FISHES — EMBIOTOCOIDAE — PHANERODON. 



183 



jped, and their extremity extends almost as far back as that of the ventrals. Divisions of the 

 fourth degree may be observed towards the extremity of the rays. The formula of the fins we 

 thus express : 



Br. V: V ; D X, 22; A III, 7 + 26 = 33; C 4, 1, 6, 6, 1, 3 ; V I, 5 ; P 20. 



The lateral line, composed of sixty-one scales, forms an arch concurrent with the dorsal out- 

 line. The scales are rather large, particularly on the flanks ; deeper than long, and provided 

 anteriorly with numerous radiating grooves. Their size is much reduced opposite the base of 

 the anal fin. There are seven longitudinal rows of them above the lateral line, and about sixteen 

 beneath it. The scaly blade between the ventral fins is rather short, in the shape of an acute 

 triangle. The naked area behind is rather well developed. 



The ground color is greyish olive, dark above and lighter beneath. The scales exhibit a 

 metallic reflect of gold and silver. The fins are unicolor, of the general tint of the region of 

 the body to which they belong, and to which is superadded a purplish red hue. 



The species inhabits Puget's Sound, W. T., where the specimen figured was obtained by Dr. 

 George Suckley, U. S. A., who remarks : " Color while fresh— back, silvery blue ; belly, same, 

 but.lighter ; iris, bright copper color. Caught with a spear at the month of Steilacoom creek, 

 at its entrance into Puget's Sound. They are good table fish, and are either speared or taken 

 by the hook." 



Plate XXXIII, fig. 1, represents the male sex of Damalichthys vacca, somewhat reduced in 

 size. 



Fig. 2 is a section across the line of greatest depth of the body. 



Fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region. 



Fig. 4, a scale from the lateral line. 



Fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region. 



lAst of specimens. 



PHANERODON, Girard. 



Gen. Char.— Head ratlier small ; mouth small ; jaws equal. Lips thin, lower one attached by very narrow frenum to the 

 symphysis of its jaw. Pre-niaxillaries very protractile. Teeth large and sub-conical, disposed upon a single row on both 

 jaws. Spinous portion of dorsal fin as high as the soft. Anterior articulated rays of anal ujidivided and preceded by three 

 spinous rays, shorter than the articulated ones. Scales well developed. Lateral line concurrent with the dorsal outline. Scales 

 on tlie base of caudal rays. Dorsal groove extending from middle of spinous portion of dorsal fin to last third of soft portion. 

 Sheath formed by two rows of scales anteriorly, and one only posteriorly. 



Syk. —Phanerodon, Grd. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 153 ; and, VII, 1855, 321. 



A more elongated body, a more slender tail and caudal fin, higher spinous dorsal rays, a 

 lower and longer anal fin, a smaller mouth, even jaws, larger teeth, thinner lips, and a narrower 

 frenum upon the lower lip are as many traits in the organization of this genus by which it may 

 be distinguished from Emblotoca. 



