414 
SPINY-FINNED GROUP. 
The small fish (Luciocephalus pulcker), from the fresh waters of 
Pik6-Hea,d. # t t 
the Malay Archipelago, shown in the accompanying illustration, is 
the sole representative of the second family of the labyrinth-gillecl group, which 
differs from the first in the absence of spines from both the dorsal and anal fins. 
The species derives its name from the produced muzzle and general pike-like form 
of the head; and has its elongate body covered with moderate-sized scales, and 
traversed by a continuous lateral line. The teeth are small, and the gill-openings 
wide. The single spineless dorsal fin is very short and placed far back on the 
body; the pelvics consist of one spine and five rays, one of the latter being 
pike-head (nat. size). 
elongated; and the tail-fin is rounded. There is no air-bladder. Nothing is known 
with regard to the life-history of this prettily marked fish. 
Unicorn and Ribbon-Fish,— Families LoriiotidjE and Tra chyptbridge. 
Agreeing in their ribbon-shaped bodies, and also in the extension of the dorsal 
fin from the head to the end of the tail, the unicorn and ribbon-fishes are thereby 
easily distinguished from all the preceding forms, although they differ so much 
from one another as to be entitled to form distinct families, each of which is 
regarded by Dr. Gunther as representing a sectional group. 
The single representative of the first family (Lophotes cepedianus) 
differs from the whole of the members of the subclass hitherto described, 
in that the vent is situated at the hinder extremity of the body, close to the tail, 
Unicorn-Fish. 
with a small anal fin immediately behind it. The pelvic fins are very minute, and 
thoracic in position; the caudal is also small and rounded; the mouth is incapable 
of protrusion; teeth are present on the jaws, palatines, and vomers; and there is 
an air-bladder. T he most striking peculiarity about this strange fish is the eleva¬ 
tion of the crown of the head into a high crest, surmounted by an exceedingly long 
and recurved spine forming the commencement of the dorsal fin. The bones and 
flesh are firm, the general colour is silvery, with lighter spots, but the fins are rosy; 
and the total length is at least 5 feet. This fish, which has been taken in the 
Atlantic off Madeira, and also in the Sea of Japan, probably dwells at a consider¬ 
able depth, although not so far down as the ribbon-fishes. Its habits are unknown. 
