416 CTPEINODOJSTTIDiE. 



from the eye as from the root of the caudal fin, the longest rays about two-thirds the 

 length of the head. Anal fin with 12 or 13 rays, similar to the dorsal. Pectoral fin 

 about two-thirds the length of the head, much longer than the ventral fin, which is 

 inserted much nearer to the end of the snout than to the root of the caudal fin. 

 Caudal fin rounded, a little longer than the head. Caudal peduncle once and a half 

 to once and two-thirds as long as deep. Scales smooth or with spinulose edge, 25 to 

 28 in a longitudinal series, 14 or 16 round the body in front of the ventral fin; no 

 lateral line pits. 



In spirit the fish is pale yellowish olive, the scales finely edged with blackish ; fins 

 white, without markings. In life, according to Mr. Schoeller's notes, the whole fish 

 shows a splendid dark sky-blue iridescence except on the belly ; the dorsal and caudal 

 fins are colourless, but males have the latter edged with red above and beneath ; the 

 pectoral, ventral, and anal fins are lemon-yellow, at least during the breeding-season ; 

 the iris is colourless. 



H. schoelleri does not exceed a length of 33 millimetres. 



Measurements (in millimetres). 



6. $. 



Total length (without caudal) 22 26 



Depth of body 6 7 



Length of head 6J 7 



Width of head ?>\ 4 



Length of snout 1^ \\ 



Diameter of eye 2 2 



Interorbital width 2\ 3 



Longest ray of dorsal fin 4 4i 



„ „ anal fin 4J 4^ 



Length of pectoral fin 4 5 



„ ventral fin 2 3 



Mr. C. H. Schoeller found this Cyprinodont in great numbers in freshwater wells 

 and watering canals close to Lake Mareotis, where it keeps mostly to the surface of 

 the water, always swimming in great excitement, the fins in quivering motion. Several 

 specimens have been presented by Mr. Schoeller to the British Museum, and living 

 examples having been sent to Germany H. schoelleri has become well known among 

 amateurs, in whose aquariums the fish has bred. It is oviparous and hangs its eggs in 

 bunches to the twigs of plants by means of little threads. 



Numerous specimens were obtained by Mr. Loat at Ghet-el-Nassara, in April and 

 May, 1899, in freshwater trenches in direct communication with Lake Menzaleh. 



