418 Mr. Gr. A. Boulenger on 



2. Polypterus Lapradii, Stdr. 



Head 2 to 24; as long as broad, more depressed than in 

 P. bichir, 4£ to 5 times in total length ; interorbital region 

 flat; all the head-shields paired ; suboperele larger than the 

 eye; mandible projecting very slightly beyond the snout. 

 Dorsal spines 13-15, usually 14, slender, 5 or 6 times as long 

 as broad, overlapping when folded. Pectoral reaching first 

 dorsal spine or a little beyond. 61-66 scales along the body, 

 48-5'J round the middle of the body. Body with more or 

 less distinct dark stripes and cross-bars ; fins spotted or 

 streaked. 



Total length 520 millim. 



Senegal, Niger. 



A. B. C. D. 



1. Niger XIV 62 2£ 4J 



2. „ XIV 61 2* 5 



3. „ XIV 62 2i 4£ 



4. „ XIII 63 2 4| 



6. „ XIV 64 2 4§ 



6. „ XIV 66 2i 4} 



7. „ XIV 66 2 41 



8. „ XV 65 2* 4§ 



9. W. Africa XIV 64 2 5 



3. Polypterus congicus, sp. n. 



Head 1| to If as long as broad, 4 to 4§ times in total 

 length ; interorbital space flat ; a small azygos shield between 

 the nasals ; suboperele larger than the eye ; mandible pro- 

 jecting very slightly beyond the snout. Dorsal spines 13 or 

 14, anterior 4 or 5 times as long as broad, overlapping when 

 folded. Pectoral reaching first dorsal spine or beyond. 

 55-57 scales along the body, 48-50 round the middle. Body 

 with 6 or 7 more or less regular, narrow, dark cross-bars ; 

 fins spotted or streaked. 



Total length 720 millim. 



Congo. 



Specimens with external gills have been exhibited by me 

 at a recent meeting of the Zoological Society under the 

 erroneous name of P. Lapradii, Stdr. (cf. P. Z. S. 1898, 

 p. 493) . 



A. B. C. D. 



1. Stanley Falls XIV 55 1|| 4§ 



2. New Antwerp XIV 57 If 4 



3. LeopoldvUle XIII 57 If 4| 



4. Manyanga XIII 57 1£ 4^ 



4. Polypterus Endlt'cheri, Heck. 

 Head H to 1§ as long as broad, 4$ to 5f times in total 



