24 FISHES FROM BRAZIL 



73. Ehamphichthys rostratus (Linnaeus). 



One specimen was collected at Para. The postorbital part of the head 

 is contained 1^ times in the length of the snout. 



74. Rhamphichthys reinhardtii Kaup. 



Many specimens of this common species were seen in the market, though 

 on account of their large size only 5 were collected. 



I follow Doctor Eigenmann in recognizing this species, while believing 

 with him that it is probably a long-snouted variation of R. rostratus. 

 Though there is little difference between these species, except the rather 

 extraordinary one of the length of the snout, it seems better to keep them 

 separate until intermediate variations are reported. In the specimens before 

 me the body is more slender and more gradually tapering backward than 

 in the single specimen of Rhamphichthys rostratus, but as this character 

 shows considerable variation it is less remarkable. 



The postorbital part of the head, measured obliquely to the middle of 

 the gill opening, is contained in the length of the snout from 1^ to 1^ 

 times. 



75. Steato genes elegans (Steindachner). 



Though this well-marked form was found to be rather common in the 

 market at Para it has not been reported except at the mouth of the Rio 

 Negro and in the Rio Jurua. It agrees very well with the description and 

 picture of the type, though it differs from the latter in having the tail a 

 little more slender and tapering to a finer point, and in the anal not stop- 

 ping so abruptly posteriorly but gradually growing lower until it disappears. 

 It has the same number of anal rays. 



76. Eigenmannia virescens (Valenciennes). 



This species was found to be common in the market at Para. Most of 

 the specimens have the ventral outline more strongly arched than the dorsal, 

 as alleged for Eigenmannia humboldti, and specimens of E. virescens men- 

 tioned by Dr. Eigenmann from Rio Grande do Sul. Others have both out- 

 lines equally arched. The character is very evidently due to preservation 

 and cannot be used in classification. In the thick head and other characters 

 these specimens agree very well with current descriptions. 



77. Sternopygus macrurus Bloch and Schneider. 



Several specimens of this form were taken at Para. 

 The life color is dark olive-green on the back, shading downward to 

 bluish-slate color on the lower parts. There is a dark bluish spot above 



