2. SiTNGNATHUS. 163 



shape as the majority of Syngnathes, with but a slight dilatation in the 

 middle, but m old females the trunk is much compressed, dilated 

 vertically, so that it assumes the shape of a nearly oval disk, the 

 depth of which is two-fifths of its length. The length of the snout 

 equals the distance of the anterior margin of the eye from the base of 

 the pectoral fin. Head with fine striaj, but without ridges ; shields 

 smooth ; upper and lower profiles of the trunk of old females 

 cutting. The length of the body is contained from once and one-half 

 to once and two-thirds in that of the tail. Egg-pouch short, attached 

 to eleven rings only. Dorsal fin beginning somewhat in advance of 

 the vent. Caudal fin well developed. Old examples with numerous 

 very small, light, brown-edged ocelli ; young examples with broad 

 brown cross bands. 



Coasts of Chile and Peru. 

 a-i. Adult and young. Chile. From Mr. Eridges's Collection. 

 k, I. Young females. South Sea. Presented by Capt. Lord Byron. 



12. Syngnathus aflinis. 



? Sjnignathus fasciatus, Kmq), Lophobr. p. 45 (not Dekay). 

 D. 35. Osseous rings 18 4-33. 

 The length of the snout is a little less than that of the remainino 

 part of the head. Head nearly one-ninth of the total length. A 

 (hstinct ridgo runs along the median Une of the snout and nuchal 

 shields. Supraorbital ridge continued over the temple. Anterior 

 part of the operculum with a faint ridge. Shields without spines, 

 lail longer than body ; caudal pouch half as long as the bodv. 

 Lateral hne interrupted. Vent below the posterior third of the dor- 

 sal fin, which occupies nine rings, five of which are body-rings. 

 Caudal fin well developed ; anal fin rudimentary in the male. Back 

 with indistinct brown cross bars. A brown band from the eye 

 along the snout. 



m ''^- !'"■ 



lotal length (^ q 



Length of head 10 



Length of trunk 1 y 



Length to origin of dorsal fin 2 



Louisiana. 

 «. Adult. 



13. Syngnathus rousseaui. 

 Kaup, Lophobr. p. 40. 



Osseous rings lG-j-34. 

 Each ring is interrupted by a short marginal spine. Snout a.s 

 long as the remaining portion of the head. Dorsal fin commencing 

 m advance of the vent. Lateral line interrupted. {^Kmip.) 

 Martini(]ue. 



M 2 



