THE SHORE FISHES OF PERU 



131 



nearly horizontal; about as long as eye; vertical fins with heavy skin, 

 confluent around the broad, strongly compressed tail, origin of dorsal 

 over nape, distance anterior to its origin 4.9, 4.2 in length anterior to 

 vent, 1.6, 1.2, in head. 



Color of old preserved specimens dark brown, somewhat lighter 

 underneath ; obscurely marbled with darker and lighter colors. "Color 

 in life: Entire body and head, dirty brown, mottled." (Evermann and 

 Radcliffe, 1917, p. 27.) 



This eel was not secured by the Mission. It is here described from 

 two specimens, 400 and 790 mm. long, collected at Lobos de Afuera, 

 by R. E. Coker who, according to Evermann and Radcliffe (1917, p. 

 20), also took a specimen at Callao, which is not now at hand. It has 

 also been reported from Lobos de Tierra Island and from Pacasmayo 

 (Nichols and Murphy, 1922, p. 505). The larger specimen at hand 



Figure 29. — Gymnothorax zuieneri Sauvage. From a specimen 790 mm. long, Lobos de 

 Afuera Island, Peru (U.S.N.M. No. 77680). Insert, mouth spread open showing the 

 teeth. (After Evermann and Radcliffe, 1917.) 



has a much more robust body than the smaller one and differs in other 

 proportions, as shown in the description in which the proportions based 

 on the smaller specimens are given first in each instance. The differ- 

 ences are thought to be attributable to variation in age and size. 



This eel is mentioned in the report of the Mission (1943, p. 279) as of 

 limited economic importance. Although it is stated that "a number 

 of these were caught at Lobos de Afuera in shallow, rocky areas," no 

 specimens in the collection were recognized as this species. 



Range. — Coast of Peru. The type was thought to be either from 

 Chile or Peru. There appears to be no definite Chilean record. 



Genus MURAENA Linnaeus, 1758 



This genus differs from Gymnothorax and other genera of the family 

 in having both the anterior and posterior nostrils provided with 

 prominent tubes; teeth all pointed. 



A single species, which seems to be new, comes within the scope of 

 the present work. 



