1856.] 135 



Sebastes melanops, 



.1, 



is a species hitherto nudcscribed, and which we thus characterise : " Upper sur- 

 face of head generally spineless. Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a 

 vcrticalline drawn interiorly to the posterior rim of the orbit. Origin of dorsal 

 fin opposite or else slightly in advance of the base of the pectorals. Upper re- 

 gions blackish brown ; sides brownish, spotted with black ; beneath greyish 

 brown." 



Specimens were collected at Cape Flattery, W. T., and at Astoria, 0. T.. bv 

 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, U. S. A. 



A fine addition to the group of Heterolepids instituted in 1854 with two genera. 

 Chirus and Ophiodon, is the new genus 



OPLOPOMA, 



characterised by an " elongated body, membranous flaps above the orbits, and 

 spines on the preopercle. The snout is conical ; the mouth large, and the lower 

 jaw the longest. Canine teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer 

 aud the palatines. Gill openings continuous ; branchiostegals six on eitherside. 

 Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal posteriorly subcrescentic or else concave. In- 

 sertion of ventrals a little posterior to the pectorals. Body covered by small 

 cycloid scales." 



Oplopoma pantheeina, 



the only species hitherto known, has the " upper surface and sides of the bead 

 granular. The preopercular spines are few, small and blunt. Posterior ex- 

 tremity of maxillary extending beyond the orbit. Origin of anterior dorsal 

 situated in advance of the convexity of the i^reopercle. Scales extending over 

 the base of both the caudal and pectoral fins. Blackish brown above, reddish 

 brown beneath. Dorsal and lateral regions spotted with black." 



Specimens of this species were collected by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, at Cape 

 Flattery, W. T. 



Gastbrosteus serratus, Ayres, I have investigated carefully, and found speci- 

 fically distinct from its congeners. 



I describe another speeies akin to it and G. plebeius. 



Gasterosteus inteemedius 



having the " body plated all over ; the peduncle of the tail keeled. Dorsal 

 spines three, moderate in development and inconspicuouslj- serrated upon their 

 edges ; anterior one inserted immediately behind the base of the pectorals. In- 

 sertion of ventrals irnder the second dorsal spine ; their own spine being serrated 

 upon both edges, more conspicuously above than below, and their extremities 

 not extending as far as the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of 

 caudal concave." 



Inhabits Cape Flattery, W. T., where it was collected by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, 

 U. S. A. 



Finally, under the name of 



Gasterosteus pugetti, 

 I introduce a new species in which the " body is only plated in part. Dorsal 

 spines three, slender, not serrated upon their edges ; anterior inserted immedi- 

 ately behind the base of pectorals. Insertion of ventrals in advance of the 

 second dorsal spine ; their own spine being slender, crenated upon its edges and 

 extending beyond the tips of the os.w innorainata. Posterior margin of caudal 

 slightly emarginated." 



Fort Steilacoom, Puget Sound, W. T. ; collected by Dr. Geo. Suckley, U. S. A. 



Leiostomus lineattts, Ayres, has come within my observation. The species is 

 characteristic. Specimens of it were brought home by Dr. J. S. Newberry. 



Leptogunellus gracilis, Ayres, I have likewise examined on specimens col- 

 lected by Dr. Newberry and labelled by Dr. Ayres. 



