450 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 



ON A NEW GENUS OF LOPHOBRANCHIATE FISHES. 

 BY E. D. COPE. 

 Osphyolax pellucidus, gen. et sp. nov. Plate 25. 



Char. Gen. Pectoral fins wanting; tail subeylindric. Body 

 covered with thin, weakly keeled scuta, which have on the lumbar 



region free superior edges, which form a series of longitudinal 

 lateral grooves. The lateral dorsal scuta produced upwards, and 

 approximated on the middle line, inclosing a tube for a distance 

 anterior to the dorsal fin. Dorsal fin short, above the vent. No 

 ventral nor caudal pouch ; caudal fin rudimental in the typical 

 species. No adipose fins. 



This genus is related to Nerophis, but is different from known 

 forms in its curious dorsal tube. What the purpose of this can 

 be is uncertain, but the strong lateral channels below it on each 

 side, are probably an adaptation for the carrying of the eggs. In 

 the type species, the dorsal tube is closed above by a series of 

 small radiate ossicles in the median line, between which the cavitj r 

 may be entered by small bodies. The same specimen displays a 

 narrow, free, dermal membrane on the middle lines of the upper 

 and lower surfaces from the thoracic to the beginning of the lum- 

 bar region. 



Char. Specif. Three longitudinal series of scuta on each side 

 of the body, and one on the middle line below. They are rounded 

 at the intersecting angles, thus leaving a vacancy, which is covered 

 by a small, round scale. Each scute with a low median keel, from 

 which delicate transverse ridges diverge. The two lower lateral 

 series are the ones which form the lumbar grooves. Two nuchal 

 scuta. Parietal and frontal regions impressed punctate; oper- 

 culum radiate; sides of muzzle smooth. Thirty-one transverse 

 rows of scuta. Dorsal radii sixteen. Total length .232 m. ; 

 length to vent, .111 ; to edge of operculum, .020; to orbit, .010. 

 Color in spirits pellucid, the back tinged with brownish. 



Obtained by Captain J. Mortimer in the open Atlantic Ocean. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE. 



Fig. 1. Osphyolax pellucidus. 



" 2. Head of the same from above. 



" 3. Dorsal line in front of dorsal fin. 



" 4. Lateral lumbar region. 



