1G4 Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. 



spots beliind the eyes which appear characteristic of the 

 species. In the sixteen specimens which I have examined, 

 chiefly from the Channel Islands, the caudal fin was in- 

 variably rounded. The operculum is rounded posteriorly, 

 and has no marked spinous process as in L. Decanclolli. 



This species is common in the Channel Islands, but does 

 not appear frequent around the Scottish coast, although 

 several specimens have been recorded from various localities. 

 I have obtained a single specimen from the Sound of Kil- 

 brannan in 8 to 10 fathoms. 



2. L. Decandolli, Eisso. 



Day gives the following fin-formula : — D., 14-16 ; P., 25 ; 

 Y., 1/4; A., 8-11; C, 18. The dorsal and anal fins reach 

 nearly to the caudal, but are not continuous with it. In the 

 specimens which have come under my notice, the variations 

 of the vertical fins are only slight, viz. : — D., 14-15 ; A., 

 10-11; C, 18-19. The head is much flattened, but the 

 upper contour is not arched as in L. Gouanii. A thick 

 fleshy ridge projects above the premaxilla, which is more 

 marked than in any other species. The width of the head 

 is xVths, and the height -j^ths of its total length. The 

 operculum bears a distinct spinous process, which varies 

 somewhat in position. In Mediterranean specimens it is 

 situated near the lower border of the operculum ; in a 

 Scotch specimen the posterior margin gradually tapers to a 

 sharp point, which is more nearly central in position. The 

 membranous portion of the unpaired fins is thick and some- 

 what fleshy, so that the fins stand out well in specimens 

 preserved in spirit. The whole skin appears to be thicker 

 and looser in this species than in L. Gouanii or L. himacit- 

 latus. The general colour is more or less red, but the 

 markings are extremely variable, and none of them appear 

 to be constant. 



A fine specimen of this species over 3 inches in length 

 was obtained between tide marks near Tarbert, Lochfyne, in 

 February 1886. This, so far as I am aware, is the first 

 record of its occurrence in Scottish waters. The species is 



