FISHES OF COZUMEL, YUCATAN. 
195 
The carapace is three-ridged, with a flat spine on each ventral ridge. The ventral 
spine is vertically beneath the base of the dorsal fin ; the spine of the left side is as 
long as the eye. The carapace forms a continuous bridge across the back behind the 
dorsal fln. All parts except the pectoral, dorsal, and anal profusely covered with 
roundish-brown spots, the largest of which are one-half as long as the pupil. Dorsal, 
pectoral, and anal with several brown spots. Each hexagonal plate bears from four to 
seven brown spots. 
5. Ostracion quadricorue L. 
A single specimen, catalogue No. 37138, measuring 10 inches in length, was seineil 
January 29, at the southern end of the island. 
The carapace is three-ridged, with a flat spine on each ventral ridge under dorsal 
base. A pair of supraorbital spines pointing straight forward, projecting from the 
forehead a distance about equal to one-half diameter of eye. 
6. Ostracion trigonum L. 
Two specimens were seined January 29 at the south end of Cozumel. One of 
these, catalogue No. 37116, is 6^ inches long and the other. No. 37140, measures 13-i% 
inches. 
The carapace is three-ridged, with a spine on each ventral ridge. 
7. Monacanthus hispidus (L.). 
Three specimens, catalogue No. 37071, were obtained January 20 in the seine. 
One of these, about 3 inches long, has D. 33; A. 33. 
8. Balistes vetula L. 
This species was caught occasionally with a hook. Example No. 37139 was so 
taken by Mr. Schroeder, and another one was captured in the same way by Mr. Baker. 
The fish could be seen in large numbers around the steamer, but they generally 
refused the bait, unless it became detached from the hook. Floating fragments of 
vegetables and meat were eagerly followed by the Balistes, whose brilliant colors flash- 
ing at the surface made it a conspicuous and attractive object. A small purse seine 
might be used successfully in the capture of this species and the large scaroids with 
similar feeding-habits. 
9. Siphostoma mackayi Swaiu & Meek. 
One male and one female of this species were seined along shore. The catalogue 
No. is 37122. The female is 180, and the male 151 millimeters long. The marsupium 
of the male contains eggs in two somewhat imperfect series on each side. The dorsal 
covers 2 + 5 rings, and contains 30 rays. The number of body rings is 17; caudal 
rings 35. The opercle is not keeled. The greatest depth of the female equals the 
width of 3J body rings; while in the male the depth equals the width of 2J body 
rings. The snout of the female is 17 millimeters long and its head 29. 
The species was originally found by Professor Jordan at Key West, and is de- 
scribed in Proceedings U. S. National Museum. Vol. vii, page 239. 
10. Malthe vespertilio var. longirostris C. & V. 
A single specimen. No. 37123, was caught in the seine. It is 205 millimeters long. 
The length of the snout is 26 millimeters, or nearly one-sixth of the total length with- 
out the caudal. The lips and the outer third of the pectoral, anal, and caudal are very 
dark. The length of the supraoral cavity equals twice its width. The anal rays are 
