134 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAIJ MUSEUM. 



The tuberculous ridges are extremely well-marked and are dis- 

 posed as follows : — The median dorsal ridge commences between 

 the eyes and extends along the edge of the first dorsal fin, thence 

 recommences and similarly passes along the second dorsal ; it 

 once more re-appears and forms the keel of the tail. 



On each side of this median ridge and about an inch and a half 

 below it, runs a second ridge which loses itself behind the second 

 dorsal fin, but faintly re-appears on the tail. Another ridge 

 arises above the pectoral, passes along the middle line of the side, 

 and is also traceable along the tail. A fourth ridge commences 

 at the side of the vent and is lost beyond the anal fin. On the 

 median ventral line immediately behind the vent, is another ridge 

 which passes up the edge of the anal fin ; lastly, a ridge leads up 

 to each ventral. 



The spots on the tail form regular longitudinal series, one row 

 between each ridge. 



The stomach was crowded with a Mollusc, which Mr. C. Hedley 

 recognises as a Natica. No trace of the shell was to be seen, but 

 in every case the operculum was present. An examination of the 

 contents of the intestines showed that the operculum is dissolved 

 in its passage, and not ejected from the mouth. 



The Natica is found on muddy and sandy flats, and the shark 

 passing over such banks must pick up the mollusc by thousands. 

 It evidently crushes the shell, sucks out the animal, and swallows 

 it with the operculum attached. Neither the stomach nor intestines 

 contained any food whatever beyond this particular Gasteropod. 

 Day remarks* : — " The favourite food of this fish is Molluscs and 

 Crustacea." 



Although not previously recorded from the Colony, this is the 

 second example known to have been obtained here. On February 

 14th, 1896, we purchased from a fisherman a specimen caught oft" 

 Port Jackson. 



Hitherto the genus was known in Australian waters only from 

 an example obtained Ijy Mr. Alex. Morton, at Cape York, Queens- 

 land. This specimen is also in the Museum collection. 



EDGAR R. WAITE. 



II.— A SHIPWORM, NEW to AUSTRALIA. 



Some specimens of "Cobra," received from Captain Almond, Port- 

 mastei', Brisbane, prove to be the Kuphus viaiinii, Wright. 

 This species seems not to have been noticed since 1866, when it 

 was described from Singapore, In the same parcel of specimens, 

 which were procured at Cooktowu, were included instances of 

 Calobates thoraciies, Gould. q HEDLEY 



* Day — Fishes of India, p. 725. 



