656 Proceedings of the Boyal Society 
tively larger (with apparently little or no lateral expansion and 
subsequent contraction towards neck) ; its gently swelling outlines 
gradually expand, and run backwards into those of the body. 
Suboperculum present ; several small plates below preoperculum. 
Body, relatively much shorter, generally tapering gradually from 
behind region of pectoral fins, and becoming more compressed 
laterally, towards its caudal extremity. Caudal extremity, longer. 
Scales, generally smooth (?). Fins, larger — Pectorals, fin-rays, 
osseous ; Anal, apparently alike in size in male and female; Yen- 
trals, present. 
The genus Calamoichtliys agrees, however, with Folypterus, in 
the general character of its numerous dorsal finlefcs; lobate pec- 
torals ; two nasal cirri ; a spiracle on each side of the head above ; 
and a large flat branchiostegous ray or jugular plate, on each side 
of the mesial! line below ; and also in the hard, osseous, rhomboidal- 
shaped ganoid scales, arranged in rows, running obliquely back- 
wards ; and in the tapering caudal extremity of the body. 
The new genus belongs, therefore, to the same family as Polyp- 
teriLs, and would accordingly fall to be placed next to it in the 
Family of the Polypterini : — 
FAMILY POLYPTEEINI. 
I. G-enus. Polypterus. 
II. G-enus. Calamoichthys. 
1. Species. G. Calaharicus, 
(The specimens described measured from 8 to nearly 13 inches 
in length.) 
Habitat, Old Calabar Eiver, and the Camaroons, West Africa. 
(A female sent by Mr G-. W. Mylne from the latter locality, 
and recently received by Dr Smith, was also exhibited.) 
For the purpose of getting an anatomical description of this new 
fish. Dr Smith placed several specimens of the males and females 
in the hands of Dr Eamsay H. Traquair, who was especially 
qualified for the task, from having made a careful dissection and 
study of a species of the genus Polypterus. Dr Traquair has 
accordingly prepared a detailed account of its anatomy. 
