OXUDERCIDJi. 165 



united to the caudal ; the former commences somewhat behind the 

 base of tlie pectoral. The origin of the anal is nearer the extremity 

 of the snout than that of the caudal fin. Ventral disk elliptical. 

 The pectorals are large, the lateral portion being quite elongate, 

 composed of more slender and crowded rays than the inferior por- 

 tion ; the external outline of these fins is falciform. The vent is 

 situated midw-ay between ventral disk and anal fin. Skin flabby. 

 Numerous large mucous pores may be seen on the head, and consti- 

 tuting a lateral line on the anterior region of the body. 



Light olive-brown, with numerous waving longitudinal lines of 

 darker browTi ; some small brown and white spots on the sides. 



San Prancisco. 



8. Liparis mucosus. 

 Liparis mucosus, Ai/res, Proc. Calif. Acad Nat. Sc. L 1855, p. 24. 

 Not having seen the Journal quoted, I am unable to say anything 

 about this fish. Gii-ard appears to be somewhat doubtful as to its 

 specific distinctness from L. pultheUus. 



Fam. 21. OXUDERCID^. 



Head and body elongate, covered with small scales. Dorsal and 

 anal fins long, both with six spines, the soft portion being the more 

 developed. Ventral fins none. 



Only one genus. 



1. OXUDERCES. 



Oxudorces, Valenc. in Voy. Honite, Poiss. p. 181. 

 ^ Head and body elongate, subcylindrical, covered Anth small scales. 

 Cleft of the mouth wide, anteriorly with canines in the upjier jaw ■ 

 teeth in the lower jaw in a single series, horizontal. Ej-es of inode- 

 rate size, prominent. One long dorsal, with six spinous rajs ; anal 

 M-ith six spines. Caudal quite free ; ventrals none. Cill-menibranes 

 united below the throat, and not adherent to the isthmus. 

 China. 



1. Oxuderces dentatus. 



Vaknc. I. c. p. 182. pi. 8. fig. ;j. 



Eyes very close together ; the cleft of the mouth extends to hvhim\ 

 the eyes. 

 Macao. 



