124 
LESSEE FORKBEAKD. 
these rays being two inches, and both divided for about half 
their length; tail narrow, round; all the fins covered with the 
common skin. The colour varies, in some examples being 
nearly black above; in others dark brown, lighter on the 
belly; lips and mystache altogether white. Some doubts have 
existed in describing this fish, from the circumstance that in 
some instances it is said to have a row of prominences or 
tubercles above the pectoral fins, while in others the surface 
has been found entirely smooth; and on account of this 
variation of description, Dr. Fleming represents them as of 
two species, with the names of R. trifurcatus — the lateral line 
tuberculated, and R. jago — with the lateral line smooth. But 
from examination of several examples by different naturalists, 
no doubt remams that these supposed species are the same. 
In some instances these supposed tubercles have been visible 
when the fish was first caught; in others they have shewed 
themselves only after the lapse of a few hours, while in others 
they have never become visible or to be discerned bv the 
touch. Fin rays, first dorsal three, second dorsal sixty-two, 
anal fifty-seven, pectoral twenty-two, ventral eight, caudal 
thirty-four. 
