318 FISHES OF THE FAMILY LORTCARIID^E. 



17. Astro blepus. 

 Astroblcpus Humboldt. Obs. Zool. i. p. 19 (1805). 



This genus, represented by a single species, is known only from Humboldt's 

 description and figure. It is allied to Arges, differing in the absence of ventral fins. 

 It is possible that this latter feature is abnormal or accidental, and that the genus 

 may be founded on a specimen of Arges hrachycephalus or an allied species. 



f ASTROBLEPUS GRIXALVjE. 



Astroblepus grivavlii Humb. Obs. Zool. i. p. 19, pi. vii. (1805) ; Cuv. & Val. Hist. Nat. Poiss. xv. 

 p. 349 (1840) ; Giinth. Cat. Fish. v. p. 224 (1864) ; Eigenm. & Eigenm. Occ. Pap. Cal. Ac. 

 i. 1890, p. 351. 



In form and proportions, in the position of the fins and in the number of their rays 

 essentially similar to Arges brachycejokalus Gthr. Dorsal with I 6 rays, anal with I 6, 

 pectoral with I 9. Coloration uniform. 



Total length 350 mm. 



Popoyan, R. Cauca ; known to the inhabitants as the -jjescado negro, and eaten by 

 them. 



1 have compared a specimen of Arges brachycephalus of 218 mm. with Humboldt's 

 figure and cannot see any differences except the absence of ventral fins. 



