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148 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 
throughout, the first and second spines a little higher than the third, 
which is rather higher than the fourth, the third and fourth somewhat 
separated, but connected by membrane nearly as high as that connect- 
ing fourth and fifth, the other spines gradually increasing in height 
backward. The three anterior spines less stiff than the others. 
The two anal spines are connected by a membrane to the soft part of 
that fin, the anterior insertion of which is about midway between tip of 
snout and base of caudal. The caudal is posteriorly rounded, its inter- 
radial membrane being emarginate; the membrane of the last dorsal 
Spine joins the base of the first ray of the caudal, while the latter is 
free from anal, the free tips of which extend beyond base of caudal. 
Pectorals fan-like, their extremities reaching a vertical line intersect- 
ing vent. Branchiostegal membranes continuous under throat. Body 
covered with conspicuous cycloid scales, which are smaller on the belly. 
No seales on head or fins. 
Lateral line of thirty-eight scales, beginning on the scapular region, 
running anteriorly very high, abruptly curving around pectorals, and 
pursuing a straight course on the median line of the side to the tail. 
Teeth rather strong, conical, in a narrow band; a single series of 
rather strong teeth on vomer. 
Color varies in three individuals: one is a dark brownish gray; 
another, of equal size (24 inches long), is lighter; while a third, of 145 
inches in length, is lavender in color. The markings are similar on all 
my specimens, each being maculated and obscurely barred with a darker 
shade of its own color; the dorsal region is always darkest, and each 
individual has an ocellated spot, black, with narrow pale edging on 
posterior portion of dorsal fin. Dorsal and anal fins each with narrow 
pale edging. Pectoral fins reddish violet at base, with a black crescent 
around it, the rest of the fin pale, with dark cross-bars. Ventrals barred. 
Caudal with a dark bar at base, the rest of the fin translucent, with 
narrow dark bars formed of spots. 
Table of measurements. 
Length: ; 
PO tales CHES hse Seac ccc cyose a elaenee eee eee eee oe eee eee 2. 05 
Mosbasciotecaudalsaniinchesscs-s.seseceeeeeee re seee ees 100 = 1.70 
Body, areatest depth tenia cise sa seco sce = Seen een tee ee ree eee 23 
Head: 
Meno this ssetecee coca cm sec ies aclceiouere eee Eee Cee ee eee een cel 
DIAMeler Ol CVC sat= sacle soe Se cicec secees Cee eee emer ee ee ee 7.5 
isencth of masdllary..cocsescess SiS. 2 boca eee eee aces eects il 
Dorsal fin: 
Ro talilenobth isos fossa sacle cee e cians alee ECE rer Ree on en eee eee 
Distance iromssnoutiescess eseeee cose din cun eeacamnete cee sscecteetsesa= 
ene theoiantemor Dart... s.c2- 26's ace cee a eee eer be cee e eee cae wees 5 
Herchtrogirst spines... s2-. cece sinew ae eaereecmenccce sd ceeceenecs 
ETO GISeCONGKS PING misc sjecac. cae wetee aoe eee ae cman ceoehiaceee 
Hero iGio fetid Spies «far antic Sain acre Siocieaceeteniecee eel paMeeaccies koe 
Hevshisots fount bts pine y.2<,c.05ains'e 50 scaeniaeswesienaaeseeeondee paneen eas 
Ereichtrotghiohesti spine: css acne se wines me ieiaios ie ocr aee Saeco ee 
Height of membrane connecting third and fourth spines.......... 22. 
2 WD 
PIw PRIH OMS 
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