JLaguna Q0arine Laboratory 



instance the similarity in internal structure of the "bat-fish" (Acto- 

 batus californicus) and the "shovel nose shark" (Rhinobatus i>ro- 

 ductus), whose viscera are correlated with bottom living habits and 

 similarity of food, rather than bpdy structure or form. Other modi 

 fications, on the other hand, such as that shown in the peculiar 

 diverticulum or caeca! appendage of the stomach in Gymnothorax 

 mordax, are not so readily understood, and offer interesting fields 

 for speculation. 



In only one family, the Blennidae, were enough species obtained 

 to allow any comparative study. But in this one alone some remark- 

 able modifications are found, as shown in the accompanying figures. 

 In this one family several extremes are typified, in regard to both 

 form and structure of the visceral organs. The most peculiar of 

 these is the great divergence from the comparatively short, compact 

 viscera, with the long, coiled alimentary canal in such forms as 

 Heterostichus or the Gibbonsias, to the extremely long, drawn out 

 viscera and perfectly straight alimentary canal of the eel-like Xercr- 

 pes fucorum. That this is not due solely to external form is shown 

 by the intermediate visceral structure of Xiphidion rupestre, which 

 in body form is extremely long and eel-like, just as is A'r rr //><. s- 

 fucorum. 



Unfortunately only enough has been done to show a few of the 

 extremes, and not enough to indicate relationships between genera. 

 But even this indicates that a comprehensive study of this large 

 and varied group in its entirety could not fail to bring out some 

 important and interesting facts in regard, both to individual species 

 and to their inter-relationships. 



Family EPTATRETIDAE 

 Eptatretus stouti (Lockington). Hagfish. 



Not common. A few specimens taken on set lines, or brought in 

 by fishermen at Laguna. 



Family CARCHARIIDAE 



Mustelus californicus Gill. Dog-shark, Oil-shark. 

 Abundant at Newport and common at Laguna. 



Triakis semifasciatus Girarcl. Little Leopard Sharp. 



Found commonly in the vicinity of Laguna and Newport, but 

 never abundant. Taken on set lines close to the shore at Laguna. 



Carcharias laminella Jordan and Gilbert. 

 Two specimens seen at Newport are thought to be this species. 



