4H AUSTRALIAN' ATHERIMD.I^'. 



Scales iiuuli larger anteriorly tlian on tlie caudal 

 peduncle, in 33-84 series between the base of the pectoral 

 and the hypural. Tliere are six between the median series 

 before the second dorsal and tlie anal, 10-1:2 between the 

 first dorsal and the head, and nine between tlie first spines 

 of the two dorsal fins. 



Origin of the first dorsal almost midway between the 

 snout and the hypural, and a little behind the vertical 

 of the vent which is between the Tuiddle oi- hinder third 

 of the ventrals. Ventrals inserted about halfway between 

 the pectoral and the dorsal or nearer the lattei', and beneath 

 tl^^ hinder third or fourth of the pectoral. Anal com- 

 mencing well, and terminating slightly in advance of the 

 second dorsal. 



Colourless after long preservation in alcohol, with a 

 broad silver lateral band. Cheeks and opercles silver. U))per 

 parts A\'ith scattered minute black specks. 



Described from six s])ecimens, 28-35 mm. long from 

 the snout to the hypural. Through the kindness of Dr. 

 Hamlyn- Harris, JJ)irector of the Queensland Museum, 

 I have been able to examine four from Cape York, including 

 the type specimen, while two co-types are in the Australian 

 Museum. The largest of these last is figured. They do not 

 appear to differ generically from Atherina, l>ut may be 

 distinguished from most other Australian species by their 

 large scales. 



Craterocephalus, gen. tiov. 



Freshwater atherines with small protractile moiiths, 

 the maxillar}^ not reaching to the anterior margin of the 

 eye. Body covered with large, cycloid, concentrically 

 striated scales which extend forwards on to the upper part 

 of the head : some large scales on the cheeks and opercular 

 bones. First dorsal with about 5-8 spines, the second 

 with 1 spine and 7-8 rays. Anal similar to dorsal. Micro- 

 scopic teeth in each jaw ; vomer, palatines and tongue 

 toothless, the skin covering the roof of the mouth often 

 bears minute papillae which closely resemble teeth. Gill- 

 rakers short and few, about ten on lower hmb of first arch. 



^\pe.- C. flicviatilis, sp. nov. Atherinichthy-- fnaculatvs, 



Macleay, also belongs to this genus. 



