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Show 1887.] PROF. T.J. PARKER ON CARCHARODON RONDELETII. 27 2. Notes on Carcharodon rondeletii. By T. J E F F E RY P A R K E R , B . S C , C.M.Z.S., Professor of Biology in the University of Otago, N e w Zealand. (Plates IV.-VIII.) [Received November 1, 1886.] CONTENTS. Page Introductory 27 1. External Characters 28 2. The Teeth 29 3. The Skeleton 29 a. Vertebral Column 30 b. Skull 31 c. Skeleton of Fins 34 Page 4. Alimentary Organs 34 5. The Heart 35 6. Urinogenital Organs.... 35 7. The Brain 36 Description of Plates 38 Dr. Gunther states, in his 'Study of Fishes,' published in 1880 that nothing is known of the anatomy, habits, and reproduction of this, the most formidable of all Sharks, and that no opportunity should be lost in obtaining information about it. As no fewer than four specimens of Carcharodon rondeletii have been caught in the neighbourhood of Dunedin during the last six years, upon all of which I have been able to make some observations, I have decided to put these upon record, in spite of the fact that they are, from a variety of circumstances, detached and imperfect, and* are very far from giving anything like a complete account of this verv interesting Selachian. the following enumeration of the specimens which have come under m y notice is given for convenience of reference. Specimen A.-Male, 10 ft. (3 metres) long. Caught at Moeraki, about 40 miles north of Dunedin, early in 1881. The viscera, including the heart, were removed before bringing the fish to Dunedin. The skeleton was prepared and is now in the Otago University Museum. . , ^ , , Specimen B.-Female, 12 ft. 6 in. (3'8 metres) long Caught in Otago Harbour early in 1885. This specimen was also eviscerated, only the heart being left. Its skeleton was prepared and sent to the Colonial and Indian Exhibition1. Svecimen C-Female, 19 ft. (57 metres) long. At tbe beginning of the present year two large Sharks were reported in the Lower Harbour and several attempts to catch them were made by the local fishermen. After one or two failures (the Shark on one ,Q«inn having broken away with a large hook in its mouth) the W e of thltwo was caught and exhibited in Dunedin. After it Id been on view for a few days I bought it for the museum, and nhle to make some observations on its external anatomy, in W a-L of the advanced state of decomposition. This specimen was S e d , and is now in the Otago University Museum. ; This specimen is now in the Natural-History Museum, South Kensington. |