142 
BULLETIN OF THE BUEEAU OF FISHERIES 
small black dots similar to those on the body; a large black ocellus on posterior rays of the dorsal 
(elongate on some specimens and not completely surrounded by white) ; anal fins wine color; ventral 
fins plain translucent; pectoral fins dusky golden. Color of male in life dark green above, pale 
below, sides with pearly spots, these most numerous on posterior half of body, frequently forming 
indistinct vertical bars; dorsal mostly dusky, with pearly spots at base, a black ocellus near base 
of last ray usually present; caudal and anal fins slightly dusky, each with pearly spots on base; the 
margin of the anal pale or slightly pinkish; other fins plain translucent. In young individuals of 
30 millimeters and less in length the color is uniformly that of the adult female. The color of the 
d 
Fig. 74. — Funiulus ocellaris, adult male 
species appears to be rather variable. As no notes were taken on the life colors of the males taken 
in Chesapeake Bay, the color description of that sex offered herewith is based on specimens from 
Beaufort, N. C. 
This species is represented by 25 specimens in the present collection, ranging from 30 to 60 milli- 
meters (1J4 to 2% inches) in length. 
The females of this species may be recognized by the brownish olive color, the upper parts 
being sprinkled with black dots and the sides having short, black, vertical bars. The males may be 
recognized by the same general greenish color of the female, but instead of being sprinkled with 
black dots this sex is sprinkled with pearly dots, which sometimes form indistinct vertical bars on 
the sides. Both sexes usually have a large ocellus on the posterior rays of the dorsal fin in allusion 
to which the species received its specific name, ocellaris. 
The food of this fish, as shown by the contents of 15 stomachs, consists of insects, insect larvae, 
small crustaceans, and small mollusks. A small amount of vegetable matter, too, was removed 
from three of the stomachs examined. 
Gravid specimens were taken only during April and May. At Beaufort, N. C., however, 
where the senior author made special observations of this and related species, spawning fish were 
found from April to October. Sexual maturity appears to be attained when the fish are about 40 
millimeters long. The largest female taken during the present investigation measured 60 milli- 
meters (2<Hs inches) in length. The largest specimen taken at Beaufort during extensive collecting 
was 65 millimeters {2% inches) long. The size of the male averages somewhat smaller. 
