INTRODUCTION. 



As originally planned, this Catalogue was to have been completed in 

 three volumes ; but the additions whilst its preparation was in progress 

 have been so numerous that the last families of Acanthopterygii 

 together with the small Suborders Opisthomi and Plectognathi, must 

 stand over for a fourth volume, which will also include addenda to 

 the other parts and an amalgamated alphabetical index to the whole 

 work. 



This volume contains descriptions of 394 species and the enumeration 

 of 4428 specimens. Of these 394 species, only 45 are unrepresented in 

 the Collection. 



The bulk of the volume is taken up by the Perciform Fishes of the 

 family Cichlidse, our knowledge of which has been so enormously 

 increased within the past quarter of a century. Of the 285 African 

 species regarded as well established, 221 have been described since 

 1890, viz., 93 between 1891 and 1900, 81 between 1901 and 1910, and 

 47 between 1911 and 1914. 



G. A. BOULENGER. 



Zoological Department, 



British Museum, 



27/7< February, 1915. 



