46 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES, 



Genus Neoatiierixa, Casteln. 



Form compressed, subelongate ; snout rather projecting. Teeth 

 strong, on the upper jaw in two series, those in front long and 

 Llunt, those on the sides triangular; in the lower jaw numerous 

 and pavement like, with an external series of larger and conical 

 teeth ; several transverse lines of strong teeth on the palate. 

 Scales large, ciliated. Two dorsal fins, each with one strong 

 spine. 



628. Neoatherina australis, Casteln. 



Researches on the Fishes of Australia, p. 32. 



D. 1/4/1/11. A. 1/17. L. lat. 28. 



Subelongate, convex on the anterior part of the bach ; height 

 of body four times in the length, length of head four times and 

 a-third, the diameter of the eye three times and a-half in the 

 length of the head, and equal to the length of the snout ; anterior 

 teeth directed forwards ; cheeks and opercles covered with large 

 scales ; mouth rather wide, resembling that of a Clupea. The four 

 soft rays of the first dorsal are much longer than the spine, and 

 higher than the second dorsal ; ventrals with six long rays ; 

 pectorals small, of twelve rays. Colour (in dried specimens) 

 purplish above and whitish below, with a bluish longitudinal 

 band on the side. 



Swan River. Length four inches. 



&■ 



Family XXXIL MUGILIDiE. 



Body more or less oblong and compressed, covered with cycloid 

 scales of moderate sko ; lateral line none. Cleft of the mouth 

 narrow, or of moderate width, without, or with feeble teeth. 

 Eye lateral, well developed. Gill-openings wide ; four gills ; 

 pseudobranchise ; five or six branchiostegals. Two short dorsal 

 fins, the anterior with .' »ur stiff Bpines, anal longer than second 



