Lampanyctus niger 



(Gunther, 1887) 



Fig. 163— Lampanyctus niger. holotype, 102.8 mm. BMNH 1887.12.7.219. (An unpublished drawing by Rolf L. Bolin). 



Fig. 164 — Lampanyctus ater Tuning, 1928, holotype, 89.0 mm. From Dana Sta- 

 tion 1152 I. (An unpublished drawing by Rolf L. Bolin). 



Description 



D. 13-14; A. 16 (15-17); P. 10-11; AO 6 (5-7) + 6-7, total 11-12 (14); gill rakers 4-5 + 1 + 10 

 (9-11), total 15-16 (14-17); vertebrae 35 (34-36). 



The nominal species L. niger, of worldwide distribution, apparently constitutes a complex 

 of closely related forms, subspecies or species (see Discussion). The following data are taken 

 from specimens from north of Hawaii, that conform reasonably well to the inadequate descrip- 

 tion and figure provided by Giinther and to the above outline sketch by Bolin. Two forms may 

 occur near Hawaii: one form apparently reaches a maximum size of about 80 mm (apparently 

 sexually mature at about 70 mm), the other (based on a very few specimens) reaches about 140 

 mm. 



PLO about three times nearer lateral line than to pectoral origin and well forward of 

 vertical from that origin. PO4, SAO,, and SAO2 on a nearly straight, level line. VLO varies 

 from near lateral line to four of its diameters below lateral line and over or slightly behind 

 VOi. Four VO, equally spaced. SAO series strongly angulate; SAO, over a point variously 

 nearer VO2 or VO.-,; SAO2 about over anal origin; SAO3 nearly touching lateral line over a 

 point midway between anal origin and first AOa. AOa series level, the AOi.j interspace 

 often wider than those between remaining AOa. First Pol well behind last AOa; a line through 

 the 2 Pol passes variously through origin or end of base of adipose fin. Pre, and Prc2 very 

 closely spaced and nearly on same level; Prc;, above and behind Prc^ and distant from it by a 

 space three times wider than that of Pre, and Prcj. Prcj on or slightly above lateral line, over, 

 or its diameter behind, vertical from Prc;, and distant from it by twice the Prco .•! interspace. 



175 



