BERYCOIDS. 55 
branchiz medium. Suprabranchial gland polygonal or subtriangular, with 
a depression in the centre. The stomach and other viscera are figured 
on Plate IX., figs. 3, 4. Scales thin, cycloid, irregular, those on the top 
of the snout and head comparatively large, those bearing the canals of the 
lateral system on the flanks much differentiated, being twice the diameter 
of those in adjacent series. Lateral line covered by a fold of the skin with 
scales; disks resting on larger scales, somewhat as on Lamprogrammus, 
Plate XXXIV., fig. 4, each as wide as two ordinary scales, twenty-seven 
from head to tail. The line makes a short upward curve from the head 
till above the axil of the pectoral, whence it is straight or but slightly 
curved until it reaches the middle of the caudal peduncle at the tail. 
Dorsal origin forward of the base of the pectoral; a shallow notch near 
the soft rays of the fin, rays varying in number from eleven plus ten 
to eleven plus twelve. Hinder margin of caudal subtruncate or rounded. 
Pectorals broad at the bases, pointed, median rays longest, reaching 
the middle of the base of the anal. Ventrals with a slender spine and 
five segmented rays. 
Deep black over entire surface, and on the linings of the body cavity. 
Largest specimen six and one-half inches in length, 
Station. Latitude. Longitude. Depth. Temperature. Bottom. 
3403 0° 58’ 30’ S. 89° 17’ W. 384 fathoms 43.3° F. Fue. gy. s. bk. sp. 
BERYCOIDS. 
This is one of the most widely distributed groups of the fishes; it in- 
cludes a moderately large number of the living, and besides has an exten- 
sive representation among the fossil forms. Though at present known in 
greater part from the tropical waters, there is that in the fact of inhabiting 
levels at a temperature of thirty-six degrees Fahrenheit, or lower, which leads 
to expectation of members of the group at similar temperatures in all waters 
containing a proper food supply outside of the torrid zone. In the collec- 
tion there are individuals belonging to eight different species of the group, 
but two of which have been described heretofore; one of them is the species 
described by Gilbert under the name Melamphaés lugubris, from nearly the 
same locality, the other is with some hesitation identified with Giinther’s 
M. mizolepis, originally described from south of New Guinea, more recently 
reported by Alcock from the Bay of Bengal. In making the necessary 
