1 899- No. 6. LYCODES GRACILIS. 1 5 



All the transverse bands continue more or less distinctly across 

 the dorsal. Two distinct black patches at the commencement of the 

 dorsal. 



Between the foremost cross band and the front is a lighter stripe of 

 the ground colour (almost imperceptible). 



The number of the transverse bands vary, independently of the 

 body. In the type specimen, the anus is placed under the beginning of 

 the third transverse band, in the other, under the hind margin of the 

 second (Fig. i — 2). 



c. Larger young ones, i specimen examined, total length 60 mm. 

 (Drobak, Aug. 1897). 



The transverse bands still distinct, but somewhat paler than in the 

 former (the number in this specimen, 9, of which 7 on the tail). 



Two intensely black patches are found on the dorsal above the 

 two foremost (body) stripes. No trace of a nuchal band (Fig. 2). 



d. Individuals of medium size. Numerous (about 60) specimens 

 e.\amined, of a total length of 90 to 140 mm. (Christiania Fjord, 

 Skagerak, Cattegat, Trondhjem Fjord 1888 — 98). 



The transverse bands of the young disappear rapidly, and are but 

 rarely still faintly visible in specimens of medium size. 



This was the case in a few young individuals caught in the 

 Trondhjem Fjord during the summer of 1888, whose total lengths were 

 from 97 to 137 mm. 



In all of these the transverse bands (which numbered 8 to 9) 

 could be faintly seen, but appeared to be almost annular, as in the 

 centre they were but slightly darker than the ground colour 1. 



Most of the specimens are thus without these transverse bands. 

 Above the median line the body is, as a rule, of a light or dark 

 greyish brown colour, below the median line, lighter and greyish yellow 

 (less coloured). 



In those individuals, in which the last traces of the brownish trans- 

 verse stripes are still visible, these (as mentioned above) as a rule 

 consist of but a semi-circle which is open at the top on the dorsal, and 

 with a somewhat dark margin. The interior is of the same tint as the 

 ground colour, or slightly darker than it. 



In other specimens, these markings appear as irregular stripes or 

 patches, generally but slightly defined. Below the median line, traces 

 of these markings are seldom seen. 



1 When preserved in spirits for some time, Ihey almost entirely disappear. 



