

'• J' 



* V . 



4 ^'j : 'J I 



220 



X^, 



narrowest proximally and expanded distally on each lobe of fin, extending 

 posteriorly in some specimens as scattered flecks along longest branched rays. 



Melanophores densest on top of head and dorsum of body, gradually 

 diminishing in intensity laterally. Concentrations of pigment forming larger, diffuse 

 spots on top of occiput, across top of snout in front of eyes, on chin, posterolateral^ 

 behind postorbitals, and over dorsoanterior half of "tympanum". ' 



rnmrn^-nt"; 



Eigenmann (1912) designated as the holotype a male specimen 64 mm in 

 length (CM 1708), and two males and five females 57-61 mm as paratypes (CM 

 1707a and lU 12090). One of the specimens has been destroyed or lost, and two 

 others are in poor condition (see comments under nomenclatural status of 

 Tympanopleura). Examination of the specimen currently recorded as the holotype 

 indicates that it is probably a female, based on gross and radiographic comparisons 

 of the barbels and anal fin of all specimens. The two largest specimens examined 

 are females, suggesting that Eigenmann erroneously identified the sex of the 

 holotype, that the missing specimen actually represents the holotype, or that some 

 transposition of specimens and data may have occurred during transfer of the type 

 material from the Carnegie Museum and Indiana University. This situation is not 

 redressed by examination of the collection ledgers in the institutions involved. The 

 holotype was listed by Henn (1928) prior to its transfer to the Field Museum. 



A more complete understanding of the taxonomic status, morphology, 

 distribution, and ecology of this species will require collection of additional 

 material. Based on its small size at maturity, relative to other ageneiosids, this 



