PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 215 



SYXOPSIS OF THE PEDICFIiATE FISHES OF THE EASTERN COAST OF 

 EATRATROPICAX NORTH AMERICA. 



By THEODORE GILL. 



The present sketch of the ZSorth American Pediculate Fishes is ex- 

 tracted from a general work on the fishes of the corresponding region, 

 which it is proposed to publish in instalments and as convenience 

 may dictate. The issue of that relative to the Pediculates seems to be 

 at least as much called for as any other on accouut of the recent addi- 

 tions to our knowledge of the group and the rarity of the volumes in 

 which those additions have been recorded. The recent discovery, too, 

 of so many northern and deep-sea forms not far from our eastern coast 

 renders it possible that any of the types herein enumerated may be 

 found in the same waters, and the present synopsis may lead to their 

 ready identification. The knowledge of the northern forms is chiefly 

 due to Dr. Liitkeu. 



Syjiopais of Families. 



la. Branchial apertures in or behind the inferior axillse of the pectoral fins ; anterior 

 dorsal ray superior; mouth more or less opening upwards ; the lower jaw 

 generally projecting beyond or closing in front of upper. 

 2a. Pseudobrachia with three actinosts ; pseudobranchiae not developed. 



3a. Pectoral members geniculated, with elongated pseudobrachia ; ventral fius 



developed Ante^kariidj:. 



36. Pectoral members not geniculated, with moderate pseudobrachia ; ventral 



fins suppressed Ceratiid^e. 



26. Pseudobrachia with two actinosts; pseudobranchne developed. 



3. Pectoral members little geniculated, but with elongated pseudobrachia : 



ventral fins separated by wide interval Lophiidje. 



16. Branchial apertures in the superior axillos of the pectoral fins ; anterior dorsal ray 

 in a cavity overhung by the anterior margin of the forehead; mouth sub- 

 terminal or inferior, the lower jaw beiug generally received within the 

 upper Maltheuxe. 



ANTENNARIIDJE. 



Pediculates with elongated geniculate pseudobrachia, provided with 

 three actinosts, i. e., 



Pediculates with a compressed body; the mouth opening upwards; 

 the branchial apertures perforated in the lower axils of the pectorals; 

 no pseudobranchiae ; the dorsals represented by (1) at least a frontal or 

 superior rostral spine, and (2) au oblong soft dorsal ; the pectoral mem- 

 bers distinctly geniculated, with elongated pseudobrachia and three 

 actinosts ; and with well developed and approximated ventrals. 



A2* TENNAKIIN JE . 



Antennariids with the body oval aud with tumid abdomen, the head 

 compressed, the mouth quite large ; teeth on the palate as well as jaws ; 

 spinous dorsal represented by three spines ; soft dorsal quite elevated ; 

 aud pelvic bones elongated. 



