338 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN FISHES, 



1044. Tethodox oblongus, Bl. 



Grunth., Cat. Fishes VIII., p. 278.— Bleek., Atllchth., Gynmod., 



pi. 4, fig. 4. 

 Back and belly covered with small two rooted spines, the snout 

 and tail naked ; the sides are generally crossed by two broad 

 stripes of spines in front and behind the pectoral fin. The length 

 of the head is nearly equal to its distance from the dorsal fin. 

 Caudal fin truncate. The upper teeth not much smaller than the 

 lower. The osseous inter-orbital space is broad in adults, its 

 width being equal to the length of the snout. Upper r^art of the 

 head and middle of the back brown, with round white spots ; on 

 the sides the brown colour descends in irregular transverse bands. 

 Frequently the distribution of the colours on the sides is the 

 same as on the middle of the back ; that is, all the upper part 

 of the fish is brown, with round white spots (var. albophimheusj. 

 Frequently a large round, black spot above the end of the pectoral 

 fin. Length twelve to fifteen inches. 



King George's Sound. 



1045. Tethodox Hamiltoni, Richards. 



Voy. Erebus and Terror, p. 03, pi. 39, figs. 10 aud 11. — Gunth., 

 Cat. Fishes VIIL, p. 280. 



The back and abdomen are covered with minute spines; 

 frequently nothing is visible of the spines, except the pores in 

 which they are lodged, and then the entire fish is smooth to the 

 touch, some specimens are entirely spineless. Snout short, only 

 one-half longer than the eye, and equal to the width of the osseous 

 inter-orbital space. The length of the head is less than its 

 distance from the dorsal fin. Caudal fin rounded. Lower lateral 

 fold distinct. Upper parts brown, with numerous close round 

 black spots ; cheeks with some brown vertical bands or spots ; 

 some large dark blotches on the sides ; sometimes an indistinct 

 dark baud across the back. Lower parts white. 



Fort Jackson. Length five and a half inches. 



