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PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM 



diagonally (ventroanteriorly to dorsoposteriorly) across the fin, and 

 separated by pale areas. The stripes are so arranged that about three 

 or four pass over each ray, but the same stripes do not pass over all 

 the rays. The anal fin membrane (between each ray) is variably 

 dusky, becoming more intense distally, generally much darker in 

 males than females. The anal rays are paler than the interradial 

 membrane. The caudal fin is marked by a variable number of al- 

 ternating, irregularly vertical dark and pale stripes (increasing in 

 number with increase in SL, up to about 10 or 11 dark stripes). Most 

 of the dark pigment of the stripes is restricted to the caudal fin mem- 

 brane. The pectoral fins are very faintly dusky with a concentration 

 of pigment sometimes at the base of the rays. The fleshy pectoral 

 base is diffusely dusky but may show evidence of a diffusely dusky 

 band anteriorly. The pelvic fins are pale to dusky, darker in males 

 than females. 



In Marshall Islands specimens, the pale striping on the underside 

 of the head may be very conspicuous. Pale spots and dashes may 

 extend onto the upper lip, snout, and sides of the head. In specimens 

 from many diverse localities, the only distinct markings are the large 



TABLE 32. — Frequency distribution of number of predorsal commissural 

 pores of specimens of Entomacrodus striatus arranged by SL 

 classes (in mm) 



