81 



Apistus ; but these naturalists formed on it a particular section, 

 characterised by its being entirely covered with scales, and 

 without any free rays. 



CENTKOPOGON AUSTEALIS. 



Cottus australis, Wliite, Voyage N. S. Wales, p. 266, pi. 52. 

 Apistus australis, Guv. Sf Vol., v. iv., p. 399. 

 Sebastes pandus? Richard., Erebus and Terror, p. 70, 

 pi. 41, fig, 3-4. 



(The Gurnet.) 



This is one of the most common fishes on the Melbourne 

 Market, particularly during the cold months of the year. 



The height of the body is about four times in the total length ; 

 the transverse diameter is contained about five times in the same, 

 and the head three times and one- quarter. The diameter of the 

 orbit is contained three and one-third times in the length of the 

 head ; the mouth is extensible. 



This fish is too well known to require a detailed description. 

 The upper parts are generally brown, with the lower parts of the 

 head and body scarlet ; dorsal green, with red spots ; caudal 

 similar, with its posterior half black ; anal variegated with red, 

 brown, and greenish white ; pectorals with their upper part 

 obscure, and variegated with red, and the lower one white, but 

 also spotted; ventrals white. These colours are subject to much 

 variation, and sometimes the upper parts are purple, and the 

 lower almost white. 



This sort is found on the western and southern coasts of Aus- 

 tralia. Towards the north-east (Queensland), it gives way. to 

 another species very nearly allied to it (Centrop. Marmoratum, 

 G-unther, " Proceed. Zool. Journ.," 1862, p. 190,) but which has 

 the third spine of the dorsal proportionally short. 



The largest specimens are about 16 or 17 inches long. 



PENTAEO&E. 



This is another genus formed on a section of Cuvier and 

 Valenciennes's genus Apistus, characterised by the absence of 

 scales. Below the eye there is a long, arched, moveable spine, 

 which, when extended, cuts like a sword ; the skin is remarkably 

 loose on the body. 



