Cope.] '^^■^ [-Tan. ,, 



sal region tliey are not continuously developed and are cycloid ; a large 

 part of the most anterior portion is naked. On the anterior fourth the 

 ventral surface the scales are cycloid, not inioricate, and below the pecto- 

 ral fins entirely absent. Other scales ctenoid. Caudal peduncle not deep 

 nor constricted. 



Lines. 



Total length 24 



Of caudal tin 3.6 



Of basis first dorsal 8.4 



Of pectoral 8.4 



Of muzzle, 1-5 



Width of body opposite first dorsal 2.3 



In life this species is nearly colorless, and the myocommata and other 

 muscles are transparent. The viscera are perfectly visible, and in the 

 specimen taken, the two ovaries with all the eggs in an advanced stage of 

 development were seen with entire distinctness. There are seven imper- 

 fectly formed pale green blotches on the dorsal line, and a series of eight 

 or nine on the lateral line of a linear form, arranged longitudinally, and 

 of the same greenish tint. A few blackish specks between these, and 

 below the eye ; a large spot on operculum and line on canthus rostralis. 

 Caudal fin faintly barred ; other fins and lower surfaces immaculate ; 

 ventrals with white edge within. 



One specimen taken in Walnut Creek, a tributary of the Neuse River, 

 in Wake co., N. Carolina, late in November. 



From the advanced condition of the eggs they must be excluded either 

 in the Winter, or a very early Spring, for even that mild latitude. In its 

 transparency this fish resembles the Pleurolepis pellucidus, Agass. When 

 first taken its scales are entirely invisible, and it requires coagulation in 

 alcohol before they can be readily detected. 



The vomerine teeth of this fish are very few in number, and the maxil- 

 laries and mandibulars are very abruptly incurved. 



POECILICHTHTS SANGUIPLTJUS, Cope. 



Species nova. 



Of the same form as the P. flabellatus ; i. e. elongate, with dorsal line 

 not elevated, and very deep caudal peduncle. Head flat acuminate, the 

 front descending very gradually, the mandible as gradually rising to its 

 extremity. Orbit rather large, diameter equal to that of muzzle, and one- 

 fourth length of liead. Opercular spine well developed, the operculum 

 scaled, cheek naked. End of maxillary marking line of pupil. Teeth of 

 outer rows larger. Length head without spine, one-fourth total to basis 

 caudal. Fins generally, especially the caudal, short ; latter slightly 

 rounded. First dorsal much elongate ; first anal spine very large. In 

 four specimens the fin and scale formulae vary as follows : 1st, Br VI. 

 D.XII-12. AII-8; 2nd, D.XII-12. A II-9 ; 3rd, XII-13. A II.9 ; 4th, 

 DXIII.12 A II. 9. Scales 9—54-62—10. 



