62 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



Lateral scries of scutes each consisting of 34-36 plates, each armed 

 with a spine similar to those above described. 



Ventral series containing 29-31 i)lates, the last three or fonr single, 

 the remainder forming a double series similar to the dorsal scries, but 

 with less conspicuous spines. 



The ventral series commences at the axils of the ventral tins, and the 

 lower surface between these fins and the gill-oi^enings is occupied by 

 several large, separate, subcircular, strongly striated scales or plates, 

 those running along the margin of the gill-openings placed closer to- 

 gether, and forming a series of about seven. 



About seven pairs of subcircular scales, not striated, or oidy slightly 

 striated, are scattered along the acutelj" triangular space behind the 

 ventrals, between the two ventral series of scutes, which do not fairly 

 meet each other anterior to the anal fin. An elongate naked area be- 

 hind the pectorals, separating the lower lateral from the ventral series. 



Some small scales in the space between the mandibles, and a series 

 of small, elevated, and sharp-pointed scales along the curve of the 

 pectoral base. 



Vent not far behind the base of the ventrals. 



The center of the interocular space, the area between the occipital 

 ridges, some sjiaces on the lateral aspect of the head between the more 

 prominent parts of the bones, and the areas between the large scales in 

 front of the ventral are set with numerous prickles, a few of '\Ahich also 

 occur in the intermandibular area. 



Similar prickles are numerous on the anterior portion of the trunk, 

 occupying the spaces between the parallel dorsal and upper lateral 

 series of scutes ; those of the upper surface end at the first dorsal, those 

 of the upper lateral surfaces at the posterior extremity of the same fin. 

 Behind these points the scuta of these surfaces closely interlock. 



Lateral line continuous ; a pore between each pair of scutes ; pores 

 simple. 



Color. — After exposure to alcohol, the upper and lateral surfaces of 

 the body are banded alternately with dull yellowish and olivaceous 

 brown; pectorals whitish on their basal portion, a dark spot on the 

 upper and another on the lower edge excepted, and dark on their 

 terminal part, the margin of the dark color running obliquely from the 

 center of the first to the tip of the eleventh ray. 



Ventrals with a large black spot on the membrane inside the first ray, 

 and two small spots near the tip of the membrane. Abdomen yellowish 

 white. 



When somewhat fresher, the dirty yellowish tint of the ventrals was 

 bright orange yellow, and the black of that fin was more positive, so 

 that it is probable that in life the colors of the whole body were much 

 brighter than they are now. 



The total length of the specimens examined, from tip of lower jaw 

 (mouth closed) to tip of caudal, varied from 5.C8 inches to C.C5 inches. 



