248 



SCLEHODEKMI. 



28. Monacanthus convexirostris. 



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



Body Covered with small spiny but very distinct scales, without 

 cutaneous filaments Body rather oblong, its depth being about 

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

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

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

 pectoral fin below the middle of the orbit. Dorsal spine situated 

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

 than the head, armed in front with a double series 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-b. Nine inches long, in bad state. George Town, Presented by 



R. Gunn, 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, rough 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 upper profile convex. GUI- 

 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 

 truncate ; 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. 



30. Monacanthus trachylepis. 



D. 39, A, 35. 



Scales not distinct, replaced by short vertical prominences, each 

 of which bears from three to five spinelcts. 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 ujjpcr ])rofilc straight. Gill- 



