458 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



142. Nematonurus cyclolepis sp. nov. 



A species with the general appearance (including the protruding snout, inferior 

 mouth, and comparatively weak dentition) of X. armatus and X. affinis, but with the 

 dorsals less widely separated, the vent anterior in position, and the scales unarmed, 

 as in Moseleija longijilis. 



Head smooth, compressed, without conspicuous ridges. Median and lateral rostral 

 ridges terminating in slightly projecting points; the median process, a short 

 portion of the median ridge, and the edge of the membrane connecting median 

 with lateral processes Avith spinous scales and points. Snout projecting beyond the 

 premaxillaries for two-thirds its length, which is contained 3f times in head. Eye 

 small, less than snout, very slightly exceeding interorbital space, i^ in head. Mouth 

 small, wholly inferior, maxillary reaching vertical from posterior margin of pupil, 

 2J in head. Premaxillary teeth in two series — the outer similar to those in mandible, 

 not enlarged or canine-like; the inner series smaller, directed obliquely backward. 

 A single series of teeth in mandilde, not widening into a patch at symphysis. Barbel 

 thick at base, two-thirds length of snout. Preopercle incurved above the angle, the 

 lower limb expanded, the marginal region striate. 



First dorsal inserted behind axil of pectoral. Second spine broken in both speci- 

 mens, the basal portion smooth, a single sharp barb showing that the spine is serrate. 

 The base of the fin equals the length of the snout. Interspace between dorsals 

 exceeding length of first dorsal base by one-third to two-fifths length of latter. 

 Vent immediately in advance of origin of anal, under middle of interspace between 

 dorsals. The dorsal is low and inconspicuous and the anal higher, as usual in this 

 group. Pectorals very slender, 1 1^0 in length of head. Outer ventral ray filamentous, 

 reaching third or fourth anal ray. Dorsal ii, 8 or 9; ventral 12. 



Scales mostly lost. The few remaining on head are either entirely smooth or bear 

 a single median keel, with one or two low spinous points. Those on body are with- 

 out spines, and are either entirely smooth or show traces of a low median keel. Six 

 scales in an oblique series between lateral line and middle of base of dorsal. Color 

 dark brown, the anterior portion of back and sides with small scattered black spots. 

 Opercles, lower side of head (including gill-membranes and ventral area) black, as 

 are also the mouth and gill-cavity and the peritoneum. 



Two specimens, the longest 150 mm., from station 3342, oflf Queen Charlotte Island, 

 depth 1,588 fathoms. 



143. Chalinura filifera sp. nov. 



Related to C. serrula Bean, from the same region and depth, differing in the larger 

 eye, shorter mental barbel, longer snout, longer pectoral fins, shorter interspace 

 between dorsals, and the longer dorsal fin. Snout short, slightly exceeding diameter 

 of eye, 3i^ in head; the median ridge and the nasal ridges terminate each in a much 

 projecting point, furnished each with a short rosette of radiating spines and ridges. 

 The outline between these points is concave. Tip of snout projecting beyond the 

 premaxillaries for a distance equaling that which separates the central rosette from 

 one of the lateral ones. Infraorbital ridges inconspicuous, not reaching angle of 

 preopercle behind or bony portion in front. 



Mouth large, slightly oblique, with extensive lateral cleft, the maxillary reaching 

 vertical from posterior margin of pupil, 2| in head, ecjualing distance from tip of 

 snout to middle of eye. Outer series of teeth in premaxillary strong, succeeded by 

 a narrow band of smaller cardiform teeth. Mandibular teeth similar to inner 

 band of upper jaw, the band becoming slightly wider at the prominent symphysis. 

 Barbel short, one-half to two-iifths length of snout. Eye large, the diameter of orbit 

 slightly less than interorbital width or length of snout, 4 in head. Angle of preopercle 

 produced backward, concealing all but the extreme posterior angle of interopercle, the 

 margin appearing serrulate when divested of skin. Gill-membranes joined to isthmus, 

 with a posterior free margin. Gill-rakers very short and heavy, 1 + H- 



