PELVIC (4IRDLB AND FFN OP EUSTHENOFTh^RON. 313 



defined pre-axial rays, and probably a vestigial third 

 ray. 



The chief difference between the pectoral and the pelvic 

 fin is, that whereas in the former there are post- axial 

 expansions on the first, third, and fourth axial segments, 

 in the pelvic fin no such post-axial process is visible in our 

 specimen (figs. 1 and 2). 



The pelvic fin projects from the body as a free lobe of 

 considerable size, and is covered with scales similar to those 

 on the trunk. Round this lobe the extensive web of the fin 

 is supported by jointed bony dermal fin rays. On the pre- 



FlG. B. — Ventral view of the pelvic girdle and fins of Cliimaera 

 monstrosa, L. 



axial side the dermal rays are, as usual, stronger than on the 

 post-axial side. The pre-axial edge of the fin is straighter 

 and considerably longer than the post-axial, so that the fin is 

 not symmetrical about its skeletal axis either internally or 

 externally. 



The pelvic girdle is represented on the right side by a 

 somewhat triangular elongated bone. It is pointed in front, 

 and widens out behind into a broad plate. The outer edge 

 is almost straight, whilst the inner edge is sharply curved 

 where the bone widens out. To the posterior edge is 

 articulated the axis of the pelvic fin. The whole girdle 

 consists of two such bones, which in the livini'- animal no 



