68 
In the account of this species quoted above, I expressed doubts of 
the rank of Latris as a subdivision of the Cheilodactyli ; but now that 
I have had an opportunity of examining a more complete gradation 
of specific forms, I am not disposed to think that it merits to be con¬ 
sidered even a subgenus, though the non-prolongation of one of the 
pectoral rays (usually the tenth) makes it a convenient division of the 
Cheilodactyli , now known to be numerous. 
This species inhabits the seas of Van Diemen’s Land. 
Cheilodactylus lineatus, Forster (Scicena). 
Cichla lineata, Schneider. 
Sciaena lineata, T. R. Forsteri Descr. Anim. p. 134. An. 1844 ; 
Fig. j)ict. Georg. Forsteri in Bibl. Banks, servata. 
Radii. —Br. 6; D. 18|36; A. 1|26; C. 30; P. 17; V. 1|5, Forst. l.c. 
This species agrees nearly with the preceding in the numbers of its 
fin rays, except that Forster says expressly that it has only one anal 
spine. It has also four dark dorsal stripes, with three intervening 
silvery ones ; but it differs from liecateius in the yellowish colour of 
its fins, and particularly of its caudal, which obtained for it the appel¬ 
lation of “ Yellow-tail ” from the sailors. It frequents, like the other 
Cheilodactyli , rocky places, was captured by Cook’s sailors with the 
hook, and was much approved as an article of food. It is a native of 
the seas washing the southern island of New Zealand. Length of 
specimen described by Forster, 24 inches. 
Having seen no specimens we cannot institute a correct comparison 
with hecateius. 
Threpterius, Richardson. 
(' Open-r/pios , ad alendum idoneus.) 
Genus piscium acanthopterygiorum Cheilodactylis affine. Corpus 
catheto-plateum, ovato-oblongum, squamosum. Caput aliquantulum 
parvum, cute porosa tectum, absque spinis, angulis vel aciebus ser- 
ratis osseis. Os ut in Cheilodactylis extensibile. Dentes in pre- 
maxillaribus, mandibuia trigonioque vomeris una serie instructi, bre- 
vissimi, parvi, subconici. Ossa palatis laevia. Genae craniumque 
esquamosae. Os preorbitale angustum. Operculum subtriangulare 
squamis tectum. Membrana branchiostega radiis sex curvis, satis 
validis sustentata. Squamae laeves nec dentatae ; linea lateralis recta. 
Radii pinnarum pectoralium inferiores simplices. Pinna dorsi e 
nucha fere usque ad caudae pinnam regnans, squamulis apud radios 
instructa, membrana inter spinas profunde emarginata; lobulo tamen 
membranaceo e summis spinis pendente. Pinnae ventrales thoracicae 
sed a gula paulo remotae. 
The characters are deduced from dried specimens, and the pharyn¬ 
geal teeth and structure of the intestinal canal are unknown. The 
jaw teeth are not strictly disposed in a single row, since a few minute 
ones form a row behind the others in front of the premaxillaries; 
but these can scarcely be visible in the recent fish. The chevron of 
