196 GIANT FISHES 



n. The body is of moderate length ; 

 each pelvic fin has from 5 to 9 

 rays ; the caudal fin is well- 

 developed and is set at an angle 

 to the axis of the body 



Deal-fishes (p. no). 



nn. The body is very long and ribbon- 

 like ; each pelvic fin is composed 

 of a single long ray ; the caudal 

 fin is a mere rudiment or is 

 absent altogether Oar-fish (p. 112). 



mm. An anal fin is present, and is com- 

 posed of numerous short spines ; 

 the mouth is large, and is provided 

 with strong, sharp teeth, 

 o. No dagger-like spine behind the 

 vent ; eye of moderate size ; 

 colour silvery 



SCABBARD-FISH (p. I38). 



00. A dagger-like spine behind the 

 vent ; eye large ; colour dark- 

 brown or black 



Black Scabbard-fish (p. 140). 



L. The body is never greatly compressed 

 or very long ; the skin is usually 

 provided with thin, overlapping 

 scales. 



p. Dorsal fin consisting of a spinous 

 and a soft portion ; the head is 

 normally shaped. 



q. Teeth are nearly always present on 

 the roof of the mouth. 



r. The spinous part of the dorsal 

 fin is longer than the soft, and 

 is composed of stout spines ; 

 none of the anal spines is 

 detached ; the hinder edge of 

 the caudal fin is rounded, 

 square-cut, or rather concave. 



s. The inner teeth in the jaws are 

 not hinged or depressible 

 inwards ; there are no 

 larger canine teeth at the 

 front of the jaws. 



