FISHES FROM JAPAN. 



31 



over 7 plates. First dorsal high, acutely pointed, its tip reaching 

 beyond middle of base of second dorsal when folded backward ; length 

 of the longest spine equal to half length of head. Second dorsal 

 rounded in margin, rather low, its highest ray twice as long as di- 

 ameter of eye. Anal same as second dorsal in form and height ; both 

 these fins not quite reaching base of caudal with their posterior free 

 end in the depressed state. Pectoral short, slightly longer than di- 

 ameter of eye. Ventral long, ending in the same vertical as the tip of 

 first dorsal and extending to middle of base of anal ; its insertion 

 nearer to base of caudal than tip of snout by twice eye diameter. 

 Caudal long, slightly longer than the length from posterior rim of eye 

 to origin of anal. 



Colour in spirit light yellow, with dusky colouration here and there. 

 First dorsal rather dusky, 2 long black ocelli on interradial mem- 

 brane between first and third spines, the posterior one being smaller ; 

 caudal dusky, posteriorly darker. Second dorsal, anal and pectoral of 

 a light colour. Ventral slightly dusky, posteriorly darker. 



The species seems to be allied to Soïenostoma brachyurum Bleeker 

 described in Günther's Catalogue, but differs from it in colouration, 

 especially in that of first dorsal on which occur 2 distinct black spots 

 in the present species. 



Only a single specimen was obtained at Yodomi, Sagami Sea, in 

 February 1908. It is registered No. 1784 in the Zoological Museum, 

 Science College. 



Measurements of Solenostomus leptosoma. 





5-5 cm. 



Height of body 



I-05 „ . 



Height of body before anal 



0.3 „ 



Height of caudal peduncle 



0.2 „ 





07 „ 



