400 



DR.W. O. AYRES ON THE SEBASTOID FISHES [NoV. 10, 



being less than half its length. The pectoral fins are large, their 

 height being about one-fourth the length of the fish. Of the three 

 spines of the anal fin, the second is the highest and stoutest, equalling 

 the height of the soft portion of the fin. In colour the fish is of a 

 dark greenish brown above, becoming yellowish green on the sides. 

 and still lighter beneath. In regard to the softness of the scales it 

 comes nearer than any other species to S. paucispinis, though they 

 are relatively much larger than in the latter. 



S. ovalis appears to be quite rare, only a few specimens having 

 been seen. None have exceeded three pounds in weight. 



3. Sebastodes flavidtjs, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci. ii. 

 p. 209, fig. 64. 



This species is so closely allied to S. melanops, Gir., as scarcely to 

 be distinguished from it, except by its colours. S. melanops is nearly 

 black above, lighter on the sides and beneath ; while S. fiavidus is 

 like S. ovalis, "dark greenish brown above, becoming yellowish green 

 on the sides, and still lighter beneath." 



S.Jlavidus is by no means uncommon, being brought to the mar- 

 kets in abundance. It seldom exceeds two pounds in weight. 



4. Sebastodes melanops, Gir. 



Sebastes melanops, Gir. Proc. Phil. Acad, Nat. Sci. viii. p. 135 ; 

 and P. R. Rep. x. p. 81. 



Sebastes variabilis, Ayres (non Cuvier), Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci. 

 1854, i. p. 7. 



Sebastodes melanops, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci. ii. p. 211, 

 fig. 66. 



This species is sufficiently well described by Girard (loc. cit.) ; but 

 inasmuch as no figure is given by him, reference may be made to the 

 outline illustration given herewith (p. 401), which is accurately 

 reliable. 



