46 DESCEIPTIOJSr OP TWO RARE TASMANIAN PISHES. 



As Dr. Gunther states that specimens of this genus are few 

 and imperfect in museums, and as it is desirable to make 

 further observations on large individuals, it is of the greatest 

 importance that this noble specimen sliould be secured for 

 our Museum. The specimen was too largo for me to carry to 

 town, as I was at the time travelling on foot ; but I have 

 urged Mr. Frank Eush, to whom I have explained its nature 

 and position, to bring it to town as perfectly as possible on his 

 next trip to that locality. It would be desirable for the 

 Museum authorities to assist in defraying the expense of its 

 removal to Hobart. It would prove a most interesting as 

 well as valuable addition to their collection. 



The addition of the above species of swordfish to our 

 catalogue of Tasmanian fishes, will be of much interest to 

 ichthyologists generally. 



I have heard of a swordfish having been seen prior to the 

 publication of my catalogue and observations on Tasmanian 

 fishes in 1880, but being in doubt, I omitted it from the list 

 of fishes then given. 



Genus Lamna. 



The first dorsal fin opposite to the space between the 

 pectoral and ventral fins, without spine, the second and the 

 anal \ery small; a pit at the root of the caudal which 

 his the lower lobe much developed; side of the tail with a 

 keel; no membrana nictitans; spiracle none; mouth wide; 

 teeth large; lanceolate not serrated, sometimes with additional 

 basal cusps; gill openings very wide. 

 . Temperate and tropical seas. (Grunther). 



Lamna comuoica. Gm. (Porbeagle shark.) 



Prseoral portion of the snout longer than the longitudinal 

 axis of the cleft of the mouth, conical pointed; angle of the 

 mouth nearly midway between the gill opening and nostril; 

 teeth if-Tf on each side, lanceolate, with a small basal cusp on 

 each side in adult specimens ; in young specimens these cusps 

 are absent; the third tooth on each side of the upper jaiv is very 

 small; the width of the first gill opening is nearly equal to 

 its distance from the last; origin of the dorsal fin above the 

 root of the pectorals, which are somewhat falciform, the 

 length of their lower margin being nearly one-fourth of that 

 of the Tipper. 



A fine specimen, about three feet long, was recently captured 

 by Mr. Frank Rush in a graball net, and to him I am indebted 

 for the opportunity of making these observations and for 

 enabling me on his behalf to present to the Museum collection 

 the valuable addition of so rare a species in our waters. Mr, 

 Morton has since most skillfully stuffed the example which 

 may be seen in the Museum. 



