The }<[atural History of the Frilled Shar}{ 265 



mm. (75.4 in.), and the largest (Japan) is 1960 mm. (77.2 in.). The average length of the 

 58 (8+15+35) specimens of Chlamydoselachus for which we have definite measurements is 

 1450 mm. (57 in.). In view of all these facts and figures, one must conclude that Doflein 

 (1906) was remarkably close to the truth when he said underneath his figure of a male fish 

 (Figure 2, plate I) ''Naturliche Lange ca hi m. [1500 mm., 59 in.]." 



In addition to the tables of lengths only, we have compiled our Table VI showing 

 the comparative measurements (in millimeters) of different regions and organs in four 

 specimens from authors, plus the like measurements in our three specimens — fish which 

 have been long in preservative. 



It must be distinctly understood that the measurements of our three specimens are 

 approximate only. These specimens have for at least 25 years been coiled up in barrels 

 of alcohol. To straighten them out and get even approximate measurements is a matter of 

 no small difficulty; to get absolutely accurate ones is an impossibility. After making 

 due allowance for errors of measurement, there are individual variations which must be 

 recogni2;ed. The depth of body of our three specimens cannot be measured because they 

 have been eviscerated, but it is apparent that No. II has proportionately a more slender 

 body than the others. 



COLOR OF THE FRILLED SHARK 



Unfortunately no one has definitely described the color of a newly caught Chlamy 

 doselachus, but for preserved fish there is great uniformity of report. Perhaps it will be 

 best for us to let the describers speak for themselves — taking Japanese specimens first. 

 Thus Garman (1884.2, 1913) says "Uniform brown, darker at the edges of the fins." 

 Giinther (1887) unfortunately makes no reference to the coloration. Nishikawa (1898), 

 who figures a freshly caught female (our Text-figure 2), makes no statement, nor do we 

 find any in Dean's fragmentary notes. Jordan and Fowler (1903, p. 597) say of their small 

 specimen (996 mm. or 39.1 in.) — "Color in spirits uniform brown." Mertens (1921) 

 speaks in one place of the color of his specimen as "dark" and in another as "a beautiful 

 uniform purplish-black (Purpurschwarz;)." This statement is however an isolated one. 

 Finally, the colored figure in the Japanese work referred to (Ito, 1931) shows, and the 

 descriptive text states, "color uniformly dark-brown, darker at thin margins of fins," while 

 the under parts are almost white. 



The color of eastern Atlantic specimens agrees with that of Japanese fish. Collett 

 unfortunately makes no reference to the color of his preserved specimens from Madeira 

 (1890) and Norway (1897-1). Pellegrin and Loppe (1914) give no color for their fish, 

 though Loppe saw it while it was fresh. For specimens from Iberian waters we have 

 more definite data. Bolivar (1907) says of the first fish taken at Corunna, Spain, that "The 

 head, the back, the fins and tail are of a dull brown color, while the underneath parts are 

 much lighter." As we understand it, this applies to the preserved fish. Bertrand (1926) 

 makes a curious statement about the color of his specimen which he apparently saw while 

 it was fresh or at any rate shortly after it had been captured. He writes : "La linea lateral, 



