62 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv 



robertsi has pale lines on the opercle, running downward and backward, which 

 are missing in the specimens of S. elucens. In general, S. elucens is rather paler 

 in color and has fewer dark markings, and the pale bands at the segment of the 

 rings on the ventral surface of the body and tail are more distinct, whereas the 

 more widely spaced narrower white bands placed dorsally are visible in only one 

 specimen. In all respects except the vertical pale lines on the opercles, some speci- 

 mens approach each other closely. 



The following enumerations and proportions are based on 5 specimens, rang- 

 ing in length from 128 to 146 mm.: D. 22 or 23, on 1 + 4 or x / 2 -\- 4V2 rings; body 

 and caudal rings 17 + 31 to 33; brood pouch on 17 to 19 rings. Head 7.2 to 8.2; 

 distance from snout to vent 2.3 to 2.4; depth 22 to 24; base of dorsal 11 to 12. Eye 

 in head 7.6 to 8.5; snout 1.8 to 2.0; depth 2.9 to 3.4; base of dorsal 1.4 to 1.7. Eye 

 in snout 4.0 to 4.3. 



If the present identification is correct, this species ranges from the Florida 

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



Syngnathus rousseau Kaup 



Specimens here listed apparently were identified either as Syngnathus rousseau 

 Kaup or as S. pelagicus Linnaeus by Dr. Longley, who did not decide definitely 

 to which one of the species named he would refer them. Neither do I know 

 where they belong, if the two actually are distinct. Kaup's original description of 

 S. rousseau is inadequate, but there is nothing in it inconsistent with the speci- 

 mens in hand unless it be the "short marginal spine at interruption of each ring." 

 Syngnathus pelagicus, as described in current works, agrees in color, but has 

 rather too high a dorsal ray count, and the fin is placed too far back and covers 

 too many rings (29 to 32, on 1 + 9 rings) . Two specimens of S. pelagicus from 

 Genoa, in the U. S. National Museum, have the dorsal over l / 2 + 6 and + 7 

 rings, and have 36 or 37 caudal rings. 



Dr. Longley stated that this species is common in the Tortugas in floating 

 Sargassum. 



Dr. Longley found a male, 154 mm. long, that had 225 eggs in its brood pouch, 

 which extended over 12^2 caudal rings. The flaps of the pouch did not overlap, 

 but were turned in at the margin, covering the eggs. In a female, 157 mm. long, 

 the right ovary contained 150 large eggs, 50 of a more or less intermediate size, 

 and smaller ones. He added, "Clearly then there are several broods in one season." 



The ridges on the head were described by Dr. Longley as a little stronger than 

 in S. floridae, those on the dorsal surface, exclusive of the supraorbital ridges, 

 being noticeably beaded; keels on body moderate, except the ventral one, beaded, 

 and also somewhat stronger than in S. floridae; dorsal surface slightly concave; 

 ventral little convex; lateral keel (lateral line) interrupted on last body ring, 

 and reappearing at a little higher level, running upward from there to form the 

 superior lateral keel of the tail. 



The color is described as varying with age and sex. A female had the back 

 finely streaked with broken pencilings, with back darker than sides, which were 

 tawny olive; above lateral keels on sides of tail yellow; below lateral keel of 

 trunk more yellow or orange with a silvery half-bar up to lateral keel; a dark bar 



