WEAKFISHES 
85 
Snout rather long, considerably longer than eye and slightly more than least 
depth of caudal peduncle; eye 1.68 and least depth of peduncle 1.06 in snout. Maxil- 
lary rather long, distance from posterior end of dorsal insertion to base of caudal 
on midline 1.07 and distance from vent to posterior end of insertion of anal 1.03 in 
maxillary, which extends to a vertical about midway between pupil and posterior 
margin of eye. Articulation of mandible on a vertical behind posterior margin of 
eye at a distance about equal to diameter of pupil. Outer angle of insertion of 
ventral on a vertical through the lower angle of insertion of pectoral. Length 
of ventral (about 38) less than length of pectoral (about 43). Distance from tip of 
snout to origin of spinous dorsal (86) 2.85 and base of entire dorsal (127) 1.93 in 
standard length. Origin of anal on a vertical through base of fifteenth articulate 
dorsal ray, its base (26.8) 9.14 in standard length, ending on a vertical through the 
space between the third and fourth dorsal rays from its end. First dorsal with 10 
flexible spines, last one very short and almost entirely embedded in skin. Second 
dorsal with 1 short simple and 26 articulate rays, the last one being divided to its 
base. Anal with 2 short, rather feeble spines, covered with thick skin, and 11 
articulate rays, the last one being divided to its base. Gill rakers 3 + 9 and 3 + 10 
on right side. Vertebrae 25. Scales approximately 60 in lateral line (most of the 
scales of the specimen in hand have fallen off, and an accurate count is not possible). 
Color nearly uniform, without conspicuous spots, yellowish above, silvery below. 
Centers of scales on back somewhat dusky, due to concentration of minute pigment 
specks. Tips of lower jaw and snout blackish. 
Holotype. — Cat. No. 89395, U. S. N. M. Female with developing ovaries in 
granular condition, February 26, 1917, Galveston, Tex., off entrance to harbor. 
Taken by Schooner Grampus, W. W. Welsh in charge. 
KEY TO THE SPECIES 
a. Vertebrae nearly always 27, rarely 26. Anal rays usually 9, sometimes 8, infrequently 10 in 
individuals from Atlantic coast only. Atlantic coast and coast of Gulf of Mexico, from 
Chesapeake Bay to Texas Cynoscion nothus 
aa. Vertebrae 25. Anal rays at least 10 in Gulf of Mexico individuals and at least 11 in Atlantic 
coast examples. 
b. Grown specimens colored more or less with blackish spots, which frequently form oblique 
or longitudinal streaks. Caudal emarginate in individuals of over 300 mm. total length. 
Gill rakers usually 5+12. Snout usually shorter than least depth of caudal peduncle, 
which is contained 1.39 to 1.66 in maxillary. Modal numbers of soft articulate rays 
of dorsal and anal 27 and 12, respectively. Atlantic coast of United States. 
Cynoscion regalis 
bb. Color pale without definite spots. Caudal not emarginate in largest examples. Gill 
rakers usually 3 + 10 or 4+10 in specimens over 70 millimeters standard length. Snout 
usually longer than least depth of caudal peduncle, which is contained 1.57 to 1.82 in 
maxillary. Modal numbers of soft articulate rays of dorsal and anal 26 and 11, respec- 
tively. Gulf coast of the United States Cynoscion arenarius 
