A Monograph of Afarciis Islatid. — Appc7idix. 133 



Family TEUTHIDID.F:.— The Surgeon-fishes. 

 2439. Teuthis atrimentatus Jordan & Evermauu. 



2440. Tetithis bipunctatus (Giinth.). 



2441. Teuthis striatus (Quoy & Gaim.). 



Twent3'-oue small specimens, ranging in length from 38 to 

 52 mm., and including colorless larvae in the Acronurus stage, 

 showing every gradation in color up to the dark, fully marked adults. 



D. ix-26 ; A. 111-26 or 27 ; P. 15 ; V. 1-5. Head 3.50 to 4 in 

 larvae ; 3.83 to 4.17 in adult, but usually 4 ; depth 2 in length with- 

 out caudal ; 2.33 in total length ; eye 3 in head. 



Body deep, much compressed, oval; profile convex. Mouth 

 small, with 8 incisors on each side of jaw. Nostrils small, close 

 together ; the anterior one larger and with small fleshy flap. 

 Spinous dorsal low, posterior soft rays highest, longest rays 2 in 

 head. Anal low, highest posteriorly, longest rays about 1.75 in 

 head; pectoral equals head* caudal forked; ventral about 2 in 

 head. All fins very delicate, the tips breaking off in handling, so 

 that it is difficult to give exact measurements. In none of the 

 specimens was the caudal entire when received. Lateral line 

 high, arched under third, fourth and fifth dorsal spines, then 

 almost straight to middle of soft dorsal, where it descends abruptly 

 to middle of caudal peduncle, a short distance anterior to caudal 

 spine, then runs to tail along caudal peduncle by a sinuous course, 

 curving above caudal spine. 



Caudal spine small, 4.25 in head. Scales minute, ctenoid. 



Color in alcohol : Larvae a pale brown, belly and opercles 

 silvery. A dark bluish band connecfling the eyes, slightly pos- 

 terior to them ; a broad band of same color across caudal peduncle 

 at base of fin. A dark ring around the mouth. A lighter band at 

 base of dorsal, beginning at posterior portion of spinous dorsal and 

 extending posteriorly to band on caudal peduncle. Other fins 

 colorless. Adult : color of body varies from dark brown to very 

 dark blackish brown, with from 9 to 11 straight light brown, longi- 

 tudinal lines along sides of body, and a silvery sheen on the abdo- 

 men. Fins all black, except pectoral, which is bluish. Bands on 

 larvae are also present on adults, but become obscured or lost in 

 those specimens that are almost black, with the exception of the 

 ring about the mouth, which is always prominent. 



