Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes. 



same species, the difference he gives in numliev of the rays of the 

 dorsal and aual fins lieing simply inexpHcable. The numbers of 

 the tin rays and spines, as I give them, have been tested on great 

 numbers of specuiieus. The bright yellow of the tail, as in our 

 figure, is generally very conspicuous, and as I give it ; but in 

 many specimens the base is of a darker brownish hue, and some- 

 times, although rarely, the fin assumes a brownish olive tint. The 

 bright gamboge yellow is, however, the striking, usual, charac- 

 teristic colour. The yellow band passing through the eye along 

 the sides to the tail, although generally very conspicuous, is 

 occasionally duller or more obscure in some specimens. About 

 three feet long is the average size ; but specimens occasionally 

 occur four feet in length, and I have heard of some weighing 

 90lbs. The air bladder is large, with two small lateral lobes in 

 front. 



Explanation of FiGtiBES. 



Plate 172. — Fig. 1, arerage specimen, one-fourth the natural size. Fig. la, head (striation 

 and serration of preoperculum much too coarse). Fig. 16, teeth of jaws, vomer and palatine, 

 three-fifths the natm'al size. Fig. \c, teeth on upper jaw and tongue. Fig. \d, scale of sides, 

 magnified four diameters (the concentric lines and margin on the posterior portion should be 

 slightly more undulated). Fig. le. scale from lateral line, magnified four diameters. Fig. 1/, 

 section of pedicle of tail, to show the keels. 



Frederick McCoy. 



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