OILBEET AND STARKS — FISHES OF PANAMA BAY 129 



but was not included in the original manuscript, a copy of which is furnished above. 

 On page 1439 of the volume cited, in the key to species, under the head of S. illece- 

 brosiis, occurs the statement "coloration dark." This should read "coloration 

 silvery." 



240. Stellifer ericymba (Jordan l- Gilbert). 



This little fish is common in Panama Bay. Many specimens were preserved, 

 the largest not exceeding IG cm. in length. 



We have examined in connection with our specimens the description given 

 by Jordan and Evermann (1898, p. 1444) and find it satisfactory. 



241. Stellifer zestocarus Gilbert. 

 Plate XVIII, Fig. 37. 

 Stellifer zestocarus Gilbert (Jordan & Evermann, 1898, p. 1445). 



Head 3J- to j,\ in length; depth 2f to 3. Pores in lateral line 47 to 50; dorsal XII, 19; anal 

 II, 10. 



Comparatively deep and compressed, with narrow head, large oblique mouth, the greatest 

 width of head i| to i-| in its length. Anterior profile rising in an even convex curve to front of 

 dorsal, depressed very little if at all above the orbits. Greatest depth under front of spinous dorsal. 

 Length of caudal peduncle, measured from base of last anal ray, i^ in head; from last dorsal ray, 

 1|. Least depth of caudal peduncle 2| in head. 



Head extremely soft, the bones cavernous. Snout bluntish, not projecting beyond the pre- 

 maxillaries, its length 4-^ to 4! in head. Lower jaw included, the tip produced into a short but 

 distinct symphyseal knob. Mouth large, very oblique, the maxillary (measured from front of 

 snout), equaling length of snout and eye, 2\ in head. Teeth in narrow villiform bands in both jaws, 

 widest in sides of premaxillaries. None of the teeth enlarged. Lips thin. Mental and rostral pores 

 minute. Interorbital space transversely convex, 2\ to 2^-^ in head. Supraorbital ridges prominent. 

 Preopercle with a wide membranous border, which is strengthened near the angle with diverging ribs. 

 A single rather stiff spine directed backwards, immediately above the angle. Gill-rakers numerous, 

 long and slender, about 20 on horizontal limb of arch, the longest half the diameter of orbit. Eye 

 large, elliptical, the long axis oblique, the greatest diameter 3| or 3! in head, equaling distance from 

 tip of snout to front of pupil. 



Fins high, densely scaled, including the spinous dorsal. First and second dorsal spines rather 

 strong and stiff, the third and succeeding spines flexible. Third spine longest, i|- in head. The 

 ninth spine is shortest, the tenth and eleventh longer, belonging to the soft dorsal. The last three 

 spines are stronger and rigid. Second anal spine long and rather slender, 2\ to 2| in length of head. 

 Longest anal ray i| to if in head. Anal basis long, equaling length of snout and eye. Caudal 

 double-truncate, almost lanceolate, the middle rays much produced, i^ or \\ in head. Pectorals 

 long, reaching beyond vent, ij in head. Ventrals not nearly reaching vent, li to if in head. 



Scales thin, deciduous, weakly ctenoid. Head completely scaled. 



Nearly uniform grayish silvery above, bright silvery below. Fins slightly dusky. Mouth 

 and gill-cavities silvery white. A blackish blotch in the region of the pseudobranchise. 



Seven specimens from Panama Ba}^ the longest about 15 cm. long. 



242. Ophioscion typicus Gill. 



Not common; eight specimens were taken 14 to 21 cm. in length. The 

 description of this species by Jordan and Evermann (1898, p. 1448) was evidently 



