i 94 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 3T5 



Ogcocephalus sp. 



After identifying specimens with the four species recognized by Dr. Longley, 

 I have left over 3 specimens, respectively 70, 85, and 95 mm. long. These fish are 

 without definite locality data. They are nearesf the specimens identified as 

 Ogcocephalus vespertilio, a name to which Dr. Longley referred in his notes as 

 a "catch-all in museums." The 3 specimens mentioned, however, have a still 

 longer rostral process, and the spines on the upper surface are considerably 

 coarser, more buckler-like, blunter, and less numerous. The color is grayish, 

 whereas it is brownish in O. vespertilio. The pectorals and caudal are black- 

 tipped in both lots. 



It seems probable that the 3 specimens in hand may be one of the "synonyms" 

 of O. vespertilio. They certainly are different from the 2 specimens identified 

 as O. vespertilio by Dr. Longley. The necessary material and time are not avail- 

 able to me now to determine whether the specimens have or have not been 

 named. Therefore, for the present they are left without specific designation. 



The following proportions and enumerations are based on the 3 specimens in 

 hand. Head, measured to gill opening and without rostral process, in length, the 

 latter also without rostral process, 1.6, 2.0, 2.0; depth 3.5, 4.5, 4.25; tip of upper 

 jaw to vent 1.4, 1.7, 1.7. Eye in head 6.0, 7.2, 6.4; rostral process in advance of eye 

 (damaged in smallest specimen) 2.0, 2.0; interorbital 7.4, 7.25, 8.0; pectoral 2.1, 

 2.5, 2.3. D. 4, 4, 4; A. 4, 4, 4; P. 11, 11, 11. S. F. H. 



Halieutichthys aculeatus (Mitchill) 



A single small specimen was taken in the n-fathom channel within the 

 lagoon, 6 at about 14 fathoms east of Bird Key reef, and hundreds at depths of 

 45 to 65 fathoms. 



This is clearly a fish adapted to life on bare sandy or muddy bottom. When it 

 rests in a tank, as it does through the day, it backs down into the sand and with 

 convulsive twitching of its pectoral fins throws it up over the posterior margin 

 of its disk. It may cover itself with so thin a layer that its contour is scarcely 

 hidden. Its dorsal and caudal fins may even rise above the surface, and its eyes 

 apparently are never concealed; yet the gray of its dorsal side, netted with a 

 tracery of reddish brown, blends so well with its surroundings that the fish is at 

 all times comparatively difficult to discover. 



It is much more active by night than by day. It comes out of hiding each 

 evening at dusk, and "creeps" about sluggishly, right and left pectoral fins being 

 advanced in regular alternation. It may also swim freely and rapidly. If the tank 

 is covered with a black cloth by day, it grows as restless as when darkness comes 

 naturally. 



In a handful of these fish when dead there is often great difference in the 

 appearance of the pupils. Sometimes both pupils are nearly circular, sometimes 

 one is large and the other small, and sometimes neither is visible except under 

 a lens. In the partially contracted pupil its circle is encroached upon by an angle 

 above and below, the upper one being behind the vertical of the lower. Closure 



