
Sides of the head with blue longitudinal lines ; operculum with
a dark green spot. Dorsal fin with greenish, darker-edged,
longitudinal lines, and with a blackish band within its margin ;
the anterior spine dark ; a black band, edged with red posteriorly
occupies the anterior third of the base of the fin. Caudal fin
blackish posteriorly ; anal yellowish ; pectoral rose-coloured ; the
outer ventral ray produced, with a red, black-edged longitudinal
band.
West Australia.
756. Odax obscurus, Castcln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 154.
D. 28. A. 15. P. 14. C. 13. L. lat. 45.
Snout not so produced as in 0. Ilkhardsonii, and the scales
much larger. Prseopereulum very finely denticulated. General
colour purplish-black, the upper part of the head lighter, the
sides of tho head with numerous narrow, fiexuous red linos ; eye
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 109
red, witli a broad external blue circle ; dorsal and anal fins of a
light blue colour, covered with oblique scarlet lines, border black ;
the other fins black.
Port Phillip.
7.37. Odax pusillus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Vict., Vol. II., p. 72. — Eesearches on the Fishes
of Australia, p. 36.
D. 28. A. 15. P. 15.
Height of body one-sixth of the total length. Scales large ;
prseoperculimi ciliated ; caudal fin pointed, the middle rays being
the longest. Colour lilac, with a faint but broad band from the
mouth, over the eye, to the base of the caudal fin.
South Australia. Length three inches.
758. Odax Wateriiousei, Casteln.
Ncodax Wateriiousei, Casteln., Pes. Pishes Aust. p 37.
D. 27. A. 14.
Body elongate ; eye rather large ; praeoperculum serrated ;
dorsal fin of very flexible rays. Caudal fin rounded ; scales
moderate ; several series of scales on the cheeks. General colour
(in spirits) yellowish-pink, with a faint longitudinal and rather
obscure streak on each side of the body, and of the head ; fins
yellow.
South Australia. Length about two inches.
Count Castelnau formed the genus Neodax for this species, and
others of the genus Odax, having a serrated prseoperculum and
soft flexible dorsal fin. I scarcely think the genus is necessary.
759. Odax brunnetts, n. sp.
D. 28. A. 14. L. lat. 30.
110 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Height of body one-fifth of the total length ; prjeoperculum
rounded, and finely crenulated ; caudal fin rounded ; ventrals
close together, the space between covered by two long, pointed
scales. Colour chocolate-brown, the fins redder, five or six series
of small spots on the dorsal fin.
Port Jackson. Length three and a-half inches.
Genus Olistiierops, Richards.
Head entirely naked ; scales of moderate size ; lateral line
continuous ; snout of moderate extent ; dorsal spines numerous,
flexible. Teeth as in Odax.
Australia.
760. Olistherops cyanomelas, Richards.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1851, p. 291.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes
IV., p. 243.
D. 18/10. A. 3/10. L. lat. 48. L. transv. 7/14.
The height of the body is contained five times and a-half in
the total length. Blackish-green : a bluish streak along the
upper and lower margins of the caudal and along the upper
margin of the pectoral fins.
Melbourne. King George's Sound.
This species is subject to very great variations in colour,
seeming to change at different seasons. The following species I
believe to be distinct, though placed by Count Castelnau as a
synonym of 0. ojanomelas.
761. Olistherops brunneus, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Yol. III., p. 36, pi. 5, fig. 1.
Port Jackson.
Genus Siphonognathus, Richards.
Head and body very elongate ; snout long as in Fistularia,
upper jaw terminating in a long, pointed skinny appendage ;
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 111
opercles and cheeks scaly ; scales of moderate size ; lateral line
continuous ; dorsal spines numerous, flexible. Teeth as in Oclax.
Australia.
762. Siphonognathus argyrophanes, Eichards.
Proc. Zool. Soc. 1857, p. 238, pi. 6.— Gunth.,Cat. Fish. IV., p. 244.
D. 24/22. A. 14. L. lat. 105. L. transv. 3/12.
A brownish violet band on the median line of the back, another
from the snout, through the eye, to the tip of the caudal fin, which
is lanceolate, a silvery band along and below the brown lateral one.
King George's Sound. Length sixteen inches.
Order III. ANAGANTBINI.
Vertical and ventral fins tvithout spinous rays (Gadopsis excepted).
The ventral fins, if present, are jugular or thoracic. Air-bladder, if
present, without pneumatic duct.
Family I. GADOPSID.ZE.
A small portion of the dorsal and anal fins is formed of true
spines. Ventrals jugular. Gill-openings wide.
Genus^ Gadopsis, Eichards.
' Body slightly elongate, covered with very small scales. Snout
of moderate extent, obtuse, with the upper jaw overlapping the
lower ; cleft of the mouth of moderate width, small cardiform
teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and the palatine bones. One
dorsal, the spinous portion rather shorter than the soft ; anal
spines three ; caudal distinct. Ventrals jugular, composed of a
single jDifid ray. Branchiostegals six ; gills four, with a narrow
slight slit behind the fourth ; pseudobranchia) present, glandular;
gill-opening wide ; gill-membrane not united. An air-bladder ;
pyloric appendages in moderate number.
Fresh-waters of Australia.
112 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
763. Gadopsis marmoratus, Richards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 122, pi. 59, fig. 6-11.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes IV., p. 318.
B. 6. D. 10-11/25-26. A. 3/18-19. V. 1.
The dorsal and anal fins are enveloped in thick skin ; ventral
longer than pectoral. Reddish-brown, marbled with darker.
Fresh-waters of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and
South Australia.
Family II. LYCODID^E.
Vertical fins confluent into one, without any spines. Ventral
fin if present, small, attached to the humeral arch, jugular; gill
opening narrow ; gill-opening attached to the isthmus.
Genus Blennodesmus, Gunth.
Body elongate, compressed, band-like, rudimentary scales being
imbedded in the mucous integuments of the body. Lateral line
rather indistinct. Eye of moderate size. Head compressed, with
the snout pointed and lower jaw prominent. Small conical teeth
in both jaws ; palate smooth. Barbels none. Gill-opening and
verticals as in the other genera of the family. Ventral fins
reduced to two short filaments, jugular. No prominent anal
papilla.
Australia.
764. Blennodesmus scapularis, Gunth.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1871, p. 667, pi. 67, fig. a.
D. 4- C. 4- A. 50 + 9 + 40. V. 1.
The height of the body is one-twelfth of the length, exclusive
of the caudal fin, the length of the head one-seventh, Interorbital
space convex, much narrower than the eye, the diameter of which
is one-fifth of the length of the head ; snout pointed, compressed,
rather longer than the eye. The maxillary extends beyond the
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 113
front margin of the orbit. The vent is twice as distant from the
extremity of the caudal as from the snout. The dorsal fin com-
mences above the posterior half of the pectoral, and is lower than
the body ; caudal fin rounded. The anal commences immediately
behind the vent. Pectorals half as long as the head. Ventrals
close together, reduced to a pair of filaments, about as long as
the eye. Body brownish, marbled with darker, sides of the head
with small round yellowish spots ; a black, yellow-edged ocellus
in the scapulary region ; an undulated yellowish line along the
middle of the nape and head.
Port Mackay (Queensland). Length three inches.
Family III. QABIBM.
Body more or less elongate, covered with small, smooth scales.
One, two, or three dorsal fins, occupying nearly the whole of the
back ; rays of the posterior dorsal well developed ; one or two
anal fins. Caudal fin free from dorsal and anal, or if united, the
dorsal with a separate anterior portion. Ventrals jugular, com-
posed of several rays ; or if they are reduced to a filament, the
dorsal is divided into two. Gill openings wide ; the gill-
membranes generally not attached to the isthmus. Pseudobranchise
none or glandular, rudimentary ; an air-bladder and pyloric
appendages generally. present.
Cold and temperate seas of the Northern hemisphere, rare in
the Southern.
Genus Lotella, Kaup.
Body of moderate length, covered with small scales. A separate
caudal fin ; two dorsal fins and one anal ; ventral fins with a flat
base, and composed of several rays. Teeth in the upper jaw in
a band, with an outer series of larger ones. Vomerine or palatine
teeth none. Chin with a barbel. Branchiostegals seven or six,
Western Pacific.
II
114 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
765. LOTELLA FULIGINOSA, Gimth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 347.
D. 9. 50 A. 54. Y. 9.
Head rather short and broad, one-fourth of the total length,
and about as high as long ; the snout is equal in length to the
diameter of the eye and is obtuse ; the maxillary extends beyond
the vertical from the middle of the eye ; barbel rather longer
than the eye ; nostrils close together, immediately in front of the
eye. Interorbital space flat, its width being equal to the vertical
diameter of the orbit. The teeth in the upper jaw form a band,
with an outer series of widely set stronger teeth ; lower jaw with
a single series like the outer series of the upper. Body and tail
compressed, the latter tapering posteriorly, so that its least depth
is equal to one diameter of the eye ; the two outer ventral rays
produced into filaments, extending nearly to the vent. Uniform
brown ; fins blackish ; ventral filaments white.
Port Jackson (Castelnau).
766. LOTELLA CALLARIAS, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1863, p. 116.
" Cod" of Melbourne Fishermen.
D. 6. 65. A. 57. P. 22. V. 7.
Similar to L. fuliginosa, but with a shorter head, it being one-
fifth of the total length (caudal fin excluded). The two outer
ventral rays produced into a filament. Colour uniform brown.
The ventrals with the filaments are as long as the pectorals ; the
barbel is not quite half the length of the head.
Port Phillip. Length nineteen inches.
767. LOTELLA MARGINATA, 11. SJ).
D. 5. 56. A. 47. P. 21. V. 6.
" Beanhj " of Fishermen.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.8. 115
The width of the head behind the eyes is about equal to its
length, and considerably less than the height of the body below
the first dorsal fin ; the body tapers towards the tail which is
much compressed before the fin and not higher than the diameter
of the eye. Snout very obtuse and rounded, projecting beyond
the mouth ; the maxillary reaches to the vertical behind the
posterior margin of the orbit ; the barbel is about equal in length
to nearly two diameters of the eye. Ventral fins much shorter
than the pectorals, the two first rays white and produced into
filaments ; dorsal and anal fins pointed behind, caudal long and
rounded. Scales very small. Colour uniform brownish, with the
margins of all the fins white.
Port Jackson. Length twelve to twenty inches.
768. Lotella grandis, Ramsay.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. V., p. 464.
Wollongong.
Genus Pseudopiiycis, Gunth.
Body of moderate length, covered with small scales. A separate
caudal fin ; two dorsal fins and one anal ; ventral fins with an
exceedingly narrow styliform base, but composed of several rays.
Teeth in the jaws in a band, of equal size ; no vomerine or
palatine teeth. Chin with a barbel. Branchiostegals seven.
Australia and New Zealand.
769. Pseudopiiycis barbatus, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1863, p. 116. — Castelnau, Proc. Zool.
Soc, Victoria, I., p. 162.
"Hock Cod" of the Melbourne Market.
B. 7. D. 9. 50. A. 55. V. 5. L. lat. 140.
Oblong, becoming compressed a little and tapering towards the
tail ; the head is broad and flat above ; the snout rounded but
116 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
not very convex, overlapping the mouth ; the eye is large ; the
maxillary reaches the vertical from the posterior margin of the
orbit ; the barbel is very short and slender ; the space between the
snout and the anus is not quite so long as the anal fin ; fins very
scaly. Colour brownish above, whitish beneath, all or nearly all
the fins have a blackish margin.
Port Phillip. Tasmania.
Family IV. OPHIDIID^.
Body more or less elongate, naked or scaly. Vertical fins
generally united into one ; no separate anterior dorsal or anal ;
dorsal occupying the greater portion of the back. Ventral fins
rudimentary, or absent, jugular. Gill-openings wide, the gill-
membranes not attached to the isthmus. Pyloric appendages
none, or in small number.
Genus Dinematicittiiys, Bleek.
Body elongate, covered with very small scales. Eye small ;
one dorsal and anal fin not continuous with the caudal ; each
ventral reduced to a single filament, both close together and
inserted at the throat, but behind the isthmus. Bands of teeth
in the jaws, on the vomer, and on the palatine bones. Upper
jaw scarcely longer than the lower ; barbels none. Six branchi-
ostegals ; gill-opening very wide ; pseudobranchias none. An
anal papilla.
Indian Archipelago, California, and Australia.
770. DlNEMATICIITIIYS MIZOLEPIS, Guntll.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1867, Vol. XX., p. 66.
D. 83. A. 69. C. 14. L. la*. 90.
Like D. tluocceteoicles, but the scales much larger. Head naked ;
palatine teeth in a long stripe.
Cape York. Length two inches.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 117
Genus Gexyptertjs, Philippi.
Body elongate, compressed, covered with minute scales. Eye
of moderate size. Vertical fins continuous ; ventral fins replaced
by a pair of bifid filaments (barbels) inserted below the glossohyal.
Teeth in the jaws, on the vomer, and the palatine bones ; the
outer series in the jaws and the single series of the palatines
contain strong teeth. Lower jaw received within the upper.
Yent situated at some distance behind the pectoral fin. Seven
or eight branchiostegals ; gill-openings wide ; gills four, a slit
behind the fourth ; pseudobranchias and air-bladder present.
Pyloric appendages in small number.
South Pacific Ocean, South Africa.
731. Genypterus Australis, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. I., p. 164.
" The Rock Line" of the Melbourne Market.
Height of body eight times in the total length, diameter of eye
seven times and a-half in the length of the head ; the barbels in
the young specimens one-third, and in the adults one-half of the
length of the head. The teeth in the jaws are in two series, in
the outer the teeth are large, thick, conical and wide apart ; in
the inner, smaller, closer and sometimes in pairs. The lateral
line is well marked until the posterior eighth of the body ; it is
formed of several lines placed near one another and having a
notch from distance to distance ; the number of these notches is
about forty-seven. The scales are small, the transversal lines
numbering nearly three hundred ; the pectoral fins are contained
about twice and a-half times in the length of the head. Colour
light lilac, the belly white ; the body is covered with large
marbled blotches, of irregular shape, confluent on the back and
extending over the head. Eye silvery. Dorsal and anal fins
marbled like the body, the margin of the first white, of the anal
flesh-colour. Pectorals spotted.
Port Phillip. Length about two feet.
118 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Genus Typhlonus, Gunther.
"Head large, compressed, with most of the bones in a
cartilaginous condition ; the superficial bones with large mucif erous
cavities not armed. Snout a thick protuberance, projecting
beyond the mouth, which is rather small, inferior. Trunk very
short, the vent being below the pectoral ; tail thin, strongly
compressed, tapering, without separate caudal. Eye externally
not visible, reduced to a minute rudiment hidden below the skin.
Bands of villiform teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and palatine
bones. Barbel none. Ventrals reduced to simple filaments,
placed close together on the humeral symphysis. Gill-openings
very wide, the gill-membranes being but slightly united in front.
Gills four ; gill-laminse rather short ; gill rakers of moderate
length. Scales thin, deciduous, small.
Pacific."
772. Typhlonus nasus, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1878, Vol. II., p. 21.
" The head of this most remarkable form is somewhat com-
pressed, deep, as thick in the rostral as in the opercular portion ;
its length is more than one-fourth of the total. Protuberances
formed by projecting portions of the cranium, occupy the upper
and lateral surfaces of the head ; and more especially, one in
front and another on each side of the snout, are very conspicuous.
North-east of Australia in 2,440 fathoms, (Challenger)."
Genus Aphyonus, Gunth.
"Head, body, and tapering tail strongly compressed, enveloped
in a thin, scaleless, loose skin. Vent far behind the pectorals.
Snout swollen, projecting beyond the mouth, which is wide. No
teeth in the upper jaw ; small conical teeth in the lower, pluri-
serial in front, uniserial on the side. Vomer with af ew rudimentary
teeth; palatine teeth. Nostrils close together, small. No
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 119
externally visible eye. Barbel none. Ventrals reduced to simple
filaments placed close together, and near to the humeral symphysis.
Gill-membranes not united. Four branchial arches, the posterior
without gill-laminse, the anterior with very short gill-rakers and
rather short gill-laminse. Head covered with a system of wide
muciferous channels and sinuses, the dermal bones being almost
membranaceous, while the others are in a semicartilaginous
condition. Notochord persistent, but with a superficial indication
of the vertebral segments, (as in some Leptocephaline forms).
Australian Seas."
773. Aphyonus gelatinosus, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1878, Vol. II., p. 22.
' ' The head in the preserved specimen is compressed, rather deep,
and enveloped in loose skin ; especially on the upper side of its
anterior half the skin forms a long, loose bag, which during life
is probably filled with mucus. Transparent, colourless, like a
Zeptocephahis.
North-east Australia in 1,400 fathoms (Challenger)."
Genus Fierasfer, Cuv.
Body produced into a very long and tapering tail, naked. Eye
moderate. Vertical fins continuous, very low ; no ventrals ; no
barbels. Cardiform teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and the
palatine bones, sometimes with canines ; the teeth on the vomer
form an oblong patch and are generally stouter than the others.
Lower jaw received within the upper. Vent situated at the throat.
Seven branchiostegals ; gill-openings wide, the gill-membranes
united below and not attached to the isthmus ; gills four, a slit
behind the fourth ; pseudobranchise none ; air-bladder present.
No pyloric appendages.
Inhabitants of nearly all seas.
120 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
774. Fierasfer Homei, Eichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 74, pi. 44, figs. 7-18. — Gunth., Cat.
Fishes IV., p. 382.
The length of the head is seven times and a-half or eight times
in the total length ; its width one half its length. Gill-openings
of moderate width, the united gill-membranes leaving half of the
isthmus uncovered. Vent a little in advance of the vertical from
the root of the pectoral fin. Teeth small, cardiform ; two larger
ones anteriorly in the upper jaw and on the vomer ; an outer
series of stronger teeth along the side of the lower jaw. Dorsal
fin very low, but distinct. Yellowish with some scattered darker
dots on the back.
Torres Straits (Chevert Exp.)
Genus Coxgrogadus, Gunth.
Body elongate, compressed, eel-like, covered with very small
scales ; vertical fins united, long. Ventrals none. Cleft of the
mouth moderate, with the lower jaw prominent. Jaws with a
single series of small teeth, closely set ; palate smooth. Branchi-
ostegals six ; gill-openings of moderate width, gill-membranes
united below the throat, not attached to the isthmus ; gills four,
a slit behind the fourth ; pseudobranchire well developed. Vent
remote from the head. Air-bladder and pyloric appendages none.
Indian Archipelago and North Australia.
775. Coxgrogadus subducexs, Eichards.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 388.
Machecrium subducem, Eichards., Voy. Erebus and Terror, pi. 44,
figs. 1-6.
B. 6. D. 71. C. 10. A. 00-65.
The height of the body is three-fifths of the length of the head,
which is contained six times and a-half to seven times in the total
length. The dorsal fin commences above the end of the pectoral.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 121
Each, jaw on each side has more than forty small teeth. Body
brownish, uniform or irregularly marbled or spotted ; a black
ocellus on the operculum ; lower part of the cheeks with pearl-
coloured spots ; base of the dorsal and anal fins with bluish spots.
Port Darwin, Port Essington, and West Australia.
Count Casteluau described in "Eesearch.es on the Fishes of
Australia, p. 43-44," a large Pish from Western Australia, which
he refers with some doubt to the family Ophidiidce. It cannot,
however, possibly belong to this family, and the very defective
condition of the specimen from which the Count manufactured
the genus and species, leaves it a matter of great doubt as to its
being even of the Order Anacanthini. I therefore omit it
altogether from the Catalogue. He gave it the name of Othos
cephalotes.
Family V. MACEUEID.E.
Body terminating in a long, compressed, tapering tail, covered
with spiny, keeled or striated scales. One short anterior dorsal
fin, the second very long, continued to the end of the tail, and
composed of very feeble rays ; anal like the second dorsal ; no
caudal. Ventral fins thoracic or jugular, composed of several
rays. Pseudobranchia3 none ; six or seven branchiostegals ; air-
bladder present. Pyloric appendages numerous.
Genus Macrurus, Bl.
Scales of moderate size, keeled or spiny. Snout produced,
conical ; mouth inferior. Head with rough ridges ; the suborbital
ring forms a strong lateral ridge, joined with, and supporting
the angle of the pra? operculum, which has a very distinct ridge.
Teeth in a band, villiform or cardiform, without larger ones in
the outer series; palate smooth. Ventral fins below, or immediately
behind or before the pectorals. A barbel.
All temperate seas.
122 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
776. Macrurus australis, Richards.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1839, p. 100.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 391.
D. 13. 88. A. 87. V. 7. L.lat. 130. L. trans. 4/15. Vert. 14/53.
Each scale with twelve or thirteen keels, and with the margin
crenulated. The second dorsal ray smooth, extending beyond
the origin of the second dorsal fin, if laid backwards. Vent
situated behind the vertical from the last ray of the first dorsal.
The projecting part of the snout trihedral, scarcely longer than
the diameter of the eye, which is rather less than one-third of the
length of the head.
Port Arthur, Tasmania. Length seventeen inches.
Genus CoRYrniENoiDES, Gunner.
Scales of moderate size, spiny or smooth. Snout short, obtuse,
obliquely truncated ; cleft of mouth lateral. Head without
prominent ridges ; the suborbital ring is not joined to the angle
of the prseoperculum, nor is the latter supported by it. Prse-
opercular angle with a very indistinct ridge. Teeth in the upper
jaw in a narrow band, those of the outer series larger than the
others ; palate smooth. Ventrals below the pectorals. A barbel.
Northern Atlantic. Southern Australian Seas.
777. Coryph^enoides denticulatus, Eichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 53, pi. 32, f. 1-3.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes
IV., p. 396.
First dorsal fin of eleven rays. Ventrals eight ; other fins
imperfect. Five series of scales between the anterior dorsal and
the lateral line ; scales spiny. The first dorsal ray very slender,
and not serrated. Snout very short and obtuse ; head without
ridges. Teeth in the upper jaw in a very narrow band, those of
the outer series being much stronger and widely set. The vent
is situated vertically behind the anterior dorsal.
South Australia.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 123
778. CoRYPHCSNOIDES VARIABILIS, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1878, Vol. II., p. 27.
Snout obtusely conical, projecting beyond the mouth, the cleft
of the mouth extends beyond the middle of the eye. The teeth
of the outer series are visibly stronger than the remainder. Barbel
nearly as long as the eye. The interorbital space is flat, its width
being much less than the diameter of the eye, which is compara-
tively small. The scales are provided with five ridges, each ridge
composed of several spines, the central ridge being the strongest.
There are eight scales in a transverse series between the first
dorsal and the lateral line. Lower limb of the prseoperculum
scaleless. Second dorsal spine armed with barbs in front, which
are rather distantly set. The second dorsal fin commences at a
distance from the first, which is less than the length of the head.
South of Australia over 2,000 fathoms (Challenger).
Family VI. PLEURONECTIDiE.
Body strongly compressed, flat, with one of the sides, which is
always turned upwards, coloured, whilst the other is colourless.
Both eyes placed on the coloured side ; and although the bones
of the skull are present on both sides, they are not symmetrical.
Dorsal and anal fins exceedingly long, without divisions. Gills
four ; pseudobranchise well developed ; air-bladder none.
Carnivorus Fishes frequenting all coasts and rivers and living
on the bottom.
Genus Arnoglossus, Bleek.
Mouth wide or rather wide, the length of the maxillary being
more or not much less than one-third the length of the head.
Teeth minute, of equal size, in a single series in both jaws;
vomerine and palatine teeth none. The dorsal fin commences on
the snout ; dorsal and anal rays simple. Scales of moderate size ;
deciduous ; lateral line with a strong curve above the pectoral.
124 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Eyes on the left side. Gill-inenibranes broadly united below the
throat ; gill rakers slender, styliform.
European seas. East Indian Archipelago, &c.
779. Arnoglossus Bleekeri, n. sp.
D. 87. A. 67. L. lat. about 40.
Greatest height of body a little less than half the length,
exclusive of caudal fin ; length of head less than half the height
of body. Mouth very oblique, the maxillary not extending
beyond the vertical from the anterior margin of the orbit. Eyes
very close together, the lower slightly in advance ; the profile of
the head is slightly concave or emarginate in front of the eyes ;
pectoral fins small ; ventrals of about seven rays ; caudal rather
pointed ; scales very deciduous, large ; lateral line somewhat
angularly curved above the pectorals ; scales of the operculum
very large. Colour uniform pale reddish-yellow, a spot on the
upper part of the operculum.
Endeavour Eiver.
Genus Pseudoriiombus, Bleek.
Mouth wide, tho length of the maxillary being more than one-
third of the head. Teeth in both jaws in a single series, of
unequal size ; vomerine and palatine teeth none. The dorsal fin
commences on the snout ; dorsal and anal rays simple. Scales
small or rather small ; lateral line with a strong curve anteriorly.
Eyes on the left side ; interorbital space not concave. Gill-
membranes united below the throat, not attached to the isthmus ;
gill-rakers lanceolate.
Nearly all seas.
780. Pseudoruombus Eussellii, Gray.
Gunth., Cat. Eishes, Vol. IV., p. 424.
" Flounder " of Colonists.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 125
B. 7. D. 70. A. 56. L. lat. 75.
The height of the body is one-half or less, of the length (caudal
fin excluded); the length of the head two-sevenths of the same.
Scales ciliated, those on the cheeks and anterior part of body,
smaller than those on the tail ; interorbital ridge very narrow
and naked ; no spines or tubercles along the lateral line or base
of the fins. Lateral line with a semicircular curve over the
pectoral fins. Snout a little longer than the orbit, the diameter
of which is one-fifth or one-sixth of the length of the head.
Lower jaw prominent ; the length of the maxillary is two-fifths of
that of the head. Teeth conical, pointed. Upper jaw with two
or three pairs of strong teeth in front, and a series of very small
ones laterally ; lower jaw with about five strongly widely set
teeth on each side. Front margins of the orbits nearly on the
same level. Each fin-ray has a series of small smooth scales, and
the anterior rays of the dorsal and anal have their tips prolonged
beyond their membranes ; the distance of the dorsal from the
caudal is one-third of the depth of the free portion of the tail ;
the longest dorsal rays are in the posterior third of the fin ; the
pectoral is not quite twice as long as the ventral. Gill-rakers
compressed, lanceolate, at moderate distances, half as long as the
orbit. Yellowish-brown, generally with two or three dark spots
on the lateral line.
Port Jackson. Port Essington.
781. PSEUDORHOMBUS MULTIMACULATUS, Gimth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 427.
D. 71. A. 55. L. lat. 78.
The height of the body is contained once and three-fourths to
once and four-fifths in the length, caudal fin excluded ; the length
of the head thrice and a-half in the same. Scales ciliated. Eyes
very close together, with an elevated, naked ridge between.
Snout very short, as long as the eye, the jaws equal anteriorly ;
126 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
the maxillary has its dilated portion scaly, and extends to behind
the middle of the eye. The upper jaw has three pairs of strong
teeth in front and a series of smaller ones laterally ; the lower
has about fifteen on each side. The dorsal fin terminates at a
short distance from the caudal, the posterior rays longer than the
anterior ; caudal rounded, rather prolonged ; pectorals two-thirds
of length of head ; ventrals extend beyond the origin of the anal.
Gill-rakers lanceolate, disposed at moderate distances, half as
long as the eye. Greyish-brown, with smaller and larger sub-
ocellated blackish-brown spots ; fins finely spotted with brown,
a series of larger distant spots along the basal half of the dorsal
and anal fins.
Port Jackson (Aust. Mus.)
Genus Teratorhombus, n. gen.
Mouth large ; dentition very strong. The dorsal fin commences
on the top of the head, the rays of that and the anal simple.
Scales rather small, lateral line with a strong curve over the
pectoral fin. Eyes on the left side, rather close together, the
head very deeply excavated above the upper orbit. The blind
side coloured like the other.
I looked upon this as an abnormal specimen of Pseudorhombus
Russellii, vvhich had had the forehead bitten out in its youth by
some other fish, but I have lately seen, with Mr. Eamsay, another
specimen so exactly resembling it in all its peculiarities, that I
am compelled to look upon it as not accidental.
782. Teratorhombus excisiceps, n. sp., (Plate II.)
D. 73. A. 60. L. lat. 77.
Height of body about one-half of the total length and twice
the length of the head. Teeth long, strong, acute and distant.
The snout is very convex about the mouth, behind this there is a
very deep excavation, much more than semicircular ; the upper
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 127
eye is situated in the lower part of the excavation, and on the
upper part the nape projects in a point over the eje. The colour
is brownish on both sides and a good deal speckled. The fins
are minutely spotted with a deeper shade of brown.
Port Jackson. Length about eight inches.
Genus Rhomboidichtiiys, Bleek.
Mouth of moderate width or small, the length of the maxillary
being one-third, or less than one-third, of that of the head. Teeth
minute, of equal size, in a single or double series ; vomerine and
palatine teeth none. Eyes separated by a concave more or less
broad space. The dorsal commences on the snout ; dorsal and
anal rays simple. Scales ciliated ; lateral line with a strong curve
anteriorly. Eyes on the left side.
Tropical seas, Mediterranean, Japan, and Australia.
783. Ehomboidichthys spiniceps, n. sp.
D. 84. A. 64. L. lat 40.
Height of the body one-half of the total length. Scales large,
deciduous, those of the lateral line square. Mouth small ; teeth
minute, in a single series. Eyes rather large, about one-third of
the length of the head, the lower a little in advance of the upper ;
the interspace concave and scaly, and about two diameters of the
ordit apart. The profile of the head almost vertical, with a slight
concavity above the mouth ; a horny point on the snout
immediately above the maxillary, another on the upper front of
the lower eye, and a-third on the lower front of the upper eye.
The rays of the dorsal and anal fins are simple and clothed with
smooth small scales, the rays are equally long throughout, those
on the dorsal begin immediately above the snout, and in both fins
they terminate close to the caudal ; ventral fins close together ;
pectorals about the length of the head, and smallest on the blind
side, but slight and narrow on both sides. Colour brownish-red,
faintly mottled all over with blackish, two larger black spots on
128 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
the caudal fin, one on the upper, the other on the lower edge,
behind the middle. Length four and a-half inches.
Port Jackson.
Genus Ammotretis, Gunth.
Eyes on the right side, on the same level, or the lower rather
in advance. Mouth unsymmetrical, narrower on the right side
than on the left, the length of the left maxillary being less than
one-third of the head ; teeth on the blind side only, where they
are villiform, forming bands ; no vomerine or palatine teeth.
Dorsal and anal rays branched and scaly; the dorsal fin commences
on the snout and is not continued on to the caudal. Two ventrals,
the right in the same line, and continuous with, the anal. Scales
small, ctenoid ; lateral line straight. Gill-openings narrow, the
gill-membranes broadly united below the throat ; gill-rakers
short, conical.
Australia.
784. Ammotretis rostratus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 458.
B. 7. D. 80. A. 53. P. 12. V. dext. 6, sin. 4. L. lat. 90.
The upper part of the snout is produced into a flap overhanging
the lower jaw. Colour uniform brownish-olive.
Port Jackson. Tasmania.
Genus Ehomdosolea, Gunth.
Eyes on the right side, the lower in advance of the upper.
Mouth unsymmetrical, narrower on the right side than on the
loft, the length of the left maxillary being less than one-third of
that of the head ; teeth on the blind side only, where they are
villiform, forming bands ; no vomerine or palatine teeth. Most
of the dorsal and anal rays branched ; the dorsal fin commences
on the foremost part of the snout. One ventral fin, continuous
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 129
with the anal. Scales very small, cycloid ; lateral line straight.
Gill-openings narrow, the gill-membranes being broadly united
below the throat, gill-rakers short, conical.
Australian and New Zealand Seas.
785. Eiiombosolea monopus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 459.
B. 5. D. 59. A. 42.
The height of the body is contained once and four-fifths in the
length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and two-
thirds. Eyes separated by a naked space, the width of which is
less than the vertical diameter of the eye ; the lower eye is slightly
in advance of the upper. Snout as long as the eye, the diameter
of which is one-fifth of the length of the head. The maxillary
on the right side extends to below the anterior margin of the eye ;
teeth in narrow bands. Jaws equal in front ; the upper lip has
a slight notch, in which the symphysis of the lower jaw is
received. The cutaneous fold above the maxillary is not prolonged.
The gill-opening does not extend upwards beyond the base of the
pectorals. The dorsal fin commences on the foremost part of the
snout, and terminates at a distance from the caudal, which is
rather more than half the depth of the free portion of the tail ;
the anterior dorsal rays produced beyond the connecting membrane
but considerably shorter than those behind the middle of the fin,
which are nearly half the length of the head. Caudal fin, slightly
rounded, one sixth of the total length. The six ventral rays are
arranged in the same line with those of the anal fin, both fins
being connected by a broad, complete, rayless membrane ; the
vent is situated on the blind side. The length of the pectoral is
two-thirds of that of the head. Uniform brownish (in spirits) ;
pectorals blackish posteriorly.
Australia (Gunther).
I
130 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
786. ElIOMBOSOLEA TAPIRANA, Gunth.
Ghinth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 459.
B. 6. D. 66. A. 50.
The height of the body is contained once and three-fourths in
the length (without caudal), the length of the head nearly three
times. Eyes separated by a very narrow ridge, the lower being
slightly in advance of the upper. Snout as long as the eye, the
diameter of which is one-fifth of the length of the head ; the
maxillary of the right side extends to below the anterior margin
of the eye ; teeth in very narrow bands; jaws equal in front,
oveidapped anteriorly by a cutaneous flap half as long as the eye.
Gill-opening and ventral fin as in li. monopus. The dorsal fin
commences at the base of the rostral flap, and terminates close
by the caudal ; the two anterior dorsal rays are prolonged beyond
the connecting membrane, but are much shorter than the longest
rays, which are behind the middle of the fin. Caudal fin slightly
rounded, its length being contained five times and a-half in the
total. The pectoral is little more than half the length of the head.
Brown (in spirits), marbled with darker, and spotted with white.
King George's Sound. Tasmania.
787. ElIOMBOSOLEA LEPORI>TA, Gimth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 460.
B. 6-7. D. 65. A. 43.
The height of the body is contained twice and a-third in the
length (without caudal), the length of the head four times. Eyes
separated by a naked space, the width of which is less than the
vertical diameter of the eye. The lower eye is in advance of the
upper. Snout longer than the eye, the diameter of which is one-
seventh or one-eighth of the length of the head. The maxillary
of the right side extends to below the anterior margin of the eye ;
teeth in rather broad bands. The upper iaw slightly overlaps
the lower, which is received in a notch of the upper lip. The
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 131
cutaneous fold above the maxillary is well developed, bearing the
first dorsal rays. The gill-opening does not extend upwards
beyond the base of the pectorals. The dorsal fin terminates at a
distance from the caudal which is rather more than half the depth
of the free portion of the tail ; the anterior dorsal rays produced
beyond the connecting membrane with their tips split into two
fine filaments, but considerably shorter than the rays behind the
middle of the fin, the length of which is two-fifths of that of the
head. Caudal fin rounded, one-sixth of the total length. Ventral
and anal fins as in R. monopus. The length of the pectoral is not
much more than one-half of that of the head. Uniform-brownish
(in spirits).
Australia (Eichards.) Length nine inches.
788. Ehombosolea flesoides, Gunth.
Gunth., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1863, Vol. IL, p. 117.
B. 6. D. 62. A. 41.
Similar to R. leporina, but with the body more elevated. The
height of the body is rather less than one-half the length (with-
out caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths. Eyes separated
by a narrow, low, naked ridge, the lower being in advance of the
upper. A cutaneous flap is suspended from the maxillary, over-
hanging the mouth. The gill-opening does not extend upwards
beyond the base of the pectoral. The dorsal fin terminates at a
distance from the caudal, equal to one-fourth of the depth of the
free portion of the tail ; the first dorsal ray is inserted immediately
behind the maxillary appendage, and the four or five anterior
rays are produced beyond the connecting membrane, but are
considerably shorter than those behind the middle of the fin,
which are nearly half as long as the head. Caudal subtruncated,
its length being rather more than one-sixth of the total. The
pectoral is somewhat more than half the length of the head.
132 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Ventral as in 72. monopus xnxLleporina. Uniform brown. Length
fourteen inches.
Port Phillip. " Flounder " of the Fishermen.
789. Bhombosolea BASSENSis, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 167.
" The Sole " of the Melbourne Pishmarket.
D. 75. A. 51. P. 12. C. 18. V. 7. L.lat. 90.
The height of the body is contained twice and a-half in the
total length, the length of the head five times ; the space between
the eyes is covered with scales and is one-half the longitudinal
diameter of the eye in width ; the lower eye is considerably in
advance of the upper ; the length of the snout is contained three
times and two-thirds in the length of the head, the eye five times.
The dorsal fin begins at the extremity of the snout, the first
twenty-five rays are prolonged into short filaments. Teeth on
the blind side numerous, conical and sharp, in four or five
irregular lines. Scales of body punctate-striate and strongly
ciliated ; the fin rays scaly. Dark brown, marbled with black,
sometimes nearly entirely black.
Yarra River, Melbourne.
790. EnoMBOsoLEA ViCTOBLas, Casteln.
Plearonectes ? Victoria, Casteln., Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol.
L, p. 168.
D. 56-57. A. 41-42. P. 11. C. 19. V. 6. L. lat. 85.
The height of the body is twice and one-third in the total
length, the length of the head a little over four times ; diameter
of eye five times in the length of the head ; the space between
the eyes narrow and scaleless ; teeth on the blind side long,
slender, and numerous ; the snout up to the edge of the lower
eye, is as long as the diameter of the latter ; the lateral line is
straight, a branch from the operculum runs obliquely to the fifth
BY W. MACLEAY, E.L.S. 133
or sixth dorsal ray. Scales small, rounded and concave. The
dorsal fin is highest in the middle, and the rays are all longer than
the memhranes, the first is bifid and free or only connected with
the others by a very low membrane. Colour olive-green, with
large marbled blotches of a darker and brownish colour, blind
side white. Eye black, with an orange circle.
Port Phillip. " The Melbourne Flounder:'
This is clearly a Rlwmhosolea, a genus apparently abundant on
the South Coast of Australia, but never as yet taken so far north
as Sydney. Count Castelnau proposed separating the present
species from Rhomb osolea, because the dorsal fin does not commence
so near the snout as in the other species.
Genus Neorhombus, Casteln.
Jaws and dentition equally developed on both sides ; dorsal
fin commencing above the eye ; eyes on the left side. Teeth
strong, in form of canines, apart one from the other, in a single
series ; eyes large, about on the same line ; the space between
them forming a narrow curved ridge ; mouth wide ; the maxillary
large, being contained a little more than twice in the length of
the head ; caudal well separated from the other fins ; ventrals
and pectorals well developed ; lateral line very strongly curved
over the pectoral fin, and extending on to the caudal ; the scales
bordered and very finely ciliated."
Australia.
»
791. Neopjiojibus uxicolor, Castel.
Eesearches on the Pishes of Australia, p. 45.
D. 55. A. ?. P. 13. C. 17.
Height of body contained twice and a-half in the total length,
the length of the head three times and two-thirds, and less than its
height. Snout convex in front of the eyes ; dorsal fin rounded ;
134 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
pectorals two-thirds of the length of the head. Colour (in spirits)
dark brown.
Fremantlo (Castelnau). Length nine and a-half inches.
Genus Peltoriiamfus, Gunth.
Mouth small, twisted towards the left side, toothless on the
other ; teeth minute, in two distinct series on the left branches of
the jaws ; vomerine and palatine teeth none. Eyes on the right
side, of moderate size ; snout dilated, flat, sharp, bent downwards,
hook-like. Dorsal and anal rays branched, naked. The dorsal
fin commences on the foremost part of the snout. Pectorals well
developed. The right ventral is continuous with the anal, the
left very small. Scales small, ctenoid ; the lateral line straight.
Gill-openings narrow, the gill-membranos being broadly united
below the throat ; gill-rakers short.
New Zealand. Norfolk Island.
792. Peltoriiamaus Novje-Zealandle, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes IV., p. 461.
B. 5. D. 92. A. 57. P. de::tr. 11, sin. 7. V. dextr. G, sin. 5.
L. lat. 78.
Brownish-olive, marbled with darker. Two blackish blotches
on the lateral line.
Norfolk Island.
Genus Solea, Cuv.
Eyes on the right side, the upper being more or less in advance
of the lower. Cleft of mouth narrow, twisted round to the left
side. Teeth on the blind side only, where they are villiform,
forming bands ; no vomerine or palatine teeth. The dorsal fin
commences on the snout and is not confluent with the caudal.
Scales very small, ctenoid ; lateral lino straight.
Inhabitants of all seas.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 133
793. SoLEA MIC110CEPHALA, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes IV., p. 466.
D. 79. A. 65. P. 11. L. lat. 90.
The height of the "body is contained twice and three-quarters
in the length (without caudal), the length of the head nearly six
times. Each scale with about thirteen spines on its margin. Jaws
equal in length anteriorly ; the nostril on the coloured side is
prolonged into a tube as long as the eye ; the left side of the
snout with numerous short papilla). Eyes very close together,
the upper slightly in advance. Pectoral fin with broad base, not
much shorter than the head ; that on the left side is very short
and attached to the gill-membrane by a fold ; ventrals separate,
not continuous with the anal. The dorsal and anal fins terminate
immediately before the root of the caudal, their posterior rays
extending beyond the middle of the caudal. Anterior dorsal rays
short ; caudal entirely free, its length being eight times and
a-half in the total length. Brown, with eleven or thirteen dark
cross-hands, broader than the interspaces : the first on the snout,
the second immediately behind the eyes, the last across the root
of the caudal ; vertical fins black.
Port Jackson.
794. Solea Macleayajsta, Eamsay.
Proc. Linn. Soc. M. S. Wales, Vol. V., p. 462.
Port Jackson.
Genus Pardachirus, Gunth.
Eyes on the right side, the upper in advance of the lower.
Mouth unsymmetrical, narrow, narrower on the left side than on
the right ; teeth minute, on the blind side only. Dorsal and
anal rays scaly ; the dorsal commences on the extremity of the
snout, and terminates at the root of the caudal. Pectorals none.
Two separate ventrals. Scales small, not or only slightly ciliated;
136 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
lateral line straight, a second on the blind side along the upper
profile of the neck, commencing from the snout ; each dorsal and
anal ray with a pore at the base. Gill-openings narrow, the
gill-membranes being broadly united below the throat ; gill-rakers
rudimentary.
Indian Ocean and Archipelago.
795. Pardaciiirus pavoninus, Lacep.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 479.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Pieuron., tab.
10, fig. 1.
D. 67. A. 50-52. L. lat. 90.
Dorsal and anal rays branched. Only the scales on the head
and a few on the body minutely ciliated. The height of the body
is two-fifths or one third of the total length (without caudal).
Yellowish-brown ; the head and body with numerous larger and
smaller rounded white spots, edged and minutely dotted with dark
brown, and with a round black dot in the centre ; vertical fins
with numerous whitish ocelli.
East Indian Archipelago, and Australia, Cape Grenville
(Chevert Exp.).
Genus Syxaptura, Cant.
Eyes on the right side, the upper in advance of the lower. Cleft
of the mouth narrow, twisted to the left side ; teeth minute, on
the blind side only ; no vomerine or palatine teeth. Vertical fins
confluent. Scales small, ctenoid. Lateral line straight.
Indian and Australian Seas.
796. Synaptura quagga, Kaup.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes IV., p. 485.
D. 68. A. 58-60. C. 18. P. 9. L. lat. 90.
Tho upper eye slightly in advance of the lower. The height
of the body is rather less than one-third of the total length, the
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 137
length of the liead somewhat less than one-sixth. Jaws equal in
length anteriorly ; nasal tube not prolonged ; eyes contiguous,
each with a small tentacle. The upper rays of the right pectoral
are prolonged, two-thirds of the length of the head ; the left
pectoral is very short, but rather broad. The gill-membranes
are dilated on both sides and annexed to the pectorals. Yellowish,
with eleven brown cross-bands, broader than the interspaces :
only the anterior bands are more or less geminate : the first across
the snout, the second behind the eyes, the third across the gill-
opening, the last separated by a white band from the caudal.
Caudal blackish-brown, with a pair of black ocellated spots, edged
with white, on its posterior half.
Sydney, Brisbane, and Swan Paver (Castelnau).
797. Synaptura sclerolepis, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 363 pi. 10, fig. 4.
Port Darwin.
798. Synaptura nigra, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. V., p. 49.
Botany Bay.
Genus Plagusia, Cuv.
Eyes on the left side ; pectorals none ; vertical fins conilucnt.
Scales small, ctenoid ; lateral line on the left side double or treble.
Upper part of the snout produced backwards into a long hook,
covering the mandible ; mouth unsymmetrical, rather narrow ;
lips of the coloured side with tentacles ; teeth minute, on the
right side only. One nostril on the left side, before the angle of
the lower orbit; none between the eyes. Gill-opening very narrow.
Indian and Australian Seas.
799. Plagusia guttata, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 362, pi. 10, fig. 3.
Port Darwin, Endeavour Paver.
138 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
800. Plagusia acuminata, Castelu.
Researches ou the Fishes of Australia, p. 44.
D. 90. A. 90. C. 10. V. 4.
The greatest height of the body is contained four times and
one-third in the total length, the length of the head five and a-half
times ; the highest part is about the first third of its length, from
thence it tapers to the tail, which is very acute ; only one lateral
line on the left side ; the lip tentacles of the coloured side are
short but thick ; the height of the head at the opercle is equal to
its length, rostral hook long, extending behind the lower eye ;
scales strongly ciliated. Colour of an uniform light creamy pink,
the fin rays marbled with brown.
West Australia.
801. Plagusia unicolor, n. sp.
" The Lemon Sole" of the Fishermen."
D. 120. A. 90. V. 4. L. lat. 100 on the body.
Height of body about three and a-half times in the total length ;
the body tapering to a pointed tail. Postral hook long ; eyes
small, more than their diameter apart, the upper sensibly in
advance of the lower, a fleshy tubercle in front of the lower eye
on the coloured side ; a similar tubercle over the mouth on the
blind side, marking the position of one of the nostrils. Mouth
small, much twisted, on the coloured side with the lips covered
with tentacles. Scales small, ctenoid, two lateral lines on the left
side running almost parallel and extending from the front of the
head to the tail ; the upper keeping near the dorsal fin, the other
near the middle of the body. The vertical fins are low, the rays
simple. Colour light yellowish-brown, (the fins a little redder),
indistinctly mottled with ashy-grey.
Port Jackson. Length six inches.
139
On the Flora of Stradbroke Island, witii a description of
new species.
By F. M. Bailey, F.L.S., &c.
Tlio above island lias been visited by botanists, and yet its
flora is not well known. I made a visit to it some short time
since in company with the Rev. B. Scorteehini, a member of this
Society and an indefatigable worker in the flora of South
Queensland. The island forms one of the south and east
boundaries of Moreton Bay. It is about forty miles in length,
and seven wide. It is of somewhat wedge-shaped form.
It seems to be mainly composed of loose drift sand, and may
at one time have been a bank drifted up from the ocean similar
to those which now make Moreton Bay so shallow or so difficult
of navigation. The sand hills on the island are of considerable
height, with large freshwater swamps between. There is not
much grass, and what there is becomes coarse in the scrubs, but
in places where there is not much timber a fair turf is formed.
Spots may be found where Loysia punycns, Willd., forms a turf
almost equal to the couch or Cynodon dactylon, Pers.
The timber consists of a few Eucalypti, conspicuous amongst
which is M. Planclioniana, F.v.M., a tree hitherto thought confined
to the Eight Mile Plains on the Logan road. E. rohusta, Sm., is
of frequent occurrence round the edge of the swamps. There
are several Banlcsia : B. semula, P. Br., is the most abundant and
forms a large spreading tree. Its wood constitutes the principal
fuel used at the Benevolent Asylum at Dunwich on this island.
The other trees are Casuarina, Acacia, Frenela, Timonius Rumphii,
Poxb., &c. The shrub Micinocarpus pinifolim, Desf., here grows
up into a small fastigiall tree like a little Cypress. It flowers
profusely and is one of the most beautiful of Australian shrubs.
Leptosperma, Melaleuca and plants of Epaeridece are numerous, but
it will suffice here to mention only those whoso Queensland
140 FLORA OF STRADBROKE ISLAND,
habitat is not given in Bentham's and Mueller's Flora. First of
these, Boronia pinnala, Sm., is met with in abundance along the
edge of swamps forming often a dense thicket of from five to six
feet in height. This when in bloom is a very attractive plant.
B. parviflora, Sm., a much smaller species is frequently found in
various localities. On some spots of very dry ground high up
on the hill sides usually under the Casuarina and French we
noticed large quantities of Macarthuria neocambrica, F.v.M., a small,
probably an annual, plant belonging to Ficoidecc. The following
might bo added to the diagnosis of this species given in the
"Flora Australiensis " : — Habit of plant compact, 6 to 12 in.
broad, 3 to G in. high, composed of a few lanceolate radical leaves
3 or 4 in. long, which taper into rather long petioles. The rest
of the plant formed of flowering branches which are dichotomously
divided, bearing few small linear-oblong, nearly filiform leaves.
Flowers near the ends of the branches, small, and pedicellate.
Petals white, seeds black, and muricate. Flowering in October.
Scattered over both Stradbroke and Peel Island are two species
of Bipodium, the common D. punctatum, E. Br., and another new
species of which the following is a diagnosis :
Ordo ORCHIDEsF.—Tkib. VANBF2E.
Bipodium Ilamiltonianum, F. M. B., fsp. not.)
Glabrum, rhizomate brevibus crassis squamis induto, caule muWjloro,
sepalts petalisque acqualiter oblong is, flavis, bifida caudicula reclinante.
In locis arenosis insula Stradbroke ct Peel : F. If. B.
Planta efoliata. Rhizoma spissum, caulis 1 — 3' longus, basi cir-
cumdatus Irevibus, crassis, obtusis, imbricatis squamis, superioribus
aculiusculis, nee ita ticinis. F lores 24 — 30 maximum caulis partem
tenentes, aureo-fulvi, purpurea maculati. Sepalia ct petalia fere
aequalia 8"' oblong a. Labellum similiter long urn, velpaulo longms,
mento brcvi, lateral/bus tubis lincaribus, obtusis, creelis, croceis, medio
lobo oblongo, roseo, duplici linear i eminent! calloadbasim rimato, prope
BY F. M. EAIEEY, F.L.S., ETC. 141
jincm multo albo tomento induto. Columna dimidium scpalium attingens.
Pollinia duo ovalia, supra hijidum caudiculum tota sua longitudine in
columnam recumbmtem lata.
Brevitas squamarum, florum color et numcrus, caudiculce rcclinatio,
qua comtans ccrnitur unoquoque examplari ad tristinam rcvocato,
optime sejungunt ham specicm a I). punctate
Uomhie Jacoli JIamiltoni ham speeiem roco, qui curam gerens puoliei
Imtituti a viris'senio confectis, phcrimum adjuvat in colligendis
Naturalis Historice exemplaribus circa Imulas ad Moreton sinum
positas.
Plant near D. punctatum, leafless, stems 1 to 3 feet high, from
a thick rhizome, the base clothed with thick, short, obtuse,
imbricate scales, the upper ones more distant and acute. Flowers
large, distant, but numerous, often from 24 to 30, usually of a
rich yellow spotted with purple, and occupying' the greater part
of the stem. Sepals and petals oblong, about eight lines long.
Labellum as long or longer, pouch short, lateral lobes linear,
obtuse, erect, yellow, middle lobe oblong, pink, disk with two
raised lines, the upper part with a dense white tomentum.
Column about half as long as the sepals. Pollen-masses two,
oval, the caudicles closely prostrate, rather long, like a lino on
the surface until lifted on the point of a needle.
The shortness of the scales, the color of flowers and above all
the prostrate or recumbent position of the caudicles which is
constant in all the flowers examined, separate this species from
D. punctatum, It is the most attractive of all our Queensland
terrestrial orchids, and wants but to be seen to become a favorite
with cultivators of this curious family.
Ilab. Stradbroke and Peel Islands, Moreton Bay.
The specific name is in honour of Mr. James Hamilton, the
Superintendent of the Benevolent Asylum, Dunwich, who has
always lent a helping hand to collect the Natural History
specimens of the Islands of Moreton Bay.
142 FLORA OF STRADBROKE ISLAND
The most beautiful of the flowering plants are mot with in the
large swamps or along their margins. Philydrum lanuginosum,
Banks, which on the main land seldom rises above three feet, we
noticed over six feet high with correspondingly large foliage and
flowers, reminding one of the New Zealand flax. Drosera linata
Labill., which is a small weed in Tasmania, here occurs with
flower stalks two to three feet high. Equal in height with these
are the curiously twice-forked leaves measuring often one foot in
diameter. Here also the Xyris opereulata, Labill., produces large
bright yellow attractive flowers. But the most beautiful of these
swamp flowers are the two forms of Blandfordia, B.flammula,'
Hook., and its golden variety " aurea" ; these plants attain the
height of three or four feet, and bear at the summit of the stalks
a number of bell-shaped flowers about two inches long.
Two species of Xanthorrhcea inhabit these swamps. X macronema
F.v.M., which bears the largest flowers of the genus is a very
showy plant and well worthy of garden cultivation. The other
species is X hastilis, E. Br. It is somewhat remarkable that no
Queensland habitat is mentioned in the Flora Australiensis for
this species, considering it is so plentiful on the island, and also
that its flower spikes are used by the natives to make into a kind
of beer. They collect the abundant juice from the nectary and
allow it to ferment.
In viewing the extensive swamps of Stradbroke one cannot
help feeling somewhat surprised that they should be allowed to
be idle when they are so admirably adapted for rice cultivation.
With regard to the richness of the soil one has only to look at
the luxuriance of the natural vegetation, and this is so striking
as to cause one to think that instead of plants of unusually
luxuriant growth one had fallen in with new species. The
land is Hat, but easily drained and of large extent. In parts
where the swamps are timbered is seen in perfection the superb
orchid, Phaius grandifolius, Lour., and its yellow variety Bemaysii,
with the other lovely terrestrial orchid Calcmthe veratrifolia, Bl. ;
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S., ETC. 143
we were glad also to see at the foot of some of the Avicennias just
so as to be washed by the high tide, the pretty little Primulaceous
creeper Samolus repens, Pers. Epiphytal orchids do not seem to
be plentiful on the trees, and at the time of our visit, there were
but few fungi to be seen, except at one spot where we found a
large quantity of the poisonous agaric Russula cmetica, Fr., found
also in Europe. On some old logs we also gathered specimens
of one of the cup lichens Cladonia pyxidata, Hoffm. Our stay
was so short that we could do no more than glance about us, but
no doubt an immense harvest awaits a patient and industrious
collector on this island. Our visit was made at the end of
October.
As next to the discovery of new species, fresh habitat is of
importance to the botanist, I will bring under your notice that
Erythrina indica, Lam., a tree hitherto thought to be exclusively
tropical has been lately met witli at Tallegalla the high land of
the Eosewood scrubs situated some thirty or forty miles from
Brisbane. Mrs. Marquis from whom I received the specimens,
tells me that there are several of these trees, and that they are
from sixty to one hundred feet high, thus equalling those of our
tropical coast.
I will conclude these few remarks with the description of a
new species of Angophora and Daviesia which I found some time
bach at a locality called " the Eight Mile Plain" about ten or
twelve miles from Brisbane on the Logan Eoad.
Ordo MYRTACEjE.—Trib. LEPTOSPERIIE.E.
Angophora Woodsiana, F. M. B., fsp. nor. J
Arbor alia, cortiee persistente, ct rimoso, capite expanso. Hamuli
scape tetragoni. Folia crassiuscula 4 — 7" longa, lanceolata-acuminata,
bast obliquo euneata, copiosis aesubtilibus vents pinnatis in venamjuxta
marginem desinentibus, et venulis reticulatis inter primarias percursa,
in petiolum h — f" longum angustata. Paniculce terminates, maxime
144 FLORA OF STRADBROKE ISLAND,
ramosee ; quisque ramus ml pedunculus late compressus umhellas germs
2 — 7 florwm, qui magnitudine aliarum angophorarumflores exsupcrant.
Pedieclli f — 1" longi acute angular es. Calicis tubus tres tineas longi-
tucline, 4-5 tineas latitudine in summitate met tens, costatus, quatuor v el
quinque costis patentihus, ceeteris non ita conspicuis. Petala communiter
quatuor, basi lata, summitate retusa, duro apieevcluti in A. intermedia.
Frutescens calix summitate h" laius,
Inplanitievulgo diet. "Fight Mile Plains" prope Brisbane una cum
Eucalypto turn Bayleyana turn Planchoniana invenitur.
Speciem Itanc dicavi preestanti ac Reverendo Domino Juiiano E.
Teni son- Woods, Linnccanacc Societatis Neo Camb. Aust. digno Prcrsidi.
Sp. A. subvclutina fotiis subcordatis valdc proximo .
A large tree with spreading head. Bark rough, persistent as
in A. intermedia. Timber like the rest of the genus of but little
value, and having concentric fissures, filled with a red fluid gum
similar to the Bloodwood (Eucalyptus corymbosaj. The branchlets
often four-angled ; leaves thick, four to seven inches long,
lanceolate-acuminate, oblique-cuneate at the base, with numerous
fine parallel pinnate veins, and reticulate between them, conuected
by an intramarginal one near the edge, petioles half to three-
quarter inches long. Panicles terminal, large, spreading, each
branch or peduncle flattened and bearing an umbel of two to
seven rather large flowers. Pedicels three-quarters to one inch
long, acutely angled ; calyx-tube three lines long, four or five lines
diameter at the top, ribs four or five prominent, the secondary
ones inconspicuous or altogether wanting. Petals usually four,
broad and truncate at the top, the apiculate extremity of the
hard part being below the margin as in A. intermedia. Fruiting
calyx half in diameter at the top, and rather longer with four or
five prominent wings produced into teeth, secondary ribs wanting
or inconspicuous. Pedicels slender, angled, one inch long.
Habitat Eight Mile Plains, in company with Eucalyptus Baihyana
and E. Planchoniana. The specific name is in honor of the Rev.
BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S,, ETC. 145
J. E. Tenison-Woods, F.G.S., President of the Linnean Society,
New South Wales.
This species is allied to A. subvelutina, on the one hand, and
A. intermedia on the other. The young foliage being somewhat
cordate at the base and slightly glaucous like the first, and the
habit of the tree is that of the latter. But its panicles and
flowers are larger, the pedicels longer and the secondary ribs of
the calyx are more frequently wanting ; the foliage is also much
larger and of a thicker consistence.
Oedo LEGUMINOSjE.
Daviesia Wyattiana, F. M. B., Series umbellatce.
Frutex alba, erecta, glabra 3 — 10' metiens. Rami acute triangulares
striati. Folia linearia 6 — 12" longa, 2 — 3"' lata, basim versus ubi
media costa utrinque conspicua cernitur, angustata, venis maxime obliquis
parallellis, atque ita reticulatis ut oblongas areolas construant, 1 — 3
pedunculiex superioribus axis emanantes 8"' circiter longi, quisque gerens
umbellum qumque florum pariter pedicellatorun. Bractae tres vel
quatuor subtus medietatem pedunculorum sitae, atque aliae efformantes
invoherum prope pedicellas. Pedicelli 6"' circiter longi, articulati
prope calicem. Calix 2"' longus, aeque denticulatus, leviter interne
pubescens. Vexillum flabelliforme emarginatum, luteum, circa medium
purpureum 3"' latum, alae aeque ac vexillum longae, lutece ad apice
purpurece. Legumen compressum 5'" longum. Semina perpluries
solitaria, oblonga ampla strophiola donata.
Apud Eight Mile Plains. Florescit mense Sept. ac Novembris.
Species voveo Doctori Gulielmo Wyatt qui in Australia meridionali
botanicam ac horticulturam maxime fovet.
A tall erect glabrous shrub of from five to ten feet, branches
acutely triangular, the faces striate. Leaves linear, six to twelve
inches long, two or three lines broad, tapering towards the base,
where the midrib is prominent on both sides, veins very oblique
almost parallel, the reticulations forming oblong areoles.
J
146 HABITS OF BLACK BREASTED BUZZARD,
Peduncles one to three in the axils, the upper branches about
eight lines long, each bearing an umbel of usually five pedicellate
flowers. Bracts three or four obtuse small ones on the lower half
of the peduncle and an involucre of similar ones close under the
pedicels. Pedicels about six lines long, articulate just below the
calyx. Calyx two lines long, teeth nearly equal, slightly
pubescent inside. Standard flabelliform, emarginate, yellow
with purple centre about three lines wide. Wings nearly as long
as standard. Keel shorter, yellowish with purple tips. Pod flat
about five lines long. Seeds usually solitary, oblong, mottled,
with large strophiole. Plowering in September and November.
Hal. Eight Mile Plains, Logan Poad.
The specific name is in honour of Dr. Wm, Wyatt, a great
promoter of Botany and Horticulture in South Australia.
Notes on toe habits of the Black Breasted Buzzard,
Gypoictinia melanostemon, Gould.
By K. H. Bennett, Esq.
The range of this bird — so far as my experience goes — is
confined to the plains which border the banks of the Murrumbidgec
and Lachlan Pivers, and the wide expanse of open country on
the north bank of the latter stream appears to be its especial
habitat, for it is most frequently seen in that locality, and
here also on several occasions I have discovered its nests. Its
prey to a great extent, consists of various reptiles — such as snakes
frill-necked, and sleepy lizards — it also has the singular habit of
robbing the nests of Emus and Wild Turkeys (Bustards) of their
eggs. My first information on this point I obtained from the
blacks, and for some time I was inclined to disbelieve their
assertion though the same story was told by blacks from all parts
of the district, as it was so contrary to my experience of the
Accipiter family. At length, however, I was compelled to
BY K. H. BENNETT, ESQ. 147
alter my opinion, for I subsequently found portions of Emu
egg shells in the nest of one of these Buzzards. The manner in
which they effect the abstraction of the Emu eggs — as told me by
the blacks — shows an amount of cunning and sagacity that one
would scarcely give the bird credit for, and is as follows : — " On
discovering a nest, the Buzzard searches about for a stone, or
what is much more frequently found here, a hard lump of calcined
earth. Armed with this the Buzzard returns (and should the
Emu be on the nest) alights on the ground some distance off, and
approaches with outstretched flapping wings, the Emu alarmed
at this, to it, strange looking object, hastily abandons the nest
and runs away, the Buzzard then takes quiet possession, and with
the stone breaks a hole in the side of each egg into which it
inserts its claw and carries them off at its leisure ; for when the
eggs are broken the Emu abandons the nest." So much for the
blacks' story !
This however, is in a great measure corroborated by a friend of
mine, who lives on the adjoining Station, and who told
me that in August last, he found the nest of an Emu containing
five eggs, and that all of them had a hole broken in the side, and
that the fracture had been done quite recently, and in the nest
also was one of these lumps of calcined earth about the size of a
man's fist.
In a nest to which I recently ascended, I found amongst the
remains of various reptiles, the shells of a couple of Bustards'
eggs. In this nest were a couple of young Buzzards lately
hatched.
I think after all this testimony there can be little doubt of its
nest-robbing proclivities, a habit which I think is peculiar to this
bird, and is not shared by any other member of the Accipiter
family so far as I know. I have often asked the blacks, if the
"Wedge-tailed Eagle robs nests, but they always say no.
The nest of this bird is a rough structure, generally placed on
a forked horizontal branch, and is often quite as large as that of
148 GESNERACE.E OF AUSTRALIA.,
the Wedge-tailed Eagle. It lays two eggs, which in colour and
shape resemble those of the above mentioned bird, but are much
smaller. Length 2-16 by 1*85, being strongly blotched with
bright rust-red, with spots and dots of the same colour.
It usually lays about the middle of August, and the young
leave the nest about the beginning of December. If undisturbed
the old birds resort year after year to the same nest, but should
it be robbed, they adandon it for ever, and it is never occupied
by birds of the same species again, although other species of
hawks, notably the brown hawk — (Hieracidea orientalisj sometimes
takes possession. I have never known the Buzzard to touch
carrion, or to feed upon anything that it did not capture, and
except at the nest I have never seen them perch on a tree, but I
have often seen them alight on the ground. The note which is
something between a whistle and a scream is only uttered when
visiting the nest.
Gesnerace.e of Australia.
By the Eev. Dr. Woolls, D.D., F.L.S., &c.
The order of Gesnerworts is for the most part tropical or semi-
tropical, and the species are generally valued for the beauty of
their flowers. The two suborders, into which the order is
divided (viz. Gesnerece and CyrtandreceJ, have a very different
geographical distribution, for whilst the former is limited to the
warmer parts of America, the latter extends to different regions
of the world, especially in the East. It was not until 1823, when
the eminent Explorer and Botanist Allan Cunningham visited
Mount Tomah, that any species of the order were known to exist in
Australia. The notice of Fieldia australis, which was subsequently
referred to the Gesneracece, is thus recorded in a paper of
Cunningham's in Hooker's Journal of Botany, Vol. IV., p. 286 :
" A climbing, rooting-stemmed plant adhering to the trunks of
the tree-ferns is very general in these shaded woods, where it
BY THE REV. DE. W00LLS, D.D., F.L.S. 149
covers also fallen timber. I was fortunate in detecting it in fruit
and flower, it belongs to that division of Bignoniacece of Jussien,
producing baccate fruit." This interesting plant which was
named in honour of Baron Field, (then Judge of the Supreme
Court of N. S. Wales), is found in moist and shady valleys from
Gipps Land to the Blue Mountains, (Frag. Phyto. Aust. Vol. IV.
p. 147.) and it is remarkable as being the solitary representative
of a genus, endemic in Australia.
Bcea hygroscopica, which has been discovered by Dallachy in
moist, shady places on the higher mountains at Kockingkam Bay,
was fully described by Baron Mueller in 1863, and referred to
Cyrtandrece. The genus Bcea, according to Mr. Bentham, com-
prises a few Asiatic species, one of them extratropical and one
from the Seychelles Islands ; whilst B. hygroscopica, which closely
resembles the Chinese B. hygrometrica, is the only one endemic in
Australia, being limited apparently to the northern parts of
Queensland. This plant is a perennial with a short, thick woolly
stock and radical leaves four or five inches long, having loosely
branched, somewhat umbellate flowers, which are rather numerous
and of a blue colour.
Since the publication of the fourth volume of the "Flora
Australiensis, a new species of the order was discovered at Lord
Howe's Island by Mr. Moore, F.L.S. , Director of the Botanical
Gardens. This plant is described in Baron Mueller's ''Fragmoita "
Vol. VII., p. 151, (1871), as a genus differing from any one
hitherto known in the order, though in some respects resembling
Conandra and Rhahdothamnus. It differs particularly from Field ia
and Baa in its erect and almost tree-like habit, as well as in the
shape and opening of the fruit. Baron Mueller has named the
plant Negria rhahdothamnoides, the generic name being in honour
of Professor Negri, the illustrious founder of the Italian
Geographical Society, whilst the specific name arises from its
likeness to Rhahdothamnus. This plant is said to attain a height
of eighteen feet, and is therefore probably the largest species of
150 REMARKS ON MEGAPODIUS BRAZIERI,
the order, thus showing that, whilst Australia affords the largest
species of the Labiate and Composite orders, a little island not
far from her coast presents us with one of the most remarkable
of the Gesneracece. Professor H. Baillon has recently published
a very elegant figure of N. rliahdothamnoides, which will enable
the student to recognise the peculiar marks of difference between
the new genus and those to which it is nearly allied. The Baron
separates it from Conandra, because the corolla is not of a rotate
shape, nor has the fifth stamen any anther, whilst the connectives
of the anthers do not cohere in a tube exceeding the cells. Prom
the New Zealand shrub, JRhabdotkamnus, the plant from Lord
Howe's Island is separated, not so much by habit, as by the
divisions of the calyx, the straightness of the filaments, the speedy
separation of the anthers, and the less regular fissure of the
capsule (Frag. VII.). Whilst the singular occurrence of Negria
in a remote part of the world affords a problem yet to be worked
out in the distribution of species, the plant commends itself by
its elegance and beauty to the consideration of Horticulturalists
and Florists.
Remarks on Megapodius Brazieri.
By J. Brazier, C.M.Z.S., &c, &c.
I wish to correct an error made by Mr. E. P. Pamsay, F.L.S.,
in a Paper on the " Birds of the Solomon Islands," published in
these Proceedings for 1879, p. 75. He there- states that I had
taken Mcgapodius Brenchleyi at the Island of Savo,*' in the Solomon
group, and that Dr. Sclater had named it from the egg alone,
having never seen the bird. The fact is that H.M.S. Curacoa,
which I accompanied as Naturalist, during the expedition to the
South Sea Islands, so interestingly described by the late Mr.
Brenchley in his " Cruise of the Curacoa," never called at Savo
at all, and the Megapodius eggs were not collected there.
* Known also as Savu, Galera, and Russell Island.
BY J. BRAZIER, C.M.Z.S., ETC. 151
I find in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London,
1869, p. 528, the undermentioned information : " The Secretary
exhibited, on behalf of Mr. John Brazier, C.M.Z.S., a specimen
of an egg of a species of Megapodius from Banks' Islands, and
read the following notes by Mr. Brazier concerning it : — ' The
egg I send the Society I obtained, with four other specimens, at
Vanua Lava, or the Great Island in Banks' Group, 13° 52' S.
lat., 1C9° 4' E. long., situated near the New Hebrides group.
The bird is well known to the inhabitants of Banks' Island ; and
my specimens were purchased of a native. The Megapodius that
lays this egg builds its mound on the mountains near the sulphur
springs. The natives told me that the mound is large ; or as
they expressed it, a ' big-fellow house.' The contents of the eggs
were good eating. When I was on shore collecting shells, &c.,
at Sandwich Island, New Hebrides, a native offered me two eggs
for sale, but he wanted more than I felt inclined to give him for
them. I believe my friend Sir W. S. "Wiseman took four or five
of the very same egg, that had been brought alongside of the
ship at Vanua Lava, or Great Island. When I had bought my
specimens from the natives, I set out at once for the mountains
to obtain, if possible, some of the birds ; but it came on to rain,
and night setting in, I had to return to the ship. Our stay there
was only one day, for the greater part of which it rained. I was
the first naturalist that had ever landed on the island to collect
specimens of natural history. I should mention that I obtained
the eggs on the 21st of August, 1865. I send you one specimen ;
one I keep myself ; and the other I sent to Mr. Krefft, for
our National Museum."
The statement that I kept one for myself was not quite correct.
I retained three of the eggs, two of which I have since presented
to the Hon. W. Macleay and Dr. Cox, respectively.
Mr. Sclater stated that he was not aware of any previous record
of the existence of Meffapodim in the group of the New
Hebrides, except the short notes of Dr. Bennett (P.Z.S., 1862,
152 REMARKS ON MEGAPODIUS BRAZIERI
p. 247) where he alluded to the occurrence of this form in the
islands of Tanna and Sandwich. Mr. Sclater had compared the
present specimen with the series of eggs of the birds of this genus
in the British Museum, and found it to come nearest to that of
Megapodius Pritchardi, G. E. Gray (P.Z.S., 1864, p. 41, pi. vi.)
which is figured in Hartlaub and Finsch's Ornithology of
Polynesia, plate 2. But it was larger and more deeply coloured
than that egg, and appeared to indicate the existence of an
undescribed species of Megapode in Banks' Island, for which,
following Mr. Gray's example, he suggested the name of
Megapodius Brazieri.
Mr. Brenchley remarks at page 240 in the " Cruise of H.M.S.
Curac,oa " — " The natives brought me three large eggs of a bird
which lives in the vicinity of those hot waters, that "Wall was of
opinion belonged to the genus Megapodius. These eggs, of much
greater length than width, and pretty nearly the same size at
either end, were of a pinkish tint ; they reminded me that when
at the island of Vate, * at the Christian village where Mr.
Morrison lived, a native offered me two eggs exactly similar,
which I declined, from fear of breaking them. I have heard
that a large bird is to be found also in the neighbourhood of the
volcano of Tanna."
The Megapodius Brenchleyi, described by Mr. G. E. Gray, Ann.
and Mag. N. H., 1870, Vol. V., 4th series, p. 328, -'Cruise of the
Curac^a," page 392, pi. 20, was found at Gulf Island, also called
Galfe and Uji, Solomon Group.
Mr. G. E. Gray distinctly says, "A single specimen of the
young bird, and two eggs (unfortunately in a broken state), were
obtained at Gulf Island, where they were discovered in the
month of September, 1865. These eggs are, both in size and
colour, very similar to that of the Megapodius Brazieri, described
by Mr. Sclater in Proc. Zool. Soc, 1869, p. 528. In 1864, I
* Vate is the native, the English name is Sandwich Island of Captain Cook.
BY J. BRAZIER, C.M.Z.S., ETC. 153
observed, in the Proc. Zool. Soc., p. 42, that an egg (very similar
in every respect to those above referred to), had been brought
from San Christoval Island. As Gulf Island lies close to this
last mentioned island, it is therefore very probable that the
birds of these two islands may eventually prove to be of one and
the same species. Mr. Sclater has recorded that an egg of
a Megapode, which he has described, under the name of
Megapodius Brazieri, in the Proc. Zool. Soc, 1869, p. 528, has
been found and brought from Banks' Islands. Mr. Brenchley's
collection contains three specimens of eggs of a Megapode that
were obtained at Vanua Lava, two of which are similar in colour
and size to that described by Mr. Sclater ; but the third example
is a dirty white. Mr. Brenchley has a note in reference to them,
that they were found in the vicinity of the hot springs on the
mountains during the month of August 1865. The neighbouring
group of islands, the New Hebrides, is also the abode of a species
of Megapode ; and we are told by Captain M'Leod that they are
found abundantly, especially on Tanna and Sandwich Island.
Both these islands are also referred to by Mr. Brenchley, who
remarks that on the first mentioned island a large bird is spoken
of as living in the vicinity of the volcanoes ; while in the second
island eggs of a Megapode had been offered for sale. It may be
remarked that the mature state of the bird of both these
groups is at present unknown to Ornithologists."
From this it will be seen that Mr. Eamsay was in the first
place incorrect, in stating that the egg to which Dr. Sclater gave
the named of Megapodius Brazieri, was found at Savo Island,
Solomon Group, when it was in reality found at Vanua Lava, or
Great Island of Banks' Group, some hundreds of miles distant.
He has also expressed his opinion of the probability of the
Megapodius Brenchleyi of Gray, being of the same species as M.
Brazieri. This is a mere vague surmise ; the two species may
possibly be identical, but there is not a shadow of pi'oof in support
of that view, and the probability is very great that M. Brenchleyi,
154 REMARKS ON MEGAPOD1US . BRAZIERI,
from Gulf Island in the Solomon Group, is not the same as the
If. Brazieri from the Bank's Group.
I subjoin the following quotation from the Zoological Society's
Proceedings for 1874, p. 606, as it throws some light on the
distribution of the genus in the South Seas : —
"A series of eggs of Ifegapodes (Ifegapodhm) transmitted by
Mr. John Brazier, C.M.Z.S., was exhibited, and the following
notes on them read : — 'I send twenty-four eggs of a species,
or of various species of Megwpode, of which fourteen are from
Savu or Gal era, or Russell Island ; one from Treasury Island ;
and nine from New Britain, all islands of the Solomon Group.
I also send one bird in spirits, which was hatched on board
ship, August 21st, and died September 8th, 1872; this bird
was from a Savu egg. The natives bring these eggs off for
sale to passing ships by the tbousand ; they use them raw.
I have eaten the eggs when boiled, but do not much care for
them, as they have a raw-potato-like taste and smell about them.
When boiled, the thin membrane that covers the cilbumen is of
a lead-colour ; but when the yolk and albumen are beat together
and made into an omelette, as I have seen our cook do, it is not
to be known from the common fowl's egg. At New Britain the
natives brought them off also in great quantities, like the Savu
natives ; in fact one saw the blue jackets eating them all day
long, or as long as the eggs lasted. There must have been a
great many thousands consumed in two days at both islands.
At Treasury Island I obtained four, but I broke two in blowing ;
I send one. I also send a very young bird from a New Britain
egg. When at San Christoval, I was shown an egg that Perry,
a white man living there these last five years, said vvas laid by
the ' Wild Fowl ' ; and upon my visiting him a few days after,
he had just obtained another from the nest of his domestic fowls.
He being in bad health at the time, I did not press him to let mo
have it ; and for two days I traversed the mountains with guides
to try and obtain specimens of the bird, but without success.' "
155
Notes on the occurrence, of Artesian Wells in the Albert
District, New South Wales.
By C. S. Wilkinson, L.S., F.G.S.
As the occurrence of Artesian wells on the Messrs. Officer's
Killarah Eun, near the Darling River, may not be generally
known to the members of this Society, I desire to lay before them
a few particulars regarding it.
In putting down some tube-bores at the so-called "Mud
Springs" of Wee Wattah and Mulyeo, at Killarah, Mr. David
Brown, manager for the Messrs. Officer Bros., struck a strong
flow of water, which, at the Wee Wattah spring rose in the bore
and flowed from the tube at a height of twenty-six feet above
the surface of the ground. Some months ago Mr. Brown
personally informed me of his important discovery ; and more
recently Mr. H. A. Gilliat, Government Inspector of Tanks, who
has seen the wells, has also given me a description of them which
I will relate to you in his own words.
"The Wee Wattah Well is in a large flat about eighteen
miles back from the Eiver Darling. Mr. Brown had five bores
put down, varying from 134 to 142 feet, from all of which water
was obtained. But from the last bore water is now running Mr.
Brown estimates, at the rate of nine gallons per minute, with a
temperature at the surface, of 82° Fahr. All the others were
choked by the fine drift coming up the pipe ; some iron pyrites,
and a few water worn pebbles were found amongst the drift.
The bore passes through clay and clay mixed with drift until the
water was struck at 110 feet.
" The water has flowed over pipes screwed on at a height of
twenty-six feet above the surface, and without perceptible
diminution of the supply to ten feet above the surface.
" From one of the bores water flowed for some time at the rate
of fifty gallons per minute, but it soon became choked with the
drift. Four inch pipes are used in the bores.
156 OCCURRENCE OF ARTESIAN "WELLS, ALBERT DISTRICT,
" Close to this is a Mud spring, about forty feet in diameter,
there is no perceptible flow from it, but -water is always to be
found in a hole that has been opened in it. It is similar to some
found on the Flinders, in the neighbourhood of Mount Brown,
though not retaining the usual shape of a regular truncated cone,
which may be owing to it having been trampled down by cattle.
"Mullyeo is fourteen miles North-east from Wee Wattah, and
twenty-four miles back from the Darling. Close to an old native
spring Mr. Brown has put down four bores, all of which are still
running, although the pipes have been drawn from three on
account of the small supply.
" In the last bore put down, water was struck at 49 feet, and
is flowing at the surface at the rate of twelve gallons per minute ;
the water here is cooler at the surface, the temperature being
about 63° Fahr. I have placed in Mr. Wilkinson's hands some
small pieces of bone, found in these bores. Water was struck
first at seventeen feet from the surface, and the bore went through
drift with no clay from the surface. The flow ceases at a height
of four feet above the surface. The pipes are of the same
diameter as at Wee Wattah.
" Groomery is on the Toorah Run, belonging to Messrs.
McCaughey and Co., the owners of the Dunlop Station. I am
informed that the bore is about 100 feet deep, and the water rises
to the surface; the supply is small ; it is about twenty -five
miles back from the river, and is in a line with the two wells just
described. I was unable to visit it, and I am consequently unable
to give any particulars."
This discovery of Artesian water is of great importance ; and
I have no doubt but that in many other localities throughout the
Darling District similar water supply will be obtained.
The fragments of bones above referred to, are probably, those
of the Diprotodon ; with them Mr. Brown also found fragments
BY C. S. WILKINSON, L.S., F.G.S. 157
of petrified wood. The water-bearing strata are of Post Pliocene
age.
Contribution to a South Queensland Flora.
By the Eev. B. Scortechini, L.L.B.
The only department of Australian Botany, which has received
as yet any thing like a fair share of study from scientific men, is the
taxological department, Much road remains untrodden before
we shall go through all the branches of Australian Botany.
Many treasures lie hidden under ground, which paleontological
Botany will some day bring to light. Many medicinal properties,
useful and economic principles, pervade our plants, which botanic
chemistry will in future wrest from them. Little or nothing has
been done in cryptogamic Botany. Even in systematic Botany
not a little is left undone.
If that imperishable monument raised by the genius and labour
of Bentham and Mueller — the Flora Australiensis — is a sure guide
to the classification of Australian plants, and as such cannot be
surpassed, yet the distribution of our plants is very imperfectly
known. To this knowledge, the compilation of local Floras will
lead, a work of time and patience. Pew of them as yet exist.
Towards the completion of a South Queensland Plora I beg to
contribute a list of some plants, which are not known to science
as existing in South Queensland. The area in which I met them
growing extends from South and West of the Logan waters to
the border of the Colony, and the Pacific sea-shore. The President
of this Society and Mr. Bailey have already given us a complete
census of the Brisbane Flora, which takes a radius of twenty-five
miles around Brisbane. The incomplete list I now offer, begins
where the Brisbane Plora list ends, on the south side.
Much the same Plora as that of Brisbane prevails in this area,
but many inhabitants of the New South Wales Plora enter our
158 CONTRIBUTION TO A SOUTH QUEENSLAND FLORA,
territory without reaching Brisbane. Some of our northern
forms of vegetation are here too localized. Thus it is like a place
of meeting of the Northern and Southern Flora. There are few
which are so local, as to have no representatives either South or
North. From the few facts presented by the habitat of these
plants, there is no room to make an attempt at generalization. Any
particular remark which might be deemed worthy of notice will
be appended after each plant. No new species are here described ;
nor is it likely that we shall find many new ones in this locality.
The South Queensland Flora is not isolated, since the South
and North Flora meet here, and these being already known from
the thorough search instituted elsewhere, little remains unknown.
Neither are all the species here mentioned, which while
existing elsewhere belong likewise to our Flora. Many in-
accessible places are as yet unexplored, many scrubs are not as
yet penetrated, many heights are not scaled, many swamps have
not been waded through. If it falls to my lot to come by them,
I shall present another handful of them, and thus help to a
compilation of the Flora of this locality.
Dilleniace^.
Hihlertia dentata, E. Br.
A southern plant, which extends from Victoria through New
South Wales into Queensland. Only very sparingly to be found
in South Queensland. The northernmost station in which I
have met it is Tambourine mountain, thirty miles south of
Brisbane ; it is more frequently to be seen as we proceed further
South. It flowers very early in spring.
Crucifer^e.
Cardamine stylosa, DC.
Like the preceding, a southern plant ; it is observed from
the eastern coast of Tasmania, through Victoria and New South
Wales. Its entrance into Queensland was first noticed by Mr.
BY THE REV. B. SCORTECTIINI, L.L.B. 159
W. Hill, at Mount Lindsay. I have seen it growing plentifully
at Tambourine Mountain, in localities where the scrub had been
cleared. In August it was already in fruit.
CAR YOPIIYLLE.E .
Stelhria media, Willi. DC, Prod. I. 397.
As Leichhardt found this on the plains of the Condamine, it is
not, strictly speaking, a new member of the Queensland Flora :
still no station was noted for it on the eastern side of the ranges.
Its beautiful white star-like flowers break the dull monotony of
the wet flats along the Albert River in the months of October
and November.
Malvaceae.
Sida corrugata, Lindl., in Mitch. Three Exped., II , 13.
This most variable plant flowers at Dugundan in November.
Sterculiace^e.
Sterculia diversifolia, Don., Gen Syst. I., 516.
It flowers in October at Dugundan.
Mdhania incana, Heyne : W. and Arn. Prod. 68.
A small tropical shrub, flowering at Dugundau in the month
of March.
RlTTACE^E.
Boroniapinnata, Sm., Tracts. 290, t. 4.
I observed this first in a somewhat dwarfed state trailing on the
ground at Nerang Creek, and met it again in Stradbroke Island
in a stately form bordering the edges of swamps. A prettier and
hardier shrub for ornamental cultivation is hardly to be obtained.
Its flowering season runs from August to November.
160 CONTRIBUTION TO A SOUTH QUEENSLAND FLORA,
Boronia parviflora, Sm. Tracts. 295, t. 6.
Another southern Boronia entering into Queensland. To call
it parviflora, seems to he a misnomer if applied to the Boronia
which grows in Stradbroke Island. After all this might prove
to be a large variety of the normal B. parviflora. This Stradbroke
variety presents all the parts of B. parviflora proportionately
larger. It flowers in August.
Meliaceje.
Owenia venosa, F. Muell.
It grows plentifully on the eastern side of the dividing range
at Coochin. Flowers and fruits seen in the month of October.
Celastrinele.
Celastrus bilocularis, F. Muol., in Trans. Phil. Inst., Vict. III., 31.
The variety of C. bilocularis with sharply toothed leaves found
growing in Warwick, is to be met with in the Dugundan scrub.
From the Tweed (Moore) to the Dawson Eiver (F. Muell.) is its
area of growth. Seen flowering in November.
Stackhousie^e.
Stachhousia oviminea, Sm., in Rees. Cycl. XXXIII.
A member of the Brisbane Flora too. In wet sandy places it
grows along the Logan road. To be met also on Stradbroke
Island. It flowers in November,
Leguminosje.
Bossiaea heterophi/lla, Vent. Jard. Cels. t. 7.
Seen at Burleigh Heads in low, wet, sandy ground, and on
Stradbroke Island about sandy ridges.
Crotolaria humifusa, Grah. in Wall. Cat. 5421.
BY THE BEV. B. SCORTECHINI, L.L.B. 161
Very seldom to be met with. I have seen only one patch
flowering in May, on the Logan Eiver. Mr. Bailey gathererd
some specimens of it at Enoggora near Brisbane.
TJraria picta, Desv. DC, Prod. II., 324.
Only one specimen, which was got near Beenleigh.
Cassia Brewsteri, F. Mnell., 4 Ann. Eep. 17.
It grows at Tallebudgera to a high slender tree in scrubs. At
Coochin it does not exceed ten feet high, growing among rocks.
Its leaflets are more numerous than those of the normal species,
minutely hoary and tomentose. The inflorescence is glabrous.
This small variety deserves cultivation, as a prettier sight can
hardly be desired. The luxuriance of its golden yellow racemes
gracefully drooping, mingled with the deep green of its pinnate
leaves claims for it a prominent place in flowering shrubberies.
It is in full bloom in November.
Pithecohbium glandiflorum, ? Benth., Flor. Austr. II., 424.
Only seen in fruit, of which no description exists anywhere.
It might prove a new species when the flowers can be examined.
This good-sized shrub grows along the banks of Tallebudgera
Creek. The annular pods, red-yellow outside, orange inside, the
outer edge crenate, opening and exhibiting the shining, black
and ovate seeds like a set of ebony teeth, give a charming
appearance to the whole shrub, when they hang in profusion
among its verdant, dense foliage. The branches bear invariably
one pair of pinnae in a long petiole, and each pinna two or three
pairs of leaflets of greater consistency, and more markedly veined
than those of P. pruinosum, acuminate, from three to five inches
long, and nearly sessile.
EoSACEjE.
Rubus Moorei, F. Muell., Frag. IV., 29.
K
162 CONTRIBUTION TO A SOUTH QUEENSLAND FLORA,
Plentiful on the southern side of Tallebudgera Creek, but
never seen on the northern side.
Saxifrages.
Schizomeria ovata, D. Don, in Edin. Phil. Journ. 1830.
In scrubs a few miles past Nerang Creek to New South "Wales,
generally a low shrub, though about Burleigh Heads, it grows to
a good sized tree. It flowers in October.
Bauer a cwpitata, Ser. in DC. Prod. IV., 13.
A small erect shrub growing near swamps close to Burleigh
Heads along with Calytlirix tetragona, Strangea linearis, and
many EricacecB.
Droseraces.
Drosera binata, Labill., Plant Nov. HolL, I., 78, t. 105.
A gigantic variety growing in swamps in Stradbroke Island.
Nearly three feet high. Seen in flower in the month of October.
COMBRETACES.
Ziimnitzera racemosa, "Willd., DC. Prod. III., 22.
A tropical plant, which attains the proportion of a tree on the
coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, but can scarcely raise its head
above the muddy ground near Cleveland, not many miles east of
Brisbane.
Myrtaces.
Calytlirix tetragona, Labill., Plant. Nov. Holl. II., 8.
This pretty little plant, which was well known in all Australian
Colonies, except Queensland, has been observed by me growing
abundantly at Burleigh Heads. It chooses for itself sandy soil
bordering swamps. "Were it not for its fugacious corollas, and
the brown reddish hues which the calyx with its filamentous
lobes takes, rendering thus this little shrub not altogether
BY THE REV. B. SCORTECHINI, L.L.B. 163
sightly, it should be numbered among ornamental plants.
Cultivation might remedy these defects. It flowers in October.
Zeptospermum abnorme. F. Muell., Herb.
It is with some hesitation that I introduce this plant into the
South Queensland Flora. Its characters do not altogether answer
the description of the typical L. abnorme. Stradbroke Island.
Syncarpia laurifolia, Ten.
Between Tallebudgera and Nerang Creek.
Myrtus raccmulosa, Benth., Fl. Aust. III., 276.
At Tallebudgera among scrubs, flowering profusely in the
month of November.
Onagrarie;e.
Epilobium junceum, Forst., in Spreng. Syst. II., 233.
Not very common along the Logan River, and Christmas Creek.
Ficoidei.
Mesembryanthemum aequilaterale, Hook., Fl. Tasm. I., 146.
Common along the sea-coast from Nerang Creek to Burleigh
Heads.
Umbellifer^e.
XantJwsia pilosa, Eudge, in Trans. Lin. Soc. X., 131.
Stradbroke Island.
ARALIACEiE.
Panax cephalobotrys, F. Muell., Frag. II., 83.
Tallebudgera.
COMPOSIITE.
Calotis scapiyera, Hook., in Mitch. Trop. Aust. 75.
On the Coochin Coochin flats.
164 CONTRIBUTION TO A SOUTH QUEENSLAND FLORA,
Brachycome basaltica, F. Muell., Frag. I., 50.
Very seldom met with on sandy ridges near the Logan Eiver.
Ammohium datum, E. Br., in Bot. Mag. t. 2459.
Coochin Coochin.
Cymbonotus Lawsonianus, Gaudich.
The wet flats of Dugundan are sparsely studded with the yellow
flowers of this humble composite. Found also abundantly on the
Darling Downs, near Toowoomba. It seems to cross the ranges
down its eastern slopes, and advances no further east than
Dugundan along the Teviot Brook.
GoODENOVIEiE.
Sccsvola suaveolens, E. Brown, Prod. 585.
The sandy beach which from Nerang Heads goes to Point
Danger at certain spots is carpeted by patches of this lovely plant.
Although its habitat at Moreton Island was known, I find no
mention of it in localities within my area.
Sccevola microcarpa, Cav., Ic. VI., t. 509.
Among stony ridges at Coochin Coochin, as also at the Upper
Albert Eiver near Nindooimba.
C AMP ANUL ACEjE .
Lobelia anceps, Thunb., DC, Prod. VII., 375.
Commonly met with at Burleigh Heads, Cleveland, Stradbroke
Island, in all kinds of situations.
Epacride-s:.
Leucopogon segiter, E. Br., Prod. 545.
JEpacris pulchella, Cav., Ic. IV., 26, t. 345.
Both these Epacrida grow in marshes at Burleigh Heads, and
Stradbroke Island, near Dunwich.
BY THE EEV. B. SCORTECHINI, L.L.B. 165
PEIMULACEiE.
Samolus repens, Pers. Syn. I., 171.
Under the shade of Avicennia officinalis and Brugniera Reedii,
bathed by the tide. Mr. Bailey and I found this lovely Samolus
growing both at Cleveland and Stradbroke Island.
APOCYNEiE.
Alstonia mollis, Benth., PL Aust. IV., 315.
The difference between this and A. constricta is so slight, that
they might well be thrown into one species. They both abound
in a valuable medicinal bitter principle. It grows near the Logan
River, and A. constricta at Lytton.
SoLANACE-ZE.
Solarium semiarmatum, P. Muell., Prag. II., 163.
Solarium campanulatum, R. Br., Prod. 446.
SCROPHULARINE^E.
Mimulus gracilis, R. Br., Prod. 439.
On all the damp flats along the Albert and Logan Rivers, this
little Mimulus abounds. I never met it yet on the north side of
the Logan. Specimens can be seen, branched, and over one foot
high, but generally it bears out the specific description. It begins
flowering in October, goes through November, and even in
December some late flowers are seen decking moist prairies.
Con volvulacejE .
Ipomea pes-cajwce, Roth., Nov. Sp. PI. 109.
Its long trailing stems crossing the creeping stems of Vignca
lutea form a net of verdure on the white sands of the sea-shore
near the mouth of Nerang Creek. The yellow flowers of one
mingling with the purple bells of the other present a pretty sight
on that barren ground.
166 CONTRIBUTION TO A SOUTH QUEENSLAND FLORA,
Ipomea Turpethum, P. Br., Prod. 485.
The foliage, inflorescence, capsule and seed point, to this species,
but only after the examination of its flowers could it be claimed
with certainty as a member of the South Queensland Flora. In
the scrub, which crowns the summit of Burleigh Heads, this
luxuriant twiner climbs the heights of trees, falls down in
festoons, and then trails among stones. It must flower about
February or March.
Labiate.
Zycopus aiistralis, P. Br., Prod. 500.
It flowers in January along the Logan Piver.
Prostanthera lasionthos, Labill., PI. Nov. Holl., II., 18, t. 157.
In gullies near Mudgerda Creek, and Coomora Piver is sparsely
scattered this shrub, which in these localities attains the height
of ten feet. In Tasmania it is a conspicuous tree. Its scented
leaves, and never ceasing supply of flowers, which succeed each
other in profusion for three months of the year should make this
plant a favourite with lovers of garden flowers.
Tencrium corymbosum, P. Br., Prod. 504.
At the top of Tambourine Mountain it grows to be a nuisance
to farmers. If allowed to take hold in cultivated ground it will
prove a troublesome weed. It flowers in December and January.
Phytolaccaceze.
Phytolacca octandra, Linn.
Closo by stockyards, in broken up ground, and by the road
side, especially if through scrubs, this introduced plant is to be
seen near Tallebudgera, and the Coomera. Mr. Bailey has found
it growing near Brisbane, by the threo mile scrub.
BY THE REV. B. SCORTECHINI, L.L.B. 167
PB.0TEACE.a3.
Strangea linearis, Meissn., in Hook., Kew. Misc. VII., 66.
I met first only one specimen of it on the sandy hills of
Stradbroke Island. But on the edges of marshes close to Burleigh
Heads, it seems to have its head- quarters, such is the abundance
of its growth there. All the examined follicles are monospermous.
It flowers in December.
EuTHORBIACEjE.
Euphorbia pilulifera, Linn.
In many localities. Mr. Bailey first discovered it in South
Queensland some time ago on Taylor's Eange. It springs up
plentifully in burnt country before other vegetation appears. It
is said to be a remedy against asthma. The attention of medical
men should be directed to this, and other Euphorbias, with which
we abound.
Croton phebalioides, P. Muell.
It edges Dugundan scrubs along the Teviot Brook, and it is
plentiful in Barr Scrub near Beenleigh. It flowers in November
and December.
OrCIIIDEjE.
Dipodium HamiUonianum, Bailey, Ined.
This pretty orchid, which Mr. Bailey on our last trip to Dunwich
discovered at Stradbroke Island, has been again found by me
growing on sandy hills near the Logan village. Its stature is
more diminutive than the Dunwich specimens, and the flowers
less numerous. It blooms in December.
Pterostylis acuminata. E. Br., Prod. 326.
Near the Logan village, flowering in the month of April.
168 CONTRIBUTION TO A SOUTH QUEENSLAND FLORA,
B URMANNIACE-3E .
Burmannia juncea, Sol., in R. Br., Prod. 265.
As the station for this Burmannia given in the Austr. Flora is
so remote from our locality, it might be doubtful whether the
little filiform Burmannia, which grows in such an abundance in
wet ground near the Logan River, be B. juncea, or B. disticha.
Still considering the specific characters, which differentiate both,
no doubt can be left in the mind of those who observe these forms
as to the identity of this with B. juncea, and its separation from
B. disticha. The two grow side by side. A casual observer would
not confound them. If this Burmannia be a degenerate form of
B. disticha, because of climatic influences, and difference of soil,
how are we to explain the luxuriant growth of B. disticha on the
same spot, under the same climatical conditions ? Mr. Bailey
quite concurs with me in the opinion that this cannot be separated
from B. juncea. It flowers from April to September.
IrIDEjE.
Libertia paniculata'i Spreng., Syst. I., 168.
Siill a doubt remains in my mind, whether this plant, or its
congener L. pulchella, be the one I gathered on the Coomora.
The only specimen I happened to find, having been mislaid, I am
unable to identify it with either one or the other. It flowers in
December.
Amaryllide/e.
Crinum flaccidum, Herb., in Bot. Mag. 2121 and 2133.
The bulb of this Crinum not seen by Bentham is obovate and
buried four or six inches below the surface. Its small diameter
measures one or one and a-half inches. The perianth lobes are
obovate, those of C. pedunculatum, being linear. The style
measures one-third of the stamens, whereas that of C '. pedunculatum
goes as high as two thirds of them. In the month of December
BY THE REV. B. SCORTECHINI, L.L.B. 169
it grows plentifully on the slopes of sandy hills near the Logan
Village, Tambourine, Dugundan.
LlLIACEiE.
Blandfordia fiammea, Hook., Bot. Mag., 4819.
This beautiful plant lifts up its head of drooping flowers in
marshy places near Burleigh Heads, and Nerang Creek. It grows
together with its larger variety aurea. The swamps north of
Dunwich present a grand appearance when in the months of
December and January these Blandfordiae are in full bloom. No
garden ought to be without this flower, as for beauty it can vie
with the best of the lily tribe.
Tricoryne platypiera, Eeichb.
This cannot be confused with T. anceps, as the stems, besides
being slightly flattened, carry wings of about two lines. It grows
near Eight Mile Plains.
Caesia vittata, E. Br., Prod. 277.
In grassy flats all over the country south of the Logan Eiver.
Alismaceje.
Damasonium australe, Salib.
In marshy places near Tambourine.
Lycopodiace^e.
Lycopodium cernuum, Linn.
Plentiful in the swamps of Stradbroke Island, seldom to be
met with at Burleigh Heads ; seen at Eight Mile Plains.
NOTES AND EXHIBITS.
Mr. Whittell exhibited a fine collection of Insects and Birds'
Eggs, collected in the Albert and Darling Districts.
L
170 NOTES AND EXHIBITS.
Mr. Brazier exhibited Ancylus Cunninghami, and a supposed
new species of Gundalucnia, collected by Lieu. C. E. Beddome in
Tasmania.
The Hon. James Norton, a fungoid growth of great size from
the bark of a Christmas tree.
Mr. Woods, a portion of a pile, showing ravages of marine
borers.
Mr. Palmer, Aboriginal Weapons and Implements from Broad
Sound, collected by Mr. T. Illidge, of St. Lawrence ; Potatoes
showing inroads of Potato Moth, with pupa and perfect insect ;
and a branch of a Chinese Pear tree with fruits from both the
Autumn and Spring flowering. The former being pefectly
matured, after remaining on the tree during the severe frosts of
last winter.
-» »
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd, 1881.
The President, J. C. Cox, Esq., M.D., F.L.S., in the Chair.
Captain Maclear, of the H.M.S. "Alert," and Dr. Coppinger,
R.N., were introduced as visitors by the President.
MEMBER ELECTED.
Dr. Alessandri, of the University of Pisa.
DONATIONS.
Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of South
Australia.
f '«■'.« -•
171
papers read.
a short resume of the results of anthropological and
Anatomical researches in Melanesia and Australia.
(March, 1879 — January, 1881.,/
By N. De Miklouho-Maclay.
After I had left Sydney in March, 1879, 1 visited the following
islands : New Caledonia, Lifu ; of the New Hebrides : Tanna,
Vate, Tongoa, Mai, Epi, Ambrini, Malo, Vanua Lava ; of the
Admiralty Islands : the groups — Lub (or Hermit), Ninigo
(Echiquier), Trob riant ; the Solomon Islands ; the islands at the
south-east end of New Guinea, and the islands of Torres Straits.*
Only a very few of the results of the journey can be com-
prehended in a short resume; of these, the first two of the following
appear to me to be the most important: — 1. Many islands of
Melanesiaf (especially some of the islands of the New Hebrides,
of the Solomon Group, of the Louisiades, New Ireland, &c, &c),
possess a well-marked brachycephalic population (the breadth-
index of many heads exceeds 80, and sometimes even 85), which
circumstance is assuredly not ascribable to a mixture with another
race, and proves that brachycephalism has a much wider range
in Melanesia than has been hitherto supposed. This is a result
of numerous careful measurements of heads and skulls]: of the
aboriginals of different islands of Melanesia. 2. Although in
some villages of the Southern coast of New Guinea there is
*A more detailed account of the route, of the time spent at the different
places, with sketch maps of the routes and other details, will be found in my
communications to the Imperial Russian Geographical Society, in the
Jswestija of the Society.
fBy the name " Melanesians," I designate exclusively the frizzy-haired
inhabitants of the South Sea Islands.
Jin order to eliminate any doubt as to the correctness of the cranial
measurements on living individuals, I have not neglected to collect a con-
siderable number of undoubtedly authentic skulls from New Caledonia, New
Guinea, the Admiraltys, Ninigo, and Solomon Islands.
172 ANTHROPOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL RESEARCHES,
noticeable a Polynesian admixture, yet this circumstance b}r no
means permits of the aboriginals of the south-eastern peri insula
(who are a branch of the Melanesian stock) being called a " yellow
Malayan race," as has been frequently done of late years. 3. An
acquaintance with the languages of the group Lub (or Hermit)
and the dialects of the Northern coast of the large island of the
Admiralty Group, as well as the native traditions of the former,
has shown that the population of the group Lub emigrated from
the x\dmiralty Islands. Further acquaintance with the natives
of Lub proved that there is among them a Polynesian admixture,
which has resulted from the carrying off of the women of the
group Ninigo, and from a frequent intercourse with the inhabitants
(also a Melano-Polynesian race) of the smaller group Kaniet or
Kanies (or Anchorites). My stay among the inhabitants of the
Admiralty Islands has afforded me a glimpse into many interesting
customs of the islands ; but an account of these observations and
researches cannot be condensed within the compass of a few
sentences. To this series of results belong also the observations
which I never neglected to make during the journey in Melanesia,
whenever the opportunity presented itself — especially observations
on their customs, such as the deformation of the head, tattooing,
perforation of the septum nariurn, ahe nasi, lobes and margins of
the ears. I have also succeeded in making further observations,
and obtaining more information, on the macrodontism in the
Admiralty and Lub islands.
On my way back from the islands of Torres Straits I visited
Brisbane, where, at first I only intended to remain a few days.
Here, however, a favourable opportunity presented itself of
acquiring some interesting anatomical material for my anthropo-
logical researches, which circumstance induced me to prolong my
stay for several months. I found, namely, that there was a
possibility of continuing my researches on the comparative anatomy
of the brain of the different varieties of the genus homo, which
were commenced in 1873 in Batavia and resumed in Sydney in
BY N. DE MIKLOUHO-MACLAY. 173
1881. Although the material in question consisted only of three
brains, yet I find that this new contribution to our knowledge of
race-anatomy supports the view which I may briefly summarize
as follows : — The investigation of the brains of representatives of
different races of men shows that there occur peculiarities of by
no means trifling import, which one cannot regard as individual
variations. To this category belong differences in the development
of the corpus callosum, of the pons varolii, of the cerebellum ; differ-
ences in the volume of the cranial nerves, and so forth ; also the
arrangement of the convolutions of the cerebrum is different, and
I believe that in course of time it will probably be discovered that
there exist certain definite types of cerebral convolutions corres-
ponding to the principal varieties of mankind. In order to
discover those types much material will require to be conscienti-
ously examined ; and I hope that my investigation will induce
other anatomists to work in this direction to prove or to disprove
this statement, which in the present state of our knowledge can
only be more or less hypothetical.
On my way from Thursday Island I let slip no opportunity of
examining, measuring, and photographing the remnant of the
Australian aboriginals ; and hearing it stated in various quarters
that there were living in the interior of Queensland certain
natives, described as devoid of hair, I thought the problem of a
possible occurrence of a hairless stock among the aboriginals
worthy of a personal investigation. I have written to Professor
Virchow, of Berlin, at length concerning my examination of this
hairless family, which I found at Grulnarber Station, near St.
George, on the Belonne River. This was made considerably
easier for me by the kind assistance of Mr. G. M. Kirk, of
Gulnarber Station. As regards this instance of natural, and in
this case hereditary atrichia universalis among the Australian
aboriginals, I will only remark that it forms an interesting
antithesis to the well-known cases of excessive hypertrichosis.
In order to work quite without disturbance, availing myself of
the kind hospitality of the Hon. J. P. Bell, I went to Jimbour,
174 ANTHROPOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL RESEARCHES,
near Dalby, where I was able for some fourteen days in absolute
quiet to revise my travelling notes, and to overtake my neglected
correspondence.
With a view of pursuing comparative anatomical researches
on the brain of the Marsupials, I went from Jimbour to Pikedale,
near Stanthorpe, where I succeeded during a stay of almost six
weeks in acquiring for my cerebral investigations some material
which is almost impossible to obtain in the cities, such as Brisbane
or Sydney, and which, as I have learnt by my own experience,
cannot be obtained even in the bush with great ease and quickness.
I succeeded, however, in obtaining a number of brains of some
species of the genera — Maeropus, Osplwanter, Halmaturus, Petrogale,
Phascolarctus, as well as a few brains of Ornithorhynchus and
Echidna.
At the end of December, last year, still availing myself of the
kind hospitality of Mr. Donald Gunn, I went on to his other
Station, Clairvaul, near Glen Innes, with the intention of collecting
some fossils, and without great trouble, I got a series of interesting
remains of Diprotodon australis, Nototherium MitcheUii, Plwscolomys
gigas, Maeropus titan, &c, &c.
Referring to the work done in Queensland, I will not neglect
this opportunity to express, in the " name of Science," my most
sincere thanks to all who have assisted me in my scientific work
— the more so, that, through this assistance, I have been enabled
to obtain much more satisfactory results than would otherwise
have been the case. Especially important for me was the
permission accorded me by the Queensland Government to use
the old museum as a laboratory, and the use of the photographic
apparatus of the Survey Office, where I obtained the excellent
photographs of the brain which are exhibited. Among many in
Queensland whose kindness I have experienced, I must mention,
with especial gratitude, the name of the celebrated Australian
traveller, Mr. A. C. Gregory, C.M.G. The six weeks of my stay
at his residence, Eainworth, were for me both instructive and
BY N. DE MIKL0UH0-MACLAY. 175
pleasant, owing to his extensive knowledge of different branches
of science, and his wide experience as a traveller.
When I received in May, 1880, in Thursday Island, a letter
from my friend, Mr. "William Haswell, informing me that the
Zoological Station in Sydney was not established, I determined
not to leave Australia before the scheme had been carried out.
Detained in Queensland by the work already referred to, I only
arrived in Sydney in January of this year, and now, after a stay
of one month, I have the pleasure to announce that I have every
reason to believe that the Zoological Station at Watson's Bay will
be opened in a short time. My stay in Brisbane has once more
caused me to feel the necessity of such an institution for the biologist.
I could expatiate at length on the advantages of a Zoological
Station, but I content myself with remarking that, in spite of my
great dislike to waste my time, I was obliged to spend many days,
even weeks, in Brisbane and Sydney without the possibility of
working, on account of the want of a suitable place. (Here I
must express my thanks to Sir Henry Parkes for placing at my
disposal the cottage in the Exhibition Ground — one of the present
" temporary Zoological Stations.")
I repeat again my conviction, grounded on long experience,
that " the immediate need is not of apparatus or libraries, but of
a place for undisturbed work."* I hope to be able, not later
than in two months, to work in the Zoological Station in Watson's
Bay. I am convinced that many men of science will avail them-
selves of it in future years ; and I am satisfied to leave for future
generations such a memento of my stay in Sydney as the fast
Zoological Station in Australia.
*Vide " Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South "Wales," '26th
August, 1871.
176 zoology of the solomon islands,
Notes on the Zoology of the Solomon Islands, with
DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW BlRDS. — Part II.
By E. P. Eamsay, F.L.S., C.M.Z.S., &c.
Having recently received a small collection of Birds from the
Solomon Islands, I Leg to lay before the Society a few remarks
on the avifauna of that Group, with descriptions of such species
as appear to me to be new. For the specimens under consideration
I am chiefly indebted to Lieutenant Eichards, E.N., of H.M.S.
"Eenard."
GRAUCALUS ELEGANS, Sp. tlOV.
Graucalus hjpoleucus, Eamsay, P.L.S., of N.S.W.
This species, so closely allied to G. hypoleucus, Gould, differs
chiefly in having the jet black of the loreal region much broader
and extending conspicuously below the eye, but does not reach
the hinder margin of that organ ; the bill is comparatively larger ;
the shoulders and wing-coverts are ashy-grey like the back ; the
chin and the whole of the under surface pure white, except the
faintest tinge of grey across the chest ; bill and legs black.
Length 9 inches ; wing 5*35; tail 4*5; tarsus 0*8; bill, from
forehead 1*1, from gape 1*1, from nostril to tip 0-7.
Hal. Gaudalcanar, Solomon Islands, collected by J. Cockerell,
junior.
Graucalus sublineatus, Sclaler, (P.Z.S., 1879, p. 448, pi. xxxvi.)
One specimen, male, this agrees in many respects with my
description of the female of G. solomonensis (i.e. G. pusillus, P.L.S.
N.S.W., Vol. IV., pt. 1.), but is considerably larger and the white
cross lines do not extend so far up the breast. Black cross lines
show on the lower part of the abdomen, but not on the upper ;
the spot in front of the eyes black. Length 9-2 inches; wing
5-35 ; tail 4-4 ; tarsus 1*05 ; bill from forehead 0-85.
Hal. Solomon Islands.
BY E. P. RAMSAY, F.L.S,, ETC. 177
Edoliisoma SP.
? Graucalus monotonus, Tristram, Ibis, 1879, p. 441.
Edoliisoma marescotii, Ramsay, P.L S., N.S.W., IV. p. 71.
"We have a male of this species of Edoliisoma, which agrees
well with Mr. Tristram's description of Graucalus monotonus. It
is of a uniform dark slaty-blue, wings and tail black, inner
margin of the webs of the wing-quills below ashy-brown at the
base, outer webs of primaries and secondaries like the back —
centre tail feathers brownish, tip black ; outer feather on either
side margined at the tip with an ashy tint.
The female, cinnamon-brown on the head, hind-neck, and back ;
wings black, broadly margined with cinnamon-rufus on both
webs above and below, the tail of a richer tint of cinnamon,
shaded near the centre of the inner webs towards the base with
ashy, lores and a spot behind the eye blackish-brown ; chin,
throat, under wing and tail-coverts and the rest of the under
surface light cinnamon rufous.
Female. — Total length 8*3 ; wing 4*3 ; tail 3*7 ; tarsus 0-95 ;
bill 0-95 inch.
Male. — Total length 8-3; wing 4-4; tail 3-6; tarsus 0-9;
bill 1" inch.
It is not improbable that this is the Edoliisoma salomonis of
Tristram, (Ibis 1879, p. 440), and that the discription has been
taken from an immature specimen of a female.
Symmorphus apfinis, Tristram, (Ibis, 1879, p. 440.)
This specimen, a female, seems to be identical with the "Lalage
sp." mentioned in my paper on the Birds of the New Hebrides,
(P.L.S. of N.S.W., Vol. III., p. 338) the uropygium is however
all white, but it has less white on the tips of the tail feathers.
PlEZOKHYNCHTTS RlCHARDSII, Sjp. n0V.
All the upper surface of the body, wings, and tail black, wings
and tail below blackish-brown, the breast and all the under
178 ZOOLOGY OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS,
surface cinnamon rufous ; the throat, chin, chest, lores, the fore-
head, and earcoverts black ; eyelashes black ; the occiput, nape,
and hind-neck, and a ring round the eye white ; the white from
the hind-neck extending on to the sides of the neck, but not meeting
on the throat. Bill blue, legs and feet black. Total length 5 '7 ;
wing 2*95 ; tail 2*55 ; tarsus 0*7 ; bill from forehead 0-7.
Hob. Island of Ugi.
This very distinct and beautiful species I propose to dedicate
to my friend Lieut. Eichards, E.N., who has done much to add
to our knowledge of the Birds of the Pacific.
Ehipidttra rtjbrofrontata, Eamsay.
R. russata, Tristram, Ibis 1879, p. 440.
On comparing the type with others recently received, I find
that the original specimen is not quite adult ; the rufous chestnut
of the back extends up to the hind-neck, covering the interscapular
region ; the black of the chest is reduced to a semilunar pectoral
band, the breast is of a clearer white, and the flanks and abdomen
are slightly tinged with rufous ; the centre two tail feathers are
not, or but very slightly tipped with white.
This bird was described by me under the specific name of
rubrofrontata, and not as quoted by Count. Salvadori, rufrofronta.
I do not hold myself responsible for printers' errors or for the digest
of my paper sent to Nature. This species is undoubtedly the
same as Mr. Tristram's R. russata, my type specimen not being
quite adult.
Pacuycepiiala chrystophori, Tristram, Ibis 1879, p. 441.
This is a good species, smaller than P. astrolahi (vel P. orioloides)
and quite different in the females. P. orioloides has a black lino
bordering the lower mandible, and head/^ Hack above.
Myzomela Tristrami, sp. nov.
M. jpammelama, Tristram, (nee. Sclater) Ibis 1879, p. 439.
BY E. P. RAMSAY, F.L.S., ETC. 179
Adult male. A fine species above the average size, and of a
uniform jet black colour, slightly shining ; on the under surface
of the wing the primaries show a margin of ashy white on their
inner webs, which is widest at the base and does not extend to the
tips of the feathers ; the legs and feet black, the bill long and
strong, curved, yellowish horn-colour, with the tip only black.
Total length 4-8 to 5 inches ; wing 2-7 ; tail 1-95 ; tarsus 0-8.
The young and the adult females have the under wing-coverts
whitish, and the under surface more or less mixed with dull brown.
This species is probably the Myzomcla pammelcena, mentioned
by Mr. Tristram, (Ibis 1879, p. 439.) although that gentleman
does not mention the yellow bill, which is not a sign of immaturity,
as might be supposed, both adult males and females, as well as
the young show this peculiarity. I have seen a smaller species,
with a jet-black and more slender bill, from the South-east end
of New Guinea.
MYZOMELA rULCIIERRIMA, sp. 110 V.
The whole of the head, neck, chest, breast and sides of the
body as far down as the flanks, the central portion of the inter-
scapular region, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts rich deep
crimson ; a spot in front of the eye, the lower part of the flanks,
central portion of the abdomen, under tail-coverts, wings and tail
above and below, and the upper wing-coverts, black ; the basal
portion of the inner webs of the primaries and secondaries below
of an ashy tint, under wing-coverts blackish-brown. Total length
4-9 ; wing 2-6 ; taiTl'75 ; tarsus 0-7 ; bill from forehead 0-85.
Hah. Ugi, Solomon Islands.
This species comes near If. cardinalis and M. nigriventris, (Peale)
but is quite distinct from either, chiefly in extent of the scarlet
on the under surface of the body, which reaches nearly to the
thighs, it is also quite distinct from M. rubratra, (Less.)
180 ZOOLOGY OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS,
Tephras olivaceus, sp. nov.
Adult male. — General colour above uniform dull brown, -washed
with olive, the forehead and sides of the face of a smoky-brown
tint ; the wings and tail blackish-brown, washed with olive on
the outer webs of the feathers, the inner webs of the quills and
axillaries below margined with white, or ashy- white ; the throat,
chest, sides, and flanks washed with light ashy-brown, becoming
almost white on the abdomen, and under tail-coverts ; bill and
legs black.
There is no trace of white round the eye, the bill is long and
pointed ; the tail not rounded ; the first and sixth primary quills
are equal, and the third is equal in length to the fourth. Total
length (skin) 4-6 inches ; wing 2-7 ; tail 1*93 ; tarsus 0-77. Bill
from forehead 0-6.
Sal. Solomon Islands.
This is the second species of this interesting genus Tephras,*
now known, and closely allied to the genus Zosterops.
Nasiterna Finschii, sp. nov.
The whole of the plumage of a rich grass-green, paler on the
abdomen ; on the lower parts of the cheeks round the base of the
lower mandibles the feathers are tinged with light greenish-blue ;
under tail-coverts light rich yellow ; tail feathers blackish, outer
webs green, the inner webs with a spot of bright yellow at the
tip, decreasing in size to the fourth quill on either side ; the centre
two feathers bluish-green, shafts black. Length 3 8 inhces ;
wing 2*4 ; tail 1*25 ; tarsus 0-35 ; first toe (s.u.) 0*6 ; short hind
toe (s.u.) 0-3.
Sal. St. Christoval. Sex ? ?.
This species comes near to the female N". heiensis, but has no
trace of the yellow on the forehead which is green, uniform with
the rest of the body, there is no black spot on the outer tail feathers.
*Hartlaub and Finsch, P.Z.S., 1SG8, p. 6, pi. 3.
BY E. P. RAMSAY, F.L.8., ETC. 181
LoRIUS CARDINALIS,
Specimens have been obtained by Baron N. de M.-Maclay at
the Eongador Eeef, 100 East of the Solomon Islands. The
specimens were caught on the rigging of the schooner " Saidie
F. Caller."
Count Salvadori, has intimated that my Rhipidura Cocker elli,
is not a good species (see Ibis 1880, p. 129.) hinting that it
might be an accidental variety of Saaloprocta tricolor. I do hope
that after handling some hundreds of specimens of S. tricolor in
all its varieties, I am not likely to mistake a bird so very distinct ;
has Count Salvadori compared my description with S. tricolor and
S. motctcilloides ?
The same remarks are applicable to his note on my Astur
solocnsis, as being identical with A. etorques, of which latter I have
seen over fifty skins from New Ireland and the Duke of York
Group, &c. Living in a country where few works of reference
are to be had, I am always glad to be set right as to matters of
nomenclature, but I think my learned friends at the antipodes
should wait until they have seen the specimens in question, or
at least carefully compare the descriptions before expressing an
opinion contrary to that of the author who has had the specimens
before him.
On some new Australian Marine Isopoda — Part II.
By William A. Haswell, M.A., B.Sc.
[Plates III. and IV.]
Family IDOTEIM].
Genus Idotea.
Idotea caudacuta, sp. nov., Plate IV., fig. 4.
Length of body about three and two-thirds the greatest breadth.
Head nearly twice as broad as long, front deeply concave.
182 ON SOME NEW AUSTRALIAN MARINE ISOPODA,
Thoracic segments increasing slightly in breadth posteriorly.
Epimera of first segment not distinct ; those of second, third and
fourth small ; the rest larger ; those of the sixth and seventh
segments produced to an angle posteriorly. Greatest breadth of
the abdomen more than half the length ; in old specimens there
is a low rounded mesial dorsal ridge ; the extremity narrowing
suddenly and rounded in old specimens but sub-acute in younger.
Internal antennae very short, scarcely reaching the extremity of
the third -joint of the peduncle of the outer pair ; basal segment
of the peduncle short and thick, quadrate ; second segment shorter
and much narrower than the first ; third as long as the first,
slender, cylindrical. External antennae nearly equal in length to
the head and first six segments of the thorax ; three basal joints
short and stout, fourth the longest ; flagellum longer than the
peduncle, tapering, composed of about twenty articuli. Colour
very inconstant, sometimes olive-green, sometimes rich brown
variously marked with bands of dull yellow. Length of largest
specimen If in.
Sab. Griffiths' Point ; Port Philip ; Tasmania.
The nearest described ally of this species appears to be /. stricta
of Dana, from which it is distinguished, among other points, by
the much greater number of joints in the outer antennae.
Idotea excavata, sp. nou.
Length of body about four and a-half times the greatest
breadth. Head very small, much narrower than the thorax.
Epimera of the last six thoracic segments distinct, increasing in
size posteriorly — the last three acutely angulated behind.
Abdomen about twice as long as broad, scarcely equal in length
to the last four segments of the thorax, terminated posteriorly by
a concave border bounded on either side by an acute tooth.
Internal antennao short, a little longer than the three basal
segments of the peduncle of the outer pair : flagellum shorter
than the last segment of the peduncle. Outer antennte about
BY W. A. HASWELL, M.A., B.Sc. 183
two-thirds of the length of the hody; the peduncle slightly
compressed dorso-ventrally, the two last joints nearly equal in
length, longer than the others ; flagellum composed of about
twenty articuli. Length If in.
Hah. Tasmania (Australian Museum).
Allied to /. elongata, Miers, but having the thorax very much
broader in proportion to the length.
Fam. SPHJEKOMIDiE.
Genus Cilioea, Leach.
The following four species together with two described in the
first part of this paper all agree with the Ciliccea Latreillii, of
Leach in having the penultimate segment of the abdomen pro-
longed, at least in the males, into a process or spine, in having
the last segment dilated anteriorly, and more or less excavate at
the apex — the excavation being with or without a central lobe —
and in having the outer ramus of the uropoda incapable of folding
under the inner. Of these C. tenuiccmdata, C. crassicandata and
C. crassa agree with one another and with Leach's species, and
differ from the other three, in having the immobile ramus of the
uropoda rudimentary ; but C. crassa again differs from C. tenui-
caudata and C. Latreillii, and agrees with the other species
mentioned, in having a mesial lobe in the centre of the posterior
abdominal notch. Such differences are regarded as of generic
value in this family, but for the present I prefer to retain all the
species mentioned in the genus Ciliccea — the common characters
afforded by the produced abdominal segment and other points
constituting them a sufficiently natural group.
1. CilicEea hystrix, sp. nov., Plate III., fig. 1.
Head and body armed above with numerous slender, needle-
like spines. Head short and broad, armed anteriorly with close-
set, short, delicate spines, and with a pair of thicker bifurcate horns
184 ON SOME NEW AUSTRALIAN MARINE ISOPODA,
directed upwards, forwards, and outwards near the posterior
margin. First segment of the thorax with a similar pair of
bifurcate horns, its lateral border prominent, tridentate ; following
segments short, each with a single transverse row of slender
spines, the lateral angles very acute — that of the fifth segment
bifurcate. First abdominal segment with two prominent spines
on its proximal dilated portion — the posterior process extending
nearly as far as the extremity of the abdomen, forked at the tip.
Last segment with two rounded elevations, each armed with
several spines, with a deep, rounded terminal notch, immediately
above which is a a prominent spine. Eyes large and prominent ;
antennce subequal, nearly one-third of the length of the body.
Mobile ramus of uropoda bifurcate, the outer branch short, tooth-
like, the inner long, slender, spinif orm ; immobile ramus broad
proximally, but slender and spinif orm distallj , its outer border
armed with two acute teeth, its inner with one. Length £ in.
Sab. Port Stephens — five fathoms (Australian Museum).
2. Cilicrea spinulosa, sp. nov., Plate III., fig. 3.
Head large and dilated, covered with rounded and pointed
tubercles. Pirst segment of the thorax much broader than the
rest, armed with a number of short blunt spinules, and with a
prominent bifid tubercle on either side ; its lateral process
obscurely bilobed. Following segments each armed with a row
of short spinules which are more numerous and smaller on the last
three segments ; epimeral processes prominent, subacute, except
that of the fifth, which is emarginate. First segment of the
abdomen ornamented at the base with a double transverse row of
tubercles ; posterior process finely granular, sub-cylindrical,
slightly enlarged or bifid at the apex, extending far beyond the
extremity of the abdomen, but not so far as the extremity of the
uropoda. Terminal segment having its lateral dilatation armed
with two short thick spinules ; terminal notch deep. Antennae
sub-equal, about one-third of the length of the body. Uropoda
BY W. A. HASWELL, M.A., B.Sc. 185
with, the movable ramus slender, bifurcate, the outer branch
short, tooth-like, the inner longer, slightly curved outwards, sub-
acute ; immobile ramus a little longer than the mobile ramus,
broad at base, but tapering to the apex which is curved outwards
and acute. Length £ in.
Rob. Port Stephens and Port Jackson.
A near ally of the preceding species. Specimens from the same
localities which are probably the females of this species (Plate
III., fig. 2.) or of C. hjstrix are distinguished by having all the
spines of the body replaced by tubercles, by wanting the posterior
process of the first abdominal segment, and by having the rami
of the uropoda smaller.
Cilicaea curtispina, sp. nov., Plate III., fig. 4.
Surface smooth. Head large, strongly arched, First and
fourth segments of the thorax much broader than the others ;
epimera very distinct — their outer borders carinated. First
segment of the abdomen finely granular, marked laterally with
three depressed divisional lines, with two teeth on either side on
its posterior border ; posterior process short, blunt, rounded.
Terminal segment having the lateral elevations pointed ; terminal
notch concealed from above by a prominent trilobed process the
middle lobe of which is the largest. Internal antennae separated
by a tolerably large lobe ; basal segment of the peduncle very
large, more than half the length of the head, not much dilated,
armed distally and internally with a blunt tooth ; second segment
scarcely half the length of the first, armed terminally with three
small teeth ; third segment very small ; flagellum much shorter
than peduncle. Outer antennse more than a-third of the length
of the body ; last segment of the peduncle the largest ; flagellum
longer than peduncle. Mobile ramus of uropoda stout, truncate,
armed with two acute teeth at its extremity and one about the
middle of its outer border. Inner ramus very short, closely
M
186 ON SOME NEW AUSTRALIAN MARINE ISOPODA,
applied to the border of the terminal segment, ending in two
sub-acute teeth. Length about £ an inch.
Bab. Port Philip.
Cilicsea crassa, sp. nov.
Surface covered with rounded granules and a short pubescence.
First segment of the thorax as long as the two following ; lateral
angles of the thoracic segments rather prominent, sub-acute.
Process of first abdominal segment very thick, closely applied
and cemented to the surface of the last segment, extending beyond
the apex of the latter and ending in a broad bifid extremity. Last
segment of the abdomen with two conical elevations : terminal
notch wide ; mesial lobe triangular, acute. Immobile ramus of
uropoda rudimentary, mobile ramus notched externally towards
the apex and with a low blunt tooth on the inner border. Colour
light brown, with many of the granules and a line bordering the
process of the first abdominal segment, bright crimson. Length
1 inch.
Sab. Port Jackson.
Genus Zuzara, Leach.
Zuzara integra, sp. nov., Plate III., fig. 6.
Male. — Surface nearly smooth. Body slightly depressed,
increasing a little in breadth posteriorly, greatest breadth about
half the total length. Head moderately convex, with a few flat
granulations. First segment of the thorax nearly as broad as the
two following ; all the segments of the thorax sometimes marked
laterally with a series of faint longitudinal impressed lines,
sometimes completely smooth. Epimera very distinct, their lateral
angles produced, sub-acute, that of the penultimate segment much
produced backwards. Last segment of the thorax produced in
the middle line behind into a rather slender process, which is
about equal in length to the three preceding segments, sub-
cylindrical, but depressed dorso-ventrally, not dilated at the apex
BY W. A. EASWELL, M.A., B.Sc. 187
which, is truncate. First segment of the abdomen short, with
well-marked divisional lines. Last segment convex, marked in
the middle line near the proximal border with a faint key-hole-
shaped depression, surrounded by a very obscure, granular
elevation ; terminal notch with a prominent narrow, clavate, mesial
process. Inner antennre separated at the base by a very small
frontal process ; basal segment of peduncle broad ; second shorter
and narrower ; third slender, cylindrical, longer than the second,
but not quite so long as the first and second together ; flagellum
rather longer than the peduncle. Outer antennas with the peduncle
stout, last joint the longest, flage}' am nearly twice as long as the
peduncle. Rami of the uropodf thin and leaf -like, immobile
ramus falciform with a trunca^ i apex ; mobile ramus ovate-
lanceolate in outline, concave upwards with a raised margin, much
longer than the inner, and extending far beyond the extremity of
the abdomen.
Female. — Differs from the male mainly (1) in wanting the
posterior prolongation of the last thoracic segment, (2) in the
absence of the terminal notch (3) in the smaller size of the uropoda
the rami of which are nearly equal, the mobile ramus being
capable of being entirely concealed under the inner.
A common species in Port Philip ; also found in Tasmania.
I have placed this and the following species in the same genus
with Zumra diadema and Z. semi-punctata of Leach,* all three
being characterised by the prolongation backwards of the last
segment of the thorax in the male, and by the possession of a
posterior mesial notch occupied by a slight median process. Both
the species herein described have the outer ramus of the uropoda
capable of folding underneath the inner. The present species
differs from Z. semi-punctata in the process of the last thoracic
segment not being granulous at the base or punctated above, and
in having the outer ramus of the uropoda truncate instead of
* Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, tome xii., p. 344.
188 ON SOME NEW AUSTRALIAN MARINE ISOPODA,
pointed. From Z. diadema it differs in not having the process of
the last thoracic segment terminally dilated.
Zuzara emarginata, sp. nov., Plate III., fig. 5.
Surface nearly smooth, very finely punctate. Head rather
prominent, narrowing gradually towards the front. First segment
of the thorax not quite so long as the two following taken together;
sixth segment as long as the first ; seventh segment very large,
nearly concealing the abdomen ; median posterior process very
long, extending far beyond the extremity of the abdomen, slightly
curved downwards, emarginate at apex — a prominent, acute tooth
on either side of the segment near the base of the process. Last
segment of the abdomen with a rounded swelling on either side.
Terminal notch deep — about one-sixth of the width of the abdomen ;
mesial lobe very prominent, extending beyond the boundaries of
the notch, truncate and faintly emarginate. Basal joint of the
internal antennae very large, notch for second joint wide with a
prominent tooth on either side ; third joint slender, not longer
than the second, flagellum shorter than the peduncle. Outer
antennae much longer than the inner, more than a third of the
length of the body, fourth and fifth segments of the peduncle
subequal, flagellum longer than the peduncle. Outer ramus of
uropoda subovate — the outer border nearly straight, the inner
convex, the apex subacute ; inner ramus of about the same length
as the outer, bent directly backwards about the middle of its
length, apex subacute ; both rami fringed with hair. Colour
light red with darker spots on the thorax. Length £ inch.
The females and young males have the seventh thoracic segment
small, the posterior process short or absent, the mesial lobe less
prominent, and the uropoda relatively smaller.
Eab. Griffiths' Point, Western Port.
This species is apparently a tolerably near ally of Cymodocea
armata of Milne-Edwards*- (from Australia), but in the latter
* Mist, nat. Crust., tome 3, p. 215, pi. 31, fig. 16.
BY W. A. HASWELL, M.A., B.Sc. 189
species the posterior prolongation of the seventh thoracic segment
is described and figured as conical, and the posterior lobe as bifid.
Genus Cymodocea, Leach.
Cymodocea bidentata, sp. nov.
Body clothed with slender hairs which are scanty on the anterior
thoracic segments, but longer (some about one-sixteenth of an
inch) and more abundant on the abdomen and uropoda. Head
strongly convex, smooth. First segment of the thorax longer
than the two following together, ornamented with faint longi-
tudinal lines of minute granules ; lateral border strongly ridged ;
antero -lateral angle acute, postero-lateral rather blunt. Following
thoracic segments more or less distinctly granular. First
abdominal segment distinctly granular, produced backwards
towards the middle dorsal line, with a short thick process on
either side. Terminal segment with two large tubercles near the
middle and a transverse line of three more near the distal extremity.
Terminal notch wide, the median process prominent, broad,
rounded at the extremity. Basal joints of the inner antennae
oblong, granular, separated by an acute frontal process ; second
joint small ; flagellum about equalling the peduncle in length.
Outer antennae longer than the inner. Inner ramus of the uropoda
longer than the outer, obliquely truncate, each terminating in a
small acute spine. Length ^ inch.
Hah. Griffiths' Point, Victoria.
This species bears some resemblance to 0. Latreillii of Leach,
but the blunt form of the terminal lobe, as well as the shape of
the uropoda etc., sufficiently distinguishes it.
Cymodocea trispinosa, sp. nov., PL ILL, fig. 7.
Surface nearly smooth. Greatest breadth nearly half the length.
First segment of the thorax scarcely so long as the second and
third together. Outer border of all the thoracic segments ridged ;
epimeron of last segment produced backwards into an uncinate
190 ON SOME NEW AUSTBALIAN MAKINE ISOPODA,
process. First abdominal segment short, with the divisional lines
distinct ; its posterior border with a wide shallow excavation
bounded on either side by a rounded tooth with an obscure
denticle internal to it. Last abdominal segment granular and
hairy, with a low elevation about its middle. Posterior notch
deep, its angles produced and acute, a little more prominent than
the mesial lobe which is conical and acute. Outer ramus of
uropoda longer than the inner, ovate-lanceolate, acute, inner
extending beyond the extremity of the abdomen, acuminate.
Colour uniform bight red. Length 7/16ths inch.
Sab. Griffiths' Point, Victoria.
Cymodocea coronata, sp. nov.
Head and thorax as in C. bidentata, but with the hairs shorter.
Abdomen rather depressed, covered with short hairs, ornamented
with six small pointed tubercles arranged in a circle — two near
the posterior border of the first segment, the rest on the second.
Terminal notch very wide — nearly a third of the breadth of the
abdomen : mesial lobe very large, dilated at its base, but narrowing
towards its apex which is blunt. Mobile ramus of uropoda much
shorter than the immoble ramus, sub-falciform, truncate. Inner
ramus very long, extending far beyond the extremity of the
abdomen, long-ovate, apex rounded. Length \ inch.
Sab. Griffiths' Point, Victoria.
An ally of C. aculeata, mihi, but distinguished, besides other
points, by the greater relative shortness of the mesial lobe and
the smallness of the mobile ramus of the uropoda.
Cymodoeea tuberculata, sp. nov., Plate III., fig. 8.
Greatest breadth exactly half the total length. Head and first
segment of body smooth — the latter equalling in length the three
following segments together. Last six segments of the thorax
each ornamented with a regularly arranged row of tubercles —
their epimeral portion clothed with a long pubescence. First
BY W. A. HASWELL, M.A., B.Sc. 191
segment of the abdomen with two short triangular processes
projecting backwards from its posterior border, separated from
one another by an interval equal to a fifth of the breadth of the
segment ; on either side of this another, less prominent, tooth.
Last segment with two compressed, irregular elevations near its
proximal end, each formed by a cluster of five teeth ; rest of the
surface smooth. Lateral angles of the notch prominent, acute,
projecting beyond the extremity of the mesial lobe, which fills up
all the notch and is cemented to its borders except at the apex,
which is rounded. Outer ramus of the uropoda very broad,
spoon-shaped, closely fringed with hairs ; inner narrower and
shorter, but projecting a little beyond the angles of the notch.
Length about \ an inch.
Hah. Port Stephens, five fathoms.
Genus Sph^roma, Labr.
Sphseroma ? acuticaudata, sp. nov., Plate III., fig. 9.
Greatest breadth of body about two-thirds of the total length.
Head broader than long, bordered anteriorly and laterally by a
thickened margin which is continuous with the eye ; an obscure,
mesial, longitudinal carina on the anterior half and a number of
smooth, flattened tubercles. Surface of the thoracic segments
smooth, each bordered with short hairs ; first segment not so long
as the two following taken together ; lateral borders of thoracic
segments carinate ; the postero-lateral angles acute. Last segment
of the abdomen slightly dilated — an acute spine about its centre,
below which is a transverse band of short hairs ; a deep, rounded
median posterior notch, with prominent acute angles. Basal
joint of internal antennae much compressed, not much longer than
broad, separated from its fellow by a small rounded frontal lobe ;
second joint sub-triangular, more than half the length of the first ;
third about half the length of the second and slender ; flagellum
rather shorter than the peduncle. Outer antennse more than
half the length of the body ; terminal joint of the peduncle longer
192 ON SOME NEW AUSTRALIAN MARINE ISOPODA,
than the rest. Outer ramus ofuropoda longer than the inner,
projecting far beyond the extremity of the abdomen, lanceolate-
acute, with an acute tooth on its inner border. Inner ramus
extending slightly beyond the extremity of the abdomen,
acuminate. Length £ in.
Hah. Griffiths' Point ; Port Philip.
Fam. msmm.
Genus ^Ega, Leach.
^Sga cyclops, sp. nov.
Surface finely punctured. Breadth about two-fifths of total
length. Segments of the thorax subequal, epimera of last five
produced behind to a point. Abdomen little narrower than the
thorax. Terminal abdominal segment sub-triangular — the apex
rounded. Eyes confluent, occupying nearly all the upper surface
of the head. Uropoda with the outer ramus smaller than the
inner, narrow, ovate-acute ; the inner broad and obliquely truncate;
an acute triangular process arising from the peduncle extends
beyond the middle of the inner rami. Length 7/16ths in.
Hal. Port Jackson.
Genus Cirolana, Leach.
Cirolana lata, sp. nov., Plate IV., fig. 1.
Surface finely punctured. Greatest breadth about half the
total length. Head received into a depression in the anterior
border of the first segment of the thorax. First segment of the
thorax as long as the two following segments ; posterior segments
all short ; epimera of last four produced backwards to an acute
angle. Abdomen much narrower than thorax. Terminal segment
triangular, sub-acute. Legs thick and very spinose. Outer
ramus of caudal appendages much narrower than the inner, but
of about equal length, sub-acute ; inner slightly sigmoid, sub-
acute, armed with a tooth on its inner edge ; basal spine narrow,
BY W. A. HASWELL, M.A., B.Sc. 193
acute, about half the length of the inner ramus. Length |ths
inch.
Hab. Off Broughton Islands, near Port Stephens, dredged in
about twenty-five fathoms.
fam. tanaim:.
Genus Apsetjdes, Leach.
Apseudes australis, sp. nov., Plate IV., fig. 2.
Head broad ; a triangular acute rostrum between the bases of
the antennae, vvith a mesial and two lateral shallow grooves ; a
short spine in the middle of the epistome. Thoracic segments
transverse, the epimera large, sparsely setose. Abdomen
ornamented with a few longish fine hairs ; terminal joint as long
as all the rest together, twice as long as broad, rounded at the
extremity. First joint of the internal antennas long, compressed,
longitudinally grooved ; second joint scarcely one-third of the
length of the first ; third very small ; fiagellum as long as
peduncle ; secondary fiagellum nearly two-thirds of the length
of the principal fiagellum. Lower (outer) antennas scarcely
longer than the fiagellum of the upper ; the second joint of the
fiagellum the largest, a lamelliform ovate appendage fringed
with slender hairs situated at its inner and distal angle ; third
joint very small ; fourth nearly as long as the second, but narrower;
last joint smaller than the fourth ; fiagellum equal in length to
about two-thirds of the peduncle, ornamented with slender hairs.
First pair of thoracic limbs with the merus, carpus and propodos
compressed, the merus triangular with its distal border transverse,
with a strong seta at each distal angle and a few fine hairs ;
carpus smaller with its distal border oblique, a strong seta at its
supero-distal angle ; propodos narrower than the carpus but
longer, its distal border short, transverse, a strong spine on either
side of the point of insertion of the dactylos ; rather compressed,
slightly hooked at the end. Second pair of thoracic limbs with
the basos very broad, a small tooth on its posterior border ; a
194 ON SOME NEW AUSTRALIAN MARINE ISOPODA,
tooth on the lower border of the merus, carpus triangular,
elongate, propodos dilated, its digital prolongation with a rounded
lobe near the base. Length about ^- an inch.
Sal. Broughton Islands, dredged in about twenty-five fathoms.
Genus Paratanais, Dana.
Paratanais tenuicornis, sp. nov., Plate IV., fig. 3.
Antennee short ; inner pair stout, the basal segment about three
times as long at the second, and the latter twice as large as the
last, which is very small. Outer antenna? more slender than the
inner ; last joint smaller than the penultimate, which again is
as long as the two preceding taken together. First pair of legs
very stout ; propodos curved, dactylos slightly geniculate. Caudal
appendages short, flagellum with seven articuli. Length about
£ inch.
Sab. Port Stephens.
Fam. AKCTUKIDiE.
Genus Arcturus, Leach.
Arcturus longicornis, sp. nov.
None of the segments of the thorax greatly elongated. Head
broader than long, longer than the first segment of the thorax ;
frontal border deeply concave. A pair of pointed spinous tubercles
on the head, on each segment of the thorax and on each of the
first two segments of the abdomen. Terminal segment sub-acute,
with a pair of rounded tubercles near its apex. Internal antennas
longer than the head ; first segment of the peduncle short and
thick, second and third segments sub-equal. Outer antenna)
with the peduncle equal in length to the head and thorax — the
fifth joint much longer than all the rest together. Length,
exclusive of antenna, more than two inches.
The somewhat mutilated specimen from which the above
description was taken was in the Australian Museum collection
without locality attached, but pinned on a sheet of cork together
BY W. A. HASWELL, M.A., B.Sc. 195
with a number of specimens from Tasmania, and perhaps came
from that colony. It differs from A. Baffinii, Sabine, as figured by
Milne-Edwards, in the great length of the terminal segment
of the peduncle of the outer antennae — the fourth and fifth
segments being represented as sub-equal in the figure of that
species.
Arcturus brevicornis, sp. nov., Plate IV., fig. 5.
Head rather shorter than the first three segments of the thorax,
smooth ; first three segments of the thorax subequal, short, each
with one or two minute, rounded tubercles above ; fourth segment
much elongated, with a tubercle above — between the anterior end
and the middle. Abdomen as long as the last three segments of
the thorax. Outer antennae thick, about as long as the head and
first four segments of the thorax, second and third segments
subequal, fourth the longest, fifth longer than the second ; fourth
and fifth each with three or four short setae below ; flagellum
about two-thirds of the length of the last segment. Anterior
limbs subequal, slender, first slightly stouter than the rest.
Length of body about fths inch.
Hah. Off Broughton Island, near Port Stephens, dredged in
about twenty-five fathoms.
Explanation of Plates III. — IV.
Plate III.
Fig. 1 . — Ciliccea hystrix X 3^.
,, 2. — Female of the same (?)x H-
,, 3 . — Ciliccea spinulosa.
, , 4 . — Ciliccea curtispina X 4 .
,, 5. — Zuzara emarginata.
, , 6 . — Zuzara integra X 3 .
, , 7 . — Cymodocea trispinosa X 3£.
,, 8. — Cymodocea tuberculataX.3^.
,, 9. — Sphceroma acuticaudataXS?.
196 NOTES AND EXHIBITS.
Plate IV.
Fig. 1. — Cirolana lataY.4..
„ 2. — Apwudes australisY.4; 2a. — internal antennae ; 2b. — first
pair of thoracic legs ; 2c. — second pair X 22.
„ 3. — Paratanais tenuicornis X 4 ; 3a. — internal antennae ; 3b. —
external antennae ; 3c. — caudal appendages ; 3d. —
first pair of legs X 22.
,, 4. — Idotea caudacuta ; natural size.
„ 5. — Arcturm brevicornis X 8 ; 5a. — first pair of legs ; 5b. —
second pair of legs X 44.
NOTES AND EXHIBITS.
Baron Maclay exhibited photographs and dissections of the
brains of a Malay, Chinaman, and Australian Aboriginal;
drawings of the brain of Echidna Hystrix, and various marsupials ;
photographs of the hairless family, Ballonne River ; and many
other sketches and photographs made during his last tour.
Dr. Cox exhibited a series of fossil seeds procured from a shaft
sunk for gold at the Forest Diggings between Carcoar and Orange
and at a depth of over 1 00 feet below the surface. They belong to
the genera Pentonne, Spondylostrobus, Phymatocarzon, Phytidocarzon,
and three not determined.
Mr. Haswell exhibited the Isopoda described in his paper.
Mr. Ramsay exhibited a large number of Solomon Island and
New Guinea Birds.
Mr. Brazier, C.M.Z S., — A Voluta mammilla from Tasmania, a
young specimen three inches long ; also Part 9 of Vol. III., of
Tryons Manual of Conchology (Tritonida).
Hon. Wm. Macleay — A fine series of Gorgonias and rare shells
from Endeavour and Torres Straits.
NOTES AND EXHIBITS. 197
Dr. Cox desired to record the distribution of Leucosia splendida,
described in Mr. Haswell's paper page 60, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.
W., Jan. 1879, which had recently been found in great numbers
up the Tweed River, their habitat being damp leaves and sand
just above water mark.
Mr. Brazier exhibited a rare Helix from Travertine in Kent's
Group, forwarded by Mr. T. Stephens for identification. It is
allied to S. Aphrodite from the Solomon Islands belonging to the
group Corasia, which is common in the Phillipine and Solomon
Islands. The occurrence therefore of this form in the Travertine
of the Kent's Group, indicates a very much warmer and indeed
tropical climate as prevailing far to the southward during the
time this Travertine was deposited.
Mr. Palmer exhibited photographs of Blacks from the Lachlan,
Edwards, Bogan, Murray, and other districts.
■» ♦■
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30th, 1881.
The President, Dr. J. C. Cox, F.L.S., in the Chair.
Dr. Coppinger, Mr. Whittell, Mr. Chambers and Mr. Catton
were introduced as visitors.
MEMBERS ELECTED.
Dr. P. Lucas, of Bank Street, Emerald Hill, Melbourne.
Mr. J. R. Goldstein, Office of Titles, Melbourne.
DONATIONS.
Royal Society of Tasmania, Transactions for 1880.
198 DESCRIPTION OF A NEW LABROID FISH,
Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard
CoUege, Vol. 8, No. 2.
Bremen Society of Natural History, Eeport for 1880.
Eoyal Microscopical Society, London, Vol. 3, Nos. 6 and 6a.
Meteorological Observations, Sydney, 1876 — 1879.
Eeport of the Auckland Museum, 1880.
PAPERS READ.
Description of a new Labroid Fish of the G-enus Novacula,
from Port Jackson.
ByE. P. Eamsay, F.L.S., C.M.Z.S., &c.
Fam. LABEID^S.
Novacula jacksonensis, sp. nov.
D. 2/7-12. A. 3-12. V. 1-5. Lat. line 28.
Indications of scales on the cheek ; orbits and snout bare ; the
two anterior dorsal spines flexible, produced — the second slightly
longer than the first, quite separate from the rest of the rays ;
the third shorter than the first ; the anterior contour of the head
parabolic, edge sharp. The eye four and one-fourth diameters
in the head, the head four and one-third lengths in the total ;
the height of the body is about three times and one-third in the
total length, its greatest height is opposite the ventral fins. The
outer ventral ray is produced, reaching nearly to the anal. Anal
rays twelve, the spines three, the first short and weak, the third
the longest. Caudal fin rounded, the outermost rays on either
side very short ; the last anal ray reaching to the base of the
caudal. Pectoral fin five-sevenths the length of the head.
Lateral line interrupted on the twenty-second scale, continued on
the third row lower down on the body, over six scales, but
not on to the tail, terminating two rows in front of the tail;
from the vent there are ten to eleven rows below the lateral line
and three to four rows above it ; there are thirty scales along the
BY E. P. RAMSAY, F.L.S., ETC. 199
body, and about fifteen in an oblique line from the vent to the
last dorsal spine. Two strong canine teeth in front in each jaw,
the lower fitting in between the upper, the other teeth in both
jaws well developed conical — no posterior canine tooth visible.
Colour greenish opaline, almost translucent when alive, tinged
with orange along the anal fin, and with an oblong, indistinct,
orange patch behind the eye, commencing on the forehead above
and anterior to that organ ; tail with alternate pale blue and dull
orange bars, five in number ; indistinct pale lines of the same
tints on the membranes of the dorsal and anal fins, faint indications
of blue spots on the scales on the abdominal and caudal regions.
Eye bright orange.
This specimen is a young individual, with the coloration
indistinct and but imperfectly developed ; the adult will probably
be of a bright orange tint, with blue spots on each of the body-
scales and blue and orange bars on the tail and fins.
Caught at Manly Beach, Port Jackson. I believe that it is
the first species of this genus recorded from Port Jackson.
Note on the occurrence on the Coast of New South Wales
of the Genus Mesenteripora, Bl., (Polyzoa CyclostomataJ .
By William A. Haswell, M.A., B.Sc.
Among an interesting series of Polyzoa obtained with the
dredge off Broughton Islands to the north of Port Stephens
during the recent dredging excursion organised by the Australian
Museum, were a number of specimens of the remarkable
cyclostomatous genus Mesenteripora. Most of them were attached
to the laminee of a species of Biflustra, or the thick cylindrical
branches of a species of Cellepora, which was obtained in large
quantity.
200 ON THE OCCURRENCE OF MESENTERIPORA,
The genus Mesenteripora was established by Blainville (Manuel
d'Actinologie) for one recent and several fossil species of Poh/zoa
which he regarded as allied to Eschara. Milne-Edwards (Ann.
des Sci. Nat. 2d serie, tome ix., p. 226, 1838) pointed out their
true affinities with the Cyclostomata, and D'Orbigny in 1852
(Prodr. de Palseont. stat.) described several fossil species from
the Cretaceous of France, and subsequently (Paleontologie
Francaise, tome v., 1852) added descriptions and figures of several
more fossil species. In 1844, S. Wood (Ann. and Mag. Nat.
Hist., xiii., p. 14) had described a fossil species from the Crag
which he named Diastopora meand/rina ; this species was afterwards
described and figured by Busk (Fossil Polyzoa of the Crag, p.
109, pi. xvii., fig. 2, pi. xviii., fig. 4, and pi. xx., fig. 2 — 1859),
and is said to have been obtained in the recent state off the coast
of Greenland by Tor ell.
In the species described by Blainville, Milne-Edwards, Wood,
and D'Orbigny, the polyzoarium assumed a lamellate-foliaceous,
erect character, which induced the first named author to regard
the genus as having a place in the Escharidce. In the Australian
variety on the other hand the polyzoarium never seems to assume
this form. It is primarily flat and encrusting, growing outwards
in a radiating or fan-like manner from the primary cell. In this
stage the general form of the polyzoarium is very similar to that
of Tuhulipora, and closely resembles the young stage of
Mesenteripora meandrina as figured by Busk (1. c, pi. xx., fig. 9).
At the periphery the cells are three or four deep, the upper ones
sometimes free to a slight extent, but never very prominent ;
wherever the lower layers come in contact with an obstacle (such
as a Serpula-tube) there is a tendency in the upper cells to take
a direction almost vertically upwards. The marginal cells are
usually bilabiate, the lips being generally unequal and acute,
but sometimes the peristome is circular and entire. The cells of
the upper la3'er as the margin grows out beyond them become
less prominent, though still projecting a little above the surface
BY W. A. HASWELL, M.A., B.So. 201
of the polyzoarium, and become closed in by a punctated calcareous
lamina, which grows over the mouth and is usually perforated in
the centre by a slender projecting tube, the orifice of which is
also sometimes in turn closed in ; this tube is usually about a
sixth to an eighth of the whole diameter of the mouth, but
sometimes much less, and projects from the mouth of the cell to
a length equal usually to about four or five times its own diameter.
The form of these cells is nearly that figured by Busk as occurring
in M. meandrina, with the exception of the central tubule, the
place of which seems to be taken in the latter by a simple pore
with a slight raised margin.
In process of growth the polyzoarium pushes out from its
periphery radiating processes the cells in which have the same
divergent tendency as in the original subcircular colony, and
neighbouring processes as they widen come into contact in such
a manner that the mouths of their marginal cells of each process
are obliquely opposed to those of the margin of the contiguous
process, and the result is that, in order to make room for further
growth, there is a curving upwards of the margins of these
processes as they come into contact — a thick septum being formed
between the cells of the contiguous processes. The outcome of
this mode of growth is the formation of a series of radiating, low,
thick, ribs or walls rising from the plane surface of the polyzoarium
— each rib essentially consisting of the upturned edges of two
contiguous lobes of the latter, separated by a mesial vertical
septum. The flat portion of the polyzoarium meanwhile grows
out from between these ribs until by a repetition of the same
process, a second series of ribs may become formed external to
the first. These ribs are usually not very high, rarely projecting
more than a tenth of an inch above the general surface ; a few
of their marginal cells on either side are usually greatly elongated,
projecting far beyond the others ; the septum projects as a thin
lamina well up beyond the cells contiguous to it.
N
202 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
As the present species appears to be distinct from M.meandrina*
and does not appear to be identifiable with any of the strictly
fossil species, I propose for it the name of M. repens in reference
to its creeping habit.
Note on a specimen of malformed Cyprcea.
By J. Brazier, C.M.Z.S., &o.
Cppraa poraria.
Back very dark purple (destitute of the white dots and brown
rings that are to be found in the typical form), base and the sides
purple violet the inner and outer lips excavated very deep at each
end, wide apart, produced in the middle ; the teeth white,
eighteen on the outer lip, extending nearly across to the margin,
some short, and others elongated ; fourteen on the columella side
thickened and rounded at each end, aperture shaped like the
figure eight.
This specimen was found by Mr. R. C. Rossiter, on the reefs
at the Island of Ouen, New Caledonia. Length 12. Alt. 7.
breadth 9 lines.
Descriptive Catalogue of the Fishes of Australia.
By William Macleay, F.L.S., &c.
Part IV.
Order IV. PHYSOSTOML
All the fin rays are articulated ; only the first of the dorsal and
pectoral fins is sometimes more or less ossified. The ventral fins, if
present are abdominal, without spine. Air-bladder, if present, ivith
a pneumatic duct.
* In general habitat it resembles Reticulipora dorsalis, of Waters ; but the
form of the cells sufficiently distinguishes it.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 203
Family I. SILUKIDiE.
Skin naked or with osseous scutes, but without scales. Barbels
always present ; maxillary bone rudimentary, almost always
forming the base of a maxillary barbel. Margin of the upper
jaw formed by the intermaxillaries only. Suboperculum absent.
Air-bladder generally present, communicating with the organ of
hearing by means of the auditory ossicles. Adipose fin absent
or present.
Genus Plotosus, Lacep.
A short dorsal fin in front, with a pungent spine ; a second
long dorsal is united with the caudal and anal into one fin, which
is pointed behind. Teeth in the upper jaw conical, on the vomer
molar-like, in the lower jaw mixed. Barbels eight: one
immediately before the posterior nostril, which is distant from
the anterior, the latter being quite in front of the snout. Cleft
of mouth transverse. Eyes small. The gill membranes are
separate from each other, not attached to the isthmus." Branchial
arches without particular cartilaginous posterior process and
without posterior membrane. Ventral fins many-rayed. Head
depressed.
Coasts of Indian and Polynesian Seas.
802. Plotosus anguillabis, Lacep.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes, V., p. 24.— Cant. Pishes Mai., p. 264.
Plotosus arab, Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Silur., p. 98, tab. 95, fig. 2.
B. 12. Pirst D. 1/4-5. Second D. + C.+A. 169-189. P. 1/11,
V. 12. Vert. 12/35.
The length of the head is about one-fifth of the total length
(without the caudal fin), the height of the body one-seventh or
one-eighth. Barbels not very long : those of the nostril extend
to the eye, and those of the maxillary are about half as long as
the head. Brown or black, generally with two white longitudinal
204 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN PISHES,
bands, the upper of which, commences at the snout, and runs
above the eye along the base of the dorsal fin ; the lower proceeds
from the maxillary barbel along the middle of the side of the
body. Vertical fins with dark margin.
Moreton Bay, Endeavour Eiver, and Port Darwin.
803. Plotosus unicolor, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, "Victoria, Vol. II., p. 141.
Eight barbels, about as long as half the space from the anterior
margin of the snout to the base of the first dorsal fin, those of
the nostrils extending considerably behind the eye ; length of
head over four times and two thirds in the total length, height
of body over six times in the same ; the diameter of the eye less
than half the length of the snout. Head rather pointed in front,
the dorsal spine straight and acute ; rays of first dorsal, four.
Ventrals rather long, of twelve rays ; pectorals of one long spine
and nine rays. Colour uniform dark brown, almost black
Length about seven inches.
In waterholes in the interior of Western Australia.
804. Plotosus elongatus, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 237.
Brisbane Eiver (fresh-water) Norman Eiver.
Genus Neoplotosus, Casteln.
All the characters of Plotosus, but with the teeth all similar ;
soft, molar-like, they form a strip on the palate and a band on
the vomer.
Australia.
805. Neoplotosus Waterhousei, Casteln.
Eesearches on the Eishes of Australia, p. 45.
EirstD. 1/3. Second D.+C.+ A. 140. P. 1/10. V. 10.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 205
The height of the body is contained eight times and one-third
in the total length, the length of the head five times ; barbels
not very long ; those of the nostrils extend to the eyes ; those of
the maxillary not further ; the highest of the mandibulary barbels
is the longest, being about as long as the snout, the lower
shorter. Eye very small, its diameter about one-eighth of the
length of the head and one-third of that of the snout. The snout
is depressed ; the body is compressed, elongate, and tapers to the
tail. General colour (in spirits) light grey, with the lower parts
yellow ; the fins yellowish, bordered with black ; a few small
irregular spots on the body and dorsal fin.
Adelaide. Length five inches.
G-enus Copidoglanis, Gunth.
A short dorsal fin in front, with a pungent spine ; a second
long dorsal is united with the caudal and anal into one fin.
Teeth in the upper jaw conical, on the vomer molar-like, in the
lower jaw mixed. Barbels eight ; nostrils as in Plotosus. Cleft
of the mouth transverse. Eyes of moderate size, with a free
orbital margin. The gill-membranes are separated by a deep
notch, united anteriorly only, the united portion not attached to
the isthmus. The first branchial arch with a fringed membrane
along the hinder edge of its concave side. Ventral fins many-
rayed. Head rather compressed.
Coasts and rivers of Australia and East Indian Archipelago.
806. Copidoglanis tandantjs, Mitchell.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 26.
" The Cat Fish" of the Murrumbidgee.
B. 9. First D. 1/6. Second D.+C.+ A. 142. P. 1/10. V. 12.
Head and body compressed ; the height of the body is not
much less than the length of the head, which is a little more than
one-fifth of the total. Head as high as broad, its greatest width
206 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
being three-fifths of its length; the diameter of the eye is contained
five times and a-half in the length of the head, twice and a-half
in that of the snout, and twice in the width of the interorbital
space. The nasal barbels are a little shorter than those of the
maxillary, and extend to the middle of the eye. The band of
teeth of each intermaxillary bone is twice as broad as long ; the
vomerine teeth are arranged in a semicircular disk, those of the
mandibularies form a band which is broadest in the middle ; all
the teeth of conical form have a brown tip. The first dorsal fin
is nearly as high as the body, and its spine more than half as
long as the head. Pectoral spine as strong as, but much shorter
than that of the dorsal fin. Uniform blackish-brown above.
Rivers of New South Wales. Length from two to three feet.
807. Copidoglanis obscurus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 26.
First D. 1/6. Second D.+C.+ A. 226. P. 1/14. V. 15-16.
Head not much compressed, but nearly as high as broad, its
width being two-thirds of its length. The height of the body is
contained eight times and a-half in the total length, the length
of the head six times and a-third ; the diameter of the eye is one-
sixth of the height, two-fifths of that of the snout, and three-
fifths of the width of the interorbital space. The nasal barbels
extend to behind the eye, those of the maxillary to the gill-opening.
Each intermaxillary with a triangular band of teeth, which is
rather broader than long ; vomerine band crescent-shaped. All
the teeth are white. The first dorsal fin is placed immediately
behind the nape and is as high as the body, its spine is more
than half the length of the head. Pectoral spine as strong as,
but much shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Brown : fins with
black margin.
Australia ? (Gunther).
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 207
808. CoPEDOGLANTS BREVIDOKSALIS, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1867, Vol. XX., p. 66.
Differs from the preceding species in having the anterior
portion of the second dorsal fin replaced by a pad of fat, from
which the rays gradually emerge behind ; the anterior portion
does not contain any rays. The anal fin is composed of about
eighty-five rays. The nasal barbel extends to the origin of the
dorsal fin, none of the others reach beyond the extremity of the
pectoral. The eye is one-seventh of the length of the head.
Entirely black.
Cape York. Nicol Bay. Length six inches.
809. COPIDOGLANIS LONGIFILIS, W. Sp.
First D. 1/4. Second D.+C.+A. 160. P. 1/11. V. 12.
The height of the body is rather less than one-sixth of the
total length, and is less than the length of the head. The body
is compressed and tapers to the tail ; the head is rather depressed
with the eyes on the upper surface ; the distance from the eye to
the snout is equal to three diameters of the eye, and the width
of the interorbital space to two diameters. The lips are extremely
verrucose, with two prominent nasal flaps on the upper ; the teeth
in both jaws and on the roof of the mouth are strong, bluntly
conical, and distant. The barbels are very long, the nasal ones
reaching to the first dorsal fin. The first dorsal fin is somewhat
pointed and more than half the height of the body. The colour
seems to have been black or very dark brown.
Long Island, Torres Straits. Length thirteen inches.
Genus Neosilurus, Steind.
A genus distinguished from Copidoglanis by the rudimentary
condition or entire absence of the anterior part of the second
dorsal fin. The Copidoglanis brevidorsalis, Gunth., should perhaps
be referred to this genus.
208 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
810. Neosilurus iiyrtlii, Steind.
Sitzgsber. Ak. Wiss. Wien. 1867, p. 14.
I have never seen Steindachner's description of this species,
but I think it very probable that it is identical with a fish which
I have received from a river of Northern Queensland, and of
which the following is a description.
First D. 1/4. Second D.4-C.+A. 115. P. 1/9. V. 13.
Body very compressed, its height about equal to the length of
the head, and one-fifth of the total length ; the diameter of the
eye is about one-fifth of the length of the head, is contained twice
in the length of the snout, and more than twice in the width of
the interorbital space. None of the barbels reach the eye. The
second dorsal fin commences about one-fifth of the length of the
body from the tail, the rays at first are very short, but lengthen
gradually to the middle of the caudal fin which is pointed, the
rays of the anal also lengthen gradually to the tail. The colour
seems to have been reddish-brown, white beneath.
River of Northern Queensland. Length seven inches.
Genus Otcdoglanis, Gunth.
A short dorsal fin in front, with a pungent spine ; a second
long dorsal is united with the caudal and anal into one fin,
pointed behind. Teeth in the upper jaw conical, on the vomer
molar-like, in the lower jaw mixed. Barbels eight or more ;
nostrils as in Plotosus. Cleft of the mouth transverse. Eyes
small. The gill-membranes are united below the throat, and
attached to the isthmus along the entire median line. The second
and third branchial arches with a series of long cartilaginous
processes, covering the base of the gill-lamina) on the sides facing
each other. Ventral fins many-rayed.
Rivers and Coasts of Australia.
811. Cnidoglanis megastoma, Richards.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 27.
f
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 209
Plotoms megastomus, Kich., Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 31, pi. 21,
figs 1 and 3.
Chceroplotosus decemfilis, Kner., Novara, Fisch. p. 300, t. 13, fig. 1,
B. 11. First D. 1/4. Second D.+C.+A. 234. P. 1/9. V. 10.
Head very broad and depressed, its length being one-fifth of
the total (without caudal). Ten barbels, (there being two pair
of maxillaries) not very long ; those of the nostril and maxillary
extending somewhat behind the eye. Lower lip broad, pendent,
with lobes, the outer of which is situated below the maxillary
barbels and has the appearance of a short barbel. The inter-
maxillary teeth are small, conical, and form two small patches ;
those of the lower jaw form a broad band, tapering on the side,
the outer series of which is formed by conical teeth, the remainder
being molar-like. Vomerine teeth in a large triangular patch.
Eye small, covered by the skin. Uniform blackish-brown above.
Port Jackson.
812. Cnidoglanis lepturus, Ghmth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 28.
First D. 1/5. Second D.+C.+A. 212. P. 1/9. V. 11.
Head depressed, its width being three-fourths of its length,
which is one-seventh of the total ; tail long, much produced and
pointed behind. The nasal and maxillary barbels extend to the
end of the head ; lower lip not pendent or fringed. Inter-
maxillary teeth conical, in two small patches ; those of the
mandible in two triangular bands, molar-like, with an outer
series of conical ones. Eye small. The first dorsal fin is lower
than the body, and placed at a very short distance from the
occiput ; its spine is feebly serrated, one-third or not quite one-
third as long as the head ; pectoral spine as long and strong as
that of the dorsal fin. Uniform black.
Port Jackson. Length fourteen inches.
210 DESCBIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
813. Cnidoglanis microcepbalus, Richards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 31, pi. 21, figs. 4-7. — Grunth., Cat.
Fishes V., p. 28.
First D. 1/5. Second D.+C.+A. 210. P. 1/10. V. 12.
Head rather depressed, small, its length being one-eighth of
the total length. Nasal barbels long, extending to the dorsal
fin, which however is placed at a short distance from the occiput
Maxillary barbels reaching the gill-opening ; lower lip without
fringes. The intermaxillary teeth form two triangular patches,
those of the vomer a crescent-shaped band. Eye rather small.
The first dorsal fin elevated, and produced into a long point.
Brown, with numerous small, round, whitish spots.
North-west Coast of Australia.
814. Cnidoglanis Bostockii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 140.
This species seems to resemble C. megastoma in almost every
particular excepting that the nasal barbels are always much
shorter, not passing the centre of the eye. The first dorsal fin
has five rays ; the second dorsal, caudal and anal united about
two hundred and twenty rays ; and the ventrals ten. Colour in
spirits black, becoming browner beneath.
West Australia. Length twenty-one inches.
Genus Silurichthys, Bleek.
One very short dorsal fin without pungent spine ; no adipose
fin ; anal and caudal fins confluent. Barbels four ; one to each
maxillary, and one to each mandible. Palatine teeth none ;
vomerine teeth in a short transverse band ; eyes rather small,
above the angle of the mouth. Nostrils remote from each other,
subequal in form and width. Head and body covered with soft
skin. The upper profile of the head straight. The dorsal fin is
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 211
inserted above, or immediately before the ventrals. Ventrals
composed of eight or less rays ; caudal obliquely emarginate.
East Indian Archipelago. Cashmere.
815. SlLURICHTHYS AUSTRALIS, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 45.
The height of the body is contained six times in the length,
without the caudal fin, the length of the head four times and
three-quarters. Eight barbels,* those at the corner of the mouth
shorter than the others ; the upper jaw is longer than the lower ;
the dorsal is inserted before the vertical from the ventrals. Colour
silvery, with the upper parts of a greenish-grey ; the entire body
and fins covered with numerous and minute black markings.
Cape York. Length four and a-half inches.
Genus Cainosilurus.
Neosilurus, Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Yol. II., p. 238.
I substitute this name for Neosilurus previously appropriated
by Dr. Steindachner.
816. Cainosilurus australis, Casteln.
Neosilurus australis, Casteln., Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Yol. II.,
p. 239.
Freshwater, Rockhampton.
Genus Eumeda, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. Yol. III., p. 143.
817. Eumeda elongata, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W.. Yol. ILL, p. 144.
Brisbane River. Rockhampton.
* This is not in accordance with the characters given of the genus.
212 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Genus Arius, Bleek.
Adipose fin of moderate length or short ; a short dorsal fin with
a pungent spine and seven soft rays ; anal fin rather short. Head
osseous above ; barbels six, four at the mandible, no nasal
barbels. Teeth on the palate fixed, the upper jaw longer. Eyes
with a free orbital margin ; the anterior and posterior nostrils
placed close together, the posterior with a valve. Caudal fin
forked ; ventral with six rays, attached behind the vertical from
the dorsal. Gill-membranes not confluent with the skin of the
isthmus, with free posterior margin.
Tropical regions.
818. Arius thalassinus, Kupp.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 139.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Silur., t. 61.
D. 1/7. A. 16-17. P. 1/11. Vert. 18/27.
The height of the body is contained from four times and three-
quarters to five times and two-fifths in the length, (without
caudal), the length of the head four times and a-quarter or three
and a-half . Head much broader than high ; snout obtuse in
young specimens ; the adult fish with the upper jaw pointed,
and projecting much beyond the lower. The teeth on the palate
are villif orm and form a pair of more or less separate subtriangular
patches, each of which is composed of three portions. The
maxillary barbels extend to the opercles or to the pectoral fin.
Crown of the head granulated ; occipital process triangular,
rather longer than broad, elevated in its middle into a longitudinal
ridge ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine is small, crescent-
shaped. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, granulated in front,
slightly serrated behind ; its length equals that of the head
without snout ; the dorsal rays are as high as the body. Adipose
fin very short. Pectoral spine stronger, and but little shorter
than the dorsal spines.
Torres Straits. Port Jackson.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.Ii.S. 213
819. Abitjs gagorides, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 140.
D. 1/7. A. 17. P. 1/12.
The height of the body is rather less than one-fourth of the
length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths ;
head much broader than high, its greatest width being equal to
the distance of the hinder nostril from the end of the opercle.
The teeth on the palate are in two pairs of confluent patches,
those on the palatine bones are large, broad, and emarginate
posteriorly. Six barbels, shorter than the head. Crown of the
head granulated, the granules being arranged in radiating series ;
occipital plate triangular, elevated into an obtuse ridge along its
middle, rather broader than long ; the basal bone of the dorsal
spine is of moderate width, narrowest in the middle, each half
slightly bent into an S-shaped form. Dorsal spine strong, as
long as the head without snout, granulated in front, and obtusely
serrated behind, as high as the soft portion of the fin, or as the
body underneath. Adipose fin somewhat shorter than the dorsal.
Pectoral spine as long as that of the dorsal fin, granulated
exteriorly and serrated inferiorly. Ventral fins much shorter
than the pectoral, not extending to the anal. Caudal fin deeply
forked.
Port Darwin.
820. Abius atjstbalis, Gunth.
Gunth., Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1867, p. 103.
D. 1/7. A. 16-17. P. 1/10.
The height of the body is contained from four times to four
times and a-half in the length (without caudal), the length of the
head thrice and a-third or thrice and a-f ourth ; the greatest width
of the head is five-sixths of its length. Occipital process as long
as, or longer than broad, granulated, with a very obtuse median
ridge, extending to the small basal bone of the dorsal fin. Eye
214 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
of moderate size, much, nearer to the snout than to the extremity
of the operculum, the length of the snout being nearly one-half
of that of the post-orbital portion of the head ; upper jaw some-
what longer than the lower. The teeth on the palate form a
broad arched band, the vomerine patches being slightly separated
from the palatine, and either perfectly continuous in the middle
or but slightly interrupted. The maxillary barbels extend to,
or sometimes not quite to, the root of the pectoral fin ; the outer
ones of the mandible, to the gill-opening. Dorsal spine strong,
half as long as the head, slightly serrated in front and behind.
Adipose fin as long as, or shorter, than the dorsal, its length
being less than one-third of the distance between the two fins.
Pectoral spine stronger and a little longer than that of the dorsal
fin ; ventral fins more or less shorter than the pectorals. Porus
axillaris minute. Sides of the body silvery, upper parts uniform
blackish.
Hunter Paver. Bichmond Piver.
821. Arius Curtisii, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Vol. II., p. 236.
Moreton Bay.
822. Arius venaticus, Eichards.
Bagrus venations, Eich., Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 33. — Gunth.
Cat. Fishes V., p. 174.
D. 1/9 or more. A. about 30. P. 1/13. V. about 8.
Head strongly granulated above ; apex of the occipital process
where it meets the small crescentic buckler of the dorsal fin,
slightly rounded. Dorsal spine serrated anteriorly and a little
undulated posteriorly ; the pectoral spine is equal in length to
the dorsal one, and is strongly serrated on both sides. The teeth
are villif orm. The front of the vomer supports two small roundish
dental plates, which adhere to each other. The palatine plates
BY TV. MACXEAY, F.L.S. 215
are both broader and longer, upper lobe of tail longest. Barbels
six. (Richards.)
North-west Coast of Australia.
823. Aritjs vertagus, Eichards.
Voy. Ereb. and Terr., Fish., p. 33.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 174.
B. 6. D. 1/6-7. A. 28. P. 1/9. V. 9?.
The dorsal spine is equal in length to the space between its
base and the orbit, and is shorter than the pectoral spine, which
is strongly serrated on both sides. Head granulated above, with
the occipital process crescentic at the apex. The vomerine teeth
are disposed in two small separate plates, and the palatine teeth
form a still smaller plate near each corner of the mouth. Barbels
six. Length three inches.
North-west Coast of Australia.
The last two species were described by Sir John Richardson
from very imperfect specimens.
Family II. HAPLOCHITONIM].
Body naked or scaly. Margin of the upper jaw formed by the
intermaxillary ; opercular apparatus complete. Barbels none.
Gill-opening wide ; pseudobranchise well developed. Air-bladder
simple. Adipose fin present. Ovaries laminated ; the eggs fall
into the cavity of the abdomen, there being no oviduct. Pyloric
appendages none.
Genus Prototroctes, Gunth.
General habit of Corregonus. The scales on the front part of
the body irregularly arranged in series descending obliquely
forward. The dorsal fin occupies a position somewhat posterior
to that of the ventrals, which are in the middle of the length of
the body, and composed of seven rays. Adipose fin, small ;
caudal emarginate ; anal of moderate length. Eye of moderate
216 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
size. Teeth minute, in a single series in the jaws, on the vomer
and on the palatine hones. Gill-openings rather wide, the gill-
membranes not attached to the isthmus. Branchiostegals six.
Australian Rivers.
824. Prototroctes mar^ena, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 382. " The Yarta Herring:'
B. 6. D. 10. A. 19. P. 13. Y. L. lat. 78. L. transv. 19.
Body compressed, the height about one-fourth of the length
(without caudal) ; the belly strongly compressed, the scales on
one side not extending to the other, leaving a naked groove from
the ventrals to the anal. Head small, terminating in a conical
snout, with the upper jaw longest ; the snout rather longer than
the diameter of the eye, which is one-fourth of the length of the
head, and equal to the width of the convex interorbital space.
The cleft of the mouth extends to below the anterior margin of
the orbit ; the maxillary and intermaxillary are very solid bones,
firmly adherent to one another and extending equally far back-
wards. A single series of minute teeth on the intermaxillary,
vomer, and palatine bones. The cheek and opercular apparatus
are naked. Operculum quadrangular. The dorsal fin midway
between the oral and caudal extremities ; caudal emarginate ;
the pectorals are rather longer than the ventrals. Scales moderate,
irregular, thin and cycloid ; no lateral line. Greenish-olive ;
sides and belly silvery. Length ten inches.
Rivers of Victoria and Tasmania.
Family III. SCOPELIDiE.
Body naked or scaly. Margin of the upper jaw formed by
the intermaxillary only ; opercular apparatus sometimes incom-
pletely developed. Barbels none. Gill-openings very wide ;
pseudobranchise well developed. Air-bladder none. Adipose
fin present. The eggs are enclosed in the sacs of the ovarium
BY W. MACXEAY, F.L.S. 217
and excluded by oviducts. Pyloric appendages few in number
or absent. Intestinal tract very short.
Genus Saurtjs, Cuv. & Val.
Body sub-cylindrical, rather elongate, covered with scales of
moderate size ; head oblong ; cleft of the mouth very wide ;
intermaxillary very long, styliform, tapering ; maxillary thin,
long, closely adherent to the intermaxillary. Teeth cardiform,
some being elongate, slender ; all can be laid downwards and
inwards ; teeth in the jaws, on the tongue, and on the palatine
bones, those on the palate form a single band on each side. Eye
of moderate size. Pectoral fin short ; ventral eight-rayed, the
inner rays much longer than the outer ; it is inserted before the
dorsal, and not far behind the pectorals. The dorsal fin is
situated nearly in the middle of the length of the body, with
thirteen or less rays ; adipose fin small ; anal short or of moderate
length ; caudal forked. Gill-opening very wide, the gill-
membranes not attached to the isthmus ; branchiostegals numerous.
Pyloric appendages few in number.
Tropical parts of the Atlantic and Pacific. Mediterranean.
825. Saurtjs myops, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth.. Cat. Pishes V., p. 398.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Saurid., tab.
2., fig. 3.
B. 16. D. 12. A. 15-16. L lat. 56-58. L. transv. 3|/7.
The length of the head is two-seventha of the total length
(without caudal) ; crown of the head and occiput finely
corrugated ; interorbital space deeply concave. Snout rather
obtuse, short, shorter than the eye, with the lower jaw a little
projecting beyond the upper. Dorsal fin as high as long ; the
pectoral extends to the tenth scale of the lateral line ; the ventral
to, or nearly to, the vent. Tail compressed. Scapula black.
Port Jackson.
O
218 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Genus Saurida, Cuv. & Val.
This genus differs from Saurus only in having a double band
of teeth on the palatine bones on each side, the inner band being
the shorter, and in having the ventrals nine-rayed, the inner rays
not much longer than the outer ones.
Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.
826. Saurida nebulosa, Cuv. & Val.
G-unth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 399.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Saurid. tab.
2, fig. 1.
B. 13. D. 11. A. 9. V. 9. L. lat. 52. L. transv. 3£/6.
Snout somewhat pointed ; orbit with the adipose eyelids
moderately developed. The pectoral fin extends to the ninth
scale of the lateral line. A rather inconspicuous ridge along the
caudal portion of the lateral line. Dorsal and caudal fins with
brownish-black dots ; the brown spots on the side of the body
extend to below the lateral line.
Port Jackson.
827. Saurida undosquamis, Eichards.
Yoy. Erebus and Terror, p. 138, pi. 51, f. 1-6.— Gunth., Cat.
Pishes V., p. 40TI.
B. 15. D. 11. A. 11. V. 9. L. lat. 57-58. L. transv. -I A-/7.
Snout broad and obtuse ; orbit with the adipose eyelids
moderately developed. The pectoral fin extends to the eleventh
scale of the lateral line, and nearly to the vertical from the origin
of the dorsal fin. A conspicuous ridge along the caudal portion
of the lateral line. A series of small brown spots on the upper
caudal ray.
North-west Coast of Australia.
828. Saurida australis, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Vol. IIP, p. 393.
Port Jackson.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 219
829. Saurida grandisquamis, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 400.
B. 15. D. 12-13. A. 11. V. 9. L. lat. 49. L. transv. 4/6-7.
The length of the head is contained four times and one-third
in the total length (caudal excluded) ; snout broad, obtuse, a
little longer than the diameter of the eye, which is contained five
times and a-half in the length of the head ; orbit with the adipose
eyelids moderately developed. Dorsal fin much higher than long,
the third (longest) ray being not much shorter than the head.
The pectoral fin extends to the twelfth scale of the lateral line,
and nearly to the vertical from the origin of the dorsal. A
conspicuous ridge runs along the caudal portion of the lateral line
Blackish-olive above, silvery beneath ; the anterior rays of the
dorsal fin, and the upper ones of the caudal with brown dots.
Cape Grenville (Chevert Exp.)
830. Saurida truculenta, n. sp.
B. 14. D. 11. A. 11. L. lat. 58. L. transv. 4/6.
Height of body one-tenth of the total length, length of the
head nearly one-fifth. Head broad and fiat above, and rather
pointed at the snout. The eye is large and partially covered on
each side by an adipose membrane ; the length of the snout from
the eye is about equal to the largest diameter of the orbit. The
space between the eyes has a width of rather more than two
diameters of the eye, and has a broad shallow groove in the
middle ; immediately above the snout there is a bony protuber-
ance, over each eye a sharp horizontal ridge and behind these in
the same line, one or two small, sharp protuberances. The teeth
are extremely large and numerous. The scales are large and
rather loose ; they commence on the occiput. The pectoral fin
extends to a little beyond the commencement of the ventral, and
these are placed entirely in front of the dorsal, which commences
nearly opposite their posterior third. The two first rays of the
220 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
dorsal are higher than the body. The adipose fin is opposite the
third last anal ray. Caudal fin forked, the rays very strong.
Colour in spirits, brownish above, whitish beneath ; fins yellowish.
Length twenty inches.
Port Jackson.
831. Saurida argentea, n. sp.
B. 13. D. 12. A. 10. L. lat. 55. L. transv. 5/8.
Height of body one-tenth, and length of head one-seventh of
the total length. The head is flat above and tapers to a rounded
snout, which is considerably longer than the diameter of the eye ;
a short ridge behind the occiput, behind the bine of the back.
The pectoral fin does not nearly reach the ventral, which is placed
only a very little in front of the vertical from the dorsal. Caudal
fin forked ; dorsal higher than long, the first rays much higher
than the body. Colour bluish above, whitish beneath, most of
the scales showing a silvery centre, the middle rays of the tail
blackish. Length seven inches.
Endeavour River.
Genus Aulopus, Cuv.
Head and body rather elongate, slightly compressed, covered
with scales of moderate size. Cleft of the mouth very wide ;
maxillary well developed, dilated behind. Teeth small, cardif orm,
in bands in the jaws, on the vomer, palatine, and pterygoid
bones, and on the tongue. Eye of moderate size. Pectoral and
ventral fins well developed ; the latter nine-rayed, inserted close
behind the pectorals, below the anterior dorsal rays. Dorsal fin
in the middle of the length of the body, rather elongate, with
fifteen or more rays ; adipose fin small ; anal of moderate length ;
caudal forked. Gill-opening very wide ; branehiostegals numer-
ous ; pseudobranchice well developed. Pyloric appendages few.
Air-bladder none.
Mediterranean. Australia.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 221
832. Aulopus purpurissatus, Bichards.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 403.
" Sergeant Baker " of the Fishermen.
D. 19-22. A. 13-14. V. 9. L. lat. 51. L. transv. 6/9.
The length of the head is contained thrice and one-fourth in
the length of the body (caudal fin excluded) ; the second and
third dorsal rays produced into a long filament in the males. The
colours of this fish are very brilliant, consisting chiefly of purple
and red.
Port Jackson ; rare in Melbourne.
Genus Chlorophthalmus, Bonap.
Head and body rather elongate, rather compressed behind,
covered with scales of moderate size. Cleft of the mouth wide ;
maxillary well developed, dilated behind. Teeth minute, in
narrow bands in the jaws, on the vomer, the palatine bones and
the tongue. Eye largo. Pectoral and ventral fins well developed ;
the latter nine-rayed, inserted at no great distance behind the
pectorals, somewhat behind the origin of the dorsal fin. Dorsal
fin somewhat before the middle of the length of the body, short,
with eleven or twelve rays ; adipose fin small ; anal short ;
caudal forked. Gill-opening very wide ; branchiostegals ten ;
pseudobranchise well developed.
Mediterranean. Australian Seas.
833. Chlorophthalmus nigripinnis, Gunth.
Gunth., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1878, Vol. II., p. 182.
B. 7. D. 11. A. 9. L. lat. 50.
The length of the head is contained thrice and three-fourths in
the total length (without caudal). The eye is large, two-fifths
of the length of the head, and three times the width of the
interorbital space. The distance of the adipose fin from the
222 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
dorsal equals that between the latter and the front margin of the
eye. Teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and palatine bones, in
very narrow bands. Pectoral fins rather shorter than the ventral,
which extends far beyond the vent, the vent being much nearer
to the ventral than to the anal. Silvery, with some very indistinct
darker spots on the sides of the body ; top of the dorsal fin and
extremity of each caudal lobe black.
Off Twofold Bay, 120 fathoms. (Challenger.)
Genus Scopelus, Cuv.
Body oblong, more or less compressed, covered with large
scales, those of the lateral line being generally the largest.
Series of phosphorescent spots run along the lower side of the
head, body, and tail, and a similar substance occupies the front
of the snout and the back of the tail. Head generally compressed,
with the bones thin but ossified. Cleft of the mouth very wide.
Intermaxillary very long, styliform, tapering ; maxillary well
developed. Teeth villiform, in bands, in both jaws, on the
palatine and pterygoid bones, and on the tongue ; the vomerine
teeth are not visible except in the large specimens. Eye large.
Pectoral and ventral fins well developed, the latter are eight-
rayed, inserted immediately in front of the dorsal, or below its
anterior portion, at some distance behind the base of the pectoral.
Dorsal fin in, or nearly in, the middle of the length of the body ;
adipose fin small, sometimes fimbriated. Anal fin generally long;
caudal forked. Gill opening very wide ; the outer branchial arch
extending forward to behind the symphysis of the lower jaw, and
beset with very long gill-rakers. Branchiostegals from eight to
ten. Pseudobranchise well developed. Air-bladdder small.
Pyloric appendages in small number.
Pelagic Fishes of all Seas.
834. Scopelus Cuvieri, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II., p. 10H.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 223
D. 12. A. 19. V. 8. P. 17. L. lat. 41.
The height of the body is contained three times and eight-
tenths in the total length ; the length of the head four times ; the
diameter of the eye twice in the length of the head. Anterior
profile very convex ; nostrils large and inflated ; lower -jaw longer
than the upper ; the teeth are numerous and villif orm ; the
rnaxillaries reach to the end of the prseoperculum, are very
slender, gradually widen posteriorly, and end in an oblique curve.
The eye is very large. The scales are rather deciduous and
ciliated, very large on the opercles and broad on the lateral lines.
The dorsal fin is situated nearer to the snout than to the base of
the caudal, the two first rays are short, the first shortest ; the
anal the same ; the pectorals reach as far back as the ventrals,
which are rather in advance of the dorsal. The adipose fin is
broad, arched, pointed, and placed above the end of the anal ;
two sharp spines on the lower profile between the anal and the
caudal fins. Colour a brilliant and iridescent silver ; the fins
bright yellow.
Torres Straits (Castelnau).
835. Scopelus boops, Eichards.
Myctophum hoops, Eichards., Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 39, pi.
27, figs. 6-12.
D. 14. A. 20. P. 15. V. 8. L. lat. 35.
The height of the body and the length of the head about equal,
and one-fifth of the total length. The eye large, exceeding in
diameter the width of the interorbital space. The luminous
substance forming a csnspicuous frontal keel. The dorsal fin is
placed above the beginning of the ventrals ; the pectorals reach
the anus. The body is ornamented with a number of opalescent
dots with a black border.
The sea between New Zealand and Australia (Eichards.) .
224 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
836. Scopelus coruscans, Richards.
Myctophum coruscans, Richards., Yoy. Erebus and Terror, p. 40,
pi. 27, figs. 1-5.
D. 12. A. 20. P. 17. V. 8. L. lat. 38.
More compressed than S. hoops, tapering to a very slender tail.
The eye is a little removed from the profile and is placed rather
in advance of the middle of the cleft of the mouth. The inter-
orbital space is convex, without any appearance of the glandular
substance, which seems to be confined to the immediate border
of each nostril. An elevated acute mesial line separates one
nasal prominence from the other. The ventral fins are attached
at the commencement of the second third of the length of the fish,
caudal excluded. The dorsal commences a little behind them ;
and the upper surface of the tail behind the adipose fin, is covered
by six convex scales, without the flat surface or glandular
appearance of the preceding species. The posterior rays of the
dorsal and anal are divided to the base. No spines at the base
of the caudal. The scales are undulated, very irregularly and
sparingly toothed on the free edge, and with three basal furrows.
Coloured and spotted as in S. hoops.
Australian Ocean (Richardson).
836. Scopelus cephalotes, Casteln.
Researches Fishes of Australia, p. 46.
D. 9. A. 10. P. 12.
The height of the body is one-fourth of the total length, the
length of the head one-third ; form rather elongate ; upper
profile not very convex ; eye very large, contained three times
and a-quarter in the length of the head ; lower jaw considerably
longer than the upper one, and when the mouth is shut it appears
pointed and directed upwards, the cleft of the mouth being very
oblique ; teeth very numerous, placed very near one another,
and directed backwards ; the maxillary extends further than the
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 225
centre of the eye ; body covered with scales placed in transverse
lines, and finely striated ; one dorsal situated at near the two
posterior thirds of the body ; it is narrow, but high, and formed
of one spine and eight rays ; caudal rather pointed ; anal with
three spines and seven rays ; the first spine is short, the second
longer, and the third much longer still, and almost equal to the
rays ; the pectorals of twelve rays extend to the end of the ventrals;
no adipose fin ; the highest part of the fish is at the posterior
part of the head, and from thence its form goes tapering to the
end of the tail. The body, in the spirits, appears to have been
of a lilac colour, covered in a great part by a pearl-coloured tinge ;
very minute black dots are seen on the greatest part of the body,
and several marmorated spots appear on some of the specimens ;
the fins are of a light yellow, with some black dots at their base.
The specimens are about one inch and a-half long.
Adelaide.
Count Castelnau suggests Neoscopelus as a new genus for this
Fish. It certainly does not tit in well to the genus Scopelus.
Genus Alepidosaurus, Lowe.
Body elongate, rather compressed, scaleless ; head compressed
with the snout much produced, and with the cleft of the mouth
very wide ; intermaxillary very long and very slender ; maxillary
thin, needle-like, as long as the intermaxillary, immoveable.
Teeth very unecpial in size, immoveable. A series of very small
teeth runs along the entire length of the intermaxillary. Teeth
of the palatine bone compressed, triangular, pointed, the two or
three anterior ones being exceedingly long and strong, and the
posterior ones of moderate size. Teeth of the lower jaw similar
to those of the palatine bones, one pair in front, and two or three
pairs in the middle being much enlarged. No teeth on the tongue.
Eye large ; pectoral and ventral fins well developed. The rayed
dorsal fin occupies the whole length of the back from the occiput
to the anal fin. Adipose and anal fins of moderate size. Caudal
226 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
forked. Grill-opening very wide. Branchiostegals six or seven.
The outer branchial arch with stiff, shortish spine-like gill-rakers.
Pseudobranchire well developed. Air-bladder none.
Ocean Fishes, Atlantic and 'Pacific.
837. Alepidosaurus ferox, Lowe.
Gfunth., Cat. Fishes V., p. 421. — Eichards., Voy. Erebus and
Terror, p. 34, pi. 22, figs. 1-4.
B. 6-7. D. 41-44. A. 14-17. P. 14-15. V. 9-10.
The length of the head is twice the height of the body, and
rather less than one-sixth of the total length, (without caudal).
The eye occupies the middle of the length of the head, of which
it is one-sixth ; its diameter equals the width of the interorbital
space. Dorsal fin much elevated. Pectoral elongate, but
terminating at a great distance from the ventral ; the first raj of
the dorsal, pectoral, and ventral fins with the edge slightly
serrated. Upper caudal lobe produced into a long filament.
Tasmania (Richardson).
Family IV. STOMIATID^.
Skin naked or with exceedingly fine scales ; a hyoid barbel.
Margin of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillary and
maxillary, which are both toothed ; opercular apparatus but
little developed. Gill-opening very wide ; pseudobranchiae none.
Adipose fin absent or present. The eggs are enclosed in the sacs
of the ovarium, and excluded by oviducts.
Deep Sea Fishes.
Gfenus Echiostoma, Lowe.
Body elongate, compressed, scaleless, with the vent situated at
no great distance from the caudal fin. Head rather compressed,
with the snout short, and the cleft of the mouth very wide. Teeth
pointed, 'unequal in size, those of the intermaxillary and anterior
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 227
part of the mandible being the longest ; maxillary teeth in a
single series, those of its lower two-thirds being very small ;
teeth of the hinder part of the mandible in a double or treble
series ; vomer with a pair of fangs ; palatines with a single
series of small, pointed teeth ; two groups of similar teeth on the
tongue, Eye of moderate size. Opercular portion of the head
very narrow and flexible. A fleshy barbel is suspended from the
centre of the hyoi.l region. Dorsal fin opposite the anal, close to
the caudal ; caudal forked. Pectoral and veutral fins feeble, the
latter inserted behind the middle of the length of the body.
Series of phosphorescent dots run along the lower side of the
head, body, and tail. Gill-openings very wide ; the outer branchial
arch with minute gill-rakers ; pseudobranchiae none. Air-bladder
none.
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
838. Echiostoma microdon, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1878, Vol. II., p. 180.
D. 24. A 29. P. 3. V. 7.
The length of the head is more than one-fifth of the total length
(without caudal). No separate pectoral ray; root of the ventral
considerably nearer to the base of the caudal than to the extremity
of the snout. All the teeth rather small, a few only in the middle
of the palatine bone. Black ; two luminous organs below the
eye ; a narrow elongate one above the maxillary, and a small,
short one nearer the eye.
North-west Coast of Australia, 2,440 fathoms (Challenger).
839. Echiostoma micripnus, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1878, Vol. II., p. 180.
D. 21. A. 23. P. 1/3. V. 7.
The length of the head is nearly one-ninth of the total length.
Barbel much longer than the head, and fringed at its extremity ;
228 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
the anterior pectoral ray filamentous, and distinctly separated
from the others. Root of the ventral rather nearer to the
extremity of the snout than to the root of the caudal. Black ;
luminous organ above the maxillary small, round, like a
rudimentary eye.
South Coast of Australia, 2,150 fathoms (Challenger)
Family V. SALMONID^E.
Body covered with scales ; head naked; barbels none. Margin
of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries mesially, and
by the maxillaries laterally. Belly rounded. A small adipose
fin behind the dorsal. Pyloric appendages generally numerous,
rarely absent. Air-bladder large, simple ; pseudobranchise
present. The ova fall into the cavity of the abdomen before
exclusion.
Genus Eetrofinna, Gill.
Body covered with scales of moderate size. Cleft of the mouth
of moderate width. Small teeth, subequal in size, in single series
on the jaws, vomer, palatines and pterygoids ; tongue with a
double series of small hooked teeth. Dorsal fin situated far back-
wards, behind the ventrals, above the vent ; anal rather long ;
caudal forked; ventral six-rayed. Pseudobranchise present.
Stomach horseshoe -shaped, without prolonged blind sac ; pyloric
appendages and air-bladder present.
Freshwaters, New Zealand and Australia.
840. Eetropinna Eichardsonii, Gill.
Proc. Acad. Nat. Philad., 1862, p. 14.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI.
p. 171.
Argentina retropinna, Eichards., Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 121,
pi. 52, figs. 1-3.
B. 6. D. 11-12. A. 17-20. P. 11. V. 6. L. lat. 61.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 229
The height of the body is less than the length of the head,
which is contained four times and two-thirds in the total length
(without caudal). Snout shorter than the eye, the diameter of
which is two-sevenths of the length of the head. The lower jaw
is the longer. Coloration uniform, v\dth a silvery band along the
side.
Rope's Creek. Length three inches.
Family VI. GALAXID.E.
Body naked ; barbels none. Margin of the upper jaw chiefly
formed by the intermaxillaries, which are short and continued
by a thick lip, behind which are the maxillaries. Belly rounded.
Adipose fin none ; dorsal opposite to anal. Pyloric appendages
in small number. Air-bladder large, simple ; pseudobranchia3
none. The ova fall into the cavity of the abdomen before exclusion.
Genus Galaxias, Cuv.
A series of conical teeth in the jaws, on each palatine bone,
and on each side of the tongue ; teeth on the tongue hook-like.
Rivers of Australia, New Zealand and Southern parts of South
America.
841. Galaxias truttaceus, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth , Cat. Fishes YL, p. 209.— Richards., Voy. Erebus and
Terror, p. 75, pi. 42, figs. 1-6.
B. 9. D. 11. A. 14-15. V. 7. P. 14.
Body stout ; head broad, depressed, its length being somewhat
more than the height of the body, and two-ninths or a little less
of the total length (without caudal). Jaws equal in length. Cleft
of the mouth of moderate width, the maxillary not quite extending
to below the middle of the eye. Eye of moderate size, two-ninths
of the length of the head and shorter than the snout. The length
of the pectoral fin is one-half of the distance of its root from
230 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
the ventral, and the ventral terminates at a considerable distance
from, the vent ; the anal, if laid backwards, extends scarcely to
the base of the caudal. The least depth of the tail is somewhat
more than one-half of the distance between the caudal and dorsal
fins. Dark olive-coloured, with numerous, small, round, blackish
spots ; two or three dark cross-bars above the pectoral fin ; an
oblique, blackish streak below the eye ; extremities of the dorsal,
anal, and pectoral fins black.
Tasmania.
842. Galaxias olidus, G-unth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 209.
D. 11. A. 13. P. 14. V. 7.
Body stout ; head thick, its length being about equal to the
height of the body, and two-ninths of the total length (without
caudal). The lower jaw is a little shorter than the upj)er; cleft
of the mouth o f moderate width, the maxillary not quite reaching
to below the middle of the eye. Eye rather small, less than one-
sixth of the length of the head, and much shorter than the snout.
The length of the pectoral fin is less than one-half of the distance
of its root from the ventral, and the ventral fin terminates at a
considerable distance from the vent ; the anal fin, if laid backwards
scarcely reaches the base of the caudal. The least depth of the
tail is one-half of the distance between caudal and dorsal fins.
Brownish-red above, yellowish-red below; all the fins and opercles
with thick black dots ; a few scattered similar dots on the side of
the tail.
? Queensland (Gunther). Length four inches.
843. Galaxias attenuatus, Jenyns.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 210.
G. scriha, (not Cuv. & Val.) and G. mavulatus, (not Jenyns),
Richards., Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 75-76, pi. 43, figs. 14-17.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 231
D. 11. A. 17. P. 12. V. 7. C»c. pylor. 2.
Body elongate, its depth, in front of the dorsal fin being one-
eighth or one-tenth of the length (without caudal) ; the length
of the head nearly one-sixth of the same. Snout with the jaws
equal in length ; cleft of the mouth rather narrow ; the maxillary
extending to below the anterior margin of the orbit. Eye of
moderate size, somewhat shorter than the snout, more than one-
fifth of the length of the head. The length of the pectoral fin is
much less than one -half the distance of its root from the ventral,
and that of the ventral is about one-third of the distance of its
root from the anal. The least depth of the tail is one-half of the
distance between the dorsal and caudal fins. Caudal emarginate.
Yellowish-olive, body with numerous faint spots, each spot being
composed of minute dots. Operculum silvery.
Tasmania.
844. G-alaxias Krefftii, Grunth.
G-unth., Cat. Fishes YL, p. 211.
D. 12. A. 16. P. 12. V. 7.
Body moderately elongate, subcylindrical, its depth in front of
the dorsal fin being contained seven times and one-half in the
total length (without caudal) ; the length of the head is five times
and a-half in the same. Snout broad, with the jaws equal in
length ; cleft of the mouth rather narrow ; the maxillary extending
to nearly below the front margin of the orbit. Eye of moderate
size, as long as the snout, one-fourth of the length of the head.
The length of the pectoral fin is considerably less than one-half
of the distance of its root from the ventral ; and that of the
ventral is two-fifths of the distance of its root from the anal. The
least depth of the tail is one-half of the distance between the
dorsal and caudal fins. Caudal truncate. Yellowish-olive (in
spirits) ; back powdered with minute black dots.
New South Wales. Pope's Creek. ? Murray Piver.
232 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
845. GalAXIAS SCRIBA, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 212.
D. 11. A. 15. P. 14. V. 7.
The height of the body is one-half of ths length of the head,
which is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal) ; the
diameter of the eye is only two-fifths of the length of the head.
Caudal fin truncate. Yellowish : minute black dots are crowded
so as to form irregularly fluxuous lines ; a large blotch at the
base of the caudal fin.
Port Jackson (Val.) Length three inches.
846. Gtalaxias pinsrcTATUs, Gunth.
G-unth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 212.
D. 12. A. 16. P. 12. V. 7.
Body elongate, its depth in front of the dorsal fin being one-
eighth of the length (without caudal) ; the length of the head
one-sixth of the same. Snout with the jaws nearly equal in
length ; cleft of the mouth rather narrow, the maxillary extending
nearly to below the anterior margin of the orbit. Eye two-thirds
of the length of the snout, and less than one-fifth of the length
the head. The length of the pectoral fin is nearly one-third of
the distance of its root from the ventral, and that of the ventral
two-fifths of the distance of its root from the anal. The least
depth of the tail is one-half of the space between the dorsal and
caudal fins. Caudal fin emarginate. Light brownish-olive :
upper half of the head and body with numerous small, black spots
or dots.
Eastern Creek. Length six and a-half inches.
847. Galaxias Coxii, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. V., p. 45.
Mount Wilson. Falls for the Colo River.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 233
848. Galaxias planiceps, n. sp.
D. 11. A. 13. P. 14. V. 6.
The height of the body immediately in front of the dorsal fin
is one-eighth of the total length (without caudal) ; the length of
the head about one-fifth of the same. The top of the head very
flat and depressed ; the mouth is rather large and slightly oblique,
the maxillary reaching to below the middle of the eye. Eyes
rather large, two diameters apart, one diameter from the snout,
and over four times in the length of the head. The length of
the pectoral fin is considerably less than half the distance of its
root from the ventral ; the length of the ventral is two-fifths of
the distance of its root from the anal. The caudal fin is broad,
spreading, and slightly emarginate. The colour, in spirits, is an
uniform pale red, with the fins and head yellowish ; there are
no spots or dots visible anywhere.
Rankin's Lagoon near Bathurst.
849. Galaxias bong-bong, n. sp.
D. 11. A. 11. P. 14. V. 7.
The greatest height of the body is one-fifth of the length
(without caudal) ; the length of the head the same. The snout
is rounded in front ; the maxillary reaching to below the anterior
third of the eye. The length of the pectoral fin is nearly one-
half the distance of its root from the ventral, and that of the
ventral is quite half the length of the space between the root of
the ventral and the anal. Caudal fin very slightly emarginate
its membrane extending very considerably on to the upper and
lower portions of the tail, and almost continuous with the anal
fin. The colour in spirits is red, more or less densely spotted
and clouded with black, the vertical fins slightly tinged with
blackish. Length three inches.
Moss Vale and rivers at Bong-bong.
P
234 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
850. Galaxias xebulosa, n. sp.
D. 12. A. 18. P. 14. V. 7 or 8.
The height of the body at the pectoral fin is one-ninth of the
length (without caudal) ; the length of the head one-fifth ; the
diameter of the eye is about one-fourth of the length of the head.
Snout rounded ; the maxillary reaches to below the anterior
third of the eye. The middle rays of the pectoral fin are the
longest and its length is rather more than half the space between
the root of the pectoral and that of the ventral, the length of the
ventral is about half that of the distance between the roots of
the ventral and anal. Caudal fin long, not or scarcely emarginate.
Colour in spirits, pale yellowish-brown, entirely and closely
covered fins and all with exceedingly minute black dots, with
five or six irregular, little distinct, brown fascia? descending from
the back below the middle of the sides, sometimes a few large
sjiots in the interspaces between these fascia?. Length three inches.
Long Bay near Sydney.
851. GtAlaxias Waterhousei, Krefft.
Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1867, p. 943.
L». 11. A. 15. P. 13. V. 7.
Body stout, its depth in front of the dorsal fin being nearly
one-eighth of the length (without caudal) ; the length of the
head is a sixth of the same. Eye of moderate size, one-fourth of
the length of the head, and equal to the extent of the snout.
The length of the pectoral fin is one-third of the space between
its root and that of the ventral ; the ventrals are of the same
length, and almost in the middle between the vent and the root
of the pectorals. The anal if laid backwards does not reach the
base of the caudal. The distance between the dorsal and caudal
fin is much greater than the least depth of the tail. Coloration
uniform brownish ; back and sides finely black-dotted; operculum
with a golden tint.
Creeks, South Australia. Length seven inches.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 235
852. Galaxias ocellatus, M'Coy.
Casteln., Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 175.
u The Yarra Trout:'
D. 11. A. 15. P. 14. V. 7.
The height of the body is contained five times and one-third
in the total length ; the length of the head five times and two-
thirds. The head is convex over the eye. The caudal fin is
rounded ; the ventrals are nearer to the anal than to the pectorals.
The body is of a light olive green, with the belly grey ; it is
covered with iridescent round ocellated black spots ; the sides of
the operculum have a golden tinge ; the fins are of the general
colour of the body ; the pectorals 'are white, the eye is green,
speckled with black.
River Yarra. Length six inches.
853. Gtalaxias cylindeicus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 177.
D. 10. A. 12-14. V. 7.
Like 67. attenuates, but more elongate, tkedieight of the body
being about one-eleventh of the total length ; the length of the
head is contained seven times and a quarter in the same ; the
diameter of the eye is contained four times and a half in the
length of the head ; the caudal fin is emarginate ; of eighteen or
nineteen long rays ; the ventrals are placed at an equal distance
from the end of the mandible and the base of the anal. Six large
hooked teeth on the front part of the tongue, and others on each
side backwards. Colour the same as in 67. attenuatus.
Lower Yarra. Length seven or eight inches.
854. Galaxias delicatultjs, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 178.
D. 10. A. 19. C. 16.
236 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Form elongate, the height of the body is one-seventh of the
length to the middle of the caudal fin ; the length of the head is
six times and two-thirds in the same. The head is of a light
brownish-red ; the body of a light yellow-green above the lateral
line, and is covered with faint, irregular transversal spots, formed
of very fine blue points. The lateral line is little marked on its
anterior portion, but very distinct, and of a yellowish colour
behind ; below this line the colour is a fine opal white ; the eye
is silvery. The dorsal fin is of the colour of the back, but its
terminal portion is lighter ; the caudal is of a yellowish-green ;
the pectorals, ventrals, and anal of a transparent white ; the
caudal is feebly bilobed.
Yarra River. Length four inches.
855. Galaxias am^exus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 178.
D. 12. A. 14.
The height of the body is five times and two-thirds in the
length to the middle of the caudal ; the length of the head four
times and one-third. Of a light green colour ; a brown spot
between the eyes, extending a little behind them ; the back
covered with very minute black points, forming very indistinct,
transverse, oblique lines, better marked on the posterior part.
A considerable number of points, rather larger than the others,
are disposed on the body, and form a double but rather irregular,
longitudinal line on the middle of the back. The lower side of
the body is covered with the same punctuation and bands as the
back, but the belly is of a rather dark blue-silvery colour ; the
eye is of a dark green.
Yarra River. Length three to four inches.
856. Galaxias versicolor, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 176.
BY W. MAOLEAY, F.L.S. 237
D. 9. A. 12. P. 13. C. 16.
Body oval ; head attenuated and rather pointed. The height
of the body is four times and two-thirds in the total length, the
length of the head five times and eight-tenths ; diameter of eye
four times and one-third in the length of the head. Lower jaw
a little longer than the upper ; the cleft of the mouth small ; the
maxillary just reaching to below the anterior margin of the eye.
The fins are rather large, the dorsal and anal opposite one
another ; the caudal is emarginate ; the length of the pectoral is
equal to the distance from the posterior margin to the end of the
operculum ; the ventrals are midway between the pectorals and
the anal. The teeth are small on the upper jaw, but much larger,
straight, pointed, and rather distant from one another, on the
lower jaw ; those of the tongue are large, straight, and pointed.
The colour of the body is a fine green ; the lower portions of the
head and body are, the first grey, the other orange-yellow ; the
whole covered with very minute blue points. The fins are grey,
with the ra\s white ; the ventrals are white ; eye golden.
Marsh near St. Kilda. Length five and a-half inches.
857. Galaxias orxatus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc , Victoria, Vol. II., p. 153.
D. 10. A. 11. P. 12. V. 7.
Height of body one-seventh of the total length, and equal to
the length of the head. Lower jaw rather longer than the upper ;
diameter of eye one-fourth of the length of the head, and less
than the extent of the snout. The dorsal is situated at double
the distance from the snout that it is from the base of the caudal ;
caudal fin strongly emarginate ; anal placed a little behind the
dorsal ; the ventrals equidistant from the base of the pectorals
and anal ; the pectorals are of the length of the distance between
• the posterior edge of the eye and the extremity of operculum.
Colour above light green, beneath golden yellow ; on the back
'238 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
are numerous transverse bands, rather narrow, but well defined
of an obscure green. These bands are not agglomerations of
fine points, as in many species ; eyes yellow ; fins light yellow.
Cardinia Creek, Victoria, Length four and a-half inches.
Fakily YII. SCOMBKESOCILVE.
Body covered with scales ; a series of keeled scales along each
side of the belly. Margin of the upper jaw formed by the inter-
maxillaries mesially, and by the maxillaries laterally. Lower
pharyngeals united into a single bone. Dorsal fin opposite the
anal, belonging to the caudal portion of the vertebral column.
Adipose fin none. Air-bladder generally present, simple, some-
times cellular, without pneumatic duct. Pseudobrauchia) hidden,
glandular. Stomach not distinct from the intestine, which is
cpuite straight, without appendages.
Genus Belone, Cuv.
Both jaws prolonged into a long, slender beak, the upper part
being formed by the intermaxillaries, which are united by a
longitudinal suture. Both jaws with a band of asperities, and
with a series of longer, conical, pointed, widely set teeth. Body
elongate, slender, covered with small scales. All the dorsal and
anal rays connected by a membrane. Gill-openings very wide.
Intestinal tract simple without appendages. Air-bladder large.
Seas of temperate and tropical regions, entering rivers.
858. Beloxe depressa, Poey.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 235.
D. 13-14. A. 18-19.
The free portion of the tail is strongly depressed, and dilated
into a broad sharp edge on each side. Body rather depressed,
subpentagonaL The length of the head is rather less than one-
third of the total (without caudal) ; its upper surface fiat, striated,
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 239
without distinct median groove ; superciliary region faiutly
striated ; base of the intermaxillaries much depressed. Maxillary
entirely hidden by the prceorbital, which is scaly. Teeth very
small ; vomerine teeth none. The diameter of the eye is some-
what more than the width of the interorbital space, and one-half
of the length of the post-orbital portion of the head. Depth of
the body considerably less than the length of the pectoral fin,
which is more than the distance of the opercular margin from
the orbit. Ventral fin nearly midway between the eye and the
caudal fin. The middle and hinder dorsal and anal rays subequal
in length, short, the last terminating at a great distance from
the root of the caudal. The origin of the anal is in advance of
that of the dorsal. Caudal fin forked. Scales not very small,
adherent. Green above, silvery below.
North-west Australia (Haslar Collection).
859. Beloxe melanotus, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth. Scombr., p. 47, tab. 10, fig. 2. — Gunth., Cat. Fishes
VI., p. 238.
D. 24-26. A. 22-24.
The free portion of the tail is subtetrahedral, scarcely higher
than broad, with a slight narrow longitudinal keel along the side.
The length of the head is contained thrice and a sixth in the total
length (without caudal) ; its upper surface flat, striated without
conspicuous median groove ; superciliary region striated ; base
of the intermaxillaries broad, slightly compressed ; maxillary
entirely hidden by the praeorbital. Teeth of moderate strength ;
vomerine teeth none. The diameter of the eye is a little less than
the width of the interorbital space, and one-half of the length of
the postorbital portion of the head. Body slightly compressed,
its depth being less than the length of the pectoral fin, which
nearly equals the distance of the opercular margin from the orbit.
Tongue covered with tubercular asperities. Ventral fin midway
between the front margin of the eye and the root of the caudal.
240 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
The middle and hinder dorsal and anal rays are very slender and
somewhat prolonged, the last extending nearly or quite to the
root of the caudal. Caudal tin deeply forked. Scales very thin
and minute, deciduous.
Cape York (Chevert Exp.). Port Darwin.
860. Beloxe annulata, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 240.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Scomhr.,
p. 48, pi. 12, fig. 3.
D. 23-24. A. 21-22.
The free portion of the tail is tetrahedral, higher than broad,
with a slight narrow longitudinal keel along the side. The
length of the head is contained twice and a-third in the total
length (without caudal), its upper surface with a broad and very
shallow median groove ; superciliary region striated ; base of the
intermaxillaries depressed ; maxillary nearly entirely hidden by
the praoorbital. Teeth strong ; vomerine teeth none. The
diameter of the eye is two-thirds of the width of the interorbital
space, and two-fifths of the length of the postorbital portion of
the head. Body slightly compressed, its depth being much less
than the length of the pectoral fin, which is more than the
distance of the opercular margin from the orbit. Tongue covered
with tubercular asperities. Ventral fin midway between the
front margin of the eye and the root of the caudal fin. The
middle and hinder rays of the dorsal fin are very slender and
somewhat prolonged, the last extending nearly or quite to the
root of the caudal. Caudal fin forked. Scales very thin and
minute, deciduous.
Percy Islands and Cape York (Chevert Exp.). Length over
three feet.
861. Belone ferox, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 242.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 241
" Long Tom'''' of the Fishermen.
D. 21. A. 26.
The free portion of the tail broad and depressed. The length
of the head is less than one-third of the total (without caudal) ;
its upper surface with a broad median groove, tapering behind
and widening in front ; superciliary region striated ; base of the
intermaxillaries depressed ; only the basal half of the maxillary
is hidden by the praeorbital. Jaws and teeth strong ; vomerine
teeth none ; tongue smooth. The diameter of the eye is two-
thirds of the width of the interorbital space, and two-sevenths of
the length of the postorbital portion of the head, Body
compressed, its depth being less than the length of the pectoral
fin, which exceeds the distance of the opercular margin from the
orbit. The middle and hinder dorsal and anal rays are subequal
in length, short, the last terminating at a considerable distance
from the root of the caudal. Caudal fin truncate. Scales thin
and rather small ; adherent.
Port Jackson.
862. Belone caudimaculata, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 245. — Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Scombr., tab.
10, fig. 3.
D. 13. A. 15-16.
The free portion of the tail is compressed, much deeper than
broad. The length of the head is contained twice and a-third in
the total length (without caudal) ; its upper surface flat, with a
rather shallow median groove of moderate width ; supercilary
region with one or two stria? ; base of the intermaxillaries
depressed ; maxillary only half hidden by the prreorbital. Teeth
rather small ; vomerine teeth none. The diameter of the eye
equals the width of the interorbital space, and is contained twice
and three-fourths in the length of the postorbital portion of the
head. Body broad, subcylindrical, its depth being considerably
242 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
less than the length of the pectoral fin, which is more than the
distance of the opercular margin from the orbit. Ventral fin
midway between the eye and the caudal fin. The middle and
hinder rays of the dorsal and anal fins are subequal in length,
short, the last terminating at a considerable distance from the
root of the caudal. Caudal fin rounded. Scales rather small,
adherent. A small round, deep black spot at the root of tbe
caudal fin.
Port Darwin.
863. Beloxe Kreffth, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 250.
D. 17. A. 19. P. 13.
The free portion of the tail is strongly compressed, much
deeper than broad. The length of the head is contained twice
and two-fifths in the total (without caudal) ; a scaly groove of
moderate width runs along the middle of its upper surface ;
superciliary region slightly striated ; base of the intermaxillaries
much depressed ; maxillaries two-thirds hidden by the prceorbital.
Teeth rather feeble, widely set ; tongue smooth. The diameter
of the eye equals the width of the interorbital space, and is one-
third of the length of the postorbital portion of the head. Body
strongly compressed, its depth being not much less than the
length of the pectoral fin, which is somewhat less than the
distance of the opercular margin from the orbit. Ventral fin
midway between the prrcoperculum and caudal fin. Origin of
dorsal fin opposite to that of anal. The middle and hinder dorsal
and anal rays, subequal in length, short, the last terminating at
some distance from the root of the caudal. Caudal fin slightly
emarginate. Scales thin and small. Upper parts blackish., sides
and belly silvery white, the two colours separated by a narrow
greenish streak.
Rivers of Northern Queensland. Length two feet.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 243
864. Belone gavialoides, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 142.
D. 22. A. 23. P. 12.
The length of the head is three times and a-half in the total
length (without caudal) ; its upper surface is flat and impressed
with two large radiated impressions, an elongated space in front
of the eyes covered with small scales ; a longitudinal groove on
the medial line of the snout. Teeth very fine and numerous, with
a line of large, conical, distant ones on each of Loth jaws, getting
smaller and closer behind ; no vomerine teeth ; tongue smooth.
The diameter of the eye is half the width of the interorbital space.
Body rather compressed ; its height is Jess than the length of the
pectorals. Caudal fin strongly emarginate, the lower lobe longer
than the upper. Colour in spirits dark brown above, silvery
bpneath. ; the snout black ; the fins yellow.
West Australia. Length from three to four feet.
865. Beloxe gracilis, n. sp.
D. 20. A. 22. C. 17.
The length of the head is one-fourth of the total length (with-
out caudal) ; its upper surface is striated, with a broad moderately
deep groove in the centre ; the beak is striated above ; the prse-
orbital entirely covers the maxillary. The diameter of the eye is
about equal to the width of the interorbital space, and one-third
of the length of the postorbital portion of the head. The length
of the pectoral fin is much greater than the height of the body,
but much less than the distance between the opercular margin
and the eye. The ventral fin is situated nearer to the eye than to
the root of the caudal. The anal fin commences much in advance
of the dorsal, but both terminate near and at an equal distance
from the caudal ; the hinder rays of both are short and well
apart. The caudal is long and rather acutely rounded ; the free
poation of the tail is much flattened above, and roundly keeled
244 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN PISHES,
at the sides. The colour is reddish ahove the median line of the
body which is well marked by a bluish silvery streak, beneath it
is silvery, the pectoral fin is distinctly tipped with black, and the
other fins are the same to a less extent.
Port Jackson. Length eight inches.
Genus Scombresox, Lacep.
Both jaws prolonged into a long slender beak, the upper part
being formed by the intermaxillaries ; both jaws with a series of
extremely minute teeth. Body elongate, compressed, slender,
covered with small thin deciduous scales. A number of detached
unlets behind the dorsal and anal fins. Gill-openings very wide.
Intestinal tract simple, without pyloric appendages. Air-bladder
large.
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
866. Scombresox Porsteri, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VI., p. 258.— Hutton, Fishes, N. Zeal., p. 53.
D. 10/v. A. 11/vii. P. 15. V. 6.
" Length equal to four and a half times that of the head, or
ten times the height of the body ; length of the head about one
and two-fifths that of the snout ; lower jaw longer ; base of
ventrals half way between the root of the caudal and the anterior
margin of the eye ; upper pectoral ray very broad. Above
shining plumbous-blue, below silvery- white." — (Hutton).
Melbourne (Castelnau). Sydney (Macl. Mus.).
Genus Hemiriiampiius, Cuv.
The lower jaw is prolonged into a long slender beak; the
upper is short, the intermaxillaries forming a triangular more or
less convex plate. Both jaws with a narrow band of minute
teeth. Body elongate slender, covered with large or moderate
scales. All tho dorsal and anal rays connected by a membrane.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 245
Gill-openings very wide. Intestinal tract simple, without pyloric
appendages. Air-bladder large.
Tropical Seas, sometimes entering fresh waters.
867. Hejiirhamphus intermedins, Cant.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 260. — H. melanochir, Cuv. & Val.
" The Gar Fish" of the Sydney Market.
D. 15-17. A. 18-20. P. 11.
Scales of moderate size, very deciduous. The length of the
entire head is contained twice and three-fourths or twice and
four-fifths, in the total (without caudal), the length of the lower
jaw beyond the extremity of the upper, five times and a half.
The triangular part of the upper jaw, formed by the inter-
maxillaries, is longer than broad. The diameter of the eye
equals the width of the interorbital space, and is contained once
and a half or once and two-thirds in the length of the postorbital
part of the head. Preoorbital as long as high. The root of the
ventral fin is midway between the base of the caudal and that of
the pectoral. Dorsal and anal fins scaleless, the origins of both
nearly opposite. Caudal fin emarginate, the central ra}rs much
longer than the eye. Back dark greenish ; sides with a well
defined silvery band. Pectorals blackish.
Port Jackson, Melbourne, Brisbane, and "West Australia.
868. Hemirhampiitjs regttlaris, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 261.
"Hirer Gar Fish" of Sydney Fishermen.
D. 15. A. 17. L. lat. 58.
The length of the entire head is a little more than one-third
of the total (without caudal), the length of the lower jaw beyond
the extremity of the upper, one-half the length of the head. The
triangular part of the upper jaw, formed by the intermaxillaries
is much broader than long. The diameter of the eye is rather
246 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
less than the width of the interorbital space, and two-thirds of
the length of the postorbital part of the head. Vertex and inter,
orbital space convex. The root of the ventral fin is nearly
midway between the front margin of the eye and the base of
the caudal fin. Dorsal and anal rays scaleless, the former a
little longer than the latter ; they commence opposite to each
other. Caudal fin moderately forked, with the lobes nearly ecp^al
the central rays being much longer than the eye. Sides with a
well defined silvery band as broad as a scale.
Port Jackson.
869. Hemirhamphus argenteus, Beun.
Hemirhamphis Ireviceps, Casteln., Proc. Linn. Soc. Yol. II., p. 240.
Brisbane. Pare in Sydney.
870. Hemiruamphus margin atus, Forsk.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VI., p. 270.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Scombr.,
tab. 8, fig. 4.
D. 14. A. 11-12. L. lat. 52.
The length of the entire head is contained twice and three-
fifths, or twice and a half in the total (without caudal), the length
of the lower jaw beyond the extremity of the upper, four times
and one-third. The triangular part of the upper jaw, formed by
the intermaxillaries, is as broad as long. The diameter of the
eye equals the width of the interorbital space, and is contained
once and three-fourths in the length of the postorbital part of the
head. The root of the ventral fin is nearer to the caudal than to
the axil of the pectoral. Dorsal and anal fins scaleless, the
former much longer than the latter. Caudal fin deeply forked,
the central rays being shorter than the eye. Back dark greenish;
sides with a rather indistinct silvery band.
Palm Islands (Chevert Exp.)
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 247
871. Hemirhamphus Commersoxii, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 271.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Scombr.,
tab. 6, fig1. 3.
D. 13-14. A. 12. L.lat. 54. Yert. 38/16.
The length of the entire head is contained twice and two-thirds
in the total (without caudal), the length of the lower jaw beyond
the extremity of the upper, four times and one-third. The
triangular part of the upper jaw formed by the intermasillaries,
is much broader than long. The diameter of the eye is less than
the width of the interorbital space, and two-thirds of the length
of the postorbital part of the head. The root of the ventral fin
is equally distant from the base of the caudal and the extremity
of the pectoral fins. Dorsal and anal fins scaly anteriorly — the
former much longer than the latter. Caudal fin deeply forked,
the central rays being equal in length to the diameter of the eye.
Back dark greenish ; sides with a silvery band and four rounded
blackish blotches.
From Port Jackson to Cape Yoi'k.
872. Hemirhamphus Quoyi, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 267.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Scombr.,
tab. 4, fig. 3.
D. 16. A. 14. P. 12. L. lat. 50-55.
Body tetrahedral, as broad as deep. The length of the head
is contained from three times and a half to three times and two-
thirds in the total length, that of the snout five times and a half
or six times, and that of the prominent part of the lower jaw
eight or eleven times. Upper jaw broader than long. The
diameter of the eye is contained once and one-third in the length
of the postorbital part of the head, and is equal to the width of
the interorbital space. The dorsal fin commences before the anal ;
the ventrals are inserted in the fourth sixth of the total length,
248 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
with the inner ray shortest ; caudal fin deeply forked, the lower
lobe longest. Sides with a silvery band.
South Coast New Guinea (Chevert Exp.)
873. Heuiriiamphus amblyurus, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth, Scombr., tab. 4, fig. 1. — Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI.,
p. 273.
D. 13. A. 10. P. 9. L. lat. 46.
Head and body strongly compressed. The length of the head
is contained twice and a fifth in the total (without caudal), that
of the snout twice and three-fourths, and that of the prominent
part of the lower jaw thrice ; upper jaw twice as long as broad,
one-fourth of the length of the prominent part cf the lower.
The diameter of the eye is less than the width of the interorbital
space, and less than one-half the length of the postorbital part
of the head ; vertex flat. The ventral fins are twice as remote
from the angle of the prreoperculum as from the root of the
caudal fin. Caudal fin rounded; anal rays slightly dilated.
Sides with a very indistinct silvery band.
Port Darwin. Length five and a-half inches.
Genus Arrhampiius, Gunth.
Differs only from Uemirhamphus in not having the lower jaw
produced into a beak.
Australian Coasts.
874. Arriiamphus sclerolepis, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VI., p. 277.
D. 13. A. 15. L. lat. 43.
The body is compressed, its greatest depth being contained
six times and a half in the total length (without caudal) ; the
length of the head is a little less than one-fourth of the same.
The triangular part of the upper jaw, formed by the intermaxil-
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 249
laries, is a little broader than long ; the lower projects conspicu-
ously before the upper. The diameter of the eye is considerably
less than the width of the interorbital space, and two-thirds of
the length of the postorbital part of the head. The whole of the
upper surface of the head, except the intermaxillaries, is scaly.
The insertion of the ventral fin is nearer to the extremity of the
snout than to the base of the caudal. Pectoral fin two-thirds as
long as the head ; the dorsal commences opposite the anal, both
fins scaly at the base. Caudal fin forked, its central rays much
longer than the eye. Seven longitudinal series of scales between
the origins of the dorsal and anal fins ; the one above the lowest
pierced by pores ; the others with a slight keel. Sides with a
well defined silvery streak, half as broad as a scale.
Port Darwin. Brisbane.
Genus Exoccetus, Artedi.
Jaws short, intermaxillaries and maxillaries separate. Teeth
minute, rudimental, and apparently sometimes absent. Body
moderately oblong, covered with rather large scales. Pectoral
fins very long, formed for flying. All the dorsal and anal rays
connected by a membrane. Gill-openings very wide. Intestinal
tract simple without pyloric appendages. Air-bladder large.
Tropical and temperate seas.
875. Exocxetus micropterus, Cuv. and Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 279.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Scombr.,
tab 3, fig. 1.
D. 15. A. 14-16.
Two short barbels at the symphysis of the lower jaw. Body
rounded, its height being rather more than one-sixth of the length
(without caudal) ; the length of the head two-ninths of the same.
Lower jaw prominent, but not produced. The length of the
pectoral fin is only two-sevenths of the total length (without
Q
250 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
caudal) ; insertion of the ventral midway between the root of the
caudal and the axil of the pectoral.
Australian Seas (Ghmther).
876. Exoccetus evolans, L.
Ghinth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 282.— White, Voy. N.S. Wales, pi.
52, fig. 2.
D. 13-14. A. 13-14. L. lat. 42. Vert. 25/19.
The height of the body is two-elevenths of the length (without
caudal) ; the length of the head one-fourth. The depth of the
head is less than the distance between the extremity of the snout
and the hind margin of the praeoperculuin, and is contained once
and three-fourths in its length. Snout obtuse and short, three-
fourths the length of the diameter of the eye, which is nearly
one-fourth of the length of the head, and somewhat less than the
width of the interorbital space, which is quite flat. The pectoral
fin extends to the root of the caudal. Ventral fin midway between
the end of the snout and of the dorsal fin, terminating at a great
distance from the vent. The dorsal fin commences a little in
advance of the anal, its anterior rays not being half as long as
the head. There are twenty scales between the occiput and the
origin of the dorsal, and six longitudinal series of scales between
the origin of the dorsal and the lateral line. Pectoral uniform
blackish, with the lower border whitish. Ventrals white.
North Coast of Australia.
877. ExoccsTUs speculiger, Cuv. & Val.
G-unth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 287.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Scombr.,
tab. 5., fig. 4.
D. 11-12. A. 12-13. L lat. 50. Vert. 28/17.
The height of the body is one-sixth or nearly one-seventh of
the length (without caudal) ; the length of the head two-ninths.
The depth of the head equals the distance between the extremity
BY "W. MACLEAY, P.L.S. 251
of the snout and the hind margin of the orbit. Snout rather
produced, scarcely equal in length to the diameter of the eye,
which is one-third of the length of the head, and less than the
width of the interorbital space, which is slightly concave. The
pectoral fin extends beyond the dorsal and anal, nearly to the
rudimentaiy rays of the caudal. Ventral fins nearly midway
between the eye and the root of the caudal, extending to the end
of the base of the anal. The dorsal commences a little behind
the origin of the anal, its anterior rays are half as long as the
head. There are twenty-nine scales between the occiput and the
origin of the dorsal fin, and six or seven longitudinal series of
scales between the origin of the dorsal and the lateral line.
Pectoral with an oblique white band across its lower half and
with a broad whitish edge. Ventrals white, the middle rays
greyish.
Australia (GKinther).
878. Exoccetus robustus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 289.
D. 14. A. 10. L. lat. 49.
The height of the body is two-elevenths of the length (without
caudal) ; the length of the head two-ninths. The depth of the
head equals the distance between the extremity of the snout and
the hind margin of the orbit. Snout a little produced, scarcely
equal in length to the diameter of the eye, which is two-sevenths
of the length of the head, and less than the width of the inter-
orbital space, which is quite flat. The pectoral fin extends beyond
the dorsal and anal, nearly to the rudimentary rays of the caudal.
Ventral fins nearly midway between the nostril and the root of
the caudal, extending beyond the middle of the base of the anal.
The dorsal fin commences far in advance of the anal ; its anterior
rays are not quite half as long as the head. There are twenty-
eight scales between the occiput and the origin of the dorsal fin,
252 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
and eight longitudinal series of scales "between the origin of the
dorsal, and the lateral line. Pectoral fin with a broadish oblique
whitish band across its anterior half, and with a whitish margin.
Ventrals white, the middle rays greyish.
Australia (Grunther). Length sixteen inches.
879. Exoco3tus nigripinnis, Cuv. & Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VI., p. 298.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Scombr.,
tab 5, fig. 1.
D. 10-11. A. 10-12. L. lat. 48-50.
The height of the body is one-sixth or a little less of the length
(without caudal), the length of the head two-ninths, The depth
of the head equals the distance between the extremity of the
snout and the hind margin of the prreoperculum. Snout obtuse
and very short, scarcely more than half the length of the diameter
of the eye, which is two-fifths of the length of the head, and is
less than the width of the interorbital space, which is concave.
The pectoral fin extends to the end of the dorsal, or root of the
caudal. Ventral fin midway between the eye and the root of the
caudal, extending nearly to the end of the tail. The dorsal
commences above the origin of the anal, its anterior rays being
more than half as long as the head. There are twenty-nine scales
between the occiput and the origin of the dorsal fin, and six
longitudinal series of scales between the origin of the dorsal and
the lateral line. Pectoral and ventral fins black.
West. Australia. AVarrior Reef (Chevert Exp.)
880. Exoccrtus atrodorsalis, Gunth.
Gunth., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1867, Vol. XX., p. 67.
D. 8-9. A. 10. L. lat. 35.
The pectoral fin extends to the end of the dorsal. The ventral
fin is scarcely nearer to the root of the caudal than to the end of
the snout, extending to the origin of the anal. Dorsal fin
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 253
elevated, its longest anterior rays being as long as the head ; it
commences in front of the anal. Upper pectoral rays blackish,
lower whitish ; dorsal fin entirely black.
Cape York. Length five inches.
Family VIII. CYPKINIDJE.
Body generally covered with scales, head naked. Margin of
the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries. Belly rounded,
or if trenchant, without ossicles. No adipose fin. Stomach
without blind sac. Pyloric appendages none. Mouth toothless ;
lower pharyngeal bones well developed, falciform, subparallel to
the branchial arches, provided with teeth, which are arranged in
one, two or three series. Air-bladder large, divided into an
anterior and posterior portion by a constriction, or into a right
and left portion, enclosed in an osseous capsule. Ovarian sacs
closed.
Fresh waters of the World.
Genus Neocarassius, Casteln.
Scales large. Belly compressed into a sharp ridge behind the
ventrals, the scales of one side not overlapping on the other.
Dorsal fin short, with a strong serrated ray, behind the ventral ;
anal fin short. Cleft of the mouth lateral. Barbels none. Allied
to Rohteiclitlajs.
Australia.
881. Neocarassius ventricosus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 237.
D. 21. A. 8. V. 8. P. 19. L. lat. 30. L. transv. 7/8.
Body very high and thick, with the belly very round and
prominent ; the height is twice and a third in the total length ;
the length of tho head four times and a half ; the diameter of the
orbit four-tenths of the length of the head. Large scales on the
254 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
infraorbital bone ; lateral line straight. Caudal fin emarginate.
Colour a golden green or red, with the under parts silvery- white.
Salt-water river, Melbourne. Two specimens, nine and ten
inches in length.
Genus Leuciscus, Cuv.
Body covered with imbricate scales ; lateral line generally
complete, running in, or only a little below, the median line of
the tail. Dorsal fin short without stiff ray, commencing opposite,
rarely behind, the ventrals. Anal fin rather short or moderately
developed, generally with from nine to eleven rays, rarely with
eight, and still more rarely with fourteen rays. Mouth without
structural peculiarities ; lower jaw not trenchant ; barbels none.
Pseudobranchia3. Pharyngeal teeth conical or compressed, in a
single or double series. Intestinal tract short, with only a few
convolutions.
Eivers of the Northern Hemisphere. Australia ?
882. Leuciscus ? austkalis, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N. 8.W. Vol. III., p. 51.
Norman Eiver.
Pamily IX. GONOKHYNCHLD^E.
Head and body entirely covered with spiny scales ; mouth with
barbels. Margin of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillary,
which although short, is continued downwards as a thick lip,
situated in front of the maxillary. Adipose fin none ; the dorsal
is opposite to the ventrals and short like the anal. Stomach
simple, without blind sac ; pyloric appendages in small number.
Pseudobranchuc ; air-bladder absent. Gill-openings narrow.
Genus Gonoriiyncuus, Gronov.
Body elongate, subcylindrical ; head pointed ; snout conically
projecting beyond the mouth, which is inferior and semicircular.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 255
A single barbel behind the end of the snout ; lips thick, fringed.
Eye large, covered by the transparent shin. Teeth none in the
jaws or on the palate ; two patches of obtuse teeth behind the
palate, on the pterygoid bones, opposed to a single larger patch
on the hyoid. A lobe of the mucous membrane is suspended
from the roof of the mouth, in front of the teeth. Dorsal fin
opposite to the ventrals, these fins being approximate to the vent ;
caudal fin subtruncate. Gill-membranes grown to the isthmus.
A fringed gill-like organ behind the fourth branchial arch, one
half being attached to this arch, the other half to the humeral
arch. Branchiostegals four.
South Africa. Australia. New Zealand, &c.
883. Gonoriiynchus Greyi, Kichards.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VII., p. 373.
Gonorhi/nchus hrevis, Kner., Voy. Novar., p. 342, pi. 16, fig. 1.
B. 4. D. 11-13. A. 9. V. 9. Ca3c. pylor. 6-9.
Scales very small. The height of the body is about one-half
of the length of the head, which is from two-ninths to one-sixth
of the total length (without caudal). Terminal portion of the
fins black, edged with white.
West Australia, South Australia, and Victoria.
Family X. OSTEOGLOSSID2E.
Body covered with large hard scales, composed of pieces like
Mosaic ; head scaleless, its integuments nearly entirely replaced
by bone ; lateral line composed of wide openings of the mucus-
duct. Margin of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries
mesially, and by the maxillaries laterally. The dorsal fin belongs
to the caudal portion of the vertebral column, and is opposite and
very similar to the anal fin ; both approximate to the rounded
caudal, with which they are abnormally confluent. Gill-openings
wide ; pseudobranchiao none ; air-bladder simple or cellular.
Stomach without caocal sac ; pyloric appendages two.
256 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Genus Osteoglossum Vandelli.
Body more or less elongate, compressed, with the abdomen
compressed into a trenchant edge ; cleft of the mouth very wide,
oblique, with the lower jaw prominent. A pair of barbels at the
lower jaw. Maxillary very long, styliform, scarcely proh'actile.
Jaws with a series of small teeth ; bands of rasp-like teeth on the
vomer, palatine and pterygoid bones, on the tongue and hyoid.
Pectoral fins elongate. Gill-membranes nearly entirely separate ;
branchiostegals rather numerous ; air-bladder simple. Stomach
without blind sac ; two pyloric appendages.
Rivers of tropical America, Australia, and East Indian
Archipelago.
884. Osteoglossum Leiciiardti, Gunth.
Scleropages Leiciiardti, Gunth., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1864.
Vol. XIV., p. 196, pi. 7.— Cat. Fishes VII., p. 378.
" JBurramundi " of the Aborigines of the Dawson Eiver.
D. 20. A. 31. V. 5. L. lat. 35. L. transv. 3/4.
The length of the head is contained thrice and three-fourths in
the total length (without caudal), and rather more than the
distance between the pectoral and ventral fins. A distinct space
between anal and caudal. Barbels very small.
Queensland Rivers. Length, from two to three feet.
Family XL CLUPELDvE.
Body covered with scales ; head naked ; barbels none.
Abdomen frequently compressed into a serrated edge. Margin
of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries mesially, and by
the maxillaries laterally ; maxillaries composed of three, some-
times moveable, pieces. Opercular apparatus complete. Adipose
fin none. Dorsal not elongate ; anal sometimes very long.
Stomach with a blind sac ; pyloric appendages numerous. Gill-
BY W. MACXEAY, F.L.S. 257
apparatus much developed, the gill-openings being generally
very wide. Pseudobranchiao large except in Megalops. Air-
bladder more or less simple.
Genus Exgraulis, Cuv. & Yal.
Body oblong, compressed. Scales large or of moderate size.
Snout more or less conical, projecting beyond the lower jaw.
Generally small teeth in the jaws, on the vomer, palatine and
pterygoid bones. Intermaxillaries very small, hidden ; maxillary
long, attached to the cheek by a scarcely distensible membrane.
Anal fin of moderate or great length. Union of the gill-membranes
very short, leaving the isthmus uncovered, the gill-openings being
extremely wide. Branchiostegals short, from nine to fourteen
in number.
Temperate and tropical seas, entering rivers.
885. Engraulis antarcticus, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, Vol. IV., p. 365.
1
Victoria and Tasmania.
886. Engraulis nasutus, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 367.
Norman River.
Genus Chatoessus, Cuv. & Val.
Body compressed, abdomen serrated. Scales of moderate size.
Snout obtuse, or obtusely conical, more or less projecting beyond
the cleft of the mouth, which is narrow, and more or less
transverse. The maxillary is joined to the ethnoid bone, its upper
portion being behind the intermaxillary. Teeth none. Anal fin
rather long ; dorsal opposite to the ventrals or to the space
between the ventrals and anal. Gill-membranes entirely
separate ; branchial arches forming two angles, one pointing
258 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
forwards, the other backwards ; the fourth branchial arch with
an accessory organ ; branchiostegals of moderate length, five or
six in number.
Coasts and freshwaters of America, Australia and East Indies.
887. Chatoessus erebi, Richards.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 368.
North and "West Coasts.
888. Chatoessus Riciiardsoni, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 369.
Rivers of the Murray system.
Genus Brisbania, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 241.
889. Brisbania Staigeri, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 241-3, pi. 3.
Brisbane River.
Genus Clupea, Cuv.
Body compressed, with the abdominal serrature extending
forwards into the thoracic region. Scales of moderate or large,
rarely of small size. Upper jaw not projecting beyond the lower.
Cleft of the mouth of moderate -width; teeth, if present, rudi-
mentary and deciduous. Anal fin of moderate extent, with less
than thirty rays ; dorsal fin opposite to the ventrals. Caudal fin
forked.
All seas ; many species entering fresh waters.
890. Clupea sagax, Jenyns.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 371.
Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales.
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 259
891. Ci/crrEA suxdaica, Bleek.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV, p. 373.
Port Jackson. Hawkesbury Elver.
892. Clupea hypselosoma, Bleek.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 375.
Port Jackson.
893. Clupea moluccensis, Bleek.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 376.
Port Jackson.
894. Clupea tembang, Bleek.
Proc. Linn. Soc, N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 377.
Torres Straits (Ckevert Exp.)
895. Clufea Nov.e-Hollandi.e, Cuv. & Val.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 378.
Nepean River.
896. Clupea vittata, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 379.
Eivers of Victoria.
897. Clupea eichmondia, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 380.
Richmond River.
898. Clupea Sclegelii, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV.. p. 380.
899. Clupea sprattus. L.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VII., p. 419.— Proc. Zool. Soc, 1871, p. G72.
260 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
The " Sprat " or " Garvie " of England.
B. 6-7. D. 15-18. A. 17-20. V. 7. L. lat. 47-48. Vert. 47-49.
Scales deciduous, smooth. The height of the body is about
equal to the length of the head. Lower jaw prominent, the
maxillary extending to somewhat beyond the vertical from the
front margin of the eye. An elongate ovate patch of very small
teeth on the tongue, none on the vomer. Gill-rakers very fine,
closely set, rather shorter than the eye. Ventral even with the
origin of the dorsal. There are eleven or twelve abdominal scutes
behind the root of the ventrals. Operculum without radiating
stria).
Tasmania (Gunther).
*
Genus Spratelloides, Bleek.
Body slightly compressed or subcylindrical, elongate. Abdomen
obtuse, without keel or serrature. Scales of moderate size,
deciduous ; lateral line none. Snout compressed, formed as in
Cliipea. Teeth none, or minute and deciduous. Anal fin short;
dorsal opposite to the ventrals. Gill-membranes separate, with
about six short flat branchiostegals. Pseudobranchia) well
developed. Pyloric appendages in moderate number ; stomach
with a long blind sac. Ovaries closed, with oviducts.
Indian and Australian seas. West Indies.
(J00. Spratelloides delicatulus, Beun.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 381.
Darnley Island (Chevert Exp.)
Genus Etrumeus, Bleek.
Body elongate, subcylindrical ; abdomen not compressed or
serrated. Scales of moderate size, very deciduous ; lateral lino
nunc. Snout pointed ; jaws and mouth formed as in Clapca, but
with the supplementary bones of the maxillary very narrow. Jaws
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 261
with small but fixed non-deciduous teeth ; patches of villiform
teeth on the vomer, the palatine and pterygoid bones, anal on the
tongue. Dorsal Jin entirely in advance of the ventrals ; anal fin short.
Gill-membranes entirely separate, with numerous fine branchi-
ostegals ; pseudobranchise well developed. Pyloric appendages
numerous.
Japan; North Atlantic ; Australia.
901. Etrumeus Jacksoxiexsis, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 36, pi. 4, fig.l.
Port Jackson.
Genus Elops, L.
Body rather elongate, moderately compressed ; abdomen flat.
Scales small, adherent : lateral line distinct. A narrow osseous
lamella, attached to the mandibulary symphysis, covers the part
between the mandibles. Snout pointed, mouth wide, anterior ;
intermaxillary short, maxillary forming the lateral part of the
mouth. Bands of villiform teeth in the jaws, on the vomer,
palatine and pterygoid bones, on the tongue and on the base of
the skull. Dorsal fin opposite the ventrals ; anal rather shorter
than dorsal. Gill-membranes entirely sej)arate, with very
numerous branchiostegals. Pseudobranchite well developed.
Pyloric appendages numerous.
Tropical and subtropical seas.
902. Elops saurus, L.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 382.
Port Jackson. North Coast.
Genus Megalops, Lacep.
Body oblong, compressed; abdomen flat. Scales large,
adherent; lateral line ^distinct. A narrow osseous lamella
262 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
attached to the mandibulary symphysis between the mandibles.
Snout obtusely conical ; mouth anterior, lower jaw prominent ;
intermaxillary short, the maxillary forming the lateral part of
the mouth. Bands of villiform teeth in the jaws, on the vomer,
palatine and pterygoid bones, on the tongue and on the base of
the skull. Dorsal fin opposite to, or immediately behind, the
ventrals ; anal rather longer than the dorsal. Gill-membranes
entirely separate ; with numerous branchiostegals. Pseudo-
branchire none. Pyloric appendages numerous.
Tropical seas, entering rivers.
903. Megalops cyprixoides, Brouss.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 383.
Hawkesbury Piver.
Genus Ciianos, Lacep.
Body oblong, compressed ; abdomen flat. Scales small, striated,
adherent ; lateral line distinct. Snout depressed ; mouth small,
anterior, transverse, the lower jaw with a small symphysial
tubercle. Intermaxillary in juxtaposition to the upper anterior
edge of the maxillary. Teeth none. Dorsal fin opposite to the
ventrals ; anal small, shorter than the dorsal ; caudal deeply
forked. Gill-membranes entirely united below, and free from
the isthmus. Branchiostegals four, long. PseudobranchiaB well
developed. An accessory branchial organ in a cavity behind the
gill-cavity proper. Air-bladder divided by a constriction into an
anterior and posterior portion. Mucous membrane of the
oesophagus raised into a spiral fold. Pyloric appendages numerous ;
intestine with many convolutions.
Indian and Pacific Oceans.
904. Ciiaxos salmoxeus, Bl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. IV., p. 383.
Port Jackson (rare), North Coast.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 263
Family XII. CHIROCENTRIDJE.
Body covered with thin deciduous scales ; barbels none.
Margin of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries mesially
and by the maxillaries laterally, both bones being firmly united
by juxta-position. Opercular apparatus complete. Adipose fin
none ; the dorsal fin belongs to the caudal portion of the vertebral
column. Stomach with a blind sac ; intestine short, the mucous
membrane forming a spiral fold ; pyloric appendages none.
Pseuclobranchioe none; air-bladder incompletely divided into
cells ; gill-opening wide.
Genus Cihrocentrtjs, Cuv.
Body elongate, compressed, with the abdomen trenchant ; cleft
of the mouth wide, oblique, with the lower jaw prominent.
Lower jaw with a series of large canine teeth; intermaxillary
with a pair of horizontal canines. Narrow bands of minute teeth
on the palatine and pterygoid bones and on the tongue. Dorsal
fin short, opposite to the anal, which is long. A long pointed
osseous appendage at the base of the pectoral ; ventral fins very
small. Gill-membranes united for a short distance, with eight
branchiostegals.
From Africa to China.
905. Chirocentrus dorab, Forsk.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIL, p. 475.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Chip., tab.
11, fig. 3.
B. 8. D. 16-17. A. 33-34. V. 7. Vert. 29/46.
The height of the body is less than the length of the head,
which is about two-elevenths of the total length exclusive of the
caudal fin. Coloration uniform.
Port Jackson. Cape York. Length three feet.
264 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Family XIII. ALEPOCEPHALIDiE.
Body covered with thin cycloid scales ; head naked ; barbels
none. Margin of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries
and mamillaries, the former being placed along the upper anterior
edge of the latter. Opercular apparatus complete. Adipose fin
none ; the dorsal fin belongs to the caudal portion of the vertebral
column. Stomach curved, without blind sac ; pyloric appendages
in moderate number. Pseudobranchia> ; air-bladder absent.
Gill-openings very wide.
Genus Alepocepiialus, Bisso.
Body oblong, compressed ; cleft of the mouth of moderate width
with the jaws nearly even in front ; a series of small teeth on ihe
intermaxillaries, mandibles and palatine bones. Dorsal and anal
fins subequal in length, opposite to each other; caudal emarginate.
Bones thin. Gill-membranes entirely separate, with six branchi-
ostegals.
Deep sea Fishes.
906. Alepocepiialus niger, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1878, Vol. II., p. 218.
D. 21. A. 27.
Scales small. The length of the head is one-third of che total
length without the caudal fin. Snout projecting beyond the
mouth. Black.
North of Australia, 1,400 fathoms (Challenger).
Family XIV. SYMBPANCHIDiE.
Body elongate, naked or covered with minute scales ; barbels
none. Margin of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries
only, the well developed maxillaries lying behind and parallel to
them. Paired fins none. Vertical fins rudimentary, reduced to
more or less distinct cutaneous folds. Vent situated at a great
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 265
distance behind the head. Eibs present. Gill-openings confluent
into one slit situated on the ventral surface. Air-bladder none.
Stomach without ca>cal sac, or pyloric appendages. Ovaries with
oviducts.
Genus Symbranciius, Bl.
Body naked. Four branchial arches with well developed gills.
No accessory breathing sac. Gill-membrane free from the isthmus.
Palatine teeth in a band.
Warm Seas.
907. Symbranchus gutturalis, Eichards.
Yoy. Erebus and Terror, Fishes, p. 49, pi. 30, figs. 14-17.
Body cylindrical ; tail compressed. The colour is of an uniform
liver brown, slightly paler along the ventral line and darker
towards the tip of the tail. The throat and cheeks with the snout
are bluish-grey, mottled thickly with brown spots and lines. The
eyes are small and situated near the snout.
Dampier's Archipelago. Port Darwin.
Dr. Gunther looks upon this species as identical with Ophisternon
hengalensis, M' CI ell., and Si/mbranchus immacidatus, Miiller.
Genus Chilobranchus, Eichards.
Body naked, compressed, subcylindrical in front, moderately
elongate. Head small ; snout very obtuse and short ; mouth
narrow, with the upper jaw slightly protractile ; eye of moderate
size. Teeth in the jaws in a single series ; none on the palate.
Gill-opening transverse, the gill-membrane not attached to the
isthmus ; hinder edge of the gill-opening with a raised lip. Four
branchial arches, no slit behind the fourth ; gills well developed ;
no accessory breathing-sac. Vent in the anterior half of the total
length, with a minute papilla. Vertical fins reduced to a simple
cutaneous fold, without rays. Intestinal tract straight — the
R
266 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
stomachal dilatation being longer than the intestine proper, and
provided with a short coecal appendage near its upper end.
Australia.
908. Cjiilobranciius dorsalis, Richards.
Yoy. Erebus and Terror, p. 50, pi. 30, figs. 1-5. — G- unth., Cat.
Fishes VIII., p. 18.
The length of the head somewhat less than half the distance
between the gill-opening and the vent. Colour blackish-brown,
with a median dorsal line, and the dorsal and anal fins of a paler
hue. Vert. 21/52.
N. W. Australia.
909. ClIILOBRANCHUS RUFUS, 11. sp.
The length of the head is about one-third of the distance
between the gill-opening and vent. The colour is red, with six
or seven large blue or dark purple spots along each side becoming
fainter towards the tail.
Port Jackson. Tasmania. Length under three inches.
Family XV. MUKJENIDJE.
Body elongate, cylindrical or band shaped, naked or with
rudimentary scales. Vent situated at a great distance from the
head. Ventral fin none. Vertical fins, if present, confluent, or
separated by the projecting tip of the tail. Sides of the upper
jaw formed by the tooth-bearing maxillaries, the fore part by
the intermaxillary, which is more or less coalescent with the
vomer and ethnoid. Humeral arch not attached to the skull.
Stomach with a blind sac ; no pyloric appendages. Organs of
reproduction without efferent ducts.
Sub-Family I. MUR2ENIDJE PLATYSCHISTiE.
The branchial openings in the pharynx arc wide.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 267
Genus Anguilla, Cuv.
Small scales are imbedded in the skin. Upper jaw not pro-
jecting beyond the lower. Teeth small, forming bands. Grill-
openings narrow, at the base of the pectoral fins. The dorsal fin
commences at a considerable distance from the occiput.
Seas and rivers of the whole World.
910. Ak-guilla reixhardtii, Steind.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 27.
The length of the head is contained once and one-third in the
distance of the gill-opening from the origin of the dorsal fin, one-
half of its distance from the vent, and conspicuously more than
the distance between the commencement of the dorsal and anal
fins. Snout long, depressed, spatulate ; lips fleshy. The cleft
of the mouth extends to the vertical from, or scarcely beyond,
the hind margin of the eye, which is small. Vomerine teeth in
a band, which is rather broad anteriorly, being broader in the
middle than the maxillary band, and extending equally far back-
wards. The mandibulary band of teeth is longitudinally divided
by a narrow groove. Tail not much longer than the body.
Upper parts greenish, with numerous black spots which disappear
with age.
Sydney. Hawkesbury. Cape York. Eichmond Eiver.
911. Axguilla australis, Eichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 112, pi. 45, figs. 1-5.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes VIIL, p. 36.
The dorsal fin commences at a very shore distance in advance
of the anal. The length of the head is contained twice and a
third or twice and two-thirds in the distance of the gill-opening
from the vent. Angle of the mouth below the posterior part of
the eye. Lips fleshy. Teeth equally small, forming broadish,
flat bands, the mandibulary and vomerine bands being broader
268 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
than the maxillary hand. The vomerine hand does not extend
so far backwards as the maxillary band. Tail rather longer than
the body.
Tasmania, Victorian and N.S. Wales coasts and rivers.
Genus Conger, Cuv.
Scaleless. Cleft of the mouth wide, extending at least to below
the middle of the eye. Maxillary and mandibulary teeth arranged
in series, one of which contains teeth of equal size, and so closely
set as to form a cutting edge ; no canines ; vomerine band short.
Pectoral and vertical fins well developed ; the dorsal commencing
behind the root of the pectoral. Gill-opening large, approximate
to the abdomen. The posterior nostril opposite to the upper or
middle part of the orbit ; the anterior in a tube. Eyes well
developed.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
912. Conger margin atus, Val.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 38.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Mur., pi.
23, fig. 2.
The dorsal fin commences conspicuously in advance of the
extremity of the pectoral. Posterior nostril slightly below the
level of the antero-posterior angle of the orbit. Upper jaw
scarcely longer than the lover. The vomerine teeth reach back-
wards to or somewhat beyond the tip of the tongue. Greyish or
blackish ; vertical fins with a black edge ; pectorals frequently
with a black spot.
Torres Straits.
913. Conger vulgaris, Cuv.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIIL, p. 38.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Mur.,
pi. 5, fig. 2.
The dorsal fin begins opposite, or nearly opposite, to the
extremity of the pectoral. Posterior nostril on a level with the
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 269
antero-superior angle of the orbit. Jaws nearly even in front.
The vomerine teeth reach backwards nearly to the tip of the
tongue. Body and pectoral fin immaculate.
Tasmania. Endeavour River.
914. Conger Wilsoni, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 193.
Gymnothorax Wilsoni, Bloch ?
The height of the body is about twenty times in the length ;
the distance of the muzzle to the gill-opening eight times in the
same. Head elongate. Teeth long, straight and placed close
together, forming a cluster in front ; the anterior teeth are smaller
than those behind ; a sharp crenulated ridge inside the row of
teeth. The dorsal fin commences behind the extremity of the
pectoral and is composed of about three hundred and twenty rays ;
the anal commences a little before the middle of the entire length
and has about two hundred and sixty rays, The pectorals are
about one-fourth of the length of the head. Colour shining
brownish-black, becoming greyish white on the belly. The
lateral line is black and there are large, marbled, pinkish-white
spots on the posterior part of the body.
Melbourne. Tasmania. Length four to five feet.
915. Conger labiatus, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. HI., p. 396.
Port Jackson.
Genus Congromur/Ena, Kaup.
Scaleless, Bones of the front part of the head with large
muciferous cavities, Cleft of the mouth narrow, not extending
backwards beyond the middle of the eye. All the teeth small,
fine, forming bands ; those of the jaws not forming a cutting
edge. Vomerine band narrow, long. Pectoral and vertical fins
270 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
well developed, the dorsal beginning' nearly above the gill- opening-.
The posterior nostril opposite to the middle of the eye ; the
anterior with a very short tube. Eyes large.
Tropical and subtropical seas.
916. CONGROMTJEJENA HABENATA, Bichai'tls.
Gr until,, Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 42. — Eicharcls., Yoy. Erebus and
Terror, pi. 50, fig. 1-5.
Upper jaw much projecting beyond the lower. Eips moderately
developed ; the cleft of the mouth extends nearly to below the
middle of the eye. Tail rather longer than the body. Dorsal
fin beginning immediately behind the base of the pectoral.
Vertical fins with a narrow black margin.
Melbourne (once seen). Bondi (one specimen cast on beach).
Genus Murjenesox, M'Clell.
Scaleless. Snout produced. Jaws with several series of small
closely set teeth ; anteriorly with canines ; vomer with several
long series of teeth, the middle of which is formed by large
conical or compressed teeth. Gill-openings wide, approximate to
the abdomen. Eectoral and vertical fins well developed, the
dorsal beginning above the gill-opening. Two pairs of nostrils,
the posterior opposite to the upper part or middle of the eye.
Warm Seas.
817. Mur.exesox cixereus, Forsk.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 46.
M. bacjio, Peters.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Mur., pi. 26, fig. 2.
" The Silver Eel" of Sydney Fishermen.
Vomerine teeth compressed, with a basal lobe in front and
behind ; the teeth of the inner scries of the mandible similar in
form to, and much smaller than, thoso of the vomer, and but
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 271
rarely with basal lobes ; those of the outer series rudimentary,
not bent outwards. Silvery.
Port Jackson.
Genus Myropiiis, Liitken.
Nostrils on the margin of the upper lip, the anterior tubular.
Pectoral fins well developed ; vertical fins low, surrounding1 the
tail ; the dorsal commencing- far behind the pectoral. Teeth bi-
or tri-serial, uni-serial on the hinder part of the vomer.
Tropical Atlantic. Australia.
918. MYRorins ciirysogaster, u. sp.
Length of the head about one-twelfth of the total length ;
length of tail twice that of the body, without the head. The
dorsal fin appears to commence (it is so low as to be difficult of
detection) about midway between the gill-opening and the vent.
Snout rather long, rounded and rather depressed in front, the
nasal tubes large. The teeth have a round molar appearance.
The colour seems to have been reddish-brown, becoming yellowish
on the belly. Length two feet.
Port Darwin.
919. MYRorins australis, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Yol. III., p. 39G.
Port Jackson.
Genus Blaxciiardia, Casteln.
Body scaly and very elongate. Mouth broad ; teeth in
numerous series, pavement like, extending in a longitudinal line
over the palate and posterior part of the mouth ; nostrils in front
of the eyes, not tubular. The dorsal fin commences a little
behind the insertion of the pectorals and is continuous with the
caudal and anal ; pectorals rather large ; vent a little nearer the
272 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
snout than to the base of the caudal fin. Gill-openings broad,
extending under the posterior and inferior edges of the opercle.
Queensland.
920. Blanchardia maculata, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 47.
The scales on the body are small and disposed in oblique trans-
verse lines. The length of the head is eight times and one-third
in the total length ; the caudal fin is longer than the pectoral and
equal to the height of the body. Colour (in spirits) light lilac,
covered with minute dark brown spots ; lower part of the head
and body yellow and immaculate.
Queensland. Length five inches.
Genus Mur^enichtiiys, Bleek.
Body long, cylindrical, vermiform. Nostrils on the margin of
the upper lip. No pectoral fins. Dorsal fin low or rudimentary,
commencing at a great distance behind the gill-opening. Gill-
opening narrow. Eyes small.
East Indian Archipelago. Australia.
921. MURTENICHTIIYS AUSTRALIS, 11. SJ).
Body very slender, its depth being about one-sixtieth of its
length, the length of the head is one-fifteenth. The dorsal fin is
scarcely visible and commences exactly over the vent, the distance
from the vent to the muzzle is one-fourth less than that from the
vent to the extremity of the tail. Snout pointed, the upper jaw
much exceeding the lower ; teeth equal, regular and cardiform ;
the eye rather behind the middle of the cleft of tho mouth.
Colour reddish-yellow. Length ten inches.
Lane Cove, Port Jackaon.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 273
922. MuR/EXICHTHYS BREVICEPS, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1876, Vol. XVII., p. 401.
The origin of the dorsal fin is twice as distant from the vent as
from the gill-opening. The length of the head is only one-third
or two-sevenths of the distance of the gill-opening from the vent
or one-eleventh of the total length. Snout very long and narrow,
the cleft of the niouth extending to behind the eye. Teeth bi-serial.
Tasmania. Length twenty inches.
Genus Ophichthys, Gunth.
The extremity of the tail free, not surrounded by the continu-
ation of the dorsal and anal fins. Teeth on the vomer as well as
in the jaws.
Warm Seas.
923. OrniCTiTHYs serpens, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 65.
The length of the head is contained thrice and two-thirds or
four times in the distance between the gill-opening and the vent.
Snout slender, produced into a point ; cleft of the mouth very
wide, half as long as the head. Eye of moderate size, two sevenths
of the length of the snout, situated in the anterior third of the
head. Teeth pointed, fixed, unequal in size, those of the inter-
maxillary and maxillary bi-serial, the others uni-serial. The
intermaxillary teeth, the anterior ones of the mandible and those
of the vomer, are canines. Gill-openings rather wide. Vertical
fins moderately developed ; the distance between the base of the
pectoral and origin of the dorsal is twice or rather more than
twice the length of the pectoral, which is about one-sixth of that
of the head. The length of the body is somewhat more than
half the length of the tail. Silvery, brownish-red above, whitish
beneath.
Lane Cove, Port Jackson.
X
2/4 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
924. Ophichtiiys cepiialozoxa, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth. Mur., p. 49, pi. 12, fig. 2.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII.,
p. 69.
Body purplish-brown ; nape with a very broad, deep black
cross band broadly edged with white in front and behind. Dorsal
and anal fins tricoloured — brownish along the base, black along
the middle, aud white along the margin. The length of the head
is one-fourth of the distance of the gill-opening from the vent.
Cleft of the mouth of moderate width, slightly extending behind
the eye ; snout pointed, with the upper jaw much projecting
beyond the lower. Eye of moderate size, one-half the length of
the snout, situated in the anterior third of the head. Posterior
nostril in advance of the eye, anterior with a broad tube. The
intermaxillary teeth are stout, forming an irregular group ; these
and a pair in front of the lower jaw, are stouter than the others,
which are pointed, fixed and uni-serial. The length of the
pectoral fin is rather more than one-fourth of that of the head ;
the dorsal commences above the end of the pectoral. Tail some-
times longer sometimes shorter than the body.
Cape York (Darnel.).
925. Ophichthys calamus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 74.
The length of the head is one-fifth of the distance of the gill-
opening from the vent. Snout convex, obtusely conical ; cleft of
the mouth of moderate width, one-fourth of the length of the
head ; eye rather small, one-half of the length of the snout,
situated above the middle of the mouth Teeth small, uni-serial,
apparently in two series on the vomer. Lips fringed. Gill-
openings narrow, and close together. Fins moderately developed.
The dorsal fin commences at a short distance behind the angle of
the mouth ; pectoral fin one-fourth of the length of the head.
BY W. MACLEAY, P.L.S. 275
Tail nearly twice as long as the body. Brownish ; lower parts
whitish.
West Australia.
926. Ophiciitiiys caxceivoetjs, Eichards.
Yoy. Erebus and Terror, p. 97, pi. 50, figs. 6-9.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes VIII., p. 78.
Coloration uniform. The length of the head is two-fifths or
nearly one-third of the distance of the gill-opening from the vent ;
the length of the body from three-fourths to nearly two-thirds of
that of the tail. Cleft of the mouth rather wide, about one-third
of the length of the head ; snout depressed, somewhat pointed
Eye of moderate size, nearly one-half of the length of the snout.
Teeth granular, forming broadish bands. Length of the pectoral
fin about two-sevenths or one-third of that of the head ; dorsal
commencing above the middle of the pectoral ; dorsal and anal
fins of moderate depth. A more or less distinct blackish spot
anteriorly on the dorsal fin.
Port Essinglon
©'
927. Ophictitiiys elapsoides, Casteln.
Eesearches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 47.
The length of the head is equal to one-third of the distance of
the gill-opening from the vent, and is contained nine times in the
distance of the vent from the extremity of the tail. Snout long
and pointed ; upper jaw much longer than the lower ; cleft of
the mouth extending beyond the eye, which is very small. Teeth
tubercular, covering the palate. Pectoral fin very small; the
dorsal commences immediately behind the nape ; dorsal and anal
fins very low, not easily seen ; the anal terminating at some
distance from the extremity of the tail. Head yellow, with broad
black transverse bands : one on the snout, one over the eye, a
third on the back of the head, and one over the opercles, the
270 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
body is scarlet, with twenty broad black bands, becoming
narrower on tlie belly.
Cape York. Length nineteen inches.
928. OrniciiTnYs episcopus, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 244.
Moreton Bay.
Sub-Family II. MUE/ENIDiE ENGYSCHIST^E.
The branchial openings in the pharynx are narrow slits.
Genus Mur.exa, Cuv.
Scaleless. Teeth well developed. Gill-openings narrow.
Pectoral fins none ; dorsal and anal well developed. Two
nostrils on each side of the upper surface of the snout ; the
posterior a narrow round foramen, with or without tube, the
anterior in a tube.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
929. MURiENA iielexa. L.
Eichards. Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 80, pi. 49, f. 1-6. — Gunth.
Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 96.
Posterior nostrils tubular ; anterior nasal tubes of moderate
length, being about equal to the vertical diameter of the eye.
Teeth imi-serial. Intermaxillary and mandibular canine teeth
but little larger than the lateral teeth ; anterior vomerine teeth
much the largest, seventeen to eighteen teeth on each side of
the lower jaw. Gill-opening a small horizontal slit. Snout
rather pointed ; eye small, two-fifths of the length of the snout,
situated above the middle of the length of the mouth. Cleft of
the mouth wide, its length being about two-thirds of the distanco
between the angle of the mouth and the gill-opening. Tail a
little longer than tho body ; the length of tho head two-fifths of
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 277
that of the trunk. Brown, with large whitish or yellowish
spots, each of which contains smaller brown spots. Head and
neck brown variegated with whitish. Gill-opening in a small
brown spot ; tail with a narrow white edge. Sometimes almost
entirely brown, with small whitish spots more or less arranged
in rings.
Australian Seas. (Sir John Eichardson.)
930. Murjena tesselata, Richards.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 106.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Mur.,
pi. 27-28, fig. 13.
Teeth uni-serial, young specimens with additional teeth, forming
an inner maxillary series. Canines moderately developed ; the
mouth can be shut completely. Anterior nasal tubes much
shorter than the vertical diameter of the eye. Gill-opening
wider than the eye. Snout compressed, of moderate length ; ■
eye rather small, rather less than half the length of the snout,
situated above the middle of the cleft of the mouth. Cleft of
the mouth wide, its width being contained twice and one-third
in the length of the head. Tail nearly as long as the body ;
the length of the head is one-third of that of the trunk. Head, body,
and fins with large polygonal or rounded black spots separated
by narrow white lines, or by distinct interspaces of the ground
colour, all or most of the spots being wider than the interspaces
(as in var. isingteena).
Endeavour River.
931. MuRjENA ttndulata, Eacep.
Gunth., Cat. Eishes VIIE, p. 110.
M. cancellata, Richards., Voy. Ereb. and Terr., p. 87, pi. 46, f. 1-5.
Teeth uni-serial, sometimes two additional teeth forming an
inner maxillary series ; mandibulary teeth from twenty-six to
thirty in number on each side (in adults); canines strong, normally
278 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
four pairs in the lower jaw, also two of the maxillary teeth are
canines. The mouth cannot he shut completely. Anterior nasal tubes
short. Gill-opening not wider than the eye. Snout produced,
pointed. Ege rather large, more than half the length of the snout,
situated above the middle of the cleft of the mouth. Cleft of the
mouth very wide, one-half, or nearly so, of the length of the head.
Tail contained twice and one-third in that of the trunk. Ground
colour brown, or browish-tlack ; the head and anterior part of
trunk with irregular more or less distinct dark spots. Undulated,
and partly reticulated, chiefly subvertical yellowish lines over
the body and fins, becoming more distinct towards and on the
tail. These lines are sometimes limited to the posterior part of
the tail, and the body is sometimes mottled irregularly with brown
(as in var. AgassiziiJ. Gill-opening without black spot ; fins not
white-edged.
Port Jackson. Torres Straits (Chevert Exp.).
932. Murtena macassahiensis, Bleek.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIIL, p. 111.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Mur., p.
104, pi. 37, fig. 3.
Teeth uni-serial, sometimes two additional teeth forming an
inner maxillary series ; mandibulary teeth about twenty on each
side ; canines rather strong, but the mouth can he shut completely.
Anterior nasal tubes short. Gill-openings narrower than the eye.
Snout somewhat produced, not twice so long as the eye, which is
largo and situated above the middle of the cleft of the mouth.
Cleft of the mouth very wide, one-half of the length of the head.
Tail scarcely longer than the body. The length of the head is
contained twice and two-thirds in that of the trunk. Brown,
with very fine vermiculatod white lines, forming an irregular
network, the area of each mesh darker in the centre. Gill-opening
without hlach spot. Fins with a narrow xohite margin.
Cape York (Darnel).
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 279
933. MmtiENA picta, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 110.— Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Mur.,
pi. 26-28-29-45.
M. siderea, Bicharcls. Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 85, pi. 48,
figs. 1-5.
Maxillary and intermaxillary teeth in a single series ; only one
or two anterior vomerine teeth, which are not subulate, and not larger
than the intermaxillary teeth. The vomerine series is generally
distinctly bifurcate anteriorly. Mandibulary teeth uni-serial,
only the anterior subbi-serial. No distinct canine teeth. Anterior
nasal tubes not quite as long as the vertical diameter of the eye.
Snout of moderate length ; eye small, less than one-half the
length of the snout, situated above the middle of the cleft of
the mouth, the length of which is nearly one-third of that of
the head. Tail about as long as the body ; the length of the
head is contained twice and two-thirds in that of the trunk.
Brownish-grey, with an infinite number of very small black
spots separated by a fine light network ; sometimes the spots
are more or less confluent into larger irregular spots, giving a
marbled appearance. Young specimens lighter coloured, with
blackish ringshaped marks.
Port Jackson. Moreton Bay.
934. MuPwExa NUBILA, Bichards.
Yoy. Erebus and Terror, p. 81, pi. 46, fig. 6-10.— Gunth. Cat.
Fishes, VIII., p. 117.
Skin smooth. Teeth uni-serial, without basal lobe ; mandible
with from fourteen to sixteen teeth on each side; canines
moderately developed, the mouth shutting completely. The
length of the anterior nasal tubes is rather less than the vertical
diameter of the eye. Snout compressed, somewhat produced,
eye small, one-half or two-fifths of the length of the snout,
situated a little nearer to the angle of the mouth than to the end
280 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
of the snout. Gill-opening as wide as the eye. Tail a little
longer than the body ; the length of the head is contained twice
and one-half or twice and two-thirds in that of the trunk.
Gill-opening without large black spot. Brownish, with irregular
dark brown blotches, more or less confluent into transverse
band-like spots. Anal fin with a black and white margin.
Angle of the mouth brown, with a more or less distinct white
spot in front.
Norfolk Island.
935. MurvEna EicnARDSONii, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth. Mur., p. 100, pi. 42, fig. 2.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII.,
p. 118.
Skin distinctly folded, the folds crossing each other and forming
scale pouches. Teeth of old examples uni-serial, without basal
lobe ; in younger examples the anterior mandibulary and
maxillary teeth, and also sometimes the vomerine teeth, are
bi-serial. Mandible" with from ten to fourteen teeth on each side.
Canines rather small ; the mouth can be shut completely. The
length of the anterior nasal tubes is rather less than the vertical
diameter of the eye. Snout compressed, of moderate length.
Eye of moderate size. Gill. opening as wide as the eye. Tail a
little longer than the body. The length of the head is contained
twice and one-third in that of the trunk. Gill-opening without
black spot. Brownish, marbled with darker on the back, the
dark colour forms an incomplete network of wide meshes, and
the tail is crossed by dark cross-bands. Young specimens with-
out, large specimen with, a white edge to the anal fin.
Houtman's Abrolhos, West Australia.
936. MUR^ENA FLAVOMARGINATA, Blipp.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 119.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Mur., p.
95, pi. 32 and 34, fig. 2-3.
281
Teeth uni-serial, except the vomerine series, which is forked in
front. Canines of moderate size, the month shutting completely.
Mandible with from eighteen to twenty-two teeth on each side,
the two anterior being canines. Anterior nasal tnbes very short.
Snout rather high, of moderate length. Eye small, one-half or
two-fifths of the length of the snout, situated above the middle
of the cleft of the mouth, which is two-fifths of the length of .the
head. Gill-opening wider than the eye. Tail as long as the
body. The length of the head is contained thrice and one-third,
or thrice and four-fifths in that of the trunk. Gill-opening in a
black spot. Body brown, densely marbled with black ; head and
end of the tail quite black. Sometimes two black depressed lines
along the anal fin ; fins frequently with a white edge.
Norfolk Island (Jukes).
937. MlTRiENA CALLORHYNCIIA, Guntll.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes, VIII., p. 122.
Maxillary teeth, and the anterior of the mandible bi-serial ;
the others uni-serial. Canines short. Mandible with about
twenty closely set teeth in the outer series on each side. Snout
of moderate length, obtuse, nearly thrice as long as the eye,
which is small. Gill-opening still narrower than the eye. The
length of the cleft of the mouth is contained twice and one-third
in that of the head. Fins very low, the dorsal commencing
behind the gill-opening. Tail a little longer than the body.
The length of the head is contained thrice and three-fourths in
that of the trunk. Nearly uniform greyish-olive (in spirits) ;
snout white with a brown band on each side, running from above
the orbit over the front nostril to the edge of the upper lip.
Freemantle, West Australia.
938. MUR/UNA APR a, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 123. — M. prasina, Eichards. Voy.
Erebus and Terror, p. 93.
S
282 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Teeth uni-serial in old examples, except the vomerine which
are sometimes bi-serial ; in young examples generally all bi-
serial. Mandible with about twenty teeth on each side, the four
anterior much longer than the others and like the canines rather
elongate. Anterior nasal tubes half as long as the eye. Gill-
opening nearly as icicle as the eye. Snout narrow, produced,
pointed. Eye of moderate size, half the length of the snout,
situated somewhat nearer to the angle of the mouth than to the
end of the snout. Cleft of the mouth wide, two-fifths of the
length of the head. Tail longer than the body. The length of
the head is contained twice and one or two-thirds in that of the
trunk. Dorsal fin not elevated. Brownish-black ; fins without
light edge. Colour in fresh specimens, green.
Port Jackson. Australian coasts.
939. MuR^ENA nebulosa, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes, VIIL, p. 130.
21. variegata, Richards. Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 94, pi. 47,
f. 11-16.
Teeth obtuse, molar-like. Yellowish, with fine veriniculated
black lines, and two series of large black spots, the upper
running along the side of the back, the lower along the lower
half the body ; each spot includes one or more white spots ;
more or less regular black bands cross the abdomen connecting
the spots of the lower series. The black spots are sometimes
reduced to starlike figures.
Torres Straits. (Chevert Exp.)
940. Mur;ena pseudothyrsoidea, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth. Mur. p. 104, pi. 46, fig. 2.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes,
VIIL, p. 112.
Teeth uni-serial ; mandible with about eighteen teeth on each
side ; canines moderately developed ; the mouth cannot be shut
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 283
completely. Gill-openings not larger than the eye. Snout of
moderate length, twice as long as the eye, which is rather small,
and nearer to the end of the snout, than to the angle of the
mouth. Cleft of the mouth wide, its length being contained
twice and one-fourth in that of the head. Tail not quite so
long as the body. The length of the head is two-fifths of that
of the trunk. Brown with very fine vermiculated white lines
forming an irregular network. Gill-opening without black spot ;
fins without white margin.
Darnley Island. (Chevert Exp.)
941. Mubjena fimbbiata, Benn.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 108. — If. bull at a, Bichards.
If. isingleenoides, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Mur. p. 91, pi. 35, fig. 1.
Teeth uni-serial, without basal lobe ; younger examples
sometimes with two or three additional teeth, forming an inner
maxillary series. Canines well developed, but the mouth can be
shut almost completely. Anterior nasal tubes much shorter than
the vertical diameter of the eye. Gill-opening not wider than
the eye. Snout narrow, somewhat produced ; eye of moderate
size, half the length of the snout, situated above the middle of
the cleft of the mouth. Tail a little longer than the body, the
length of the head is contained twice and one-fourth or one-
third in that of the trunk. Body and tail with three more or
less regular longitudinal series of round black spots, mostly
larger than the eye but smaller than the interspaces. Bins with
a white margin. Head with small black spots.
Fort Essington. Torres Straits. (Chevert Exp.)
942. Mue^na melanospila, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth. Mur., p. 90, pi. 42, fig. 1.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes,
Yin., p. io9.
284 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Teeth, uni-serial, without basal lobe ; about nineteen on each
side of the mandible. Canines much larger than the other
teeth and the jaws do not shut. Anterior nasal tubes very short.
Gill-opening- wider than the eye. Snout short and compressed ;
eye small, one-half of the length of the snout, situated above
the middle of the cleft of the mouth, the length of which is
contained twice and two-thirds in that of the head . Tail a little
longer than the body, the length of the head is one-third of that
of the trunk. Brown, body and tail with round or oval black
spots, generally larger than the eye, longitudinally arranged.
Spots on the head much the smallest. Fins with a narrow
white edge.
Darnley Island. (Chevert Exp.)
Genus Gymnomur^ena, Bleek.
Scaleless. Teeth numerous, small, pointed. Gill-openings
narrow. Fins none, except a rudimentary one round the end of
the tail. Two pairs of nostrils on the upper surface of the
snout, the posterior being a small round foramen.
Tropical Seas.
943. Gymnomur^ena concolor, Biipp.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIIL, p. 134.
Uniform brown. Maxillary and mandibulary teeth in a
double series ; no distinct canine teeth. Eye of moderate size ;
posterior nostrils not tubular. Tail but little longer than the
body.
Cape York. (Darnel.)
Dr. Bleeker and Dr. Gunther both include in this family a
very remarkable form of Fishes under the name of Lcptocephalus
Gronov. They are believed by some to be the larval form of a
Conger, but in truth little seems to be known about them.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 285
Genus Leptocephalus, Gronov.
Form compressed, elongate, band-shaped, body pellucid,
becoming white in spirits, like a tape worm ; skeleton entirely
cartilaginous. Fins generally rudimentary.
Found floating in the sea.
944. IjEptocepiialus Mobbisii, Gm.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 139. — L. alius, Eichards. Voy.
Erebus and Terror, p. 51, pi. 30, figs. 8-10. (Perhaps another
species.)
Body compressed, its depth being about equal to the length
of the head. Sometimes the body sometimes the tail the longer.
End of the tail generally rounded. Snout obtusely rounded.
Eye rather large. Tongue distinct. Pectoral fins developed.
Jaws with or without small teeth. Chorda dorsalis without
ossifications.
Australia. (Haslar Collection.)
Family XVI. PEGASIME.
Body entirely covered with bony plates, anchylosed on the
trunk and moveable on the tail. Barbels none. The margin of
the upper jaw is formed by the intermaxillaries and their
cutaneous prolongation, which extends downwards to the
extremity of the maxillaries. Gill-cover formed by a large
plate, homologous to the operculum, prseoperculutn and sub-
operculum ; interoperculum a long fine bone, hidden below the
gill-plate. One rudimentary branchiostegal. The gill-plate is
united with the isthmus by a narrow membrane ; gill-opening
narrow, in front of the base of the pectoral fin. Gills four,
lamellated. Pseudo-branchia; and air-bladder absent. One
short dorsal and anal fin, opposite to each other. Ventral fins
present. Ovarian sacs closed.
286 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Genus Pegasus, L.
Body broad, much, depressed. Pectoral fins horizontal, broad,
long, composed of simple rays, some of which are sometimes
spinous. Ventral fins one or two-rayed, the outer ray being
long. Upper part of the snout j)roduced into a longer or
shorter process. Mouth inferior, toothless. Suborbital ring well
developed, forming a suture with the gill-cover. Intestinal
tract rather short with one or two complete circumvolutions.
Vertebrae not numerous, thin ; ribs none.
Indian and Australian Seas.
945. Pegasus nataxs, L.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes, VIIL, p. 148.
D. 5. A. 5. P. 11. V. 3. Vert. 7 -f- 14.
Tail (without caudal fin) as long as, or longer than, the body
to the end of the snout. Tail composed of twelve rings, tapering
and very much flattened behind. Eidges on the upper side of
the body obtuse, without tubercles ; shields uniformly finely
granulated. Pectoral rays equally slender. Snout prolonged
into a long flat sword-like process, truncated in front and
denticulated on the side, the teeth directed backwards. Tail
with broad brown cross-bands, one below the dorsal being the
most constant. Dorsal and pectoral fins with brown spots.
Moreton Bay. Torres Straits.
946. Pegasus laxcifer, Kaup.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 149.
D. 5. A. 5. P. 15. V. 2.
Tail (without caudal fin) much longer than the body to the
end of the snout, composed of fourteen or fifteen rings, of which
the six posterior are more or less confluent, much depressed, tape-
like. Tho trunk is broad, exceedingly depressed, nearly flat
above, with narrow vertical sides. The dorsal ridges are usually
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 287
linear, and from the centre of each shield radiate raised lines,
forming star-like figures. Pectoral rays equally slender. Snout
prolonged into a very thin, four-ridged process, ahout twice as
long as the orbit ; the ridges are beset with minute spines. Upper
parts nearly uniform brown.
Tasmania.
Order V. LOPEOBRANCEII.
The gills are not laminated, but composed of small rounded lobes,
attached to the branchial arches. Gill-cover reduced to a large simple
plate. Air-bladder simple, tcithout pneumatic duct. A dermal
skeleton, composed of numerous pieces arranged in segments, replaces
more or less soft integuments. Muscular system not much developed.
Snout produced. Mouth terminal, small, toothless, formed as in
Acan thop teryg ians .
Family SYNGNATHIDiE.
Gill-openings reduced to a very small opening near the upper
posterior angle of the gill-cover. One soft dorsal fin ; no ventrals,
and sometimes one or more of the other fins also absent.
First Group Syngnathina.
Tail, not prehensile, generally with a caudal fin.
Genus Syngstathtts, Artedi.
Body with the ridges more or less distinct, the dorsal edge of
the trunk not being continuous with that of the tail. Pectoral
fins well developed, caudal present. Dorsal fin opposite, or near
to vent. Humeral bones firmly united into the "breast ring."
Males with an egg pouch on the tail, the eggs being covered by
cutaneous folds.
Temperate and Tropical Coasts.
288 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
947. Syng>tathus semifasctatus, Gunth.
G until., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 162. — L. semistriatus, Kaup.
D. 38. Osseous rings 21 + 49.
Lateral line interrupted. Adult females have the trunk strongly
compressed and rather elevated, its depth being one-fifth of its
length. The length of the snout is equal to the distance of the
anterior margin of the eye from the middle of the second body
ring. Head with fine stria), but without ridges. Shields smooth.
The length of the body is contained once and one-third in that of
the tail. Vent below the end of the anterior third of the dorsal
fin. Caudal fin well developed. Upper part of the trunk with
numerous, very small, light, dark edged ocelli, the lower part
with a narrow brown vertical bar on each ring. A white stripe,
edged with black above and below, runs from the lower part of
the snout, through the eye, over the gill-cover.
South Australia, Tasmania, and Port Phillip.
948. Syngnatiius pelagicus, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 165.
D. 29-31. Osseous rings 17 + 32-35.
The length of the snout equals the distance of the front margin
of the orbit from the root of the pectoral fin. A distinct ridge
along the median line of the nuchal shields ; supraorbital ridge
not continued over the temple ; anterior part of the operculum
with a faint ridge. Shields without spines. Lateral line inter-
rupted. Tail longer than the body ; caudal pouch short, about
half as loug as the body. Dorsal fin commencing somewhat in
advance of the vent. Caudal well developed. Lower half of the
side of the abdomen with vertical silvery bars, becoming broader
and of a whitish colour on the upper half. Brown cross bands
are placed alternately between the silvery bars, so that the brown
bands are grouped together in twos or threes, the bands of each
group more or less confluent. In males the silvery bars are
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 289
represented by spots ; a brown band through the eye and along
the snout. Dorsal fin with oblique brown bands.
South Australia.
949. Syng^atiitjs Grayii, Kaup.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 169.
D. 20. Osseous rings 18 + 35.
Base of the dorsal fin elongated. The length of the snout is
less than one-half of that of the head ; it is provided with series
of minute spines ; forehead rather high, its profile abruptly
descending towards the snout. Occiput and neck elevated into
a crest ; eyes large, prominent ; edge of the orbit rough.
Operculum with radiating strice, and a strong ridge bent
upwards ; humerus with a trihedral prominence. Body not
deeper than broad ; shields without spines, but the ventral
edges of the caudal rings forming the pouch are horizontally
dilated. Tail one-half longer than the body. Vent below tho
middle of the dorsal fin, which stands on four rings. Caudal
fin very small. Egg-pouch at least half as long as the tail. A
deep brown spot on the side of the fourth body ring.
Australia ? (Gunther).
950. Syngnathus margaritifer, Peters.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIIL, p. 171.
D. 21-23. Osseous rings 20 + 35-37.
Operculum crossed by a straight ridge. The length of the
snout is somewhat more than half that of the head. A low
ridge along the median line of the snout, and of the crown of
the head and neck ; supraorbital edge continued into a feeble
riclge on the side of the crown. Shields without spines. Tail
about twice as long as the trunk. Dorsal fin occupying two body
and four or five tail-rings. Pouch extending to or beyond the
sixteenth tail-ring. Brown with mother of pearl coloured dots.
Port Jackson.
290 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
951. Syngnathus pcectlol^emus, Peters.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 174. — Casteln., Proc. Zool. Soc,
Victoria, Vol. II., p. 78.
D. 28. Osseous rings 20 4- 49.
Operculum with, a straight ridge. Snout nearly twice as long
as the postorbital part of the head. A low ridge along the median
line of the snout and of the crown of the head and neck ; supra-
orbital edge continued into a feeble ridge on the side of the crown.
Shields without spines. Tail more than twice as long as the
trunk. Dorsal hn occupying the anal and six caudal rings.
Lower side of the head with dark spots ; body with very small
ocellated dots.
South Australia.
952. SYNGNATnus curtirostris, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 79.
D. 20. Osseous rings 18 4- -42.
The length of the snout is contained twice in the rest of the
head and is once and a half the diameter of the orbit. Head
one-twelfth of the total length. The snout has a strong
longitudinal ridge on its upper part, and a feeble one on each
side ; the operculum is covered with deep, punctured, radiating
stria), with its upper edge elevated like a curved ridge ; but no
longitudinal ridge on its surface. The body is quadrilateral,
with a faint ridge on each side, extending to the vent ; on the
first rings of the tail there is an oblique ridge, which runs into
the upper edge on the fifth ring. The dorsal fin occupies the
first five tail rings ; the caudal is longer than the two last tail
rings, is rounded and formed of six rays. Colour (in spirits)
dark brown, with irregular silvery spots on the lower part of the
head and the first few segments of the body ; these spots are
surrounded by a dark line ; the pectoral and dorsal fins are of a
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 291
light colour, speckled with brown. Length four and a half
inches.
South Australia.
953. Syngnathus brevicaudis, Casteln.
Researches Fishes of Australia, p. 48.
D. 25. Osseous rings 20 + 28.
Operculum without ridge ; base of dorsal fin elevated. Snout
straight, its length more by half than the rest of the head ; the
interorbital space broad and concave, with several small ridges,
the operculum with small radiating ridges ; body rather deeper
than broad ; shields without spines ; tail once and a half as long
as the body without the head. Vent nearly below the middle of
the dorsal fin ; the ventral ridge of the body meets the lower
caudal ridge at the vent ; the tail continues very thick to its
extremity, which is abruptly rounded and furnished with a very
small caudal fin. The pectoral fins are large, of sixteen rays ;
the dorsal fin extends over seven shields. Dark brown, (dried)
variegated with white ; snout white.
Swan River. Length six inches.
954. Syngnathus Tigris, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 39.
Port Jackson.
955. Syngnathus intestinalis, Earns.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. V., p. 494.
Genus Ichthyocampus, Kaup.
The dorsal edges of the trunk and tail are continuous, but
sometimes very indistinct. Pectoral and caudal fins present.
Dorsal fin opposite or near to the vent. Males with an egg-
pouch on the tail, the eggs being covered by cutaneous folds,
Indian and Australian Seas.
292 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
956. ICHTHYOCAMPUS SCALARIS. Guntll.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 177.
D. 25. Osseous rings 19 + 39.
Operculum without ridge. The length of the head is about
one-ninth of the total ; snout half as long as the head in adult
examples, and as long as the postorbital portion in young.
Upper part of the head with scarcely a trace of a ridge along
the nuchal shields. Body as deep as broad, with very obtuse
ridges. Tail twice as long as the trunk. Dorsal fin standing on
seven rings, three of which belong to the body. Caudal very
short. Body and tail with from thirteen to fifteen irregular
broad brown cross-bands, more distinct in young than in adult
examples. A narrow brown cross bar on the suture between
every two ventral shields. Lower side of the head and breast
with deep brown dots.
Freycinet's Harbour (Herald).
957. ICHTHYOCAMPUS FILUM, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII. , p. 178.
D. 14. Osseous rings 16 -f- 47-48.
Head and snout very short, the length of the former being
two-fifths of its distance from the vent. Snout turned upwards,
one-third of the length of the head. Head and body compressed,
without ridges. The length of the body (head included) is
contained twice and two-thirds in that of the tail ; pouch as long-
as the trunk, lined with soft membrane. Vent opposite to the
middle of the dorsal fin. Pectoral fin short and narrow ; caudal
well developed. Narrow brownish black cross bars, corres-
ponding to the sutures between the body rings.
Freycinet's Harbour.
958. ICHTHYOCAMPUS MACULATUS, All. & Mad.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. I., p. 353, pi. 17 fig 2.
Larnley Island (Chevcrt Exp.)
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 293
959. ICHTHYOCAMPUS ANNTJLATUS, Mad.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Yol. II., p. 364, pi. 10, fig. 6.
Port Darwin.
Genus Nannocampus, Gunth.
Body with obsolete ridges, the dorsal edges of the trunk and
tail being continuous. Pectoral fin none ; caudal rudimentary ;
dorsal short, opposite to the vent. Male with the egg-pouch on
the tail, formed by the dilated lower edges.
Australia.
9G0. Nannocampus subosseits, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 178.
D. about 10. Osseous rings 16 + 35.
Head and snout extremely short, the length of the former being
contained twice and two-thirds in its distance from the vent.
Snout not longer than deep, about two-sevenths of the length of
the head. The bones on the lower side of the head very well
ossified, this side being as broad and convex as the upper. The
entire head finely granulated, without ridges. Body ridges
obsolete ; body slightly compressed. The length of the body
(head included) is one-half of that of the tail ; pouch as long as
the trunk, formed by the dilated lower caudal edges. Vent
opposite to the fore part of the dorsal fin. Caudal fin very small.
Brown, finely marbled with darker and lighter ; body and tail
with some narrow, irregular, bluish cross-bands.
Preycinet's Harbour (Herald).
Genus Ueocamptjs, Gunth.
Body elongate, compressed, with distinct longitudinal ridges ;
the upper edge of the trunk continuous with that of the tail ;
lateral line continuous with lower caudal edge. Tail elongate,
cjuadrangular, tapering. Pectoral and caudal fins developed ;
294 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
the dorsal is placed entirely on the tail, at a great distance behind
the vent.
Manchuria. Australia.
961. Urocampus cabintrostris, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 200.
" Snout rather turned upwards, very short, being contained
once and a half in the diameter of the eye, and nearly three
times in the length of the head ; it is not abruptly separated from
the forehead, and goes slanting to its extremity ; the supraorbital
ridges are very strong, and sometimes converge in front to form
the medium ridge of the snout ; in other specimens there is
between them a rounded, sharp, ridge ; there is a short spine at
the anterior angle of the eye ; the eyes are very prominent ;
occiput and nuchal shields with ridges ; operculum covered with
strong radiated strise, and almost carinated ; the pectorals are not
much longer than the orbit, and not quite one-half of one of the
body shields ; the snout is contained about seven times in the
trunk ; the distance from the anus to the beginning of the dorsal
is about equal to one-half its distance to the end of the snout ;
the body has three ridges, the upper one much more marked than
the others ; the central one ending at the base of the tail ; each
shield has two small longitudinal ridges, and is perpendicularly
striated ; the osseous rings number nine on the body, seven more
on the tail before the dorsal, which begius on the seventeenth
and extends over the three following ; behind these are forty-
five or forty-six others ; the caudal is very minute ; no anal ; the
tail is tapering and very thin, its ridges much less marked than
those of the body. The general colour is a light green, with
dark spots corresponding to the centre of the body rings ; eye of
a golden hue ; an indistinct black stripe on the side of the mouth."
(Castelnau).
Port Phillip. Length three to three and a half inches, (taken
with shrimps).
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 295
Genus Leptoichthys, Kaup.
Body with the ridges well developed. Pectoral and caudal
fins present ; the latter elongate. Dorsal fin of moderate length,
opposite to the vent. Humeral bones firmly united. The egg
receptacle on the abdomen.
Australia.
I have never seen Kaup's characters of this genus, and Dr.
Gunther makes no mention of it except to say that the caudal fin
is very long. The characters I have given above are however
sufficient to indicate the genus.
962. Leptoichthys fistularius, Kaup.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 187.
Snout very long, thin, and much compressed, extended in the
same plane as the finely shagreened head. Body unusually
elongated, hexagonal, with flat back and belly without inter-
mediate scaies. All the fins are much developed, especially the
caudal. The gill-opening is a longer slit than usual. Head oval,
occipital shield small, and a furrow commencing at the orbit
accompanies the rostral crest. Dp to the anus there are twenty-
seven body rings, twenty-four of them before the dorsal fin
which stands on nine rings, three of them belonging to the body.
The tail is four-cornered, higher than it is broad, and composed
of twenty-four long rings. Colour yellowish-brown, with a black
cross-band on each ring, ventral piece of the pectoral ririg and
the gill-cover silvery. Entire length twenty-two inches. Snout
1-97 inch, head and snout 2*76 inches, dorsal fin 1-97 inch, tail
9-46 inches, middle ray of caudal fin (not entire) -091 inch.
(Kaup.)
King George's Sound.
963. Leptoichthys Castelnaui.
Leptoichthys fistularius, Casteln. Proc. Zool Soc. Vict., Vol. II.,
p. 77.
296 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
" Head five times in the total length ; snout up to the nostril
contained seven times and one-third in the same, it is long,
compressed, and united to the head by a gradual profile ; the
mouth opens superiorly ; the orbit is contained seven times in
the length of the head, and the space between the nostril and
the anterior edge of the eye is equal to half the diameter of the
orbit. The upper part of the head is covered with very minute
scales, which have on the operculum a radiated disposition. The
pectorals are large and formed of twenty-three rays, the body
pentagonal and flat on its upper and lower surfaces ; the anus is
below the twenty-sixth ring ; the dorsal fin begins on the middle
of the twenty-fourth ring, and extends over the eight following ;
it is high and composed of thirty-four rays ; the tail is formed
of twenty rings, in form similar to the body, the last rings
longer, the caudal is as long as the snout, rhomboidal, of ten
rays, the four central ones prolonged into filaments. The upper
surface of the body is granulated. Colour olive, ^vitli the lower
parts yellow, caudal fin black."
South Australia.
The foregoing is Count Castelnau's description almost verbatim,
and I judge from a comparison between his description and that
given of Kaup's Fish, that they are distinct species. I therefore
change the name of this species to Castelnaui.
964. Leptoichthys cristatus, n. sp.
D. 24. Osseous rings 18 4- 27.
Body compressed, twice as high as wide, with seven well
marked ridges : two dorsal, one on each side, and three ventral.
The head is compressed in front of ihe eye into a very sharp
high ridge, the mouth opens upwards and is almost vertical,
beneath there is a prominent ridge. The eye is large and nearly
in the middle of the head, the operculum is covered with
radiating striao, the tail is longer than the head and trunk united
and is perfectly quadrangular, the lower ridges are continuous
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S.
297
with, those of the body, but the upper pass those of the body by
one ring in a different plane. The dorsal fin stands upon five
body and two tail rings ; the pectorals are broad but short ; the
caudal is elongate and pointed, as long as the last five tail rings.
Colour (in spirits) uniform dark reddish brown. Length four
and a half inches.
West Australia. (Macl. Mus.)
Genus Stigmatopiiora, Kaup.
Body depressed, with the ridges obsolete, those of the trunk
being continuous with those of the tail ; shields covered with
soft skin. Pectoral fin developed, caudal absent, the tail tapering
to a very fine point. Dorsal fin very long. Males with a caudal
pouch formed by cutaneous folds.
Australia.
965. Stigmatophora argus, Eichards.
Trans. Zool. Soc. III., p. 183, pi. 7, fig. 2.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes,
YIII., p. 189.
D. 49-52. Osseous rings 20 + about 75.
Snout very long, about twice as long as the remaining part of
the head. Operculum wiih a slight ridge in young examples,
nearly entirely disappearing in old. Vent below the middle of
the dorsal fin. Tail more than twice as long as the trunk ; egg-
pouch shorter than the trunk. Upper parts with numerous
small, black, white-edged ocelli, sometimes irregularly arranged,
sometimes forming longitudinal or transverse series.
Tasmania. Port Jackson.
966. Stigmatophora nigra, Kaup.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 190.
D. 39-40. Osseous rings 17 + about 72.
T
298 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Body very depressed. Snout very long, nearly twice as long
as the remaining part of the head. Operculum with a distinct
longitudinal ridge. Vent below the posterior third of the dorsal
fin. Tail more than twice as long as the trunk ; egg-pouch
extending over fourteen rings. Upper parts uniform brownish
(in spirits) ; abdomen with a brown cross-bar on each suture
between the rings.
Port Jackson. Port Phillip.
Count Castelnau makes mention of a species which he names
S. hoops, in his list of Melbourne Fishes (Proc. Zool. Soc, Vict.,
Vol. I.) but he gave no description of it, and was uncertain if it
really differed specifically from S. nigra.
967. Stigmatophora olivacea, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 77.
D. about 4-3. Osseous rings 19 -4- 84.
Snout rather more than twice the length of the remaining part
of the head ; the length of the head is a little less than six times
in the total length; the opening of the mouth is upwards ; a
longitudinal ridge runs all along the upper surface of the snout ;
operculum without any ridge ; vent below the middle of the
dorsal fin ; egg-pouch extending over thirteen rings. The pectoral
fins rather large, of eighteen rays. Colour light olive, becoming
grey below ; egg-pouch orange ; all the rings present an obscure
tinge at their junction, and these very inconspicuous transverse
bands extend on to the snout.
South Australia. Length nine inches.
968. Stigmatophora ujsticolor, Casteln.
Eesearches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 49.
Snout once and a half as long as the remaining portion of the
head ; operculum with a strong, distinct, longitudinal, rather
oblique ridge ; head ended by a b road trifid spine in the centre,
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 299
and a sharp spine on each side ; vent below the anterior fourth
of the dorsal fin ; tail as long as the space from the vent to the
posterior third of the snout; body rings seventeen. Colour
entirely of a dirty yellow without spots ; the upper parts rather
brown.
Port "Walcott (West Australia). Length six inches.
969. SlTGMATOPHORA DEPRESSIUSCULA, %. Sp.
D. 49. Osseous rings 19 + about 66.
Body depressed" Snout very long and slender, more than
twice the length of the rest of the head ; a prominent tubercle on
each side of the snout in front of the eyes ; operculum striated,
but scarcely ridged ; the vent under the anterior third of the
dorsal fin ; the egg-pouch slightly longer than the trunk ; tail
more than twice the length of the trunk ; ventral surface very
flat ; body ridges laterally dilated, but not so much as in S. nigra.
Colour (in spirits) reddish-brown, faintly marbled with darker
brown; two longitudinal lines of small dark brown or black spots
along the back between the two faint dorsal ridges. Length
seven inches.
King George's Sound.
970. Stigmatophora gracilis, n. sp.
D. 58. Osseous rings 20 + 56.
Elongate, slender, scarcely depressed. Snout twice the length
of the rest of the head, considerably dilated and turned up at the
point, vent under the middle of the dorsal fin ; tail double the
length of the trunk. Colour (in spirits) pale reddish or yellowish
brown, with brown cross-bars on the sutures of the body rings,
most distinct on the back, a broad brown band between and on
the eyes.
Tasmania. Length five inches.
300 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Second Group Hippocampina.
Tail prehensile, without a caudal fin.
Genus Gastrotokeus, Kaup.
Body depressed, the lateral line running along the margin of
the abdomen. Shields smooth. Tail shorter than the body,
prehensile. Pectoral fins. The males carry the eggs embedded
in soft membrane on the abdomen, without a pouch being formed
by a lateral expansion of the integuments.
Indian and Australian Seas.
971. Gastrotokeus biaculeatus, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 194.
D. 40-45. P. 17-23. Osseous rings 18 -f 45-55.
Superciliary margin terminating behind in a more or less
distinct spine. Old individuals sometimes with minute filaments
on the lower side of head, body and tail. Origin of the dorsal
fin nearly opposite to vent.
Cape York, Port Essington, South Coast New Guinea.
Genus Solenognatiius, Kaup.
Body compressed, deeper than broad, only in adult females
somewhat dilated. Shields hard, rugose, with round or oval
interannular plates ; no elongate processes. Tail shorter than
the body, prehensile. Pectoral fins.
Chinese and Australian Seas.
972. Solenognatiius Hardwickii, Gray.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIIL, p. 195.
D. 43-45. Osseous rings 26-27 + 55-60.
Dorsal surface slightly concave or flat. Shields very rough
and rugose, but with scarcely any spines; operculum with
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 301
radiating granulated lines ; a cluster of prominent tubercles on
the hinder part of the superciliary edge.
Houtman's Abrolhos.
973. Solexognathus spixosissimus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 195.
D. 35. Osseous rings 27 + 55.
Dorsal surface slightly convex. All parts covered with small
but very distinct spines ; the radiating lines of the operculum
spiny. Orbital edge denticulated, but without prominent
tubercles above.
Tasmania.
Genus Piiyllopteryx, Kaup.
Body compressed or as broad as deep. Shields smooth, but
some or all of them are provided with prominent spines or
processes on the edges of the body ; some of the processes with
cutaneous filaments. A pair of spines on the upper side of the
snout and above the orbit. Tail about as long as the body,
prehensile. Pectoral fins. The eggs are carried embedded in
soft membrane on the lower side of the tail.
Australia.
974. Phyllopteryx foliatus, Shaw.
Gunth., Proc. Zool. Soc, 1865, pi. 14, and Cat. Pish. VIII., p. 196.
D. 30. Osseous rings 18 + 35.
Trunk much elevated, especially in females, in which its depth
sometimes equals the length of the snout. A pair of small spines
on the upper part of the snout, much nearer to the eye than to
its extremity ; a pair of superciliary spines. A long occipital and
nuchal process, which as well as the other processes on the bod}',
bear cutaneous appendages. Pairs of long divergent processes
along the back of the twelfth body-ring, and on the first, tenth,
302 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
sixteenth, twenty-fourth and twenty-seventh tail-rings. A similar
pair of ventral processes on the ninth body-ring'. Scarlet or
orange-coloured, with numerous small, round, yellow spots. Each
of the nine anterior body-rings with a violet band on the lower
half ; two or three similar bands before the vent.
Port Jackson, South Australia, Tasmania.
975. PlIYLLOPTERYX EQUES, GrUUtll.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1865, p. 327, pi. 15, and Cat. Pishes VIIL, p. 197.
D. 37. Osseous rings 19 + 3G.
The snout is as long as the distance of the front margin of the
orbit from the hind part of the nape ; it bears a pair of small
spines behind the middle of its upper edge, a pair of minute
barbels at the chin, and a pair of long appendages in the middle
of its lower part. The forehead bears an erect, broad, sub-
quadrangular crest, with a shorter single spine behind ; a
horizontal spine above each orbit ; a cluster of spines with narrow
appendages on the occiput. Nape of the neck with a long spine,
dilated at the base into a crest, and carrying a long bilid
appendage. The trunk is compressed, somewhat dilated, strongly
arched on the back, and with two deep indentations in its lower
profile. The spines are of three kinds : 1 . The band bearing
spines are the strongest, strongly compressed, not flexible, each
terminating in a pair of short points. There are one pair of
these spines in the middle of the back, and one on each of the
three prominences of the abdominal outline ; the naj)s are long
and bifid. 2. Very long, compressed and somewhat ilexible
spines without appendages ; these occupy in pairs the uppermost
part of the back, and in a single series the median line of the
belly. 3. Small short conical spines run in series along the
lateral edges of the belly ; a pair of similar spines in front of the
luwer part of tho base of the pectoral fin. Tail quadrangular,
with sharp edges, and with five pairs of band-bearing spines
BY W. UACLEAY, F.L.S, 303
along its upper side. Dorsal fin situated entirely on the tail.
(Gunther).
Port Lincoln.
976. Phyelopteryx elongatus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II., p. 76.
Like P. foliatus but much smaller, the spine on each side of
the snout lateral, not superior ; body more elongate, its greatest
height in the female being only half the length of the snout ;
the foliated appendages of the processes are much shorter,
broader, and of an oval form. The colour is lighter ; the muzzle,
lower parts of the head and body and the sides of the tail are
white ; the upper parts of the snout, head, and body are of a
lilac colour, covered with numerous round white spots. The
foliated appendages and the end of the tail are black.
South Australia.
977. PiiYLLorTERYx t.eniopiiokus, Gray.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1859, p. 38, pi. 7.— Gunth., Cat. Pishes, VIIL,
p. 197.
D. 25. Osseous rings 21 +45.
Body as broad as deep, as long as the tail. Each shield with
a prominent spine on each edge, except on the lower side of the
prehensile portion of the tail. Snout with a pair of spines
above, in the middle of its length. A pair of supra and infra-
orbital spines ; several spines on the median line of the crown
and nape. Many of the spines are band-bearing, but these do
not differ in form or size from the others. The vent is below
the middle of the dorsal fiu. Brown irregular dark-brown bands
across the back.
Freycinet's Harbour. (Herald.)
304 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
Genus Hippocampus, Leach.
Trunk compressed, more or less elevated, composed of from
ten to twelve rings. Shields with more or less prominent
tubercles or spines. Occiput compressed into a crest, terminating
at its supero-posterior corner in a prominent knob (coronet).
Supra-orbital, temporal and humeral regions with prominences.
Tail prehensile, finless. Pectoral fins. Eggs carried in a sac at
the base of the tail, opening near the vent.
All Temperate and Tropical Seas.
978. Hippocampus abdominalis, Kaup.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIIL, p. 199.
Dorsal fin 28-31. Tubercles not much developed and very
obtuse ; those on the head sometimes with simple filaments.
Length of the snout rather more than, or equal to, the distance
between the posterior margin of the orbit and the gill-opening
in adult examples, but shorter in young ones. Body generally
with large round brown spots, more or less confluent into bands
on the hinder part of the tail ; head with much smaller round
brown spots, of which those round the orbit are the most
constant. Sometimes uniform blackish brown.
Tasmania.
979. Hippocampus antiquorum, Leach.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIIL, p. 200.
Dorsal fin 19. Tubercles generally well developed on the
head and body, and sub-acute, rarely blunt. Length of the snout
ecpial to the distance between the hind margin of the orbit and
gill-opening. Spines on the head and neck sometimes with
simple filaments. Brown with bluish-white dots, more or less
confluent into lines on the lower part of the side and gill-cover ;
dorsal fin with a black sub-marginal band.
Cape York. (Darnel.)
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 305
980. Hippocampus breviceps, Peters.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 200.
Dorsal fin 19-21, standing on five rings, two of which belong
to the tail. Some of the tubercles are prominent but obtuse.
Snout very short, scarcely as long as the operculum. Supra-orbital
process well developed, subvertical, triangular. Coronet as high
as the orbit, with ridges, but without spines at the top. Eleven
body-rings. Hind part of the trunk considerably dilated. Head
and body with numerous very small white dark-edged ocelli •
operculum with brown dots besides ; tail with narrow irregular
yellowish rings.
Tasmania, South Australia, Port Phillip.
981. Hippocampus Augustus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 200.
Dorsal fin 19-20, standing on two body and two tail-rings.
Eleven body-rings. Body but little dilated in males, in which
its greatest depth is about half the length of the head ; females
still narrower. Tubercles prominent, acute, without tentacles.
Supra-orbital spine erect, simple, ^pointed ; lower breast spines
double on each side. Coronet rather low, connected by a narrow,
concave, bony bridge with the occipital knob. The length of
the snout equals the distance between the anterior margin of
orbit and the gill-opening. Snout, head, body, and dorsal fin
finely reticulated with brown ; some specimens covered with
minute white dots besides.
Freycinet's Harbour. (Herald.)
982. Hippocampus nov;e-Hollai\tdle, Steind.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 201.
Dorsal fin 17. Body rings 11. Tubercles prominent, acute,
without tentacles. Supra-orbital spine simple, slender. Coronet
elevated, that part of it which connects with the occipital knob,
30G DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
is long, strong, with the anterior profile not' concave. The
length of the snout is equal to the distance of the anterior
margin of the eye from the gill-opening. Snout, head, and
body finely marbled and reticulated with brown.
Port Jackson, Port Phillip.
983. Hippocampus tristis, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria. Vol. I., p. 197,
Dorsal fin 14. Like the preceding species, but the tail shorter ;
the shields of the body covered with transverse stripes ; the
anterior abdominal crest of the body divided into points generally
bifid. Dorsal fin with a narrow longitudinal band and the rays
marbled. No filaments. (Castlenau.)
Port Phillip.
984. Hippocampus elongatus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 144.
Dorsal fin with eighteen rays, standing on three bocly-rings.
Dody elongate, the broadest ring of the body not being one-fifth
wider than the first two ; tubercles moderately acute ; no
tentacles ; snout as long as half the head ; a short thin ridge in
front of the eyes ; supra-orbital spine conical, rather long, sharp,
and pointed ; a single conical and rather notched spine in front
of the coronet ; this with its terminal five points well marked ;
eleven body-rings ; the part supporting the dorsal fin very little
higher than the back. Colour (in a dried state) light greyish
yellow, covered with obscure brown irregular marbled spots.
West Australia. Length three inches.
985. Hippocampus subelongatus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 145.
Dorsal fin with eighteen rays, standing on throe body-rings ;
budy rather elongate, the broadest part not being more than
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 307
one third wider than the narrowest ; snout up to the anterior
edge of the eye longer than the other part of the head ; tubercles
moderately acute ; a short thin rather rounded ridge in front of
the eyes ; supra-orbital spine broad, arched, and rather notched ;
a single short, blunt, and notched spine in front of the coronet ;
this rather elevated, directed very obliquely and terminated by
five well marked but blunt spines ; eleven body-rings. Colour
(dried) yellow, with transverse narrow brown bands on the snout.
West Australia. Length four and a half inches.
986. Hippocampus tubekculatus, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 48.
All the tubercles, particularly those of the tail, very much
developed, the latter ones much thicker at their extremity than
at their base. Snout short, being only once and a half the
diameter of the eye and considerably shorter than the operculum ;
hind part of the trunk considerably dilated ; the supra-orbital
tubercles are long, thick, and bear a short tentacle ; all the other
tubercles without tentacles ; coronet thick, quadrilateral at its
extremity ; eleven body-rings ; thirty-two or thirty-three caudal
rings, the last two or three united. Colour dark brown.
Swan Eiver. Length two and a half inches.
ObderVI. PLECTOGNATEI.
Teleostcous Fishes with rough scales or ivith ossifications of the
cutis in the form of scutes or spines; shin sometimes entirely naked.
Skeleton incompletely ossified, with the vertebrce in small number.
Gills pectinate ; a narrow gill-opening in front of the pectoral fins.
Mouth narrow ; the bones of the upper jaw generally firmly united.
A soft dorsal fin, belonging to the caudal portion of 'the vertebral column,
opposite to the anal ; sometimes elements of a spinous dorsal besides.
Ventral fins none or reduced to spines. Air-bladder without pneumatic
duct.
308 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OP AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Family I. SCLERODEEMI.
Snout somewhat produced ; jaws armed with distinct teeth in
small number. Skin with scutes or rough. The elements of a
spinous dorsal and ventral fins generally present.
Genus Triacantiius, Cuv.
Body compressed, covered with very small or minute rough
scales. Tail narrow, prolonged. Teeth in a double series in
each jaw, those of the outer series incisor-like, ten in number,
those of the inner more rounded, two or four in number.
Anterior dorsal fin with three or five small spines behind a very
large one. Ventral fin formed by a pair of strong spines joined
to the pelvic bone. Vert. 9/10.
Indian and Australian Seas.
987. Triacantiius biaculeatus, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 210.— Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Balist.,
pi. 8, fig. 3.
D. 5/22-25. A. 16-19.
The height of the body is contained from twice and a half to
thrice and one-fifth in the total length without caudal fin. Snout
produced, with the upper profile distinctly concave. The first
dorsal spine as long as the head, and sometimes considerably
longer ; the second very short not much longer than the third,
the fin with or without black spot.
Port Essington, Cape York.
Genus Balistes, Cuv.
Body compressed, covered with juxtaposed, moveable scutes;
some species with series of spines or tubercles on the side of
the tail. Upper jaw with a double series of incisor-like teeth,
eight in the outer and six in the inner series; lower jaw with
eight similar teeth in a single series. The first dorsal fin reduced
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 309
to three spines, the anterior of which is by far the strongest.
Ventral fins reduced to a simple osseous appendage. No barbel.
Vertebrae 7/10. Branchiostegals six.
Tropical Seas.
988. Balistes stellatus, Lacep.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 212.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Balist. pi. 1 .
D. 3/27. A. 25. L. lat. 44.
Tail depressed behind, with two obtuse ridges on each side.
Twenty-four scales in a transverse series running from the origin
of the soft dorsal to the vent. A patch of enlarged scales behind
the gill-opening. Dorsal and anal fins not elevated ; caudal with
the posterior margin undulated, and the lobes produced into long
filaments in adult specimens. Ventral spine moveable. Adults
with but few markings — a whitish band along the middle of the
trunk, and dark longitudinal stripes on the dorsal and anal fins.
In young examples there are four large white spots on the back
— the first between the eye and dorsal spine, the second between
the dorsal fins, and the last on the tail. The body besides is
ornamented with more or less irregular bluish spots. In very
young examples the white dorsal spots are very distinct, the
ground colour of the back being a deep brown.
West Australia (B. phaleratusj. N. E. Australia.
989. Balistes aculeatus, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 223.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Balist.,
p. 2, fig. 3.
Monacanthus Cheverti, All. & Macl., Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales,
Vol. L, p. 355, pi. 17, fig. 3.
Torres Straits.
990. Balistes tjndulatus, Mungo Park.
Trans. Linn. Soc. III., p. 37.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 226.
310 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
D. 3/27. A. 24. L. lat. 41.
Tail with six (? four) strong spines on each side, arranged in a
double series. Twenty-four scales in a transverse series, running
from the origin of the dorsal fin to the vent. Some small osseous
scales behind the gill-opening. Dorsal and anal fins rather low,
with rounded profile ; caudal sub-truncate. Blackish-brown ;
head and body with numerous oblique and somewhat undulated
yellowish or reddish stripes ; two, broader than the others,
proceed from the lips, and are confluent posteriorly. The first
dorsal fin black, the others orange coloured. The spines on each
side of the tail in a black patch.
Cape York (Castelnau).
991. Balistes Garnoti, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II., p. 107.
D. 3/22. A. 19.
Form short and high, the height of the body being half the
total length ; the length of the head is twice and eight-tenths in
the same, and the diameter of the eye is three times in the length
of the head. The profile of the head is straight, very little
concave, the first dorsal spine is strong and straight, rough with
small spines ; the second dorsal fin is high and triangular ; anal
similar. Colour light yellowish-brown, darker on the back, with
faint traces of annulated spots ; the second dorsal fin is also
faintly spotted. There are one or two irregular blotches at the
base of the anal fin. On each side of the body there is a faint
brown line, which is divided about the middle into two, one run-
ning to the posterior edge of the dorsal fin, the other to the anal.
Fins yellow.
Knob Island (Torres Straits).
Genus Moxacantiius, Cuv.
Body compressed, covered with very small or minute rough
scales ; adult males of some of the species witli a peculiar
BY W. HACLEAY, F.L.S. 311
armature on the side of the tail, which in females is much less
developed or entirely absent. Upper jaw with a double series of
incisor-like teeth, six in the outer, and four in the inner series ;
lower jaw with six similar teeth in a single series. The first
dorsal fin reduced to a single strong spine, behind which
generally another rudimentary spine. Ventral fins reduced to a
simple osseous fixed or moveable small appendage, which is
sometimes rudimentary or entirely absent. No barbel. Vertebra?
7/11-14.
Tropical and Sub-tropical Seas.
1. Anal fin with less thm forty rays.
A. Dorsal spine with four series of barbs.
992. Monacanthus hippocrepis, Quoy & Gaim.
Gunth., Cat Fishes, VIII., p. 246.— Casteln. Proc. Linn. Soc,
N. S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 399.
Aleuterius variabilis, Richards. Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 67,
pi. 53, fig. 1.
Described in Proc. Linn. Soc, N.S. "Wales, loe. cit.
Port Jackson, South Australia.
993. Monacanthus Gunnii, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIIL, p. 247.
D. 34. A. 33.
Skin velvety, without distinct scales. Body somewhat elevated,
its depth being a little more than half the total length without
caudal fin. Snout rather produced, with the upper profile very
slightly concave. Gill-opening much advanced, its greater
portion being in front of the eye ; pectoral fin below the middle
of the orbit. Dorsal spine strong, above the middle of the
orbit, with a double row of barbs in front and behind, the
312 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
anterior rows being1 much closer together than the posterior.
Caudal fin rounded ; dorsal and anal fins low. Ventral spine
small, fixed, with spikes pointing forwards and backwards.
Dark brown, mottled with black.
Tasmania. Length eleven inches.
994. Monacanthus coNVEXiROSTRis, Gunth.
Gkmth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 248.
D. 34-37. A. 32-35.
Body covered with small spiny but very distinct scales, without
cutaneous filaments. Body rather oblong, its depth being about
two-fifths of the length without the caudal fin. Snout rather
produced, with the upper profile convex. Gill-opening much
advanced, partly in front of the vertical from the anterior margin
of the eye ; pectoral fin below the middle of the orbit. Dorsal
spine situated above the hinder half of the eye, rather strong,
but much shorter than the head, armed in front with a double
series of barbs, which are closely set and smaller than those
behind. Caudal fin rounded, shorter- than the head ; dorsal and
anal fins low. Ventral spine small, fixed, prominent, with barbs.
Coloration uniform greyish, or clouded with darker. Length
nine inches.
Tasmania, Port Jackson. (Castelnau.)
995. MONACANTHUS MULTIRADIATUS, Guntll.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII. , p. 248.
D. 38. A. 36.
Body covered with minute rough scales, with short bristles on
the side of the tail, which in adult examples is armed with three
pairs of strong spines pointing forwards. Body oblong, its
depth being contained twice and three-fourths in the length
exclusive of the caudal fin. Snout produced, with the upper
profile convex. Gill-opening situated below the hind margin
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 313
of the orbit, the pectoral fin being entirely behind the vertical
from the eye. Dorsal spine compressed in the direction of the
longitudinal axis of the body, armed laterally with a row of
barbs, and in front with a double series of small very closely set
barbs ; it is smooth behind, rather feeble, and situated above the
hinder part of the orbit. Caudal fin truncate ; dorsal and anal
fins low. Ventral spine very small, rough, free from the
abdominal flap. Coloration uniform brownish grey ; the base
of the caudal spines of the hind margin of the caudal fin light-
coloured.
South Australia. Length eighteen inches.
996. Moxacantiius traciiylepis, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 248.
D. 39. A. 35.
Scales not distinct, replaced by short vertical prominences, each
of which bears from three to five spinelets. Tail with two pairs
of strong compressed spines bent forwards. Body oblong, its
depth being contained twice and two-thirds in the length without
the caudal fin. Snout produced, with the upper profile straight.
Gill-opening below the hinder half of the orbit; pectoral fin
behind the vertical from the hind margin of the orbit. Dorsal
spine strong, very long, nearly as long as the head, situated
above the posterior half of the orbit ; it is armed behind with a
double series of very small barbs, and there is also a double
series of minute barbs in the median line of the anterior surface
of the spine. Caudal fin rounded, short ; dorsal and anal fins
low. Ventral spines very small, fixed, with very short spikes
radiating from its centre. Colour blackish-brown ; the dorsal
and anal fins yellow, the tail orange ; blue spots along the base
of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.
Broken Bay. Length fourteen inches.
U
314 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
997. MoNACANTnus Peronii, Hollard.
Ann. des Sc. Nat. 1854, Vol. II., p. 356, pi. 13, fig. 4.
D. 35. A. 34. P. 12.
Rather elongate, profile straight or with an almost impercep-
tible concavity ; back slightly concave between the two dorsal
fins ; the dorsal spine is short, straight with short spines on all
the angles ; the ventral spine is prominent, covered with spinules,
and is immediately in front of a marked abdominal concavity.
The scales are spine-like with swollen tips. The colour is a pale
brown, with darker brown spots on the body, disposed in rather
irregular series ; two or more narrow brown bars across the
caudal fin.
Australia (Hollard).
The Fish described by Dr. Gunther (Cat. VIII., p. 240) as M.
Peronii, Hollard, cannot be that species. I believe that Count
Castelnau has also made a similar mistake in the Proceedings of
the Linnean Society of N. S. Wales, Vol. III., 398, and given
this name to a species distinct not only from Hollard's but also
from Dr. Gkmther's.
998. MoNACANTIIUS GUNTIIERI,
Monacanthus Peronii, Gunth,, Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 249.
D. 33-35. A. 33.
Body covered with papillrc, each with a round expansion at the
top, like a mushroom ; in examples exposed to the air for some
time they shrink, assuming the appearance of a spine. Adult
males with a band of long stiff slender spines on each side of the
tail between the dorsal and anal fins, like a tooth-brush. Body
oblong, its depth being contained twice and one-third in the total
length (without caudal fin). Snout produced with the upper
profile very slightly concave ; base of the pectoral fin below the
hinder part of the eye. Dorsal spine straight, four-edged, each
edge with a series of barbs, the anterior barbs being stronger
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 315
than the posterior; the spine is inserted above the middle of the
orbit, and is not more than one-half of the length of the head.
Caudal fin rounded ; dorsal and anal fins low. Ventral spine
very short, fixed. Brown, with small darker brown spots.
Length ten inches.
Tasmania, Port Phillip, Port Jackson.
»
999. Monacanthtts Brownii, Bichards.
Toy. Erebus and Terror, p. 08.— Gunth. Cat. Fishes, TILL, p. 249.
D. 32-33. A. 30-31.
Skin minutely granular. Adult specimens with the sides of
the tail covered with short, fine, setiform bristles, and with two
pairs of strong straight conical spines. Body oblong, its depth
being one-third of the length, exclusive of caudal fin. Snout
produced, with the upper profile convex. Dorsal spine of
moderate strength, straight, much shorter than the snout ; four-
edged, each edge with a series of barbs. Caudal fin rounded ;
dorsal and anal fins low. Ventral spine none ; abdominal edge
trenchant. Green with blue dots over the whole body ; the spots
are replaced by blue oblique and longitudinal lines on the side
of the head and anterior part of the trunk. The pai*t of the tail
which is armed with bristles and spines is of an orange colour.
Fins green. Length twelve inches.
Coasts of Australia.
1000. Monacaxthus stilomelanuiiits, Quoy & Gaim.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 2,50.
3f. paragaudatus, Bichards., Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 60, pi.
39, figs. 1-4.
I). 30-32. A. 28-32.
Skin minutely granular. Adult males with a tooth-brush-lik
cluster of setiform spines on the side of the tail between the
316 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES
dorsal and anal fins. Body oblong-, its depth, being about one-
third of the length with caudal fin. Snout long, pointed, the
upper profile being much more oblique than the lower. Dorsal
spine of moderate strength, rather short, straight, four-edged,
each edge with a series of barbs ; the spine is inserted above the
hinder part of the orbit. Caudal fin rounded ; dorsal and anal
fins of moderate height. Yentral spine very small, in young
examples absent. Brownish, with brown and light dots about
the head and body ; side of the body with dark undulated lines.
Young examples with a narrow light line edged with black above
and below, from the snout through the lower part of the eye
along the middle of the side ; a brown line runs from one eye
round the forehead to the other. Caudal fin with a vertical intra-
marginal black band, which disappears in old examples.
Tasmania, South Australia, Port Jackson. Length eight inches.
1001. Monacantiius maculosus, Bickards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 67, pi. 39, figs. 5-7. — Hollard, Ann.
Sc. Nat. 1854, II., p. 359, pi. 14, fig. 1.
D. 29-33. A. 29-30. P. 12.
Of rather elongate form, the height of the body being one-third
of the total length. Snout long, very slightly concave above.
Dorsal spine rather longer than in M. spilomelamirm with four
rows of barbs, it is placed behind the orbit. The ventral spine
is very small and very feebly armed ; caudal fin long, rather
pointed. Colour brownish with a number of small darker spots ;
the caudal fin with a brown cross-bar at its base) and sometimes
near the extremity also. Length five inches.
Tasmania, Port Jackson.
1002. MONACANTHUS CASTELNAUI.
M. Peronii, Casteln. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 398.
Port Jackson.
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 317
1003. Monacantutjs Fbeycineti, Hollard.
Ann. des Sc. Nat. 1854, Vol. II., p. 336, pi. 12, fig. 3.
D. 36. A. 35. P. 13.
The profile of the head and snout is almost straight, and at an
angle of 40°, or more ; the muzzle is very obtuse and the back
between the fins horizontal. The dorsal spine is very long, with
four rows of barbs and is a little flattened, the second ray or
spine attached to the first by a membrane, is much larger than
usual, and resembles a Balistes. The soft dorsal and anal fins
are considerably lower posteriorly than in front. The ventral
spine terminates in a prominent spinous plate, the abdominal
outline behind it extending some distance before the commence-
ment of the anal fin. On each side of the tail there are six or
seven strong spines placed in two rows, and pointing backwards.
The colour is uniform and of a darkish hue, in most preserved
specimens, but one shows traces of lines or streaks on the body,
the spines on the tail are generally black on the point, and the
portion of the tail on which they are situated is of a lightish hue.
New South Wales.
1004. MoNACANTnus platifrons, Hollard.
Ann. des Sc. Nat. 1854, Vol. II., p. 341.
D. 33.? A. 31.? P. 12.
Form thick and rather elongate, the profile of the head a little
convex, at an angle of 30°; the forehead is very broad and flat
between the eyes, and the muzzle is rounded. The dorsal spine
is straight and rather short, with four rows of barbs ; it is placed
above the hinder half of the eye which is very large. The
ventral spine is not prominent and has at its extremity a small
spinous plate. The soft dorsal and anal fins are wanting, or
much injured, in the only specimen known. The scales of the
body each bear from one to four straight slender spinules,
318 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
smallest at their extremity. The colour seems to be uniform,
and of a blackish-gray.
King George's Sound.
1005. Moxacantiius Porsteri, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 204.
D. 34. A. 27. P. 13. C. 12. V. none.
The profile in front of the dorsal spine is concave, behind it
convex. The body is rather elongate, the height being contained
twice and one-third in the total length ; the snout from its
extremity to the orbit is four times and one-third in the same ;
the lower profile is more convex than the upper. The dorsal
spine is slender, short, and straight, its length is contained once
and one-fifth in the transverse diameter of the eye ; it is placed
over the centre of the eye, and is compressed, quadrangular and
armed with short barbs. No ventral spine ; caudal fin long ;
the shin is covered with very minute granulations, which become
spinous on the tail. The four large anterior teeth are almost
square. Colour dark green on the upper parts of the body,
white beneath, with irregular dark spots most numerous on the
sides. Pins light green.
Port Phillip. Length three inches.
1006. Moxacaxthus prasinus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. I., p. 205.
D. 35. A. 34. P. 13. '
Profile straight. The dorsal spine is inserted over the
posterior third of the eye, is arched and armed with four rows
of strong spines directed downwards, those in the posterior
row largest. The spine is very strong, and its length is twice and
a quarter the diameter of tho orbit ; there is a second spine, which
is one-third of the length of the first. Tho ventral spine is fixed
and formed of a small nest of spinelets, three of which, on oauh
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 319
side, are much larger than the others and curved. The height
of the body, when the pubic bone is extended, is twice and two-
thirds the total length. The two front teeth are triangular, and
by their junction form a pointed edge, the other teeth are also
pointed. The skin is covered with very fine velvety granulations.
The colour is bright green, silvery on the belly ; the second
dorsal and anal fins transparent, rather darker on the margin.
Port Phillip, Port Jackson. Length two and a half inches.
1007. ]\fotf acanthus Baudixi, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II., p. 55.
D. 35. A. 31. P. 13. C. 8.
Body covered with indistinct scales of a lozenge form, each with
three or four spinelets. Snout very long, profile straight. The
distance from the snout to the orbit is one-fourth of the total
length. Teeth very large, the upper ones conical, and the lower
strongly and obliquely emarginate and forming a strong external
point. The ventral spine is very small and fixed, its spinelets
very small. The dorsal spine is situated over the posterior part
of the eye, it is slender and straight and its length is one-sixth
of the total length ; it has four series of barbs, the anterior two
smaller and closer together than the posterior. The caudal fin is
rounded, the soft dorsal and anal fins are high. Coloration not
mentioned.
Victoria, Tasmania. Length ten inches.
1008. Moxacanthus Lesueueii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 56.
D. 34. A. 33. P. 15.
The body is oblong, with the upper profile of the head very
concave. The skin is covered with very minute and smooth
scales, those of the head and some parts of the body more
granulose. Snout thick, much rounded above, its length to the
320 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
orbit is one-fourth of the total length. Teeth moderate, almost
square, with the two upper front ones larger and shaped obliquely
into a point. "Ventral spine of moderate size, rounded, and
surrounded by a crown of very short spines ; it does not appear
moveable. The dorsal spine is thick, straight, as long as the
snout, and inserted over the centre of the orbit, which is placed
obliquely ; there are on it four rows of strong and equi-distant
barbs. The caudal fin is rather long, the soft dorsal and anal fin
low. Colour dark brown, fins pinkish or of a paler colour.
"Western Port. Length four inches.
*»'
1009. MoNACAXTHUS MARGARITIFER, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p 80.
Syn. 21. perullfcr, and obseuvus folim brunncus) Castelnau, and 21.
Damellii, Gunth.
D. 30. A. 28.
The entire head and body coarsely granular, each granule
terminating in a spine. Tail not armed. The depth of the body
is more than half the length (caudal fin excluded). Snout rather
produced with the upper profile slightly concave. Gill-opening
below the middle, root of the pectoral fin below the posterior half
of the eye. Dorsal spine above the middle of the eye, long,
as long as the distance from the gill-opening to the snout, armed
with four series of barbs, of which the anterior are smaller and
closer together than the posterior. Caudal fin rounded ; dorsal
and anal fins low. Ventral spine short, fixed, with very short
spikes. Colour uniform blackish-grey. Length six inches.
"West Australia, South Australia, Port Jackson.
1010. MoXACAXTHUS VITTIGER, Castelll.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 81.
D, 30. A. 30. P. 13. C. 12.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 321
The height of the body is contained twice and two thirds in the
total length ; the length of the head about three times in the
same ; the diameter of the eye is contained once and two-thirds
in the length of the snout. Form rather elongate ; the body is
covered with minute mushroom-shaped granulations. The
ventral spine is formed of a little bunch of spinules ; the dorsal
spine is inserted a little behind the centre of the orbit, and a
little in front of the insertion of the pectorals ; its height is about
equal to half that of the body ; it is straight, four-edged, and
terminates in a small filament ; the anterior barbs are strong,
directed downwards ; the posterior are more feeble and closer
together than the anterior. The caudal fin is rather long.
Colour light green, white on the belly, an irregular, broad band
extends on each side from the snout to the tail ; the first dorsal
fin is green, the second and the anal and pectorals are white and
transparent. Length under two inches.
South Australia.
1011. Moxacantiius Yagoi, Casteln.
Proc Linn. Soc. N.S. AVales, Vol. II., p. 245.
St. Vincent's Gulf. Length ten and a half inches.
1012. Moxacantuus Santi-Joanxi, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. AVales, Vol. II., p. 246.
Hobson's Bay. Length ten to twelve inches.
1013. MoXACANTIIUS GUTTULATUS, Macl.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 37, pi. 4, fig. 2.
King George's Sound.
1014. MoxACANTnus melas, Gunth.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1876, Vol. XVII., p. 402.
I). 34. A. 34.
o22 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Skin velvety, without distinct scales. Shape oblong, the
height of the body being a little less than one-third of its
length (without caudal), or two-sevenths of the total length.
Snout long, the distance of the eye from its end being contained
thrico and four-fifths in the length of the bod}r ; upper profile
very convex. Gill-opening below and partly in advance of the
eye. Boot of the pectoral fin beneath the hinder part of the
orbit. Dorsal spine long and slender, situated above the hinder
part of the eye, its length being contained once and a half in
the depth, of the body and in the length of the head ; four rows
of very small barbs, the two anterior close together, all being
rather indistinct. Caudal fin with the margin rounded. Dorsal
and anal fins higher anteriorly than posteriorly. Ventral spine
small, fixed. Colour brownish-black, with two whitish bands
across the chin. Dorsal spine and caudal fin black ; the other
fins light-coloured.
Tasmania. Length fourteen inches.
B. Dorsal spine with two series of barbs.
1015. MoN ACANTHUS ChINENSIS, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 236.— Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Balist.,
p. 125, pi. 222, fig. 2.
Syn. M. geographicus, Cuv. & Casteln. Ees. Pishes of Aust., p. 50.
D. 28. A. 28-29. Vert. 7/11.
Scales exceedingly small and rough, each with a median crest
which sometimes terminates in a spine. On each side of the
tail six spines directed forwards and disposed in two rows ; they
are scarcely visible in young specimens or females. Body
elevated, its depth being contained from once and a half to once
and three-fourths in the length without caudal fin ; the upper
profile rises from the dorsal spine to the origin of the soft dorsal
fin, which is the highest part of the back. Snout pointed, with
the upper profile concave. Dorsal spine strong, shorter than the
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 323
head, inserted above the posterior half of the eye, and armed
behind with a double series of strong recurved spines. Caudal
tin rounded, rather shorter than the head ; old males with the
upper caudal ray slightly produced. Ventral spine moveable,
tapering, without spinelets, attached to the cutaneous ventral
expansion, which is much developed, extending beyond the spine.
Dorsal and anal fins moderately elevated, the sixth or seventh
rays being the longest, about half as long as the head. Brownish,
irregularly marbled with blackish, and the whole body or part
of it with numerous small brown spots. Vertical fins crossed by
series of small black dots or lines.
North-west Coast of Austi'alia.
1016. Mon acanthus megalurus, Eichards.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 237. — Casteln. Proc. Linn. Soe.
N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 398.
M. Chimnsis, Eichards. Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. G4, pi. 40,
figs. 3-4.
D. 32. A. 31.
The description of the previous species, M. chinensis applies in
every particular to the present species excepting that the scales
are larger and the dorsal spine more slender. The coloration is
given by Count Castelnau in Vol. III., of our Proceedings floe. cit.J
Port Jackson, Freycinet's Harbour.
1017. Monacanthus tomentosus, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 238.— Bleek., Atl. Ichth. Balist.,
p. 127, pi. 220, fig. 1.
D. 27-29. A. 25-27.
Scales exceedingly small, each with four or five spines on the
margin ; on each side of the tail an oblong patch of short setiform
spines, well developed in adult males, but very small or entirely
absent in females and young. Body sometimes with scattered,
324 DESCEIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
short filaments. Body elevated, its depth being one-half or two-
thirds of the length without the caudal fin. Snout pointed, with
the upper profile concave. Dorsal spine very strong, about as
long as the head, situated above the eye rather behind the middle,
and armed behind with a double series of strong recurved spines.
Caudal fin rounded ; dorsal and anal fins low. Ventral spine
moveable ; armed with curved spinelets on the side, separated
from the ventral rays. Brown, marbled with blackish ; an
indistinct whitish longitudinal band on the side of the trunk,
behind the gill-opening. Caudal fin with two blackish cross-bands.
Australia (Gunther), Endeavour Biver (young, Macl. Mus.)
1018. Monacanthus sulcatus, Hollard.
Ann. Sc.Nat. 1854, IT., p. 363, pi. 14, f. 3.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes
VIIL, p. 239.
D. 29-32. A 31-33.
Scales minute, spiny, each with a keel, the keels confluent,
forming parallel longitudinal raised lines. Body rather elevated,
its depth being a little more than one-half the length without
caudal fin. The dorsal profile between the dorsal fins somewhat
oblique, the commencement of the second dorsal being the highest
point. Snout slightly pointed, with the upper profile nearly
straight. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, tapering, shorter
than the head, situated above the posterior part of the orbit and
armed with two series of barbs behind. Caudal fin rounded,
sometimes with the upper ray produced into a short filament ;
dorsal and anal fins of moderate height. Ventral spine moveable,
tapering, rough, free from and extending beyond the ventral
flap. Brown, irregularly marbled with darker ; sometimes a
roundish blackish blotch below the anterior third of the dorsal fin.
Australia. (McGillivray.) Length three and a half inches.
1019. MoNACANTlIUS GRANULATUS, White.
Bichards. Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 63, pi. 40, figs. 1-2.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 325
M. granulosus, Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 243.
D. 30. A. 28-29. Yert. 7/11.
Body covered with papillae, each with a round expansion at
the top, like a mushroom ; in dried examples they shrink,
assuming the appearance of a short spine. Body rather oblong,
its depth being nearly one-half of the total length (without
caudal). Snout moderately produced, with the upper profile
slightly concave. Dorsal spine strong, barbed behind, but not
in front, rather shorter than the head and situated above the
posterior part of the orbit. Caudal fin rounded, of moderate
length ; dorsal and anal fins low. Ventral spine very short, not
moveable. Brownish grey, marbled with dark brown, with the
papilla3 white ; fins olive yellow sprinkled with brown ; generally
two large dark spots on the belly at the base of the anal fin.
Port Jackson. Length nine inches.
1020. Monacanthus eudis, Kichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 65, pi. 40, f. 7-8. — Gunth., Cat. Fishes
VIII., p. 244.
D. 34-35. A. 34.
Body covered with minute, rough, but distinct scales. Body
oblong, its depth being two-fifths of the length without the
caudal fin. Pectoral fin situated behind the vertical from the
orbit. Snout long, with the upper profile convex. Dorsal spine
inserted above the posterior half of the orbit, of moderate strength,
two-thirds as long as the head, armed with a double series of
small barbs behind, rough in front. Caudal fin rounded ; dorsal
and anal fins low. Ventral spine very small, fixed. Brown,
uniform or with four indistinct, broad, whitish longitudinal bands.
Caudal fin with a broad blackish margin.
Tasmania, Port Jackson. Length nine inches.
326 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
1021. Monacanthus Ayraudi, Quoy & Gaim.
Voy. Uran. Zool. p. 216, pi. 47, f. 2.— Ghinth., Cat. Fishes
VIII., p. 244.
Syn. If. vittatus, Richards., and Frmienfeldii, Kner.
D. 32. A. 31.
Skin rough, velvety. Body elongate, its depth being rather
less than one-third of the total length without caudal fin.
Pectoral fin situated below the hinder half of the orbit,
immediately in front of the vertical from the dorsal spine.
Snout very long, rather obtuse, with the upper profile a little
convex. Dorsal spine rather feeble, compressed in the direction
of the longitudinal axis of the body, armed with a single lateral
series of barbs. Caudal fin sub-truncate, the upper lobe slightly
produced in old examples ; dorsal and anal fins elevated in front.
Ventral spine very small, fixed. Brownish, with two or four
whitish longitudinal bands, the middle one broad and more
distinct than the outer, in old specimens the colour is uniform.
Port Jackson. Length eighteen inches.
This species of Leather Jacket is very abundant on the
Schnapper Grounds outside of Port Jackson, and is .very
destructive to the fishermens' lines.
1022. Moxacanthus edelexsis, Casteln.
Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 50.
D. 33. A. 31.
General form elongate, the height of the body being twice
and a half in the length without the caudal fin. Snout produced,
the upper profile straight or very little concave ; skin entirely
velvety ; no spines on the tail ; caudal fin rounded ; ventral spine
small, fixed, witli its spinlets directed backwards. A perpen-
dicular line drawn from the base of the dorsal .spine to that of
the pectoral fin would go through the centre of the eye. Dorsal
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 327
spine long, straight, with a double series of strong spines
directed downwards on its posterior part, and very faint traces of
a similar double series, as far distant, on the anterior face.
Colour dark brown, beneath lighter ; fins light, probably rosy in life.
Swan River. Length seven and a quarter inches.
1023. Monacaxthus BRUNNEUS, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 108.
D. 35. A. 27. P. 15. C. 7.
Body rather elongate, entirely covered with very fine spines
which give it a velvety appearance. The height of the body is
contained twice and one-third in the total length, the length of
the head three times and two-thirds in the same ; the diameter
of the eye is one-third of the length of the head. Snout rather
concave above ; the space between the dorsal fins is convex. The
dorsal spine is stout, inserted over the first third of the orbit,
covered with fine closely set tubercles, and has on its posterior
edge two series of short, thick, conical spines, which towards the
base extend to the middle of the breadth of the spine ; the second
is very visible. Caudal fin rounded ; the anal begins behind the
second dorsal, and both fins are highest at one-fourth of their
length. The ventral spine is formed of a small knob of spinules,
with a few longer ones on the sides, and four still longer ones
directed obliquely, two forwards and two backwards. Colour
chocolate-brown, with the posterior margin of the caudal fin
white, the dorsal and anal fins pink, and the pectorals of a light
brown. Length three and a half inches.
Knob Island (Torres Straits).
C. Dorsal spine with irregularly arranged barbs and filaments.
1024. MONACANTHUS PENICILLIGERUS, CuV.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 245.— Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Balist.,
p. 129, pi. 221, fig. 3.
328 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
D. 26. A. 24.
Body covered with compressed, three-rooted spines, forming
irregular longitudinal series. Fringed fleshy filaments on the
dorsal and ventral spines, head and body. Body elevated, its
greatest depth being contained from once and one-sixth to once
and a half in the length without the caudal fin. The origin of
the soft dorsal fin is level with, or but little raised above, the
base of the dorsal spine. Snout with the upper profile straight
or but little concave. Dorsal spine of moderate strength and
length, with spinelets irregularly arranged ; it is inserted imme-
diately behind the orbit. Caudal fin more or less elongate,
especially in old examples. Ventral spine fixed, spiny, projecting
beyond the abdominal membrane. Dorsal and anal fins of
moderate height. Brownish, irregularly marbled with darker ;
a round black spot in the middle of the side ; some straight
black lines along the body and tail. Vertical fins with numerous
black dots.
Cape York, Queensland, Freycinet's Harbour.
D. Dorsal spine without barbs.
1025. Monacantiius trossulus, Bichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 68, pi. 40, f. 5-6.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes VIII., p. 234.
D. (25) 28. A. (23) 26.
Skin densely covered with slender, flexible, acute bristles,
which are so delicate as to give a velvety feel to the finger. Body
elevated ; the height from the second dorsal fin (the highest
point) to the point of the pelvic bone is equal to the length
without caudal fin. Snout obtuse with the upper profile nearly-
straight. The dorsal spine stands over the middle of the orbit,
and is roundish, much shorter than the head, and densely covered
with minute grains, which lengthen into very fine acicular
bristles. No ventral spine. Dorsal and anal fins low. Blackish
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 329
green, -with some minute darker specks and dots of a pale
colour scattered over the body, and most crowded on the face
and flanks. Along tlie pelvic bone and near the abdomen the
dots run into streaks.
"West Australia, Victoria, Port Jackson.
1026. Monacanthus ocuLATUS, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 235.
D. 24. A. 22.
Skin densely covered with minute bristles, producing a velvety
appearance. Outline of the body subcircular, its depth being
contained once and one-third in the length without the caudal fin.
No pelvic protuberance. Snout very obtuse, not projecting.
The dorsal spine is rather stout but short, placed behind the eye
and about as long as the orbit ; it has no barbs. Dorsal and
anal fins of moderate height. Olive-coloured (in spirits) with
about nine rather irregular longitudinal rows of purplish ocelli
edged with white, and about as large as the pupil of the eye.
South Australia, Port Jackson. Length one and a half inch.
1027. Moxacanthus Baueri, Richards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 68.
D. 26-27. A. 21. C. 9. P. 6-7.
Form inflated as in Tetrodon. Snout short and slender. Belly
rounded and prominent without any ventral spine. The dorsal fin
stands over the orbit, and has the usual triangular slip of mem-
brane behind it. The second dorsal and anal fins are highest
anteriorly, but with rounded summits and terminating close to
the caudal fin, which is rounded. Skin densely clothed with
hair-like spines. Colour bright grass-green, with seven inter-
rupted dark brown longitudinal stripes ; nine short bars radiate
from the orbit, and on the belly and flanks beneath the stripes
are many white specks. The rays of the caudal fin are grass-
V
330 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
green, spotted in cross-rows with umber-brown ; the pectorals
have a neutral tint ; the dorsal and anal are yellow, with three
rows of black specks between the bases of the rays, and four rows
of pale specks disposed in pairs between the tips of the rays.
Coasts of Australia. Length four inches.
Only known from a drawing by Mr. Ferdinand Bauer in Dr.
Brown's possession.
1028. Monacanthus distortus, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 14G.
D. 27-28. A. 27-28. P. 10. C. 15.
The upper profile of the head straight and oblique up to the
dorsal spine, behind this a lai-ge gap or emargination, and behind
this the back is very elevated and gibbous ; the lower profile is
developed into a large rounded ventral pouch, without ventral
spine, behind the ventral pouch there is a large gap or emargi-
nation similar and opposite to that on the back. The height of the
body at the dorsal spine is nine-tenths of the total length, the
height a little further back at the depression, is two-thirds of
the same ; the eye is nearly as long as the muzzle. The dorsal
spine is sleuder, arched, pointed, covered with short spinous
bristles, and inserted over the posterior third of the eye. The
skin is entirely covered with very short spines, which become
longer and more slender on the tail. Colour brown with the
fins yellow.
West Australia. Length two and a half inches.
2. Anal fin with forty or more rays.
1029. MONACANTIIUS MACRURUS, 11. Sp.
D. 42. A. 46. C. 8. P. 14.
Body elongate ; the height about one-sixth of the total length.
Snout very long, about six times the diameter of the eye in
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 331
length. Profile above concave, the mouth opening- upwards, with
tlvree triangular very acutely pointed incisors in each jaw, and
with the chin round, prominent and extending beyond the mouth.
Dorsal spine short, the length less than the diameter of the orbit,
irregularly and densely covered with spinelets, and situated over
the posterior third of the orbit ; there are two minute rays behind
it in the usual membrane. No ventral spine ; caudal fin of very
strong rays, of pointed form, the middle ra}rs very long, nearly
one-third of the total length. Shin velvety with very minute
spines. Colour in spirits brownish-grey, indistinctly marked with
spots and bars, most conspicuous on the tail ; in fresh specimens
the ornamentation is most elaborate.
Port Jackson. Length seven inches.
Genus Anacanthus, Gray.
Body compressed, elongate, covered with minute asperities.
Dentition as in Mbnaoanthus. The first dorsal fin reduced to a
single feeble spine. Ventral fins none. Lower jaw with a fleshy
barbel. Vertebra) 20-30.
East Indian Archipelago, Australia.
1030. Anacanthus barbattjs, Gray.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes, VEIL, p. 255.— Bleek., Atl. Iehth. Ealist.,
pi. 5, t. 226.
D. 44-51. A. 59-65.
The height of the body is two-fifths of the length of the head,
which is two-fifths of the total length without the caudal fin.
Caudal fin very elongate, longer than the head. Dorsal spine
very feeble, setiform, above the hind margin of the orbit.
West Australia. (Macl. Mus.)
Genus Ostraciox, Artedi.
The integuments of the body are modified into a carapace
composed of juxtaposed hexagonal osseous scutes, the snout,
332 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
bases of the fins, and hind part of the tail being covered by
soft skin. Mouth small, maxillary and inter-maxillary bones
coalescent, each jaw with a single series of small slender teeth.
One short dorsal fin (without spine) opposite to the short anal.
Ventral fins none. Vertebrae fourteen, the five last extremely
short, the anterior sub-elongate ; ribs none.
Tropical and Sub-tropical Seas.
A. Carapace closed behind the anal fin.
1031. OSTRACIOX CONCATENATUS, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 259.
Carapace three-ridged, forming a broad continuous bridge
across the back of the tail. Dorsal ridge with two compressed
small spines placed close together, each ventral ridge with two
similar spines remote from each other. Supra-orbital edge with
a very small or minute spine, pointing backwards and outwards ;
it is frequently absent, sometimes double. All these spines
become less prominent with age, and only traces of them can be
discovered in full grown specimens (eight to ten inches). Inter-
orbital space concave. Adults with some horizontal dark stripes
on the cheek.
Port Jackson.
1032. Ostracion cubicus, Lin.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 260. (Many synonyms.)
Carapace four-ridged, without spines, forming a broad con-
tinuous ridge across the back of the tail. Ridges rather blunt.
Back slightly convex, without raised ridge in the median line.
Inter-orbital space concave. Snout with a hump immediately
above the mouth, in very old examples. Body with bluish
black-edged ocelli, not more than one on a scute ; but frequently
the ocelli are absent on the abdomen or head, or on a portion of
the sides or back. Head, sides, and abdomen frequently with
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 333
black dots. Tail immaculate, or with black, never with white,
dots. Young with scattered large black dots.
Port Darwin, Fair Cape. (Chevert Exp.) Length fifteen
inches.
1033. Ostracion rhinorhynciius, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth. Ostrac., p. 37, pi. 1 & 3.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII.,
p. 263.
Carapace four-ridged, without spines, forming a continuous
bridge across back of the tail. The median line of the back is
distinctly raised. Inter-orbital space very slightly concave.
Snout with a hump, which in adults is but little below the level
of the forehead. Back and tail, and sometimes the sides with
numerous small brown dots (2-10 on one scute). Abdomen
immaculate.
North-west Australia. (Duboulay.)
1034. Ostracion diapiianus, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 264.— Hollard, Ann. Sc.Nat. 1857,
VII., p. 157.
Aeanthostracion comutus, Bleek., Atl. Ichth., Ostrac, pi. 2 and 4.
Carapace four-ridged ; the broad bridge across the back of the
tail is formed by four transverse series of scutes. A pair of short
conical spines divergent, and pointing forwards in front of the
orbits. A triangular compressed spine in the middle of the back ;
generally a small spine on each dorsal ridge, opposite to the
central spine. Ventral ridge terminating behind in a strong flat
spine, and frequently with two other smaller spines on the side.
Interorbital space deeply concave. Caudal fin of moderate length.
Sometimes of uniform coloration, sometimes with bluish, some-
times with black spots.
Port Jackson.
334 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN PISHES,
103-5. Ostracton cornutus, Linn.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 265.— Hollard, Ann. Sc. Nat. 1857,
VII., p. 158.
Carapace four-ridgedj forming- a broad bridge across the hack
of the tail. A long conical spine above each orbit, pointing
forwards. Each ventral ridge terminates behind in a similar
long spine pointing backwards. Each dorsal ridge with a slight
prominence in the middle of its length, but it is not developed
into a spine. Median line of the back slightly raised, without
spine. Inter-orbital space deeply concave. Caudal fin very long
in adults, with simply bifid rays. Carapace and tail with round
bluish and blackish spots in moderate number, of the size of the
pupil of the eye.
Port Jackson, Endeavour River. Length fourteen inches.
B. Carapace not closed hehind the anal fin. ( Aracana, Gray).
1036. Ostracion auritus, Shaw.
Richards., Trans. Zool. Soc, III., p. 1G0, pi. 0. — Gunth., Cat.
Eishes, VIIL, p. 260.
Back without, abdomen with a crest. Spines : one above the
hind part of the orbit pointing backwards ; two on each side of
the back, rather close together ; one in the middle of the side ;
and two or three on each side of the abdomen. Anterior profile
of the snout without hump. Head and body with longitudinal,
more or less undulated brown (silver or golden) stripes, much
narrower than the interspaces ; there are four of them on each
check. In old preserved specimens the ornamental colours
disappear, the entire fish being of almost uniform coloration.
Tasmania, South Australia. Length six inches.
1037. Ostraciox OBNATUS, Gray.
Richards., Trans. Zool. Soc, III., p. 161-5. pi. 10 — 1 1.— Gunth.
Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 267.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 335
Back without, abdomen with a crest. Spines : one above the
middle of the orbit, nearly erect, pointing upwards and outward ;
two on each side of the back ; one in the middle of the side ; two
on each side of the abdomen, the foremost being well developed,
and situated immediately behind the root of the pectoral fin.
Snout in adults with a more or less developed hump. Head and
body with numerous alternate brown and yellow longitudinal
stripes ; the brown are broader than the yellow, there are about
seven on each side of the head. The stripes on the body are
sometimes broken up into small spots.
Tasmania, South Australia. Length five inches.
1038. Ostraciox lexticularis, Richards.
Proc. Zool. Soc.; 1841, p. 21.— Guntli., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 268.
Carapace much compressed, back and abdomen compressed into
a crest ; no spines, sometimes the centre of each scute slightly
raised. Colour pink with yellow tints, on the sides and back
some spots of an ochreous yellow, having the centre darker ;
lower parts of the body and mouth of a rose colour, becoming
darker towards their extremities. Length twelve inches.
Port Jackson, South Australia.
1039. Ostraciox AMiEXUS, Castelu.
Avacana amana, Casteln. Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. L, p. 207.
Carapace with five ridges, the abdomen forming an inferior
one ; spines short, thick, conical, blunt, not arched, placed one
above the orbit, pointing outwards; two on each side of the
back, pointing backwards ; beneath these are others still shorter
and which are merely white striated tubercles, these are placed,
one on each side towards the middle, and three on a line at the
beginning of the belly, — one is under and a little behind the
root of the pectoral fin, the other two close together and more
behind. The entire carapace is rough and covered with small
336 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
tubercles. Caudal fin long and rounded. Colour above and on
the sides dark purple with numerous white narrow longitudinal
lines, running all round the body, four of these on the cheeks ;
the belly is orange, the fins yellow, immaculate.
Port Phillip. (Casteln.) Length two inches.
Family II. GYMNODONTES.
Body more or less shortened. The bones of the upper and
lower jaw are confluent, forming a beak with a trenchant edge,
without teeth, with or without median suture. A soft dorsal,
caudal and anal fin are developed, approximate. No spinous
dorsal. Pectoral fins. No ventrals.
Genus Tetrodox, Bibr.
Jaws divided by a median suture. Body with or without
small dermal ossifications. Dorsal and anal fins short, with the
rays in small number.
Tropical and Sub-tropical Seas ; some species in rivers.
1040. Tetrodox l/evigatus, L.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 274. (Synonyms numerous.)
Body entirely naked above and on the sides ; abdomen with
small three-rooted spines. The length of the head is equal to
the distance of the gill-opening from the dorsal fin. Caudal fin
forked in adults, sub-truncate in young. Uniform greenish
above, sides silvery, abdomen white.
Port Jackson, Torres Straits.
1041. Tetrodox luxaris, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes, VIII., p. 274.— Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Gymnod.
pi. 1, fig. 2.
Tetrodon sjpadiccm Puchards. Bleck. Atl. Ichth. Gymnod., pi. 3,
fig. 1.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 337
Castelnau, Proc. Linu. Soc. N. S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 400.
Moreton Bay.
1042. Tetrodon scelaratus, L.
Guntli., Cat. Fishes, VIIL, p. 276.
T. argenteus, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Gyrnnod., p. 64, pi. 5, fig 1.
Head and back finely skagreened above ; abdomen with very
small three-rooted spines. Sides naked. Body elongate ; tail
depressed. The length of the head is less than its distance from
the dorsal fin. Caudal fin emarginate. Sides with a well
defined silvery band ; the parts above the band brownish, with
small blackish spots. The brown colour encircles the eye ; a
triangular silvery spot in front of the eye. A brownish band
round the chin runs along and below the silvery band. Gill-
opening deep black.
South Australia. Length twenty-seven inches.
1043. Tetrodon hypselogexiox, Bleek.
Atl. Ichth. Gymnod., p. 61, pi. 9, fig. 5.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes,
VIIL, p. 277.
Back from the inter-orbital space to near the dorsal fin, and
nearly the entire abdomen, with spines, which are rather distantly
placed, and comparatively, not very small ; a cross-band unites
the dorsal and abdominal spines behind the pectoral fin, the
remainder of the side being naked. The length of the head equals
its distance from the dorsal fin. Caudal fin truncate. The upper
teeth more than half as large as the lower. The osseous inter-
orbital space very narrow, narrower than the eye. Above brown
or black, with numerous small round whitish spots. Sides with
a broad silvery band, separated from the colour of the back by a
longitudinal black stripe, sometimes another shorter stripe along
its middle. Lower parts white. Cheek with from three to five
sub-vertical brown bars.
Port Jackson. Length five to six inches.
338 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
1044. Tethodox oblongus, Bl.
Grunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 278.— Bleek., Atllchth., Gynmod.,
pi. 4, fig. 4.
Back and belly covered with small two rooted spines, the snout
and tail naked ; the sides are generally crossed by two broad
stripes of spines in front and behind the pectoral fin. The length
of the head is nearly equal to its distance from the dorsal fin.
Caudal fin truncate. The upper teeth not much smaller than the
lower. The osseous inter-orbital space is broad in adults, its
width being equal to the length of the snout. Upper r^art of the
head and middle of the back brown, with round white spots ; on
the sides the brown colour descends in irregular transverse bands.
Frequently the distribution of the colours on the sides is the
same as on the middle of the back ; that is, all the upper part
of the fish is brown, with round white spots (var. albophimheusj.
Frequently a large round, black spot above the end of the pectoral
fin. Length twelve to fifteen inches.
King George's Sound.
1045. Tethodox Hamiltoni, Richards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 03, pi. 39, figs. 10 aud 11. — Gunth.,
Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 280.
The back and abdomen are covered with minute spines;
frequently nothing is visible of the spines, except the pores in
which they are lodged, and then the entire fish is smooth to the
touch, some specimens are entirely spineless. Snout short, only
one-half longer than the eye, and equal to the width of the osseous
inter-orbital space. The length of the head is less than its
distance from the dorsal fin. Caudal fin rounded. Lower lateral
fold distinct. Upper parts brown, with numerous close round
black spots ; cheeks with some brown vertical bands or spots ;
some large dark blotches on the sides ; sometimes an indistinct
dark baud across the back. Lower parts white.
Fort Jackson. Length five and a half inches.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 339
10-16. Tetrodox Eichei, Freminv.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 285.— Blcek. Atl. Ichth. Gymnod.,
pi. 9, fig. 3.
Body, from the lips, densely covered with minute spines.
Caudal peduncle smooth. Snout rather obtuse ; the eye being'
somewhat nearer to the end of the snout than to the gill-opening'.
Infra-orbital space broad. Orbit with a free fold in its entire
circumference. Light brownish above, with irregular blackish
spots and blotches. Lower parts uniform white.
South Australia, Tasmania. Length eleven inches.
1047. Tetrodox virgatus, Richards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 62, pi. 39, figs. 8 & 9. — Gunth., Cat.
Fishes, VIII., p. 291.
Small spines cover the entire booty, with the exception of the
lips and the posterior half of the tail. Snout short and obtuse,
rather more than two-fifths of the length of the head, and equal
to the width of the inter-orbital space which is flat. Length of
the caudal fin equal to its distance from the front margin of the
dorsal fin. Body and sides with from si:; to twelve parallel
greyish longitudinal lines on each side. Caudal fin with the
upper and lower margins black ; root of the pectoral fin black.
Capo York, Fort Darwin, Port Jackson. Length ten inches.
Said to be synonymous with T. immaculatus, Bloch.
1048. Tetrodon patoca, Ham. Buch.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 288.— Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Gymnod.,
pi. 6, fig. 2.
Back and abdomen densely covered with very small spines,
the snout and tail and a band along the sides being naked.
Snout obtuse, convex, its length being less than the width of
the inter-orbital space, which is rather convex. Upper parts
340 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
brownish, with more or less numerous round whitish spots.
Sides silvery ; abdomen white. A simple, non-perforate nasal
cavity with a fringed edge.
Port Darwin.
1049. Tetrodon fasciatus, Macl.
Proc Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 365, pi. 10, tig. 5.
Port Darwin.
1050. Tetrodon Bibroxi, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 247.
Moreton Bay.
1051. Tetrodon Staigeri, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. II., p. 248.
Moreton Bay.
1052. Tetrodon pleurostictus, Gunth.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1871, p. 674, pi. 69, fig. A.
The lower side of the tail with a distinct ridge-like fold. The
two nasal openings on each side are in a single papilla. The
anterior part of the abdomen and sometimes the middle of the
back of the trunk with minute spines; the remainder of the
fish being entirely smooth. Snout short, its length being less
than the width of the inter- orbital space. The length of tho
head ecpials its distance from the dorsal fin. Caudal fin truncate.
Upper parts brown ; sides greyish, gradually passing into the
white of the lower parts. A series of three black round spots
on each side of the body — the first corresponding to the upper
posterior corner of the pectoral fin, the second below the end of
the dorsal, and the third on the upper half of the tail near the
base of the caudal fin.
Port Bowen, Port Mackay. Length four inches.
BY W. MACLEAT, F.L.S. 341
1053. Tetrodox hisfidus, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 297.
Crayracion Interna, Bleck. Atl. Ichth. Gymnod., pi. 1., fig. 3.
Very small spines cover the whole body from the snout to the
space between the dorsal and anal fins, the hind part of the tail
being naked ; abdominal spines with two, three, or four short
roots. Two solid nasal tentacles without opening on each side.
Snout of moderate length, with the upper profile slightly
concave. Orbit prominent, situated in the middle of the length
of the head. Inter-orbital space concave, not twice as broad as
the orbit. Length of the caudal fin equal to its distance from
the front margin of the dorsal. Brown above with not very
numerous rounded bluish- white spots. One or two bluish rings
round the gill-opening, pectoral fin, and orbit. The lower parts
of the sides are variously marked with either blotches or vertical
or longitudinal bands or stripes.
Port Jackson. Length twenty inches.
1054. Tetrodox firmamentuk, Schleg.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 299.
Small two-rooted spines cover the entire body, except the
snout and the posterior part of the caudal peduncle ; there are
about fifty spines in a longitudinal series between the nostril
and dorsal fin. Two solid nasal tentacles without opening on
each side. The length of the snout is contained twice and two-
thirds in that of the head, and is a little less than the width of
the inter-orbital space, which is rather convex. Greyish above,
lighter below, all parts with ovate white spots, smaller than the
eye, and than the interspaces of the ground colour.
Port Jackson. Length eleven inches.
1055. Tetrodox Darwixii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 94.
342 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
The height of the body is one-fourth of the total length, the
■width nearly the same ; the diameter of the eye is three times
and a half in the length of the head. The nasal openings are
on a prominent papilla in front of the eye. Snout rather obtuse.
Two-rooted minute spines cover the upper part of the head and
the back to near the end of the pectoral fins, where they terminate
in forming a triangle. The front part of the head and cheeks
are smooth, the spines beginning behind the nostril. The throat
and belly are covered with small spines and pores. The dorsal
fin is situated equidistant between the snout and the end of the
tail. Caudal fin truncated, its length being about equal to the
breadth of the back. Colour in spirits slaty blue above, beneath
yellowish; fins yellow. Without spots.
Port Darwin. Length three and a half inches.
1056. Tetrodox marmoratus, Casteln.
Crayraaion marmorata, Casteln. Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II.,
p. 148.
One nasal opening only on each side. The upper anterior
part of the body from near the end of the pectoral fins to the
head, covered with rather strong spiues placed a considerable
distance from one another ; the rest of the head and body smooth.
Dorsal fin of eleven rays ; caudal of eight long rays, ventrals of
ten, and pectorals of sixteen. Above dark brown, covered with
very numerous irregular round whitish spots ; lower parts and
fins yellow.
West Australia. Length five and a half inches.
1057. Tetrodox lixeatus, Bl.
Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Gymnod., p. 70, pi. 8, fig. 1.— Gunth., Cat.
Pishes, VIII., p. 295.
Small but rather prominent spines cover the entire body,
extending forward to or nearly to the lips, and behind nearly to
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 343
the root of the caudal fin. Snout short, obtuse, two-fifths or
more of the length of the head, and rather more than the width
of the inter-orbital space, which is flat or but slightly concave.
On each side two solid nasal tentacles without opening-. Length
of the caudal fin equal to its distance from the dorsal. Colour
of a greenish olive with very numerous bluish dots ; the
abdomen which is very large is beautifully marked with white
or yellow fascice ; fins yellow.
Port Jackson.
1058. Tetrodon amabilis, Casteln.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 401.
Port Jackson.
Genus Diodox, L.
Jaws without median suture. Body covered with dermal
ossifications, each with a pair of lateral roots, and with a stiff,
moveable, and erectile spine. Nasal tentacle simple, with a pair
of lateral openings.
Tropical Seas.
1059. Diodox hystrix, L.
Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Gymnod., p. 56, pi. 3, fig. 2. — Gunth., Cat.
Pishes, VIII., p. 306.
Spines strong, dilated at the base, and with a pair of basal
grooves ; the post-pectoral spines are the longest, about as long
as the pectoral fin, those of the posterior part of the back short
and broad. Prontal spines of medium size. The upper and
lower side of the tail with two or three pairs of immovable
spines. All the upper and lateral parts and the fins with
numerous small round black or brown spots.
Port Jackson. (Castelnau.)
344 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
10C0. DlODON SPINOSISSIMUS, Cuv.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 307.
All the spines long, slender, with an anterior ridge between a
pair of grooves, not extending beyond a third of the length of
the spine. Upper part of the tail with a pair of spines besides
those on the sides. The roots of the spines are strong and long,
half as long as the spine or longer. There are about seventeen
transverse series of spines between the snout and dorsal fin. A
more or less distinct blackish band runs from one eye to the
other across the throat ; sometimes another vertical band in front
of the gill-opening. Upper parts blackish, base of each spine
with a black spot. Abdomen white.
Port Phillip, West Australia (Castelnau).
1061. DlODON XOVEiMACULATUS, CllV.
Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Gynmod., p. 57, pi. 2, fig. 3.— Castelnau
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, p. 401. — Atopomijcterus Boragei,
Steindacher.
Port Jackson.
1062. Diodon Blochii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 210.
" Sea Hog " of Melbourne.
Spines less numerous than in D. Injstriv. Head broad ; mouth
wide ; the interorbital space equal to two diameters of the orbit ;
five spines in the first row before the eyes ; in all eleven or
twelve transverse irregular series, all strong ; but particularly
the posterior ones. Dorsal fin 13; caudal 9, A. 13, P. 19.
Each spine has two long roots and an anterior ridge. Colour
pale green on the back, white ou the belly, at the root of each
spine there is a faint brown spot, and on the posterior part of the
body some purple blotches. The fins are green, and immaculate,
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 345
with darker margins, the eye is orange, and surrounded by a blue
ring. Length six inches.
Port Phillip.
Genus Ciulomycterus, Bibr.
Jaws without median suture. Body covered with dermal
ossifications, all or most of which consist of three horizontal roots
and a stiff erect immovable spine. Nasal tentacle simple, with a
pair of lateral openings.
Tropical and Sub-tropical Seas.
10C3. ClIILOUYCTERUS JACULIFERUS, CllV.
Gnnth.. Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 313.— Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria,
Vol. I., p. 211.
Two spines above the orbit ; none in the middle of the fore-
head ; no tentacle ; there are only five spines in a straight,
longitudinal series from the parietal spine to the side of the dorsal
fin. Inter-orbital space quite Hat ; nostrils in front of the orbit.
The roots of four spines surround the tail behind the dorsal and
anal fins. Spines on the lower parts rather feeble. Jaws strong.
P. 19. D. 16. A. 15. C. 9. Three black spots on each side
of the body : one in front of the gill-opening, one behind the
pectoral fin and a third somewhat in advance of the dorso-anal
interspace.
Hobson's Bay (Castelnau).
Genus Dicotylichthys, Kaup.
Jaws without median suture. Body covered with dermal
ossifications, each of which is provided with a spine ; the anterior
are two-rooted and erectile, the posterior three-rooted and im-
moveable. Nasal tentacle with two cylindrical and tapering
branches ; no nostril.
Australia ; Cape of Good Hope.
W
346 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
1064. DicoTYLicirrnYs punctulatus, Kaup.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 315.
Dorsal spines much shorter than those on the sides and
abdomen, those in front of the pectorals erectile, those behind
three-rooted. Back of the tail without ossifications ; but a root
of the last dorsal spine reaches across behind the dorsal fin. About
thirteen transverse series of spines between the snout and the
dorsal fin. Body with small, round scattered black spots. A
black vertical bar below the eye, a second in front of, and a third
behind the root of the pectoral fin.
Port Jackson. Length ten or twelve inches.
*&'
Genus Atopomyeterus, Kaup.
Characters the same as DicotylicMhys, but the dermal ossifica-
tions each provided with two rooted erectile spine.
Australia.
1065. Atopomycterus nyciithemerus, Cuv.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 315.
All the spines slender, rounded, without ridge. Upper part
of the tail without spine. The roots of the spines are very short
and feeble. About thirteen transverse series of spines between
the snout and the dorsal fin. Upper parts blackish-brown ; in
young individuals the dark colour descends on the sides in four
bands, viz., below the eye, in front of and behind the pectoral
fin, and above the vent.
Tasmania, South Australia. Length ten or twelve inches.
Genus Ortiiagoriscus, Bl.
Jaws without median suture. Tail extremely short, truncate ;
vertical fins more or less confluent. Body compressed, short,
covered with a rough or tesselated skin not capable of being
BY W. MACLEAY, E.L.S. 347
expanded by air. Ventral fins none. No pelvic bone. Air
bladder absent. An accessory opercular gill.
The seas of the whole World.
1066. Orthagoriscus mola, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 317. " Sun Fish."
Body elevated, its depth being more than the length. Skin
rough, minutely granulated. Dorsal and anal fins narrow, high.
Eye much nearer to the upper profile than to the lower.
Australian Seas.
A stuffed specimen of this Fish in the Macleay Museum,
captured about six years ago in Port Stephens, measured about
ten feet in length, and nearly fourteen feet in height.
Sub-class II. PALYICHTHYES.
Fishes with the skeleton wholly or partly cartilaginous. Heart with
a contractile bulbus arteriosus; intestine with a spiral valve; optic
nerves non-decussating.
Order I. GANOIBT^.
Fishes with the skeleton more or less ossified. Bulb of the aorta
muscular, with numerous valves. Branchicr free ; gill-cavity protected
by a gill-cover. Intestine with a spiral valve. Optic nerves not
decussating. Ventral Jins abdominal if present.
Genus Ceratodus, Agassiz.
A genus formed by Agassiz on a fossil tooth. It probably is
referable to the Family Sirenoidci.
1067. Ceratodus Forsteri, Krefft.
Proc. Zool. Soc, London, 1870, p. 222, pi.— figs. 1-2-3.
General form of Osteoglossum ; scales large, cycloid. L. lat.
35. L. transv. 8. Vent in the posterior third of the total length.
348 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Vertical fins confluent, the dorsal commencing in the middle of
the body. The paired fins long, paddle-shaped, with a central
scaly axis bearing a rayed membrane above and below. Ventral
fins far back. Gill-opening a narrow slit. The upper and lower
jaw armed with a pair of very large six or seven-pronged teeth.
Skeleton semi-cartilaginous.
Burnett and Dawson Eivers. Length three feet.
1068. Ceratodus miolepis, Gunth.
Phil. Trans. 1 871, part 2, p. 516.
This species has more scales on the transverse line than C.
Forsteri, but is in other respects alike. It is probably only a
variety.
Burnett Eiver.
1069. Ompax spatuloides, Castelnau.
The description of this genus and species will be found, with
all the details known or remembered, in the Proceedings of the
Linnean Society of New South Wales, Vol. IIP, p. 164, pi. 19 a.,
fio-s. 1-2-3. I think it is probable that no such Pish was ever
found, but I give it a place in my Catalogue, in order to direct
attention to the subject, as the liklihood of finding Ganoid Pishes
in Queensland waters is asserted by several very distinguished
Naturalists.
Order II. CHONDROPTERYGII.
Skeleton cartilaginous ; skull without sutures. Body with medial
and paired fins, the hinder fair abdominal ; caudal fin with produced
upper lobe. Gills attached to the shin by the outer margin, with several
intervening gill-openings ; rarely one gill-opening only. No gill-cover.
]\To air-bladder. Three series of valves in the bnlbus arteriosus.
Intestine with a spiral valve. Optic nerves com mi rurally united, not
decussating. Ovaries with few and large ova, which are impregnated
BY W. MACLEAY, F. L.S. 349
and in some developed internally. Embryo with deciduous external y ills.
Males icith prehensile organs attached to the ventral fins.
1. One external gill-opening, covered by a fold of the skin. (Order
Holocephala, Gunther) .
Family CHBLERIDiE.
Form of the body elongate ; pectoral fins free ; anterior dorsal
fin above the pectorals. Mouth inferior. Ventral organs con-
fluent into two pair of laminoe in the upper jaw, and into one
pair in the lower. No spiracles. Males with a peculiar prehensile
organ on the upper part of the snout. Skin naked in the adult.
Genus Calloriiynciius, Gronov.
Snout with a cartilaginous prominence, terminating in a
cutaneous flap. Two dorsal fins, the anterior with a very long
and strong spine. Extremity of the tail distinctly turned upwards,
with a fin along its lower edge, but without one above. Anal fin
close to the caudal, short and deep.
South Pacific, Cape of Good Hope.
1070. Callorhynchus antarcticus, Lacep.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 351. Syn. C. Peronii and Capensis,
Duiu. C. Australis, Shaw and Owen; and C. tasmanius,
Eichardson.
The second dorsal fin elevated in front. Pectoral fin very
large, extending generally to, or even beyond, the base of the
ventral. Claspers sub-cylindrical, with a channel along the
interior, opening by a lateral slit. Adult with an obscure
blackish lateral band. Young with the upper parts black, and
with whitish bands and spots. The young have also a double
series of very small dermal spines on the crown of the head,
and on the back of the trunk and tail ; these spines are also
350 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
sometimes found in half grown and adult examples, in which,
however, they are hidden in the skin.
Coasts of Australia and Tasmania.
-. From five to seven gill-opening 8. (Order Plagiostomata, Gunth.)
Sub-Order I. SELACHOIDEL
Body more or less cylindrical, gradually passing into l/tc tail.
Gill-openings lateral. — Sharks.
Family I. CARCHABIID.F.
Eye with a nictitating membrane. An anal fin. The first
dorsal opposite to the space between the pectoral and ventral
tins, without spine. Mouth crescent-shaped, inferior.
Genus Carciiarias, Cut.
A pit at the root of the caudal fin, which has a distinct
lower lobe. Spiracles none. Mouth crescent-shaped ; the labial
groove or fold is confined to, or does not extend much beyond,
the angle of the mouth. Snout produced longitudinally. Teeth
with a single sharp cusp, more or less dilated and triangular.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1071. Carciiarias acutidens, Eupp.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 361.— Mull. & Henle, p. 33.
Snout short and obtuse. Pectoral fins pointed, but little
extending beyond the origin of the dorsal. The second dorsal
fin is but little smaller than the first, and very similar in size
and form to the anal. Nostril with a very distinct valve at its
lower half. A short groove at the angle of the mouth. Gills
of moderate width. Teeth 27/27-29/29, not serrated.
Torres Straits.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 351
1072. Oarchaeixts Mulleri, Mull. & Henle.
Mull. & Henle, p. 30, pi. 19, fig. 1, teeth. — Dum. Elasmobr.,
p. 347.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 360.
Snout elongate and pointed ; mouth nearly as long as broad.
Teeth in the middle of the lower jaw small, those on the sides
much larger and swollen at the base, with an oblique narrow
cusp ; the upper teeth flat and oblique, none denticulated. End
of the base of the first dorsal fin opposite to the origin of the
ventrals. Second dorsal very small ; anal in advance of the
second dorsal.
Cape York.
1073. Carciiarias Macloti, Mull. & Henle.
Midi. & Henle, p. 34, pi. 10. — Dum. Elasmobr., p. 350. — Gunth.,
Cat. Eishes, VEIL, p. 302.
Snout long, pointed, the nostrils being nearer the mouth
than to the extremity of the snout. The teeth of the upper jaw
with the base denticulated on both sides ; lower teeth without
denticulations.
Fort Jackson.
1074. Carcharias glaucus, E.
Mull. & Henle, p. 36, pi. 11. — Dum. Elasmobr., p. 353. — Gunth.,
Cat. Eishes, VIIL, p. 364.
" The Blue Shark" of European Seas.
Snout very long, nostrils rather nearer to the mouth than to
the extremity of the snout. No labial fold, except a groove
at the angle of the mouth. Teeth serrated, those of the upper
jaw oblique, scarcely constricted near the base ; those of the
lower jaw slender, triangular in young specimens, lanceolate
with a broad base in adults. Fectoral fin long, falciform,
352 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
extending to the dorsal, which is nearer to the ventrals than to
the root of the pectorals. Tail and caudal fin slender.
Port Arthur (Tasmania).
1075. Carcharias gangeticus, Mull. & Henle.
Mull. & Henle, p. 39, pi. 13.— Dum., Elasmobr. p. 359.— Gunth.
Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 367.
Snout very short and obtuse ; nostrils very close to the extremity
of the snout. Teeth serrated, 27/27-30/30, those of the upper
jaw triangular, their outer edge with a slight trace of a notch ;
those of the lower jaw denticulated like the upper, erect, narrow,
with broad base. Pectoral fin elongate, falciform. The first
dorsal fin commences immediately behind the base of the pectoral
and has the anterior margin not convex.
Port Jackson. Length thirty inches.
1076. Carcharias bractiyurus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes, VIII., p. 369.
Snout rather pointed, of moderate length, the distance between
its end and the mouth being more than the length of the mouth,
and about two-thirds of its width. Nostrils much nearer to tho
mouth than to the end of the snout, but nearer to the end of the
snout, than to the angle of the mouth. Teeth in the upper jaw
oblique, serrated on both margins, and with a deej) notch on tho
outer margin ; teeth of the lower jaw narrow, erect, lanceolate,
serrated, on a broad two-rooted base. Gill-openings at least
twice as wide as the eye. Pectoral fins narrow, pointed, falciform,
the length of their inner margin being one-fourth of that of the
outer. Dorsal fin rather nearer to the pectorals than to the
ventrals, its distance from the pectorals being but littlo less than
the length of its base. The second dorsal very small, shorter
and lower than tho anal. Origin of tho anal opposite to that of
tho second dorsal, and midway between tho ventral and caudal
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 353
tins. The length of the caudal is one-fourth of the total length.
Coloration uniform.
Port Jackson. Length tive to eight feet.
1077. Carcharias melanopterus, Mull. & Henle.
Mull. & Henle, p. 43, pi. 19, fig. 5.— Durn., Elasmobr.. fig. 305 —
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 369.
Snout short and obtuse ; the nostrils being nearer to its
extremity than to the mouth. Teeth 25/25-31/31, the upper
oblique, with the inner margin straight, and the outer notched ;
the lower narrower ; both serrated. Pectoral fin falciform, the
upper margin being thrice as long as the lower, extending to the
end of the dorsal. The first dorsal is only a little nearer to the
root of the pectoral, than to that of the ventral. Second dorsal
opposite to the anal, to which it is similar in size and shape.
Extremities of all the fins deep black.
Torres Straits, Port Darwin.
The shark mentioned by me under the nome of C. hcmiodon,
Proc. Linn. Soc. New South Wales, Vol. II., p. 36G, is I find C.
melanopterus.
Genus Galeocerdo, Muller & Henle.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectorals
and ventrals, without spine. Caudal fin with a double notch. A
pit on the tail, above and below, at the commencement of the fin.
A nictitating membrane ; pupil of the eye rounded. Small
spiracles. Mouth crescent shaped. Teeth sub-ecjual in both
jaws, oblique, serrated on both margins, with a deep notch on
the outer margin.
All Seas.
1078. Galeocerdo Eayneri, MacDonald & Barron.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1868, p. 368, pi. 32.— Earns., Proc. Linn. Soc.
N.S. Wales, Vol. V., p. 95.
354 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
" Tiger Shark " of Port Jackson Fishermen.
Port Jackson. Length twelve feet.
'8l
Genus Galeus, Cuv.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectoral
and ventral fins, without spine. Caudal fin with a single notch.
No pit at the commencement of the caudal fin. A nictitating
membrane. Small spiracles. Mouth crescent shaped. Teeth
equal in both jaws, oblique, with notch and serrature.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1079. Galeus australis, n. sp.
The snout is long and depressed, the nostrils being very much
nearer to the mouth than to the snout. At the angle of the
mouth there is a conspicuous fold, which on the upper jaw is
continued a considerable distance, but terminates below close to
the angle. Eye with a distinct fold above, the pupil horizontal ;
spiracle a little behind the eye, a small horizontal slit. The teeth
are small and equal in both jaws, strongly notched and strongly
serrated on the outer side. The first dorsal fin is about midway
between the anterior roots of the pectoral and ventral fins. The
second dorsal fin is very small, of the size and shape of the anal,
but placed quite half its length in front of it. The caudal fin
has a faint trace of a pit above and below at its commencement,
and its length is equal to two-thirds of the distance between the
first and second dorsals, and is about one-sixth of the total length.
A very slight fold extends along each side from the snout to the
tail. The upper surface of the snout is marked with numerous
pores, and a few are to be traced on the space between the
spiracles and the gill-opening ; these last are rather small. The
foetus differs in having the spiracles larger and rounder and the
fins tipped with black. The colour is pale bluish-grey indistinctly
mottled with darker on the back.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 355
Port Jackson. Length six feet. Very numerous and extremely
prolific.
This Fish has generally been regarded as identical with
Galeus cams, " The Tope" of English fishermen. I think I
am justified in separating them. It is the " School Shark" of
the Port Jackson Fishermen.
Genus Zyg.ena, Cuv.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectorals
and ventrals, without spine. Caudal fin with a single notch. A
pit at the commencement of the caudal fin. Anterior part of
the head broad, flattened and laterally elongated. Eyes situated
at the extremity of the lateral elongations. A nictitating
membrane. No spiracles. Nostrils situated on the front edge
of the head. Mouth crescent-shaped. Teeth of both jaws
similar, oblique, with notch.
Temporate and Tropical Seas.
1080. Zyg.ena malleus, Shaw.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 381. Synonyms numerous.
" Tlie Hammer -headed Shark."
The length of the hinder margin of one side of the hammer
is nearly equal to its width near the eye. Nostril close to the
eye, prolonged into a groove running along nearly the entire
front margin of the head.
Port Jackson, Port Phillip. Length from four to eight feet.
Genus Mustelus, Cuv.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectorals
and ventrals, without spine ; the second not much smaller than
the first. No pit at the root of the caudal fin, which is without
distinct lower lobe. A nictitating membrane. Spiracles small,
behind the eyes. Mouth crescent-shaped, with well developed,
356 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
long labial folds. Teeth small, numerous, similar in both, jaws,
arranged like pavement, obtuse, or with, very indistinct cusps.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1081. Mustelus antarcticus, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 387.— Casteln. Proc. Zool. Soc.
Vict, Vol. 1, p. 216.
Snout rather obtuse, not much produced, the length of its
prseoral portion being somewhat less than the distance between
the angles of the mouth. The upper teeth with a rather cutting
edge ; but without prominent cusp. Origin of the dorsal fin
behind the inner posterior angle of the pectoral. Colour uniform
grey.
Tasmania, Port Phillip, Port Jackson.
Family II. LAMNIDiE.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectoral
and ventral fins, without spine, an anal fin. No nictitating
membrane. Mouth crescent-shaped, inferior ; nostrils not con-
fident with the mouth. Gill-openings generally wide. Spiracles
none or minute.
Genus Lamna, Cuv.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectoral
and ventral fins, without spine ; the second dorsal and the anal
fins very small. A pit at the root of the caudal fin. which has
the lower lobe much developed. Side of the tail with a keel.
No nictitating membrane. No spiracles. Mouth wide. Teeth
large, lanceolate, not serrated, sometimes with additional basal
cusps. Gill-openings very wide.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1082. Lamna glauca, Mull. & Henle.
Oxy rhino, glauca, Mull. & Henle, p. 69, pi. 20.
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 357
" The Blue Pointer" of the Sydney fishermen.
Snout ending in a point, not long, its length from the front of
the upper jaw being about equal to the length of the cleft of
the mouth. The eyes are situated over the middle of the length
of the mouth, and the nostrils are in front of the lower margin
of the orbit, and nearer to the orbit than to the point of the
snout. The teeth in front of both jaws are long, rather
cylindrical, pointed, curved a little backwards and two rooted,
those on the sides are shorter, and of more compressed form.
Gill-openings very large, about equal. The first dorsal fin is
about midway between the vertical from the pectoral and ventral
fins ; it is triangular, nearly as high as long, and terminating
behind its lower extremity in a small pointed lobe. The pectoral
fins are rather small, and but slightly falciform, the posterior
margin being only slightly emarginate. The second dorsal fin
is extremely small, with a pointed lobe behind ; in size and form
the anal fin is exactly similar, but its commencement is opposite
the posterior point of the second dorsal. The caudal fin is
rather small, the lower lobe more than half the size and veiy
much of the form of the upper. On each side of the tail,
beginning opposite the termination of the anal fin, there is a
very prominent sharp edged cutaneous keel, and terminating at
the commencement of the caudal fin, its width at its middle
being near the one-fourth of its length. The skin is very finely
shagreened, almost smooth. The colour of the upper half of
the body is blue, of the lower white, the line of demarkation
between the two colours being distinctly marked and exactly in
the middle of the sides, the keel on the tail being exactly on
the line.
Coasts of New South Wales. Length twelve feet.
Genus Carciiaiiodon', Muller & Henle.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectoral
and ventral, without spine, the second and the anal very small.
358 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISnES,
A pit at the root of the caudal, which has the lower lobe well
developed. Side of the tail with a keel. No nictitating
membrane. Spiracles minute. Sometimes absent. Mouth
crescent-shaped, wide. Teeth large, flat, erect, regularly
triangular, serrated. Gill-openings wide.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1083. Carciiarodox roxdeletii, Mull. & Henle.
Mull. & Henle, p. 70. — Dum., Elasmobr., p. 411.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes VIII., p. 392.
" The White Pointer" of Sydney Fishermen.
General appearance of Lamna glauca, vdth the same form of
snout and tail, but differs in having the teeth, though as long,
much broader and compressed, and serrated. The eye is situated
more over the front of the mouth. The first dorsal fin nearer
the pectoral fin, which is much longer, but not falciform. The
keel on each side of the tail is longer and not so wide, and the
lower lobe of the caudal is almost if not quite as long as the
upper. Colour pale bluish-grey.
Australian Seas. Port Jackson. Greatest length thirty-six feet.
Genus Odoxtaspis, Agass.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectoral
and ventral fins, without spine ; the second dorsal and the anal
not much shorter than the first dorsal. No pit at the root of the
tail ; its side without keel. No nictitating membrane. Spiracles
minute, pore-like, above the angle of the mouth. Mouth crescent
shaped, wide. Teeth large, awl-like, with one or two small cusps
at the base. Gill-openings of moderate width.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1084. Odontaspis americaxus, Mitch.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 392.— 0. taunts, Mull. & Henle,
p. 73, pi. 30.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 359
" The Grey Nurse" of the Sydney Fishermen.
The first tooth of the upper jaw not smaller than the second.
One or two small teeth between the third and fourth long- tooth
on each side of the upper jaw. Long teeth with a single small
cusp on each side of the base. The first dorsal fin very close to
the root of the ventral. Length ten feet.
Port Jackson, Tasmania, South Australia.
Genus Alopecias, Mull. & Henle.
The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the pectoral
and ventral fins, without spine ; the second dorsal and anal very
small. Caudal fin of extraordinary length, with a pit at its root.
No keel on the side of the tail. No nictitating membrane.
Spiracles immediately behind the eye, minute or sometimes absent.
Mouth crescent-shaped. Teeth equal in both jaws, of moderate
size, flat, triangular, not serrated. Gill-openings of moderate
width.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1085. Alopecias vulpes, L.
Mull. & Henle, p. 74, pi. 35, fig. 1, teeth.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes,
VIII., p. 393
The third tooth on each side of the upper jaw much smaller
than the others. Pectoral fins large, falciform. Tail half or
more than half the total length.
Port Jackson (Macl. Mus.) Length seven feet.
Family III. NOTIDANILVE.
Characters of the single genus.
Genus Notidanus, Cuv.
One dorsal fin only, without spine, opposite to the anal. No
pit at the root of the caudal fin. No nictitating membrane.
360 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Spiracles small, on the side of the neck. No lateral fold. Mouth
crescent-shaped. Dentition unequal in the jaws : in the upper
jaw one or two pairs of awl-shaped teeth, the following six being
broader and provided with several cusps, one of which is much
the strongest. Lower jaw with six large comb-like teeth on each
side, beside the smaller posterior teeth. Six or seven wide gill-
openings.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1086. NoiTDANUS INDICUS, CuV.
Macd. & Barr., Proc. Zool. Soc, 1868, p. 371, pi. 33.— Gunth.,
Cat. Fishes VIII. , p. 398.
Snout short and rounded ; cleft of the mouth broader than long.
A single median pointed tooth in the upper jaw ; the lower
median tooth with, lateral cusps, but without central cusp. The
first cusp of the lower teeth is much stronger than the others and
serrated on its outer margin.
Jervis Bay, Port Jackson. Length five feet.
Family IV. SCYLLIDJE.
The first dorsal fin above or behind the ventrals, without spine ;
an anal fin. No nictitating membrane. Spiracle distinct.
Mouth inferior. Teeth small, several series being generally in
function.
Genus SciTLLiujr, Cuv.
Two dorsal fins without spines ; the first above or behind the
ventrals ; the origin of the anal fin is always in advance of that
of the second dorsal. Spiracle behind the eye. Nasal cavity
separate from the mouth. Teeth small, with a middle longer
cusp and generally one or two small lateral cusps, arranged in
numerous series. Eggs similar to those of Pays. Upper edge
of the caudal fin not serrated.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 361
1087. SCYLLIUM MACULATUM, Bl.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 401. — (Not macalatiim of Gray,
Eichardson, Bleeker, Dumeril, Muller and Henle, and Cantor.)
Nasal valves confluent, without cirrus, forming together a
broad flap in front of the mouth, with the hinder margin concave.
Both jaws with a well developed labial fold, extending from the
symphysis of the lower jaw, round the angle of the mouth, to the
nasal flap. Teeth of the lower jaw of moderate size, with a long
median cusp, and a pair of small cusps on each side. Gill-
openings narrow. Skin of the trunk rough. Ventral fins
obliquely truncated behind. End of the anal fin below the middle
of the dorsal, the length of its base is equal to that of the dorsal
and three-fourths of its distance from the caudal. Brownish,
above and below, with scattered round brown spots scarcely as
large as the eye and distant from one another.
Eort Darwin, Port Jackson. Length two feet.
1088. Scyllium laticeps, Dum.
Dum., Elasmobr., p. 323.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 404.
The nasal valves are not confluent, are separated from each
other by a very broad interspace, and without prominent cirrus.
No labial fold. Teeth very small, tri-cuspid. Head very broad
and depressed. End of the anal fin nearly opposite to the end
of the dorsal ; anal a little longer than the dorsal, the length of
its base being nearly equal to its distance from the caudal.
Brownish marbled with darker.
Tasmania.
Genus Parascyllium, Gill.
Two dorsal fins without spines, the first behind the ventrals ;
origin of the anal fin in advance of the second dorsal. Spiracle
minute, below the posterior angle of the orbit. Nasal and
buccal cavities confluent. Two nasal valves each with a short
X
362 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
cirrus. Lower lip well developed. Teeth, small, lanceolate, only
those of the lower jaw with indistinct lateral cusps. The four
first gill-openings distant and much narrower than the last,
which is approximate to the fourth and very wide.
Australia.
1089. Parascyllium variolatum, Dum.
Dum. Elasmobr., p. 327.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes YIIL, p. 410.
Lower lip not continuous across the symphysis of the lower
jaw ; mouth midway between the eye and the extremity of the
snout. The two dorsal fins sub-equal in size, the first very
distant from the root of the ventral ; anal nearly entirely in
advance of the second dorsal. Dark brown above with more or
less distinct black spots.
Tasmania. Length from two to three feet.
1090. Parascyllium nuchale, M'Coy.
Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1874, XIII., p. 15, pi. 2.
Body and fins clouded with two shades of chocolate brown,
with a broad blackish brown nuchal collar extending from the
base of the pectoral fin to halfway between the eye and the first
gill-opening ; and two or three very conspicuous large spots of
the same dark colour on each of the fins ; the whole of the sides
and back covered with white spots, smaller and more crowded on
the dark nuchal collar ; under side of throat and abdomen pale
whitish-brown. Mouth nearer to the snout than to the eyes.
Port Phillip. Length two feet nine inches.
Genus Chiloscyllium, Mull. & Ilenle.
Two dorsal fins without spines ; the first above or behind the
ventrals. Anal fin placed far behind the second dorsal, and very
close to the caudal. Spiracle very distinct, below the eye.
Nasal and buccal cavities confluent. Nasal valve folded, with a
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 363
cirrus. Lower lip well developed, continuous or interrupted in
the middle. Teeth small, triangular, with or without lateral
cusps. The two last gill-openings close together.
Indian and Australian Seas.
1091. ClIILOSCYLLIUM OCELLATUM, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 410.— Muller & Henle, p. 16.—
Dam. Elasmobr., p. 326.
The lower labial fold is not continued across the symphysis.
The first gill-opening narrower than the second, scarcely wider
than the orbit. Mouth much nearer to the end of the snout
than to the eye. Body with scattered round black spots ; a
large black white edged ocellus above the pectoral fin.
Cape York, Port Darwin, Torres Straits. Length from two
to three feet.
1092. Chiloscyllium trispeculare, Bicharcls.
Toy. Erebus & Terror, p. 43, pi. 28.— Gunth., Cat Fishes VIIL,
p. 411.
The lower labial fold is not continued across the symphysis.
The first gill-opening is as wide as the second and distinctly
wider than the orbit. Mouth much nearer to the end of the
snout than to the eye. Head and body covered with small
brown spots, which on the hinder part of the trunk are arranged
in small rings ; some indistinct dark bands across the back ; a
large black white edged ocellus with one or two smaller ocelli
behind it, above the pectoral fin.
North-west Australia. (Eichardson.) Length twenty -two
inches.
1093. Chiloscyllium modestum, Gunth.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1871, p. 654, pi. 54.
The lower labial fold is not continued across the symphysis.
Mouth at the lower surface of the snout, at some distance from
364 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
its extremity, but nearer to the latter than to the eye. Dorsal
fins sub-equal in size, with the angles not produced, close
together, the distance between them being somewhat more than
one-half of the length of the base of the first. Origin of the
first dorsal above the middle of the base of the ventrals.
Uniform brown, darker on the back than on the sides.
Queensland. (Gunth.) Length twenty and a half inches.
1094. Chiloscyllium furvum, n. sp,
Lower labial fold divided at the symphysis. Nasal cirrus
rather long, close to the snout and distant from the mouth.
Upper lip more than half as long as wide. Snout rounded and
somewhat depressed. The spiracle behind and beneath the eye,
very large, nearly round and surrounded by a distinct fold. The
eyes are small and oblong. The gills are narrow, the last much
wider than the others, but very little closer to the fourth than
the preceding one. Pectoral fins rounded behind. The two
dorsal fins are of about equal size, very nearly the length of
their base apart, and truncate posteriorly. The skin is very
finely shagreened and glossy, of a reddish-brown above and on
the sides, with indistinct darker cross bars, and scattered small
yellowish or whitish spots ; beneath the colour is yellowish ;
there is a distinct fold along each side of the back to the tail.
Port Jackson. Length from two to three feet.
Genus Crossorhinus, Muller & Henle.
Two dorsal fins, without spines, — the first behind the ventrals,
the second in advance of the anal, which is very close to the
caudal. Tail rather short. Eye small. Spiracle in a wide
oblique slit, behind and below the eye. Nasal and buccal
cavities confluent. Head broad, flat, with the snout vory obtuse ;
mouth wide, nearly anterior. A free nasal cirrus ; sides of the
head with skinny appendages. Upper and lower lips well
developed. Anterior teeth rather largo, long, and slender,
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 365
■without lateral lobes ; the lateral teeth tricuspid, smaller, forming
a few series only. The fourth and fifth gill-openings close
together.
Australia, Japan.
1095. Ckossoehinus barbatus, L.
Muller & Henle, p. 21, pi. 5.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII.,
p. 414.
About seven skinny simple or partly bifid lobes on each side
of the head, five of which are near the angle of the mouth.
Very minute barbels across the chin are sometimes absent.
Distance between the two dorsal fins equal to the length of the
base of the first. Upper parts brown, marbled with grey ; a
whitish spot behind the spiracle.
Port Jackson, (the " Wobbigong of the natives,) Tasmania,
South Australia, &c. Length five to seven feet.
1096. Ckossoehinus tentaculatus, Peters.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 414.
A single flat tentacle at the angle of the mouth, another on the
side of the throat. Chin without barbels. Distance between the
two dorsal fins much less than the length of the base of either.
Back with very broad brown cross-bands, the posterior encircling
the tail entirely. A white spot behind the spiracle.
Cape York.
Family V. CESTEACIONTIDiE.
Characters of the single genus.
Genus Heterodontus, Blainv.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 309.
The Pacific Ocean.
366 DESCBIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
1097. Heterodoxtus Piiillipii, Lacep.
Proc. Linn. Soc, N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 309-313, pi. 22, 23, 24.
Port Jackson, Port Phillip.
1098. Heterodontus galeatus, Gunth.
Proc. Linn. Soc, N.S. Wales, Vol. III., p. 313, pi. 25.
Port Jackson.
Family VI. SPINACIDiE.
Two dorsal fins ; no anal fin. Mouth but slightly arched ; a
long, deep, straight, oblique groove on each side of the mouth.
Spiracles present; gill-openings narrow. Pectoral fins not
notched at their origin.
Genus Acanthias, Muller & Henle.
IVo dorsal fins, each with a spine ; no anal fin. Mouth but
slightly arched ; a long, deep, straight, oblique groove on each
side of the mouth ; no labial fold along the margin of the mouth.
Teeth equal in both jaws, rather small, their point so much
turned aside that the inner margin of the tooth forms the cutting
edge. No nictitating membrane. Spiracle rather wide, im-
mediately behind the eye. Gill-openings narrow.
Temperate Seas.
1099. Acanthias vulgaris, Eisso.
Mull. & Henle, p. 83'.— Dum., Elasmobr., p. 437.— Gunth., Cat.
Pishes VIIL, p. 418.
Origin of the dorsal fin opposite to or behind the inner posterior
angle of the pectoral. Dorsal spines without groove. Snout
produced. Colour bluish-grey, with white spots in young
specimens.
New Ilolland (Gunther).
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 367
1100. ACAXTHIAS BlAINVILLEI, KisSO.
Mull. & Henle, p. 84.— Dum., Elastnobr., p. 438.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes VIII., p. 419.
Eesernbling^L vulgaris, but with the first dorsalfin conspicuously
in advance of the inner posterior angle of the pectoral.
New Holland (Gunther).
1101. ACANTHIAS MEGALOPS, 11. Sp.
Head flat ; snout long, tapering and rounded in front, the
distance from the mouth to the snout about equal to the width
of the mouth, which is moderately crescent-formed and has a
straight oblique groove at the angle. The nostrils are near
the snout, and twice the distance from the mouth. The orbital
cavity is of great length, about equal to its distance from the
point of the snout, and its height is less than half its length ;
close to and above the posterior corner of the eye is a rather
large oblique spiracle. The first dorsal fin is placed in advance
of the vertical from the posterior angle of the pectoral ; the
ventrals are placed opposite the middle of the space between the
two dorsals. A very conspicuous keel runs along each side of
the tail immediately below the median lateral line. Colour
uniform greyish-brown.
I Port Jackson. Length two feet.
Genus Isistius, Gill.
Two very small dorsal fins, without spine, the first nearly
opposite to the ventrals ; no anal fin. Skin uniformly granular.
Mouth transverse ; a deep straight groove at each angle of the
mouth, the fold which covers it runs round the whole margin of
the upper jaw ; an upper and lower free lip besides. Nostrils
nearly in front of the snout. Upper teeth small, narrow,
lanceolate, the lower much larger, triangular, nearly erect, with
368 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
smooth edges. No nictitating membrane. Spiracles wide, on
the side of the neck. Gill-openings, very narrow, in a groove.
Tropical Seas.
1102. Isistius braziliensis, Quoy & Gairu.
Mull. Henle, p. 92. — Duni., Elasmobr., p. 453. — Gunth., Cat.
Fishes VIII., p. 429.
Leiusferox, Kner, Denkschr., Ak. Wiss. Wien., pi. 4. fig. 2.
Twenty-five teeth in the lower jaw. Scales minute, granular.
The first dorsal fin immediately in front of the ventrals. Some-
times a broad dark band across the chest.
Australia (Kner).
Family VII. EHINIDiE.
Characters of the single genus.
Genus Ehina, Klein.
Body depressed, fiat. Mouth anterior. Pectoral fins large,
expanded in the plane of the body, with the basal portion pro-
longed forwards, but not grown to the head. Gill-openings
rather wide, lateral, partly covered by the base of the pectoral.
Spiracles wide, behind the eyes. Nostrils with skinny flaps, on
the margin of the snout. Teeth conical, pointed, distant. Dorsal
fins on the tail, without spines ; no anal fin. Males with small
prehensile appendages.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1103. KlILNA SQUATINA, L.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 430. (Many synonyms).
" The Angel Shark" of Fishermen.
This is the only species of the genus. It nearly approaches
the Eays. The colour is uniform dark brown. Length from
two to four feet.
Coasts of Australia, Port Jackson.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 369
Family VIII.— PKISTIOPHOKIDiE.
The rostral cartilage is produced into an exceedingly long
flat lamina, armed along each edge with a series of teeth like
a saw.
Genus Pristiophorus, Mull. & Henle.
Body rather depressed and elongate. Pectoral fins with the
front margin quite free, distant from the head. Gill-openings
lateral, in front of the pectoral fin, of moderate width. Spiracles
wide, behind the eye. No nictitating membrane. Nostrils
inferior ; a pair of long tentacles at the lower side of the rostral
lamina. Teeth small, with a conical cusp on a broad base,
arranged in several series. Dorsal fins without spine, the first
in front of the ventrals ; no anal fin. Upper caudal lobe broader
than the lower.
Japan and Australia.
1104. Pristiophorus cirratus, Latham.
Mull. & Henle, p. 98.— Lath. Trans. Linn. Soc, 1794, pi. 26,
figs. 5 & 27.
Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 432.
Teeth of the saw very unequal in length, there being from
one to two smaller ones between the larger. Scales extremely
minute, with a single keel, their point not projecting. Dorsal
and pectoral fins entirely covered with scales. The distance
between the tentacle and nostril equals that between the nostril
and the third or fourth gill-opening. Forty-two sets of teeth in
the upper jaw.
Tasmania, South Australia, Port Jackson.
1105. Pristiophorus nudipinnis, Gunth.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VHP, p. 432.
370 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Teeth of the saw very unequal in length. Scales minute,
nearly smooth, with traces of two or three keels at the base.
The greater portion of the dorsal fins and of the upper side of the
pectorals, naked. The distance between the tentacle and the
nostril is considerably less than that between the nostril and the
first gill-opening. From thirty-five to thirty-nine sets of teeth
in the upper jaw.
Tasmania, South Australia.
Sub-Order II. BATOIDEL
Gill-openings ventral. Body depressed. Tail generally long.
Spiracles always present. Five pairs of gill-openings. No anal fin.
Lor sal fin, if present, on the tail. — Rays.
Family I. PRISTIDiE.
The snout is produced into an exceedingly flat lamina, armed
with a series of strong teeth along each edge.
Genus Pristis, Latham.
Body depressed and elongate. Pectoral fins with the front
margin quite free, not extending to the head. Grill-openings
inferior, inwards of the base of the pectoral fin, of moderate
width. Spiracles wide, behind the eye. No nictitating mem-
brane. Nostrils inferior ; no tentacles. Teeth minute, obtuse.
Dorsal fins without spine, the first opposite or close to the base
of the ventrals.
Tropical and Sub-tropical Seas.
1106. Pristis zysron, Bleek.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 438.
Origin of the dorsal fin above the middle of the root of the
vontrals. From twenty-six to thirty-two pairs of rostral teeth ;
the anterior placed close together, the distance between them not
boing more than twice the base of a tooth. The three hindmost
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S 371
teeth are thrice as remote from one another as the anterior. The
second dorsal fin is not smaller than the first, and its posterior
lobe extends nearly to the root of the caudal. No lower caudal lobe.
Moreton Bay. One specimen over sixteen feet in length.
Family II. EHINOBATIDiE.
Tail strong and long, with two well developed dorsal fins ; a
caudal and a longitudinal fold on each side. Disk not exceedingly
dilated, the rayed portion of the pectoral fin not being continued
to the snout. No electric organ.
Genus Rhixobatus, Mull. & Henle.
Body depressed, gradually passing into the tail. Cranial
cartilage produced into a long rostral proces, the space between
the process and pectoral fin being filled by a membrane. Spiracles
wide, behind the eye. Nostrils oblique, wide ; anterior nasal
valves not confluent. Teeth obtuse with an indistinct transverse
ridge. Dorsal fins without spine, both at a great distance behind
the ventral fins. Caudal fin without lower lobe.
Troincal and Sub-tropical Seas.
1107. Bhixobatus granulatus, Cuv.
Mull. & Henle, p. 117, pi. 38.— Dum. Elasraobr., p. 493.— Gunth.,
Cat. VIIL, p. 443.
Anterior nasal valve not dilated laterally. Snout produced,
the distance between the outer angles of the nostrils being
contained about once and two-thirds in that between the mouth
and the end of the snout. Mouth straight. Back covered with
very distinct rough tubercles, and with a series of large com-
pressed spines along the median line. Some distinct spinous
tubercles on the orbital margin and on the shoulder. The two
rostral ridges are narrow, and united nearly from the base.
Colour greyish with a few faint distant whitish spots.
Port Jackson, Cape York.
372 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
1108. Ehinobatus Banksii, Mull. & Henle.
Mull. & Henle, p. 123 & 192.— Dum. Elasmobr., p. 490.— Gunth.,
Cat. VIII., p. 446.
The anterior nasal valve is continued towards the median line
by a short fold, which, however, is far from reaching those of
the other side. The distance between the inner angles of the
nostrils is more than the length of a nostril. Snout produced.
Mouth arched ; the median tooth of the lower jaw larger and
more prominent than the lateral. A series of small tubercles
along the middle of the back, and two short rows on each
shoulder.
Australia (Gunther).
1109. Ehinobatus TnouiNi, Mull. & Henle.
Mull. & Henle, p. 120.— Dum. Elasmobr., p. 500, pi. 10.—
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 442.
Anterior nasal valve not dilated laterally. Nostril very long,
its length being more than the space between the inner angles
of the nostrils. Snout terminating in a long narrow cartila-
ginous appendage. Mouth straight. Skin coarsely granular.
A series of compressed spines along the median line of the back ;
similar spines on the orbital margin and shoulder. Eostral
ridges confluent, narrow. Colour entirely light chamois-grey.
West Australia (Castelnau).
1110. Ehinobatus Dumerilii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc. Victoria, Vol. II., p. 148.
Snout very obtuse, rounded, broad, with semicircular outline.
The distance to the outer angles of the nostrils is three-fourths
of that between the mouth and the end of the snout ; no spines
on the eyes or shoulders ; a median line of strong, compressed,
arched spines, placed far apart. The rostral ridges are arched
inwardly, and on their anterior part aro only separated by a
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 373
narrow groove. The dorsal fins are equal to the length of the
interocular space ; the dorsal tubercles between the fins are
feeble ; they are not visible at all behind the second dorsal. The
upper surface is rough and covered with small tubercles. The
colour is light brown above, yellowish- white beneath.
"West Australia. Length fourteen inches.
Genus Teygonoehixa, Mull. & Henle.
Differs from Rhinohatus only in having the anterior nasal valves
broad, and confluent into a broad, quadrangular flap with a free
margin overhanging the mouth.
Australia.
1111. Trygonoriiina fasctata, Mull. & Henle.
Mull. & Henle, p. 124, pi. 43.— Dum. Elasmobr., p. 502.—
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 400.
" The Fiddler" of the Sydney Fishermen.
Snout rather short, the distance between its extremity and the
mouth being not much more than the distance between the
outer angles of the nostrils. A series of obtuse distant tubercles
along the median line of the back ; some similar tubercles above
the eye and on the shoulder. Colour pale reddish-brown, with
numerous wavy irregular light coloured fasciee, edged with dark
brown.
Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales.
Family III. TOKPEDINID2E.
The trunk is a broad smooth disk ; tail with rayed dorsal and
caudal fins and a longitudinal fold along each side. Anterior
nasal valves confluent into a quadrangular lobe. An electric
organ composed of vertical hexagonal tubes between the pectoral
fins and the head.
tJ74 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
Genus Narcine, Henle.
Tail distinct from and longer than the sub-circular disk, with
a fold on each side. Body entirely naked. Two dorsal fins on
the tail, without spine ; caudal fin well developed ; ventral fins
separate. Nasal valves confluent into a quadrangular valve.
Teeth almost flat, sometimes with a median point, which however
does not project. Spiracles immediately behind the eye. An
electric apparatus between the head and the pectoral fins.
Tropical and Sub-tropical Seas.
1112. Narctne tasmaniexsis, Eichards.
Trans. Zool. Soc. III., p. 178, pi. 11, fig. 2.— Guntli., Cat. Fishes
VIIL, p. 452.
Outline of the disk elliptical. Spiracle close behind the eye,
without tubercles on the margin. The first dorsal fin not larger
than the second. Hind-margin of the caudal fin obliquely
rounded, passing into the lower margin. Colour brownish.
Tasmania. Length up to six feet.
Genus Hypnos, Dum.
Tail extremely small and short like an appendage. Body
entirely naked. Two dorsal fins on the tail, without spine,
caudal fin well developed. Nostrils round, open, without valves.
Teeth tri-cuspid, with very slender points. Spiracle immediately
behind the eye. An electric apparatus on each side of the head.
Australia.
• 1113. Hypnos subnicrum, Dum.
Eev.Zool. 1852, p. 279, pi. 12.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIIL, p. 453.
Eyes minute ; spiracles fringed. Upper parts black, with or
without white spots.
Port Jackson, West Australia.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 375
Family IV. EAJID^E.
Disk broad, rhombic, generally with asperities or spines ; tail
with a longitudinal fold on each side. The pectoral fins extend
to the snout. No electric organ. No serrated caudal spine.
Genus Eaja, Cuv.
Tail very distinct from the disk, which is of a rhombic shape,
with a fold on each side. Body generally rough or with spines,
rarely entirely smooth. Two dorsal fins on the tail, without
spine. Tail with a rudimentary caudal fin or without fin. Each
ventral fin divided into two by a deep notch. Nasal valves
separated in the middle, where they are without a free margin.
Teeth obtuse or pointed. Eectoral fins not extending forward
to the extremity of the snout. Sexes differing in the form of
the teeth and in the dermal spines.
All Seas.
1114. Raja Lampmbei, Eichards.
Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 43, pi. 23. — Gunth., Cat. Fishes
VIII., p. 463.
" Thorn Bach " of the Melbourne fishermen.
Snout short and somewhat obtuse. The space between the
eyes is equal to the diameter of the eye. Teeth pointed. Outer
angle of pectoral fin rounded. The width of the body equals
the distance from the snout to the posterior base of the ventrals.
Spines on the superciliary edge, on the mesial line between the
head and the humeral cartilage, and a row beginning at the
pelvis runs down the middle of the tail, directed alternately to
right and left. There are also a few scattered spines, but these
like all the other spines vary considerably in size. Colour
greyish- brown, tip of the snout black.
Tasmania, Fort Phillip.
376 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
1115. Raja ro strata, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. II., p. 57.
The snout long ; body entirely covered with asperities, which are
more considerable on the snout, where they form small triangular
points ; on the lower surface of this part of the edges, up to
the height of the eyes these points are considerable and crowded.
Anterior profile deeply concave ; the angle of the pectorals is
rather pointed ; there are no spines round the eyes, but a series
of three or four is seen on each side of the back and ends before
the insertion of the ventrals ; the tail is armed with three series
of strong tubular spines, and one or two are seen on the middle
of the back behind the head. Colour greyish-purple with the
sides reddish ; body generally covered with white spots.
Port Phillip. (Attains the weight of 60 lbs.)
Count Castelnau gave a description of this Pish in the Proc.
Zool. Soc. Vict. Vol. I., p. 224, under the name of B. oxyrhynchus,
Lin., and subsequently in the 2nd Volume points out his mistake.
Family V. TRYGONIDiE.
The pectoral fins are uninterruptedly continued to and confluent
at the extremity of the snout. Tail long and slender, without
lateral longitudinal folds ; vertical fins none, or imperfectly
developed, often replaced by a strong serrated spine.
Genus Urogymnus, Mull, & Henle.
Tail long, very distinct from the sub-circnlar or elliptic disk,
without fin or spine, sometimes with a narrow cutaneous fold
below. Body densely covered with osseous tubercles. Pectoral
fins united in front.
Indian and Australian Seas.
1116. Urogymnus asperrimus, El.
Dumeril. Elasmobr., p. 580.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes, VIII., p. 472.
BY "W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 377
The dorsal surface of the head and trunk and the tail are
densely covered with, osseous tubercles, between which, larger
erect conical thorns are scattered; the pectoral fins without the
small tubercles, but with numerous large thorns each, standing
on a circular base.
Cape York. (Chevert Exp.)
Genus Trygon, Mull. & Henle.
Tail tapering, without any fin or with cutaneous folds not
extending to its extremity, armed with, a long arrow-shaped
spine, serrated on each side. Body smooth or with tubercles.
Pectoral fins united in front. Nasal valves coalescent into a
quadrangular flap. Teeth flattened.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
1117. Trygon uarnak, Eorsk.
Mull. & Henle, p. 158.— Dum. Elasm., p. 585.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes VIII., p. 473.
Tail without cutaneous fold, exceedingly long and slender,
about thrice as long as the disk. Snout rather pointed, forming
a distinct projection in the anterior profile, the margins meeting
at an angle which is fully or less than a right angle. One or
more large tubercles in the middle of the back ; young examples
are smooth, but with progressing age the entire dorsal surface
becomes covered with small tubercles. No large tubercles in
the median line of the tail. Disk about as broad as long.
Uniform brown, or with numerous dark brown spots ; tail of
young specimens with brown and white rings.
Port Darwin.
1118. Trygon tastinaca, Linn.
Mull. & Henle. p. 161.— Dum. Elasm., p. 600.— Gunth., Cat.
Pishes, VIII., p. 478.
Y
378 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
" The Sting Ray."
Tail with a distinct cutaneous fold below, and a slight ridge
above, about one-half longer than the disk or less. The margins
of the snout form an obtuse angle. Body smooth, sometimes a
few small tubercles pointing backwards, in the median line of
the scapulary region. Three appendages at the bottom of the
mouth, behind the teeth. Coloration uniform, or sometimes
with small round, scattered whitish, non-ocellated spots.
Port Darwin, Port Jackson.
1119. Trygon tuberculata, Lacep.
Dumeril. Elasmobr., p. 605. — Gunth., Cat. Pishes VIII., p. 480.
Tail with a distinct fold below, a very low upper fold being as
frequently absent as present. The tail is more than twice the
length of the disk. Snout pointed and rather produced. A
series of spinous tubercles, each pointing backwards at the tip.
runs from the scapulary region to the caudal spine ; older
individuals having the back of the head and trunk more or less
covered with small tubercles. Minute tubercles on the tail.
Three papillae at the bottom of the mouth behind the teeth.
Dental lamina) much undulated. Coloration uniform, almost
black. Length of disk two feet.
Port Jackson.
Genus Urolopiius, Mull. & Henle.
Tail of moderate length with a distinct rayed terminal fin,
armed with a serrated spine, without or with a rudimentary
dorsal fin. Pectoral fins united in front. Mouth and teeth as
in Trygon.
Australia and West Indies.
1120. Urolophus cruciatus, Lacep.
Dumeril, Elasmobr., p. 626.— Gunth., Cat. Pishes, VIII., p. 485.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 379
Urolophus epliippiutus, Richards., Voy. Ereb. and Terr., 35, pi. 24.
Disk rather broader than long, the anterior margins being
straight and meeting at an obtuse angle ; snout not projecting.
Skin entirely smooth. Tail shorter than the disk. Yellowish,
uniform or with one or three blackish longitudinal bands, crossed
by others of the same colour.
Port Arthur.
1121. Urolophus testaceus, Mull. & Henle.
Mull. & Henle, p. 174, pi. 56.— Gunth., Cat. Eishes, VIII., p. 486.
Syn. U. Mulleri, Herilei, and australis, of Steiudachner.
Disk rather broader than long, the anterior margins meeting
at a very obtuse angle; snout not projecting. Skin entirely
smooth. Tail shorter than the disk in adults, rather longer in
young specimens. Nasal valve fringed ; six short papilla) at
the bottom of the mouth. Coloration uniform.
Cape Upstart, Port Jackson.
Family VI. MYLIOBATIDiE.
The disk is very broad in consequence of the great development
of the pectoral fins, which, however, leave the sides of the head
free, and re-appear at the extremity of the snout as a pair of
detached (cephalic) fins.
Genus Myliobatis, Cuv.
Head free from the disk ; snout with a soft appendage in front,
supported inferiorly by fin-rays. Nasal valves coalescent into a
quadrangular flap. Teeth hexangular, large, flat, tesselated ;
those in the middle much broader than long ; several narrower
series on each side. Tail very long and thin, with a dorsal fin
near its root ; generally a serrated spine behind the fin.
Temperate and Tropical Seas.
380 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
1122. Myliobatis aqttila, L.
Mull. & Henle, p. 176.— Dum., Elasm , p. 634.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes, VIII., p. 489.
Body entirely smooth. The skinny prolongation of the snout
is obtuse, and but moderately produced. Median teeth of the
upper jaw from four to six times as broad as long. The insertion
of the dorsal fin is behind or opposite the extremity of the ventral
fins. Orbit with scarcely a trace of a proj ection above. Coloration
uniform.
Port Jackson (Gunther).
1123. Myliobatis Nienhofii, Cuv.
Mull. & Henle, p. 177.— Dum., Elasm., p. 638.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes, VIIL, p. 491.
Body smooth. The fleshy protuberance at the snout very short
and obtuse. Disk twice as broad as long. The origin of the
dorsal fin nearly opposite to the end of the root of the ventrals.
Orbit without horn. Young individuals with five blue cross-
bands. No spots.
Port Phillip (Castelnau).
1124. Myliobatis australis, n. sp.
Body smooth. No fleshy protuberance on the snout. The
disk from end to end of pectoral fins rather less than twice the
length from the extremity of the snout, to the end of the base of
the ventrals. The dorsal fin inserted a little in front of the
caudal spine, and behind the end of the ventral. Colour yellowish
or yellowish-brown, with large blue blotches irregularly distri-
buted over the dorsal surface.
Port Jackson.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 381
Genus Aetobatis, Mull. & Henle.
Form of the head, body and tail as in Myliobatis. The nasal
flaps remain separate, each forming a long flap. The lower
dental lamina projects beyond the upper. Teeth flat, broad,
forming a single series, equivalent to the median series of
Myliobatis, there being no small lateral teeth.
Tropical Seas.
1125. Aetobatis narixari, Cuv.
Mull. & Henle, p. 179.— Dum., Elasm. p. 641.— Gunth., Cat.
Fishes VIII., p. 492.
Body smooth. Dorsal fin situated between the ventrals. Disk
generally with numerous round bluish white spots. The teeth
of the lower jaw are sometimes angularly bent, sometimes nearly
straight.
Cape York.
Genus Ceratoptera, Mull. & Henle.
Head free from the pectoral fin, truncated in front, on each
side with a horn-like appendage pointing forward or inward,
which is a cephalic portion of the pectoral fin. Mouth anterior,
wide. Teeth in the lower jaw only, very small. Tail very
slender, with a dorsal fin between the ventrals and without spine.
Tropical and Temperate Seas.
1126. Ceratoptera Alfredi, Krefft.
This is the name affixed to a stuffed specimen of this genus of
enormous size, in the Australian Museum. It was captured
at Manly Beach in 1868, and was considered by Mr. Krefft a
new and undescribed species, but unfortunately he never described
it, and description is now impossible, so much painting and putty-
ing and clipping have been practised in setting up the specimen.
382 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN 1TSIIES,
Sub-Class in. CYCLOSTOMATA.
Skeleton cartilaginous and notochordal, without ribs and without
real jaws. Skull not separate from the vertebral column. Nbjimbs.
Gill* in the form of fixed sacs without branchial arches, six or seven
in number on each side. One nasal aperture only. Heart w it/tout
bulbus arteriosus. Mouth anterior, surrounded by a circular or sub-
circular lip, suctorial. Alimentary canal straight, simple, without
ccecal appendages, pancreas, or spleen. Generative outlet peritoneal.
Vertical fins raged.
Family PETKOMYZOXTIDJE.
Body eel shaped, naked. Subject to a metamorphosis. In
tlio perfect stage with a suctorial mouth armed with teeth simple
or multicuspid, horny, sitting on a soft papilla. Maxillary,
mandibulary, lingual, and suctorial teeth may be distinguished.
Eyes present (in mature animals). External nasal aperture in
the middle of the upper side of the head. The nasal duct
terminates without perforating the palate. Seven branchial sacs
and apertures on each side behind the head. The inner branchial
ducts terminate in a separate common tube. Intestine with a
spiral valve. Eggs small. The larvse without teeth and with a
single continuous vertical fin. "Lampreys."
Genus Mokdacia, Gray.
Dorsal fins two, the posterior continuous with the caudal.
The maxillary dentition consists of two triangular groups, each
with three conical acute cusps; two pairs of serrated lingual
teeth.
Chili and Australia.
1127. Mobdacia moedax, Eichards.
Yoy. Erebus and Terror, pi. 28. — Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII. ,
p. 507.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 383
Mandibulary lamina crescent-shaped, with about nine acute
conical cusps, three of which are larger than the others.
Suctorial teeth in somewhat distant series, radiating from the
centre ; the teeth of the series between the mandible and the
posterior lip being as numerous as those of the other series,
but rather more confluent. The anterior labial teeth converge
and are confluent behind ; each tooth of the posterior pair is
like one-half of an elongate oval. Suctorial disk elliptic, with
a free lip behind. The first dorsal at a considerable distance
from the second. Body immaculate.
Tasmania, Port Phillip.
Genus Neomordacia, Casteln.
Differs from Mordacia in having only one dorsal fin, separate
and rather distant from the caudal fin.
Australia.
1128. Neomordacia Howittii, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 232.
" Height of body about nineteen times in the total length ;
the length of the snout, up to the external edge of the eye, a
little longer than the height of the body. The head is not
inflated, and follows on to the snout by an arched line, and on
the body by a straight one ; the dentition is very difficult to be
distinctly seen with the weak magnifying power I possess,
but I observe a row of strong conical and pointed teeth placed
round the mouth and -wide apart; a few teeth on each side
larger than the others and inserted forwards ; there are a few
others further back, and a few are tri-cuspid. There are a few
fringes round the mouth ; the branchiostegal apertures are
seven, they are round and begin at a short distance from the eye,
which is large. The first half of the body and the head are like
reticulated, and covered with irregular excavations ; the middle
384 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES,
of the body is smooth, but the posterior portion is again similar
to the anterior. It is of a dark blue on the upper parts and
silvery below; the caudal fin is red and the eye yellow; the
muzzle black." (Castelnau).
Cape Schank. Length three inches.
Genus Geotria, Gray.
Dorsal fins two, the posterior separate from the caudal fin.
Maxillary lamina with four sharp flat lobes ; a pair of long
pointed lingual teeth (like the horns of a young Antelope).
Chili and Australia.
1129. Geotria australis, Gray.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1851, p. 238.— Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 508.
Skin on the throat very lax, forming a large pouch. The
maxillary lamina is thin, crescent-shaped, with four sharp teeth,
the middle pair of which are only half as broad as the outer.
Mandibulary lamina very low, slightly sinuous. Suctorial teeth
in numerous series, rather distant from one another, unicuspid ;
only those nearest to the mouth somewhat larger, the others small.
Only one transverse scries of very small teeth between the
mandibulary lamina and the posterior lip, which is beset with
numerous broad leaf-like fringes, as in the remainder of the
margins of the disk. Suctorial disk sub-triangular, with the
lateral lobes very broad. First and second dorsal fins rather
widely separated. Coloration uniform.
South Australia. Length twenty inches.
1130. Geotria chilensis, Gray.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes, YIIL, p. 509.
Skin on the throat not dilated. The outer lobes of the maxillary
dental lamina are broad with a sharp convex edge, the inner
narrow and pointed. Mandibulary lamina crescent-shaped with
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 385
numerous obtuse points. Suctorial teeth in numerous series, so
close together that the teeth have the appearance of imbricate
scales. A series of larger, broad, scale-like teeth round the
mandibulary lamina. Suctorial disk not dilated, circular. First
and second dorsal fins widely separate. Side and abdomen
silvery ; back greenish.
Swan River. Length twenty-one inches.
1131. Geotria Allportt, Gunth.
Proc. Zool. Soc, 1871, p. 675, pi. 70.
Entirely black ; skin with numerous transverse folds. Gular
pouch large. The two middle teeth of the maxillary lamina are
small, pointed, many times smaller than and entirely disconnected
from the lateral, which are of atriangular shape and finely serrated
on the inner margin. Mandibulary lamina very low, denticulated.
Suctorial teeth in numerous series, rather distant from one another,
unicuspid ; only those nearest to the mouth somewhat larger,
the others small. Form of the suctorial disk as in G. amtralis.
Distance between the two dorsal fins, less than the length of the
first. Length thirteen inches.
Tasmania (fresh water).
A curious Fish, probably an Aiiunoccetes — the name given to
the larval form of Fishes of this family — has been described by
Count Castelnau from the Yarra River, Melbourne. I quote the
Count's description in full.
1132. Yarra singularis, Casteln.
Proc. Zool. Soc, Victoria, Vol. I., p. 231,
" The body is eel-shaped, naked, cylindrical, and elongate,
being twenty-three times as long as high. It is entirely divided
into annular rings, which appearance seems to be due to the
muscular flakes being very visible through the smooth skin. I
can see no teeth, the upper lip is fiat, and considerably prolonged
386 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OP AUSTRALIAN FISIIES,
over the buccal aperture ; it is truncated in front, and this part
seen upperly, is rather bi-furcated. The lateral line is well
marked in all the length of the body ; there is only one dorsal,
which begins at about two-thirds of the length of the body, and
is joined with the caudal and anal fins ; the latter is considerably
shorter than the dorsal. No eye visible. The skin of the throat
is rather extensible ; the prolongation of the upper lip over the
lower is equal to the height of the body. The tail is pointed.
The colour is of a light green with the belly white, on the back
extends a narrow longitudinal line ; the head and throat are
pink, and the fins of the same colour/'
Yarra Eiver (brackish water). Length four and three-eighth
inches.
Sup-Class IV. LEPTOCARDII.
Skeleton membrano-cwrtilaginom and notoclwrdal, ribless. JYo brain.
Pulsating sinuses in place of the Mart. Blood colourless. Respiratory
cavity confluent with the abdominal cavity; branchial clefts in great
■number, the water being expelled by an opening in front of the vent.
Jaws none.
Family CIEEOSTOMI, Owen.
Characters of the single genus.
Genus Branciiiostoma, Costa.
Body elongate, compressed, scaleless, limbless. Mouth a
longitudinal fissure, with sub-rigid cirri on each side, inferior.
Vent at a short distance from the extremity of the tail. A low
rayless fin-like fold runs along the back, round the tail, past the
vent to the respiratory aperture. Eye rudimentary. Liver
reduced to a blind sac of the simple intestine.
Coasts uf temporate regiuns, imbedded in sand.
BY W. MACLEAY, F.L.S. 387
1133. BrANCHIOSTOMA LANCEOLATUM, Pall.
Gunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 513.— (Many synonyms.)
" The Amphioxus " and " The Lancelet"
Transparent, slightly iridescent.
Dredged in Bass' Straits (H.M.S. Herald) and since in many
parts of the coasts of New South Wales and Queensland. Length
three inches.
On Menke's Australian Shells.
By Ealpii Tate, Assoc. Linn. Soc, F.G-.S. ; Cor. Mem. Acad.
Sc. Philadelphia, Eoy. Soc. Tasmania, &c, Professor
in the University of Adelaide.
Introductory Citation.
"Menke's " Molluscorum Novae Hollandiae " is a very rare
work ; I have never seen but two copies in Australia. There
are none in any of our public libraries.* It would be a very
small expense ; but a great boon, to reprint it."— Eev. J. E.
Tenison- Woods, Eoy. Soc. N.S.W., Sept. 1878.
And again " How difficult it would be to obtain Menke's Latin
pamphlet on the Mollusca of New Holland." — The same, Proc.
Linn. Soc. N.S.W., Vol. IV., p. 479, 1880.
The above quoted work, which was published in 1843, is an
octavo of forty-six pages ; it contains a catalogue of two hundred
and sixty-three species of Australian, land, fresh-water, and
marine shells, the major part of which was collected in Western
Australia by Dr. J. A. L. Preiss, during the years 1838 to 1842.
* A copy has since been added to the Library of the University of Adelaide,
and the Library of the Linnean Society. Mr. Brazier of Sydney has had a
copy in his Library uiauy years.
388 ON MENKB'S AUSTRALIAN' shells,
Taking example from the Eev. J. E. Tenison-Woods in his
reproduction of the descriptions of Gould's Australian Shells,
Proc. Linn. Soc, N.S.W., Vol. II., p. 250, 1877.) and acting on
his suggestion implied in the above introductory citation, I offer
in the following pages a reprint of Menke's diagnoses of the
sixty marine shells, which bear his name. The land forms
described by Menke have already been dealt with by Dr. Cox in
his "Monograph of the Australian Land Shells."
Menke's species have, for the most part, been overlooked
by monographers, especially does Reeve seem to have been
unaccpaainted Avith them ; and it is, therefore, the more desirable,
that the original diagnoses of them should be readily accessible
to Australian conchologists.
The following are the only species stated to have been collected
on the eastern coast of Australia, and of these, excepting the
last two, no reference is made to them by any other writer on
Australian Shells, at least so far as I am aware : — Neritina
Listen', Pfr. (probably an erroneous identification), Pltasianella
Lehmanni, Mke., P. Preissii, Mke., P. perdix, Gray, P. rubens,
Lam., P. brevis, Mke., Crassatella Kingicoh, Lam., and Pectunculus
radians, Lam.
The fauna made known by the researches of Dr. Menke is
essentially Indian, and shows conclusively that the tropical forms
of molluscan life prevail as far south as Swan River. It
contrasts very strongly with that of King George's Sound, as
made known by Quoy and Gaimard, which possesses a truly
Australian facies, such as characterizes the whole length of the
southern shore of the Continent and around Tasmania.
Cassidula euqata, No. 15, p. 7.
Testa ovato-elliptica, solida, transversum striata, anfract ibus septem ;
ultimo supra longitudinaliter plicalo-rugoso, ccesio, infra spiraaue brevi
BY RALPH TATE, F.G.S , ETC. 389
prunina ; labri margine externo incrassato, supra albo limbato, infra
dentibusque tribus columellaribus aurantio. Long. 15, lat. 8 lines.
Hah. E. Victoria, on the north-west.
[Is described under the above name by Pfeiffer in his Mono-
graph of the Auriculidce, Brit. Mus. Cat.]
Paludina granum, No. 19, p. 8.
Testa globoso-conoidea, perforata, Icevi, alii da ; anfractibus quinque
convext's, rotimdatis ; ultimo ventricoso, concolore vel fasciis duabus
rufis cincto ; spira brevi, sutura profunda ; apertures subrotundce fauce
fulva. Long. 1/3, lat. 1 line.
Sab. In white quartz sand on the banks of Swan Eiver.
[One of the specimens examined by Menke had adherent to it
a minute slender serpulid, for which reason he believed it to have
lived in salt water. It occurs frequently as a beach Shell at
King George's Sound, Great Bight, Spencer and St. Vincent's
Gulf ; and lives in the tidal portions of some of the South
Australian Eivers, but more especially on the mud flats of
sheltered bays. I have not examined the animal, but its operculum
is thin, horny, and paucispiral. Frauenf eld quotes it as Amnecola
granum, and Tenison-Woods has described it as Assiminea
Tasmanica from Sorrel, and as Rissoa Siennae, from north coast of
of Tasmania.]
Melania lirata, No. 21, p. 9.
Testa oblongo-turrita, flavo-virente, ftammulis longitudhmlibus
interrupt is fuscis pict a ; anfractibus septem (aut pluribus) ; ultimo
liris exiguis plurimis cincto, spirce exsertce oblique plicatis ; plicis
medio tuber culiferis ; apertura ovato-elliptica. Long. 8*5, lat. ventr.
3-5 lines.
Sab. Brackish water Eiver Avon, West Australia.
390 ON MENKE's AUSTRALIAN SHELLS,
LlTTORINA HUGOSA, No. 23, p. 9.
L. testa globoso-conoidea, solida, sordide albida, transvcrsim sulcato-
striata ; anfractibus quinque ad sex : ultimo rrntricoso, rotmdato
■infra, spiv® brevis acuta: totis plicato-rugosis ; apertures ovata fauce
rufa. Long. 9, lat. 6-5, alt 5-5 liu.
Sab. On limestone rocks, Arthur's Head, at the entrance to
Swan Kiver.
Similar to, but distinct from L. irrorata, Menke.
LlTTORINA ACUTA, No. 24, p. 9.
L. testa ovato-conoidea, solida, albida, nitida, transversim tenuiter
striata; anfractibus septem : ultimo infra medium subangulato, supra
unguium, spires mediocris acuta? inferius zona coerulescente cinctis ;
apertures ovatce fauce brunnea, anterius in labro fascia alba. Louo-.
8'5, lat. 5-5, alt. -5 lin.
Hab. Calcareous rocks, Western Coast.
Allied by habit and size to L. obesa, Sowerby. [This seems to
be the widely dispersed L. mauritiana, Lamarck ( Phasianella) .~\
Natica sagittata, No. 30, p. 10.
N. testa subglobosa, laevi, nitida, caesia, lincis longiludinalibus densi
jlexuosis, ad basin et infra suturam macularum subrotuudarum serie
in medio ultimi anfractus macularum sagittatarum acuminibus suis
dextrorsum spectantium rufarum seriebus tribus picta ; spira brevi •
umbilico calli columellari albo simplici angustato, canaliculato. Lone.
4-8 ; lat. 4, alt. 3-5 lin.
Hab. Western Coast.
Similar in habit and size to N. marochiensis, Lamarck; but
differs in coloration and in the form of the umbilicus.
[I refer the South Australian X. marochiensis to Menke's species."1
BY RALPH TATE, E.G.S., ETC. 391
Natica sertata, No. 31, p. 10.
JY. testa ovato-semiglobosa, transversa, solida, laevi, albida ; anfrac-
tibus quinque infra suturam longitudinaliter sulcato-crenatis : ultimo
macularwm ramosarum fusearum duplici scrie ornato ; spira bevi ;
umbilico %tt in praccedente. Long. 7, lat. 5-3, alt. 4*3 lin.
Hub. Western Coast.
Has some resemblance to N. costata, Menke. [Apparently this
species occurs fossilised in the pleistocene marine beds at Port
Adelaide.]
Phasianella Lehman]sti, No. 41, p. 12.
Ph. testa ovato-conica, solidiuscula, laevigata, flammis lineolis-que
interruptis fusco-carneis v el rose is undulatis longitudinalibus lineisque
alb is continuis confertis transvcrsis deeussata ; spirce products acutce,
anfractibus convexiusculis. Long. 2 inches 3 lines, lat. 1 inch.
Hub. Eastern Coast, rare.
[Doubtlessly one of the numerous varieties of Ph. bulimoides.~\
PflASLAN-ELLA. PrEISSII, No. 42, p. 12.
Ph. testa ovato-conica, solidiuscula, Icevigata, ex aurantio etfulvo
tincta, lineis ex nigro articulatis sparsis cincta ; spires products
acutce ; anfractibus convexius culis. Long. 2 inches, lat. 1 1 lines.
Hab. Eastern Coast.
[Doubtlessly another variety of P. bulimoicles ]
Phaslaxella brevis, p. 12, No. 45.
Ph. testa subgloboso-ovata, solidiuscula, laevigata, ruf a, flammis
angulatis laceris pallidis longitudinalibus lineis-que transversis
articulatis decussata ; anfractu ultimo turgklo ; spiroz brevis
conoidece, anfractibus convexis. Long. 9, lat. 6 lines.
Sab. Eastern Coast.
[Apparently a small form of P. ventricosa.~\
392 ox mexke's attstraliax shells,
Turbo Lehmaxxi, No. 48, p. 13.
T. testa orbiculato-convexa, oblique conoidea, umbilicata, tenui,
opice margaritacea, basi maculis coccineis tessellata striata, super ius
triata ; anfractibus quinque : ultimo bicarinato, spine unicarinatis,
superius maculis radiant ibus nigr is, aurantiis et albis alternant ibus,
infra carinam superiorem lineolis transversis interruptis, ad carinam
inferam fascia maculari ex iisdem coloribus articulata cinctis.
Operculum Jmic immersum tenue corneum. Long. 3'5, lat. 3,
alt. 25 lines.
Hab. On the shore, near Port Lechenault.
Congeneric with Margarita pulchella, and M. multicolor.
[This is the species to which Angas, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1865,
p. 182, applies the name Qibbula Preissiana, Philippi.]
MoXODOXTA MELAXOLOMA, No. 50, p. 14.
AT. testa orbiculato-convexa, oblique conoidea, imperforata, solida,
rudi, cinerea, basi et marginis labri acuti limbo intemo atris ;
columellas cnllo subcanaliculato ; labro interim incrassato et porcato.
Long. 10, lat. 9, alt. 6 5 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
[This is apparently a Trocliocochlea, and is doubtlessly the
same as T. chloropoda, mihi, which inhabits the Great Bight.]
MOXODOXTA CRENULATA, No. 52, p. 14.
If. testa orbiculato-conoidea, cana, maculis fuscis irrorata ; anfrac-
tibus convexis, porcis subgeminatis confertis obsolete crenulatis cinctis ;
umbilico aperto, inermi, spirali ; columella areuata, basi libera in
denticulum producta ; labro intus suleato. Long. 8, lat. 7*5, alt.
5 -5 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
[Possibly a species of Euchelus.~]
BY RALriT TATE, F.G.S., ETC. 393
MOXODOXTA BACCATA, No. 51, p. 14.
31. testa orbiculato-conoidea, imperforata ; anfractibus turgidis,
granulorum dense junctor urn ordinibus fin ultimo quindecim) cinctis,
interstitiis longitudinal iter trabeculatis ; sutura canaliculata ; columella
basi dente exiguo, fame margaritacea ; labro intus sulcato. Long, 5,
lat. 4, alt. 3-5 lines.
Sab. Western Coast.
[This species is usually quoted as Euchelus baccatus, but it
remains to be proved if it be distinct from Turbo canaliculatus,
Lamarck.]
Moxodoxta mxgexs, No. 53, p. 14.
31. testa oblique pgramidali, umbilicata, pallida, maculis rubris
latescentibus radiata, basi et ad suturam marginata, granulorum
ordinibus eincta ; columella recta, torta, dentibus ineequalibus retrorsis
umbilicum angustante ; labro interne lirato ; liris propc marginem
superum incrassatis. Long. 4, lat. 3-5, alt. 3-5 lines.
Hub. "Western Coast.
[A Clanculus.']
Moxodoxta maxillata, No. 55, p. 14.
31. testa orlicttlato-convexa, umbilicata, pallida, p>unctis rubro-
fuscis articulata, vel nigra, Virata : liris spiroz nudis, anfractus
ultitni granulis exilibus aequalibus obliquis distinctis ; umbilico
exterius crenis, intus columella rectce tortce dentibus inaequalibus
anqustato ; labri marqine interno tuberculis oblongis dentato.
Long. 4-5, lat. 3-8, alt. 2-8 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
[Apparently a Clanculus.']
Moxodoxta lupixa, No. 56, p. 15.
31. testa orbiculato-convexa , umbilicata, fusco-rufa, lirata : liris
hascos nudis, anfractnum acqualiter granulosis ; sutura subcanali-
Z
394 ox stexke's austhaliax shells.
culata : umhih'co aperto exterius subcrenato : columella recta, basi
in dent em product a ; labro intus dentibus linearibus munito. Long.
3-5, lat. 3, alt. 2 lines.
Rab. "Western Coast.
[A Clanculus.~]
Moxodoxta tubbha, No. 57, p. 15.
M. testa oblique conica, imperforate, solida, palhde carnea ;
anfractibus convexiusculis, I iris subgranulosis nigro-articulatis
cinctis ; columella obsolete tuberculato-crenatcc basi truncata sinu
a labro intus lirato disjuncta ; apertura patula, sabquadrangulari.
Long. 9, lat. 5 lines.
Sab. Western Coast.
[This is probably TJialotia conica, Gray, which I have received
from King George's Sound.
MOXODOXTA APICEsA. No. 58, p. 15.
M. testa ovato-fusiformi, subturrita. venfriculosa, imperforate,
Icevigata, nitida, fulva. lineis jlexuosis olliquis anterius confertis-
simis picta, sub epidermide aureo-margaritacea ; anfractibus
inferius convexiusculis, superius subconstrictis : ultimo in medio
subdepresso ; columella basi libera in plicam compressam desinente ;
apertura patula, labro deliiscente intus Icevi. Long. 11, lat. 45
lines.
Hab. "Western Coast.
Allied to M. lineata, Lamarck [but a well defined species,
which is quoted as Elenclius apicinv.s .
MOXODOXTA TIEGATA, No. 59, p. 15.
M. testa, ovato-elliptica, subturrita, subcurva, imperforata, laevigata
nitida, pallida vel jlavo-virente, lineis longiludinalibus raris vel
virgatis obliquis rubris varie picta; anfractibus medio convexius-
culis ; ultimo in medio rotundato ; columella basi libera truncata
BY EALPn TATE, F.G.S., ETC. 395
in plicam dentiformem desinente ; apertura patula ; labro intus Icevi.
Long. 5-7, lat. 3 to 3-8 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
[This is Elenchus irisodontes, Quoy & Gaimard (Trochus).~]
Trociius prasinus, p. 16, No. 64.
Tr. testa pyramidali, imperforata, ex olivaceo et prasino tincta,
basi plana concsntrice sulcata ; anfractibus planiusculis ; inferiori-
bus granulis oblong is longitudinaliter dispositis alutaceis, superioribus
ad suturam inferam nodiferis ; labro juxta columellas basin retortam
inciso. Diameter of base and height 1 inch 8 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
Menke places this between T. cuerulescens, Lamk., and T.
obliquus, Ghnelin.
Trociius ciliaris, No. 66, p. 17.
Tr. testa pyramidali, imperforata, fulva, maculis rujis suturas
sequentibus variegala, transversim striata ; striis tenuissimis decus-
sata, basi plana ; anfractibus planulatis, inferius marginatis,
superius ciliato-fimbriatis ; apertura ovato-laneeolata ; labro intus
callo marginato. Diam. of base 15, alt. 12 lines.
Hab. North-western Coast.
[A Ziziphinus.~]
Trociius viridulus, No. 67, p. 17.
Tr. testa oblique pyramidali, imperforata, flavo-virente ; basi
convexiuscula ; anfractibus transversim sulcato-striatis, utringue
marginatis ; sutura profunda ; apertura subquadrangulari ; labro
intus Icevi. Diam. of base 3, alt. 3-5 lines.
Hab. Western coast.
[A Zizypliinus.~\
396 on menke's Australian shells,
Trochus chlorostomus, No. 68, p. 17.
Tr. testa oblique pyramidali, imperforate, carnea,jlammis angulosis
fuscis posterius albo marginatis radiata ; anfractibus planatis,
transversim striatis, iuferius marginatis ; columella arcuata, obsolete
crenata, basi sua sinu a labro sulcata disjuncta ; apertura patente
subtetragona. Diam. of base 8, alt. 7*5 lines ; of a smaller form
Diam. of base and height 5-5 lines.
Hab. "Western Coast.
[This elegantly sculptured and chastely coloured Zizy planus
ranges eastward to St. Vincent's Gulf.]
Trochus Preissii, No. 69, p. 17.
Tr. testa ovato-conoidea, subrimata, nitida, vel viridi fusco virgata
vel punctata, vel carnea jlammis fuscis radiata ; anfractibus piano
convexis, costis latiusculis approxhnatis (in ultimo anfractu 8 ad 11)
baseos convex^ ex nigro articulatis cinctis ; apertura patente sub-
rotunda ; labro coccineo onarginato interim sulcato. Operculum
Jiuic corneum tenue. Long. 7, lat. 4 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
I The above description answers very well to the S. Australian
Thalotia pulcherrima, Wood.]
Trochus Lehmanni, No. 70, p. 18.
Tr. testa ovato-conoidea, imperforata, cana, radii's vel jlammis
olivaceis radiata ; anfractibus medio angulatis, porcis tenuibus con-
fertissimis (in ultimo anfractu 18) baseos convexcv ex nigro alboque
articulatis cinctis ; apertura patente subrotunda ; labro coccinea mar-
ginato intus obsolete lirato. Long. 6'4, lat. 3-8 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
[Perhaps a Thalotia.']
BY RALPH TATE, F.G.S , ETC. 397
Trochus impervius, No. 71, p. 18.
Tr. testa orbiculato-convexa, oblique subconoidea, imperforata, temii,
cinerea vel rubicla, Unci's ex albo articulatis confertis fasciaque macular I
infra sutur am cincta ; columella piano depressa, bast subcanaliculata ;
labro acuto interim sulcato. Diam of base 8 "3, alt. 6 lines.
Sab. Western Coast ; and Cape of Good Hope.
[Probably a Litoma.~]
Trochus vitiligineus, No. 73, p. 18.
Tr. testa orbiculato-convexa, oblique deprcsso-conoidea, tenui, sub-
pellucida, albido cinereoquc nebulosa, lineis exfusco alboque articulatis
confertis fasciaque maculari fusca infra sutur am et ad pervpheriam
cincta, tcnuissime striata; anfractibus convexis medio angulatis,
super ius planis ; ultimo ,basi convexo ; umbilico apcrto spirali ; labro
acuto. Diam of base 5, alt. 3-3 lines.
JETab. Western Coast.
[It is quoted as Monilea vitiliginea, and extends around the
South Coast to Port Jackson.
Buccinum acuminatum, No. 87, p. 20.
B. testa oblongo-fiisiformi, subulata, laevigata, basi striata, rufa,
fascia infra sutur am maculari ex albo nigroque articulata ; apertura
oblong a ; labro intus denticulato. Long. 8, lat. 2-5 lines.
Hob. Western Coast.
[The description applies to Columbclla McnJccana, Eeeve, a
common South Australian Shell.]
BUCCINUM FASCICULARE, No. 91, p. 21.
B. testa fusiformi ovata, rentricosa, nitida, sub-pcllucida, tota
tcnuissime, basi striis duabus tribusve distinctioribus transversis striata,
alba, lineis exilibus dislantibus transversis aliisque fasciculatis longi-
398 on mexke's Australian shells,
tudinalibus fmco-rufis picta; labrl intus laevis margins anterius
denticulato. Long. 9, lat. 5-5 lines.
Sab. Western Coast.
Cassis paucirugis, No. 107, p. 23.
C. testa ovata vel ovato-elliptica, laevigata s. polita, alba ; anfractu
ultimo superius, spirae breve conicae nudae, anfractibus medio sub-
angulatis, ad unguium nodosis; labri reflexi margins extenso sub-
fascial, interna dentato lirato ; eolumellae basi vix rugosa.
Var. A. Testa elliptico-ovata ; long. 2 inches 4 lines, lat. 1 inch
5 lines.
Var. B. Testa ovata ; long. 1 inch 8 lines, lat. 1 inch 2 lines.
Hub. Western Coast.
[This is referred to the section Casmaria of the genus Semi-
cassis."]
COLUMBELLA 15IDENTATA, No. 108, p. 23.
C. testa ovato-fusiformi s. biconica, laevi, nitida, alba, lineisflexuosis
densis longitudinal ibus fuse is reticulata; anfractibus superius obsolete
tuberculatis ; ultimo inferius striato ; labri margine interno dentato ;
labio denticulato ; columella medio macula lilac ina tincta, inter ius bi-
plicata. Long. 7, lat. 4 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
Closely allied to C. coronata, Kiener, but differs in being more
slender with the whorls hardly tuberculated, and in its peculiar
coloration.
TRiToxrmi tabulate, No. 119, p. 25.
Tr. testa ovato-fusiformi, varicosa, fusco-rufa, porcata et cingulata:
cingulis prominulis sulco divisis ; superioribus anfractus ultimi et
medianis spirae mediocris contabulatai et longitudinaliter plicatae
tuberculatis ; Cauda subadscendente perforata ; apcrtura alba ; columella
laevi; labro intus obsolete dentato. Long. 16, lat. 9 lines.
KY KALPH TATE, F.G.S., ETC. 399
Hab. Western Coast.
This species is, in a manner, intermediate between T. cutaceum
Linue, and T. pileare.
[Has apparently much resemblance to the South Australian
T. Waterhousei, Adams and Angas.]
Tritonium rutilum, No. 120, p. 25.
Tr. testa ovato-fusiformi, subturbinata, ventricosa, univaricosa,
pallule fulvo, maculis fuscis longitudinaliter seriatis picta, transversim
striata et cingulata : cingulis costas longitudinalcs decussantibus, spirae
mcdiocris mediants aurantiis ; cauda brevi perforata ; columella laev i ;
labro intus obsolete dentato ; apertura alba. Long. 7, lat. 5 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
[Is identical with T. labiosum, Wood. Index. Test. Supp.
{teste Angas).]
Fusus ventricosus, No. 125, p. 26.
F. testa ovato-fusiformi, ventricosa, obtusa, pallide fulva, basi sub-
fusca, transversim sulcata, longitudinaliter costato-plicata ; anfractibus
quatuor ; spira mediocri ; labro intus laev i ; fauce fulva. Long. 4,
lat. 2-7 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
Fusus exilis, No. 126, p. 26.
F. testa fusiformi-turrita, acuminata, pallida, transversim lirata,
longitudinaliter costato-plicata ; anfractibus septem; spira producta ;
labro intus Icevi; fauce rufa. Long. 4#5, lat. 2 lines.
Sab. Western Coast.
Conus rutilus, No. 133, p. 27.
C. testa turbinato-obconica, medio subinflata, tenui, rutila, liris
tribus distantibus obsoletis striisque tenuissimis confertis cincta ; spira
depressa, coronata, canalicular, rufo-radiata. Long. 6, lat. 4 lines.
400 ON MENKE's AUSTRALIAN SHELLS,
Ilab. North-west Coast.
[Extends to S. Australia and New South Wales. Tasmanian
examples have been named C. Tasmanicus and C. Macleayanus,
T.- Woods]
Margixella liturata, No. 146, p. 28.
21. testa ovato-oblonga, luteo-cana s. ocliroleuca, Uncoils longiludin-
allbus angular ibus intcrruptispunctatisfuscis super his mag is conspicuis
picta ; spira breve conlca ; labri margine externo punctato, intcrno
crenato ; columella quadriplicata. Long. 9, lat. 5 lines.
Ilab. Western Coast.
Allied to 21. limbata, Lamarck, which is larger, ovate, and the
longitudinal lines continuous ; also to 21. helmatina, Kang.
[A very distinct species belonging to the Section Glabella.^
Terebra albula, No. 163, p. 30.
T. testa fusiformi-turrita, subulata, lactea, unicolorc, laevigata,
nitida, longitudinal iter plicata ; anfractibus quatuordceim planius cult's
indie isis ; plicis in ultimo anfractu inferius evanidis. Long. 8-5,
lat. 2 lines.
Ilab. Western Coast.
Haliotis scabricosta, No. 172, p. 31.
//. testa ovata, convexa, transversim (n.e.spiralitcr) costata ; costis
squamis imbricatis confertis cxaspcratis ; spirit prominula, submediana;
margine columellari sub-rot undato-aequo. Long. 3 inches 2 lines,
lat. 2 inches 4 lines.
Ilab. Mistaken Island.
Junior testa exterius ex rubro viridique radiata, vel ex rubro albido-
que laete varia est ; adulta ct senescens vireseit. 21.
Menko givos f or synonym, //. exeavata, var. 13. Lam. (Dclesscrt,
Recueil d' Cotp pi. 33, f. 6.)
BY RALPH TAXE, F.G.S., ETC. 401
Haliotis seaiiplicata, No. 173, p. 31.
H. testa subrotundo-ovata, medio convexo depressa, transversim
striata, anterius longitudinaliter plicata; plicis compressis erectiusculis ;
spira prominula, postica, submediana ; margine columella)" i rotundato,
exteritis declivi. Long. 19, lat. 14 lines.
Hah. Western Coast, rare.
Species intermediate between H. Midce, L., which is much
smaller, and H. lamellosa, Lam., the test of which is of an
elliptical shape, and the stria) deeply incised.
FlSSUEELLA OBLOXGA, No. 181, p. 33.
F. testa oblongo-elliptica, convexa, margine antico posticoque
rotundato adscendente s. surrecto, radiatim elenscgue obsolete
porcata, striis concentricis decussate/, rosea, circa foramen ovato-
oblongum magnum pallida. Long. 9, lat. 4-5, alt. 2*5 lines.
Ilab. Western Coast, rare.
[Probably is F. scutella, Gray, Sow. Conch. 111. f. 34.]
Patella insignis, No. 187, p. 34.
P. testa ovata, convexa, nitida, subpellucida, obsolete concentrice
striata, posterius verticaliter subsulcata albida, radiis latiusculis
reiiculatis fuscis quinque ad sex picta ; vertice excentrico ; margine
integerrimo. Long. 7*4, lat. 5-7, alt. 3 lines.
Ilab. Western Coast.
Allied to P. cruciata, Linn.
Patella onychitis, No. 188, p. 34.
P. testa ovata, elepresso-convexa, subpellucida, concentrice striata,
radiis continuis pluribus latescentibus nigris aliisque august ioribus
interrvptis opalinis picta ; vertice excentrico-submarginali, com_
prcsso ; margine integerrimo. Long. 11, lat. 9-4, alt. 3 lines.
Nab. Western Coast.
402 ox menke's Australian shells,
Plicatula imbricata, No. 196, p. 35.
PI. testa cuneato-subrotunda compressiuscida, solidiuscula,
fumosa, plicata; plicis distinctis simplicibus, squamis jomicatis
raris imbricatis. Long. 15, lat. 14, ventr. 4 lines.
JTab. Western Coast.
[Figured by Eeeve, Icon. Conch., t. 1, f. 4, as a distinct
species. J
Pecten bifidus. No. 197, p. 35.
P. testa inaequivalui, albido carneoque varia, intus carnea late
limbata, radiis tredecim ad quindecim ; valvce convexce lavis
rotundato-planiusculis sulco (singulo, rarius daplici, obsoletius vel
distinctus) divisis ; valvce plance transversim striata) rotundatis ;
auriculis cequalibus. Long. 2 inches 10 lines, lat. 3 inches
5 lines, ventr. 11 lines.
Sab. AVestern Coast.
Pinna virgata, No. 204, p. 36.
P. testa clongato-cuneiformi, compressa, tenui, fulva, radiis rufo-
ferrugineis virgata, obsolete costata, squamis fomicatis brcvibus con-
fertissimis, transversim seriatis muricata ; margine cardinali ct ventrali
recto, antico oblique arcuato-truncaio. Long. diam. maxim. 9 inches
6 lines, marg. card., 8 inches, lat. 4 inches 2 lines.
Sab. Western Coast.
Pinna deltodes, No. 206, p. 37.
P. testa late cuneata, trigona, subaquilatera, compressa, corneo-
fumata, transversim striata ct lamcllosa; lamcllis planatis, appressis,
cinereis ; margine cardinali subflexuoso, ventrali propc umbones obsolete
costulatos ct squamidosus sinuoso, antice rotundato. Diam. later, et
transv. 6 A- inches, crass. 10 lines.
Sab. North-west Coast, near Victoria Paver.
BY RALPH TATE, F.G.S., ETC. 403
Cardita rubicunda, No. 220, p. 38.
C. testa elliptico-ovata, trapezode, transversa, turgida, subepidermide
fusco-fulva pallide cornea, obsolete rubro-fasciata ; costis sedecim
rotundatis latescentibus ; anticis subcrenatis. Long. 20, alt. 1 3*7,
crass. 10 lines.
Sab. "Western Coast.
This is C. incrassata, Sowerby, Appendix, Tankerville Cat.
1825.
Cardita Preissii, No. 221, p. 38.
C. testa trapezode-ovata, transversa, subturgida, albida efusco varia
et snbzonata ; costis octodecim convexis : anticis eleganter annulato-
crenatis, medianis posterior ibus et posticis squamis sp>arsis fornicatis
erectis muricatis. Long. 12-4, alt. 9, crass. 6 lines.
Hab. Western Coast.
[Figured by Eeeve, Icon. Conch., t. 8, f. 39, as a distinct
species.]
Cardita tridacnoides, No. 222, p. 39.
C. testa ovato-trapezode, transversa, solida, flava, antice abbreviato-
truncata, infer ins sinuata, superius dorsato-arcuata, turgida; costis
duodecim : anticis squamis obtusis brevibus incumbentibus , poster ior ibus
squamis validis adscendentibus imbricatis. Long. 16, alt. 10, crass.
9 lines.
Sab. Western Coast.
[Angas refers this species to Mytilicardia crassicostata, Lamarck
{Cardita).']
ClIAMA SP03TDYL0DES, No. 227, p. 39.
Ch. testa elliptico-lanceolata, longitudinali, albida sanguineo radiata
oblique eleganter costato-plicata ; valva minore convexiuscula, squamis
fornicatis elongatis jJutentibus, inajore naviculari exterius angulato-
cariuata, June rudi, illinc squamis variis spars is muricata; natc
404 ON MENKE's AUSTRALIAN SHELLS,
dextrorsum versa ; margins interno cremdalo. Long. 10#5, lat. 6 Hues.
Hob. North-western Coast.
Allied to Chama asperella, Lamk.
Donax sulcarius, No. 23.5, p. 40.
D. testa snbtrigono-ovata, compressiuscula, transvcrsim striata, striis
tenuissimis decussata, fulva, obscurius zonata lineis-que interruptis
verticalibus picta, postiee obtuse angulata transvcrsimque sulcata ;
margine interno integcrrimo. Long. 10 "3, alt. o, crass. 3*6 lines.
Hah. "Western Coast.
[I have a Donax from King George's Sound, which is ref errable
to the above ; it is allied to D. columbella, Lamarck, but possessing
distinctive characters.]
Cytherea scalaris, No. 241, p. 42.
G. testa cordato-orbiculata, convexa, lamellis surrectis appressis
confertis cincta, rufa, albido zonata et radiata; ano cordato, impresso,
parvo ; vulva linear i. Long. 2 inches 2 lines, alt. 1 inch 1 1 lines,
crass. 11 lines.
Sab. North-western Coast.
[Deshayes quotes this species as Bosinia scalaris.']
Cytherea vaginalis, No. 246, p. 42.
C. testa ovato-orbiculata, subtrigona, convexiuscula, antcrius
compressa, laevi, cornea, maculis radiantibus rufis virgata; intus
rosea, margine crenulato ; ano linear i-lanccolato ; vulva projundc
impressa, patente. Long. 12, alt. 10, crass. 5 lines.
Ifab. Western Coast.
[Deshayes quotes this species as Cuncus vaginalis.']
Cytherea menstrualis, p. 42.
Species vulvae imprcssione profunda distinctissima, singular is.
Aliam huic proximo ajfinem speciom majorem equidem possideo ncedum,
BY RALPH TATE, F.G.S. ETC. 405
quantum sciam descriptam, neque mild innotuit unde sit ; est enim
haec: Cytlterea menstnialis, m. testa suborbiculata, convexiuscida,
anterius compressa, longitudinaliter leviter striata, obsolete decussata,
livido-fusca, linen angularihus eruentis s. lividis transversim seriatis
picta; margine intus crcnato ; ano linear i-subulato ; vulva prof unde
impressa, patents. Long. 2J inches, alt. 2 inches 3 lines, crass.
10*5 lines.
[This is also referred to Cuneus by Deshayes.]
Venus gravescens, No. 247, p. 43.
V. testa cordato-trigona, turgidula, solida, ponder osa, albida, radii's
tribus latis lividis picta, obsolete transversim striata, lamellis transversis
validis surrectis distantibus (decern), antice incisis et in lobum s.
auriculam product is cincta ; margine intus crenulato ; ano subrotundo-
ovato ; pubis oblong ae depressae labiis incumbent ibus. Long. 15, lat.
14, crass. 9 lines.
Nab. "Western Coast.
Allied to V. fasciata, Donov.
[This species is referred to Chione by Deshayes.]
Venus coelata, No. 248, p. 43.
V. testa cordato ovata, fulva, racliis raris latcscentibus lineisve
angularihus subseriatis rujis picta, cingulis tenuibus confer tissimis
numerosis (ad 36) cincta, interstitiis longitudinaliter porcatis ;
margine intus crenulato ; ani lanceolati labris jH'orninulis , compressis;
pube oblong o-lineari. Long. 6, alt, 5*3, crass. 3 lines.
Sab. "Western Coast.
Has some affinity to Venus gallina, Linn.
[It is cpaoted by Deshayes as Chione coelata.']
Mactra decussata, No. 261, p. 46.
M. testa elliptico-ovata , subtrigona, inaequilatera, alba, striis
tenuissimis decussata, antice breviore, postict angulata, area ibidem,
406
ON MENKE'S AUSTRALIAN SHELLS,
medio depressa, costula verticali circumscripta, extremilate hiantc.
Long. 18, alt. 13, crass. 7 lines.
Hah. Western Coast.
Pisidium semen, No. 232, p. 40.
Testa oblique ovata, ventricosa, umbo7iibus turgidis, epidermide
flavo-cornea, in margine pallidiore induta, subtilissime transversim
striata, decosticata alba vel lilaeina. Long. 1'3, alt. 1, crass. 0-7
lines.
Sab. Sandy banks of Swan Kiver, with Paludina granum.
Menlceh Names
Cassidula rugata
Paludina granum
Melania lirata
Littorina rugosa
Littorina acuta
Natica sagittata
Natica sertata
Pliasianella Lehmanni
Phasianella Preissii
Phasianella brevis
Turbo Lehmanni
Monodonta melanolom
Monodonta baccata
Monodonta crenulata
Monodonta ringens
Monodonta maxillata
Monodonta lupina
Monodonta turrita
Monodonta apicina
Monodonta virgata
Trochus prasinus
Trochus ciliaris
Adopted Names.
Cassidula rugata, Mke.
Assiminea ? granum, Mke.
Melania incerta, Brot.
Littorina rugosa, Mke.
Littorina mauritiana, Lam.
Natica sagittata, Mice.
Natica sertata, Mice.
\ Phasianella bulimoides, Lam.
Phasianella ventricosa, Q. fr G.
Gibbula Lehmanni, Mice.
Trochocochlea melanoloma, Mice.
Euchelus baccatus, Mice.
Euchelus
Clanculus ringens, Mice.
Clanculus
Clanculus lupinus, Mice.
Thalotia conica, Gray.
Elenchus apicinus, Mice.
Elenchus irisodontes, Q. et G.
Trochus prasinus, Mke.
Zizyphinus ciliaris, Mice.
BY RALPH TATE, F.G.S., ETC.
407
Menlce's Names.
Troclius viridulus
Trochus chlorostoinus
Troclius Preissii
Trochus Lehmanni . .
Trochus impervius . .
Trochus vitiligineus . .
Buccinum acuminatum
Buccinum fasciculare
Cassis paucirugis
Columbella bidentata
Tritonium tabulatum . .
Tritonium rutilum
Pusus ventricosus
Fusus exilis
Conus rutilus . .
Marginella liturata
Terebra albula
Haliotis scabricosta
Haliotis semiplicata
Fissurella oblonga
Patella insignis
Patella onychitis
Plicatula imbricata
Pecten bifidus
Pinna virgata . .
Pinna deltodes
Cardita rubicunda
Carclita Preissii
Cardita tridacnoides
Don ax sulcarius
Cytherea scalaris
Cytherea vaginalis
Cytherea menstrualis
Adopted Names.
Zizyphinus viridulus, Mice.
Zizyphinus chlorostomus, Mice.
Thalotia pulcherrima, Wood.
Thalotia Lehmanni, Mice.
Diloma impervia, Mice.
Monilea vitiliginea, Mice.
Columbella Menkeane, Reeve.
Semicassis paucirugis, Mice.
Columbella bidentata, Mice.
Tritonium
Tritonium labiosum, Wood.
Conus rutilus, Mice.
Marginella liturata, Mice.
Terebra (Hastula) albula, Mice.
Haliotis excavata, Lam. ?
Haliotis.
Pissurella scutella, Gray.
Plicatula imbricata, Mice.
Pinna
Pinna
Cardita incrassata, Soiv.
Cardita Preissii, Mice.
Mytilicardia crassicostata, Lam.
Donax sulcarius, Mice.
Dosinia scalaris, Mice.
Cuneus vaginalis, Mice.
Cuneus menstrualis, Mice.
408 NOTES AND EXHIBITS.
Malice's Names. Adopted Names.
Venus gravescens . . . . Cliione gravescens, Mice.
Venus coelata . . .. .. Cliione coelata, 2I1ce.
Mactra decussata . . . . Mactra
Pisiclium semen . . . . Pisidium semen, Mice.
NOTES AND EXHIBITS.
Mr. Stephens drew attention to the Geological features of a
Quarry at Bushcutter's Bay, and promised to read a paper in
reference thereto at a future meeting.
Mr. Brazier exhibited a Tortoise with two heads found by him
at the Macleay River ; also on behalf of Mr. B. C. Bossiter,
Noumea, New Caledonia, a malformed Cyprcea poraria, and on
behalf of Professor Tate, Adelaide, Columoella bidentata, and
Paludina gramma, two of Menke's species from Western Australia,
St. Vincent's Gulf, South Australia, and King George's Sound as
mentioned in his paper.
Mr. Wilkinson exhibited a number of a species of Phasma
found by him at the Pish Biver Caves, where they were so
numerous as to have denuded nearly all the trees of foliage.
Mr. B. McMahon exhibited a section of a Maryborough Bine
log in which a stone was embedded fifty or sixty feet from the
ground, supposed to have been dropped into an angle of the
branch when the tree was young and grown over.
P. L. 8. VOL. 6.
PL. 1.
£ ••..
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TERATORHOMBUS EXCISICEPS, MacluLy.
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PL 4.
W.A.H cxel
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409
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27th, 1881.
The President, Dr. J. C. Cox, E.L.S., in the Chair.
MEMBERS ELECTED. '. ^ » s>/
E. P>. Kingdon, Esq. ; Dr. Craig Dixson ; Dr. Thomas DixsoH
and Dr. Sehuette.
DONATIONS.
Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society, Vol. I., pai't 1,
series 2, from the Society.
Results of Rain and River observations for 1880, Recent
changes in the surface of Jupiter, and Thunder and Hailstorms
in N. S. Wales, from H. C. Russell, E.RA.S.
papers read.
Description of a new species of Australian Amplexa.
By Professor Ralph Tate, F.Gr.S., &c.
Amplexa turrita, spec. nov.
Shell somewhat fusiformly turreted, thin, covered with a pale
horn-coloured epidermis which is squamosely raised at the sutures
and on the longitudinal carinae. Whorls five and a half, with
distinct sutures ; body whorl carinated, obliquely flattened
posteriorly, and ornamented anteriorly with about five longi-
tudinal ridges; penultimate whorl subquadrate with two
prominent keels, one on the angle of the whorl, the other near
the anterior suture. External surface with transverse thick
strice of growth somewhat cancellated by the spiral ridges and
intermediate lines. Spire exserted, scalariform, acute. Aperture
ovate, subangulated posteriorly, about three-fifths of the length
1 A
410 DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA
of the shell ; opaque-white within ; columella plait distinct, inner
lip white thinly and narrowly spread over the columella, and
obliterating the umbilical fissure.
Dimensions : — Length 16, breadth 7*5, length of aperture 9-5
millimetres.
Locality : — Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, Victoria.
This species is closely related to Physa Alicia:, from which it
differs in its narrower and less oblique form, more attenuated
spire, and in the fewness of the longitudinal keels. P. Kershaivi,
T. -Woods, though belonging to the same natural group, is like
P. mcesta, Adams, of New Zealand, and therefore makes an
approach to P. Cumingi.
Descriptions of Australian Micro-Lefidoptera.
By E. Meyrick, B.A.
Y. TOETRICINA.
In the present paper (together with the next instalment shortly
to follow) I have endeavoured to create a substantial basis for
the acquisition of knowledge of the Tortricina of Australia and
New Zealand. I have identified, classified, and redescribed the
species of the group indicated by "Walker in the British Museum
Catalogue of Lepidoptera, as well as the few others named by
other writers ; and have added descriptions of all the new species
which I possess in my own collection. In the present instalment
103 species are described, of which 57 are new. The worthless
character of Walker's descriptions is sufficiently well known ; in
this group, owing to the great similarity of marking and obscure
colouring of the species, the great majority of his descriptions
are in themselves absolutely unidentifiable, in the absence of
trustworthy generic indication. The forty species of the Tortricidce
which he possessed from Australia and Now Zealand are described
BY E. MEYRICK, B.A. 411
by him under seventy-eight different names, one species being
burdened with as many as eleven synonyms, and in no single
instance has a species been correctly referred to its proper genus.
I have recently examined the whole of his Australian types in
the British Museum collection, and have identified almost all as
species of which I possess specimens ; of four or five I do not
possess specimens, and in these cases I have not been able to
make a sufficiently thorough investigation to make the generic
identification absolutely certain, but I trust I have not made any
gross errors in that respect. With regard to the retaining of
Walker's names, it appears to me indisputable that it would have
been perfectly justifiable to reject all names followed by descrip-
tions which did not of themselves sufficiently indicate the species
referred to. If the description is not identifiable, it is no
description ; the existence of the type is not to the point. If an
author of the present day were to publish a list of names of new
species, and observe that he had omitted to add descriptions, as
the types were always on view in his collection, I presume his
names would not be adopted ; yet in regard to most species, what
Walker has done amounts to no more. Notwithstanding, in
deference to general usage, I have retained his names on the
strength of the types alone ; but at the same time I assert distinctly
that I do not consider myself bound to do so in any instance.
The rule which I have adopted (suggested to me by Prof.
Fernald) has been to retain all names followed by descriptions
which there appears sufficient reason to believe were really
intended to represent the specimen standing in the collection as
type of the species, however inadequately they may do so. If,
as is not unfrequently the case, the type has been lost, then I have
rejected the name entirely, unless the description clearly indicated
a particular species. When the form of the name errs grossly
against the elementary rules of the Latin language, I have
corrected it to a more seemly shape. Prof. Zeller urges me also
to change the pointless and nonsensical names which often occur
412 DESCRIPTION OF AUSTRALIAN MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA,
for more significant titles, but though sometimes sorely tempted,
I have not ventured to carry out a principle so liable to abuse.
Of other authors, Lewin, Newman, and Zeller have described
one or two species each, which I have determined as far as
practicable. E elder in the ';Reiseder Novara " has figured
several species, principally from New Zealand ; the figures are
very poor and frequently quite unidentifiable, but all those which
I have been able to determine are synonyms of species previously
described by Walker. Butler has also described a few species,
of which I have included those of which I have seen the types in
the British Museum collection ; they seem to have been invariably
referred to wrong genera, after the example set by Walker, but
are mostly distinct species.
The classification of the Tortricina has usually been regarded
by European writers as a task of unusual difficulty, their know-
ledge being confined to the European fauna. It is true that,
until the publication of the systems of Lederer and Heinemann,
all schemes proposed were scientifically quite valueless. I am
disposed to think, however, that the difficulty of the group has
been somewhat exaggerated. The general character of the
markings, colouring, and form of wing is so uniform throughout
the group, and restricted within such narrow limits of variation,
that the same, or an extremely similar, superficial facies often
recurs in distinct genera ; which has fostered an erroneous belief
that the structural points of generic distinction were misleading
and insufficient. Moreover the structure of the head and palpi,
which in the Tineina affords so ready a means of classification,
in the Tortricina presents usually but few and unimportant
differences. The best generic characters are afforded by the
neuration, which I have always found a very trustworthy guide ;
the basal pectination of the lower median vein of the hindwings,
the structure of the antennae, and the presence of a costal fold in
the male, are also points on which much stress may be safely
laid. In the case of the Australasian species I have found no
RY E. MEYEICK, B.A. 413
particular difficulty in applying these means, and they have
enabled me to separate the species into genera which appear to
be undoubtedly natural. I should add that in the Tortricina the
neuration can usually be clearly traced by inspection of the lower
surface of the wings without denuding them of scales ; a
circumstance which has enabled mo to fix with certainty the
position of those species of which I possess only single specimens
which could not therefore be spared for dissection. For the just
classification of the present family (Tortricidcc) I have been
compelled to form seventeen new genera, owing to the very strong
specialisation of the fauna, many of these forms being very
remote from anything previously known.
The Tortricina appear to me clearly separable into three well-
defined families, by the following characters, viz :
1 . Tortricidce. — Lower median vein of hindwings not pectinated
at base ; vein 2 of forewings rising from before posterior third
of cell.
2. GraphoMthidce. — Lower median vein of hindwings pectinated
at base ; vein 2 of forewings rising from before posterior third
of cell.
3. Conchylidce. — Lower median vein of hindwings not pectinated
at base ; vein 2 of forewings rising from posterior fourth of cell.
These families constitute assemblages of an undoubtedly
natural character, and are capable of accurate limitation as above ;
but even were one or two exceptions to be discovered, I should
not consider that the fact would invalidate the title of these groups
to be regarded as families. In my view, these three families are
independent branches of a common stock, and might be repre-
sented by three lines, diverging somewhat, from nearly the same
point ; and being distinctly separable at their origin, they need
not be confused, even though one should, through analogous
variation, perhaps occasionally develope the peculiar characteristic
of the others. The true position will always be discernible by a
414 DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA,
consideration of the sum of the characters, rather than a blind
dependence on one alone. In the present paper the Tortricidce
alone are included ; the Grapholithida and Conch ylidce, which even
together are much less numerous, will form the subject of the
next instalment.
The Tortricidce are divisible by means of the neuration into
well-defined and natural groups which might, if desirable, be
adopted as subfamilies, viz. :
a. Mictoneura — Veins 8 and 9 of forewings rising on a stalk from
7 (genus 1).
b. Aeropolitis group — Veins 3 and 4 of hindwings separate at
origin (genera 2-10).
c. Dichclia group — Veins 3 and 4 of hindwings from a point or
stalked, 7 and 8 of forewings stalked (genera 11-16).
d. Tortrix group — Veins 3 and 4 of hindwings from a point, 7
and 8 of forewings separate (genera 17-21).
There are also other lower-organised groups, but they are
apparently not represented in Australia, and I will not therefore
attempt to define them. Assuming that the origin of the family
is to be found in the extreme forms of the Gelcchidce (Dasystoma
and ChimabaccheJ, a direct progression may be traced from such
forms as Cheimatophila and Exapate through Sciaphila to Tortrix
and Caccecia. with a continually increasing breadth of wing ; the
transition from these to Dic/telia seems at present to be incomplete,
there being no distinct indication of the steps through which
veins 7 and 8 of the forewings became stalked ; Capua is a modi-
fication of Bichelia, and from Capua are formed Aeropolitis and
Pyryotis by the separation of veins 3 and 4 of the hindwings ;
and from these latter again are developed the more extreme forms
of this type, with veins 3, 4, .5 all equidistant and parallel, and
the other details of structure often considerably modified.
Mictoneura stands at present so remote from its allies, that it is
BY E. MEYRICK, B.A. 415
hardly possible to conjecture whence it may have originated, but
perhaps from the neighbourhood of Capua.
The Tortricidce are represented in this region at present by
103 species, two-thirds of the Avhole Tortricina, since I have
altogether only about 50 native species of the other two families.
In Europe, on the other hand, the Tortricidce number about 145
species out of 680, little more than one-fifth of the whole. Of
the 103 species hereafter described 24 are indigenous to New
Zealand, and 79 to Australia, none being common to both, nor
are any at present known to occur elsewhere. No European
species of the family has yet been introduced, though the food-
plants of many common species have been imported ; amongst
the Grapholithidcr, however, there are several introduced species.
On a general analysis of the fauna, the most striking feature
appears to be the development of group b., of which Acropolitis
may be taken as the type, since this group, distinguished by a
clearly-marked peculiarity of structure, is unknown elsewhere,
and appears to be wholly confined to the Australian region,
where it is represented at present by nine genera and nineteen
species ; the large proportion of distinct genera being very
noticeable. Only one of these genera extends into New Zealand,
where it reaches some development, being represented by at least
four species, much more intimately allied to one another than to
the single Australian species. Arranging the genera of this group
in a natural progression by the amount of peculiarity, we find
at the one end of the series forms closely approximating to Capua,
and at the other peculiar and abnormal types, differing widely
from any other group. There can be little doubt under the
circumstances that the whole of this group has been developed
in Australia from some original form closely resembling Capua,
and it will probably be found to be wholly confined to this region,
though it is of course possible that one or two forms may have
spread outwards to other lands. A single species of this group
reaching New Zealand will be sufficient to account for the
416 DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA,
ancestry of the forms at present known thence. From the largo
amount of generic diversification in the group, we may infer with
some probability a correspondingly long period of isolation. We
shall see hereafter that the Conchy! idee afford a quite similar
instance of a peculiar group, from the characteristics of which
precisely the same inferences may be drawn. In connection with
the development of this group derivable from Capua, the pre-
dominance of Capua itself and its close ally Dichelia in the
Australian region is of considerable interest. The first of
these genera is represented by twelve, and the second by
thirteen species, both genera extending to New Zealand ; whilst
in Europe and America they are very sparsely represented ; in
fact, of Capua only three other species are known. Besides these
there are four other nearly allied endemic genera, including
seven species ; so that in fact three-fourths of the peculiar
Australian genera of the family are traceable to this source ; and
as out of the twenty-one genera described seventeen are endemic,
this disproportion is very marked.
Of the rest, the cosmopolitan genera Tortrix and Caccccia are
represented by numerous forms of no marked peculiarity ; these
genera are doubtless of great antiquity. Caeceeia is especially
predominant in New Zealand, where all the species appear to
belong to a special group with more elongate palpi, suggesting
a limited origin. There are also three other endemic genera of
this group, all moderately nearly allied to Tortrix, and two of
them extending to New Zealand. Finally there is the very
singular genus Mictoucura, wholly remote from all others ; so far
as can be judged at present, it seems probable that wo have here
a last surviving relic of an extinct group, possibly indicating the
transition from the Tortricina to the Pyralidina.
All the characteristics of the fauna will therefore agree in
indicating great isolation, and from the limitation of forms may
bo inferred the remoteness of the period at which the isolation
began. New Zealand is distinguished by a much greater liini-
BY E. MEYBICK, B.A. 417
tation of forms, but does not show any peculiar genera, or any
differing from those native to Australia, though all the species
are peculiar. To sum up briefly the characteristics of the
representation of the Tortricidee in the Australian region, it will
be seen that there are ( 1 ) two genera occurring throughout the
world plentifully, (2) two genera occurring plentifully here, but
very scantily elsewhere, (3) three endemic genera derivable from
the first two, (4) thirteen endemic genera derivable from the
second two, (5) a single abnormal endemic genus representing
an extinct group.
Of genera remarkable by their absence maybe noticed especially
Teras Hb., and Sciaphila, Tr. ; these are of very general distribu-
tion, appearing to extend over most of the rest of the globe, and
contain numerous species, but are neither themselves present in
Australia, nor represented by allies. It seems almost certain
that these are really absent, as they are freely developed and
conspicuous wherever else they occur.
TORTRICINA.
Head rather rough ; ocelli present ; tongue short (rarely obsolete J.
Antenna short. Maxillary palpi absent. Labial palpi rather stout,
more or less porrected. Wings usually broad. Forewings with twelve
f rarely eleven) veins, vein one furcate at base [rarely one fork obsolete).
Hindwings with eight or sometimes seven veins,
Pam. I. TOETRICLDiE.
Lower median vein of hindwings without basal pectination ;
vein two of forewings rising before posterior third of lower
margin of cell.
The indigenous genera of this family may be tabulated as
follows :
I. Veins 8 and 9 of forewings stalked . . 1. Mictoneura.
II. Veins 8 and 9 of forewings separate
418 DESCRIPTIONS OP AUSTRALIAN MICRO-LEITDOPTERA,
A. Veins 3 and 4 of hindwings remote at
origin.
1. Veins 3, 4, 5 of hindwings remote and
equidistant at origin.
a. Veins 7 and 8 of forowings separate 2. Proselena.
b. Veins 7 and 8 of forewings stalked. . 4. Isochorista.
2. Vein5 closely approximated at baseto4.
a. Forewings with. 11 separate veins.. 5. Ateludora.
b. Forewings with 12 veins.
i. Veins 7 and 8 of forewings separate 3. Paleeotorna.
ii. Veins 7 and 8 of forewings stalked.
*. Thorax smooth.
f. Hindwings narrower than
forewings . . . . . . 6. Aristocosma.
ff. Hindwings broader than
forewings . . . . . . 7. Adoxophyes.
**. Thorax strongly crested.
"| '. Veins 6 and 7 of hindwings
stalked .. .. ..10. Pyrgotis.
jf. Veins 6 and 7 of hindwings
separate.
;];. Palpi arched, appressed to
face . . . . . . 8. Thrincophora.
;[;f . Palpi porrected . . . . 9. Acropolitis.
B. Veins 3 and 4 of hindwings from a point
or short-stalked.
1 . Veins 7 and 8 of forewings stalked.
a. Gosta of male with basal fold.
i. Costal fold strong . . . . . .11. Capua.
ii . Costal fold very small and imperfect
* Palpi arched upwards ; thorax
created. . . . . . . . 13. Asthenoptycha
BY E. MEYRICK, B.A. 419
** Palpi porrected ; thorax smooth 12. Acroceuthes.
b. Costa of male without fold.
i. Palpi arched upwards ; thorax
crested .. .. .. ..14. Auatropia.
ii. Palpi porrected ; thorax smooth.
* Anal valves of male very large,
tufted . . . . . . . .15. Anisogona.
•'•••' Anal valves of male moderate 16. Dichelia.
2. Veins 7 and 8 of fore wings separate. -
a. Hind wings with a costal tuft of
raised scales .. .. ..17. Cryptoptila.
b. Hindwings without tuft.
i. Costa of male more or less strongly
folded .. .. .. ..18. Cacoecia.
ii. Costa of male without fold.
*. Veins 6 and 7 of hindwings
separate :
j. Antenna) of male filiform,
finely ciliated .. ..19. Tortrix.
jf. Antenna) of male strongly
dentate, with tufts of cilia . .21. Arotrophora.
**. Veins 6 and 7 of hindwings
stalked .. .. ..20. Dipterina.
1. MlCTOXEURA, 11. (J.
Thorax with strong erect crest. Antennas in male thickened,
joints crowded, serrate, strongly ciliated ; basal joint above with
a ridge-like pointed erect tooth of scales. Palpi rather long,
porrected, second joint with elongate-triangular appressed scaling,
terminal joint long, cylindrical, exposed. Legs moderate, inner
spurs very much longer than outer. Forewings subtriangular,
dilated, costa in male simple, arched at base, thence gently arched,
apex obtuse, hindmargin rather oblique, rounded. Hindwings
as broad as forewings, trapezoidal, hindmargin strongly sinuate
420 DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA,
beneath apex. Forewings with veins 8 and 9 stalked, rising out
of 7 near its base, vein 7 running to hindniargin, secondary cell
distinct. Hindwings with veins 3 and 4 from a point, 5 approxi-
mated to 4 at base, 6 and 7 separate.
This remarkable genus is remote from all other known Tortric/'ia
in the type of neuration of the forewings, in which particular it
resembles the typical Pi/ redid ina. I think, however, that it is
without doubt properly referred to its present position at the
head of the Tortricidce, with which family it agrees in all other
structural points, though peculiar in its superficial features. It
is not nearly allied to any other genus, but in general character
approaches perhaps nearest to the group of which DicheUa is the
type.
1. Mict. flexaniniana, n. sp.
$ ? . 5"-6". Head and palpi whitish, irregularly mixed with
fuscous. Antenna) fuscous. Thorax whitish, finely irrorated
with greyish-ochreous. Abdomen ochreous-grey. Legs whitish,
anterior and middle tibia) and tarsi suffused with dark fuscous,
posterior tarsi infuscated at base of joints. Forewings whitish,
clearer white along costa, especially at base, rest of wing crossed
by regular fine straight parallel transverse fuscous strigulse, all
the veins whitish marked with numerous blackish-fuscous spots ;
a small blackish-fuscous rounded-triangular spot on costa in
middle, darkest on edges ; before it are four small equidistant
black spots on costa, and beyond it on the costa and hindniargin
are more indistinct blackish-fuscous spots between the veins ; the
costa is also minutely strigulated witli fuscous throughout ; the
hindmargin, especially towards anal angle, and the disc and inner
margin, especially before middle, are faintly and irregularly
clouded with pale fuscous-grey : cilia ochreous-whitish, -barred
with grey opposite the veins. Ilindwings grey-whitish, with
fine parallel transverse grey strigulse ; cilia grey.
BY E. MEYRICK B.A. 421
The general aspect of this species is very peculiar ; the extreme
regularity of the transverse strigulae between the veins produces
an appearance of geometrical reticulation similar to that of the
vvebs of some spiders.
Five specimens taken at rest on fences in Sydney, from
September to December.
2. Proselexa, n. g.
Thorax smooth. Antennae in male thickened, thinly and shortly
ciliated. Palpi short, porrected, second joint roughly scaled
above, terminal joint almost concealed. Fore wings elongate,
narrow, costa in male simple, gently arched, hindmargin very
oblique, rounded. Hindwings elongate, broader than forewings.
Forewings with veins 7 and 8 separate. Hindwings with veins
3 and 4 remote at origin and parallel, 5 equidistant from 4 and
parallel, 6 and 7 long-stalked.
This genus belongs to the group in which veins 3 and 4 of the
hindwings do not rise from the same point. In this group it is
distinguished from all except Isochorista by having veins 4 and 5
of the hindwings not only widely remote at origin but parallel
throughout ; from Isochorista it differs by the separation of veins
7 and 8 of the forewings, which in Isochorista rise from a common
stalk.
1. Pros, annosana, n. sp.
<$ ? . 4J"-5". Head and palpi white. Antennae greyish-
ochreous. Thorax white, margins spotted with pale ochreous.
Abdomen whitish-ochreous. Legs ochreous- white, anterior tarsi
suffused with fuscous at base of joints. Forewings white,
irregularly strewn with fine fuscous-grey scales, forming indistinct
strigulae on costa ; base indistinctly spotted with ochreous ; four
nearly straight transverse slender ochreous fasciae, nearly per-
pendicular to costa ; first at one-fourth, indistinct, clearest in disc,
slightly bent below costa ; second in middle, slightly broader
422 DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA,
and more conspicuous than the others, somewhat bent below
costa, mixed with black on costa and on lower half of its anterior
edge ; third at three-fourths, fainter, often interrupted ; fourth
subapical, slender, often mixed with black ; cilia white, with a
slender blackish central dividing-line. Hindwings and cilia white.
This is a peculiarly delicate and fragile-looking little species,
and has more the facies of some of the Oecophoridce than of a
veritable Tortrix, and its markings are equally abnormal.
Sufficiently common where it occurs, but rather local ; taken
near Parramatta, New South "Wales, flying gently towards sunset
amongst the Eucalyptus bushes in dry grassy places, in September
and October.
3. Pal;eoto:ma, n. g.
Thorax smooth. Antennce in male thickened, ciliated. Palpi
long, porrected, second joint somewhat arched, with rather
appressed scales, terminal joint very long, naked, horizontal.
Porewings elongate, narrow, sui'face with raised scales ; costa in
male simple, nearly straight, apex rather acute, hindmargin very
oblicpie, rounded. Hindwings elongate, broader than forewings.
Porewings with veins 7 and 8 separate, closely approximated
towards their origin. Hindwings with veins 3 and 4 remote at
origin and parallel, 5 approximated to 4 at base, G and 7 stalked.
Larva sixteen-legged, producing true galls, inside which it feeds.
Distinguished from the other genera with veins 3 and 4 of the
hindwings remote at origin and 12 veins in the forewings (except
ProselennJ by the separation of veins 7 and 8 of the forewings ;
from Proselena it differs by the elongate palpi, and the approxi-
mation of veins 4 and .3 of hindwings at origin. In general
facies it somewhat resembles a Sciaphila. It is remarkable as
affording an instance of a true gall-producing Tortricideous
larva ; and it seems not improbable that some of the allied
genera may be found to have a similar larval habit.
BY E. MEYRICK, B.A. 423
1. Pal. styphelana, n. sp.
$ ? . 6"-8". Head, palpi, antenna?, and thorax dark ashy-
grey. Abdomen dai-k ochreous-grey. Anterior and middle legs
dark fuscous-grey ; posterior legs whitish, tarsi suffused with
fuscous-grey at base of joints. Forewings ashy-grey, surface
somewhat roughened, thinly and irregularly sprinkled with black
scales, which tend to form short longitudinal strigula? ; costa with
very short oblique blackish strigulae ; a strong irregular black
streak from base to disc above anal angle, posteriorly attenuated,
sometimes partially obsolete ; a very slender blackish line from
three-quarters of costa very obliquely outwards nearly to hind-
margin, thence bent abruptly round to anal angle ; beyond this
is sometimes another similar line ; a black spot on disc beyond
middle, above the extremity of the basal streak : cilia pale ashy-
grey, "with a blackish line above base, and three other slender
dark-grey lines. Hindwings fuscous-grey, darker on apex and
hindmargin ; cilia fuscous-grey.
The longitudinal black streak from base is generally a good
characteristic of this insect.
The imago is sluggish in habit, and not commonly met with,
but I have found two or three specimens at rest near S}Tdney, in
September and January. I bred a number of specimens from
the larva?, which were not uncommon in some places in the bush
near Sydney, and these all emerged in September, so that
January specimens probably belong to a second generation.
Larva stout, cylindrical, not tapering ; glossy whitish ; head
and second segment almost as broad as body, blackish. It feeds
in galls on Eucal yjrtus sp. ; the galls are formed on the extremity
of young shoots by metamorphosis of the terminal tuft of unex-
panded leaves ; they are from one to two inches long, and about
half an inch broad, irregular-shaped, resembling an inflated tuft
of leaves but solid ; the larva? eat hollow galleries through them,
ejecting the excrement through minute holes ; there are generally
424 DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN MICRO-LFPIDOPTERA,
one or two, rarely more, larvre in each gall. Pupation takes
place inside the gall, without a cocoon. The larvae were found
in July about half-grown, and the imagos appeared in September.
With regard to this and other Eucalyptus-feeding species, I
may sa}r that it is generally very difficult to identify the species
of Eucalyptus on which they are found ; the general similarity of
these plants is very great, there are usually several kinds growing
near together, and the larvre are almost invariably found on
young saplings which have not yet developed their specific
characteristics.
4. Isochorista, n. (J.
Thorax smooth. Antennre in male somewhat thickened, shortly
ciliated. Palpi moderate, porrected, second joint broadly scaled,
rather truncate, terminal joint very short, distinct. Porewings
elongate-triangular, rather narrow, costa gently arched, in male
with fold towards base, hindmargin very obliquely rounded.
Hindwings elongate-trapezoidal, as broad as forewings. Pore-
wings with veins 7 and 8 stalked, vein 7 running to hindmargin.
Hindwings with veins 0 and 4 remote at origin and parallel, 5
equidistant from 4 and parallel, 6 and 7 stalked.
Differs from all except Proselena in having veins 3, 4, 5 of the
hindwings all equidistant and parallel ; from Proselena it is at
once known by having veins 7 and 8 of the forewings stalked,
and by the costal fold of the male. In general superficies the
imagos much resemble some of the smaller species of Capua and
Diehelia.
There are two species, of' winch I. panaeolana may be known
from /. ranulana by the presence of transverse leaden-metallic
markings.
1. Isoch. ranulana, n. sp.
$ ? . 4"-5". Head, palpi, and thorax dull ochreous, thinly
mixed with fuscous. Antenna) whitish-ochreous, sharply annul-
BY E. MEYRICK, B.A. 425
ated with dark fuscous. Abdomen greyish-ochreous, anal tuft of
male ockreous-wkitisk. Legs ockreous-wkitisk, anterior and
middle tibiae witk central and subapical fuscous bands, tarsi dark
fuscous at base of joints. Fore wings elongate, narrow, pale
ockreous ; costa strongly strigulated witk black ; basal patck
represented by one or two skarply bent transverse blackisk lines
at one-fourtk, sometimes filled up witk several indistinct parallel
fuscous lines ; central fascia straigkt, moderately and evenly
broad, dark fuscous-grey edged witk black, running from middle
of costa to anal angle, sometimes sligktly dilated on lower kalf ;
a dark fuscous triangular blotck on costa before apex, connected
witk kindmargin above anal angle by a narrow fuscous cloudy
streak, tkence produced upwards along kindmargin ; a skort
black marginal line round apex ; cilia pale ockreous, clouded
witk greyisk, and cut on middle of kindmargin by a longitudinal
blackisk mark. Hindwings and cilia grey.
Tkis species is nearly allied to tke succeeding, but is smaller and
narrower-winged, and witkout tke transverse leaden-metallic
markings ; tke basal patck and central fascia are also more
distinctly marked.
Eatker common, tkougk liable to be overlooked from its small
size and inconspicuous colouring ; it flies towards sunset in dry
grassy places amongst Eucalyptus buskes, generally keeping
near tke ground. It is probably very generally distributed in
New Soutk Wales, wkerelkave taken it at Sydney, Parramatta,
Bulk, Mittagong, and Murrurundi ; it occurs most commonly
from August to October, but also in December and Marck.
2. Isock. panaeolana, n. sp.
4f"-5-y'. $ . Head, palpi, and tkorax dark fuscous mixed
witk ockreous. Antennae wkitisk-ockreous, strongly annulated
witk dark fuscous. Abdomen dark fuscous, anal tuft ockreous-
wkite beneatk. Legs dark fuscous ; posterior pair wkitisk, base
of tarsal joints dark fuscous on sides. Forewings elongate,
IB
426 DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN MICRO-EFPIDOPTERA,
posteriorly dilated, rather pale ochreous, irregularly mixed "with
numerous black scales, which tend to form irregular margins to
the metallic markings, between which they also form black spots
on costa ; they also generally accumulate in an irregular black
patch on anal angle ; seven oblique transverse somewhat irregular
leaden-metallic lines from costa to inner margin, indistinct towards
base, the three apical lines clearest and becoming whitish on
costa ; between each pair as far as the sixth is an obscure leaden-
metallic costal spot, only the last being distinct ; between the
sixth and seventh is a small round leaden-metallic spot on disc
above middle ; seventh line ending on hindmargin about middle ;
a short curved transverse leaden-metallic line immediately before
apex : cilia pale ochreous at apex, becoming fuscous-grey towards
anal angle, with a broad leaden-metallic basal line. Hindwings
dark fuscous-grey ; cilia grey, with a blackish line near base.