I02 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv 



scribed by Poey, though apparently indicated as very slightly denticulate in his 

 drawing. The specimens are in agreement with descriptions, however, as to the 

 long, falcate pectoral, which reaches opposite the vent, and as to the lateral line, 

 which is sharply elevated anteriorly, running so near the back that only two rows 

 of scales are between it and the base of the last dorsal ray, whence it drops rather 

 abruptly to the middle of the caudal peduncle. In number of fin rays and of 

 scales in lateral line, and in many other respects there also is agreement. 



The following enumerations and proportions are based on a specimen 120 mm. 

 long, 95 mm. to base of caudal: D. VIII, 14; A. 111,8; P. 15; scales 3-43-14; gill 

 rakers 3 and 2 rudiments above, 13 and 2 rudiments below angle on first arch. 

 Head 3.15; depth 3.95; pectoral 3.6; ventral 5.6. Eye in head 4.1; snout 3.2; inter- 

 orbital 6.65; maxillary 2.0; caudal peduncle 2.8. 



West Indies to the Florida Keys. S. F. H. 



Rypticus Cuvier, 1829. Soapfishes 



Representatives of this genus were observed several times by Dr. Longley 

 while diving on the reefs, but they generally were not recognizable as to species. 

 Specimens also were taken at depths of 10 to 25 fathoms. S. F. H. 



Rypticus saponaceus (Bloch and Schneider) 



This species was recorded from Tortugas by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. 

 U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 241). Dr. Longley did not identify any 

 fish observed by him as this species, and there are no specimens in his collection. 



Atlantic coast of tropical America to southern Florida. S. F. H. 



Rypticus arenatus Cuvier and Valenciennes 



Two specimens, without specific data, 53 and 61 mm. long, were identified as 

 this species by Dr. Leonard P. Schultz, of the U. S. National Museum. 



These specimens are now without spots. The upper surface from snout to 

 origin of dorsal, occupying the entire width of the interorbital, is pale. Below 

 this, from snout through eye to gill opening, is a dark brown band. The lower 

 parts of head, chest, and abdomen nearly to vent are pale, and the rest of the 

 body is light brownish. 



Atlantic coast of tropical America to southern Florida. S. F. H. 



Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill) 



Dr. Longley listed a single specimen, 62 mm. long, taken in about 25 fathoms 

 south of Tortugas. 



The color is described in his notes as yellowish below a line passing from snout 

 tangent to lower margin of orbit, thence to upper margin of pectoral base, bend- 

 ing down beyond tip of pectoral, forming a convex curve to ventral surface near 

 anus; head above this dark brown; remainder olivaceous; from head nearly to 

 end of dorsal freckled with fine brown spots; pectorals yellow; vertical fins 

 colored like body and with white margins. 



