58 
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS-ZOOLOGY-GENERAL REPORT. 
The body is very much compressed, darter-shaped in its profile, the hack being quite arched 
The origin of the dorsal fin corresponds to a vertical line which would intersect the inferior 
edge of the base of the pectorals ; it is contiguous to the second, the posterior rays of which, 
when inclined backwards, approximate the base of the caudal. The origin of the anal fin is 
situated opposite the third ray of the second dorsal. It is slightly convex exteriorly, the mem¬ 
brane between the rays being emarginated, and the depth of the fin itself less than the height of 
the second dorsal, its posterior rays not extending quite as far back. The posterior margin of the 
caudal is sub-truncated, or slightly rounded ; it is a little shorter than the head. The tips of 
the ventrals reach the anterior margin of the anal. The vent is situated about midway between 
the insertion of the ventrals and the anterior margin of the anal, thus quite in advance of the 
latter fin, a character quite peculiar to this species. The pectorals are very large, their extremi¬ 
ties extending somewhat beyond the origin of the anal. 
Br. VI: VI; D IX, IT; A 13; C 3, 1, 5, 4, 1, 2; V I, 3; P 15. 
The dorsal region above the lateral line is beset with minute prickles, whilst the region 
beneath is quite smooth. 
The ground color is greenish olive, the upper surface of the head being nearly black. The 
dorsal region exhibits a series of black blotches or spots, the intervening spaces, as well as the 
inferior region of the flanks, being dotted with black. The belly is whitish and unicolor, 
whilst the inferior surface of the head, being white also, is maculated with black. The dorsal 
fins are greyish black, occasionally spotted; the caudal, anal, and pectorals are olive, and 
barred with black, whilst the ventrals are dull yellow, or white, and unicolor. 
This species has been observed on the coast of California. 
List of specimens. 
Catalogue number. 
No. of specimens. 
Sex and age. 
Locality. 
When collected. 
Whence obtained. 
Nature of speci¬ 
mens. 
Collected by— 
486 
7 
Adult 
Monterey, California... 
1856 
A. S. Taylor. 
Alcoholic_ 
A. S. Taylor_ 
3. OLIGIOCOTTUS GLOBICEPS, Grd. 
Spec. Char. —Head rounded anteriorly. Mouth moderately cleft ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical 
line drawn posteriorly to the pupil. Rudimentary spines upon the preopercle. Two acute nasal spines. Dorsal fins separated. 
Origin of anal situated somewhat posteriorly to the anterior margin of the second dorsal fin. Reddish brown ; upper regions 
maculated with black ; beneath unicolor, and lighter than above. 
The general physiognomy of this species reminds us forcibly of certain species of blennies 
and gobies, owing to its peculiarly rounded head, a feature not common in the cottoid group. 
The head is as deep as broad ; its upper surface is convex and smooth, the snout very 
abruptly truncated, rounded, hence hroad and very short. The upper jaw is slightly pro¬ 
tracted beyond the lower. The mouth is moderate, though proportionally broad; its short 
gape is in harmony with the abbreviated snout; the posterior extremities of the maxillary 
extend to a vertical line passing behind the pupil. The eye is circular, of moderate develop¬ 
ment, situated towards the upper surface of the head, above which the orbit is slightly raised. 
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