BATHYDRACONIDAE 6i 



In addition to the 2 specimens listed above, the description includes 4 examples (98 to 

 195 mm.) obtained by the B.A.N.Z. Antarctic Research Expedition. 



It seems possible that this species will prove to be identical with R. glacialis, but, 

 as described by DoUo, the latter has fewer dorsal and anal rays, a more slender body, 

 and a rather longer snout. It may be noticed that the intense black spot on the upper 

 edge of the caudal fin characteristic of this species is shown by DoUo in his figure of 

 the type of R. glacialis. 



Fig. 36. Racovitsia harrissoni. x|. 



Genus PRIONODRACO 



Prionodraco, Regan, 1914, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., (8) xni, p. 13; 1914, Rep. Brit. Antarct. 

 {'Terra Nova') Exped. 1910, Zool. i (i), p. 10. Type Prionodraco evansii, Regan. 



Body elongate, compressed, quadrangular, with a series of V-shaped, serrated, bony 

 plates at each angle ; each plate with a backwardly directed spine ; lower series of plates 

 ending in a group of nearly normal serrated scales behind pectoral fin ; usually a series 

 of similar scales along middle of side ; body otherwise naked. Lateral line single, in- 

 complete. Snout spatulate; mouth slightly protractile; teeth small, villiform, in bands. 

 Operculum hooked upwards posteriorly, its upper edge deeply concave ; gill-membranes 

 narrowly united to the isthmus anteriorly. Vertebrae 50 (16 + 34). 



A single species. 



Coasts of the Antarctic Continent. 



Prionodraco evansii, Regan. 



Prionodraco evansii, Regan, 1914, t.c, p. 13; 1914, t.c, p. 10, pi. vii, fig. i ; Waite, 1916, Austral. 

 Antarct. Exped. Sci. Rep., Ser. C, ni (i), Fishes, p. 35; Norman, 1937, Rep. B.A.N.Z. 

 Antarct. Res. Exped., Ser. B, i, p. 75. 



St. 167. 20. ii. 27. Off Signy Island, South Orkneys. Net (7 mm. mesh) attached to back of 

 trawl, 244-344 "^•- 3° specimens, 65-162 mm. 



Depth of body 7 to 8 in the length, length of head 3 to 3|. Snout as long as or a 

 little longer than eye, diameter of which is 3 to 3Mn length of head ; interorbital width 

 14 to 16. Lower jaw a little projecting; maxillary extending to or nearly to level of 

 anterior margin of eye ; cheeks and opercles entirely naked ; 15 to 18 gill-rakers on lower 

 part of anterior arch. About 50 plates in the upper series; 12 to 17 tubular scales in 



