OCR Text |
Show 728 DR. A. GtrNTHER O N FISHES [June 6, are disposed in three divisions (more or less continuous) on each side; the anterior division is a small rounded patch, the middle a narrow band stretching from vomer to palatine, the posterior on the palatine a rather broad ovate patch. The band of intermaxillary teeth tapers outward, and each half is half as long as broad ; the length of the mandibulary band of teeth is contained 2§ times in that of the head. The width of the bony interorbital space equals the diameter of the eye, which is contained If times in the length of the snout and 4| times in that of the head. Dorsal fin not elevated; the length of its base is one half of its distance from the adipose fin, the base of which is rather less than that of the dorsal. Dorsal spine shorter than the head without snout, equal in length to the pectoral spine, smooth in front, serrated behind. Anal fin not reaching the caudal, when laid backward, with 12 rays, 8 of which are branched. Caudal fin deeply cleft, with the upper lobe a little longer than the head. Upper and lateral parts blackish-brown. Gaboon, collected by R. B. N . Walker, Esq. One specimen, 290 millim. long. This species is extremely similar to the type of Ch. furcatus, with which it agrees singularly well in regard to the disposition of the teeth on the palate, and the form and formation of the snout and mouth ; but its body is considerably stouter and shorter, the dorsal fin is less elevated, the adipose longer. The differences may be epitomized thus : Ch. furcatus. Ch. persimilis. Height of body one sixth ; one fifth. Length of the head about one fourth ; about one third. Base of dorsal fin = two fifths of distance between dorsal fins ; one half. Dorsal spine less than length of head without snout; equal to that length. Base of adipose fin much shorter than that of dorsal; rather shorter. Intermaxillary band of teeth rounded at each end; tapering. CHRYSICHTHYS KINGSLEYCE, sp. n. (Plate XLV. fig. A.) The height of the body is two ninths of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head a little less than one third. The depth of the caudal peduncle is contained 1§ times in its length. Head a little broader than high, its greatest depth being contained 14 times in its length ; its upper parts are covered with skin ; occipital process rather longer than the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Snout rather long, somewhat contracted in front, with the upper profile descending in a gentle curve ; its length is contained 2-| times in that of the head. Mouth rather wide, not extending to the middle of the distance between eye and nostril, wider than the distance between the eyes. Nasal barbels small |