CHARACINIDAE FROM VENEZUELA—SCHULTZ 241 
dorsal profile concave at occiput; scales moderate in 
size, about 58 to 74__Gilbertolus Higenmann (p. 302) 
185. Lateral line decurved, closer to anal base than to mid- 
axis of body; preventral area trenchant, moderately en- 
larged; dentary with strong triangular multipointed 
teeth at front of jaw and small ones at sides; inner row 
consisting of 2 conical teeth at symphysis; premaxillary 
with 2 or 3 irregular rows of teeth, second suborbital not 
covering cheek, adipose fin present; gill membranes 
separated, free from isthmus_Triportheus Cope (p. 278) 
17b. Lateral line incomplete. 
21a. Lateral line deflected to before anal origin; gill membranes 
narrowly joined and with a narrow free fold across isthmus; 
preventral area compressed, trenchant, greatly expanded; 
pectorals large, saillike; body very short and deep 
(Gasteropelecinae). 
22a. No adipose fin; maxillary with a single tooth. 
Carnegiella EHigenmann (p. 275) 
22b. Adipose fin present, well developed; maxillary with 3 to 5 
teeth; premaxillary with a single row of tricuspid teeth; 
anterior profile straight_Thoracocharax Fowler (p. 275) 
21b. Lateral line ending near midaxis of body but not deflected 
to in front of anal; gill membranes free from isthmus 
without a free fold; preventral area trenchant but not 
expanded; anal sheath of 2 to 2% scales; dorsal origin 
over about the base of fifth or sixth branched anal ray; 
teeth in a single series in both jaws, tripointed, no 
canines______- Paragoniates Steindachner (pp. 309, 311) 
16b. Midline of belly not trenchant and without a median keel or 
ridge in front of pelvics; belly rounded or flattish. 
23a. Virst 3 or 4 rays of pectoral fins simple, unbranched, somewhat 
enlarged; gill membranes free from each other and from isth- 
mus; lateral line complete; only slightly decurved anteriorly; 
teeth nearly conical or tricuspid, in a single row on pre- 
maxillary and a similar row on dentary; an inner row of 
minute teeth occurring on dentary along inner bases of larger 
outer row, these visible if lower jaw of specimens is partially 
dried; adipose fin present; second suborbital not covering 
CHES RO SUN I na TRIAL BENE Characidium Reinhardt (p. 276) 
23b. Only first or second ray of pectoral fin simple; if first two 
simple, then middle of lower jaw toothless. 
24a. No teeth on middle of lower jaw, which is hard-edged, but 
teeth sometimes occurring at sides of jaw; premaxillary 
teeth spatulate, minutely denticulated; gill membranes 
broadly joined but with a broad free fold across isthmus; 
adipose fin present; caudal fin forked; caudal fin lobes with 
scales about halfway out; pelvics with axillary scale; 
lateral line complete, straight; mouth subterminal or in- 
ferior; teeth in upper jaw usually 2+ 8-+-2 (2 teeth on each 
maxillary); upper lip not free but forming part of the flesh 
between bases of teeth; pectoral fin rays i, 11 to i, 16; 
usually 3 teeth on each side of lower jaw (Parodontinae). 
Parodon Valenciennes (p. 288) 
