44 
longer than the upper one ; mouth extensible ; prseoculer 
stronglj serrated ; posterior limb of the prssoperculum 
finely serrated, and having a light notch towards the inferior 
angle, from which the spines become very strong, the lower ones 
in particular, which are directed with their points forwards- 
The operculum has two points, the lower much larger than the 
other. The dorsals are continuous, the first having its first spine 
rather short, the second about twice its length, the third about 
eqiral to twice the length of the second, the fourth the longest of 
all ; the caudal is lightly emarginated. The spines of the anal 
are rather slender ; the first is the shortest, and the third the 
longest ; the lateral line extends to the base of the caudal. 
The colour is of a dark green, becoming very light and greyish 
on the sides of the body, the lower parts of which are white. On 
the back, each scale has its centre of a bright silver colour, which 
shines like a diamond. Anterior parts of the head and mouth 
of a light purple ; operculum with green and red tinges ; 
fins of a yellowish grey ; the spines purple ; pectorals green, 
with the base more or less scarlet ; eye of a bright orange yellow 
This fish is very common in the lakes of G-ipps Land, and is 
often broirght in great numbers by the steamers to the Melbourne 
market in winter. Its flesh is soft, and not savory. Medium 
length, 12 inches. 
LATES SIMILIS. 
This fish is very nearly allied to the precedent ; in fact, it is 
only by a very close examination that it can be distinguished 
from it. Its form and colours are similar, but the snout is shorter, 
and sensibly less than the diameter of the eye. The denticula- 
tions of the prseoperculum are larger, and those of the lower limb 
are directed backwards. The second dorsal fin has only nine 
rays. 
It is found with L. colonorum, but seems to be very scarce. 
LATES ANTAECTICns. 
{Sea Perch!) 
7 _ D. 8—1/10. A. 3/8. C. 16. P. 14. 1. 1. about 55. 
L. lat. 8/16. 
Height, three and one-tenth in total length ; head three 
and two-thirds in same ; eye five and one-twelfth in length ot 
