PLATYSOMATIDiE. 
543 
1861. Platysomus rhombus , H. B. Geinitz, ibid. p. 9. 
1861. Platysomus striatus, H. B. Geinitz, ibicl. p. 9. 
1879. Platysomus striatus, R. H. Traquair, Trans. Roy. Soc. Edinb. 
yoI. xxix. p. 369, pi. vi. figs. 1, 2. 
Tyjpe. Eish ; Paris Museum of Natural History. 
The type species, attaining a maximum length of about 0’35. 
Greatest depth of trunk somewhat exceeding its length from the 
pectoral arch to the base of the caudal fin ; dorsal margin angulated 
about its middle point; ventral margin angulated considerably be¬ 
hind its middle point. Length of cranial roof with post-temporal 
bone about equal to the distance between the latter and the dorsal 
angulation; head with opercular apparatus and pectoral arch 
occupying about one-third of the total length of the fish to the base 
of the caudal fin. Pelvic fins very small, remote ; dorsal and anal 
fins arising at the dorsal and ventral angulations respectively, ex- 
Eig. 58. 
Platysomus yihbosus (Blainv.).—Restoration by R. H. Traquair. 
tending close to the origin of the caudal fin, and not much elevated 
in front, the maximum height of the dorsal less than one quarter 
the depth of the trunk at its origin ; width of caudal fin at extremity 
equalling about two-thirds the maximum depth of the trunk. Scales 
finely striated, the striae being oblique on all those situated dorsally 
and ventrally and in the caudal region, but nearly vertical on the 
deeper flank-scales; the ornament on the scales of the dorsal and 
ventral borders more or less tuberculated. Vertical series of scales 
at base of anal fin reflexed forwards. 
Measurements of several specimens show that there is no difference 
