OAT-FISHES. 



579 



series, sometimes absent. Head and body cuirassed; tail de- 

 pressed, long ; eye rather small or of moderate size. 



Fig. 268. ■ — Loricaria lanceolata, Upper Amazons. Natural size. 



Small fishes from rivers of tropical America ; about 

 twenty-six species are known. The male of some species has 

 a bearded or bristly snout. 



AcESTRA differs from Loricaria in having the snout much 

 prolonged. 



