be specifically distinct from both Gempylus Prometheus and G. Solandri 

 of MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes, whose synonyms should therefore 

 be expunged. 



Gen. Aphanopus, nob. 



Gen. Char. — Form as in Lepidopus, elongate, much compressed, 

 like a sword-blade, naked, but with a short keel on each side, towards 

 the tail. 



Muzzle and teeth as in Lepidojms (Gouan), but the palatines un- 

 armed. 



Dorsal fins two, nearly equal. Anal fin as in Lepidopus, but with 

 a strong sharp spine instead of a scale before it, a little behind the 

 vent. No trace or rudiment of ventral fins. 



Aphanopus carbo. — " Espada preta." Rariss. 



Of this most curious new genus a single individual only has yet 

 occurred. The whole fish is of a dark coflFee colour, approaching to 

 black, and has in form so close a general resemblance to Lepidopus 

 argyreus, Cuv., that it might well be taken hastily for a mere variety 

 of that fish. 



Tetragonurus atlanticus, nob. 



Differs from T. Cuvieri, Cuv. and Val., XI. 172. t. .S18. chiefly in 

 the longer head, much larger eye (nearly twice as large in proportion 

 to the whole length), greater width between the eyes, teeth twice 

 as numerous, in the upper jaw ; thicker body, longer pectoral fins, 

 higher (twice as high) first dorsal fin, and inequality of its spines. 

 Having, however, seen only a single individual, I forbear to charac- 

 terize it more distinctly ; especially since of T. Cuvieri so few ex- 

 amples have as yet occurred ; and that even MM. Cuvier and Va- 

 lenciennes appear to have taken their figure from one which was im- 

 perfect in the caudal fin at least. The first dorsal fin is described 

 by MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes as having fifteen spines ; but 

 twenty- one are figured in the plate. 



The following is the fin-formula of T. Cuvieri, according to Risso ; 

 and MM. Cuv. and Val. : 



" 1st. D. 18; 2nd. D. 1, 12; A. 1. 11 ; P. 16; V. 1,5; C.36." 

 — Risso Hist. 



" 1st. D. { \Vhi*fig!' } 2nd. D. 1 -1- 13 ; A. 12 ; P ? ; V .? ; C .? ; B. 



M. 5."— Cuv. and Val. Hist. 

 That of T. atlanticus, nob. is 



1st D. 15; 2nd. D. 11; A. 11.; P. 16; V. 1+5; C. ^ + ™ ; 



B. M. 5. 



The true affinities of this fish are certainly rather to be sought 

 among the Mackerels (e. g. Thyrsites) than the Mullets. Its relation 

 to the Mugilidce is, indeed, one merely of a faint analogy. 



Xiphias gladius, L. — " Peixe Agitlha." 



The ordinary Sword-fish of Madeira is truly the common Xiphias 

 gladius, L. 



