84 



HI'LLETIN OK THK liUKKAU OF FISHERIES. 



In Lqpholatihcs the parapophyses begin on the fourth vertebra, the ribs 

 anterior to that articulating directly with the centrum. On the eleventh, or rir.st 

 caudal vertebra, the parapophyses turn abruptly downward and unite a short 

 distance below the centrum, thus making a sharp distinction between the thoracic 

 and caudal regions. In OaulolatikiS the parapophyses do not begin until the 



fifth vertebra, uniting on the thir- 

 €*'*'■ teenth and in a manner slightly dif- 



ferent from that in Zqpholatilus. In 

 Ijttiliix there is a short pedicel on 

 the second vertebra, the parapophy- 

 ses beginning definitely on the 

 third, the eleventh being the first 

 caudal. The manner in which the 

 parapophyses are united on this 

 vertebra is at once peculiar and 

 characteristic: A branch is sent 

 backward, downward, and inward 

 from the posterior edge of the para- 

 p< >i ih \ sis of each side, and this unites 

 with its fellow to separate definitely 

 the thoracic and caudal regions. In 

 Malacanthus, the parapophyses of 

 the eleventh, or first caudal, bow 

 widely apart and are united only at 

 their tips, where they reach the 

 interhsemals or inferior axonosts. 

 This occurs to a lesser extent with 

 the twelfth and thirteenth vertebra', 

 and as a result the body cavity is 

 prolonged into the caudal region. 

 thus making a great distinction in 

 this respect between Malacanthus 

 and the other genera under consid- 

 eration. It is of interest to note 

 that the epipleural is attached to 

 the eleventh vertebra directly in 

 line with the vertebra' immediately 



Cranium of Loptiolatilus, superior aspect. preceding it. 



The scapular arch presents no peculiarities in any of the fishes in question, and 

 that of Loplwlatilus may be taken as typical of all. This has a post-temporal of the 

 usual modified V -pattern, articulating with a simple postero-temporal which in turn 

 joins the proscapula. The post-clavicle is formed of two bones; the actinosts are 

 four in number, gradually increasing in length from above downward, the lowermost 

 being moderately long. 



In cranial characters the genera Lalilux, Lopholatilus, ami Caulolatilus agree 

 with each other and differ from Malacanthus in having the skull moderately elevated 



SO 



