270 MALACOP. APODES. EEL FAMILY. 



" placed close together, and curving inwards at each 

 side of the extremity of the upper jaw, the two 

 inner one-sixteenth of an inch apart. * In the lower 

 jaw one slender rounded tooth, nearly one line long 

 on each side, curving outward at the base, and in- 

 ward at the point. Entire upper and under jaw 

 and vomer densely studded with small bluntish 

 teeth, somewhat uniform in size ; vomer extending 

 far forward, and very much developed, forming a 

 cavity in the lower jaw, and in advance of the 

 tongue when the mouth is closed ; a series of rows 

 of teeth, similar to those last described, on the palatal 

 bones ; all the teeth of the upper jaw exposed to 

 view when the mouth is closed." 



Difference of opinion may arise as to the proper 

 position and relations of this curious fish. Mr. 

 Thompson was originally of opinion that it belonged 

 to the Tfenioidas, or Riband- fish, it showing con- 

 siderable affinity to that family. It is to be hoped 

 that other specimens will soon be met with. 



Gen. XCVI. Ammodytes. — This genus is strik 

 ingly contrasted with the other members of this fa- 

 mily in having a deeply forked tail, and the dorsal 

 and anal fins separated from the caudal by a con- 

 siderable space. The head is a goo;l deal elongated, 

 and the under jaw is much longer than the upper. 

 Although two species appear to have been long 

 recognised by fishermen in this country, and desig- 

 nated by different names, it is but of late that the 



* It is these teeth, which resemble serpents' fangs, that 

 suggested the generic appellation of Echiodon. 



