STERNOPTYX OBSCURA. 233 
parts of which the left (in this example) is the more forward; both parts hook- 
ing backward slightly. Opercular margins membranous. Gills four. Pseudo- 
branchize present. Five ridges across the flank. The compressed blade-like 
spine at the origin of the dorsal is serrate, with about twenty-five teeth. 
The ventral spine has four cusps, the anterior pair longer and directed for- 
ward, the posterior pointing down. ‘The anal spine is forked, and inclines 
forward and downward. The greatest convexity in the dorsal outline 
of the body lies under the dorsal fin. The angular diaphanous space for- 
ward of the anal is very little wider than a right angle. 
The luminous facets, lanterns, on each side are distributed thus: three 
small ones at the lower edge of a wart-like prominence a little above the 
base of the pectoral; one behind the angle of the mouth, and apparently 
another a short distance above; four or five in each branchiostegal series ; 
ten large ones in the close series from the humeral spine to the ventral; 
three in the abdominal series; three in the anal group; three or four in the 
subcaudal group; and three on the flank a short distance above the vent. 
Upper portions clouded brown or blackish; flanks and lower surfaces 
silvery ; lanterns silvery, edged with black. The luminous organs are in 
function downward; that is, forward when the creature is swimming and 
feeding. The lower (anterior) fourth of the iris is silvery, as also is a patch 
on the cheek below the eye. The silver area below the orbit contains indi- 
cations of a lantern; possibly rudimentary, but useful in estimating the 
affinities of the genus. 
This species is readily distinguished from S. diaphana by the difference 
in form. 
Station. 
Latitude, Longitude. Depth. Temperature. Bottom. 
2619 (Hyd.) 7°31’ N. 78° 42/ 30” W. 1100 fathoms Biase 18), Gn. glob. Oz. 
3356 7° 9/ 30” N. 81° 8 30” W. 546 =“ 40.1° F. Sft. bl. M. 
3357 GB hy INE 81° 44’ W. (fee 38:52 B. Gn. S. 
3360 CraliaiNr 82°'5’ W. 1672") ss 36.4° F. Fne. bk. dk. gn. S. 
3370 5° 36’ 40” N. 86° 56’ 50” W. gee ss 54.8° F. Rks. and 8. 
3374 2° 35’ N. 83° 53/ W. 1823“ 36.4°F. Gn. Oz. 
3375 2° 34’ N. 82° 29' W. 1201 * 36.6° F. Gy. glob. Oz. 
3377 3° 56’ N. 81° 40! 15” W. 764 «€ 38° F. M. 
3381 4° 56’ N. 80° 52’ 30” W. 772 ce 35.8° F. Gn. M. 
3383 te 212 IN: 79° 2) W. 1832 « 36° F. Gn. glob. Oz. 
3388 Mit OsaNe 79° 48’ W. TGS ss 36.2° F. Gn. glob. Oz. 
3392 Uh ay SIO IN 79° 40' W. TO 70 sé 36.4° F. Hard. 
3398 17 IN 80° 21’ W. GY as 36° F. Gn. Oz. 
3399 IS AN 81° 4’ W. 1740 «= 36° F. Gn. Oz. 
3400 0° 36'S. 86° 46’ W. Nispyet) Ue 36° F. Lt. gy. glob. Oz. 
3402 0° 57’ 30” S. 89° 3° 30” W. AD en 42.3° F. R. glob. Oz. 
