88 
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
almost to the origin of the anal, and the long pectorals reach to or past the middle 
of the anal base. Black pigment spots have increased greatly in number, as shown 
in figure 31. However, the spots vary in size and number among individuals, some 
examples having more and larger spots than the one illustrated. The black spot 
immediately behind the anal, present in the smallest specimens taken, persists, 
though it has become much more elongate and branched. The basal half of both 
the ventrals and pectorals is black (fig. 31). 
The deep compressed body, oblique mouth, the number of rays in the dorsal 
and anal fins, and the prominent black spots on the body distinguish specimens of 
this size from other local forms. 
Specimens 15 to 17 millimeters long . — The body remains deep and compressed, 
although proportionately more slender than at a length of about 10 millimeters. 
The greatest depth, which falls under the origin of the dorsal, is contained about 2.4 
times in the length. The vent is well posterior to midbody length, the tail (without 
the fin) being contained in the length of the body about 3.15 times. The head is 
large and compressed. The preopercular margin has small serrae and three long spines 
at the angle. The eye is small, being scarcely longer than the short snout. The 
gape anteriorly is about on a level with the lower margin of the eye, and the maxillary 
reaches nearly opposite the posterior margin. Scales are present on most of the body, 
although not shown in figure 32. The dorsal and anal fins are rather high, the longest 
rays of the former reaching past the base of the caudal when deflexed, and those of 
