165 



The anus is situated a little nearer to the extremity of the 

 mouth than to the end of the tail. 



Very common in the Melbourne Market, particularly in the 

 cold months of the year. Its flesh is considered very delicate. 

 I think it must have been described, but I am unable to identify 

 it with any known sort. 



The figure of Ophidium Mdculatum, given by Tschudi, Faun. 

 JPeruv., p. 25, pi. 4, is so very similar to this fish, that I hesitate 

 to separate the two ; but he represents the head as being with- 

 out spots. The ventrals have been forgotten on the figure. 



The Ophidium Blacodes that Forster found on the coast of 

 New Zealand is also very nearly allied to it, and it is possible 

 that all these fishes may belong to the same sort ; but Dr. 

 Grunther says that the lateral line is scarcely visible, and disap- 

 pears entirely in the middle of the body, which is not the case 

 with the Melbourne fish. 



The usual size is about 20 inches ; but I have a specimen 

 which measures 27. 



MACRUEIDiE. 



" Body terminating in a long, compressed, taper- 

 ing tail, covered with spiny keeled or striated scales. 

 One short anterior dorsal, the second very long, 

 continued to the end of the tail, and composed of 

 very feeble rays ; anal of an extent similar to that 

 of the second dorsal ; no caudal. Ventral fins 

 thoracic or jugular, composed of several rays. 

 Pseudobranchise none ; six or seven branchios- 

 tegals. Air-bladder present. Pyloric appendages 

 numerous. 



" Temperate parts of North Atlantic, Mediter- 

 ranean, Japanese, and Australian Seas." 

 I have not observed any in Victoria. 



