216 "ENDEAVOUR"' SCIENTIFIC- RESULTS. 



border can be detected. Opercuhim unarmed, its superior 

 angle forming a pointed lobe. Gill-openings broad, 

 extending forward as far as the base of the pectorals and 

 separated by a broad, flat interspace. 



Body very broad anteriorly, compressed towards the 

 caudal peduncle. It is highest at the origin of the dorsal 

 fin, behind which it decreases rapidly. The lateral line 

 is indicated only by a raised ridge on the shoulder region. 

 Vent about twice as far from the insertions of the 

 ventrals as from the first anal ray; it is provided with a 

 prominent post-anal papilla. 



All the fins are so completely enveloped in thick 

 fleshy skin that their rays can be counted only when this 

 is removed. The first dorsal originates a little in advance 

 of the end of the opercular lobe. Its margin is rounded 

 and the median spines are longest, but their tips are 

 lost in the membrane and their length cannot be deter- 

 mined. A distinct dip in the margin of the fin dis- 

 tinguishes the first from the second dorsal. The greater 

 number of the dorsal rays are bifurcate and the last is 

 united to the caudal peduncle by membrane. The anal 

 commences well behind the origin of the second dorsal 

 and is of a similar form to that fin. Pectoral broad and 

 reaching beyond the vertical of the first anal ray. 

 Seventh ray longest and the median ones are bifurcate. 

 Ventrals inserted behind the anterior base of the pectoral 

 and reaching about two-thirds of their distance to the 

 vent. They consist of a single spine and three rays, all 

 of which are very closely united within a. thick membrane. 

 Caudal rounded, its rays branched. 



Colour. Uniformly whitish in preservative. 



Described and figured from a unique holotype, 293 

 mm. long. 



Affinities. X. niarcidus differs from the other species 

 of the genus, X. latua Hector, and X. marmoratus Gill, 

 in lacking colour-marking. X. hit UN further has a very 

 different fin-formula, and both have the lower jaw 

 projecting beyond the upper. 



Locality. This specimen is unfortunately without 

 data, but was certainly trawled in deep water on the 

 southern Australian or Tasmanian coast. 



