I'-ll.J SCLERODERMI. 



1). Doi'sal sj)ine with four scrwn of lutvhf. 



1. The front Kertes are much closer together than the hinder series, and 

 formed by small barbs. 



24. Monacanthus hippocrepis. 



Balistcs hippocrepis, Quojj dj- Gaim. Voy. Uran. Zool. p. 212. 

 Aleuterius variabilis, Richards. Voy. Ereh. <§• Terr. Fish. p. 07, pi. 53. 



figs. 1-7. 

 Monacanthus hippocrepis, Hollard, Ami. Sc. Xat. 1854, ii. p. 338; 



Steindachncr, >Sitzf/sber. Ak. Wiss. Wien, 1868, Ivii. p. 1002. 



D. 35-37. A. 33-36. 



Skin roiigh, velvet-like. Old examples (16-17 inches long) with 

 four or six strong spines on each side of the tail, disposed in a double 

 series, their points being directed forwards. In younger examples 

 (females?) these spines are comparatively smaller, with the points 

 directed backwards. Body elongate, its depth being two-fifths of 

 the total length (without caudal). Pectoral fin situated behind the 

 vertical from tlie orbit. Snout long, obtuse, with the upper profile 

 rather convex. Dorsal spine rather strong, two-thirds of the length 

 uf the head, situated above the posterior half of the orbit; it is 

 armed behind with a double series of small barbs, and in front with 

 a dou!>le series of small tubercles. Caudal fin subtruncate, with the 

 Lornerr-i rounded ; dorsal and anal fins low. Ventral spine very 

 smaU, fixed. Brown, with undulated bluish bands on the snout 

 and along the lowcrsidc. Two or three blue bands or scries of 

 spots along the back, one along the base of the anal. Side of the 

 trunk with a horseshoe-like black marking cnclot'ng a yeUow spot; 

 or with a yellow blotch spotted with brown. Caudal fin Avith a 

 black crescent-shaped cross band. 



New South Wales. 

 It. Fine specimen, 17 inches long. Sydney. From Mr. Krefft's 



Collection. 

 /). Half-grown : stuffed. South Australia. 

 I-, d. Adult : stuffed. Australia. 

 c. Half-grown : stuffed. Australia. From Mr. Gould's Collection. 



— Type of A. variabilis. 

 f. Half-grown. From the Haslar Collection. 



25. Monacanthus knerii. 



Monacanthus (Paramonacauthus) knerii, Sfciridachiier, iSitzgsber. 



Ak. iFm. ivioi, 1867, iv. p. rm. 



D. 35. A. 34. 



Skin velvety. Two rows of thin hook-like sjnnes pointing back- 

 wards on each side of the tail. The height of the body is one-half 

 uf the total length (without caudal). Snout with the upper jtrofile 

 rather concave. Dorsal sjune armed behind Avith a series of five 

 laige barbs on each edge, and witli a double scries of more nume- 

 rous and smaller barbs in front. Ventral spine .small, moveable. 



