BY E. R, WAITE. 



227 



spinosisshmis, having the same rough and spiny scutes." It is, 

 however, the nature of these scutes that at once shov^ed me the 

 specimens were distinct, and wherein I perceive the readiest means 

 of distinguishing the species. It may be characterised as follows : — 



SOLENOGNATHUS FASCIATUS, Giinther. 



(PI. xvii. figs. 6 and 9.) 



D. 39-41. Osseous rings 27 + 55. Dorsal surface slightly con- 

 vex. Forehead concave. Occipital scute trilobed, each lobe being 

 of nearly equal size. Tubercles not conspicuously raised ; from 

 each rises a comparatively prominent and stout spine, the rest of 

 the surface covered with spines so minute as to be scarcely noticed 

 without a lens. The lateral row of scutes as in .S'. spinosissimus. 

 Length, 13 inches. 



I have purposely avoided giving particulars of colouration, but 

 have pointed out such characters as will enable anyone to deter- 

 mine the three species either from dry or spirit specimens. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE XVII. 



Fig. 1. — Psenes whiteleggu. (Enlarged). 



Fig. 2. — Solenorjnathus hardwickii. Male ; basal portion of tail. 



Fig. 3. — Solenognafhus hardioicJcii. Seen from beneath. 



Fig. 4. — Solenognathus hardwickii. Female. 



Fig. 5. — Solenognathus spinosissimus. Male. 



Fig. 6. — Solenognathus fasciatus. Female. 



Fig. 7. — Solenognathus hardwickii. Outline of dorsal scutes (magnified). 



Fig. 8. — Solenognathus spinosissimus. Outline of dorsal scutes (magnified). 



Fig. 9. — Solenognathus fasciatus. Outline of dorsal scutes (magnified). 



