1884.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 221 



A EEVIEW OF THE AMEBICAN SPECIES OF THE GENUS HEMIKHAMPHUS. 

 BY SETH E. MEEK AND DAVID K. GOSS. 



The American species of the genus Hemirhamphus are in a 

 condition of great confusion. In this paper we have endeavored 

 to give the synon3^ms of those species which seem to be valid, 

 with an analysis of their specific characters. The paper is based 

 on specimens belonging to the Indiana University, and to the 

 United States National Museum, all of them collected by Professor 

 David S. Jordan on the coast of Florida and at Havana. 



This collection comprises three of the four Atlantic species 

 admitted by us, the published descriptions indicating the exist- 

 ence of another {H. balao), as yet unknown to us. 



Euleptorhamphus longirostris is not here mentioned, as we 

 regard it as the type of a genus distinct from Hemirhamphus. 



We are very much indebted to Professor Jordan for use of his 

 library and for valuable aid. 



Analysis of American species of the genus Hemirhamphus. 



a. Anal fin about as long as dorsal and opposite it, its rays 14 to 

 16 ; sides with a distinct silvery band ; last ray of dorsal not 

 produced in a filament. 



h. Ventrals inserted about midway between base of caudal and 

 posterior margin of eye ; dorsal and anal fins scaly ; lat. 

 1. 53 to 56. 



c. Length of mandible (from tip of upper jaw) not longer 

 than rest of head ; body and head comparatively 

 robust; D. 15; A. 16. unifasciatus. 1. 



cc. Length of mandible (from tip of upper jaw) not shorter 

 than rest of head ; body comparatively slender. D. 14 ; 

 A. 15. roherti. 2. 



hb. Ventrals inserted midway between base of caudal and gill 

 openings ; dorsal and anal fins not scaly ; lat. 1. 63 ; D. 

 14 : A. 14. rosse. 3. 



