153 



The dorsal fin is short, it arises well in the anterior third of the body 

 (measured with the caudal) and all its extent lies between the pectorals and 

 ventrals : the anal is long, occupying the greater part of the tail. Pectorals 

 large. Ventrals with 8 rays. An adipose dorsal fin. Caudal forked. No 

 luminous spots. 



This is a remarkable generalized form of Scopeloid, showing affinities with 

 Saurus, CMorophthalmus, Scopelus, Odontostomus, and Paralepis. To casual view 

 it looks just like a Scopelus devoid of luminous organs. 



123. Scopelarchus Guntheri, Alcock. 



Scopelarchus Ountheri, Alcock, Journ. As. Soc. Bengal, Vol. LXV. pt. 2, 1896, p. 307: Illustrations op the 



ZOOLOGT OF THE INVESTIGATOR, FlSHES, PL. XVII. FIG. 7. 



D. 9. A. 26. P. 19. V. 8. L. lat. (of enlarged adherent scales) circ. 50. 



Head and body compressed : shape as of Scopelus. 



Length of head (with gill-cover) not quite one-fourth, height of body about 

 two-elevenths of the total (without caudal). Snout about three-fourths the 

 length of the eye : the lower jaw in repose fitting within the upper. The eyes 

 are large — about one-third the length of the head — they are separated from one 

 another by a mere linear space, and their visual axis is rather more superior 

 than lateral. 



The mouth-cleft forms a slightly oblique sweep, and the maxilla extends a 

 considerable distance behind the posterior border of the orbit. 



The scales of the lateral line are much enlarged, and their vertical diameter 

 is much greater than their antero-posterior diameter ; each is chambered, the 

 chamber opening dorsally and ventrally. 



The first dorsal ray arises about an eye-length behind the base of the 

 pectorals, the last stands a little in advance of the base of the ventrals. The 

 first anal ray arises near the middle of the body (measured with the caudal), the 

 last is less than an eye-length distant from the rudimentary rays at the base of 

 the caudal. The adipose fin stands in the posterior third of the distance between 

 the dorsal and caudal. 



Pectorals broad and falciform, reaching to the base of the ventrals, which 

 are small and do not nearly reach the anal. 



Colours in spirit white, occiput and caudal peduncle black. 



A single specimen, an adult female, about five inches long, from off the 

 Indus Delta, 947 fathoms. 



Regd. No. y- 

 20 



