7 
Body partly cylindrical forward, compressed behind. Head wide 
as deep. Snout obtuse, conic. Mandible projecting. Broad band of 
villiform teeth in each jaw, without outer row enlarged. Tongue free, 
rounded in front. Gill openings extend forward below, separated by 
rather wide isthmus; exposed edge of shoulder girdle forming smooth ridge, 
AM 
pit at lower angle. Gill rakersshort, thick, about 9 below. Pseudo- 
r w ju 
branchiae present. Scales moderate, mostly ctenoid but cycloid anteriorly 
and on abdomen, and extend forward between hind orbital edges. Opercle 
covered with small scales, and cheek with somewhat rudimentary scales, 
most numerous in postocular region. Lines of minute papillae across cheek 
and opercle, around preopercle flange and from each side of snout to above 
eye. First dorsal rounded, with 6 or 7 spines. Second dorsal short, 
with 9 to 11 rays. Caudal and pectoral rounded. Ventral with spine and 
5 rays, fins completely separated. 
Estuaries and fresh waters of New Zealand and New South Wales. 
