Dr. A. Giintlier on new F'sltes from Japan. 433 



LVI. — Preliminary Notes on new Fishes collected in Japan 

 during the ExjJedition of H.M.S. ' Challenger.'' Bj Dr. A. 

 GiJNTHER, F.E,.S., Keeper of the Zoological Department, 

 British Museum. 



The collection of fishes made during the expedition of 

 H.M.S. ' Challenger ' having been intrusted to me for exa- 

 mination, I propose to give preliminary diagnoses of the fishes 

 of some of the faunistic districts, as the execution of the plates 

 will, of necessity, retard the publication of the complete account. 

 Typical specimens of the species described will be deposited 

 in the British Museum after the completion of the work. 



Centrophorus sqiiamulosus. 



Snout much produced, the mouth being nearly midway be- 

 tween the first gill-opening and the end of the snout. The 

 distance between the nostrils is two fifths of the length of the 

 prajoral portion of the snout. The labial fold extends a little 

 way along the margins of the mouth. Pectoral short, with 

 the lower angle rounded, not produced. The first dorsal 

 small ; its base (without spine) is shorter than that of the 

 second, and nearly one sixth of the distance between the two 

 fins. Spines very small, scarcely projecting beyond the skin. 

 Extremity of the ventral fins below the end of the second 

 dorsal. The scales are tricuspid, with a median keel, and so 

 minute as to giv^e a velvety appearance to the skin. Uniform 

 deep black. 



Off Inosiraa. 



Centrophorus foliaceus. 



Snout much produced, the mouth being nearer to the first 

 gill-opening than to the end of the snout. The distance 

 between the nostrils is two sevenths of the length of the prge- 

 oral portion of the snout. The labial fold extends a little way 

 along the margins of the mouth, the angle of the mouth being 

 received in a deep longitudinal slit of the skin. The anterior 

 teeth of the upper jaw triangular, erect ; the lateral slightly 

 oblique ; they are arranged in two regular rows. No median 

 tooth in the lower jaw. Pectoral short, with the lower angle 

 rectangular, not produced. Dorsal spines strong, nearly as 

 high as the fins. The first dorsal rather lower than the se- 

 cond, but with its base longer, the length of the base (without 

 spine) being two fifths of the distance between the two fins. 

 Extremity of the ventral fin a little behind the dorsal spine. 

 The scales are pedunculated, terminating in three spines, of 



Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 4. Vol. xx. 30 



