196 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



Table to show the variation, with size, of the mimber of spiniiles 

 on the second dorsal spine, and of the average number of spinous 

 ridges on the scales : 



AAlien the specimens listed in the foregoing table had an incom- 

 plete tail, the total length was estimated from specimens of similar 

 length to anus. 



A small naked fossa is present between the ventrals, separated by a 

 band of scales from the naked area surrounding the anus. 



The pyloric caeca in five specimens vary in number from 2-1 to 3G. 

 They are shorter than the orbit. 



We find no series of cycloid scales along each side of the dorsal fin 

 anteriorly, as mentioned in the type description. The scales in that 

 area bear spinous ridges similar to those on neighboring scales. The 

 lateral line rises anteriorly in the form of a rather strong arch, as 

 long as the orbit plus the postorbital length of the head. Inner edge 

 of shoulder girdle naked. 



The specimens from deeper water than 350 fathoms (from stations 

 4957, 4972, and 5088) are more darkly colored than those from 

 depths less than 300 fathoms. 



This species cliflers from all other known Macrouroids, with the 

 exception of three other species of Lionurus, in the increased num- 

 ber of ventral rays. A Hawaiian species, L. gihher,^ has 12 or 13 

 rays, but differs greatly, among other characters, in having the ven- 

 trals far in advance of the pectorals. Another Hawaiian species, 

 Z. propinqmis,^ has 16 ventral rays, but differs in the deeper body, 

 and the more oblique first dorsal base. An Australian species. L. 

 nlgroinaculatus,^ is closely related to L. condylura,, having 13 to 15 

 ventral rays, but has a much larger eye, which is contained 2^ times 

 in the head, instead of 3. 



^ Macrourus fjilber Gilbert and Cramer, Troc. U. S., Nat. Mus., vol. 19, 1897, p. 426, 

 pi. 44, flg. 2; Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 190.3 (1905), pt. 2, p. G68. 



- Macrourus propinquus Gilbert and Cramer, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 19, 1897, p. 424, 

 pi. 42, flg. 2; Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1903 (1905), pt. 2, p. 607. 



3 Macrourus nigromaculatus McCulloch, Records Australian Mus.. vol. 6, pt. 5, 1907, 

 p. 347. 



