SARGUS IIOTTENTOTUS. 
slanting obliquely forwards, and with the anterior edge formed for cutting, 
the posterior edge, is a small elbow between which and the anterior there 
is a gently inclined plane diminishing in width backwards ; incisors of lower 
jaw eight, nearly horizontal, closely set, and with cutting edges; grinders 
small and rounded ; one row in the upper jaw and two in lower. The lateral 
line is arched, commences at the upper angle of the operculum, and ter- 
minates at the base of the caudal fin about equidistant of each side ; it con- 
sists of a series of simple, short, horizontal tubes, most distinct towards the 
caudal fin. Upper surface of head, margin of orbit inferiorly, region in front 
of eyes, lower jaw, and a broad edging to the preoperculum smooth and 
without scales. Operculum, interoperculum, and space between smooth por- 
tion of preoperculum and lower edge of orbit covered with small subovate 
scales ; shoulder scale large, with its edges slightly striated. Scales of body 
large, the exposed portion of each subovate, and arranged in oblique trans- 
verse rows, the direction from before backwards ; the triangular space in front 
of ventral and pectoral fins, as also the nape covered with small scales. 
Dorsal fin slightly arched, the fifth spinous ray the longest, the first very short, 
and the soft rays shorter than any of the spinous ones excepting the first. 
Anal fin also arched, and the second spinous is the longest, and is besides 
very robust. Pectoral fins long, the fifth ray, reckoning from upper edge, 
rather the longest ; ventral fin supported by a very strong spinous ray not so 
long as the second and third, the second towards point much branched ; caudal 
fin deeply forked. Length from the nose to the pectoral fin five inches ; from 
the nose to the commencement of dorsal 6| inches ; to pectorals 6 inches ; 
from nose to tip of lower portion of caudal fin 18 inches. Greatest depth 
under commencement of dorsal fin 6i inches. Length from nose to point of 
caudal fin I7i inches. 
B. 7; D. ii; P. 14; V. A.*; C. 18. 
Inhabits the seas of the south-east coast of Southern Africa, and is frequently found in 
some of the larger rivers. It feeds upon shell-fish, &c. 
