542 FISHES. 



none. A shorb anterior dorsal, the second extending to tlie end 

 of the tail, and the anal being of similar length. Ventrals com- 

 posed of several rays. Bones soft and flexible. 



This is one of tbe discoveries made during tlie expedition 

 of the " Challenger." The single specimen obtained is of a 

 deep-black colour, and was dredged up at a deptb of 1975 

 fathoms in the Antarctic Ocean, 



Meeluccius. — Body elongate, covered with very small scales. 

 A separate caudal ; two dorsal fins and one anal ; ventrals vrell 

 developed, composed of seven rays. Teeth in the jaws and on 

 the vomer rather strong, in double or triple series. No barbel. 



Two species are known of this genus, widely separated in 

 their distribution. The European species, M. vulgaris, the 

 " Hake," is found on both sides of the Atlantic, and grows to 

 a length of four feet. It is caught in great numbers, and 

 preserved as " Stock-fish." The second species M. gayi, is 

 common in the Straits of Magelhsen and on the coast of 

 Chili, less so in New Zealand. 



The vertebral column of this genus shows a singular modi- 

 fication of the apophyses. The neural spines of all the 

 abdominal vertebrse are extremely strong, dilated, wedged into 

 one another. The parapophyses of the third to sixth verte- 

 brse are slender, styliform, whilst those of all the following 

 abdominal vertebrse are very long and broad, convex on the 

 upper and concave on the lower surface ; the two or three 

 anterior pairs are, as it were, inflated. The whole forms 

 a strong roof for the air-bladder, reminding us of a simi- 

 lar structure in Kuvttis. 



PsEUDOPHYCis. — Body of moderate length, covered with rather 

 small scales. A separate caudal, two dorsals, and one anal ; ven- 

 tral fins very narrow and styliform, but composed of several rays. 

 Jaws with a band of small teeth ; vomer and palatines toothless. 

 Chin with a barbel. 



Two species, of which Ps. hachus is common on the coast 

 of New Zealand. 



