Descriptions of Fislics from the Coast of Natal. 273 



Colour (of preserved specimen), dark brown, covered with indefi- 

 nite black patches ; fins light-coloured, the caudal with a dark tinge 

 on outer half. 



One specimen, 128 mm. in length, from Mr. Eomer Robinson, 

 Natal. 



This fish seems to be the same as Castelnau's M. auratus, recorded 

 from Algoa Bay. 



MONACANTHUS PARDALIS, Rupp. 



Depth of body nearly twice in total length excluding caudal, 

 length of head 3i times. Snout 4 times diameter of eye, which is 

 If times in interorbital width and 4f times in length of head. Eyes 

 placed high up and far back at upper posterior angle of head, their 

 posterior margin vertically above axil of pectorals ; snout moderately 

 produced, upper profile slightly concave. 



Dorsal i 36, commences in line with anterior margin of eye ; spine 

 strong, nearly straight, roughened but not barbed, nearly f length of 

 head and situated nearly midway between point of snout and origin 

 of soft dorsal. Anterior rays of soft dorsal lower, the longest about 

 f length of the spine, the succeeding ones again shortening. Pec- 

 torals about -- length of head. Ventral spine not movable. Anal 

 30 ; anterior rays longest, about same height as longest rays of soft 

 dorsal, decreasing posteriorly. Caudal rounded, about |- length of 

 head. Scales very small, body with a velvety appearance. 



Colour (of preserved specimen), dark brown, dorsal anal and 

 pectoral fins whitish. 



One specimen, 156 mm. in length, from Durban Museum. 



MONACANTHUS MONOCEEOS, Osb. 



Depth of body 2 times in total length excluding caudal, length of 

 head 3f times. Snout nearly 5f times diameter of eye, which is 

 -J- interorbital width and 6| times in length of head. Eyes situated 

 midway between upper end of gill-openings and dorsal spine, part of 

 gill-opening in advance of orbits ; interorbital space highly convex ; 

 snout moderately produced, with its upper profile convex. 



Dorsal i 47 ; spine of 1st dorsal weak, roughened but without 

 barbs, about J length of head and situated midway between point of 

 snout and 2nd dorsal. Anterior soft rays of 2nd dorsal low, rising 

 to the 6th ray, which is a little higher than the spine of 1st dorsal, 

 succeeding two or three rays about sub-equal, the remainder 

 gradually shortening posteriorly. Pectorals a little more than 



