A KEVIEW OF THE JAPANESE SPECIES OF SURF-FISHES 
OR EMBlOTOCIDxE. 
By David Stake Jordan (assisted by Michitaro Sindo), 
Of the Leland Sfavford Junior University. 
In this paper is given an account of the surf-tishes or Embiotocidae, 
constituting- the suborder of Holconoti, which are known to inhabit 
the waters of Japan. The famih^ is confined mainly to the shores of 
California, where M genera and 22 species have been described. The 
few species in Japan are evidenth^ an overflow from this characteristic 
Californian fauna, and are interesting as completing the series of 
known species of the group. They are known to fishermen by the 
name of Tanago. The species mentioned are preserved in the United 
States National Museum. 
Suborder HOLCONOTI. 
The singular family of Embiotocida? appears to constitute a distinct 
group or suborder allied to the Percoidea on the one hand and to the 
Pharj'ngognathi on the other, but without very close affinities with 
either. The structures connected with the viviparous habit, the 
united pharyngeals, the increased number of vertebrse, the double 
nostrils, the perfect gills, and the presence of many rays in the soft 
dorsal and anal, together with the unarmed bones of the head, con- 
stitute the chief characters of the Holconoti. 
(6\koz^ groove; vooroz^ back.) 
Family EMBIOTOCIDiE. 
THE SURF-FISHES. 
Bod}' ovate or oblong, compressed, covered with cycloid scales of 
moderate size. Cheeks, operculum, and interoperculum scaly; lateral 
line continuous, running high, without abrupt flexure, not extending 
on the caudal fin; head rather short; mouth small, terminal; jaws with 
conical or compressed teeth of moderate or small size, in 1 or 2 series; 
rarely wanting; no teeth on vomer or palatines; no canines; lower 
pharyngeals united without suture, their teeth conical or paved; upper 
Proceedings U. S. National Museum, Vol. XXIV— No. 1260. 
Proc. N. M. vol. xxiv— 01 23 353 
