PISCES. 
101 
Ctenoidian scales; and a normal group, Malacopteryyii (Artedi), all 
of which he thinks have Cycloidian scales. The classification then 
proceeds : — 
A. ACANTHOPTERYGII : 
1. Balistina. — Plectognathi, Cuv. Maxillary bones soldered to the 
inter- maxillaries, and both to the palatine arch ; opercula and gills 
concealed under the skin. 
1. Balistidce ? 
2. Ostraciontidce ? 
3. Cephalaspis ? Ag. 
4. Orthagoriscidce ? 
5. DiodontidcE? 
2. Percina. — Bones of the jaws free and complete ; operculum dis- 
tinct; operculum or praeoperculum generally with dentated edges, or 
with spines. 
1. Chcetodontidoi. 
2. Percidce. 
3. Scorpcenidce. 
4. Cirrhitidce. 
5. Sparidce. 
3. Fistularina. — Bones of the jaws free and complete; operculum 
distinct ; operculum and prseoperculum generally with smooth edges. 
(We see upon what a small peculiarity this character is founded, when 
we consider, that even in the same genus, species often occur with den- 
tated and smooth opercula !) 
1. Scomhridce. 
2. Fistularidce. 
3. Gohioidce. 
4. Lophiidce. 
5. Labridw. 
B. MALACOPTERYGII ; 
4. Pleuronectina. — Ventral fins, when existing, inserted under the 
pectorals, and directly suspended to the bones of the shoulder. 
1. Anguillidce. 4. PleuronectidcB. 
2. Echeneidw. 5. Gadidce. 
3. Gyclopteridce. 
5. Clupeina. — Ahdominales, Cuv. Ventrals suspended behind the 
pectorals, and not attached to the bones of the shoulders. 
1. Siluridce. 
2. Cyprinidce, 
3. EsocidcB. 
4. Clupeidce. 
5. Salnionidce. 
The number five continues in a similar way to regulate the whole 
system, three groups always coming together, and then again two. 
Several important papers, on the geographical distribution of Fishes, 
have been already mentioned in this year’s report on the Natural 
History of Reptilia. 
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