68 



tr. S. p. R. 11. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT. 



The body is very mucli compressed, darter-shaped in its profile, the back being quite arched 

 The origin of the dorsal fin corresponds to a vertical line which would intersect the inferior 

 edge of the base of the pectorals ; it is contiguous to the second, the posterior rays of which, 

 when inclined backwards, approximate the base of the caudal. The origin of the anal fin is 

 situated opposite the third ray of the second dorsal. It is slightly convex exteriorly, the mem- 

 brane between the rays being emarginated, and the depth of the fin itself less than the height of 

 the second dorsal, its posterior rays not extending quite as far back. The posterior margin of the 

 caudal is sub-truncated, or sliglitly rounded ; it is a little shorter than the head. The tips of 

 the ventrals reach the anterior margin of the anal. The vent is situated about midway between 

 the insertion of the ventrals and the anterior margin of the anal, thus quite in advance of the 

 latter fin, a character quite peculiar to this species. The pectorals are very large, their extremi- 

 ties extending somewhat beyond the origin of the anal. 



Br. VI : VI ; D IX, 17 ; A 13 ; C 3, 1, 5, 4, 1, 2 ; V I, 3 ; P 15. 



The dorsal region above the lateral line is beset with minute prickles, whilst the region 

 beneath is quite smooth. 



The ground color is greenish olive, the upper surface of the head being nearly black. The 

 dorsal region exhibits a series of black blotches or spots, the intervening spaces, as well as the 

 inferior region of the flanks, being dotted with black. The belly is whitish and unicolor, 

 whilst the inferior surface of the head, being white also, is maculated with black. The dorsal 

 fins are greyish black, occasionally spotted ; the caudal, anal, and pectorals are olive, and 

 barred with black, whilst the ventrals are dull yellow, or white, and unicolor. 



This species has been observed on the coast of California. 



List of specimens. 



3. OLIGOCOTTUS GLOBICEPS, Grd. 



Spec. Char — Head rounded anteriorly. Mouth moderately cicfl ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vortical 

 line drawn posteriorly to tiio pupil, Iludimcntary spines upon the preopercle. Two acute nasal spines. Dorsal fms separated. 

 Origin of anal situated somewhat posteriorly to the anterior margin of the second dorsal fin. Reddish brown ; upper regions 

 maculated with black ; beneath unicolor, and lighter than above. 



The general i)liysiognomy of this species reminds us forcibly of certain species of blennies 

 and gobies, owing to its peculiarly rounded head, a feature not common in the cottoid group. 



The head is as deep as broad ; its upper surface is convex and smooth, the snout very 

 abruptly truncated, rounded, hence broad and very short. The upper jaw is slightly pro- 

 tracted beyond the lower. The mouth is moderate, though proportionally broad ; its short 

 gape is in harmony with the abbreviated snout ; the posterior extremities of the maxillary 

 extend to a vertical line passing behind the pupil. The eye is circular, of moderate develop- 

 ment, situated towards the upper surface of the head, above which the orbit is slightly raised. 



