193 



SYNAPTURA PECTORALIS. KAUP. (SOLE). 



The mean diameter of loo ova (in formalin) was '8 mm., 

 the maximum -Hi (3), the minimum 72 ( i ). 



The small size of the egg readily distinguishes it from the 

 others, and it can at once be determined by the presence of a 

 number of oil globules from one (rare) to twelve in number, 

 and varying in size from "04 to •15 mm. Fertilization was 

 readily secured on board the " Pictcr Faiirc," and the larva kept 

 alive 241 hours. 



A description of the larva of this fish md of others preserved 

 in formalin is deferred until fresh material and opportunity for 

 further examination is afforded. 



EGGS AND LARVAE OF UNKNOWN FISH. 

 SPECIES I. 



(DEMERSAL.) 



Several clusters of this egg were found in dredging 011 

 shells and stonv ground in False Bay in November and 

 December, as follows : — 



The first lot was ju-it on the point of hatching when procured 

 and nearly the whole hatched out. Macroscopically these eggs 

 presented the appearance of small globules of a semi-transparent 

 gelatinous substance, with the exception of two minute black 

 spots, the eyes of the developing embryo. Those procured on 

 the 19th showed an earlier stage, being entirely destitute of 

 pigment. There were about 500 in a bivalve shell, each about 

 I mm. in diameter. 



Thev were verv firmly attached to the shell and could only 

 with difficulty be removed without rupture. When viewed by- 

 transmitted light under the microscope they were found to be 



