PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 59 



180. Sebastichthys serriceps J. &■ G — Tree-fish. 



From Sau Diego to San Francisco ; abundant about Catalina Island 

 in rather deep water among rocks ; less common northward, but occa- 

 sionally seen in the San Francisco markets. It reaches a weight of 

 about 3 pounds. 



181. Sebastichthys nigrocinctus (Ayres) Gill. 



Monterey to Puget Sound ; rather abundant in the Straits of Fuca in 

 very deep water ; rare about San Francisco, and only occasionally taken 

 with a hook and line in deep water. It is one of the most striking spe- 

 cies in color, and hence preferred by buyers. It reaches a weight of 4 

 pounds. 



182. Scorpaena guttata Grd. — Scorpene ; Sculpin; Scorpion. 



Santa Barbara southward ; very abundant in rocky places, and often 

 in bays and shallow water. It feeds on Crustacea and spawns in spring. 

 It is esteemed as one of the best of food- fishes. It reaches a weight of 

 rarely more than li to 2 pounds. A wound from its dorsal si)ines is ex- 

 tremely painful for a time, like a poisoned sting. 



Family COTTIDiE. 



183. Nautichthys oculofasciatus Grd. 



From San Francisco northward, rare ; occasionally taken in Puget 

 Sound in rather deep water. It reaches a length of 6 to 8 inches. 



184. Blepsias cirrhosus (Pallas) Gthr. 



From San Francisco northward, scarce; not rare in Puget Sound, 

 where it is sometimes taken in seines. It reaches a length of about 6 

 inches. Like the preceding, it is occasionally preserved as a curiosity 



185. Oligocottus aiialis Grd. — Little Scorpion. 



From Monterey to Lower California ; common in rock-pools, and ex- 

 tremely active. It reaches a length of about 4 or 5 inches. 



186. Oligocottus maculosus Grd. — Johnny. 



From San Luis Obispo to Alaska; exceedingly abundant northward, 

 in rock-pools and among stones close to shore in sheltered bays. One 

 of the most abundant species on the coast so far as the number of indi- 

 viduals is concerned. It reaches a length of 2 J inches, being the smallest 

 of our marine Cottklcc. It is subject to great variations in color, de- 

 pendent on the character of its surroundings. 



187. Blennicottus globiceps (Grd.) Gill. 



From Monterey to Puget Sound and northward, in rock-pools, with 

 the preceding. Its motions are, however, much less active. It is no- 

 where abundant. It reaches a length of 5 inches. 



