THE SHORE FISHES OF PERU 181 



A specimen (U.S.N.M. No. 94058) 325 mm. long of P. alhomaculatus 

 from Albemarle Island, Galdpagos, collected by W. L. Schmitt, su- 

 perficially resembles P. humeralis but differs from both Peruvian 

 species in having fewer pectoral rays, there being only 16 in the 

 specimen at hand (Snodgrass and Heller, 1905, p. 371, counted 16 or 

 17 in seven specimens). The shape of the fin, however, agrees with 

 that of P. callaensis. In the number of scales (14 — 96) the Galapagos 

 specimen again agrees with P. callaensis, but it lacks rough scales on 

 the interorbital and suborbital. In the slender body (depth 2.6 in 

 length) and in the length of the third dorsal spine (2.4 in head) it 

 agrees with P. humeralis. The Peruvian material, therefore, seems 

 to be distinct from the Galapagos species, a matter that has been 

 questioned. 



Range. — Coast of Peru. 



Genus PRIONODES Jenyns, 1842 



Body quite elongate, only moderately compressed; head low, rather 

 pointed; mouth large, maxillary not scaly; teeth in bands on jaws, 

 vomer, and palatines, the jaw teeth not depressible; margin of pre- 

 opercle serrate, none of the serrae especially enlarged or in clusters; 

 lateral line complete; dorsal with 10 spines and 11 to 13 soft rays; 

 caudal lunate or truncate; anal with 3 spines and about 7 or 8 soft 

 rays; ventrals close together, generally inserted slightly in advance 

 of base of pectorals. 



The species of this genus are of small size, and usually bright in 

 color. Two are known from Peru. A third species, Serranus peruanus 

 Lesson (1830, p. 234), described from specimens from Paita, was 

 assigned to this genus by Evermann and Radcliffe (1917, p. 78). I am 

 unable to determine from the origmal description whether it belongs 

 to this genus or one of several others. The following enumerations 

 are given: D. X, 12; A. Ill, 9; P. 13. These enumerations and 

 a description of the color of a fresh specimen, which is not especially 

 helpful, comprise the description. There is no serranid in the collec- 

 tions now at hand that has the combination of the fin formulas given. 

 No fm-ther mention will be made of this at least nominal species. 



KEY TO THE SPECIES 



a. Body rather robust, its depth 3.3 in length; eye fairly small, 5.25 to 5.5 in 

 head; gill rakers few, only 9 on lower limb of first arch, chest with black 

 spots and specks; vertical fins with dark spots ormottlings. fasciatus(p. 182) 

 ao. Body more slender, depth about 4.0 in length; ej-e large, 4.0 in head; gill rakers 

 more numerous, 12 or 13 on lower limb of first arch, chest unspotted; fins 

 without spots or motthngs huascarii (p. 183) 



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