FISHES—SYNGNATHIDAE. 
343 
Some of the specimens before us measure nine inches in total length, from the apex of the 
snout to the tip of the tail. The length of the rostrum from the anterior rim of the orbit to 
the tip of the snout is the half of the length of the head. The eye is circular, and its diameter 
enters six times in the length of the side of the head : hence thrice anteriorly to the orbit. The 
occipital bony process is subpentagonal, and crowned by five obtuse, nearly horizontal points, 
sometimes reduced to finely crenated ridges ; a feature not altogether peculiar to this species. 
Upon the anterior declivity of the same process may be seen one or more blunt protuberances. 
The supra-orbital process terminates either into a crenated ridge or a double blunt knob. Between 
the latter processes there is a shallow inter-orbital depression converging anteriorly into an acute 
angle, at the summit of which may be observed the inter-olfactive crest, which is rather small 
and finely crenated. On either side of this crest, and close to the orbit, are situated the nostrils 
at the very base of the tubular rostrum. The supra-tyrnpanic process is simple and nearly hori¬ 
zontal. The thoracic arch exhibits three small processes : one upon fits upper extremity, nearly 
at the same level with the supra-tympanic one; the second or middle one in advance of the 
insertion of the pectoral fin immediately below its middle ; the third occupies the inferior branch 
of the said arch, being directed downwards and backwards. The processes at the angles of 
intersection of the ridges of the surface of the body and tail are sometimes acute ; at others, 
crest-like. This is especially the case over the ventral line where they assume their greatest 
development. The subcaudal embryonal pouch of the mate is nearly equal to the body in 
length ; hence, much shorter than the remaining portion of the tail. The vent is placed nearly 
opposite the middle of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin itself is longer than high, superiorly 
convex, and rather higher posteriorly than anteriorly ; its base entering about thrice in the 
length of the body, and twice and a half time between its anterior margin and the occiput. 
The pectorals are very broad and short, posteriorly rounded off; their longest rays being nearly 
equal to the insertion of the fins themselves. The anal is much deeper than broad ; the middle 
rays are the deepest. 
D 19; A 4; 0 0,0; Y0; P 15. 
The ground color is either entirely olivaceous black, or yellow, maculated with deep chesnut 
brown ; crowded whitish dots being scattered all over the body, head, and tail. About the 
orbits these dots are arranged upon irradiating series ; and over the sides of the head, in series 
irregularly undulating. 
List of specimens. 
Catal. 
No. 
IVoo of 
spec. 
Locality. 
When 
collected. 
Whence obtained. 
Nature of 
specimen. 
Collected by— 
982 
5 
San Diego, California...... 
1857 
A. Cassidy............ 
Alcoholic. 
A. Cassipy. 
Family SYNGNATHIDAE^ Bonap, 
The same remark consigned under the head of Hippocampidcie applies to this family, for the 
genus Syngnathus ihe ts sole generic type, which we have had an opportunity of examining. Those 
established by Kaup are quite numerous, but the description of their characters has not yet 
come into our hands. 
