i LOPHODRANCHII. 



arc evolved. There are no distinct cross lines, such as bound 

 depressions in P. Draco. 



On its under aspect, the head is broader near the gill-plates 

 than on its upper surface. Of the breast-pieces the median one 

 is longer and higher than the lateral ones. Posteriorly the two 

 middle dorsal keels run into the upper equally spinous edge of 

 the tail, to form one row. On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th tail-rings 

 there is a lateral spine. The colour is yellowish-brown irregu- 

 larly speckled. Round blackish spots exist on the large pectoral 

 fins, and there are four black specks on the silvery eyes. 



In the Chinese insect-boxes we often find individuals having 

 a shorter snout and broader body, but in all other respects the 

 same. These are probably the females. 



A great number of specimens exist in the British Museum and 

 other collections. It is an inhabitant of the Indian and China 

 Seas. 



2. Pegasus natans, Linn, 



Pegasus natans et volans, Linn. 



Pegasus natans $ et volans g , Richardson, Voy. of Sulph. t. 50. 



f. 5, 10. 

 Pegasus pristis, Bleeker. 

 Cataphraetus anceps, Gron. Zoophyl. 356. t. 12. f . 2, 3 ; Cat. 



144. 



Diagn. — Tail composed of twelve rings, of which the last six 

 are confluent so as to form a long flat piece set on each side 

 with spines. Body long and stretched out. 



Descr. — The elongated, flat, thin snout is furnished on the 

 under edge of the prominent upper piece with short spines 

 pointing backwards. In the nasal region there is a median ele- 

 vated spinous cornice, with one stouter spine. This cornice is 

 accompanied by another spinous line which commences at the 

 base of the acute border of the orbit. There is also a spine 

 followed by two little ones at the beginning of the under border 

 of the orbit. Forehead steep; occiput quite fiat, tending to 

 concave, and traversed by streaks rendered rough by four knobs 

 on their edges. Body more depressed, and almost wholly flat. 

 Knobs supporting diverging rays. First six tail rings hexagonal 

 and spiniferous ; last 3-6', with the exception of the terminal 

 one, greatly elongated, and so confluent beneath that their 

 numbers can be reckoned only by their spines. Breast and 

 belly longer, more flat, without a sharp keel in the middle, and 

 distinguished from the lateral ones merely by a line somewhat in 

 relief. Colour yellowish-brown. 



