Small Bottom Stage. 15 



Examination shows that it is provided at the free border with small hair-like 

 filaments. As Fulton remarks, it presents an extraordinary superficial resemblance 

 to an Amphipod. 



The third ray of the first dorsal fin is quite separate from the others, and arises 

 from the head just in front of the two occipital spines. It is only slightly smaller 

 than the second ray. The three posterior rays are united by their bases to the skin 

 membrane, and arise on the dorsal surface of the body. They decrease in size 

 posteriorly. All the rays of the first dorsal fin, except the first, are feathered 

 laterally with membranous fragments. 



The spines on the head are well developed, and appear very prominent in these 

 small preserved specimens. The most prominent spine lies posterior to the eye. 

 Other prominent spines are two on the inner margin of the orbit, and the two 

 occipital spines. 



The upper surface of the body is covered with tag-like processes of skin which 

 simulate seaweed. These skin-fragments are especially numerous as a fringe along 

 the middle line of the body and along the margin of the lower jaw. The skin-tags 

 are even present on the upper surface of the pectoral fins. 



Little can be said with regard to the exact colouring of small preserved speci- 

 mens. The general colour of the smaller specimens may be described as grayish- 

 brown, but a gradual transition to the typical adult coloration can be followed 

 with the increase in size of the specimens. 



Developmental Changes in Small Bottom Forms. 



Although the small specimen of 64 mm. had assumed the bottom habitat, the 

 transition from the pelagic to the bottom form had not been completed. 

 Further changes take place before the typical miniature adult form is assumed. 



A series of small specimens, ranging in size from 64 to 344 mm., has been examined 

 and careful measurements made. 



[Table. 



