FISHES SYNGNATHIDAE. 



343 



Some of the specimens before us measure nine inches in total length, from the apex of the 

 snout to the tip of the tail. The length of the rostrum from the anterior rim of the orbit to 

 the tip of the snout is the half of the length of the head. The eye is circular, and its diameter 

 enters six times in the length of the side of the head : hence thrice anteriorly to the orbit. The 

 occipital bony process is subpentagonal, and crowned by five obtuse, nearly horizontal points, 

 sometimes reduced to finely crenated ridges; a feature not altogether peculiar to this species. 

 Upon the anterior declivity of the same process may be seen one or more blunt protuberances. 

 The supra-orbital process terminates either into a crenated ridge or a double blunt knob. Between 

 the latter processes there is a shallow inter-orbital depression converging anteriorly into an acute 

 angle, at the summit of which may be observed the inter-olfactive crest, which is rather small 

 and finely crenated. On either side of this crest, and close to the orbit, are situated the nostrils 

 at the very base of the tubular rostrum. The supra-tympanic process is simple and nearly hori 

 zontal. The thoracic arch exhibits three small processes : one upon its upper extremity, nearly 

 at the same level with the supra-tympanic one ; the second or middle one in advance of the 

 insertion of the pectoral fin immediately balow its middle ; the third occupies the inferior branch 

 of the said arch, being directed downwards and backwards. The processes at the angles of 

 intersection of the ridges of the surface of the body and tail are sometimes acute ; at others, 

 crest-like. This is especially the case over the ventral line where they as-mme their greatest 

 development. The subcaudal embryonal pauoh of the male is nearly equal to the body in 

 length ; hence, much shorter than the remaining portion of the tail. The vent is placed nearly 

 opposite the middle of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin itself is longer than high, superiorly 

 convex, and rather higher posteriorly than anteriorly ; its base entering about thrice in the 

 length of the body, and twice and a half time between its anterior margin and the occiput. 

 The pectorals are very broad and short, posteriorly rounded off; their longest rays being nearly 

 equal to the insertion of the fins themselves. The anal is much deeper than broad ; the middle 

 rays are the deepest. 



D 19; A 4; C 0, ; VO; P 15. 



The ground color is either entirely olivaceous black, or yellow, maculated with deep chesnut 

 brown ; crowded whitish dots being scattered all over the body, head, and tail. About the 

 orbits these dots are arranged upon irradiating series ; and over the sides of the head, in series 

 irregularly undulating. 



List of specimens. 



Family SYKGNATIIIDAE, Bonap. 



The same remark consigned under the head of Hi.ppocampidae applies to this family, for the 

 genus Syngnathus ihe ts sole generic type, which we have had an opportunity of examining. Those 

 established by Kaup are quite numerous, but the description of their characters has not yet 

 come into our hands. 



