PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 267 
which it differs in the presence of canines and in the short dorsal fin. 
This is the first species of the family thus far known from north of the 
equator. 
Scytalina cerdale, sp. nov. 
Body elongate, cylindrical anteriorly, compressed behind, covered 
with very small imbedded scales. No lateral line. A slight vertebral 
streak and three very obscure dusky lateral streaks simulating lateral 
lines. 
Head broader than long, with tumid cheeks and constricted neck, 
much resembling the head and neck of a smali snake. Form of snout 
subconic, the head abruptly narrowed at the eyes, below which is a 
slight vertical groove. Snout depressed, rounded at tip. 
Interorbital space rather broad, posteriorly concave, a median wrinkle 
extending along the vertex to the nuchal depression. All these de- 
pressions are rather apparent than real, being due to the tumidity of the 
cheeks, which encroach on the other parts. 
Eyes quite small, directed almost upward, nearly even with the top of 
the head. Lips full, the upper separated by a crease from the skin of 
the forehead, the lower with free margin. Skin of forehead with two or 
three dermal flaps on each side. In one of these the anterior nostrils 
and some mucous pores open. Posterior nostril near the eye, with a 
very small flap. Edge of lower lip sparsely fringed, below which the 
skin has several coarse pores with derma! flaps. 
Gape of mouth rather wide, extending a little beyond the eyes. Lower 
jaw slightly projecting, its front with two strong, conic, divergent ca- 
nines. Between these, and behind, along the sides of the jaw, is a series 
of smaller close-set conical teeth. Upper jaw with two smaller canines, 
closer together than those in the lower jaw. Edge of upper jaw with 
close-set conical teeth, apparently in a single row behind, widening into 
a broad band in front. A single series of small teeth on vomer and. 
palatines. 
Branchiostegals seven. Gill-openings very wide, the membranes 
broadly connected and free from the isthmus. Pseudobranchiz small. 
Gill-rakers almost obsolete. , Gills four, a slit behind the fourth. Opercle 
very short, the tumid cheeks encroaching upon it. 
Pectoral fins very small, alittle below the axis of the body, their length 
a little more than the diameter of the eye. No ventral fins. Dorsal fin 
very low, of soft rays only, which are short and weak, imbedded in the 
skin. Its insertion a little in front of first ray of anal and slightly in 
advance of the middle of the body. Tail apparently isocercal, rounded 
behind, with a well-developed caudal fin, which is rounded behind, and 
composed of rays longer and much slenderer than those in the dorsal 
and anal. No constriction between dorsal and anal and caudal, the rays 
of the former fins being joined to the latter at their full height. Anal 
precisely like dorsal and nearly coterminous with it. Vent immediately 
in front of anal. No anal papilla. 
