CATFISH GENUS NOTURUS RAFINESQUE 



139 



Map 9. — Distribution of members of the hildebrandi species group of the subgenus Rahida. 

 The symbols represent material examined. 



culomandibiilar pores; and the lower side of the body is cream colored, 

 with little pigment. 



Description. — Although the head of lautus is proportionately 

 short, the body is relatively elongate and slender. The elongation 

 seems to be caudad, as noted in the presence of 28 caudal vertebrae 

 in two cleared specimens, and is reflected in the slight increase in 

 number of anal rays and vertebrae (tables 10 and 12). 



General background color yellowish \vith reddish brown super- 

 imposed. Blotches or saddles on back often not prominent, separated 

 by rounded lighter areas; midside of body, down to approximately 

 the axial streak, densely reddish brown; lower side at or from just 

 below axial streak rather abruptly yellowish with only scattered or 

 no brown pigment except a small area just behind pectoral fin and at 

 rear end of caudal peduncle. The general location of the dorsal saddles 



29i8-943 0—69- 



-10 



