Munroe: Systematics of western Atlantic Symphurus 
89 
Geographic distribution of Symphurus ommaspilus based on material examined (discussion of 
geographic distribution appears in species account). 
oped squamation and that had already assumed a 
benthic lifestyle. 
Geographic distribution (Fig. 45} Widespread 
through insular regions of the Caribbean Sea, includ- 
ing the Bahamas, Glover’s Reef, Belize, St. James in 
the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Eustatius, St. 
Barthelemy, Curagao, and the French West Indies. 
About one-half (n=13) of the examined specimens 
were collected in the Bahamas. The species has rarely 
been captured at reef areas along the continental 
margin of the Caribbean (only one citation, FMNH 
94820, at Glover’s Reef, Belize). Thus far, S. 
ommaspilus has not been recorded from the Florida 
Keys. 
Bathymetric distribution Symphurus ommaspilus 
inhabits sandy substrates, including those in sub- 
merged beds of aquatic vegetation, in clear shallow 
waters (1-27 m) adjacent to coral reefs (Table 10). 
The majority of collections (23/24) occurred in wa- 
ters shallower than 15 m, whereas the deepest re- 
ported capture is that of one specimen (ZMUC 8652) 
at 27 m. 
Ecology Little is known concerning the biology of 
S. ommaspilus which is captured infrequently and 
generally in small numbers. The combination of small 
size, cryptic habits, and difficulties in sampling on 
substrates where <S. ommaspilus occurs may account 
for its infrequent capture. Only three of 15 lots con- 
tained more than two fish (one each with 3, 5, and 7 
individuals); most captures were a single fish. 
Comparisons Symphurus ommaspilus most closely 
resembles S. minor and S. parvus , but is easily dis- 
tinguished in having a single ocellated spot on both 
the dorsal and anal fins (absent in S. minor and S. 
parvus), and it lacks the pigmented blotch on the 
ocular-side caudal region (present in the others). 
Other differences between S. ommaspilus, S. minor, 
and S. parvus are discussed in the “Comparisons” 
sections in accounts for each of these species. 
Symphurus ommaspilus is somewhat similar to S. 
diomedeanus in that both possess 10 caudal-fin rays, 
well-developed pupillary operculum, and both have 
spotted dorsal and anal fins. However, S. ommaspilus 
has only a single ocellated spot on the posterior dor- 
sal and anal fins, whereas S. diomedeanus usually 
