1854.] 143 



general outline subfusiform. The eye is subeircular, and its horizontal diameter 

 contained about six times in the length of side of head. The posterior extremity 

 of the upper maxillary extends to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. The 

 lower jaw is the longest. The third dorsal spine is much the longest in the first 

 dorsal fin, and higher than any of the rays constituting the second dorsal. The 

 caudal is subemarginated posteriorly. The insertion of pectorals is placed im- 

 mediately in advance of the origin of anterior dorsal ; the insertion of ventrals 

 is situated immediately behind the base of pectorals. 



D X. 14. A III. S. C 4. 1. 7. 6. 1. 3. V I. 5. P 17. 



The scales are of medium size. The lateral line follows the curve of the back 

 and middle of the peduncle of tail. 



Ground color reddish brown above, yellowish beneath, upper part of body 

 provided with large cloud-like blackish blotches. A dark vitta extends oblique- 

 ly downwards and backwards from the lower rim of orbit to the throat, across 

 the cheeks and branchiostegal apparatus. The fins are purplish blue, very 

 intense on the ventrals, base of second dorsal, and space between the third 

 and fourth spine of first dorsal. The snout is covered with small roundish 

 spots. 



From Monterey, Cal. 



2. Labrax clathratus, G. The profile of upper part of head is more de- 

 pressed, and the head more acute than in L. nebidlfer. The lower jaw is more 

 protruding, giving to the snout a pointed, instead of a rounded appearance, which 

 it has in the preceding species. The fourth dorsal spine is the longest and equal 

 in height to the highest rays of the second dorsal. The diameter of the eye is 

 contained five times in the length of head. The origin of first dorsal is situated 

 exactly opposite the base of pectorals. 



D X. 13. A III. 7. C 3. 1. 7. 6. 1. 2. V I. 5. P 15. 



Ground color purplish; belly whitish; upper part of back and sides covered 

 with darker blotches, assuming an irregular fenestrated appearance. Pectorals 

 yellowish, with a few sulphur transverse vittce. Membrane of other fins pur- 

 plish, second dorsal spotted. A subocular vitta passing nearer the angle of the 

 mouth than in the preceding species. 



From San Diego, Cal. 



TRACHINID.E s. Percid-e. 



Genus HETEROSTICHUS, Girard. 



First dorsal fin very long, the first five anterior rays of which constitute an 

 apparently distinct fin. Anal very Ions, provided anteriorly with but few spines. 

 Dorsal and anal extending to near the caudal. Body very compressed and 

 flattened posteriory. Caudal slender. Ventrals situated in advance of pec- 

 torals. Lower jaw longest ; mouth moderate. Teeth small and conical. Scales 

 very small. Lateral line arched above the pectorals. Six branchial rays. 

 Opercular apparatus without either spines or denticulations. 



3. Heterostichus rostratus, G. The head is rather small and conical, 

 contiguous to a body anteriorly deep, tapering posteriorly, and very much flat- 

 tened throughout. The nose is very much depressed and concave. The 

 greatest depth measured above the pectoials, is contained five times in the entire 

 length; the least depth is about the fourth or fifth of the greatest. The head 

 forms a little less than the fourth of the length. The mouth is moderate, lower 

 jaw much the longest ; and the posterior extremity of upper maxillary reaches a 

 vertical line, which would pass in advance of the pupil. The teeth are conical, 

 slender and exiguous. The eye is subelliptical, and its horizontal diameter con- 

 tained seven times and a half in the length of side of head. The dorsal fin 

 originates at a very short distance from the occiput. The five first rays consti- 

 tuting an apparently distinct fin, subtriangular in shape, and much higher than 

 the portion which follows, and which upon its anterior half, is higher than the 

 posterior half. The soft dorsal is short, but high and in perfect continuity with 

 the spiny one ; the tips of its posterior rays not reaching quite as far back as 



