95 



the lower side of the snout, with lateral cleft. Eye 

 lateral, large. Seven branchiostegals ; pseudo- 

 branchige. Villiform teeth on the jaws and on the 

 palate. Two separate dorsals, the second, the caudal, 

 and the anal fin more or less covered with minute 

 scales^ Several filliform appendages below the pec- 

 toral fin, entirely free, and articulated. Ventrals 

 thoracic, with one spine and five rays. The bones 

 of the head with the muciferous system well de- 

 veloped. Air-bladder varying in form and structure, 

 and sometimes wanting. 



" Tropical regions of the Atlantic ; East Indian 

 seas to the Pacific. Entering rivers." 



This family is represented by two sorts on the eastern coast of 

 Australia, but none have yet been observed in the Victorian 

 waters. 



SPHYEiENIDiE. 



" Body elongate, subcylindrical, covered with 

 small cycloid scales ; lateral line continuous. Cleft 

 of the mouth wide, armed with strong teeth. Eye 

 lateral, of moderate size. Seven branchiostegals ; 

 pseudobranchise and air-bladder present. Two 

 dorsal fins, remote from each other ; anal similar to 

 the second dorsal ; ventrals abdominal, composed of 

 one spine and five rays. 



" Carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the seas of the 

 temperate and tropical regions." 



