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second dorsal is situated at a considerable distance behind the 
first, this distance being contained three times in that to the 
extremity of the snout ; it is formed of one feeble spine and eight 
rays. These two dorsals are well developed ; the caudal is bifur- 
cated, and formed of sixteen long rays and some short ones ; the 
anal is inserted below the second dorsal, but it is much longer ; 
it is formed of one spine and twelve rays ; the ventrals are in- 
serted a little in advance of the first dorsal. The pectorals are 
rather large, equal to the snout up to the anterior margin of the 
eye ; they are formed of thirteen rays. 
The back is of a light green, with the belly white, and a broad, 
longitudinal, silvery band on each side ; the head is of a rather 
olive colour ; the dorsals grey, the second of these has a yellow 
tinge on its external part; the caudal and pectorals are yellow, 
and the lower fins white. 
On the living specimen, there was a rather large, round, black 
spot on the caudal, near its base ; but it has entirely disappeared 
after having been preserved in spirits. 
I have only seen one specimen, which was taken in the month 
of August. It is nearly 6 inches long. 
K"ota. — Since then, I have seen a second specimen, which had 
only a very faint trace of the caudal black spot. 
ATHEEINOSOMA. 
General form of Atherina. Cleft of the mouth small, and not 
extending to the eye ; longitudinal silvery baud on the sides ; but 
the teeth are large on each jaw, hooked, and placed on several 
rows. Also on the vomer and palatines there are numerous 
tuberculous teeth, which extend on all the upper surface of the 
interior of the mouth, and also on the tongue. The mouth is 
not, or at the utmost only slightly, extensible. Two dorsals. 
This new form will render it necessary to rectify the characters 
of AtJierinidce, or to form for it a new family. 
ATHEEINOSOMA TOEAX. 
Height contained seven times in the entire length ; head four 
and a-half times in the same ; eye contained three and one-third 
times in the length of the head. The lower jaw is sensibly longer 
than the upper one ; snout considerably shorter than the diameter 
