660 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
Ariosoma , which is still older, we do not adopt because no species is 
mentioned in connection with it, and the definition is wholly inade- 
quate for determination. Swainson distinguishes it from Anguilla as 
follows : u Spiracle before the base of the pectoral ; nostrils simple.” 
We can infer its identity with Ophisoma only from the fact that the 
latter takes the place in the systematic synopsis in the latter part of 
the work which Ariosoma has in the analytical keys. In other words, 
the genus which at first Swainson proposed to call Ariosoma he after- 
wards described as Ophisoma. 
The species of this genus are very closely related. Conger punctus 
Jenyns doubtfully referred to this genus by Giinther, is, as elsewhere 
stated, not an eel at all, but a Lycodid ( Maynea puncta ). We are 
indebted to Dr. Gilbert for a revision of our account of this genus. 
ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN SPECIES OF OPHISOMA. 
a. Vent submedian ; the body and tail about equal in length; upper jaw but little 
projecting ; lips thin ; head about 6 in total length ; the tail a little longer 
than the head and tiunk ; eye about equal to snout, 5 in head. Color 
brownish or yellowish; silvery on sides and below; vertical fins with a 
narrow black edge Balearicum, 114. 
aa. Vent anterior in position, the tail much longer than the body. 
b. [Snout comparatively short and heavy, blunt, and broadly rounded, projecting 
but little beyond tip of mandible; tail twice length of body; lips full: 
teeth in mandible in a broad band, those of outer series the largest ; max- 
illary and vomerine teeth also in broad bands ; vomerine patch divided by 
a groove into which fits the tip of the mandible ; no teeth on shaft of 
vomer ; posterior nostril an elliptical slit, on level of upper margin of 
pupil ; anterior nostril a round pore near tip of snout ; five large mucous 
pores on each side of jaws; gape extending slightly beyond pupil, 2f in 
head ; eye moderate, f in snout, 6 in head ; head 1£ in trunk, 4 in tail ; 
pectorals £ length of head ; origin of dorsal slightly behind base of pec- 
torals. Color dusky above ; under side of head and abdomen light, the 
two areas separated by a well-defined line; fins dusky, becoming black 
towards tip of tail, with whitish border; inside of mouth, gill cavity, and 
peritoneum silvery.] ( Gilbert ) Macrurum, 115. 
bb. Snout long and acute, projecting well beyond tip of mandible. 
c. Tail less than twice length of body. 
*d. Eye large, equaling snout, 5 in head. [Upper lip much swollen and thick- 
ened ; upper jaw pointed, much projecting beyond lower ; tail considerably 
longer than the body; dorsal beginning immediately behind the gill-opening. 
Coloration uniform.] {Giinther.). - Mystax, 116. 
dd. [Eye small, 2 in snout, 8£ in head, slightly less than length of gill-slit ; snout 
long and sharp, the acute tip projecting beyond mandible for £ length 
of orbit ; teeth villiform, in broad bands, none of them enlarged, a trans- 
verse groove behind head of vomer to receive tip of mandible ; posterior 
nostril slit-like, the anterior with distinct membranous tube; mandibles 
very broad and strong ; gape reaching to vertical from posterior margin 
of pupil, £ of head; conspicuous pore just behind angle of mouth; head 
• 
* Taken from Steindachner’s description, which reads: “The point of the upper 
jaw projects considerably beyond the lower jaw; the angle of the mouth lies in a 
vertical direction from the middle of the eye; the eyes of unusual size, their diameter 
equaling the snout or contained 5 times in the head,” etc. 
