* 
322 Storer on the 
per opercular spine, its anterior half composed of 
spinous rays; the length of its highest rays equal to 
about one third the length of the fin: posterior half 
of fin composed of membranous rays; length of this 
portion equal to one half the length of spinous por- 
tion. 
The Pectorals commence on a line with the third 
Dorsal ray :—length of fin equal to one third its 
height : the middle rays the longest. 
The Ventrals arise just back of the pectorals ; the 
first ray is spinous: the second ray, the longest. 
The Anal’s first soft ray is equal to the length 
of the fin: the first three rays spinous. 
The length of the Caudal fin is one third less than 
its height. 
.'The fin rays are as follows: D. 15,15; P. 18; 
V. 1-5; A.3-7; C. 19. 
CnaxPTACANTHODES. Nobis. 
Generic characters. Body elongated, and very 
much compressed, gradually tapering to tail, desti- 
tute of scales : head broad, with no projecting spines, 
but the angles of the gill-covers ;—the scapular and 
humeral spines, and the inferior edge of the pre- 
operculum prominent to the touch. Numerous de- 
pressions in frontal, suborbitar, inferior maxillary 
and preopercular bones: branchiostegous rays 7 ; 
mouth oblique; a single dorsal fin composed of strong 
spinous rays enveloped by a common membrane, 
runs nearly the entire length of the fish, and unites 
as well as the anal with the tail. No ventral fins. 
