408 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 36 
Family CLUPEID/. 
41. Sardinella stolifera (Jordan & Gilbert). SARDINA 
DE ACEITE:, eh late xsaqvinic 
Exceedingly abundant in the Astillero at Mazatlan, 
where many specimens were taken by Dr. Gilbert, as 
well as by the Hopkins expedition. This species is also 
recorded by Gilbert from Panama, and has been found 
in several other localities. The flesh of this sardine is 
very rich and delicate, quite equal to that of the European 
Pilchard (Clupanodon filchardus), and it is therefore a 
most excellent pan fish. It is, however, not eaten by the 
Mexicans, no fish having less than one-half pound weight 
being salable in the market at Mazatlan. The art of 
properly cooking delicate fish like this is unknown to the 
people of this region. 
42. Opisthonema libertate (Giinther). SArpINA Macu- 
ETE. 
Common in shallow water, in the surf and in the harbor 
at Mazatlan, where it was alsa taken by Dr. Gilbert. 
43. Opisthopterus lutipinnis (Jordan & Gilbert). 
Extremely common in the surf outside the bay, where 
great numbers are taken with the seine; a delicate fish 
which, probably, is of excellent quality as food. 
Our specimens are all smaller than the single one taken 
by Dr. Gilbert at Mazatlan, and they differ in some minor 
details. Doubtless all belong to the same species. 
Head 4%; depth 33; scales 48-13; D. 145 Acw4esnout 
4 in head; eye 34%; maxillary 2; pectoral 1%; anal base 
2% in body; scutes 27. 
Gill-rakers moderate, slender, about x+15. 
Body strongly compressed, translucent, the belly much 
compressed, with sharp scutes; vent midway between tip 
of snout and base of caudal. Front of dorsal midway 
