81 
Apistus ; but these naturalists formed on it a particular section, 
characterised by its being entirely covered with scales, and 
without any free rays. 
CENTEOPOGON ATISTEALIS. 
Cottus australis. White, Voyacje N. S. Wales, p. 266, pi. 52. 
Apistus australis, Cuv. ^ Val., v. iv., p. 399. 
Sebastes pandus ? Uichard., Erebus and Terror, p. 70, 
pi. 41, fig, 3-4. 
{The Qurnet.') 
This is one of the most common fishe.s on the Melbourne 
Market, particularly during the cold months of the year. 
The height of the body is about four times in the total length ; 
the transverse diameter is contained about five times in the same, 
and the head three times and one-quarter. The diameter of the 
orbit is contained three' and one-third times in the length of the 
head ; the mouth is extensible. 
This fish is too well known to require a detailed description. 
The upper parts are generally brown, with the lower parts of the 
head and body scarlet ; dorsal green, with red sj)ots ; caudal 
similar, with its posterior half black ; anal variegated with red, 
brown, and greenish white ; pectorals with their upper part 
obscure, and variegated with red, and the lower one white, but 
also spotted ; ventrals white. These colours are subject to much 
variation, and sometimes the upper parts are purple, and the 
lower almost white. 
This sort is found on the western and southern coasts of Aus- 
tialia. Towards the north-east (Queensland), it gives way to 
another species very nearly allied to it {Centrop. Mwrmoratum, 
Gunther, “ Proceed. Zool. Journ.,” 1862, p. 190,) but which has 
the third spine of the dorsal proportionally short. 
The largest specimens are about 16 or 17 inches lono- 
O* 
PENTAEOGE. 
This is another genus formed on a section of Cuvier and 
Valenciennes’s genus Apistus, characterised by the absence of 
scales. Below the eye there is a long, arched, moveable spine, 
which, when extended, cuts like a sword j the skin is remarkably 
loose on the body. 
