THE 



FIFTH ORDER OF FISHES, 



THE LOPHOBRANCHII 



Has also the jaws complete and free, but it is amply 

 distinguished by the gills, which, instead of being as 

 usual, pectiniform, are divided into little round tufts, 

 disposed in pairs along the branchial arches, a struc- 

 ture of which no other fish has yet presented any ex- 

 ample. They are enclosed under a large operculum, 

 attached on all parts by a membrane, which only 

 leaves a little hole for the passage of the water, and 

 exhibits, in its thickness, only some vestiges of rays. 

 These fishes may also be recognized by having their 

 body cuirassed from one extremity to the other, with 

 pieces which render it almost always angular. They 

 are generally of small size, and almost without 

 flesh. Their intestine is equal and without cceca ; 

 their natatory bladder small but tolerably large in 

 proportion. 



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