SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS 



OF 



THE FAMILIES 



ACANTHOPTERYGIAN FISHES. 



The following Synopsis has been prepared for the purpose, first, 

 of showing my views on the natural affinities of these fishes, and, 

 secondly, of facilitating their determination. Technical characters, 

 therefore, have been combined with the natural, so far as this ap- 

 peared to be required for the second purpose. Those species which 

 do not fall within the limits of these characters, forming exceptions 

 to the general plan of structure of their relations, are named in foot- 

 notes. 



A soft dorsal and an anal fin. Vent remote from the extremity 

 of the tail, behind the ventral fins, if they are present. 



First division : Acanth. perciformes. 



Body more or less compressed, elevated or oblong, not elongate. 

 No prominent anal papilla ; no superbranchial organ. Dorsal fin or 

 fins occupying the greater portion of the back ; spinous dorsal well 

 developed, generally with stiff spines, of moderate extent, rather 



