Reproduction of Fishes in Table Bay. 
11 
Species XXIII. (PI. I, figs. 25, 26 ; PI. II, fig. 27.) 
These fish eggs were procured in Table Bay in large numbers during 
the months of August, September, January and March. They varied in 
diameter from 1*1 to "99 mm., and contained a single oil-globule, which 
ranged from "23 to '2 mm. in diameter. 
During the development of the embryo the arrangement of the pigment 
undergoes a marked change. In the early stages, when the embryo has 
grown to about half the circumference of the egg, large spots of a greyish 
colour are dotted about irregularly ov^er the yolk on each side of the 
embryo and about the oil-globule ; when, however, the embryo is fully 
developed these spots disappear, and over it are many similar spots, but of a 
darker colour, while on the oil-globule there are numerous black, stellate spots. 
On emerging from the shell the larva presents the following charac- 
teristics : The yolk-sac, in many cases, projects beyond the snout by about 
•08 mm. Scattered over the head and body, for about three-quarters of 
its length, are numerous black, stellate and irregular spots and a few 
minute yellow dots. There is a mass of fine black branching cells over 
the rectum, which is situated in a posterior position. On the oil-globule, 
which is situated anteriorly, are numerous black stellate spots. There is 
no sign of pigment on the fins and very little on the yolk. The notochord 
is multicolumnar and the length about 2'9 mm. 
The second day's growth shows that the yellow pigment-cells have 
increased and are apparently of a deeper tint ; they then spread rapidly, 
large masses being situated between otocyst and eye, at the posterior 
end of yolk, over the rectum and midway between anus and tail. Soon 
after the third day's growth a striking peculiarity manifests itself in 
the development of an upward bend of the anterior portion of the body 
from about the middle of the yolk, this, in some cases, making an angle 
with the posterior portion of the body of some 30 or 40 degrees. 
Both the eggs and the larva of this fish resemble somewhat those of the 
Maasbanker, but there is never the extension of the yellow pigment on to the 
dorsal and anal fins so characteristic of the latter. The eggs of several other 
species bear a resemblance to these in so far as their diameters and the 
diameters of their oil-globules are concerned, but the larvae in all these 
cases differ with regard to the position of their oil-globules. The species 
is designated XXIII in continuation of the series of eggs and larvae, the 
parentage of which is, or was when first found, unknown. 
The larvae were reared to the sixth day, when they reached a length of 
4*26 mm. ; the yolk was nearly absorbed and the mouth developing. 
Species XXIV {Arnoglossus ?). (PL I, fig. 28 ; PI. II, figs. 29, 30.) 
The eggs of this fish are plentiful in the Bay during September and 
December. They vary only slightly in size, their diameters ranging from 
