68 THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 



Paraliparis. 



Paraliparis, Collett, Norsk. Nordh. Exped. Fisk., p. 53. 

 Monomitra, Goode, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., vol. vi., 1884, p. 109. 



General shape of the body and head as in Liparis, the skin being very loose, thin, 

 and easily torn. The peculiar posterior process of the infraorbital ring, the structure 

 of the vertical fins, and the dentition are also the same as in Liparis. But the ventral 

 fins are absent, and the lower rays of the pectoral fin are entirely detached from the 

 others, or nearly so. 



Paraliparis bathyhius (PI. XII. fig. C). 



Liparis {Paraliparis) batJiybii, Collett, Norsk. Nordh. Exped. Fisk., p. 52, pi. ii. fig. 15. 



D. 60. A. 50. P. 12/3. 



The specimen obtained by the "Knight-Errant" is of the same size and sex as the typical 

 example, and also in a rather indiSerent condition, nearly the whole body being denuded of 

 skin. Fortunately those parts about which CoUett's description leaves us in doubt, are well 

 enough preserved to confirm his supposition that this fish is the type of a distinct genus. 

 The ventral disc, or indeed any external trace of ventral fins, is absent, and the lower 

 portion of the pectoral fin is separated from the upper by a smooth space without any of 

 those intermediate filaments which are shown in CoUett's figure. The three lower rays ' 

 are connected by membrane to their tips, and form a fin by themselves. The posterior 

 part of the vertical fins is also less elevated, the rays being directed more backwards. 

 The vent occupies a similarly advanced position as in Liparis. Our specimen is distended 

 with apparently mature ova of the size of hemp-seed, as was the case in the type. 



Habitat. — "Knight-Errant," Station 8, 1882; depth, 640 fathoms. One specimen, 

 7g inches long. 



CoUett's specimen was obtained in 658 fathoms, 108 kilometres west of Bear 

 Island. 



Paraliparis liparinus. 



Amitra liparina, Goode, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., vol. iii., 1881, p. 478. 

 Monomitra liparina, Goode, loc. cit., vol. vi., 1884, p. 109. 



D. 67. A. 54. C. 6. P. 17/6. 



Similar in form to Paraliparis bathybius, but with thick, lax, slimy skin. Teeth 

 weak, paved. The dorsal fin begins over the end of the pectoral; and the anal under the 

 eighth or tenth doral ray. Yellowish-white, dusky towards the tail and on the head. 



1 The number of fin-rays forming the detached portion of the pectoral fin is three only, and not more, as would 

 appear from the figure, in which the artist has represented the external folds of the skin, which loosely envelops the 

 three rays. 



