1854.] 147 



with its upper profile more inclined from the occiput to the snout than in the pre- 

 ceding species. The total length of the fish is about eleven inches, of which 

 the head forms more than the third. The reatest depth is equal to the length 

 of head. The upper surface of the latter exhibits conspicuous spiny ridges, very 

 acute posteriorly. Five triangular spines occupy the limb of preopercle and two 

 the upper part of opercle. The posterior extremity of upper maxillary reaches 

 a vertical line which would pass behind the pupil. The outline of anterior dorsal 

 is convex and about the same height as the second. The caudal, posteriorly, is 

 subrouuded. The tips of posterior soft rays of anal are even with the tips of 

 posterior soft rays of second dorsal, and both fins approximate the base of caudal. 

 The ventrals are long and their tip reaches the vent. The pectorals are broad 

 and extend a little farther back than the ventrals, the insertion of which is 

 situated upon a line behind their base. 



D XIII. 13. A III. 7. C 2. 1. 6. 5. 1. 3. V I. S. P 18. 



The scales are rather above the medium size ; those on the bead and opercular 

 bones being comparatively more developed than in the preceding species. The 

 lateral line is parallel to the outline of the back. 



The ground color is greenish sulphur yellow ; purplish black patches over the 

 head, sides of body, and fins, in the midst of which patches appear crowded 

 whitish spots. An area of ground color may be traced from the third and fourth 

 dorsal spines obliquely downwards and backwards, towards the base of the caudal; 

 in an oblique direction from the dorsal fin to the lateral line; then along the 

 course of lateral line to the base of caudal fin. The throat is deep sulphur yellow; 

 the inferior surface of the head and belly is spread all over with a more dull tint. 



From Presidio, Cal. 



HETEROLEPIDiE s. Cataphracti. 



13. Chirus guttatus, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. vii. 1854, p. 132. 

 From Presidio, Cala. 



14. Chirus constellatis, Grd. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. vii. 1854, p. 141. 

 From Presidio, Cal. 



GASTEROSTEID^ s. Cataphracti. 



15. Gasterosteiis plebekts, G. The general appearance of this species is 

 subfusiform in its profile and rather short. The depth upon the middle region 

 of the body is a little less than the fourth of the length, whilst the head is con- 

 tained in it three times and a half. The eye is of medium size and circular, its 

 diameter entering four times in the length of the side of head. Mouth of medium 

 size, lower jaw the longest. Upper surface of head minutely granular under a 

 magnifying glass. Two well developed spines on the back, and a much smaller 

 one preceding the soft rays of the dorsal. Posterior margin of the caudal, slightly 

 crescentic. Ventral spines very much developed, inserted slightly in advance 

 of the second dorsal spine, and denticulated upon either edge. Base of the pec- 

 toral situated in advance of the first dorsal spine. 



D I. I. Ml. A 1-9. C 3. 1. 5. 5. 1. 2. V I. 1. P 10. 



The body is anteriorly plated from the head to the second dorsal spine; other- 

 wise smooth and keelless on the sides of the peduncle of tail. 



Ground color reddish yellow, blotched with blackish brown ; blotches assu- 

 ming sometimes the shape of vertical bands. Beneath silvery. Minute and 

 crowded black dots are spread all over the body, head and fins. 



From the salt marshes about Presidio, Cal. 



16. Gasterosteus inopinatus, G. General form slender, elongated, tapering 

 considerably from the origin of anal backwards. Peduncle of the tail slender 

 and long. The greatest depth, measured above the ventrals, is contained five 

 times in the entire length ; the head, on the other hand, falls a little short of the 

 fourth of the same length. The eye rather large, is subcircular; its horizontal 

 diameter enters three times and a half in the length of side of head; once in ad- 

 vance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The mouth is shaped as in the preceding 



