358 
ACTINOPTERYGn. 
Maximum depth contained somewhat more than eight times in 
total length (excepting rostrum). Vertebrae 32 in abdominal, 
38 in caudal region. Dorsal and anal fins directly opposed, former 
with at least 9, latter with 10 rays. {Sauvage.) 
Form. Log. Dpper Miocene: Oran, Algeria, 
Not represented in the Collection. 
The following fragment of a form not represented in the 
Collection has also been ascribed to this genus :— 
Scombresox licatoe^ H. E. Sauvage, loc. cit. 1880, p. 48. Belone 
— -- - ^ 
acutirostris, H. E. Sauvage, loc. cit. 18/3, p. 257 (in part), 
fig. 3 (ei^rore). —Upper Miocene ; Licata, Sicily. [Im¬ 
perfect head.] 
HEMIRAMPHUS. 
Cuvier. 
[Eegne Animal, vol. ii. 1817, p. 186.] 
As Belone., but only the mandible produced into an attenuated 
beak. 
Common on the coasts of tropical seas, and some species existing 
in freshwaters. Only one extinct species known, and this not 
represented in the Collection :— 
Hemiramplius eclwardsi, E. Bassani, Atti Soc. Veneto-Trent. Sci. 
Nat. vol. V. (1876), p. 146, pi. ii. fig. 1.—Upper Eocene; 
Monte Bolca, near Verona. 
A, i-i ^ 
Family ATHERINID^. 
Trank more or less elongate and subcylindrical. Premaxilla ex¬ 
cluding maxilla from border of upper jaw ; mandible not prominent, 
and cleft of mouth small, with dentition usually feeble ; opercular 
apparatus complete, with about five branchiostegal rays, and the 
gill-opening wide. Lower pharyngeal bones separate. Vertebrae 
numerous, varying from about 30 to 60 in total number; centra of 
abdominal vertebrae with transverse processes for support of slender 
ribs. Pelvic fins with one spine and five divided rays; two dorsal fins, 
the anterior being spinous ; anal fin opposed to the jDOsterior dorsal. 
Scales in regular series, large or of moderate size. 
In the existing fauna, these are carnivorous fishes inhabiting the 
seas of temperate and tropical regions, while several species enter or 
live entirely in freshwater. No extinct genera are satisfactorily 
determined. 
