320 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [96] 
with the statements of other authors. Perhaps the plain coloration. 
may be due to age, or to the poor condition of the typical specimen. 
Kaup’s Apionichthys dumerili has not been described at all, but simply 
mentioned as the type of the genus. As his species cannot be identi- 
fied, its name should not be used. 
‘ 124. APIONICHTHYS OTTONIS. 
Apionichthys ottonis Steindachner, Ichth. Notizen, vii, 41, 1868 (Sicily). 
Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. | 
This species is unknown tous. Judging from the published deserip- 
tions, it must be very close to Apionichthys unicolor, and only the different 
locality would appear to indicate specific distinction. 
Genus XLV.—BRACHIRUS. 
Brachirus Swainson, Nat. Hist. Class’n Fishes, 1839, ii, 303 (orientalis, zebra, commer- 
soniana, ete.) (not Brachyrus Swainson, nor Brachyurus Fischer, both prior 
names). 
Synaptura Cantor, Catal. Malayan Fishes, 1850, 232 (commersoniana, zebra) (name a 
substitute for Brachirus, preoccupied by Brachyurus, which is regarded as the 
correct orthography). 
Solenoides Bleeker (fide Kaup). 
? Buryglossa Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 99 (orientalis). 
? Eurypleura Kaup, 1. c. (substitute for Achiroides). 
? Achiroides Bleeker, Verh. Bataav. Genootsch., xxiv, Pleuron., 6, 1862 (melanorhyn- 
chus). ; 
? Anisochirus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 486.(panoides). 
TypE: Pleuronectes zebra Bloch (as restricted by Swain., Proc. Ac. 
Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883). 
We have had opportunity to study but few of the numerous species 
referred to this genus, and have no opinion as to the proper limitation 
of the group. Possibly neither of the European species should be re- 
ferred to it. 
We retain the name Brachirus (i. e., Brachychirus), notwithstanding the 
priority of the name Brachyrus, which seems to have the same meaning. 
If, however, this name of Swainson be rejected, that next in order of 
date is Synaptura, which has now the advantage of general usage. 
ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIES OF BRACHIRUS, 
a. [Pectoral fins subequal; one of the nostrils of the blind side large, round, much 
dilated ; depth, 3 in length, with caudal; head, 5; upper jaw overhanging ; pecto- 
rals both present, equal in length, their heusrtih equal to their distance “srore the 
eye; color greenish brown, marbled with darker. D.72; A. 58 to 60; P. 8. 
ROU ins wns oon an nn ow se owns cde an Hew ows anes eb nuellinnss Peo enn Savianvt, 125, 
aa. [Pectoral fins unequal, the right pectoral $ its distance from the eye; nostril on - 
each side dilated, trumpet-like ; lateral line straight ; ventral not inserted at chin; 
body rather elongate, depth 3} to 4. D. 72 to 76; A. 58 to 60. Color chestnut, 
much spotted and variegated; three rows of pale ocelli bordered with dark along 
side of body.] (Capello). ..-.-.0¢-eereceecereer cree sree rece oo 2-LUSITANICUS, 126, 
