248 



SCLEHODERMI. 



28. Monacanthus convexirostris. 



D. 34-37. A. 32-35. 



Body covered with small spiny but very distinct scales, -nathout 

 cutaneous filaments. Body rather oblong, its depth being about 

 two-fifths of the total length (without caudal). Snout rather pro- 

 duced, with the upper projUe convex. Gill-opening much advanced, 

 partly in front of the vertical from the anterior margin of the eye ; 

 l>cctoral fin below the middle of the orbit. Dorsal spine situated 

 above the hinder half of the eye, rather strong, but much shorter 

 than the head, armed in front with a double scries of barbs, which 

 are closely set and smaller than those behind. Caudal fin rounded, 

 shorter than the head ; dorsal and anal fins low. Ventral spine 

 small, fixed, prominent, with barbs. Coloration uniform greyish, 

 or clouded with darker. 



Tasmania and New Zealand. 



a-h. Nine inches long, in bad state. George Town. Presented by 



E,. Gunu, Esq. 

 c. Skin, 8| inches long. New Zealand. Presented by Dr. Sinclair. 

 d-e. Stuffed, 9| inches long. 



29. Monacanthus multiradiatus. 



D. 38. A. 36. 



Body covered with minute, rougli scales, with short bristles on 

 the side of the tail, which, in adult examples, is armed with three 

 pairs of strong spines pointing forwards. Body oblong, its depth 

 being contained twice and three-fourths in the total length (without 

 caudal). Snout produced, with the ii])per profile convex. GiU- 

 opening situated below the hind margin of the orbit, the pectoral 

 fin being entirely behind the vertical from the eye. Dorsal spine 

 compressed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the body, 

 armed laterally with a row of barbs, and in front with a double 

 series of small, very closely set barbs ; it is smooth behind, rather 

 feeble, and situated above the hinder part of the orbit. Caudal fin 

 trimcate ; dorsal and anal fins low. Ventral spine very small, rough, 

 free from the abdominal flap. Coloration uniform brownish grey ; 

 the base of the caudal spines and the hind margin of the caudal fin 

 light-coloured. 



South Australia. 



a. Stuffed, 18 inches long. 



3(J. Monacanthus trachylepis. 

 D. 39. A. 35. 



Scales not distinct, replaced by short vertical prominences, each 

 of which bears from three to five spinelets. Tail with two pairs of 

 strong, compressed spines bent forwards. Body oblong, its depth 

 being contained twice and two-thirds in the total length (without 

 caudal). Snout produced, with the ujjper profile straight. GiU- 



