This is one of the discoveries made during the expedition of the “Challenger.” The single specimen obtained is of a deep-black colour, and was dredged up at a depth of 1975 fathoms in the Antarctic Ocean.
Merluccius.—Body elongate, covered with very small scales. A separate caudal; two dorsal fins and one anal; ventrals well developed, composed of seven rays. Teeth in the jaws and on the vomer rather strong, in double or triple series. No barbel.
Two species are known of this genus, widely separated in their distribution. The European species, M. vulgaris, the “Hake,” is found on both sides of the Atlantic, and grows to a length of four feet. It is caught in great numbers, and preserved as “Stock-fish.” The second species M. gayi, is common in the Straits of Magelhæn and on the coast of Chili, less so in New Zealand.
The vertebral column of this genus shows a singular modification of the apophyses. The neural spines of all the abdominal vertebræ are extremely strong, dilated, wedged into one another. The parapophyses of the third to sixth vertebræ are slender, styliform, whilst those of all the following abdominal vertebræ are very long and broad, convex on the upper and concave on the lower surface; the two or three anterior pairs are, as it were, inflated. The whole forms a strong roof for the air-bladder, reminding us of a similar structure in Kurtus.
Pseudophycis.—Body of moderate length, covered with rather small scales. A separate caudal, two dorsals, and one anal; ventral fins very narrow and styliform, but composed of several rays. Jaws with a band of small teeth; vomer and palatines toothless. Chin with a barbel.
Two species, of which Ps. bachus is common on the coast of New Zealand.
Allied genera are Lotella, Physiculus, Uraleptus, and Læmonema, from moderate depths, obtained chiefly off Madeira and the Southern Temperate Zone.
Fig. 248.—Pseudophycis bachus.
Phycis.—Body of moderate length, covered with small scales. Fins more or less enveloped in loose skin. A separate caudal; two dorsal fins and one anal; the anterior dorsal composed of from eight to ten rays; ventrals reduced to a single long ray, bifid at its end. Small teeth in the jaws and on the vomer; palatine bones toothless. Chin with a barbel.