LYCODIN.K. 



45 



to near the root of the pectorals, but a portion of the end of the tail is still more or less free from 

 scales; at a total length of 137 mm. and over, the tail is completely covered with scales, so that these 

 extend from the tip of the tail almost to the root of the pectorals, but the head, belly and fins 

 continue to be naked even in the largest specimens. On the trunk and tail, there are 7—11 dark 

 cross-bands (frequently also a dark spot at the end of the tail), which may become indistinct in the older 

 (seldom in the relatively small individuals), especially on the foremost part of the body; they remain as 

 a rule, however, on the dorsal fin; the anal fin is usually light in front, posteriorly on the other hand, 

 it is more or less blackish (from the fusing together, entirely or in part, of the most posterior cross-band s) 

 not rarely with a narrow, light strip along the lower margin; more rarely the anal fin is uniformly 

 dark the whole way. Sometimes a light spot is present over the edges of the gill-cover or a light 

 stripe across the neck. The ventral lateral line is distinct, especially on the part descending towards 

 the anus; a distinct mediolateral lateral line is seldom seen; sometimes there is a short series of pores 

 forwards under the dorsal fin 1 )- 



Lycodes pallidas from the cruise of the «Michael Sars 1902. 



Six specimens of a Lycodes, which I think L. pallidas, were taken off the Shetland-Xorwav 

 Slope at ca. 420 fathoms depth. 



The most important measurements are as follows: 



In addition, the longitudinal diameter of the eye is 4,1 — 3,8%, the length of the snout (to the 

 eye) 7,6— 8,5 " , the distance of the dorsal fin from the snout 28,7 — 30,4% of the total length. The 

 pectoral fins contain 19 — 20 rays. The scaly covering is almost equally developed in all specimens 

 and extends towards the root of the pectoral fins; the anterior part of the back and the fins are 

 naked, likewise almost all that part of the belly which lies under the branch of the lateral line 

 descending towards the arms. The ground-colour is brownish, but darkened on the belly by the 

 peritoneum shining through; on the body itself no cross-bands appear; in the three smallest specimens 

 on the other hand, rather distinct black markings appear on the dorsal fin, especially on the most 

 posterior part, and weak traces of these can be detected also in the three larger individuals; the anal 

 fin is grayish in front, dark posteriorly. The ventral lateral line is distinct, frequently even a good 

 bit beyond the anus; a mediolateral lateral line is rather apparent in a single individual (that of i [2 mm. . 

 in others only scattered elements of it are to be seen. 



') I have also observed such dorsal pores sometimes, in L. pallidus from other regions. 



