NOTES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. 
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW AUSTRALIAN FISH. 
By E. Pierson Ramsay, F.R.S.E. and J. Douglas-Ogilby, 
Assistant in Zoology, Australian Museum. 
Apogon roseigaster, sp. nov. 
B. vii. : D. 6 1/10: A. 2/9-10: V. 1/5: P. 12-13 : C. 17. 
Length of head 3 J, of caudal fin 4f, height of body 3 J in the 
total length. Eye — diameter 3g in length of head, f of a 
diameter from the end of snout, and 5 apart. Interorbitai space 
slightly convex : upper profile of head nearly flat with a con- 
spicuous median longitudinal ridge : maxilla reaches to beneath 
last fourth of orbit. Inner edge of preopercle crenulated on 
both limbs, and with a few small serrations at the angle : outer 
edge of preopercle, and preorbital, entire. Teeth — villiform on 
jaws and vomer. Fins — dorsal spines weak, the third the highest 
about § of the length of the head ; soft dorsal much higher. Anal 
commences behind the origin of the soft dorsal, and like it is pro- 
vided with a scaly sheath at the base. The ventral fins are half the 
length of the head and much shorter than the pectorals. Caudal 
slightly rounded. Scales — very deciduous. Airbladder — lar<*e, 
truncate in front, each angle bearing a short lobe. Peritoneum 
and a lobe on either side of tongue, black. Colors — pale yellowish, 
with the lower parts roseate, this colour divided posteriorly into 
two gradually decreasing lobes by the anal fin, out not extending 
to the caudal ; upper half of spinous dorsal black : soft dorsal 
and anal pale red with a longitudinal black band about half way 
up ; other fins immaculate. 
1102 NOTES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. 
These little fishes appear to be plentiful in the Parramatta 
River, numbers being obtainable any morning in the fish market 
among prawns from that locality, along with the recently-recorded 
Ainbassis gymnocephalus. Out of numerous specimens examined 
during the last two months the largest measured but 2 -85 inches, 
and none were under 2 inches. A.U the examples examined 
during the latter half of October and the earlier half of 
November were spawning, the milt or ova running freely from 
them on the slightest pressure. The scales of this species must be 
very deciduous, since notwithstanding the numbers which we have 
handled, we have failed so far to detect a single scale on any 
specimen ; and it is also noteworthy that the palatine bones are 
unfurnished with teeth, contrary to the rule holding good for 
other members of the genus.