102 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



Dimensious of several specimens. 



Total length, to tip of caudal, in inches 



Greatest width of body 



Length of head 



Distance from tip of lower jaw to anal, in a straight 



line 



Length of pectoral, colored side 



Length of pectoral, blind side 



Length of ventrals 



Length of orbit 



Approximate width of interocular space 



"Width of peduncle, of tail 



Length of lower jaw 



Length of snout • 



Origin of anal to lateral line 



Number of rays iu dorsal 



Number of rajs in anal 



141 

 3ii 



In otlier specimens, the formulte of tliese fins were as follows : D. 77, 

 A. GO ; D. 74, A. 57 5 D. 75 ; A. c. 54. Thus tbe number of rays in tlie 

 dorsal and anal fins is very variable, and is usually largest in the largest 

 individuals, but not invariably so ; the head also becomes slightly longer 

 in proportion to the body as the size increases; and the largest speci- 

 mens are the most slender. After close examination of several indi- 

 viduals, and comparison of many fresh specimens as they lay upon the 

 stalls, exposed for sale, I have been forced to the conclusion that there 

 is only one species of Farophrijs^ and tfiat the P. hubhardl of Gill and 

 the r. (Uyrammus of Gilnther imist sink to the rank of synonyms. 

 Farophn/s retulus is of common occurrence in the markets, where it is 

 present daily in greater or less abundance. Large specimens are equal 

 in length to those of Psettlchthys melanostictus. This species can be 

 readily recognized by its narrow form, combined with the straight taper- 

 ing lines of the posterior portion of the body, by the narrow anterior 

 portion of the head, and by the smooth scales. 



LEPIDOPSETTA Gill. 



Form oval ; eyes and color on the right side. Mouth small, the nar- 

 row maxillary reaching but little behind the anterior margin of the orbit 

 of the lower eye ; teeth in a single row, straight, forming a blunt con- 

 tinuous edge, most developed on the bUnd side. Anterior nostril of 

 colored side tubular ; that of blind side with a linguiform flap. Bran- 

 chiostegals seven. Dorsal not extending in advance of the orbit ; anal 

 with a spine. Scales rough, usually ctenoid, sometimes sub-spinosely 

 tuberculate on the cheeks. Lateral line arched anteriorly ; an accessory 

 dorsal branch. 



