Gerrea 



/'. Third dorsal spine rather longer than second; 10 rows of scales be- 

 tween lateral line and vent; opercle with few if any small scales 

 at base lineatus, 449 



ii. Third dorsal spine not longer than second ; 1 1 rows of scales between 

 lateral line and vent; opercle with numerous small scales at 

 base brasilianus, 449 



hh. Pectoral very long, longer than head, 2\ to 2j in body; scales 

 35 ". embryx, 449 



ff. Spines very high, the second dorsal longer than head. plumieri, 449 



ee. Scales small, 44 in lateral line mexicanus, 449 



Gerres rhombeus is known from the West Indies and along the 

 Gulf coast of tropical America. It has been reported from Martinique, 

 Jamaica, Santo Domingo, Puerto Cabello, Havana, Aspinwall, Rio 

 Magdalena, Santa Lucia, Porto Rico, and Bahia. It reaches a length 

 of 10 inches, and is generally common. It is readily known by hav- 

 ing only 2 anal spines. 



G. aureolus is known only from Panama and is very rare. 



G. peruvianus is found on the Pacific coast of tropical America 

 from Mazatlan to Panama and southward. It attains a small size, 

 but is abundant. 



G. olisthostomus, the Irish pompano or mutton-fish, is abundant 

 through the West Indies, south to Brazil and north to southern Florida. 

 It reaches a foot in length, and is of some value as a food-fish. 



448 



