DISCUSSION OF SPECIES AND TIIKIK DISTRIBUTION. 155 



SPINIVOMER. Gill and Ryder. 



Spinivomer, Qui and Ryder, Proo. IT. s. Nat. Mus. vi, 1883, 2fil. — Jordan, Cat. Fish. N. Amer., 57. — Jordan 

 and Davis, Rep. I", s. r. C, 1888, 653. 



Neiiiichthyids with a rectilinear occipito-rostral outline, with very attenuated jaws, 

 high mandibular rami, the branchial apertures nearly confluent, enlarged acute conic teeth 

 in a median row on the vomer, and with a silverj epidermis, and a filiform tail. (Oill and 

 Ryder.) 



SPINIVOMER GOODEI, Gill and Ryder. 



Spinivomer Goodei, Oill and Ryder, loo. cit.,253, 255, 261. 



The rays are ensheathed in a tough membrane which renders it impossible at present 

 to enumerate them with exactitude. They are, however, it is to be noted, more distant 

 from each other, and consequently fewer than in Serrivomer. 



The tish has a silvery sheen by which, as well as by the smaller eyes and deeper mandi- 

 bles, it may be at once recognized from its relations. 



This is the smallest of the family, but a beautiful silvery form. The total length of 

 the only specimen found is 0.13 of a meter, and its greatest. height (at the branchial region) 

 is 0.0025 meter. ( Gill and Ryder.) 



A single specimen (Cat. No. 33293, U. S. X. M.) was obtained by the Albatross at station 

 2039, in 38° 19' 26" X. bit., 68° 20' 20" W. Ion., at a depth of 2,361 fathoms. 



SERRIVOMER, Gill and Ryder. 



Serrivcnner, Gill and Ryder, Proo. 1 . S. X. M., vi, 1883, 260. — Jokhax, Cat. Fish, N. A., 57. — Jordan and 

 Davis, Rep. U. S. F. ('.. L888, 653. 



Nemichthyids with the head behind eyes of an elongated parallelogramic form, with 

 moderately attenuated jaws, branchiostegal membrane confluent at the posterior margin, but 

 with the branchial apertures limited by an isthmus except at the margin, and with lancet- 

 shaped vomerine teeth in a. crowded (sometimes doubled) row. (Oill and Ryder.) 



SERRIVOMER BEANII, Gill and Ryder. (Figure 175.) 



Serrivomer Beanii, Gill and Ryder, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vi, 1883, 260, 261. — Jordan and Davis, Rep. U.S. 

 F. c, L888, 653. 



The stoutest species of the family and withmuch shorter jaws than any other, and with 

 a very formidable vomerine armature. Thetotal length of the single specimen obtained was 

 0. 59 1 meter; its height at the vertical of the mandibular articulation is 0.016 meter, and the 

 greatest height of the body (just behind tin; branchial apertures) is 0.02 meter. 



Radial formula: I). 157; A. 138. 



The specimen (Cat. No. 33383, TJ. S. X. M.) was taken by the Albatross at station 

 2075, in 41° 40' 30" X. lat., 65° 28' 30" W. Ion., at a depth of 8.".."") fathoms. 



SERRIVOMER RICHAEDU, ( Vaii.i.axt), G< K and I'.i an. 



yemiehthys Eichardi, Vm.i wi, op. tit., Appendix, 93. 

 Avocetiina Richardi, Jordan and Davis, Rep. t'. s. F. C, 1888, (1891) 655. 



Nemiohthyt infant, Vaujlant, Exp. Sri. Travailleur et Talisman, 1888, 95, pL vii, li^s. 1, la (not N. infant 

 of ( tiinther). 



The description of this species given by Giinther (Preliminary notice 1873, p. 251) 

 being very brief, the example dredged from the Talisman, on the other hand, leaving much 

 to be desired in the way of preservation, the affinity is doubtful. 



The example, moreover, if we may be able to judge, is a Little more nearly cylindrical 

 in form. The muzzle is sharply conical, the teeth of the jaws rasp-like, similar to those of 

 Nemichtlvys scolopaceus, Richardson. The eye appears small, nearer to the extremity of the 

 snout than to the branchial orifice. 



