CKOSSOCHIR KOELZI : A NEW CALIFORNIAX SURF- 

 FISH OF THE FAMILY EMBIOTOCIDAE 



By Carl L. Hubbs 



Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. 



In the preparation of a monographic review of the fishes of the 

 family Embiotociclae — the viviparous perches of the North Pacific — 

 it has become evident that one of the most distinct species of the 

 California coast has remained unnamed. The characters of this 

 form are, however, so clear that a new genus appears needed for its 

 sole reception. 



This form has only once been distinguished. In my 1918 revision 

 of the family, it was keyed out as Holconotus rhodoterus., which 

 among previously named forms is probably its closest relative. In 

 ]3reparing tliat revision, I had specimens of Grossochir but none of 

 the true Holcoiiotus at hand, and so rather naturally made the mis- 

 identification, no more suspecting than did Dr. David Starr Jordan 

 or other ichthyologists that an unnamed species existed in this well- 

 studied family. 



The distinguishing features of Crossochir koelzi^ the new genus 

 and species, and of other members of the subfamily Amphistichinae 

 are indicated in the following key : 



KEY TO THE GENEKA AND SPECIES OF THE EMBIOTOC H) SUBFAMILY AMPHISTICHINAE 



ffl\ Anal fin of breeding- male without definite liorny excrescence 

 and huge liasklike gland, but with one ray (about the twelfth, 

 at the angle in the fin base) enlarged and ossified into a 

 strong triangular plate with serrated edge, and with the next 

 ray following also somewhat strengthened (in the female the 

 homologous rays are somewhat modified in the same direction, 

 sufficiently so for purposes of identification). No oval depres- 

 sion on body near front of anal fin. No sexual variation in 

 number of fin rays or vertebrae. Spinous portion of dorsal 

 shorter than the soft part. Teeth unicuspid, in two series 

 in each jaw (the inner row of lower jaw more or less con- 

 fined to front of jaw). (Subfamily Amphistichinae.) 

 b^. Lower lip with posterior groove continuous across chin. 



Mouth decidedly oVtlique, rising to opposite lower part of eye 



anteriorly. 



No. 2962.— Proceedings U. S. National Museum. Vol. 82, Art. 21 



157646—33 1 



