Descriptions of FisJics from tlic Coast of Natal. 219 



longest soft rays about i length of head. Pectorals 5- to -f length of 

 head. Ventrals f to -J- length of head. Anal iii 8 ; 2nd spine a little 

 shorter than 3rd, which is J to fV length of head; longest soft rays 

 | to i length of head. Caudal rounded, f to T % length of head. 

 Scales on body feebly ciliated. Lat. 1. 82 (circa), sc. 105 (circa) 



Colour (of preserved specimens), the two largest greyish brown, 

 the smaller ones dark brown ; with large round black spots in five 

 or six longitudinal rows on each side, two oblique dark streaks from 

 eye to opercle on each side of head (the smaller specimens have a 

 third dark streak from above angle of mouth to opercle), dorsal and 

 caudal fins with round dark spots. 



Four specimens, two of 3G7 mm. and 395 mm. in length respec- 

 tively, procured by ss. Pietcr Fa lire in large trawl, 46-55 fins., mud, 

 Tugela Eiver mouth, N. by W. 18 miles ; one specimen, 188 rnm. in 

 length, caught in the Inner Harbour, Durban ; and one, 153 mm. in 

 length, from Mr. Eorner Eobinson, Natal. 



All the specimens agree closely with Boulenger's description of 

 E. andersoni, but are deeper in the body, especially the two smaller 

 ones (the body contents, including gill-arches, had been removed in 

 the type). The colouring of the small specimens differs somewhat 

 from that of the larger ones. 



L o v 



EPINEPHELUS LANCEOLATUS, Bl. 



Teeth, in broad bands on both jaws ; canines small. Depth of 

 body 3 times in total length excluding caudal, length of head 2f 

 times. Snout very short, 4^ times in length of head and twice the 

 diameter of the eye, which is small and 9 times in length of head ; 

 interorbital width 4 T V times in length of head ; lower jaw projecting 

 beyond upper ; maxillary reaches to much beyond vertical of 

 posterior margin of eye, the width of its distal extremity equals 

 11 times diameter of eye ; preoperculuni rounded, finely serrated, 

 the serrse somewhat enlarged at the angle ; middle opercular spine 

 nearer lower than upper, lower not further back than upper, 

 opercular flap obtusely pointed, its upper border strongly convex ; 

 head entirely covered with cycloid scales, maxillary naked; gill- 

 rakers moderate, 14 on lower part of anterior arch. 



Dorsal xi 15 ; originating above base of pectorals ; spines increasing 

 in height to 3rd, which is i length of head, posterior gradually 

 lengthening to the last, which is J length of head and height of 

 longest soft ray. Pectorals a little more than i length of head. 

 Ventrals over |- length of head, spine strong and half the length of 



