132 [AtTGFUST, 



ferioTl'y in acute points ; membranous flaps are likewise wanting. The diameter 

 of eye is contained four times in the length of side of the head. The posterior 

 extremity of upper maxillary projecting a little beyond the posterior rim of the 

 orbit, 



D Xlir. 14* A III. 7. C 4. 1. 6. 5. 1. 3. V I. 5. P 18. 



The tip of pectorals when directed backwards extends to a vertical line which 

 would intersect the anus. The first dorsal is composed of twelve spines ; a thir- 

 teenth is situated at the anterior margin of the soft dorsal. 



Color, reddish brown above and on the sides, becoming brighter towards the 

 abdomen* The upper parts clouded with blackish* A large blask spot cover? 

 she upper half of the opercle. 



From San Francisco, Cal. 



BETEROLEPIM: s* Catafkracti* 



We propose forming under the above name a new ichthyic group of the well 

 known genus Chirus, and a new one described below under the name of Ophiodon* 



The natural characters by w r hich this group or family is distinguished are : a 

 body elongated, compressed and tapering; covered with rather small scales. Two 

 long dorsal fins occupying almost the whole of the dorsal region. Verrtrals 

 situated under the pectorals. Canine teeth upon the jaws, canine or velvet-like 

 ones on the vomer and palatines. Preopercle and opercle either smooth or 

 provided with spines. The posterior suborbital sends a narrow arcade to the 

 limb of the preopercle as in the Cottcrids properly so called ; that bony arcade 

 being concealed under the flesh, skin and scales constituting the cheeks. 



CHIRUS, Steller. 



This Genus we shall, for the present, characterise as follows : a superciliary, 

 membranous arborescent flap. Mouth of medium size; canine teeth on both jaws j 

 velvet teeth on the front of vomer and palatines* Preopercle and opercle 

 without any spines. Cheek, opercular apparatus, and top of head, covered with 

 small scales. Gill openings continuous and not separated under the throat. 

 Branchiostegal rays six in number* Scales finely serrated posteriorly* Several 

 lateral lines* 



7. Chirus p ictus, G* About twelve inches in total length, in which the head 

 is contained four and a half times. Eyes elliptical, longest diameter contained 

 five times in the length of side of the head. Dorsals contiguous at their base 

 only* Origin of anterior dorsal opposite the posterior flap of opercle. Anal as- 

 long as the second dorsal ; membrane uniting the rays deeply indentated. Cau- 

 dal posteriorly sub-convex. 



D XIX. 23. A 21. C 4. 1. 7. 6. I. 6. V I. 5. P 19. 



Scales of medium size provided with but very- few serratures upon their pos- 

 terior margin. Minute scales on the he^d, cheeks, opercular apparatus and base 

 of fins. Ground color dark brown. Large and numerous vermilion spots, border- 

 ed with black, on the sides and inferior fins. Ground color of belly, dull whitish 

 or yellowish. 



From San Francisco, Cal. 



8* Chikus guttatus, G .Closely allied to the preceding, from which it is 1 

 distinguished by a larger eye and broader scales, the posterior margin of which 

 is much more serrated, so as to be much rougher to the touch. The origin of 

 first dorsal is situated in advance of the posterior flap of opercle* The super- 

 ciliary flap is much less developed. The caudal is subconcave posteriorly. 



D XXI. 25. A 24* C 5. 1. 7. 6. 1. 6. V I. 5. P 19* 



Ground color greyish yellow ; Upper part of head and sides of body with 

 crowded small blackish spots extending to the pectorals, caudal and dorsals* 

 Beneath unicolor and lighter. Ventrals- and anal blackish* 



From San Francisco, Cal* 



