OXUDERCIDJE. 1(35 



united to the caudal ; the former commences somewhat behind the 

 base of the 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 midway between ventral disk and anal fin. Skin flabbj'. 

 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-bro-svn, with numerous waving longitudinal lines of 

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



San Francisco. 



8. Liparis mucosus, 

 Liparis mucosus, Ayres, Proc. Calif. Acad. Nat. Sc. i. 1855, p. 24. 

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

 about this fiish. Girard appears to bo somewhat doubtful as to its 

 specific distinctness from L. imkhellus. 



Fam. 21. OXUDERCID^. 



Head and body elongate, covered Avith 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. 

 Oxuderces, Valetic. in Voy. Bonite, Poiss. p. 181. 

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

 Cleft of the mouth wide, anteriorly with canines in the upper jaw ; 

 teeth in the lower jaw in a single series, horizontal. Eyes of mode- 

 rate size, prominent. One long dorsal, %vith six'spinous rays ; anal 

 with six spines. Caudal quite free ; ventrah none. Gill-membranes 

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

 China, 



1. Oxuderces dentatns. 



^^alenc. I. c. p. 182. pi. 8. tig. 3. 



D.A. A. A 



Eyes very close together ; the cleft of the mouth extends to boliinci 

 the eyes. 

 Macao. 



