9.5 
the lower side of the snout, with lateral cleft. Eye 
lateral, large. Seven hranchiostegals ; pseudo- 
branchiae. Villiform teeth on the jaws and on the 
palate. Two separate dorsals, the second, the caudal, 
and the anal fin more or less covered with minute 
scales. Several filliform appendages below the pec- 
toral tin, entirely free, and articulated. Ventrals 
thoracic, with one spine and five rays. The bones 
of the head with the muciferous system well de- 
veloped. Air-bladder varying in form and structure, 
and sometimes w'^anting. 
“ Tropical regions of the Atlantic ; East Indian 
seas to the Pacific. Entering rivers.” 
This family is represented by two sorts on the eastern coast of 
Australia, but none have yet been observed in the Yictorian 
waters. 
SPHYEiENIDA]. 
“ Body elongate, subcylindrical, covered with 
small cycloid scales ; lateral line continuous. Cleft 
of the mouth wide, armed with strong teeth. Eye 
lateral, of moderate size. Seven hranchiostegals ; 
pseudohranchise and air-bladder present. Two 
dorsal fins, remote from each other ; anal similar to 
the second dorsal ; ventrals abdominal, composed of 
one spine and five rays. 
“ Carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the seas of the 
temperate and tropical regions.” 
