14 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv 



condition of the specimen upon which it is based. Five others from Tortugas 

 (U. S. Nat. Mus. nos. 61124 and 68600) have 20 to 24, and 4 from Key West (no. 

 35158) have 21 to 24. The number counted by me, with one exception, is lower 

 than in 14 West Indian specimens examined, which have 25 to 28. Dr. Longley's 

 counts, however (which may not be based on the specimens preserved), come 

 within the range of the West Indian specimens. The wide range in the counts 

 of Tortugas and Key West specimens (including Dr. Longley's counts) suggests 

 more than one species, but the material at hand is not sufficient to make a definite 

 determination. 



Range, probably Florida and the West Indies. S. F. H. 



Family ALEPOCEPHALIDAE 



Xenodermichthys copei (Gill) 



Two specimens, 125 and 130 mm. long, taken in 250 fathoms, apparently belong 

 to this species. These specimens, which are not in good condition now, are listed 

 in Dr. Longley's field notes as doubtfully of this species, but without further 

 comment. 



The characters that can be checked seem mostly to be correct for Xenoder- 

 michthys copei. That species, however, is said to have no lateral line, which 

 seems to be present in the specimens from Tortugas, as a double row of short 

 tubes is definitely present underneath the skin. Furthermore, the dorsal and anal 

 fins have been described as of about equal length, whereas the latter in the speci- 

 mens at hand appears to be the shorter, and with fewer rays. Because of the soft 

 and somewhat torn condition, it is possible that part of the fin is missing. 



Caudal fin definitely forked; pectorals placed very low, and immediately 

 behind gill opening; ventrals abdominal, inserted about an eye's diameter in 

 advance of dorsal; gill rakers well developed, 16 on lower limb of first arch; teeth 

 apparently present only on jaws, minute and pointed. 



The following proportions are based on the smaller and better specimen at 

 hand: Head 4.3; depth 5.7. The large eye 2.8 in head; snout about 7; maxillary 

 extending slightly beyond middle of eye, 2.5 in head. D. 32; A. 20. 



The color of the specimens at hand is uniform dark brown to nearly black. 



Few specimens have been reported. Besides the type, which is from the Gulf 

 Stream, at 37 12' N., 69° 39' W., I have found records of only 3 others, all from 

 the vicinity of Bermuda. The specimens heretofore reported were taken in much 

 deeper water than the Tortugas material. S. F. H. 



Family ARGENTINIDAE 



Argentina striata Goode and Bean 



No specimens were found in Dr. Longley's collection. In his notes, however, 

 he listed 15 specimens, taken in 160 to 197 fathoms, the largest one being 190 mm. 

 long. 



General range, the Gulf of Mexico. S. F. H. 



