w^i.i-y-L 



322 



breeding males thickened, elongated, and coalesced into a stiff, slightly recurved 

 gonopodium. Anal-fin pterygiophores 33-39 (X = 35.4; N = 14). 



Total vertebrae ranging from 55 to 58, modally 56. Preanal vertebrae 20 to 

 23, modally 21. Total pairs of ribs 10 to 12. Branchiostegal rays on each side 10-12. 



Swimbladder large in juveniles, progressively reduced in size and 

 encapsulated by superficial ossification of the fourth vertebral centrum during 

 ontogeny; reduced to a tiny, bilobed capsule in specimens greater than about 100 

 mm SL (Fig. 8). 



Color in Alcohol 



General coloration of body slate-gray to steel-blue dorsally, gradually 

 diminishing in intensity on lower sides and belly. Pigment consisting of very dense, 

 minute gray specks, appearing overall as dusky countershading on top half of head 

 and body (Fig. 55). General pigmentation of body and fins somewhat variable, 

 differing mainly in intensity, degree, and pattern of mottling. The description here 

 is a composite based on the general pattern found in most preserved material. 



Top of head typically dark gray to purplish, nearly uniform over most of 

 cranium except for darker areas on occiput in front of dorsal fin, a dark band across 

 the front of the snout over the premaxillae, and a light opaque region above the 

 cranial fontanelle. Top of head occasionally appears lightly mottled. Edge of upper 

 lip often with a thin, dark gray or black margin except at comers of the mouth. 

 Upper surface of barbel often with scattered, light gray specks, darkest basally; 

 lower surface typically unpigmented. Rictal groove immaculate or occasionally with 

 light gray specks. Melanophores on sides of head diminishing on lower half, 

 extending as thin, subocular crescent that merges behind the eye with a broad. 



