ELOPS. THE SUB-GENERA, 285 



follow Mr. Gray in approximating it to them. The 

 preceding cut {fig. 59.)' which is a reduction of the figure 

 alluded to, will show this affinity, and will supersede a 

 more particular description of its form, &c. The remark- 

 able fascicle of long, slender, and detached filaments, in- 

 serted close to the pectoral fin, is altogether unexampled 

 in this family, or, indeed, in the entire order of Malacop- 

 teryges, and yet we have precisely the same structure in 

 Polynemus : in both the genera these filaments may, 

 perhaps, be analogous to the digitated processes in the 

 gurnards (Triglidce): the smallness of the pectoral fin 

 is another anomalous character, of which we are un- 

 acquainted with any other example ; while the length 

 and attenuated form of the tail would almost lead us 

 to consider this fish as an anguilliform type : still the 

 similarity it bears to Engraulis and to Notopterus, as 

 we at first mentioned, cannot be got over ; and, in- 

 fluenced by these relations s we decide upon placing 

 Trichosoma as the representation of Polynemus among 

 the herrings. This adherence to what we deem an 

 affinity, will not altogether destroy the analogy of the 

 sub-genera of Clupea to those of Elops, as the following 

 table will show : — 



Clupea. f 



^waSing* ° r Analogies. Teeth conspicuous. 



i. Ckatoessus. { ^f^amS "* ^ j galops. 



„ #1,. ("Teeth variable; mouth very? r ?• 



3. Thryssa. { , arge . snout sl ' ighUy producei j Engraulis. 



c Belly strongly serrated : anal finl 



4. Pristogaster. < very long, almost or quite united > Trichosoma. 



L to the caudal. 3 



5. Platygaster. Ventral fins almost imperceptible. Notopterus. 



We have already said sufficient on the analogies of 

 Clupea to Elops, Chatoessus to Megalops, and Thryssa 

 to Engraulis, to render any further remarks unnecessary. 

 These analogies are indeed so obvious, that it would be 

 a waste of words to bring forward additional evidence. 



