54 



in the Barracuda, and the large compressed, sharp-pointed, lancet-shaped palatine teeth are 

 fewer in number, and are followed by more minute teeth. The glossohyal is of unusual 

 length, as in other species of Sphyreena. The outer wall of the longitudinal foramen of the 

 alisphenoid has a similar slender form to that in the great Barracuda, resembling the simi- 

 larly situated bone called ' columella ' in Lizards. 



Hunterian. 



197. A skull, wanting the occipital segment, and with the dried integuments left 



on, of the Sphyrtena Barracuda, vertically bisected. 



It shows well the large size of the subcranial canal, and the position and relative size of the 

 palatal teeth. The valvular fold of gum or buccal membrane behind the premaxillary teeth 

 is preserved. 



Hunterian. 



198. The upper and lower jaws, and the palatine bones, of the Sphyreena Barracuda . 

 showing the different sizes and numbers of the lancet-shaped teeth on these 

 different bones. Hunterian. 



199. One of the palatine bones of the Sphyrana Barracuda. 



It supports eleven large lancet-shaped teeth. The cavities of the reserve teeth open at the 

 inner side of the bases of those in place : the teeth appear to be shed alternately, so that a 

 serviceable series is always kept up. The teeth in use, though implanted in sockets, are 

 anchylosed to their parietes. 



Mm. Brit. 



200. The premaxillary and premandibular bones of a large Barracuda Perch-pike 



(Sphyresna Barracuda). 



One of the premandibular bones has been vertically bisected, showing the anchylosis of 

 the base of the teeth with their sockets ; and one of the alveoli of reserve has been laid 

 open : the orifices leading to these alveoli are on the inner side of the base of the teeth 

 in place. 



Hunterian. 



201. The premandibular or dentary pieces of the lower jaw of the Barracuda Perch- 



pike. 



The lancet-shaped teeth are in a single row, as on the palatine bones, but are much smaller, 

 and decrease in size as they approach the symphysis, which supports two teeth equalling the 

 palatine teeth in size. 



Hunterian. 



