FAMILY TRIGLID^ — PRIONOTUS. 47 



eyes. The upper edge of the orbit trenchant, with serratures ; and from this proceed back- 

 wards two nearly parallel spinous ridges, the inferior shortest, the superior ending in a spine 

 opposite the second ray of the first dorsal. The preopercle triangular, with a long slender 

 spine at its lower angle, directed backwards, and at right angles to its posterior margin. 

 Opercle with radiating furrows, and one slender triangular spine, which is serrated along its 

 upper edge ; and another shorter one above, concealed in the membrane. The humeral bone 

 furnished with a stout spine, its broad base being marked with a series of depressions and 

 elevated serratures. The first branchial arch with long setfe or rakers ; the others with a 

 series of alternate tubercles. Tongue broad at its base, and smooth, terminating in front in a 

 small abrupt tip. A band of fine incurved card-like teeth on the intcrmaxillaries, separated 

 in the centre by a distinct interval. A similar, but continuous band on the lower jaw. An 

 arcuated interrupted band of card-like teeth on the palatines. The teeth on the pharyngeals 

 disposed above in four irregular patches ; beneath, in a single triangular patch on each side. 



The first ray of the first dorsal shorter than the second, and with it strongly crenate ; the 

 third and fourth subequal ; the last scarcely appearing above the surface, but connected with 

 the preceding by a low membrane, and very near the second dorsal : all these rays are stoutly 

 spinous, and may almost be entirely hidden in a deep furrow. The second dorsal fin is not 

 so much elevated; its first ray crenated. Pectorals very large and broad, reaching to the 

 fifth ray of the second dorsal ; its first ray slightly spinous. The fingers or fleshy processes 

 varying in length from 1-5 to 2*3 inches, the inferior shortest, the upper longest : they serve 

 as important organs of touch, as the nerves leading to them are exceedingly large. Ventral 

 beneath the pectorals, with the tip of its longest rays extending as far back as the antepenul- 

 timate ray of the first dorsal ; its first ray short and subspinous ; fourth and fifth rays sub- 

 equal and longest. Anal higher than the dorsal, with rays simple, or feebly divided at the 

 tips ; coterminal with the dorsal, but commences under the second ray of that fin. Caudal 

 fin slightly crescent-shaped, with numerous accessory rays. Vent equidistant between the 

 anterior digitated process and the termination of the anal fin. The air-bladder double, ellipti- 

 cal, placed side by side, and communicating with each other at their middle portions by a large 

 opening ; on their inferior surfaces, they are covered by a long and broad gland. 



Color, of the body, greyish, or rather chocolate-brown. Branchial membrane bluish. Dor- 

 sal and anal fins with pale oblique bars. The first dorsal fin with a dusky subocellate spot 

 between the fourth and fifth rays. Pectorals and caudal bluish. Pectoral digitations brown 

 near the base, then reddish brown, and yellow towards the tips, where they are margined 

 with brilliant gamboge yellow, which becomes effaced at the extremity. Pupils black ; irides 

 yellow. Four to six obscure brownish bands across the back, becoming obsolete on the sides. 

 Inside of the mouth white in front, deep black behind. 



Length, 13 '0. Greatest depth, 3'0. 



Fin rays, D. 10.14; P. 14 ; V. 5 ; A. 12; C. 11 f. 



