394 TELEOSTEI. ACANTHOPTEEYG11. 



2. Genus CH51ROPS, Eiippell. 



Syn. Cossyphvs, sp., Cuv. & Val. ; Choirodon and Cussi/phodes, Bleeker; 

 Hypsigenys, Giinther. 



Branchiostegals five or six. Body oblong, compressed. Snout 

 obtuse. The four anterior teeth conical and free, the lateral ones 

 more or less con fluent in an osseous ridge ; a posterior canine tooth, 

 occasionally two, may be present. Dorsal fin with more spines 

 than rays ; aual with more rays than the soft dorsal. Scales large ; 

 cheeks high, covered with small scales, which usually are not im- 

 bricate ; opercles scaled. Vertical fins with scaly bases ; no enlarged 

 row at base of caudal. Lateral line continuous. 



Geographical Distribution. Eed Sea, east coast of Africa, seas of 

 India, Malay Archipelago, and Australia. * 



(1.) Chaerops anchorage. (Fig. 131.) 



Sparus anchorage, Block, Ic/i. v, p. 103, t. 276. 



Chserops anchorage, Day, Fish. India, p. 391, pi. Ixxxii, fig. 5 (see 

 synon.). 



B.vi. D.13/7. P. 15. A. 3/9. C. 14. L. 1. 29-30. L. tr. 3|/9. 



Length of head 3 to 3|, height of body 3| to 3^ in the total 

 length. Eyes high up, diameter 4| to 5 in length of head, 2 

 diam. from end of snout, and 1| apart. Preopercle finely ser- 

 rated. Teeth a posterior canine in adults. Colour cheeks 

 brownish, shot with yellow, and covered with scarlet spots. Back 



Fig. 131. Chcerops anchorage. 



brownish, a white vertical band from bases of about fourth to 

 sixth dorsal spines to below last third of pectoral ; a light band 

 over free portion of tail. In some specimens there are two to 

 lour wide dark cross bands. Dorsal fin with two dark bands and 

 other descending down the first four rays to the back ; posteriorly 



