84 
length of the head ; the praeorbital has only one point ; the orbit 
none ; the praiopercular spines are large, the lower much 
longer than the upper one. The lateral line is marked on 
seventy-three scales, and the number of transverse lines is 
about one hundred 'and eight. The first dorsal is formed of a 
very small, isolated spine, and of some long ones, bearing mem- 
branes ; the last is laying on the hack, and thus six only are plainly 
visible. The second dorsal is formed of fourteen rays, as is also 
the anal ; the first rays of the second dorsal are nearly as long as 
the first ; caudal truncated, of twelve long rays and four shorter 
ones on each side ; pectorals of seventeen rays ; yentrals not 
much longer than the pectorals, but extending much further 
backwards. The teeth are very numerous, villiform, and all 
similar on both jaws ; those of the palatines larger, and distant 
one from the other ; the vomer teeth villiform in front, with the 
posterior ones larger and directed backwards. 
The body is of a light lilac colour on the upper parts, covered 
with very small, obscure, rounded spots, which are much larger 
on the sides ; fins transparent, with the rays of the dorsal, ven- 
trals, and pectorals spotted with brown ; the caudal has several 
transverse series of dark purple round spots, and a large blackish 
spot covers almosf one-half of its extreme inferior part. 
Very common on the Melbourne Market, particularly in the 
cold months. Length generally from 12 to 17 inches, but it is 
sometimes much larger. 
Dr. Eichardson, having received specimens of this fish from 
Tasmania, thought they were different from Cuvier’s sort, and in 
this he has been followed by Dr. Grunther, but I have seen 
thousands of specimens from all parts of South-eastern Australia, 
and there is not the least doubt that they all belong to one sort. 
PLATTCEPUALHS KETISATUS. 
Platycephalus loevigatus, Guv. ^ Val., v. iv., p. 243. 
’ {The Boch Flathead.) 
Height about eight times in total length ; breadth about seven 
and a-half in same ; head, to the end of operculum, four times 
in total length ; orbit six and a-quarter times in head, to 
the extremity of the operculum. The body long, and almost 
cylindrical ; head elongate, smooth ; orbits without spines ; the 
