164 SYNGNATHID^. 



14. Sjmgnathus abaster. 



Syngnathus acu.^, Risfto, Ic/ifli. Nice, p. G3. 



abaster, Hisso, Em: Mend. iii. p. 182 ; Kmip, Lo2)hobr. p. 39. 



D. 33 (Kaup), 37 (Eisso). Osseous rings 16 + x. 



The short snout is surmounted by a leaf-like crest, ■which is notched 

 near the mouth, and stands higher than the forehead and orbits. A 

 strongly prominent line passes over the nostrils and orbit, and en- 

 compasses the hind head. Tail one-half longer than the body. 

 Dorsal fin commencing somewhat in advance of the vent. Ridges of 

 the body and tail prominent ; lateral line not interrupted. Males 

 brovrnish, with minute j'ellowish dots. (Kmqj.) 



Mediterranean. 



15. Syngnathus algeriensis. 



Syngnathus algeriensis, Playfavr in litt. 



D. 29. Osseous rings 16-i-33. 



The length of the snout equals the distance of the front margin of 

 the orbit from the root of the pectoral ; a low crest runs along its 

 median line. luterorbital space ver}' narrow, concave ; supraoi-bital 

 edge continued into a ridge along the side of the crown. Occipital, 

 nuchal, and body-ridges sharj) ; operculum with a distinct ridge at 

 its base. Shields smooth ; lateral line continuous with the upper 

 caudal edge. TaU one-half longer than body. Dorsal fin commen- 

 cing opposite to the vent, and standing on six or seven tail-rings. 

 Caudal pouch half as long as the tail. Sides finely and irregularly 

 marbled with black. 



Algiers (fresh water). 



n, h-e. Adult males (SOmillims.) and females (115 millims.). Pre- 

 sented by Lieut.-Col. Playfair. 



16. Syngnathus agassizii. 



Syngnathus agassizii, MichahcUcs, Isis, 1829, p. 1013. 

 muraena, Kaup, Luphobr. p. 40. 



D. 26-28. Osseous rings 17+36. 



The length of the snout is equal to that of the postorbital portion 

 of the head. Upper part of the crown without ridge ; anterior part 

 of the operculum with a faint ridge. Shields smooth. Tail one-half 

 longer than the body ; caudal pouch half as long as the tail. Dorsal 

 fin commencing opposite to the vent. Caudal fin well developed. 

 Lateral line not interrupted. Pouch rather longer than the trunk. 

 Brown, marbled with blackish, abdomen with pearl-coloured spots. 



Adriatic ; north coast of Africa. 

 a-q. Females, 4-5 inches long. Tripoli. Presented by J. Ritchie, 



Esq. 

 h-i. Female and male. From the Collection of the Zoological 

 Society. 



