6Q LORD HOWE ISLAND. 



series of a number of dorsal spines, not only abnormal in that species, but, 

 according to all the authors whom I have had an opportunity of consulting, 

 also abnormal in the genus, where thirteen is given as the maximum. It is 

 however worthy of remark that in the ninth volume of the "Atlas Ichthyolo- 

 gique" — of which I have not seen the letter-press — Dr. Bleeker figures 

 Oli/pJddodon leucof/aster and Gli/phidodontops zonatus with fourteen dorsal 

 spiues. Now in the "Fische der 8udsee," Heft v. p. 232, Dr. Giinther makes 

 tlae latter species a synonym of G. hrow7iriggii, but still holds to the thirteen 

 dorsal spines ; so that Dr. Bleeker's G. zonatus may be the same as the 

 sj)ecies above described, though none of my examples show the slightest 

 trace of a zone, in which case my name would have to stand, his having been 

 previously utilized by MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes. 



My specimens measure from two to six inches in length ; they are very 

 common in all the reef-pools. 



According too to Dr. Day ("Fishes of India," p. 387) G. hroionriggii has 

 only five branchiostegal rays, whereas my species undoubtedly has six. 

 Eegister numbers, I. 1903— L 1910. 



PARMA, GuntTier. 



Paema POLTLEPIS, G7lth. 



This species is well known to the islanders by the name of " Sailor Pish," 

 and though it grows to a foot in length is not used as food. They are 

 common in the rock-pools, and Mr. Saunders tells me that he could only get 

 the larger examples by hook and line, and that each has his own lurking- 

 place, whence he rushes out to seize the bait, and carries it back immediately 

 to devour at his leisure. Our eight specimens measure from one to ten inches. 

 Owing to their similar habits of life, it is not surprising to find that they are 

 quite as variable in coloration as the last species ; the adults being uniform 

 purplish -black, and provided with four coarse bony protuberances on the 

 head, one above the middle of each eye, and two on the occiput, these latter 

 being sometimes confluent. 



HELIASTES, Cuv. cf Val. 



Heliastes htpsilepis, Gntli. 



Though originally described from Port Jackson, no example is to be found 

 in the Australian Museum nor in that of the Hon. Wm. Macleay, and I 

 was therefore agreeably surprised to find two specimens among the Lord 

 Howe Island collections. Both were obtained from reef-pools, and they are 

 said to be rare ; they measure respectively six and two-thirds and five and 

 a half inches. 



LABRID^. 



COSSTPHUS, Guv. ^ Val. 



COSSTPHUS ATEOLUMBUS, CuV. ^ Val. 



Mr. Saunders obtained a single specimen of this beautiful fish, which 

 was taken by hook in water about twelve fathoms deep, and is said to be very 

 rare. 



LABEICHTHTS, BleeTcer. 



Labeiciithts insceipta, Bich. 

 This " Parrot Fish " (all the members of the family go by the same name) 

 is abundant, and as it grows to at least eighteen inches and is easily obtained, 

 It is esteemed as an article of food ; it is almost entirely taken by hook and 

 line. 



