NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 



233 



higher degree than does the hest known type, the E. blennioides. This 

 is, especially, the existence of a median abdominal series of thick shield-like 

 scales, with short mucrones radiating from the free margins. In the type of 

 the genus these scales are little larger than those of the ordinary form ; in the 

 present species they are four times the size of the largest on the body. The 

 following description will express the general characters : Etheostoma 

 peltatum Stauffer ; body and head more compressed and elevated, and the 

 muzzle longer than in E. blennioides. Four times the length of the 

 head (from below the opercular spine) extends a little beyond the base of the 

 caudal fin, commencing at the end of the muzzle. Pectoral as long as head, 

 and a little less than equal base of first dorsal. Greatest height equal from 

 end of maxillary to edge of operculum. Eye 3 times into length of head, 

 measured to below opercular spine. Breadth of body through scapular re- 



7 



gion much greater than elsewhere. Scales 53, two rows on each side the 



9 

 lateral line longest. No scales in front of the first dorsal or on the head, ex- 

 cept a very few on the operculum. A shield in the clavicular angle, one be- 

 tween the ventral fins, and six in a series commencing opposite the middle of 

 the ventrals, and extending to vent; the last double. Dorsal fins well sep- 

 arated xiii 13. Caudal deeply lunate 17 ; A. 11 ; V. 6 ; P. 14. Total tength 

 three inches. All the fins are finely barred, the ventrals but little, except the 

 first dorsal, where a series of lunate black spots occupies the middle of the in- 

 terradial membrane. The dorsal region is bright olive, with a series of short 

 brown cross-bars. The lateral region is occupied by a longitudinal series of 

 broad brownish shades ; between these and on the belly and jaws orange and 

 yellow. From spinous dorsal to occiput ; from hinder frontal region to end 

 of muzzle extending round front of orbits ; a broad perpendicular bar from 

 orbit downwards, and blotch on the operculum black. 



Jacob Stauffer informs me that its movements are quick and lively, and 

 that it presents a striking appearance in its native waters. 



Lateral line to middle of first dorsal, on about 12 scales. 



Head 3% times in total length. D. viii 9; A. 9. Scales 52. 



) 



-fusifo rmis. 



Lateral line on 1216 scales, to middle of first dorsal. 



Head four times in total length. Rays D. ix 10 ; A. 9. 



Lateral line on 238 scales to origin of second dorsal. 



Head four times in total length. Rays D. x, xi 10, 11 ; A. 9. 



Hololepis erochrous is found in streams and dams, particularly near Brown's Mill in the 

 astern part of New Jersey, opposite Philadelphia. Its length is about two inches. The eye 

 enters the length of the head fiv times, from eud of muzzle to edge of orbit being one diameter of 

 eye. Pectoral and ventral fins equal; rays of latter 15. A broad blackish bund extends from 

 the end of the muzzle to base of tail, covering one-third the height laterally and interrupted by 

 reddish-yellow puuctulations. Above the band pulverulent with reddish aDd rufous shades ; 

 below pale yellow in spirits, rarely with specks; color similar on the head below the band, except 

 a vertical black streak below the eye Ttiis very pretty fish was found, and specimens presented 

 to me, by my friend Jesse Burk, of this city. 



1864.] 



