TEACHINID^E. 



465 



Cleft of the mouth small, with the upper jaw rather longer ; eye 

 lateral, large. Two dorsals, the first with from nine to twelve 

 spines ; ventrals thoracic. Villiform teeth in the jaws, and on 

 the vomer, none on the palatine bones. OjDerculum unarmed ; 

 praeoperculum serrated. The bones of the head with wide 

 muciferous channels. 



Eight species ; small, plain-coloured shore-fishes, common 

 in the Indian Ocean to the coasts of Australia. 



BoviCHTHYS. — Head broad and thick ; cleft of the mouth 

 horizontal, with the upper jaw rather longer ; eye lateral, more 

 or less directed upwards. Scales none. Two separate dorsal 

 fins, the first with eight spines; ventrals jugular; the lower 

 pectoral rays simple. Villiform teeth in the jaws, on the vomer 

 and the palatine bones ; no canines. Operculum with a strong 

 spine ; prieorbital and prseoperculum not armed. 



Three species are known from the South Pacific. 



Fig. 207. — Head of Bovichthys variegatus, from New Zealand. 



Bathydraco. — Body elongate, sub-cylindrical; head depressed, 

 with the snout much elongate, spatulate ; mouth wide, horizon- 

 tal, with the lower jaw prominent ; eyes very large, lateral, 

 close together. Scales very small, imbedded in the skin. Lateral 

 hue wide, continuous. One dorsal fin; ventrals jugular; the 



2 H 



