Dr. W. 0. Ayres on the Sehastoid Fishes of California. 339 



meral and scapular are almost concealed. The specific distinctions, 

 therefore must be drawn from other features. The species may be 

 arranged and defined as follows : — 



1. SeBASTODES PAUCISPINIS. 



Sebastes paucispinis, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci. i. p. 6 ; 

 Gir. P. R. Rep. x. p. 83, pi. 22 a. 



Sebastodes paucispinis, Gill, Proc. Phil. Acad. Nat. Sci. 1861, 

 p. 165. 



This species is quite elongated in form, its depth being about one- 

 fourth of its length. The spinous dorsal is arched in outline, the 

 emargination between it and the soft portion being very distinct, 

 though less strongly marked than in S. flavidus or S. melanops. 

 The head is longer than in most species, constituting fully one-third 

 of the entire length. But the feature by which S. paucispinis is at 

 once recognized is the " small scales." They are relatively less than 

 in any other known species, and are accompanied by a general soft- 

 ness of flesh, which causes the fish to be less esteemed for the table 

 than any other of the group found in our waters. The description 

 and figure given by Girard are tolerably accurate. 



S. paucispinis is not by any means common in this vicinity. It 

 is taken in company with the other species ; but no more than a 

 single specimen at long intervals is seen in the markets. It attains 

 a length of 25 to 28 inches. 



2. Sebastodes ovalis, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci. ii. 

 p. 209, fig. 65. 



This species is much stouter than S. paucispinis, its depth being 

 nearly one-third of its length. Its closest alliances are with S. 



Jlavidus, Ayres, and 5. melanops, Gir. The spinous dorsal decreases 

 but little in height posteriorly, leaving of course but a slight emargi- 

 nation between it and the soft portion, which latter is low, its height 



