SILTJRTD.E. J 



Third Subfamily. 

 SILURID^E ANOMALOPTER.E. 



The rayed dorsal fin is present, bnt little developed, and belongs 

 to the caudal portion of the vertebral column ; adipose fin exceed 

 ingly small. The extent of the anal is not much inferior to that 

 of the caudal vertebral column. The gill-membranes overlap the 

 isthmus, remaining separate to the chin. 



Group E. Ventral fins in front of the dorsal. The abdominal por- 

 tion of the vertebral column is much shorter than the caudal, and 

 the anterior vertebrae remain separate. Hypophthalmina, p. 66. 



Fourth Subfamily. 

 SILURID.E PROTEROPTERtE. 



The rayed dorsal fin is always present, short, with not more 

 than twelve soft rays, and belongs to the abdominal portion of 

 the vertebral column, being placed in advance of the ventrals ; 

 the adipose fin is always present and well developed, although 

 frequently short. The extent of the anal is much inferior to that 

 of the caudal vertebral column. The gill-membranes are not con- 

 fluent with the skin of the isthmus, their posterior margin always 

 remaining free, even if they are united with each other. When- 

 ever the nasal barbel is present, it belongs to the posterior nostril. 



Group F. The anterior and posterior nostrils are remote from each 

 other, and the posterior is provided with a barbel. 



Bagrina, p. 69. 

 Group G. The anterior and posterior nostrils arc remote from each 

 other, none being provided with a barbel. 



Fimelodina, p. 105. 



Group H. The anterior and posterior nostrils are placed close to- 

 gether, without barbel, the posterior with a valve. 



Ariina, p. 138. 



Group I. The anterior and posterior nostrils are placed close to- 

 gether ; a barbel between them .... Bagarina, p. 1 83. 



Fifth Subfamily. 



SILURID.E STENOBRANCHIiE. 



The rayed dorsal fin is short, if present, belonging to the abdo- 

 minal portion of the vertebral column, the ventrals being inserted 



