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Show 228 DR. A. GUNTHER ON FISHES FROM ST. HELENA. [Mar. 26, length of the snout, and is about one-fifth of that of the head. Mouth very wide, the maxillary extending somewhat beyond the vertical from the centre of the eye. The vomerine teeth form an angular band; the band of the palatines is narrow, of moderate length; however, it varies in width and length, even on the two sides of one and the same specimen. Tongue free in front; pharynx colourless. The interorbital space is concave, scaleless. Beside the nasal spines, there is one in front of, and two above, the orbit, three spines being on each side of the nape. All the spines, also those on the side of the head, are but slightly prominent. The dorsal spines are of moderate strength, the fourth, fifth, and sixth being the longest and about one-third of the length of the head. The second anal spine is much stronger than those of the dorsal fin. Anal fin subtruncate, half as long as the head. Pectoral nearly as long as the head, without snout, extending to the anal spines; none of the rays are branched. SCORPAENA MELLISSII. (Plate XIX.) D. g. A. }. P. 12 + 8. L. lat. ca 60. The height of tbe body is contained thrice and one-third in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head twice and a half. Eye of moderate size, its diameter being contained once and two-thirds in the length of the snout, and twice and one-half in that of the postorbital portion of the head. Basal portion of the operculum scaly; head without tentacles, except at the nostrils; interorbital space concave, with indistinct longitudinal ridges; vertex with a quadrangular groove, which is broader than long. The maxillary extends nearly to the vertical from the hind margin of the orbit. Palatine teeth in a short band, which is shorter than the vomer is broad. Scales smooth, irregularly arranged, those of the lateral line being much the largest. Dorsal spines long, slender; the fourth, fifth, and sixth are the longest, two-fifths as long as the head; anal spines stronger but shorter than the spines just mentioned. Pectoral fin extending to below the fourth ray of the dorsal, ventral to the third anal spine. Body nearly uniform brownish grey; head with numerous brown dots ; each dorsal, caudal, and pectoral ray accompanied by a series of small subquadrangular brown spots. A xii of the pectoral colourless. One specimen, 11 inches long. NOVACULA SANCTAE HELENAE. D.f2. A.i. L. lat. 28. Closely allied to N. cultrata. The height of the body is one-third of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths. A few rudimentary scales below the orbit; only the first dorsal spine is flexible. Head and body apparently without spots or streaks. Two examples (6), 11 inches long. |