84 
V S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS-ZOOLOGY-GENERAL REPORT. 
The scales on the body are small, longer than deep; as usual, pectinated posteriorly and grooved 
upon their anterior section. Those under the throat, on the opercular apparatus and cheeks, are 
still smaller, and, upon the head, snout, jaws, very small indeed. The base of the pectorals, 
second dorsal, and caudal, exhibit some very exiguous scales. 
The color is of a uniform reddish brown above, along the dorsal region,a good deal lighter 
beneath the lateral line. The upper surface of the head being much darker than the back. The 
inferior surface of the head exhibits a silvery hue, whilst the belly is dull yellow or whitish. 
References to the figures .— Plate XXIIa, fig. 1, represents Sehastes paucispinis, somewhat 
reduced in size. Fig. 2, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. 
Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. 
List of specimens. 
Catalogue numbei. 
Corresponding No. 
of • 
No. of specimens. 
bo 
a 
nd 
c3 
yj 
Locality. 
When collected. 
Whence obtained. 
Original number. 
Nature of specimen. 
Collected by— 
487 
1 
Adt. 
San Francisco, California.. 
1856 
Dr. W. 0. Ayres_ 
4 
Alcoholic . 
Dr. Ayres_ 
Family GASTEROSTEIDAE^ Bonap. 
The spinous rays of the dorsal region, instead of being united together by a membrane into 
an anterior fin, are isolated from one another. Each spine has a very small membrane at the 
posterior edge of its base. The spines are variable in number, transversally flattened upon 
their base, and acerated upon their extremities ; either smooth upon their edges or denticulated. 
They can be brought backwards in an horizontal position, and lie upon the back. The ventral 
fins, situated about the middle of the abdomen, are composed almost exclusively, to a few 
exceptions, of one stout spine. The pelvic bones are external, and united to the thoracic belt. 
There are but three branchiostegal rays, the gill openings being separated beneath by an 
isthmus. 
The gills, four in number on each side, are complete ; that is, composed of two perfect 
branchial combs. The last gill opening, situated between the fourth gill and the inferior 
pharyngeal bones, is also fully developed. 
There are no scales, properly so called ; the body is sometimes nacked, at others plated in 
part or entirely. 
Being of a diminutive size, these fishes do not appear on our tables. If brought to the 
market, it is more as an object of curiosity than otherwise. They are, however, well known to 
the people on account of their common occurrence in pools, marshes, ponds, and rivulets. 
Congregating in their habits, there are seasons in the year when they may be seen by myriads 
together. 
The Indians of California are said to catch these fishes during the summer season, and to 
store them up for winter food ; being scooped out of the water by means of baskets made for 
that purpose, afterwards simply exposed to the sun and allowed to dry. 
