REPORT ON THE DEEP-SEA FISHES. S& 



first. A short break separates the second dorsal from the terminal fin which fringes a 

 portion of the tail, and is equal to about half the length of the head ; its upper and lower 

 rays are short, much shorter than the few caudal rays proper. The anal fin commences 

 immediately behind the vent, and is lower than the dorsal opposite. The break in its 

 continuity is opposite to that of the dorsal. 



Both the pectoral and ventral fins have a narrow base, and are slender ; the length of 

 the former equals that of the head, without snout, and is somewhat more than that of 

 the ventrals, which have the second ray prolonged, but do not reach the vent. 



The specimen is entirely black, with the exception of the patch of skin in front of the 

 snout, which is of a brownish-grey colour. Fins transparent. Inside of the mouth black, 

 but not the branchial cavity. 



Only one example was obtained in the Antarctic Ocean at Station 1 56, in 1 975 fathoms ; 

 it is 6 inches long. 



The figures on PI. XIV. represent this specimen of the natural size, also a side view 

 of the head, and front view of the snout : finally, an enlarged view of a scale. 



As mentioned above, Strinsia tinea, from the Mediterranean, must be closely allied 

 to Melanonus, and probably should be included in the deep-sea series. 



Merluccius, Cuv. 

 Merluccius vulgaris (Flem.). 



The Hake has been recorded from depths of 115 to 487 fathoms on the edge of the 

 Gulf Stream off" the southern New England coast.' The specimens caught were numerous, 

 both old and young. Mr. Goode adds : "The adults appeared to be in the middle of the 

 spa'WTiing season (September, 1880), the eggs being separated in the ovaries, and flowing 

 easily in specimens taken at the depth of 250 and 487 fathoms. This phenomenon is of 

 the greatest interest and importance, since it may serve to illustrate how other species 

 common near the shores, such as the Mcnliadrn ;ind Bluefish {Pomatomus saltatrix) 

 retreat to deej) water to spawn." 



Hyimcometes. 



Hypsieometets, Goodo, Pioc. U.S. Nat. Mu.<., vol. iii., 1881, p. 347. 



In introducing this fish into the literature, the author states that " a small specimen, 

 much contracted and distorted from immersion in strong alcohol, is the onl\- material upon 

 which to base his description. Although not quite satisfied that the relations of this fish 



1 Goode, Proe. U.S. Nat. Mus., vol. iii., 1881, pp. :?37, 476; Bull. Mw. Gomp. Zobl, vol. x., 1883, p. 207. 



