N0.14S2. ARGENTINA FISHES— EVERMANN AND KENDALL. 77 



Regarding the position of the dorsal in C. vulgaris, Giinther states 

 that it begins opposite or nearly opposite the extremity of the pec- 

 toral; that in C. multidens it begins the length of the pectoral behind 

 the extreniit}' of that tin. 



Jordan and Davis recognize 3 species of Lej>tocephalvx. in America 

 and Europe — Z. viuJfid&ns^ L. comjer^ and L. caudiliinljatas. The 

 onl}' stated distinguishing character of L. muUidens is the position of 

 the front of the dorsal, which is the length of the pectoral behind the 

 extremity of that fin; L. conger has the position of the dorsal origin 

 opposite or just behind tip of pectoral, and L. caudillmhatus above 

 middle of pectoral. 



> We have 3 specimens of LejAocephcdus which we have compared 

 with other specimeiis from North and South America. North Atlantic 

 examples seem to have the dorsal more advanced than those from the 

 soutk Atlantic, but wo do not regard the position of the dorsal as of 

 much diagnostic importance. The figure of Valenciennes's C. orhig- 

 v//anus represents the origin of the dorsal about 0.40 the length of the 

 pectoral from its tip. In Castelnau's figure of C. midtldens the dorsal 

 origin is about the length of pectoral posterior to its tip. 



In our specimens the dorsal origin ranges from about 0.40 of the 

 pectoral to nearl}^ its whole length behind the tip of the latter fin. 



While this character is of little value, there are others exhibited by 

 our spe<'jmens which indicate that they are distinct from North Amer- 

 ican and at least north European congers. Valenciennes gives but a 

 brief note regarding C, orhignyannn^ stating it is remarkable for its 

 length of snout and the development of the lips, and that there is only 

 a little patch of teeth on the head of the vomer. 



Aside from the more posterior situation of the dorsal, Castelnau's 

 description and figure show only a somewhat larger eye to distinguish 

 it from G. orbigiiyanus. The proportionally larger e^'^e ma}^ be due 

 to the smaller size of the specimen. Our 3 specimens seem to be much 

 more slender than north Atlantic examples, and appear to difter also 

 in that respect from figures of north European congers. Thej^ pre- 

 sent also other distinguishing characters, the most prominent of which 

 are the proportional]}^ shorter head, smaller eye, and somewhat larger 

 mouth. In view of the foregoing facts, while from lack of material 

 sve do not feel justified in uniting L. orhtgnyavus and L. multidens, 

 \y<d believe that an examination of more material Avould result in that 

 disposition of them. We do, however, believe that the difi'erences 

 shown in our specimens from L. conger justify the adoption for them 

 of the oldest available name, which seems to be L. orhignyanus Valen- 

 ciennes. Berg records th(i present species as Leptocephdnx covger, 

 regarding which he says, "It is found rather frequently, but in lim- 

 ited numbers. Examples of this species present great variation in 

 respect to the coloration of the upper half of the body; some are of a 



