160 



THE BRAZILIAN RYPTICUS. 



Rypticus arenatus Cuv. et Yau 



PLATE XXX. 



Le Savonnier sable, Rypticus arenatus, Cuv. et Vakn. 

 Hist. Nat. des Poissons, iii. p. 65. 



D. 3.26; A. 14; C. 35; P. 14; V. !.5. 



These fish are characterized by having very 

 minute scales, covered with an epidermis ; by the 

 dorsal fin having but a very small number of 

 spiny rays, and in its not being notched or having 

 any distinction between the spined and soft rayed 

 portions. Both the opercle and preopercle are 

 spined, and are without any serrating or teeth on 

 the edges. They have been named " Savonnier " 

 by the French, from the soft soapy and unctuous 

 matter with which the skin is lubricated, and 

 which, when rubbed on the hands, has a feel 

 similar to that of soap. The most common species 

 is found in the seas of the western parts of 

 America, and is of a length of eight or nine 

 inches, and generally of a blackish violet colour. 



