124 LESSER FORKBEARD. 



these rays being two inches, and both divided for about half 

 their length; tail narrow, round; all the fins covered with the 

 common skin. The colour varies, in some examples being 

 nearly black above; in others dark brown, lighter on the 

 belly; lips and mystache altogether white. Some doubts have 

 existed in describing this fish, from the circumstance that in 

 some instances it is said to have a row of prominences or 

 tubercles above the pectoral fins, while in others the surface 

 has been found .entirely smooth; and on account of this 

 variation of description, Dr. Fleming represents them as of 

 two species, with the names of Ji. trifurcatus — the lateral line 

 tuberculated, and M. jago — with the lateral line smooth. But 

 from examination of several examples by different naturalists, 

 no doubt remains that these supposed species are the same. 

 In some instances these supposed tubercles have been visible 

 when the fish was first caught; in others they have shewed 

 themselves only after the lapse of a few hours, while in others 

 they have never become visible or to be discerned by the 

 touch. Fin rays, first dorsal three, second dorsal sixty-two, 

 anal fifty-seven, pectoral twenty-two, ventral eight, caudal 

 thirty-four. 



