163 
one being j^rolongated in a filament ; taken from the extremity 
of this latter, the fin is about one-half of the length of the head. 
The space between the extremity of the lower jaw and the anus 
is not quite as long as the anal fin. 
The upper parts are of a light brown ; the head rather red ; 
the lower parts of a whitish flesh colour, sometimes white ; the 
fins are light browui, with a black terminal edge ; the pectorals 
are sometimes almost white and transparent, and sometimes 
rather dark. 
My longest specimens are about 15 inches, and I do not think 
it grows much larger. It is esteemed for food, and is very 
common on the Melbourne Market, particularly during the cold 
months of the year. 
Dr. Grunther describes in the same work a Lotella Collarias 
from Victoria, that I have not yet met with. 
OPHIDIIDiE. 
“Body more or less elongate, naked or scaly. 
Vertical fins generally united into one ; no separate 
anterior dorsal or anal ; dorsal occapying the greater 
portion of the hack. Ventral fins rudimentary (re- 
duced to a filament) or absent, jugular (except in 
Brotulophis). Gill- openings wide; the gill-mem- 
branes not attached to the isthmus. Pyloric appen- 
dages none, or in small number. 
“ Inhabitants of the seas of nearly all regions.” 
GIENTPTEEUS. 
G-enus established by Dr. Andrew Smith, in his “ Illustra- 
tions of the Zoology of South Africa, ” under the name of 
Xiphiurus, which, in my notice on the fi.shes of the Cape of 
Good Hope, I adopted ; but Dr. Gunther, in the eleventh volume 
of his Catalogue, finding it was pre-occupied, has very properly 
changed the name to the appellation we now adopt. 
