THE SHORE FISHES OF PERU 51 



vertical from vent and origin of second dorsal; caudal scarcely rounded 

 at tip, no distinct lower lobe, ventral margin broadly convex; ventral 

 inserted close behind axil of pectoral, with gently convex distal mar- 

 gin; pectorals posteriorly broadly rounded. 



Color rather light gray above, pale underneath; some specimens 

 (young) rather plain; others with dark blotches, sometimes a pair 

 over shoulders, a second pair somewhat anterior to axil of pectorals, 

 a third pah over bases of ventrals, a fourth pair between ventrals 

 and first dorsal, and a fifth pair just behind base of first dorsal. In 

 two specimens at hand the pairs of blotches tend to run together to 

 form cross bars on the back. Two specimens have scattered pale 

 spots on the body, but not on the tail. The snout is translucent 

 except where the cartilage is situated. 



Six specimens, 250 to 465 mm. long, are included in the present 

 collection. The smallest one stUl shows the umbilical scar. In 

 addition to these, four embryos, 190 to 204 mm. long (U.S.N. M. 

 No. 77599), are at hand. These, including their teeth, are well 

 developed and evidently are part of the eight removed from one 

 fish, 98 cm. long, as reported by Evermann and Radcliffe (1917, p. 13). 

 This material forms the basis for the foregoing description. 



Figure 8. — Rhinohatos planicefs Garman. From a specimen 763 mm. long, Lobos de 

 Tierra Island, Peru (U.S.N.M. No. 77678). (After Evermann and Radcliffe, 1917.) 



The specimens in the recent collection were taken in Sechura Bay, 

 at Lobos de Tierra Island, and in Chilca Bay. The "guitarra" was 

 reported as taken in "some quantity" by the Mission 1943 (p. 285) 

 at Chilca, Lobos de Tierra, at La Lagunilla, Nonura Bay, Sechura 

 Bay, Paita Bay, Talara Bay, and at Puerto Pizarro. A length of at 

 least 98 cm. is attained. 



It is stated in the report of the Mission (p. 285), presumably 

 according to local statistical records, that the catch comes principally 

 from the general vicinity of Paita and Sechura, and in some quantity 

 also from Pisco. Most of the catch is salted and dried. It is stated, 

 furthermore, that this skate is a cheap fish, that it is regarded as 

 mediocre in quality, and that it is eaten extensively by the poorer 

 people. 



Range. — Peru and the Galapagos Islands. 



