102 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1897. 



Head 31 ; depth 2| ; D. VIII-I, 27 ; A. II-I-26. Snout slightly 

 shorter than eye, which is 3? in head. Chord of curved part of lateral 

 line If in straight part. Depth of caudal peduncle 2 in its length, 

 measuring from the base of the last dorsal ray to the base of the first 

 caudal ray. Pectorals long and falcate, 3 in length. Ventrals 

 short, 2\ in head, extending beyond the vent which is situated in a 

 groove in which these fins fit. Depth of head equal to or slightly 

 less than its length. The maxillary reaches the anterior edge of the 

 eye, and is contained 2f times in the head. 



Lateral line unarmed. Curve of ventral outline very slightly 

 more pronounced than that of the dorsal. Dorsal and anal fin 

 sheaths well developed. Tips of upper spines and rays dusky. A 

 black blotch at base of upper rays of caudal, and a black axillary 

 and opercular spot. 



This is the common West Indian species of Chloroscombrus. The 

 types are two specimens about 10 inches in length, collected at 

 Jamaica by J. S. Roberts. Co-types are five specimens (L. S. Jr. 

 Museum No. 406) collected by Dr. Jordan at Havana, Cuba. 



The species is closely related to Chloroscombrus chrysurus, the 

 common species of the South Atlantic and Gulf States, which it 

 evidently represents in the West Indies. The species chrysurus, is 

 deeper in every way, having a deeper body, a deeper head, and a 

 deeper caudal peduncle. In chrysurus, also the eye is larger, the 

 mouth more nearly vertical, and the arch of the lateral line higher. 



When specimens of equal size from Florida and Havana are com- 

 pared the characters are very evident. In two specimens each 7£ 

 inches in length, from Havana and Florida respectively, the depth 

 of the body of the one is contained li times in that of the other, 

 the depth of the head 1^, the depth of the caudal peduncle \\, and 

 the length of the eye li. 



The names chrysurus (South Carolina), lotus (Carolina) and cari- 

 bceus (Texas) evidently all belong to the species of the United States 

 coast. 



The type of chloris came from Acara in Guinea, and cosmopolita 

 of Cuvier was originally as a mere substitute for coloris. Until the 

 African species can be examined, it is better not to use the name for 

 either of the American forms. Probably Chloroscombrus chloris, 

 when studied, will be found distinct from either. If not, the name 

 would take the place of ectenurus. 



