384 
A.CTINOPTERYGII. 
Suborder IX. A CANTH OP TERYGII. 
Yertebral contra always complete constricted cylinders, none 
modified or coalesced. Supraoccipital extending forwards between 
the reduced parietals ; squamosal rudimentary and fused with t in 
large pterotic ; premaxilla always excluding maxilla from u Pl ,el " 
border of mouth ; mandible simple, each ramus consisting of 110 
more than two elements (dentary and articulo-angular). Pectora 
arch suspended from cranium ; precoracoid arch absent ; no infi a 
clavicular plates; pectoral fin with not more than four or nu 
basals. Pelvic fin-supports in contact with clavicle, and fins thus 
thoracic or jugular ; each pelvic fin usually with an anterior 8 P I,) ® 
and five (rarely six to eight) articulated and divided rays. 
and anal fins usually more or less spinous anteriorly. In the livu'n 
forms : — air-bladder closed, without pneumatic duct, in the adn j 
(physoclistous) ; optic nerves decussating; intestine without spin 1 
valve. 
Division A. BERYCIFORMES. 
Pelvic fins thoracic, usually with more than five articulated r jl"' 
in addition to the spine. No bony stay between circumorbita 
ring and preoperculum. 
Synopsis of Families. 
Head with extensive superficial cavities for 
mucus ; premaxillae protractile ; lateral 
line conspicuous Berycid;e (p. 384). 
Head with superficial cavities for mucus; 
premaxilloe not protractile; lateral line ... 
inconspicuous ArHREDODERiDiE (p- H )• 
Head without superficial cavities for mucus ; 
premnxillse protractile ; lateral line in- 
conspicuous Cyttid,® (p. 417). 
Family BERYCID^. 
Head-bones more or less ridged, thus forming extensive car itn 
which are filled with mucus in the living fish; premaxill® P r0 
tractile, and dentition usually feoble. Branchiostegal rays 7 or 
in number. Vertebrco from 24 to 30 in number; the posterior 
abdominal centra with downwardly bent transverse processe 
elvic fins (unless rudimentary) with one spine and more than fi' e 
