NOTES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. 



DESCRIPTION OF A NEW AUSTRALIAN FISH. 



By E. Pierson Ramsay, F.R.S.E. and J. Douglas-Ogilby, 



Assistant in Zoology, Australian Museum. 



Apogon roseigaster, sp. nov. 



B. vii. : D. 6 1/10: A. 2/9-10: V. 1/5: P. 12-13 : C. 17. 



Length of head 3 J, of caudal fin 4f, height of body 3 J in the 

 total length. Eye — diameter 3g in length of head, f of a 

 diameter from the end of snout, and 5 apart. Interorbitai space 

 slightly convex : upper profile of head nearly flat with a con- 

 spicuous median longitudinal ridge : maxilla reaches to beneath 

 last fourth of orbit. Inner edge of preopercle crenulated on 

 both limbs, and with a few small serrations at the angle : outer 

 edge of preopercle, and preorbital, entire. Teeth — villiform on 

 jaws and vomer. Fins — dorsal spines weak, the third the highest 

 about § of the length of the head ; soft dorsal much higher. Anal 

 commences behind the origin of the soft dorsal, and like it is pro- 

 vided with a scaly sheath at the base. The ventral fins are half the 

 length of the head and much shorter than the pectorals. Caudal 

 slightly rounded. Scales — very deciduous. Airbladder — lar<*e, 

 truncate in front, each angle bearing a short lobe. Peritoneum 

 and a lobe on either side of tongue, black. Colors — pale yellowish, 

 with the lower parts roseate, this colour divided posteriorly into 

 two gradually decreasing lobes by the anal fin, out not extending 

 to the caudal ; upper half of spinous dorsal black : soft dorsal 

 and anal pale red with a longitudinal black band about half way 

 up ; other fins immaculate. 



