ICHTHYOLOGY OF THE LESSER ANTILLES. 



477 



The structure of the scales reminds one of that of the M. tricuspu of Hollard, but there are but three points on 

 those of the latter ; it has also strong spines on the caudal peduncle, which are wanting here.* 



Mohacantiius AMrmoxYS, Cope sp. nov. 



Scales with a single spine ; no larger spines or brush on the caudal peduncle. Radii D. 35 ; A. 30. Dorsal 

 spines anteriorly with two rows of small spinules directed downward, and a single median scries directed upward, 

 near the base on each spine of the lateral series, is a short branch-spine directed upward. A very weak series of 

 spines extends down each side of the posterior face. The directions of the anterior and posterior rays of the second 

 dorsal are convergent. The pelvic plate is short, without movable portion, with two spines directed forward, two 

 backward and three on each side upwards. The orbit is contained three times in the length of the muzzle in an indi- 

 vidual of two inches long. No proanal expansion. Anal depth 2.5 times in length without caudal I'm ; length to 

 upper opercular slit 2. GO in same ; depth at pelvic plate, one-half same. Dorsal and anal membranes not perforate 

 at base. 



Color, uniform leaden. 



St. Martins, Dr. K. E. van Rijgcrsma. 



This species appears distinct from those described. Poey, Itepcrtorio, 1868, 437, mentions a species M. punoiatus, 

 of which I can find no full description, lie enumerates its differences from M.irroratus, Poey, and as ho does not in- 

 clude those of the scales and dorsal spine, the present is probably a different lish. In the dorsal spine it is especially 

 different from the M. irroratus and all other species I have seem 



*Monacantiius SANnviCENSis, Q. G. Voyage d'l Uranic Zoologie,. 1824, p. 214. 



This is another species allied to the M. granulatus, hut without tine barbs which arm the posterior face of the dorsal spine in (hat 

 lish, and with a larger number of I'm radii. 



Scales witli a single simple spine, no largerspines or brush on the caudal peduncle. Pelvic bone broad ovate, with remarkably small 

 spines on its circumference. Dorsal spine very long, its length 4.5 times in length without caudal,, its base over the middle of the orbit. 

 A series of short weak spines on the sides of the basal third of the dorsal spine ; anteriorly several rows of small asperities. Kadii D. 30 ; 

 A. 31; the anterior part of both lins much elevated, the rays of the posterior portion rapidly shortening and directed forward. Front 

 Slightly convex ; upper teeth projecting beyond mandible. Orbit three times in muzzle to edge of lip. Anal depth 2.33 times in depth to 

 origin of caudal; pelvic depthl.66 in same. Line from pelvic plate to vent, straight, acute. Length four inches. Color uniform brown. 



From the Sandwich Islands. Discovered by Jno. K. Townsend. 



MONACANTHUS HOM0PTERUS, OopO Sp. IIOV. 



This species is near the last in the characters of I lie scales, pelvic bone (which has, however, stronger spines anteriorly and posteriorly) 

 the character of the dorsal spine, the number of (in rays (I). 35 ; A. 30), and the general proportions, it differs as follows: The rugosities 

 on the sides and front of the dorsal spine are in close contact, and not separated by smooth spaces as in M. 8<mdvicenst8. 'Che radii of the 

 second dorsal and anal are subparallel and subequal, the anterior rays lacking the prolongation seen in many species, and the posterior 

 not being anteriorly directed as in the last. Orbit four times in muzzle. Depth at vent 2.1 limes in 1< ngth without caudal ; al pelvic bone 

 a little more than one half. Fin membranes not perforate. 



Color light brown ; fins very light. Length 2.5 Inches. 



Locality said to be Australia; from Wm. Wood. 



Monaoantiius irsTABaTiiEus, Cope, sp nov. 



Scales with a single, simple spine. Radii D. 84; A 33; the membrane perforate at (he base. Dorsal and anal tins elevated anteriorly 

 (at 8 and 7 ray), and gradually descending posteriorly as in some Carangoids, the radii all direc ed posteriorly, the inter radial membranes 

 perforated at the bases. Pelvic plate small, with a few spines. Depth at vent 3.6 times in length, exclusive of caudal fin. The form is 

 hence elongate, the profile nearly straight, the lower jaw a little longer. Diameter of orbit one-half the length of the muzzle. Dorsal 

 spine above middle of orbit without spines posteriorly, with two rows in front and one on each side. Length three and a half inches. 



The superior half of the body is light rufous in spirits, the inferior half silvery white. 



Two specimens supposed to be from Australia; from Wm. Wood. 



This species is of the type of M. vittatus, Sol., and M. paragaudatus, Rich. If is neaver the former, which, according to 

 Steindachner,* has a smaller orbit (J^th head), four lateral bands and fewer I'm radii. The posterior limb of the orbit fails above the 

 opercular slit, in M. hypargyreus behind it. 



*Sltzsungberlchte Wlen. Academic, March, 1866. 



AMEKf. PHIL080. SOC. — VOL. XIV. — 120 



