igio.] N. Annandai^e and J. T. Jknkins : Plectognathi and Pediculati. 19 



{a') Roof of tentacular cavity not extending to 

 the margin of the disk ; caudal and pectoral 

 fins edged with black . . . . H. stellata. 



B. — Five rays in the dorsal fin. 



{h) Disk fiat . . . . . . H. nigra. 



{h') Disk distinctly convex in front . . H. coccinea. 



Halieutaea indica, sp. nov. 

 (Plate ii, fig. 4.) 

 H. stellata J Day (nee Kühl), Faun. Brit. Ind., Fishes, p. 234, fig. 85. 

 D. 4. V. I, 5- A. 4. P. 13. C. 9. 

 Tail, excluding the caudal fin, from J to ^ length of disk. Caudal usually 

 slightly longer than the tail, occasionally of the same length. Length and width of 

 disk approximately equal. Dorsal surface covered with numerous strong subequal 

 spines, many of which are bifid; at the edge many are trifid. Most of the spines 

 have four roots ; at the edge of the disk they project freely and are accompanied by 

 delicate cuticular processes. The anterior extremity of the roof of the tentacular 

 cavity reaches or is slightly in advance of the anterior extremity of the disk, and the 

 aperture of the cavity is vertical, so that the cavity is concealed from above. The 

 strong spine at each side of it projects beyond the margin of the disk. Superciliary 

 ridge with strong spines. Interorbital space equals or slightly exceeds diameter of 

 eye. The ventral surface with minute scattered spines. 



Colour (in spirit). Dorsal surface white, densely covered with very minute 

 black dots, which are grouped together in places to form thin lines and reticulated 

 patterns. Ventral surface white (somewhat translucent) with scattered minute black 

 and opaque white dots. Pectoral fins colourless, caudal fin clouded with grey, 

 occasionally with white, vertical bands. Colour of dorsal surface of living specimens 

 pink. 



This is undoubtedly the species figured by Day as H. stellata of Kühl, but it differs 

 from the latter species, amongst other characters, in the following points: — 

 (i) The spines on the dorsal surface are less strongly developed. 

 (2) The extremity of the roof of the tentacular cavity extends at least as 

 far forwards as the edge of the disk. 



Professor Max Weber, who has been kind enough to examine a specimen, agrees 

 with us in regarding this species as distinct. 



Halieutaea stellata, Kühl. 

 (Plate ii, fig. 3-) 

 D. 4. V. I, 5. A. 4. P. 13- C. 9. 

 Tail, excluding the caudal fin, h length of disk. Caudal fin nearly the same 

 length as the tail. 



