110 Annals of the South African Museum. 



posterior spines. The spines are weak and flexible, about subequal 

 to the 5th, from which to the 9th they are slightly longer and about 

 | length of head, the last 3 spines successively shorten ; soft portion 

 of fin higher than the spinous, the 1st ray slightly lower than suc- 

 ceeding ones, which are about t length of head. Pectorals 14 ; 

 rounded, about length of head, lower rays incised. Ventrals i 3 ; 

 about 2- length of head, 3rd ray minute. Anal 25-26 ; first 2 rays 

 very small, remainder about height of longest dorsal spines, 

 membranes deeply incised. Caudal broad and rounded, inner 

 rays divided at end and the middle ones longest, about length 

 of head. 



Colour (of preserved specimens), brown, body crossed by numerous 

 dark lines which here and there become broad and fuse, forming 

 irregular dark bands across the body ; spinous dorsal with dark 

 marks forming parallel horizontal lines, a black spot behind top 

 of first spine, margin of soft dorsal spotted, dark line over the fin 

 passing upward and backwards from head, dark spots on upper half 

 of caudal. 



Six specimens, ranging in length from 63 mm. to 83 mm., from 

 Mr. Eobinson, Natal. 



CLINUS, Cuv. 



Carnivorous fish living generally amongst the rocks and seaweed 

 on the littoral, and in some cases on rocky banks in deeper water ; 

 generally viviparous ; mostly of small size, ranging from 3 or 

 1 inches to 12 or 14 inches in length. Some species are very 

 abundant in South African waters, and many of them are of 

 excellent flavour and much esteemed for the table. 



Body elongate and usually covered with small scales more or less 

 deeply embedded in the skin. Teeth either in a single series or as 

 an outer row with a band or clusters of smaller teeth behind; usually 

 a curved band on vomer. Eyes generally placed high on the head 

 and more or less movable in all directions like a chameleon's. With 

 or without orbital tentacles. Dorsal fin continuous, extending the 

 whole length of the back and sometimes joined to the caudal ; con- 

 sisting of many spines and one or more soft rays. Sometimes the 

 first three spines form a more or less elevated crest, a little removed 

 from but joined to the succeeding spines. Anal fin with two spines 

 and many soft rays. Ventrals with one spine hidden in the skin 

 and two or three soft rays. Colour uniform or in many shades and 

 patterns. 



