548 



BULLETIN 100, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



The scales bear numerous fine spinules close-set in quincunx order. 

 There are 8 (7 to 9) rows between the origin of the second dorsal 

 and the lateral line series. 



The anus is situated just behind the ventral fins. A small fossa, 

 about 1 mm. broad, lies between the middle of the ventral bases, being 

 much smaller than in V. ctenomelas. 



The numerous sharp denticulations of the second dorsal spine are 

 developed along its entire length. The ventral fin is inserted a little 

 in advance of the pectoral. The right pectoral fin of the type-speci- 

 men is absent, apparently as the. result of an early injury; its base is 

 now completely healed over and covered by small scales. 



The color in alcohol, a little darker than in V. divergens, is brown, 

 becoming darker and more dusky below the first dorsal fin, and black- 

 ish on the belly ; the sides shine with silvery reflections. The ridges 

 and margins of the head are mostly dark: the jaws are whitish at the 

 corners of the mouth. The first dorsal fin is dusky, with an intensely 

 black median spot; the pectoral is dark dusky, becoming black on its 

 base and axil ; the ventral is blackish, but sometimes lighter either 

 proximally or distally. The lining of the buccal cavity is whitish: 

 that of the branchial cavity is dusky anteriorly, whitish over most of 

 the hyoid region, and blackish within its posterior outer margin, 

 except on the extreme white edge. The parietal peritoneum is silvery, 

 with fine black dots. 



The relationships of this species are indicated in the key which is 

 included under the generic heading. 



Weber 1 reported on some specimens of this group, referring them 

 to Macrurm petersoni Alcock. He distinguished two sets of speci- 

 mens; the typical ones are probably true V. petersonii, but his vari- 

 ants are more probably referable to V. nig rod or salts. 



Tabic of measurements in hundredths of length to anus. 



Paratypes. 



Type. 



Albatross station 



Total length in mm 



Length to anus in mm 



Length of head 



Length of orbit 



Width of interorbital 



Width of suborbital 



Orbit to preopercle 



Length of snout 



Length of upper jaw 



Length of barbel 



Depth of body 



Width of body 



Anus to anal 



Anal to ventral 



Height of second dorsal spine . 



Height of third dorsal ray 



Length of first dorsal base 



5317 

 192 

 38 

 85 

 29 

 23 

 10 

 33 

 22 

 32 

 21 

 76 

 30 

 12.1 

 23 

 73 



23 



5586 

 240 

 53 

 82 

 26 

 23 

 11 

 33 

 24 

 34 

 18 

 68 

 34 

 17.5 

 29 

 69 

 63 

 25 



5580 

 2 220 

 51 

 R4 

 24 

 23 

 11 

 35 

 26 

 34 

 20 

 77 

 29 

 18 

 27 



558'> 

 2 188 



49 



85 



27.5 



21 



11 



33 



26 



33 



21 



68 



35 



16 



26 



72 



70 



23 



5542 



2 171 



39 



82 



26 



22 



10 



35 



23 



30 



18 



69 



32 



12.5 



23 



65 



63 



22 



5330 

 187 

 37.5 

 92 

 31 

 24 

 12 

 38 

 27 

 37 

 18 

 77 

 35 

 13 

 22 

 79 

 76 

 26 



5502 

 214 

 45.5 

 90 

 27 

 21 

 11 

 38 

 26 

 35 

 17 

 81 

 41 

 22 

 33 



2i > 



i Fische der Si6o</a-Expedition, 1913, p. 156. 

 - A pseudocaudal developed. 



