ON SPECIES OF GASTEROPELECUS. 
BY S. GARMAN. 
Gasteropelecus sternicla L. ; Pall. 
From a Surinam specimen the formula is D. 11, A. 34, 
L. 1. 33, pores 17, D. to A. 14. Numerous specimens from 
Tabatinga, Lago Alexo and Para, adult and young, agree 
closely with this. In the lateral line there is a variation 
of about three scales, 31-33. Very young ones have mi- 
nute dots of black pigment in a band on each iBank nearly 
or quite to the head, and in another along the entire lower 
edge at the base of the anal ; they are also more or less 
thickly sprinkled along the back, over the body and under 
the chin. Large specimens show similar markings, but, 
being darker, their marks are less distinct. Specimens 
from Curupira and Cudajas indicate a wider range of va- 
riation : D. 11-12, A. 33-37, L. 1. 30-35. 
Gasteropelecus stellatus Kn. 
D. 14-16, A. 39-42, L. 1. 20-22. 
A large scries of specimens were preserved at each of 
the following localities : Coary, Hyavary, Manacapouru, 
Montalegre, Obidos, Sao Paolo, Tabatinga, Teffe and 
Villa Bella. An individual from Paraguay has D. 15, A. 42, 
L. 1. 21, which docs not distinguish it from those of the 
Amazon. A common mark of the species may be seen in 
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