2 University of Mi€higan 



Heros tetracanthus torralbasi Eigenmann, Bull. U.S. Fish Camm., 1902 (1903), 



p. 230, Fig. II. 

 Heros tetracanthus griseus Eigenmann, op. a't., p. 233, Fig. 14. 

 Heros tetracanthus latus Eigenmann, op. cit., p. 234, Fig. 15. 

 Heros tetracanthus ductus Eigenmann, op. cit., p. 234, Fig. 16. 

 Heros nigricans Eigenmann, op. cit., p. 235, Fig. 17. 



Apparently more variable than most cichlids, the species 

 inhabiting Cuba and Barbadoes has passed through a rather 

 varied nomenclatural history. But before entering into a dis- 

 cussion of the several names which have been applied to this fish, 

 we should consider the outstanding features of the variability 

 of the species. To quote Eigenmann (p. 230), who has made the 

 most extensive study of this form: 



Only a single species has been recorded from Cuba, and nothing has 

 been said either concerning its distribution or its variation. No one, 

 e.xcept possibly Poey. has before this compared numbers of specimens 

 from different places or even from the same place. Such a comparison 

 is therefore ver>' desirable, and the material collected far surpasses all 

 other collections made before. We have altogether 236 specimens from 

 various localities. An examination of all of these proves either the 

 presence of several instead of a single species in the island or a remark- 

 able variation with localities. A definition of the variations has proved 

 very elusive. The numbers of fin rays' and scales are uniform, so 

 that the differences exist in the proportions and the color. But the 

 coloration also has a certain underlying uniformity. There is a spot 

 near the middle of the side, another at the base of the caudal, and 

 an obscure third above the gill-opening. There are numerous small 

 spwts on the fins and on scales of the sides, especially below and on the 

 opercles, and sometimes on the cheeks. There is also a longitudinal 

 streak from the eye through the lateral spot to the caudal spot, and a 

 definite number of crossbars, both streak and bars most conspicuous in 

 the young and in light-colored adult individuals. This uniformity 

 of imderlying structure makes defining of species or varieties a diflficult 

 proceeding. The pol>Tnorphism is further complicated by instances 

 like the following: The specimens from San Antonio are readily referable 

 to a certain form found at Calabazar, although they differ from Calabazar 

 specimens in quite readily distinguishable features; but one of them 



■ Regan noted two specimens in which an unusually high number of 

 spines was present in malformed (injured ?) anal fins. 



