their respective diameters. The VO2-3 interspace averages approximately half (53% ) of that 

 between VLO and VO2 but varies from 44% to 64%. A line through SAO, and SAO^ usually 

 passes slightly before, occasionally through, VOs and well behind SAO,,. AOai seldom elevated 

 by more than its diameter (usually half) above AOa^. Last AOa from 1.0 to 1.5 times its 

 diameter above level of next to last AOa. Pol usually under middle of base of adipose fin. Pre 

 interspaces increasingly wider. 



The much enlarged Vn of males appears as two parts, the posterior part small and ovate to 

 round and separated from a much larger anterior part by a whitish (in preservative) septum. 

 The larger anterior part is rather egg-shaped, apex pointing posteriorly, and fills space be- 

 tween orbital rim, nasal apparatus, and premaxillary. Vn of females small, ovate, and often 

 indistinct. So small and usually well covered with dark tissue and intruding sharply into 

 orbital margin. 



Teeth of premaxillary small, flattened laterally, and sharply recurved in a forward direc- 

 tion on the posterior portion, but less flattened and are curved posteriorly on the anterior 

 position. 



Size: To 31 mm. Form A may be a small species, as gravid females of 26 to 30 mm were 

 found. 



Least depth of capture: To 375 m at night. 



Distribution: Form A is known only from three localities of the eastern Pacific Ocean (Fig. 

 1 19); most specimens were taken at about 27° N, 155° W. 



Form B of Diaphus fulgens species complex 



Description 



D. 13-14; A. 12-13; P. 10-11; AO 5 -I- 4, total 9; gill rakers 4 (3) -h 1 -I- 9-10, total 14 (13-15); 

 vertebrae 33 (only eight specimens known). 



Posterodorsal margin of operculum rounded and only slightly recurved. 



Body photophores moderately large, those of AO series usually separated by less than 

 their diameters. PLO over or slightly before a vertical from pectoral origin and above it by 35% 

 (30-49% ) of the distance from there to lateral line. VLO over bases of inner rays of pelvic fin 

 and above them by about 44% (38-39% ) of distance to lateral line. VO,.^ interspace 44% 

 (38-54% ) of space between VLO and VOj. A line through SAOi.j passes through or a little 

 before VO.i and well behind SAO.j. SAO.,, Pol, and Pre, below lateral line about three of their 

 respective diameters. First and last AOa photophores about half their diameters above levels 

 of adjacent ones; Pol under end of adipose base. Pre interspaces progressively wider. 



Luminous scale at PLO large, extending from slightly above PLO nearly to pectoral fin, 

 the tissue arranged in rather coarse horizontal lines. Vn of males large, undivided, somewhat 

 triangular in shape with the apex posteriorly, and filling space between anteroventral margin 

 of orbit, premaxillary, and nasal apparatus. Vn of females much smaller, elliptical, and often 

 indistinct. 



Teeth of upper and lower jaws similar to those of Form A. Palatine toothless, or one or two 

 teeth present at anterior end. Mesopterygoids sparsely set with small elongate teeth. 



Size: To 31 mm, largest of eight specimens. Apparently Form B is also a small species; a 

 female of 22 mm was gravid. 



Least depth of capture: To 580 m at night. 



Distribution: All eight known specimens taken at about 27° N, 155° W (Fig. 119). 



132 



