NATURAL HISTORY OF REDFISH, ETC., OF TEXAS 



179 



The smallest specimen obtained in Texas waters measures 7.8 millimeters (about 

 0.25 inch). This fish has the general elongate shape of the species, and the long, 

 acute snout is particularly marked. The vertical fins arc well differentiated, the 

 larval fin fold extending from the vent to the spinous anal fin as well as along the 

 caudal peduncle, both dorsally and ventrally. A pronounced series of dark brown 

 chromatophores is placed in the center of the body and extends approximately from 

 the soft dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. This series of markings is the beginning 

 of the broad, dark, lateral band, characteristic of fish from 15 to 35 millimeters in 

 length. Another smaller group of chromatophores lies along the ventral edge of the 

 caudal peduncle, a distinctive group of darker pigmentations being present on the 



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Fig. 24.— Young spotted trout. ActUiJ length, 7.8 millimeters 



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Fig. 25. — Young spotted trout. Actual length, 13 millimeters 



Fig. 26.— Young spotted trout, .\ctual length, 4.1 centimeters 



lower anterior caudal fin. Fine punctulations are apparent behind and above the 

 pectoral fins, as well as from the eye to the snout. (See figs. 24 and 25.) 



Young spotted trout from 15 to 30 millimeters have the lateral black stripe most 

 prominent and extending from the snout to the caudal fin in a continuous line. The 

 ground color of the body is light, tinged with yellow and bluish reflections above and 

 with a silvery sheen below. The caudal fin possesses a heavily marked, triangular, 

 blackish area, the apex of which is near the tip of the fin. Fresh specimens have the 

 iris of the eye colored a brilliant golden yellow, which disappears soon after death. 

 The caudal is more sharply pointed in fish under 35 millimeters (1.3 inches). (See 

 figs._26 and 27.) 



