388 



FISHES. 



inches, and is esteemed as food. It is known at Melbourne 

 by the names of " Boar Fish " or " Bastard Dorey." 



Fig. 158. — Histioptems recurvirostris. 



GrERRES. — Body oblong, or rather elevated, covered with scales 

 of moderate size, which are either entirely smooth or minutely 

 ciliated. Mouth very protractile, and descending when thrust 

 out. Eye rather large. No canine teeth ; dentition feeble, and 



Fig. 159. — Gerres altispinis, from the mouth of the Gauges. 



palate toothless. The two divisions of the dorsal fin are nearly 

 separated by a deep incision. Formula of the vertical fins — 

 D. J^ A. |-:f. Caudal fin forked. PrBeoperculum generally 

 without denticulation. Lower pharyngeal bones coalescent. 



