BY W. SAVTLLE-KEXT. F.L.S., F.Z.S. 107 



from a scientific staud-point are of but secondary imporr, are 

 nevertheless, so conspicuously distinct as to warrant considera- 

 tion. As previously intimated three or four relatively small spots 

 occupy the place of the single one, or at most two large spots 

 found in <t. Leichardti. These smaller spots usually form a 

 chain-like baud, and moreover below the fishes' lateral line are 

 for the most part represented by narrow and crescent shaped 

 bands, such as are to be found in no position in the southern 

 type. These colour bands or chains of spots are again developed, 

 much nearer to the posterior edge of the scales than the single 

 or double spots in ( Meotjl'mum Leirhanlti and in which last 

 named species they are nearly central. 



There being no doubt left as to the specific distinctness of 

 the two forms under notice, it is incumbent that a suitable specific 

 title should be associated ^\-ith the new form that has been 

 obtained from Cape York. Li this connection it afibrds me 

 much pleasui'e to associate with this interesting fish the name 

 of Mr. Frank -Jardine. to whom the scientific world in general 

 and myself in particular are indebted for its ihscovery. 



It remains for me to relate that since securing Mr. Jardine's 

 specimens, I have obtained positive evidence of Osteocflos-siun 

 Jaidinii being widely distributed among other rivers that dis- 

 charge their waters into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The examina- 

 tion of the spu-it collection of fishes contained in the Queensland 

 Museum resulted in my tlndiug a specimen from the Gregory 

 Eiver, debouching upon the south-western watershed of the 

 Gulf, that coincides in every detail with the Batavia River 

 type, and I may fiu'ther mention that diu-ing my recent excm'sion 

 to the Norman River I was apprised by a local fisherman of the 

 existence of a species of Oxteoiflosaum in the upper waters of 

 that river which in its characteristic markings agreed with the 

 Batavia River species. 



The newly-introduced form, tf. JonUnii, in fact seems, so 

 far as present e\idence will allow of a decision, to be the 

 characteristic species of the Gulf of Carpentaria watershed and 

 the original type, O. L^icli'thhi, to be similarly limited in its 

 (hstributiou to the watersiied of the east^em coastline of 

 Queensland. 



