BRITISH FOSSILS. 



Decade YIII. Plate VII. 



Figs. 1—5. 

 pholidophorus higginsi. 



[Genus PHOLIDOPHORUS. Agassiz. (Sub-kingdom Vertebrata. Class Pisces 

 Order Goniolepidoti. Family Lepidostei. Sub-family Lepidostei homocerci. 2d Group. 

 Body elongated, more or less fusiform.) Dorsal fin small, opposite the ventrals ; caudal 

 fin forked ; the lobes equal ; the base of the upper lobe invested with scales ; teeth 

 villiform.] 



Synonym. — Pholidophorus Higgiasi. Stutchbury. 



Description. — This diminutive member of the genus Pholido- 

 phorus was named by Mr. Stutchbury, of the Bristol Institution, in 

 compliment to the discoverer ; but as no figure or description of 

 the species has yet been published, I have selected it as an appro- 

 priate subject for this Decade. It is one of the smallest species of 

 the genus ; the largest of all the specimens hitherto found not 

 exceeding 2 inches in length. It is remarkable also for the large 

 size and great solidity of the scales. The specimen I have selected 

 for representation is not so complete as some others, but it gives 

 the best idea of the form and characters of the head and scales, 

 features which are for the most part either crushed or deficient in 

 the other examples. It differs remarkably from the other small 

 Pholidophori in the thick and short- set proportions of the body, in 

 which respect it contrasts strongly with the elegant outlines of 

 PliolidophoTUS gracilis of Count Miinster — tlie smallest species 

 hitherto described. The head measures rather less than one third 

 of the entire length, and is about equal to the largest diameter of 

 the body. The muzzle is pointed, and the gape wide. The bones 

 of the head and opercular appendages are smooth and lustrous. 

 Those appertaining to the maxillary apparatus are more or less 

 distinctly characterized by fine longitudinal plaits running parallel 

 to the larger diameter of the bones. The surface of the lower 

 jav/ is pierced on its under side by seven or more large punctures 

 for the passage of the mucous ducts. Both jaws are furnished with 

 [viii. vii] 8 H 



