THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY Return this book on or before the Latest Date stamped below. A charge is made on all overdue books. University of Illinois Library MAR 2 19. FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY PUBLICATION No. 249 ZOOLOGICAL SERIES VOL. XV THE MARINE FISHES OF PANAMA BY SETH E. MEEK Late Assistant Curator, Department of Zoology AND SAMUEL F. HILDEBRAND U. S. Bureau of Fisheries PART III WILFRED H. OSGOOD Curator, Department of Zoology EDITOR CHICAGO, U. S. A. September i, 1928 . PUBLICATIONS OF FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY THE LIBRARY OF THE MOV 10 1928 UNIVERSITY ZOOLOGICAL SERIES VOLUME XV PART III V NATURAL HISTORY CHICAGO, U. S. A. 1928 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY PUBLICATION No. 249 ZOOLOGICAL SERIES VOL. XV THE MARINE FISHES OF PANAMA BY SETH E. MEEK Late Assistant Curator, Department of Zoology AND SAMUEL F. HILDEBRAND U. S. Bureau of Fisheries PART III WILFRED H. OSGOOD Curator, Department of Zoology EDITOR CHICAGO, U. S. A September i, 1928 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY FIELD MUSEUM PRESS is I -J CONTENTS OF PART III Contents of Part III ..... List of Plates in Part III List of new Genera and Species in Part III Index to Parts I-III ..... CLASSES, ORDERS, FAMILIES, AND GENERA INCLUDED IN PART III Page Class III. TELEOSTOMI Continued. Order XIV. ACANTHOPTERI Continued Family LXI. Labridas THE WRASSES 187. Bodianus Bloch 710 188. Halichoeres Riippell 714 189. Pseudojulis Bleeker 725 190. Thalassoma Swainson 726 191. Xyrichthys Cuvier 729 192. Doratonotus Giinther 730 Family LXII. Scaridas THE PARROT-FISHES 193. Cryptotomus Cope 733 194. Scarus Forskal 735 195. Pseudoscarus Bleeker 744 196. Sparisoma Swainson. ...... 747 Family LXIII. Ephippidas THE SPADE-FISHES 197. Chaetodipterus Lacepede.. . 760 198. Parapsettus Steindachner. .. 763 Family LXIV. Chastodontidae THE BUTTERFLY-FISHES 199. Chaetodon Linnaeus 765 200. Pomacanthus Lacepede .... 772 201. Holacanthus Lacepede 777 Page Family LXV. Acanthuridae SURGEON-FISHES 202. Acanthurus Forskal 781 203. Xesurus Jord. & Everm. . . . 786 Family LXVI. Balistidae THE TRIGGER-FISHES 204. Balistes Linnaeus 787 205. Canthidermis Swainson .... 793 Family LXVII. Monacanthidae THE FILE-FISHES 206. Monacanthus Oken 796 207. Cantherines Swainson 800 208. Alutera Oken 801 Family LXVIII. Ostraciidae THE TRUNK-FISHES 209. Lactophrys Swainson 804 Family LXIX. Tetraodontidae THE PUFFERS 210. Lagocephalus Swainson. . . . 809 211. Sphoeroides Dum6ril 811 212. Guentheridia Gilb. & Starks 821 213. Tetraodon Linnaeus 822 214. Canthigaster Swainson 825 Family LXX. Diodontidae THE PORCUPINE-FISHES 215. Diodon Linnaeus 826 216. Chilomycterus Bibron 831 XXV Page Family LXXI. Scorpaenidae THE ROCK-FISHES 217. Scorpsena Linnaeus ........ 833 218. Scorpsenodes Linnaeus 845 Family LXXII. Triglidas THE GURNARDS 219. Prionotus Lacgpede 848 Family LXXIII. Cephalacanthidas THE FLYING GURNARDS 220. Cephalacanthus Lac^pede . . 859 Family LXXIV. Gobiidas THE GOBIES 221. Gymneleotris Bleeker 863 222. Erotelis Poey 864 223. Lophogobius Gill 866 224. Bathygobius Bleeker 867 225. Tyntlastes Gunther 869 226. Evorthodus Gill 869 227. Microgobius Poey 871 228. Euctenogobius Gill 874 229. Gobionellus Girard 876 230. Bollmannia Jordan 885 231. Aboma Jordan & Starks. . . . 887 232. Enypnias Jord. & Everm... . 887 233. Gerhardinus gen. nov 889 234. Garmannia Jordan 889 235. Gobiosoma Girard 891 236. Evermannia Jordan 891 237. Gobioides Lacepede 894 Family LXXV. Echeneididae THE REMORAS 238. Phtheirichthys Gill 895 239. Echeneis Linnaeus 896 240. Remora Gill 897 Family LXXVI. Opisthognathidae THE JAW-FISHES 241. Opisthognathus Cuvier 900 Family LXXVII. Dactyloscopidae THE SAND STAR-GAZERS 242. Dactyloscopus Gill 902 243. Dactylagnus Gill 904 244. Cokeridia gen. nov 905 Page Family LXXVIII. Uranoscopidas THE STAR-GAZERS 245. Astroscopus Brevoort 907 246. Kathetostoma Gunther 909 Family LXXIX, Batrachoididae THE TOAD-FISHES 247. Batrachoides Lacepede. .... 911 248. Opsanus Rafinesque 917 249. Amphichthys Swainson 918 250. Thalassophryne Gunther. . . 919 251. Porichthys Girard 922 Family LXXX. Gobiesocidas THE CLING-FISHES 252. Gobiesox Lacepede 925 253. Arbaciosa Jord. & Everm. . . 926 Family LXXXI. Blenriiidae THE BLENNIES 254. Auchenopterus Gunther. . . . 930 255. Mnierpes Jord. & Everm.... 933 256. Dialommus Gilbert 934 257. Labrisomus Swainson 935 258. Malacoctenus Gill 938 259. Blennius Linnaeus 940 260. Hypsoblennius Gill 942 261. Homesthes Gilbert 947 262. Rupiscartes Swainson 948 263. Salarichthys Guichenot 949 264. Salarias Cuvier 951 265. Emblemaria Jord. & Gilb. . . 952 Family LXXXII. Cerdalidse 266. Microdesmus Gunther 954 267. Cerdale Jord. & Gilb 958 Family LXXXIII. Ophidiidae THE CUSK EELS 268. Lepophidium Gill 960 269. Otophidium Gill 961 Family LXXXIV. Carapidae THE PEARL-FISHES 270. Carapus Rafinesque 963 271. Leptofierasfer gen. nov 964 XXVI Page Family LXXXV. Brotulidse 272. Ogilbia Jord. & Everm 965 273. Pseudobythites gen. nov... . 968 Family LXXXVI. Bregmacerotidas 274. Bregmaceros Thompson . . . Family LXXXVII. Pleuronectidae THE FLOUNDERS 275. Pseudorhombus Sleeker. . . 276. Hippoglossina Steind 277. Paralichthys Girard 278. Engyophrys Jord. & Bollm. 279. Platophrys Swainson 280. Syacium Ranzani 281. Citharichthys Sleeker 282. Azevia Jordan 283. Cyclopsetta Gill 284. Etropus Jord. & Gilb 969 971 973 974 975 977 980 985 990 991 992 Page Family LXXXVIII. Soleidse THE SOLES 285. Achirus Lacepede 994 286. Apionichthys Kaup 1003 287. Symphurus Rafinesque 1004 Order XV. Pediculati Family LXXXIX. Antennariidse THE FROG-FISHES 288. Histrio Fischer 1010 289. Antennarius Commerson . . . ion Family XC. Ogcocephalidae THE BAT-FISHES 290. Ogcocephalus Fischer 1016 291. Zalieutes Jord. & Everm... . 1018 XXVII Opposite Page LXXII. Fig. i. Scarus azureus sp. nov. Fig. 2. Scarus nigrescens sp. nov. . t 742 LXXIII. Fig. i. Sparisoma radians (Cuvier & Valen- ciennes), male. Fig. 2. Sparisoma radians (Cuvier & Valen- ciennes) , female 750 LXXIV. Fig. i. Sparisoma rhomaleum sp. nov . Fig. 2. Sparisoma elongatum sp. nov 754 LXXV. Chaetodipterus faber (Broussonet) 760 LXXVI. Chaetodipterus zonatus (Girard) 762 LXXVII. Sphoeroides marmoratus (Ranzani) (a) Dorsal outline 812 LXXVIII. Fig. i. Sphoeroides annulatus (Jenyns). Fig. 2. Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus). 816 LXXIX. Sphoeroides kendalli sp. nov 818 LXXX. Scorpaena isthmensis sp. nov 842 LXXXI. Fig. i. Scorpaena colonensis sp. nov. Fig. 2. Scorpaenodes xyris (Jordan & Gilbert) 844 LXXXII. Scorpaenodes caribbaeus sp. nov 846 LXXXIII. Prionotus aspersus sp. nov 856 LXXXIV. Evorthodus minutus sp. nov 872 LXXXV. Microgobius tabogensis sp. nov 872 LXXXVI. Euctenogobius panamensis sp. nov 876 LXXXVII. Euctenogobius liolepis sp. nov 876 LXXXVIII. Gerhardinus nudus sp. nov 888 LXXXIX. Cokeridia crossota gen. et sp. nov 904 XC. Batrachoides gilberti sp. nov 912 XCI. Opsanus barbatus sp. nov 916 XCII. Arbaciosa minuta sp. nov. (a) Ventral outline 928 XCIII-i Fig. i. Auchenopterus affinis (Steindacher). Fig. 2. Auchenopterus monophthalmus Giinther 932 XCIV. Fig. i. Labrisomus nuchipinnis (Quoy & Gaimard) . Fig. 2. Labrisomus xanti Gill 936 XCV. Fig. i. Malacoctenus delalandii (Cuvier & Valenciennes) . XXIX c. CI. CII. Fig. 2. Malacoctenus zonifer (Jordan & Gilbert) XCVI. Fig. i. Hypsoblennius minutus sp. nov. Fig. 2. Hypsoblennius lignus sp. nov. . . Emblemaria nigra sp. nov. XCVII. Emble XCVIII. Fig. i. Fig. 2. Fig. 3- XCIX. Fig. i. Fig. 2. Opposite Page 938 944 954 Microdesmus affinis sp. nov. Microdesmus intermedius sp. nov. Microdesmus multiradiatus sp. nov.. 954 Leptofierasfer macrurus gen. et sp. nov. Pseudobythites sanguineus gen. et sp. nov 964 Citharichthys evermanni sp. nov 988 Fig. i. Achirus lineatus (Linnaeus) . Fig. 2. Achirus mazatlanus (Steindachner) . . 998 Fig. i. Achirus fimbriatus (Giinther) . Fig. 2. Achirus fluviatilis sp. nov 1000 XXX Page Gerhardinus 889 Cokeridia 905 Leptofierasfer 964 Pseudobythites 968 NEW SPECIES Scarus azureus 742 Scarus nigrescens 743 Sparisoma rhomaleum 754 Sparisoma elongatum 757 Sphceroides kendalli 819 Scorpaena isthmensis 842 Scorpaena colonensis 844 Scorpaenodes caribbaeus 847 Prionotus aspersus 856 Evorthodus minutus 870 Microgobius tabogensis 873 Euctenogobius panamensis 874 Euctenogobius liolepis 875 Gerhardinus nudus 889 Cokeridia crossota 906 Batrachoides gilberti . . . '. . . . . 914 Opsanus barbatus 917 Arbaciosa minuta 928 Hypsoblennius minutus 943 Hypsoblennius lignus 946 Emblemaria nigra . 953 Microdesmus af finis 955 Microdesmus intermedius 957 Microdesmus multiradiatus 958 Leptofierasfer macrurus 964 Pseudobythites sanguineus 968 Citharichthys evermanni * 989 Achirus fluviatilis 1002 XXXI THE MARINE FISHES OF PANAMA. BY SETH E. MEEK AND SAMUEL F. HILDEBRAND. PART III. Class III. TeleOStomi Continued. Order XIV. Acanthopteri Continued. Family LXI. Labridse. THE WRASSES. Body oblong or elongate; mouth moderate, terminal; lips thick, the lower one usually with a lateral flap; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary without a supplemental bone, slipping under preorbital; nostrils round, with 2 openings on each side; teeth in the jaws strong, separate or more or less coalescent at base, never forming a continuous plate; the anterior teeth usually canine-like; no teeth on vomer or palatines ; lower pharyngeals completely united into one bone, the teeth conical or tubercular; branchiostegals 5 or 6; pseudobranchiae well developed; gills 3^2, the slit behind the last arch small or obsolete; gill- membranes somewhat connected, sometimes joined to the isthmus; scales large, cycloid; lateral line continuous or interrupted, often abruptly bent ; dorsal fin continuous, its spines slender, 3 to 20 in number ; anal similar to soft portion of dorsal, with 2 to 6 spines; ventrals thoracic, inserted below pectorals, with I, 5 rays ; air bladder present ; no pyloric caeca. KEY TO THE GENERA.* a. Dorsal spines 12; lateral line complete and continuous, without abrupt curve. Bodianus, p. 710. aa. Dorsal spines 8 or 9; lateral line either curved abruptly down- ward or interrupted posteriorly. b. Cheeks and opercles entirely scaleless; lateral line not inter- rupted, but with an abrupt downward curve posteriorly. c. Dorsal spines constantly 9. *Since these pages were prepared, Henry W. Fowler (Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., I 9 I 7> P- *33) has recorded a genus and species, Lachnolaimus maximus (Wal- baum) from Colon, not obtained by us. 709 710 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. d. Upper jaw with a well developed canine tooth posteriorly on each side, near angle of mouth ; anteriorly with 2 canines ; lower jaw with 4 canines. Halichceres, p. 714. dd. Posterior canines wanting; upper jaw anteriorly with 2 canines; lower jaw with 2 to 4 canines. Pscudojulis, p. 725. cc. Dorsal spines constantly 8 ; no posterior canines. Thalassoma, p. 726. bb. Cheeks and opercles scaly, at least under and back of eyes ; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, reappearing on middle of caudal peduncle. e. Head short and deep, its anterior profile nearly vertical in adult, compressed into a sharp edge ; preorbital extremely deep ; snout little in advance of forehead; dorsal fin continuous, the spines graduated, nearly of equal length. Xyrichthys, p. 729. ee. Head rather long and low, its anterior profile not steep, straight or concave, not compressed into a sharp edge; preorbital rather narrow ; snout long and sharply pointed ; anterior spines of dorsal elevated, longer than the succeeding ones, making the margin of the fin concave. Doratonotus, p. 730. 187. Genus Bodianus Bloch. Bodianus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 48 (type Bodianus bodianus Bloch). Harpe Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 426, PI. VIII, fig. 2 (type Harpe cceruleoaureus Lacepede). Cossyphus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIII, 1839, IO2 (type Bodianus bodianus Bloch; name preoccupied). Body rather robust, moderately compressed; the back moderately elevated; head pointed in young, becoming more and more blunt with age, large scales with a prominent fleshy pad on forehead ; mouth rather large ; jaws about equal ; teeth strong ; each jaw anteriorly with 4 canines ; upper jaw posteriorly with a single pair of canines; other teeth short, coalescent at base; lateral line complete and continuous; scales large, little reduced on chest, extending up on base of soft rays of dorsal and anal and forming a sheath ; cheek, opercle and preopercle scaly ; dorsal with 12 low spines, the median soft rays produced in adult; caudal truncate in young, concave in adult with the outer rays produced; anal with 3 rather strong spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal; ventrals inserted below base of pectorals; vertebrae n -f- I 7 = 28. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OP PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 711 KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Dorsal profile of head straight or slightly convex at all ages, never concave; gill-rakers 10 or n on lower limb of first arch; sides without black bands or yellow bar; tip of pectorals pale. rufus, p. 711. aa. Dorsal profile of head more or less concave, except in very young; large males with a prominent fleshy pad on forehead; gill-rakers 12 or 13 on lower limb of first arch; sides in female with 2 distinct, black, longitudinal bands; male with a yellow vertical bar on sides passing over abdomen just in front of vent ; tip of pectorals black. diplotania, p. 712. 516. Bodianus rufus (Linnaeus). Labrus rufus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 284 (America). Perro Colorado Parra, Desc. Piezas de Hist. Nat., 1787, 3, PI. Ill, fig. I (Havana). Bodianus bodianus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 33, PI. CCXXIII (Brazil ; after a drawing by Prince Maurice). Lut janus verres Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, V, 1791, 9, PI. CCLV (locality unknown). Sparus falcatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, V, 1791, 20, PI. CCLVIII (after a drawing by Plumier made at Martinique). Labrus semiruber Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 428 (Rio de Janeiro ; from notes by Commerson) . Bodianus blochii Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 279 (after Bodianus bodianus Bloch). Harpe coerulea-aureus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 426 & 427, PI. VIII, fig. 2 (Martinique; from the drawing of Plumier used by Bloch). Cossyphus bodianus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIII, 1839, I0 3- Cossyphus verres Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. Rares Amer. Sud., 1855, 27. Cossyphus rufus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 108. Harpe rufus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 222. Bodianus rufus Poey, Repertorio, II, 1868, 331. Harpe rufa Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 629; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1583. Head 3.1 to 3.5; depth 2.85 to 3.43; D. XII, 10 or n ; A. Ill, n to 13; scales 33 to 35. Body elongate, compressed ; dorsal profile anteriorly nearly straight or slightly convex, not concave over snout ; head rather strongly com- 712 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. pressed; snout sharply pointed, its length 2.38 to 2.94 in head; eye 4.8 to 6.4 ; mouth moderate, slightly oblique, the gape reaching anterior margin of orbit; jaws equal; maxillary concealed by the wide pre- orbital, its length 2.36 to 2.93 in head; teeth strong, each jaw anteriorly with 4 canines; upper jaw posteriorly with a single pair of strong canines directed forward; other teeth short, more or less coalescent at base; gill-rakers scarcely one-fourth the length of eye, 10 or n on lower limb of first arch; lateral line complete and continuous, the anterior pores with 2 or 3 branches; scales large, little reduced on chest, extending on base of soft rays of dorsal and anal ; dorsal spines short and strong, the longest slightly longer than eye, separate or slightly connected at base by membrane, the last one attached to soft rays; the middle rays of soft portion produced in adult, the longest ray reaching slightly past base of caudal in largest specimen at hand ; caudal in young truncate, distinctly concave in adult, the outer rays produced, nearly twice as long as the middle rays in large specimens ; anal spines similar to dorsal spines, the longest nearly as long as snout, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals notably longer than pectorals, reaching to or past vent; pectorals moderate, 1.23 to 1.45 in head. Color in spirits anteriorly rather dark brown, becoming paler posteriorly; a large dark area under base of dorsal and a smaller area at base of anal; caudal peduncle rather pale olivaceous; dorsal dusky or black, except the posterior 4 or 5 rays which are pale ; caudal brown or dusky with pale margin; anal colored similar to dorsal; ventrals black with outer rays pale ; pectorals dusky at base, otherwise pale. Of this species only 2 specimens were obtained, respectively 245 and 275 mm. in length. We also examined specimens from Bermuda, Cuba, San Domingo, Barbadoes and Bahia, Brazil. The above descrip- tion is based on specimens ranging in length from 175 to 340 mm. Known from Florida to Brazil. Our specimens are from the Colon market and Porto Bello. 517. Bodianus diplotaenia (Gill). Harpe diplotania Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 140 (Cape San Lucas; female) ; Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 629; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 144 (Pana- ma Bay). Harpe pectorallis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 141 (Cape San Lucas; male). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 713 Cossyphus pectoralis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, no. Cossyphus diplotania Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, no. Bodianus pectoralis Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 384. Bodianus diplotcenia Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 384. Bodianus diplotanius Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1904 (1905), 391 (Cocos, Clipperton and Galapagos islands) ; Ken- dall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 137 (Taboguilla Island, Panama Bay). Head 3.1 to 3.45; depth 2.73 to 3.25; D. XII, 10 or n ; A. Ill, 12 to 14 ; scales 34 or 35. Body elongate, compressed ; dorsal profile in young gently convex, concave over snout in adult ; large males with a prominent fleshy pad on forehead over eyes; head rather short, strongly compressed; snout sharply pointed, at least in young, its length 2.25 to 2.6 in head; eye 5.15 to 6.9; mouth moderate, slightly oblique, the gape not quite reach- ing anterior margin of orbit; jaws about equal; maxillary largely covered by the broad preorbital, 2.6 to 3.1 in head; teeth strong, each jaw anteriorly with 4 canines; the inner pair on upper jaw slightly the larger, on lower jaw the outer pair much the larger; upper jaw posteriorly with a single pair of canines directed forward; the other teeth short and coalescent at base; gill-rakers less than a fourth the length of eye, 12 or 13 on lower limb of first arch; lateral line com- plete and continuous, the anterior pores with 2 or 3 branches; scales large, little reduced on chest, extending on base of soft rays of dorsal and anal; dorsal spines short, the longest about the length of eye, separate or slightly connected by membrane at base, each enveloped in a heavy dermal coat, the last one connected with the soft rays, the middle rays of soft portion produced in adult, longest ray reaching well past base of caudal in our largest male ; caudal truncate in young, distinctly concave in adult, with the outer rays much produced, more than twice the length of the middle rays in large males; anal spines similar to those of dorsal, the last one equal to length of snout, the median soft rays produced in adult, usually somewhat longer than the produced rays of dorsal; ventrals rather longer than pectorals, reaching nearly or quite to vent; pectorals moderate, 1.32 to 1.43 in head. Color of male in life pale brown, with little red on sides of head, also between pectorals and ventrals, and a reddish area about base of anal ; chest greenish; sides with a yellow bar at tip of pectorals, extending from slightly above lateral line downward across abdomen and becom- ing quite obscure just in front of vent; spinous portion of dorsal with dusky base and reddish margin, the anterior soft rays black, the posterior 714 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. ones with black base, otherwise red ; base of caudal and produced rays with more or less dusky, the rest of fin red ; anal fin colored like dorsal ; ventrals black with red margin ; pectorals deep red with black tip. This color description is based on a large specimen, 480 mm. in length. Color of female in life anteriorly reddish brown, this color gradu- ally shading into a yellowish brown posteriorly ; a black band beginning on snout, running through eye, and divided into 2 bands just behind the eye, the upper one running along back above lateral line, the lower one directed slightly downward anteriorly, assuming a median line of the body, both bands posteriorly broken up into more or less distinct spots ; another black band extending from angle of mouth to margin of preopercle; base of caudal with 2 distinct black spots, one above and one below lateral line; dorsal spines dusky at base, otherwise red; anterior rays of dorsal dusky, posterior rays yellowish, produced ray red ; outer rays of caudal reddish, the remainder of fin yellow ; ventrals rather dark red; pectorals of a slightly paler red. This color descrip- tion of the female is based on a specimen 300 mm. in length. No marked difference in color between the young and adult female appears to exist. Of this species we have 13 specimens, 5 males and 8 females; the former range in length from 350 to 480 mm.; the latter from 55 to 300 mm. Known from Cape San Lucas to the Galapagos Islands and from the coast of Peru. Our specimens are from Panama Bay at Balboa. 188. Genus Halichoeres Riippell. Halichceres Riippell, Neue Wirbelthiere, 1835, 14 (type Halichceres bimaculatus Riippell). Hemiulis Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 228 (type Labrus guttatus Bloch). Chcerojulis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 142 (type Julis semi- cine tus Ayres). flridio Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 412 (type Labrus radiatus Linnaeus). Body oblong, compressed; head compressed, conic; mouth mod- erate; preopercle entire; teeth strong, upper jaw anteriorly with 2 large canines, and a single pair posteriorly near angle of mouth ; lower jaw anteriorly with 4 strong canines, none posteriorly; gill-rakers poorly developed, short and feeble; gill-membranes slightly joined to the isthmus ; scales large, more or less reduced on breast, 25 to 30 in lateral series; head entirely naked; lateral line complete, abruptly SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 715 curved downward posteriorly ; dorsal with 9 spines ; anal with 3 spines ; ventrals inserted under axil of pectorals; vertebrae 10 -f- 15 = 25. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Sides with a dark lateral band, at least in young ; adult without black blotch or bar on sides under spinous portion of dorsal, nor with a small black spot at base of last ray of dorsal. b. Dark lateral band persistent, broad, rather ill-defined, extending from eye to tip of caudal fin; a bluish band, nearly as wide as eye, extending from eye to nape; dorsal fin deep indigo, with pale margin. cyanocephalus, p. 716. bb. Dark lateral band disappearing with age, when present rather narrow, never extending beyond base of caudal ; head in adult with several bluish lines; a narrow one, about the width of pupil, extending from eye to nape; dorsal plain yellowish red in young; in adult with a narrow blue stripe at base, above with many blue spots. radiatus, p. 717. aa. Sides never with a dark lateral band ; a dark blotch or bar on sides under spinous portion of dorsal, or a small round spot at base of last ray of dorsal usually present, at least in adult. c. Color rather bright green; a prominent black spot just back of eye, and a small one at base of last ray of dorsal; base of pectoral with a very narrow brownish cross-bar; sides of head, in life, with several reddish bands; no dark bar or blotch on sides of body. kirschii, p. 720. cc. Color somewhat darker; no black spot back of eye or at base of last ray of dorsal; a black blotch or cross-bar on sides, except sometimes in very young. d. Pores in lateral line not branched; a black blotch in lateral line below sixth and seventh dorsal spines ; young with a distinct caudal spot. dispilus, p. 721. dd. Pores in anterior part of lateral line distinctly branched; a black bar on sides under spinous portion of dorsal, except in very young; caudal spot wanting. e. Body with a more or less reddish hue, at least on chest and abdomen ; a conspicuous black bar under base of fifth to seventh dorsal spines present in adult, ill-defined or entirely wanting in young ; scales, in young, with dark centers are grouped so as to form several more or less distinct blotches on sides of fish. sellifer, p. 722. 716 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. ee. Body without reddish hue; the bar on sides less conspicuous and slightly more anteriorly placed; the young unknown. nicholsi, p. 724. 518. Halichoeres cyanocephalus (Bloch). Labrus cyanocephalus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, V, 1791, 139, PI. CCLXXXVI (locality unknown, probably Surinam). Julis dimidiatus Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 96, PI. LIII (Brazil). Icthycallus dimidiatus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 232 (name only). Julis internasalis Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 421 (Havana). Platyglossus internasalis Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 164. Cheer o julis internasalis Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub.*, 1868, 334. Platyglossus dimidiatus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 45. Halichoeres dimidiatus Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 644. Iridio cyanoicephalus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1594. Head 4.15 to 4.23; depth 3.6 to 3.8; D. IX, n or 12; A. Ill, 12; scales 27. Body rather slender, compressed; anterior profile rather steep, reaching the height of back slightly back of vertical from posterior margin of eye; head short, compressed; snout blunt, its length 2.45 to 2.9 in head; eye 5.13 to 5.78; mouth moderate, the gape reaching about to anterior margin of eye; jaws equal; maxillary mostly covered by the wide preorbital, 3.25 to 3.4 in head; teeth in jaws strong, upper jaw anteriorly with a pair of large canines, posteriorly near angle of mouth with a pair of slightly smaller ones ; lower jaw anteriorly with 4 strong canines, none posteriorly; other teeth short, coalescent at base; gill-rakers very short, about 10 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; lateral line complete, curved abruptly downward under last rays of dorsal, the anterior pores branched; scales large, not greatly reduced on chest, not crossing median line of back; head naked; dorsal spines short, the soft rays not produced; caudal fin slightly rounded in specimens at hand; ventral moderate, the outer ray somewhat produced, reaching about two-thirds the distance from its base to vent; pectorals moderate, i.i to 1.25 in head. Color in spirits pale brownish or olivaceous ; a very broad, blackish lateral band extending from eye to tip of caudal, this band rather faint anteriorly ; a broad bluish band upward and backward from eye SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 717 to nape; a dark band along profile from snout to nape; dorsal very dark indigo at base, with pale margin ; caudal with middle rays blackish, outer rays pale ; anal brownish at base, with pale margin ; ventrals pale ; pectorals mostly pale, tips and upper rays brownish. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from 3 speci- mens from Havana, Cuba; "West Indies"; and Bahia, Brazil. The range in length is from 200 to 240 mm. Known from the West Indies south to Brazil. 519. Halichoeres radiatus (Linnaeus). Labrus radiatus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 288 (America). Sparus radiatus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 472 (Carolina). Labrus brasiliensis Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, V, 1791, 125, PI. CCLXXX (Brazil; -on a drawing of Pudiano verde by Prince Maurice of Nassau) . Labrus bivittatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, V, 1791, 133, PI. CCLXXXIV, fig. i (from a painting by Plumier, made at Mar- tinique) . Labrus psittaculus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 523 (Mar- tinique; from a copy of Plumier's painting). Julis crotaphus Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 258 (based on Doncella of Parra). Julis psittaculus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIII, 1839, 387. Julis cyanostigma Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIII, I $39, 391 (Martinique). Julis opalina Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIII, 1839, 392 (Martinique). Julis patatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIII, 1839, 398 (Martinique). Julis principis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIII, 1839, 402 (Bahia, Brazil). Chloricthys braziliensis Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 232 (name only). Julis humeralis Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 212 (Havana). Platyglossus cyanostigma Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 161. Platyglossus opalinus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 163. Platyglossus principis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 164. Platyglossus bivittatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 164. Platyglossus humeralis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 165. yi 8 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Chcerojulis grandisquamis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 206 (Beaufort, N. C). Chcerojulis cyanostigma Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 334 (Havana). Chcerojulis bivittatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 335. Chcerojulis humeralis Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 335. Choerojulis arangoi Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 109 (Havana). Chcerojulis radiatus Goode, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., V, 1876, 35. Platyglossus florealis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 287(Pensacola, Fla.). Platyglossus grandisquamis Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 603. Halichceres radiatus Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 ( I &9 1 ')> 641. Halichceres bivittatus Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1890,645, Pis. V, VI. Iridio radiatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1590, PI. CCXXXIX, fig. 600. Iridio bivittatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1595, PI. CCXXXIX, fig. 601 ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 405 (Toro Point, Colon). Head 3.6 to 4.25; depth 2.6 to 4.8; D. IX, n; A. Ill, 12; scales 26 to 28. Body rather slender in young, the depth increasing greatly with age ; dorsal profile anteriorly very steep in adult, moderately convex in young; head very short and deep in adult; snout rather pointed in young, rather short and blunt in adult, its length 2.1 to 3.5 in head; eye 3.7 to 7.55 ; mouth moderate, the gape scarcely reaching anterior mar- gin of eye; jaws equal; maxillary largely covered by the broad pre- orbital, 2.65 to 3.7 in head; teeth strong, upper jaw anteriorly with a pair of strong canines, and a smaller pair posteriorly near angle of mouth; lower jaw anteriorly with 4 canines, none posteriorly; other teeth short, conical; gill-rakers very short, 9 to n on lower limb of first arch; scales large, not greatly reduced on chest; head entirely naked; lateral line curved abruptly downward under posterior rays of dorsal, nearly all the pores more or less branched ; dorsal spines short, slender, soft rays not produced; caudal rounded in young, emarginate in large examples, the upper rays longer than the lower ones; anal spines slender, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals about the length of postorbital part of head in very young, proportion- ately much longer in adult, with the outer rays much produced, more than twice the length of the inner rays, slightly longer than distance SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 719 from snout to margin of preopercle; pectorals of moderate length, 1.13 to 1.65 in head. Color of young in life dark brownish green; sides greenish; abdo- men pale ; chest red ; a conspicuous black lateral band from snout to base of caudal; a much narrower and fainter band from below base of pectoral along edge of abdomen, disappearing posteriorly; a yellow- ish streak on side of head just below the black lateral band; cheeks below this streak reddish ; margin of opercle yellowish ; a red band across lower jaw from posterior angles of mouth ; dorsal, caudal and anal mostly yellowish red; a very small dark spot at base of last ray of dorsal; pectorals and ventrals slightly yellowish or pale. When the fish reaches a length of about 125 mm., an opercular spot which is darker than the lateral band has formed; the lower band has almost disappeared; the small black spot at base of last dorsal rays is no longer visible. In speci- mens about 170 mm. long the lower band has wholly disappeared, the upper one has become indistinctly outlined and more or less broken up into blotches ; the opercular spot remains very distinct. Base of dorsal and anal, and tips of outer caudal rays are dusky. Color of adult speci- men 340 mm. long, generally greenish, no trace of lateral band or opercu- lai spot; numerous scales each with a round pearly blue spot at base, these becoming elongate at nape and on caudal peduncle ; a blue streak from nape through eye to snout, one blue streak backward from eye ; an- other just below eye ; another from posterior angle of mouth across lower part of cheek, curving upward on opercle; a rather broader one on interopercle ; lower jaw with 2 blue cross-bands; dorsal with a narrow blue stripe at base, above this with many blue spots ; caudal with many blue spots, some of them confluent, forming longitudinal lines ; anal with a row of blue spots at base, a blue bar on lower third, a narrower and more or less broken bar on distal third, then a rather wide blue margin; ventrals with spine and outer ray blue, the rest of fin mostly pale; pectorals with a black spot at base of upper ray, the fin plain translucent, shaded with blue. We have 42 specimens of this species, ranging in length from 30 to 140 mm. We also examined numerous specimens of various sizes, the largest 420 mm. in length, in the National Museum collection. After examining the numerous specimens as noted above, we are convinced that with its several synonyms, as understood by Jordan (Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891) pp. 641 and 645), H. bivit- tatus merely represents the young of the present species. The great variation, with age, in the depth of the fish is characteristic of this entire group, although it seems to reach its most extreme proportions in the 720 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. present species, which also shows considerable variation in this respect, among individuals of like size. The difference in the shape of the fins, as given, is clearly due to age, as is very probably also the change in color. It is a singular fact that of the numerous specimens exam- ined, which were taken at various times and places, there is not a specimen less than about 170 mm. in length that answers to the descrip- tion of H. radiatus, as heretofore understood. Nor is there one larger that will well fall in with H. bivittatus. It, however, at about this age becomes difficult to determine to which nominal species the individuals should be referred. If the two were really distinct, it would seem very strange that apparently no young oi H. radiatus have been taken. Known from North Carolina southward to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point; Fox Bay, Colon; Colon Reef, and Porto Bello. 520. Halichoeres kirschii (Jordan & Evermann). Julis crotaphus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIII, 1839, 395 (Bahia; not of Cuvier). Platyglossus crotaphus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 163. Chcerojulis crotaphus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 109. Halichceres poeyi Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 646 (not of Steindachner). Iridio kirschii Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 413 (Bahia; name only) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1598. Head 3.67 to 4.05; depth 3.8 to 4.55; D. IX, n ; A. Ill, 12; scales 26 or 27. Body elongate, compressed, increasing in depth with age; dorsal profile anteriorly rather steep, convex, highest at origin of dorsal ; head rather short, compressed; snout moderately pointed, its length 2.66 to 3.5 in head ; eye 3.9 to 4.9 ; mouth moderate, the gape reaching anterior margin of eye; jaws equal; maxillary largely covered by the wide pre- orbital, 3.05 to 3.8 in head; teeth rather strong, upper jaw anteriorly with one pair of canines and posteriorly near angle of mouth with another pair; lower jaw anteriorly with 4 canines, none posteriorly; other teeth short but strong ; gill-rakers very short, about 9 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales large, little reduced on chest, not crossing median line of back, head naked; lateral line com- plete, curved abruptly downward under last rays of dorsal, the pores in anterior portion branched ; dorsal spines short, none of the rays pro- duced ; caudal fin slightly rounded ; anal with 3 spines, the soft portion SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 721 similar to that of the dorsal ; ventrals rather small, slightly shorter than pectorals, the outer ray produced in adult; pectorals moderate, 1.37 to 1.6 in head. Color in life rather bright green above, slightly paler below; a narrow lateral band of paler green from posterior angle of opercle to slightly below middle of base of caudal; a very faint band beginning below base of pectorals and running along edge of abdomen; sides of head with a reddish band extending from lips to margin of opercle; another red band from eye to upper edge of base of pectoral, extending downward past pectoral; a third red band directly back of eye to mar- gin of opercle; a prominent black spot just back of eye; dorsal, caudal and anal greenish, tinged with red ; a black spot at base of last ray of dorsal; pectoral and ventral green, the former with a black line across its base. Of this species 7 specimens, ranging from 75 to 100 mm. in length, were seined in one day. The species, thereafter, was never again seen. The above description is based on these and the 2 type specimens, 130 and 155 mm. in length, from Bahia, Brazil. Known from the West Indies south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Fox Bay, Colon. 521. Halichoeres dispilus (Giinther). Platyglossus dispilus Gunther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 25 (Panama). Halichoeres dispilus Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 646; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 146 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 138 (Acapulco). Iridio dispilus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1597, PI. CCXL, fig. 602. Head 3.44 to 4.2; depth 3.36 to 4.55; D. IX, n; A. Ill, 12; scales 27. Body moderately elongate, compressed, increasing notably in depth with age; dorsal profile anteriorly rather steep in adult; head short, compressed; snout moderately pointed in young, rather blunt in adult, its length 2.7 to 4.2 in head ; eye 4.6 to 6.0 ; mouth rather small, the gape scarcely reaching anterior margin of eye ; jaws equal ; maxillary mostly covered by the broad preorbital, 3.2 to 4.2 in head ; teeth rather strong ; upper jaw anteriorly with a single pair of canines, posteriorly near angle of mouth with another pair directed forward ; lower jaw ante- 722 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. riorly with 4 canines, none posteriorly; other teeth short, but strong; gill-rakers poorly developed, about 8 short ones on lower limb of first arch ; scales large, not much reduced on chest, and not crossing median line of back ; lateral line complete, abruptly curved downward or some- times interrupted under last rays of dorsal, the pores not branched; first dorsal with 9 rather short, pungent spines, and n rays, none of them produced; caudal fin in young slightly rounded, with the middle rays the longest, concave in adult, the outer rays slightly produced in our largest specimens, the middle rays the shortest; anal with 3 short spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal ; ventrals small, notably shorter than pectorals, the outer ray not notably produced; pectorals moderate, 1.28 to 143 in head. Color in spirits olivaceous ; some specimens considerably darker than others ; young with a pale lateral band from just above base of pectoral to slightly below the middle of base of caudal. Our largest specimen with a pale area at shoulder, and another behind base of pectorals ; sides of head with 4 pale longitudinal streaks, two below eye and two extend- ing backward from eye; opercle with a dark-bluish area; a prominent black spot, larger than eye, in lateral line below sixth and seventh dorsal spines ; this spot broken up into 3 or 4 smaller spots in specimens about loo mm. in length; very young again with but a single spot, not larger than the pupil; very young with a prominent caudal spot, breaking up into 2 more or less distinct spots, becoming obscure and fading away when the fish reaches a length of about 130 mm.; fins pale in young; in large examples, and especially the more darker colored ones, the dorsal and anal largely dusky; the dorsal with a row of pale spots at base. Of this species 33 specimens were preserved, ranging in length from 40 to 170 mm. Known from Mazatlan to Peru. Our specimens are from the rocky shores of Naos Island and from Panama Bay near Balboa. 522. Halichoeres sellifer Gilbert. Halichceres sellifer Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1890, 67 (Clarion Island) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 144 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & .Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 138 (Acapulco). Irido sellifer Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1592. Halichceres macgregori Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 145, PI. XXIII, fig. 45 (Panama Bay). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 723 Pseudojulis notospilus Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 139, PL VI, fig. 2 (Acapulco; in part). Head 3.65 to 4.75; depth 3.0 to 3.85; D. IX, n or 12; A. Ill, 12 or 13 ; scales 27 or 28. Body rather deep, compressed, getting deeper with age; back con- siderably elevated in adult ; anterior profile convex ; head very short and deep in adult ; snout rather pointed in young, becoming rather blunt with age, its length 1.46 to 3.55; eye 4.2 to 7.9; mouth moderate, the gape reaching about anterior margin of eye; jaws equal; maxillary largely covered by the wide preorbital, 2.9 to 4.0 in length of head ; teeth strong, the upper jaw anteriorly with a pair of canines, and posteriorly with another pair directed forward ; the largest specimen, 395 mm. long, with 2 pairs of canines posteriorly on upper jaw ; lower jaw anteriorly with 4 canines, none posteriorly; other teeth short, conical; gill-rakers very short, 8 to 10 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales large, not greatly reduced on chest ; head naked ; lateral line complete, curved abruptly downward under posterior rays of dorsal, the pores on anterior portion branched; dorsal with 9 rather short, slender spines and u, rarely 12, soft rays, none of them produced; caudal fin rounded in young, very slightly emarginate in adult, none of the rays produced ; anal with 3 rather weak spines, and with 12, rarely 13, soft rays similar to those of dorsal; ventrals rather short in young, not nearly reaching vent, the outer rays much produced in adult, becoming about 3 times the length of the inner rays and reaching origin of anal ; pectorals moderate, not greatly changed by age, 1.16 to 1.4 in head. Color of a fresh specimen, 275 mm. long, generally greenish above, paler below ; scales below with a red base, those along back and upper part of sides with dark brown or blue center and bluish margin ; region about eye and opercle with sky-blue spots; a conspicuous black bar under the base of the fifth to seventh dorsal spine, extending downward to about the middle of side; dorsal green at base, the distal half red, about the middle of fin with a series of sky-blue spots ; caudal green, with reddish margin; anal green on basal two-thirds, distal third red, 2 broken streaks of sky-blue on green portion; ventrals pale green, with the exterior rays red; pectorals pale green. The young are notably darker in color; a specimen 70 mm. in length answers the following description; many scales with a dark brown spot at base, those so marked arranged in groups, forming more or less distinct blotches on sides of fish; no black bar under dorsal; sides of head behind eye with 3 or 4 narrow black lines, the lower two joined by cross- branches; a dusky band on lower part of cheeks, turning downward 724 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. and backward across base of pectoral; dorsal with several indistinct dusky blotches, the one on anterior spines the most distinct ; a very con- spicuous elliptical, jet-black spot on basal portion of first 4 rays of soft dorsal; caudal uniformly dusky; anal with 2 rather indistinct dusky lines, one at base, the other on distal third; outer rays of ventrals dusky, remainder of fins pale ; pectorals uniformly pale. When the fish reaches a length of about 95 mm. nearly every scale on side has a dark brown base and the blotches above described become indistinct. There is as yet scarcely a trace of the black bar under dorsal, which is char- acteristic of the adult. In specimens 120 mm. long this bar has formed as a very broad, ill defined blotch. The elliptical spot on base of soft rays of dorsal has become pale dusky and its outline is only faintly visible. The markings on the sides of head have become very indistinct. In our largest specimens the blue green color predominates; on the shoulder in front of the black bar are 2 or 3 yellow spots. Of this species we have 21 specimens, ranging in length from 70 to 395 mm. We have also examined the type. Our rather large series, containing specimens of all sizes, demon- strates without doubt that the fish described as Halichceres macgregori (Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, p. 145) is the young of H. sellifer. Known from Revillagigedo Archipelago to Panama. Our specimens are from Panama Bay, at Balboa; tide pools, Panama; and Panama City market. 523. Halichceres nicholsi (Jordan & Gilbert). Platyglossus nicholsi Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 231 (Braithwaite Bay, Socorro Island). Halichceres nicholsi Jordan, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 642; Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1904 (1905), 395 (Charles Island). Iridio nicholsi Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1591. Head 3.5; depth 3.5; D. IX, 12 or 13; A. Ill, n or 12; scales 28. Body deep, compressed; head entirely naked; scales not crossing median line of back. No specimens of this species were seen by us. It appears to differ from H. sellifer chiefly in the absence of the reddish hue of that species, and in the more obscure and more anteriorly placed black band under the dorsal. Owing to the variation in color among individuals, the present SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 725 writers are strongly of the opinion that the two will eventually prove to be identical. Known from the Revillagigedo and Galapagos archipelagos. Not recorded from the shores of the mainland. 189. Genus Pseudojulis Bleeker. Pseudojulis Bleeker, Versl. Ak. Amsterdam, XIII, 1862, 99 (type Pseudojulis girardi Bleeker) . Julidio Jordan & Evermann, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 413 (type Pseudojulis adustus Gilbert). Body compressed, slender; upper jaw with 2 strong canines in front; lower jaw with 2 or 4 canines*, the outer ones, if present, often very slightly enlarged ; no posterior canines ; scales large, fewer than 30 in a lateral series, those on chest somewhat reduced; head entirely naked; lateral fin complete, abruptly curved downward posteriorly ; dorsal spines 9 ; anal spines 3. This genus differs from Halichceres chiefly in the ab- sence of the posterior canines. 524. Pseudojulis notospilus Giinther. Pseudojulis notospilus Gunther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 26 (Panama); Jordan, Kept U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 649; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. ScL, IV, 1904, 146 (Pan- ama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 139 (Acapulco; in part). Julidio notospilus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1603. Head 3.37 to 3.97; depth 3.28 to 4.0; D. IX, n ; A. Ill, 12; scales 26 or 27. Body elongate, compressed, moderately robust; the back elevated; profile from snout to nape strongly convex, especially in adult; head short ; snout rather blunt, becoming more so with age, its length 2.64 to 4.74 in head ; eye 4.25 to 5.0; mouth moderate, the gape reaching about to anterior margin of eye; jaws equal; maxillary mostly concealed by the preorbital, 3.22 to 4.74 in head; teeth strong; the upper jaw with 2 strong canines in front; lower jaw with 2 strong canines and a pair *The presence of 2 or 4 canines in lower jaw appears to be valueless as a generic character, as the outer pair may appear only slightly smaller than the inner pair, as in P. adustws; notably smaller, as in P. notospilus; somewhat larger than the succeeding jaw teeth, as in P. melanotis; or not at all enlarged, as in P. inornatus. 726 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. of smaller ones on the outside of them; no posterior canines; gill- rakers very short, about 9 on lower limb of first arch ; scales large, head entirely naked ; lateral line complete, abruptly curved downward under posterior rays oi dorsal, the pores mostly with 2 or 3 branches ; dorsal with 9 short, pungent spines, and n soft rays, none of the latter pro- duced; caudal evenly rounded; anal with 3 spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals moderate, none of the rays pro- duced ; caudal evenly rounded ; anal with 3 spines, the soft portion simi- lar to that of the dorsal ; ventrals moderate, none of the rays produced ; pectorals rather long, 1.2 to 1.33 in head. Color in life brownish or olivaceous above ; deep green, pale green, or reddish below ; back with several more or less distinct blackish bands ; a very small dark spot just back of eye present in young; opercle with a bluish area ; vertical fins usually more or less dusky, with bluish mar- gins; dorsal in young with a prominent, jet-black, elliptical spot at base of the first 3 or 4 soft rays, this later becomes confluent with the blackish bar underneath it ; outer rays of ventrals dusky ; pectorals pale greenish, with a brownish bar across base. Of this species we have 180 specimens, ranging in length from 40 to 130 mm. Known from Mazatlan southward to Panama. Our specimens are from Taboga Island, Balboa, and Panama. The species is very abundant in rocky tide pools. 190. Genus Thalassoma Swainson. Thdassoma Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 224 (type Labrus purpureus Riippell) . Chlorichthys Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 232 (type Labrus bifasciatus Bloch) . Body oblong or elongate, moderately compressed ; head rather small ; snout blunt; anterior canines moderate, 2 in each jaw, those in lower jaw sometimes not much larger than teeth next to them; no posterior canines; scales large; head entirely scaleless; lateral line complete, abruptly curved downward posteriorly ; dorsal spines 8 ; anal spines 3, the first one very small. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body slender, its depth 4.1 to 4.75 in its length; head small, 3.8 to 4.16 in length; body brownish above, pale underneath, with a broad black lateral band ; no cross-bar ; head not darker than rest of body, its ventral surface pale. lucasanum, p. 727. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 727 aa. Body deeper, its depth 3.06 to 3.9 in its length; head larger, 3.4 to 3.8 in the length; body without lateral band; except in very young ; a broad yellowish cross-bar at occiput ; head entirely blue black, notably darker than rest of body. duperrey, p. 728. 525. Thalassoma lucasanum (Gill). Julis lucasanus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 142 (Cape San Lucas) . Julis lucasana Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 26. Thalassoma lucasanum Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 482; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 141 (Acapulco; Taboguilla Island, Panama Bay). Chlorichthys lucasanus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1607. Head 3.8 to 4.16; depth 4.1 to 4.75; D. VIII, 13; A. Ill, u; scales 27 or 28. Body elongate, compressed; back not greatly elevated, anterior pro- file evenly, convex ; head moderate ; snout short and blunt, its length 2.8 to 4.0 in head ; eye 4.25 to 5.0; mouth small; jaws equal; maxillary not reaching anterior margin of eye, 3.4 to 4.15 in head; each jaw ante- riorly with a pair of canines, the teeth next to them somewhat enlarged ; lateral teeth short, conical ; no posterior canines ; gill-rakers very short and poorly developed ; gill-membranes broadly connected across isthmus ; scales large, reduced on chest ; head entirely naked, with many mucous pores; lateral line complete, curved abruptly downward under last rays of dorsal, the pores all branched; dorsal with 8 spines, graduated, the soft portion low, none of the rays produced; caudal slightly rounded in very young, the outer rays slightly produced in adult, making the outer margin distinctly concave; anal with 3 spines, the first one very small, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal ; ventrals small, less than half the length of pectorals; pectorals moderate, 1.13 to 1.34 in head. Color in spirits brown above, pale below, with a broad, black, lateral band extending from eye to base of caudal, becoming indistinct pos- teriorly and merging into the brown of the back ; dorsal black, with a pale margin ; caudal pale, with the outer rays black, narrowly edged with pale ; anal dusky at base, with a broad, pale margin ; ventrals pale ; pectorals with more or less dusky and a black spot at base of upper ray. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from 9 speci- mens from Taboguilla Island, collected by the Albatross, and ranging in length from 70 to 120 mm. We also examined the type specimens 728 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. from Cape San Lucas, and 3 small specimens from Tres Marias Island. Known from Acapulco south to Panama. Recorded from Panama by Giinther (Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, p. 26), and from Taboguilla Island, Panama Bay, by Kendall and Radcliffe (Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, p. 141). 526. Thalassoma duperrey (Quoy & Gaimard). Julis duperrey Quoy & Gaimard, in Freycinet, Voy. Uraine et Physi- cienne, Zool., 1824, 268, PL LVI, fig. 2 (Sandwich Islands). Julis clepsydralis Smith & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 136 (Johnston's Island). Thalassoma pyrrhovinctum Jenkins, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XIX, 1899 (1901), 51, fig. 7 (Honolulu). Thalassoma duperrey Jenkins, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XXII, Part I, 1902 (1904), 463; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm. XXIII, 1903 (1905), 302, fig. 130, PI. XXXV; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1921, 140. Head 3.4 to 3.8; depth 3.06 to 3.9; D. VIII, 12 or 13; A. Ill, n; scales 27 to 29. Body elongate, rather deep, compressed; the back moderately ele- vated; anterior profile evenly convex; head rather small; snout blunt, its length 2.7 to 3.44 in head ; eye 4.3 to 5.35 ; mouth moderate, nearly horizontal ; jaws equal ; maxillary largely hidden under the preorbital, 4.1 to 5.0 in head; each jaw anteriorly with 2 canines, teeth next to them somewhat enlarged; lateral teeth short, conical; no posterior canines; gill-rakers very short, poorly developed; gill-membranes con- nected across isthmus; scales large, reduced on chest, head entirely naked, with many mucous pores ; lateral line complete, abruptly curved downward under posterior rays of dorsal; dorsal with 8 pungent, graduated spines, soft portion rather low, none of the rays produced; caudal rounded in young, its margin deeply concave, with the outer rays produced in adult ; anal with 3 spines, the first one very small, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ventrals small, the outer ray some- what produced in adult; pectorals moderate, 1.13 to 1.23 in head. Color rather variable. An alcoholic specimen 115 mm, in length from Taboguilla Island has the head black-blue, a broad pale bar pass- ing from occiput downward back of base of pectorals ; the rest of body plain brownish; dorsal brownish, with pale margin; caudal black, the outer rays narrowly edged with pale ; anal pale brown, with pale mar- gin ; ventrals slightly brownish ; pectorals with a black blotch at base of upper ray, extending on ray, the distal third of fin with jet-black SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. , 729 bar. Specimens from Hawaii are much darker. Very young have a black lateral band, and the fins are mostly pale. The black band soon be- comes indistinct and the paler band at occiput begins to appear. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from a specimen from Taboguilla Island, collected by the Albatross, and from numerous specimens from Hawaii, ranging in length from 30 to 165 mm. Known from the tropical Pacific. It is very abundant about the Hawaiian Islands, and recorded from Taboguilla Island, Panama Bay, by Kendall & Radcliffe (Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 140). 191. Genus Xyrichthys Cuvier. Xyrichthys Cuvier, Mem. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, I, 1815, 317, 329, 355 (type Xyrichthys cultratus Cuvier=Coryph(?na novacula Linnaeus). Novacula Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, II, 1817, 265 (type Coryphana novacula Linnaeus). Amorphocephalus Bowdich, Excursions in Madeira, 1825, 238 (type Amorphocephalus granulatus Bowdich). Body rather deep, strongly compressed, deepest behind occiput, thence tapering backward ; head short and very deep, its anterior profile almost vertical in adult, compressed into a sharp edge ; eye small, placed high ; preorbital extremely deep ; snout not greatly in advance of fore- head; mouth rather small, low and horizontal; each jaw with 2 anterior canines ; no posterior canine ; scales large, little reduced on chest ; head mostly naked, with few scales below and back of eyes ; lateral line inter- rupted posteriorly, reappearing lower down on caudal peduncle; dorsal fin continuous, with 9 slender, graduated spines. 527. Xyrichthys psittacus (Linnaeus). Coryphcena psittacus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 488 (Charles- ton, S. C.). Coryphcena lineata Gmelin, Syst. Nat., 1789, 1195 (Charleston, S. C.). Xyrichthys lineatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, !839, 50; Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882 (1883), 609. Xyrichthys vermiculatus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 215 (Havana, Cuba). Novacula lineata Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 171. Xyrichthys venustus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, no (Cuba). Xyrichthys psittacus Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 45; 73o FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1618, PI. CCXLII, fig. 607. Head 3.86 to 4.35; depth 2.85 to 3.85; D. IX, 12; A. Ill, 12; scales 27 to 29. Body deep, very strongly compressed; head short, compressed, ex- tremely deep, its anterior profile very steep, ascending in a straight line, compressed into a keel; snout little in advance of forehead in adult, rather longer and more strongly projecting in young, its length 1.4 to 2.53 in head ; eye 4.52 to 5.5 ; preorbital extremely wide ; mouth mod- erate, horizontal ; jaws equal ; maxillary failing to reach anterior margin of eye, not concealed by preorbital, 3.1 to 3.53 in head; each jaw ante- riorly with 2 strong canines in front; posterior canines wanting; other teeth short, conical; gill-rakers very poorly developed; gill-membranes broadly united at isthmus; scales large, little reduced on chest; head mostly naked, with few scales below and back of eye; lateral line inter- rupted under posterior rays of dorsal, reappearing on middle of caudal peduncle, none of the pores branched ; dorsal with 9 slender spines, graduated, the last ray of soft portion produced in adult, reaching to or past base of caudal; caudal truncate or slightly rounded; anal with 3 slender spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal ; ventrals rather small, the outside ray produced in adult ; pectorals moderate, 1 .2 to 1 .45 in head. Color in spirits mostly pale or slightly brownish; in life rose-red or brownish, with a blue vertical streak on sides, and with a pale or silvery area behind and below pectorals, the latter often wanting or dis- appearing in spirits; cheeks with narrow bluish vertical bands; dorsal plain; caudal with several narrow, dark cross-bands; and with oblique olivaceous streaks. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from specimens from South Carolina, Florida, Nassau, Cuba, and Cozumel, ranging in length from 95 to 200 mm. Known from South Carolina southward to Bahia, Brazil; not re- corded from Panama. 192. Genus Doratonotus Gunther. Doratonotus Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 124 (type Dora- tonotus megalepis Gunther) . Body rather strongly compressed, elongate; head pointed, its dor- sal profile straight or slightly concave, not compressed into a keel; preorbital rather narrow, shielding posterior part of maxillary; each SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 731 jaw with 2 canines in front, upper jaw with a small canine posteriorly ; gill-membranes united, free from the isthmus ; scales large ; cheeks and opercles scaly; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on middle of caudal peduncle ; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, the anterior ones elevated, longer than the succeeding ones, making the outer mar- gin of fin concave ; caudal rounded ; colors brilliant. 528. Doratonotus megalepis Giinther. Doratonotus megalepis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 125 (Caribbean Sea) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1611. Doratonotus thalassinus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 28 (Key West, Fla.). Doratonotus decoris Evermann & Marsh, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXV, 1899 (1900), 354 (Ponce, Porto Rico); Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 155, fig. 38 (Caledonia Bay). Head 3.1 to 3.55; depth 2.66 to 3.13; D. IX, 9 or 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 20 to 25. Body rather deep, strongly compressed; the back considerably ele- vated; profile from snout to nape straight or slightly concave; head rather deep; snout sharply pointed, notably longer than eye, its length 2.9 to 4.0 in head ; eye 4.05 to 4.82 ; mouth rather small, the gaps fail- ing to reach anterior margin of eye ; jaws equal ; maxillary posteriorly covered by the preorbital, 3.0 to 4.5 in head; teeth strong; each jaw with 2 canines in front, the teeth next to the canines somewhat en- larged; other teeth short, rather pointed; gill-rakers extremely weak, about 6 slightly developed; gill-membranes united, free from the isth- mus; scales large, extending up on base of dorsal and anal; cheeks, opercle, and preopercle scaly; lateral line interrupted near end of dorsal, reappearing on middle of caudal peduncle; pores in anterior portion slightly branched; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, the first 2 with filamentous appendages, the second spine the longest, from thence decreasing in length to fourth or fifth spine, the posterior spines gradu- ated, soft portion higher than the spines, without elevated lobe; cau- dal slightly rounded; anal with 3 spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal; ventrals moderate, an elongate scale between them; pectoral rather broad, 1.5 to 1.8 in head. Color variable, pale green to deep green in life ; sides usually with 2 or 3 more or less distinct, pinkish, longitudinal bands, these slightly visible as pale streaks in preserved specimens; sides various, without trace of maroon spots or blotches, with few maroon dots, or with ir- 732 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. regular spots, blotches and bars, becoming dusky in spirits; a dark opercular blotch usually present; a very short brownish bar just back of eye seldom wanting ; a dark brown bar from eye to snout present on specimens bearing maroon markings; iris deep green, with red border around pupil; fins in some specimens all plain green, with pinkish margin, reddish in others and variously spotted or barred with dusky or maroon ; a very small, dark spot often present on membrane between last rays of dorsal and anal; base of caudal often with a dark red or rusty bar, sometimes with blotches of the same color near tips of outer rays of fin, these occasionally confluent, forming a bar. Of this species we have 22 specimens, ranging in length from 30 to 60 mm. Known from Florida southward to Panama. It apparently is a rather rare species. Our specimens were all taken from among eel-grass in Fox Bay, Colon, and at Porto Bello. Family LXII. Scaridae. THE PAKROT-FISHES. Body oblong, moderately compressed; mouth moderate, terminal; lips not thickened; teeth in the jaws coalesced, at least at the base, usually forming continuous plates, with an externally evident median suture, often with one or more free canines above the cutting edge; no teeth on vomer or palatines; lower pharyngeals large, forming a quadrangle, with a more or less concave surface; scales large, cycloid, 23 to 26 in lateral series ; dorsal fin continuous, its formula almost con- stantly IX, 10, the spines weak and flexible or stiff and pungent ; anal constantly III, 9, the spines very weak, the first one often overlooked. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Teeth not fully coalesced, not forming continuous plates; the anterior teeth enlarged, often more or less canine-like; the median suture of jaws not evident externally. Cryptotomus, p. 733. aa. Teeth in jaws fully coalesced, forming continuous plates; the median suture of jaws evident externally. b. Dorsal spines flexible; lower jaw included in the upper when mouth is closed; cheeks with 2 or more rows of scales; lower pharyngeals much longer than broad. c. Teeth pale. Scarus, p. 735. cc. Teeth bluish or green. Pseudoscarus, p. 744. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 733 bb. Dorsal spines stiff, pungent; upper jaw included in the lower when mouth is closed. Sparisoma, p. 747. 193. Genus Cryptotomus Cope. Calliodon Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 266 (type Scarus spindens Quoy & Gaimard ; not Calliodon of Gronow or of Bloch & Schneider). Cryptotomus Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 462 (type Cryptotomus roseus Cope). Lateral teeth of upper jaw coalescent, forming a more or less complete cutting edge; the anterior teeth more separate, often devel- oped as canines ; free canines often present on side of upper jaw ; lower jaw laterally with a single series of partly coalescent teeth, an- teriorly with 2 or more series of more separate teeth, some of these often enlarged, more or less canine-like; the median suture of jaws not evident externally; scales large, a single row on cheeks, 4 or 5 on median line before dorsal; dorsal spines flexible. KEY TO THE SPECIES.* a. Body deep, rather strongly compressed, its depth 3.08 to 3.2 in its length; anterior teeth in lower jaw not larger than the lateral ones. ustus, p. 733. aa. Body very slender, little compressed, its depth 4.1 to 4.3 in its length; anterior teeth in lower jaw larger than the lateral ones. roseus, p. 734. 529. Cryptotomus ustus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Callyodon ustus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 286, PI. CCCCV (Brazil) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 214; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 541 (note on type.) Cryptotomus ustus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 226; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1624. Head 3.24 to 3.25; depth 3.08 to 3.2; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 8 or 9; scales 24 or 25. Body rather deep, compressed ; the back moderately elevated ; head rather short and deep, its anterior profile rather steep, convex; snout rather long and blunt, its length 2.0 to 2.44 in head; eye 5.06 to 5.15; *A third species, Cryptotomus margarita Fowler (Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., I9 J 7 I33) from Colon, has been described since these pages were prepared. C. margarita differs from both species described here in having two rows of scales on the cheeks. 734 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. mouth small, horizontal; jaws subequal; preorbital wide; anterior teeth in upper jaw enlarged, canine-like; sides of jaw Usually with one or more canines curved outward and backward, these entirely wanting on one side in our smaller specimens ; anterior teeth in lower jaw not larger than the lateral ones; gill-membranes broadly united, attached to the isthmus; scales large, slightly enlarged on the chest, 3 in advance of ventrals; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row; lateral line slightly interrupted posteriorly, commencing again slightly lower down on middle of caudal peduncle, the pores much branched; dorsal with 9 flexible spines; caudal fin slightly rounded; anal with 3 flexible spines, the first very small, close to the second one (easily overlooked), the soft portion of fin similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals slightly shorter than pectorals, the latter 1.65 in head. Color of alcoholic specimens olive-gray above, pale below; some of the scales with dark bases, these often more or less grouped so as to form indistinct bars and blotches on back and sides ; cheek and opercle with a large bluish area ; upper lip dusky ; dorsal, caudal and anal all pale, with dusky bars or spots, the membrane between the first 2 spines black ; ventrals and pectorals pale ; no distinct axillary spot. We have only 2 specimens of this species, respectively, 150 and 200 mm. in length. We have compared the types (3 specimens) of C. beryllinus, from Key West, Florida, ranging from 1 10 to 135 mm. in length, with our material and are unable to find any difference, except the absence of the lateral canines in the former. In our smaller specimen, 150 mm. long, these canines are entirely wanting on one side, while the other side has but a single small one; our large specimen, 200 mm. long, has 3 well developed canines on one side and 2 on the other. The material at hand, therefore, indicates that the lateral canines are wanting in the young, but develop with age, as is shown to be the case in C. roseus. More material will very probably show conclu- sively that C. beryllinus is the young of C. ustus. Known from South Carolina south to Brazil. Our specimens are from the Colon market. 530. Cryptotomus roseus Cope. Cryptotomus roseus Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 462 (St. Martins) ; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 228 (note on type) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1626. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 735 Head 3.15 to 347; depth 4.1 to 4.3; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 22 to 25. Body slender, a little compressed ; the back scarcely elevated ; head low, rather long; snout abruptly pointed, slightly depressed, its length 2.75 to 3.7 in head; eye 3.85 to 4.62; mouth small, horizontal; jaws subequal; anterior teeth in upper jaw enlarged, canine-like, directed forward, separate to base, the larger specimens at hand with one or two canines in side of upper jaw, curved outward and backward, these entirely wanting in very young (specimens 50 mm. long) ; an- terior teeth in lower jaw enlarged, more or less canine-like; no pos- terior canines; gill-membranes broadly united, connected with the isthmus; scales large, notably enlarged on chest, 3 scales in advance of ventrals; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row; lateral line slightly interrupted posteriorly, the pores in anterior por- tion much branched; dorsal with 9 very weak spines, the soft por- tion low; caudal slightly truncate, the lower rays a little longer than the upper ones ; anal with 3 weak spines, the first one extremely small, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals about as long as postorbital part of head; pectorals moderate, 1.53 to 1.9 in head. Color in spirits grayish above, pale below; fins pale; caudal with about 8 narrow dark cross-bars ; pectorals with a black axillary spot. Our specimens entirely without cross-bars ; very young with a narrow, pale streak, extending from above base of pectorals to base of caudal. This species is represented in the present collection by 5 specimens, ranging in length from 50 to 85 mm. We have also examined 2 speci- mens, respectively 85 and 1 10 mm. in length, from Bahia, Brazil. The presence of free lateral canines appears to be an age charac- ter. Our smallest specimens, 50 mm. in length, are entirely without them; specimens 60 and 65 mm. long have them slightly developed. When the fish reaches a length of 80 mm. they have become quite evident. In other respects our smallest specimens agree perfectly with the larger ones. Known from the West Indies south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Fox Bay, Colon. 194. Genus Scarus Forskal. Scarus Forskal, Descr. Animal., 1775, 25 (type Scarus psittacus Forskal). Calliodon Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 312 (type Calliodon lineatus Bloch & Schneider). 736 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Hemistoma Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 226 (type Scarus pepo Bennett = Hemistoma reticulata Swainson). Eyrchthys Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 22 6 (type Labrus croicensis Bloch). Chlorurus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 227 (type Scarus gibbus Riippell). Body rather robust, compressed; head rather short and deep; snout blunt; upper lip laterally double, the inner fold becoming very narrow or disappearing anteriorly; lower jaw included; teeth in the jaws fully coalesced, forming continuous plates; each jaw with an evident median suture ; free canines present or wanting ; lower pharyn- geals in the form of a rectangle, nearly twice as long as wide, trans- versely concave ; upper pharyngeals separate, each with one large and one small row of teeth ; gill-membranes scarcely united to the isthmus ; scales large, 22 to 26 in a lateral series; lateral line interrupted pos- teriorly, commencing again lower down on caudal peduncle, the tubes more or less branched; dorsal fin constantly with 9 flexible spines and 10 soft rays ; anal with 3 flexible spines, the first one very small, hid- den in the skin, therefore easily overlooked, soft rays constantly 9 in number. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Upper jaw with i to 4 free canines posteriorly near angle of mouth. b. Posterior canines i or 2. c. Sides with a wide yellowish longitudinal band extending from eye backward, becoming indistinct on posterior part of body; caudal fin with alternating green and yellowish longitudinal streaks ; dorsal mesially orange, with one or two rows of green spots. punctulatus, p. 737. cc. Sides plain brownish, no longitudinal bands; caudal plain brownish, the outer rays darker in spirits, bluish green in life; dorsal without spots. noyesi, p. 738. bb. Posterior canines 3 or 4; color uniformly brownish; fins pale and plain. trispinosus, p. 739. aa. Upper jaw without canines. d. Cheeks with 2 rows of 5 or 6 scales each, and a third partial row with i to 4 scales. e. The scales in the upper row on cheeks much larger than those in the second row ; third row with i or 2 scales. cceruleus, p. 739. ee. The scales in the upper 2 rows of about equal size. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 737 f . The third, or partial row, with 3 or 4 scales ; sides with 2 brown longitudnial bands. croicensis, p. 741. f f . Third row with only one small scale ; sides without bands. azureus sp. nov., p. 742. dd. Cheeks with 3 rows of 6 or 7 scales each, and a third or par- tial row with 2 small scales; color very dark brown or black above, of a lighter brown below ; no stripes or bars present. nigrescens sp. nov., p. 743. 531. Scarus punctulatus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Scarus punctulatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 195 (Martinique) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1645. Scarus diadema Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 198 (Martinique). Pseudoscarus tcsniopterus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 226 (Trinidad; not of Desmarest). Pseudoscarus punctulatus Guichenot, Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Cherbourg, XI, 1865, 26. Scarus tceniopterus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 47. Head 2.8 to 3.3; depth 2.62 to 3.0; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 24 or 25. Body moderately elongate, compressed; the back elevated; dorsal profile anteriorly gently convex; dorsal outline more strongly convex than the ventral ; head moderate ; snout very blunt, with a small fleshy pad on its upper surface, its length 2.35 to 2.57 in head; eye 5.0 to 6.1 ; mouth small, not reaching half way to eye; lower jaw included; teeth fully coalesced, forming continuous plates ; each jaw with an evident median suture; upper jaw with one or two free canines pos- teriorly near angle of mouth; gill-membranes scarcely connected; scales large, not reduced on chest, 5 in advance of ventrals; head largely scaly; cheeks with 2 rows of 6 scales each and a third row with 3 scales, those of the upper row scarcely larger than in the next row; lateral line interrupted under posterior rays of dorsal, reappear- ing lower down on caudal peduncle, most of the pores more or less branched; dorsal spines flexible, each with a fleshy tip, not much dif- ferent from the soft rays ; caudal slightly rounded, without produced angles in specimens at hand; anal with 3 flexible spines, the first one very small, often overlooked, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals moderate, shorter than pectorals, the latter 1.3 to 1.45 in head. 738 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color dark brown above, becoming reddish to olivaceous on sides and below; a yellow longitudinal band from eye backward, becoming indistinct and disappearing posteriorly, narrow on head, a brown stripe, about as wide as eye below it, bordered above and below by green stripes, extending forward, one above the eye and the other below it, the upper one meeting its fellow on forehead and the lower one meeting its fellow on the upper lip; lower jaw with a green band extending from slightly back of angle of mouth to opposite side ; lower part of head with several bright green blotches, at least along margin of opercle; dorsal and anal each with dark green bases and margins, mesially orange, with one or two rows of greenish spots of different sizes ; in one specimen the anal with but a single row of round spots ; outer rays of caudal deep green, the rest of fin with more or less distinct alternating green and yellowish longitudinal stripes; ventrals pale green; pectorals pale yellowish, the axil not dusky ; teeth pale. Only 2 specimens of this species, 175 and 185 mm. in length, were secured. Known from the West Indies to Panama. Our specimens are from Porto Bello. The species was previously recorded only from the West Indies. 532. Scarus noyesi Heller & Snodgrass. Scarus noyesi Heller & Snodgrass, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., V, 1903, 206, PI. IX (Albemarle Id.). Callyodon noyesi Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1904 (1905), 397; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 142 (Panama Bay). Head 2.9; depth 2.16; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 25. Body rather deep, compressed ; the back considerably elevated ; dorsal outline more strongly convex than the ventral; profile from snout to dorsal about evenly convex ; head short and deep ; snout long, not very blunt, its length 2.0 in head; eye 7.7; mouth rather small, reaching scarcely half way to eye ; lower jaw included ; teeth fully coalesced, forming continuous plates, each jaw with a distinct median suture ; upper jaw with 2 posterior, conical canines, directed outward ; gill-membranes nearly separate; scales large, not much reduced on chest, 5 in advance of ventrals; most of head scaly; cheeks with 2 rows of 6 scales each and a third row with 3 scales, those of the up- per rows of about equal size; lateral line interrupted under posterior rays of dorsal, beginning again lower down on caudal peduncle, the pores variously branched; dorsal fin with 9 flexible spines, the spines SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 739 and soft rays of about equal length, the last rays slightly longer than the rest; caudal deeply concave, the angles much produced, especially the upper one; anal with 3 spines, first one hidden in the skin (easily overlooked), the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals moderate, shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.34 in head. Color in alcohol uniform brownish, scarcely paler below than above ; a yellowish band extending from back of angle of mouth down- ward and forward across chin ; dorsal and anal each with dark base and margin ; caudal brownish, the outer rays darkest ; ventrals plain brown- ish ; pectorals dusky, with a wide, pale margin ; teeth pale. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from a single large specimen 515 mm. in length from Panama Bay, taken by the Albatross, either at Perico Island or Panama and recorded by Kendall & Radcliffe (Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, p. 142). Known from Panama south to the Galapagos Islands. 533. Scarus trispinosus Cuvier & Valenciennes. Scarus trispinosus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 182 (Brazil) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1648. Scarus quadrispinosus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 197 (Martinique) ; Guichenot, Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Cherbourg, XI, 1865, 27 (note on type). Pseudoscarus trispinosus Guichenot, Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Cherbourg, XI, 1865, 23 (note on type). Pseudoscarus quadrispinosus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 542 (note on type). Snout rather long ; upper jaw with 3 or 4 posterior canines ; cheeks with 2^2 to 3 rows of scales. Color of dry skin brownish; fins ap- parently plain and pale ; no axillary spot ; teeth pale. Known to us only from meager descriptions of dried skins. Recorded from Martinique and Brazil. 534. Scarus coeruleus (Bloch). Corphycena ccerulea Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, II, 1786, 148, PI. CLXXVI (in part; after Catesby and a figure of Aubriet, altered from a figure by Plumier). Scarus loro Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 288 (after Loro of Parra). Scarus cceruleus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 288 (after Catesby and Trompa of Parra) ; Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., 740 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. XV, 1887(1891), 686; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1652, PL CCXLIV, fig. 613, jaws. Scarus trilobatus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 21 (Martin- ique ; on a drawing by Plumier) . fSparus holocyaneos Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 45 (Mar- tinique ; on a copy by Aubriet of a drawing of Plumier) . Scarus obtusus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 217 (Cuba; adult). Scarus nuchalis Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 220 (Cuba; young). Pseudoscarus chloris Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 227 (not Scarus chloris Bloch & Schneider). Pseudoscarus caruleus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 227. Pseudoscarus nuchalis Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 348. Pseudoscarus obtusus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 349. Head 3.16 to 3.6; depth 2.85 to 3.2; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 24 to 26. Body elongate, moderately compressed; the dorsal outline more strongly convex than the ventral; head, not much longer than deep; snout very blunt, with a well developed fleshy pad on its upper sur- face, its length 2.34 to 2.7 in head ; eye 5.15 to 6.4; mouth small, reach- ing about half way to eye; lower jaw included; teeth fully coalesced, forming continuous plates; each jaw with a very evident median suture; no free canines; gill-membranes slightly connected; scales large, not much reduced on chest, 5 in advance of ventrals; most of head scaly ; cheeks with 2 rows of 6 scales each, and a third row with one or two scales, those on the upper row much larger than those on the second row; lateral line interrupted under posterior rays of dor- sal, beginning again lower down on caudal peduncle, the pores more or less branched; dorsal with 9 flexible spines, each with a fleshy tip, not much different from the soft rays; caudal notably concave in adult, with the angles produced ; anal spines 3, the first one very small (often overlooked), weak and flexible like those of the dorsal; ven- trals moderate, not much shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.32 to 1.57 in head. Color dark green to slightly grayish green above, becoming of a lighter shade on sides and below ; no stripes or bars of any kind visi- ble on our preserved specimens ; lips a deep blue green ; dorsal and anal very deep blue green, almost black, each with bright green mar- gin; caudal slightly paler, the outer rays bright green; ventrals and pectorals mostly greenish, the latter without a black axillary spot; teeth white. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 741 Of this species only 3 specimens, ranging from 275 to 300 mm. in length, were secured. We have compared these with specimens from the West Indies. Known from Maryland southward to Trinidad. Our specimens are from the Colon market and Porto Bello. 535. Scarus croicensis Bloch. Scarus croicensis Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 27, PI. CCXXI (St. Croix) ; Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 938; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1650; Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 156 (Caledonia Bay). Scarus insulcs-sanctce-crucis Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 285 (St. Croix; after Bloch). Calliodon lineatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 312, PI. LXII, fig. 2 (after Gronow). Erychthys croicensis Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 226 (name only). Scarus alternans Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 200 (Martinique). Pseudoscarus sanctce crucis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 226. Pseudoscarus lineolatus Poey, Repertorio, II, 1868, 375 (Cuba). Scarus sancta-crucis Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 461. ? 'Scarus croicensis Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 6 1 (Natal, Brazil). Head 2.9 to 3.3; depth 3.1 to 3.65; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 22 to 25. Body elongate, compressed ; the back moderately elevated ; dorsal profile anteriorly gently convex; dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly curved; head moderately elongate, compressed; snout rather blunt, a fleshy pad on its upper surface more or less developed, its length 2.84 to 3.6 in head ; eye 3.6 to 4.85 ; mouth small, not reaching half way to eye; lower jaw slightly included; teeth fully coalesced, forming continuous plates; each jaw with an evident median suture; canines wanting ; gill-membranes slightly united ; scales large, not notably reduced on chest, 5 in advance of ventrals; head largely scaly; cheeks with 2 rows of 6 scales each, and a third row with 3 or 4 scales, those of the upper row scarcely larger than those of the second row; lateral line interrupted under posterior rays of dorsal, reappearing lower down on caudal peduncle, the anterior pores branched ; dorsal with 9 flexible 742 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. spines, the soft rays slightly higher than the spines; caudal slightly rounded, the angles not produced ; anal spines quite as weak as those of the dorsal ; ventrals moderate, slightly shorter than pectorals, the latter 1.35 to 1.78 in head. Color in spirits brown above, pale or pale brown below ; sides with 2 brown longitudinal bands, the upper one from eye to upper base of caudal, the lower one from base of pectoral to lower base of caudal; abdomen on each side with 3 narrow, pale lines; breast with similar stripes, but less distinct ; fins all plain ; pectoral without dark blotch at base; teeth pale. Of this species we have 31 specimens, ranging from 30 to 65 mm. in length. Known from Key West southward to Natal, Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point ; Fox Bay, Colon ; and Porto Bello. 536. Scams azureus sp. nov. (Plate LXXII, fig. i.) Type No. 81778, U. S. N. M.; length 205 mm.; Panama City, Panama. Head 3.36; depth 2.85; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 24. Body moderately elongate, compressed; dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly convex; profile over snout straight, from eyes to dorsal very gently convex; head rather deep, compressed; snout blunt, with a moderately developed fleshy pad on its upper surface, its length 2.6 in head; eye 5.55; mouth small, reaching less than half way to eye; lower jaw included ; teeth fully coalesced ; each jaw with a very evident median suture; free canines wanting; gill-membranes separate; scales large, not much reduced on chest, 5 in advance of ventrals ; head largely scaly ; cheeks with 2 rows of 6 scales each, and a third row with one small scale, those of the upper rows of about equal size; lateral line inter- rupted under posterior rays of dorsal, beginning again lower down on caudal peduncle ; dorsal fin with 9 flexible spines, each with a fleshy tip, of about the same length as the soft rays ; caudal fin with its posterior margin nearly straight, the upper rays very slightly produced, forming a sharp angle, the lower lobe rounded ; anal with 3 spines, the first one very small, hidden in the skin (easily overlooked), the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals moderate, only slightly shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.35 in head. Color in alcohol plain grayish above, paler below ; in life bluish, the margin of scales on back and sides yellowish; a blue bar across fore- head from eye to eye, thence backward, soon becoming indistinct ; another blue band extending from underneath eye to angle of mouth, thence z 2 CO V O v CO LIBRAftf OF m SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 743 forward around tip of snout ; a third blue band from back of angle of mouth downward and forward across chin ; dorsal and anal each brick- red, with a narrow blue streak at base and on margin, caudal pinkish, with upper and lower rays and posterior margin sky-blue; ventrals pinkish ; pectorals yellow, upper ray sky-blue ; teeth pale. A single specimen, 205 mm. in length, purchased in the Panama City market, is present in the collection. It differs from 5. noyesi, the only other species of this genus recorded from the west coast of Panama, chiefly in the absence of free canines, and in the arrangement of the scales on the cheeks. 537. Scarus nigrescens sp. nov. (Plate LXXII, fig. 2.) Type No. 81764, U. S. N. M.; length 105 mm.; Porto Bello, Panama. Head 2.9; depth 3.25; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 25. Body elongate, moderately compressed ; the back not greatly ele- vated ; profile slightly concave above snout, from thence to origin of dorsal gently convex; head rather long and low, compressed; snout moderately pointed, its length 2.5 in head ; eye 4.62 ; mouth small, reaching less than half che distance to eye; lower jaw slightly included; teeth fully coalesced ; each jaw anteriorly with a very distinct median suture ; no free canines ; gill-membranes scarcely connected ; scales large, not reduced on chest, 5 in advance of ventrals; head mostly scaly ; cheeks with 3 rows of 6 or 7 scales each, and a fourth row with only 2 small scales, those of the upper row not much larger than those of the next two rows ; lateral line interrupted under or slightly back of base of last ray of dorsal, reappearing lower down on caudal peduncle, some of the pores slightly branched; dorsal with 9 flexible spines, of about equal length, not much different from the soft rays ; caudal very slightly rounded ; anal with 3 weak spines, the first one very small, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ventrals moderately developed, somewhat shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.42 in head. Color in spirits very dark brown or nearly black above, this color changing abruptly to a lighter brown on a straight line drawn from a little above base of pectoral to middle of base of caudal ; the lower sur- face of head and chest pale brown ; body and fins entirely without spots or bars; dorsal and caudal nearly black; anal somewhat paler; ventrals slightly dusky ; pectorals plain or translucent ; teeth pale. We have a single example of this species, 105 mm. in length, taken at Porto Bello. 744 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. This fish appears to differ from all other species of this genus in the very dark, and plain coloration. The scaling of the cheeks at once separates it from all other species in which the free posterior canines are wanting. In general appearance it resembles S. cuzamila, known only from Cozumel Island, but it of course lacks the posterior canines present in that species, and it has but 2 very small scales in the fourth row on the cheeks, while in 5. cuzamilce the fourth row is composed of 4 scales which are not much smaller than those of the rows above. 195. Genus Pseudoscarus Bleeker. Pseudoscarus Bleeker, Versl. Ak. Amsterdam, XII, 1861, 230 (type Pseudoscarus microrrhinos Bleeker) . Loro Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 C 1 ^^), 418 (type Scarus guacamaia Cuvier). Teeth in the jaw deep green or blue, fully coalesced ; each jaw ante- riorly with a very evident median suture. Other characters as in Scarus. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Cheeks with 2 rows of 5 or 6 scales each, and a third row with one or occasionally 2 scales; fin spines enveloped in a rather thin coat of skin ; caudal fin slightly double concave in adult, the angles produced. guacamaia, p. 744. aa. Cheeks with only 2 rows of 6 scales each; fin spines enveloped in a very heavy coat of skin; caudal fin slightly rounded at all ages, the angles never produced. perrico, p. 745. 538. Pseudoscarus guacamaia (Cuvier). Guacamaya Parra, Desc. Piezas de Hist. Nat., 1787, 54, PI. XXVI (Cuba). Scarus guacamaia Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 265 (no description; based on Parra). Scarus turchesius Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 181 (Porto Rico). Scarus rostratus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 221 (Havana). Pseudoscarus turchesius Poey, Repertorio, I, 1866, 317. Pseudoscarus rostratus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 349. Pseudoscarus guacamaia Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 233 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1657, PI. CCXLVI, fig. 617. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 745 Hemistoma guacamaia Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 607. Head 2.9 to 3.3; depth 2.3 to 2.8; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 23 to 25. Body elongate, compressed; the back moderately elevated; profile slightly depressed over and in front of eyes, no trace of a fleshy pad on head ; heard moderately elongate ; snout more pointed than in P. perrico, its length 2.1 to 2.9 in head; eye 4.55 to 6.8; mouth small, its posterior angle slightly nearer eye than tip of snout ; jaws subequal ; teeth on lower jaw included; teeth fully coalesced, forming continuous plates, with a very evident median suture; no free canines; gill-membranes slightly connected across isthmus ; scales large, those on chest of about the same size as those on sides, 5 in advance of ventrals; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with 2 rows of 5 or 6 scales each and a third row represented by one and occasionally by 2 scales ; lateral line interrupted under posterior rays of dorsal, reappearing lower down on middle of caudal peduncle, most of the pores branched; dorsal fin with 9 flexible spines, each enveloped in a rather thin coat of skin, the soft rays slightly longer than the spines ; caudal evenly rounded in young, slightly double concave in adult, with the angles produced ; anal with 3 spines, the front one very small, often overlooked, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal; ventrals slightly shorter than pectorals, the latter, 1.28 to 1.6 in head. Color in spirits olive brown to dark brown, paler below ; dorsal with more or less distinct dusky spots, and a bluish margin ; caudal more or less dusky, darker toward margin ; anal dusky, with dark green margin ; ventrals mostly pale, sometimes with faint brownish spots; pectorals bluish brown ; teeth very dark green. Of this species 5 specimens were secured, the smallest 95 and the largest 220 mm. in length. We examined other specimens from Key West, Florida ; St. Thomas ; Jamaica ; and Cozumel. The largest speci- men seen was 370 mm. in length. Ranging from the Florida Keys south to Rio de Janeiro. Our speci- mens are from Fox Bay and tide pools, Colon, and from the Colon market. 539. Pseudoscarus perrico (Jordan & Gilbert). Scarus perrico Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 357 (Mazatlan). Pseudoscarus perrico Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1658; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 746 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 1904, 146; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 410 (Panama). Callyodon perrico Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1904 (1905), 397; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 141. Head 2.9 to 3.2; depth 2.44 to 2.85; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 23 to 25. Body elongate, compressed; the back moderately elevated; anterior profile evenly convex in young, adult with a fleshy pad above and back of eyes, this variously developed, not of like size in specimens of same length; head rather deep, compressed; snout blunt, its length 2.0 to 2.45 in head ; eye 6.2 to 8.4 ; mouth small, its posterior angle about mid- way between tip of snout and eye; jaws subequal; teeth on lower jaw slightly included ; teeth fully coalesced, forming continuous plates, with a very evident median suture; no free canines; gill-membranes very slightly connected across isthmus; scales large, those on chest of about the same size as those on sides; 5 in advance of ventrals; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with 2 rows, each row with about 6 scales; lateral line interrupted under posterior rays of dorsal, reappearing lower down on middle of caudal peduncle, the pores much branched; dorsal fin with 9 flexible spines, each enveloped in a heavy coat of skin, the soft rays of about the same height as the spines; caudal fin slightly rounded at all ages, the angles never produced; anal with 3 spines, enveloped in a heavy coating of skin, the first one very small, often overlooked, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal ; ventrals somewhat shorter than pectorals, with 2 scales between their bases ; pectorals mod- erate, 1.33 to 1.47 in head. Color olivaceous brown ; scales in life with central portion blue, sur- rounded by brown; large irregular blue spots on sides of head about eyes; dorsal fin brownish, with blue margin, and an imperfect bluish streak most distinct posteriorly; caudal brownish in spirits, green in life ; anal deep blue green ; ventrals pale green ; pectorals brownish green ; teeth pea-green. There are 4 specimens of this species in the present collection, which range in length from 240 to 465 mm. This species is closely related to P. guacamaia from the Atlantic coast, differing, however, from the latter in having but 2 rows of scales on the cheeks, and in having a rounded caudal at all ages. The teeth appear to be of a paler green, and the fin spines bear a much heavier coat of skin. In all the specimens of P. guacamaia examined there is not a trace of a fleshy hump on the head, while all the specimens of SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 747 P. perrico, at hand, have it more or less developed, sometimes becom- ing very large. Known from Mazatlan south to the Galapagos Islands. Our speci- mens were purchased in the Panama City market. 196. Genus Sparisoma Swainson. Sparisoma Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 22 7 (type Sparus abildgaardi Bloch). Euscarus Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 416 (type Labrus cretenses Linnaeus). Body elongate, compressed ; head rather short and deep ; snout usu- ally blunt; upper lip double for its entire length; upper jaw included; teeth in the jaws coalesced, forming continuous plates; each jaw with an evident median suture; free canines present or wanting; lower pharyngeals much broader than long, the surface flat or concave ; upper pharyngeals separate, each with 3 rows of teeth ; gill-membranes united with the broad isthmus ; scales large, 24 to 26 in a lateral series ; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again lower down on caudal peduncle, the pores always more or less branched; dorsal fin with 9 pungent spines, and 10 soft rays; anal with 3 weak spines, and 9 soft rays. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Upper jaw with one or more free lateral canines on each side above the cutting edge of the dental plates. (These normally present, at least in adult.) b. General color of body dark red or brown ; no pale streaks along sides; scales along back with black edges; margin of opercles black. abildgaardi, p. 748. bb. Color paler, reddish brown or greenish ; scales along back with- out black edges; margin of opercles not black. c. Pectorals without a black spot at base of upper rays. d. Snout moderately pointed, its upper profile straight ; interorbital space transversely flat or slightly concave; lateral canines one on each side, wanting in young; general color reddish brown; sides usually with 2 longitudinal pale streaks, these most distinct in young. distinctum, p. 749. dd. Snout very blunt, its upper profile convex; interorbital space transversely convex; upper jaw usually with more than one lat- eral canine on each side ; general color greenish ; sides occasion- ally with a single indefinite pale streak. radians, p. 750. 748 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. cc. Pectorals with a very prominent jet-black spot at base of upper rays ; general color of body bluish green, chrysopterum, p. 753. aa. Upper jaw normally without free canines, or rarely a very small one developed on one or both sides. e. Pectorals with a very evident jet-black spot at base of upper rays. f. Snout very bluntly rounded, the interorbital space transversely strongly convex. rhomaleum sp. nov., p. 754. ff. Snout more pointed; interorbital space transversely flat or slightly concave. g. Body deep, rather strongly compressed, its depth 2.82 in its length; caudal fin in adult with middle rays of about equal length, the outer rays notably produced ; general color in alcohol grayish. squalidum, p. 755. gg. Body more elongate, its depth 3.13 in its length; caudal fin in adult about evenly concave, the outer rays not much produced; general color in alcohol greenish. elongatum sp. nov., p. 757. ee. Pectorals without a black spot at base of upper rays. h. Snout very blunt; interorbital space transversely strongly con- vex ; general color olive-gray or brownish, occasionally with one or more pale streaks along sides; body often more or less mottled ; vertical fins with spots and bars. flavescens, p. 758. hh. Snout more pointed; interorbital space flat; color nearly uni- formly bluish violet. frondosum, p. 759- 540. Sparisoma abildgaardi (Bloch). Sparus abildgaardi Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, V, 1791, 22, PI. CCLIX (America; from a specimen sent by Prof. Abildgaard). Scarus coccineus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 289 (Cuba). Sparus aureoruber Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 56, 163 (Martinique; on a drawing by Plumier). Sparisoma abildgardii Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 227. Scarus amplus Ranzani, Novi Comment. Ac. Sci. Inst. Bonon., V, 1842, 324, PI. XXV (Brazil). Scarus erythrinoides Guichenot, Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Cherbourg, XI, 1865, 10 (San Domingo). Scarus oxybrachius Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 342 (Cuba). Sparisoma abildgaardi Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 676; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII,. 1898, 1635 ; Evermann & Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XX, Pt. I, 1900 (1902), 239 (Porto Rico). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 749 Head 2.85 to 3.3; depth 2:54 to 2.9; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 24 or 25. Body elongate, rather strongly compressed ; the back elevated ; pro- file from snout to posterior margin of eyes nearly straight; head deep, compressed ; snout moderately pointed, its length 2.0 to 2.5 in head ; eye 4.35 to 6.4; interorbital space flat; mouth small; upper jaw included; teeth coalesced, the cutting edge more or less uneven, median suture evident ; a small canine above cutting edge of upper jaw, near angle of mouth, usually present ; gill-membranes united with the broad isthmus ; scales large, 3 in advance of ventrals; cheek and opercle scaly, the former with a single row of 5 scales ; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on next row of scales below, the pores much branched ; dorsal fin with 9 pungent spines, all of about the same length as the soft rays ; caudal fin deeply concave in large specimens, with the angles produced, much less so in smaller individuals, probably rounded in young; anal with 3 weak spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals moderate, not much shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.19 to 1.38 in head. Color in alcohol brown above, paler below; each scale along back and upper portion of sides with a dark brown margin; lips and mar- gin of opercle dark brown ; dorsal and caudal brownish ; other fins pale ; no black spot at base of pectorals. The life colors of a large specimen from Porto Rico are described thus: "Fins and lower parts below a line from tip of under jaw to base of caudal under the end of lateral line, red, edges of scales paler ; body above grayish, edges of scales black, bases of those below lateral line rosy ; brownish-red wavy stripes radiat- ing from eye below ; oblique pale-blue stripes on dorsal, tips of row of smaller scales at base of anal blue, and 3 blotches on upper and 3 on lower ray of caudal ; a few scales at base of caudal with pale yellow ; iris yellow, pupil bordered narrowly with red; membranous edge of opercle black." (Evermann & Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XX, Pt. I, 1900 (1902), p. 239.) This species was not taken by us. It is recorded from the West Indies and Brazil, but not from Panama. It is here described from 5 specimens, ranging from 200 to 360 mm. in length, from the West Indies. 541. Sparisoma distinctum (Poey). Scarus distinctus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 423 (Havana). Sparisoma distinctum Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 750 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. (1891), 676; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1635. Head 3.2 to 3.5; depth 2.7 to 3.0; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 24 or 25. Body elongate, compressed; the back elevated; profile from tip of snout to posterior margin of eyes straight, from thence to dorsal slightly convex; head rather short; snout moderately pointed, its length 2.3 to 3.0 in head ; eye 3.5 to 5.0 ; interorbital space transversely flat or slightly concave; mouth small; upper jaw included; teeth coalesced, the cutting edges more or less uneven, median suture evident; upper jaw usually with a single canine above the cutting edge near angle of mouth, and sometimes with one or more small points in front on edges of median suture; gill-membranes united with the isthmus; scales large, 3 in advance of ventrals; cheeks and opercles scaly, the latter with a single row of 5 scales ; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on next row of scales below, the pores with several branches ; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, all of about the same length as the soft rays ; caudal fin slightly rounded in very young, becoming slightly concave with age, the outer rays not prominently produced ; anal with 3 weak spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins moderate ; pectorals rather long, 1.22 to 1.3 in head. Color of old alcoholic specimens brownish above, pale below; sides with 2 pale streaks, the upper one extending from upper margin of eye to upper surface of caudal peduncle, the lower one extending from lower margin of eye to middle of base of caudal, these most distinct in young, the upper one indistinct or wanting in adult; margin of opercle and scales not black ; fins unmarked ; no black spot at base of upper rays of pectorals ; teeth pale. This fish was not taken by us. It is here described from specimens from Cuba, Nassau, and Biscayne Bay, Florida, ranging in length from 85 to 235 mm. Two of the specimens from Cuba are of Poey's own identification. The smallest specimen at hand is from Biscayne Bay, Florida, and is wrongly identified in the National Museum collection as Cryptotomus beryllinus. This appears to be the first record of this species from the U. S. coast. Ranging from Florida south to Brazil, but not recorded from Panama. 542. Sparisoma radians (Cuvier & Valenciennes). (Plate LXXIII, figs, i & 2.) 5 ^ E / JUf SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA, MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 751 Scarus radians Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 206 (Brazil) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 211. Labrus radians Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. Rares Amer. Sud, 1855, 29. Scarus lacrimosus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 422 (Havana). Scarus hoplomystax Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 462 (St. Martins). Sparisoma cyanolene Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 98 (Key West). Sparisoma xystrodon Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 99 (Key 'West, Florida) ; Bean, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1888 (1900), 198; Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 678; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1630. . Sparisoma hoplomystax Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 677, PI. X; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1632, PI. CCXLIV, fig. 6n; Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 156 (Caledonia Bay). Sparisoma radians Jordan, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 677; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1631. Head 3.05 to 3.56; depth 2.6 to 2.9; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 24 to 26. Body elongate, rather robust, compressed; the back moderately ele- vated; profile from snout to origin of dorsal evenly convex; ventral outline anteriorly rather strongly curved; head short and deep; snout blunt, its length 2.58 to 3.1 in head; eye 3.5 to 4.6; interorbital space convex; mouth small, failing to reach vertical from anterior margin of eye; upper jaw included; teeth in each jaw coalesced, forming contin- uous plates, the median suture not always very evident; upper jaw with i to 4 free canines on each side above its cutting ege, each indi- vidual, however, not always with the same number on both sides; gill- membranes attached to the broad isthmus; scales large, slightly en- larged on chest, 3 in advance of ventrals ; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row of 5 scales ; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on next row of scales below, the pores with few or several branches; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, of about same length as soft rays; caudal rounded; anal with 3 weak spines, the first very small, hidden in the skin; ventrals moderate, slightly shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.43 to 1.2 in head. Color of female in spirits grayish or brownish above, paler below; chin usually crossed by a distinct whitish band; a pale streak extend- 752 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. ing from eye to base of caudal sometimes present; no bluish green streak from eye to angle of mouth ; dorsal, caudal and anal all more or less spotted or barred with grayish or dusky ; the membrane between the first 2 spines of dorsal black ; ventrals usually plain, occasionally faintly spotted; pectorals plain greenish, their bases brown or dusky, never bluish black. The following notes were based on some fresh specimens : General color greenish olive; chest yellow, mottled with darker; sides with a light band, extending from above pectoral to caudal peduncle, where it fades into the ground color; chin with a pale band; dorsal yellowish green or red; caudal greenish yellow to red, faintly barred; anal red or yellow, more or less barred with brown; base of pectorals bluish green. The male differs from the female in being, as a rule, darker in color, and it has an evident narrow bluish green streak running from eye to angle of mouth; the white bar on chin is very faint or wanting. The fins are less spotted and barred, and the caudal and anal are often partly black. The pectorals always have a darker base, which is usually very deep bluish black. The following notes were based on a fresh male specimen, which was then thought to be a distinct species : General color greenish olive ; yellow below, this color most prominent on chest; chin with a black blotch; a narrow bluish green streak from eye to angle of mouth; dorsal reddish at base, with black margin; caudal yellowish green at base, the distal fourth black; anal black; base of pectorals black; teeth pale. Of this species there are 218 specimens, ranging from 40 to 140 mm. in length, in the present collection. The study of our large series has made it possible to unite under one name several nominal species based chiefly on color. The dissection of 50 specimens shows that all of those with the bluish green streak from eye to angle of mouth, and with the base of pectorals bluish black are males. All of the specimens with black on caudal and anal were found to be males, although some without black on these fins were also found to be males. The female has the vertical fins more or less spotted or barred. It lacks the bluish green streak from eye to angle of mouth, and the base of the pectorals is brown, never black. There is considerable variation in color even among individuals of the same sex, and when the extremes of the opposite sexes are compared, a prominent difference appears to exist. This difference in the color of the male and female, together with the large variation among indi- viduals of the same sex, has led to the description of several nominal species, of which S. xystrodon seems to represent the most highly col- ored male and S. cyanolene the most modest female. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 753 Known from Florida south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Fox Bay, Colon, and Porto Bello. The species is abundant among eel-grass, where it was taken in company with 6". flavescens. 543. Sparisoma chrysopterum (Bloch & Schneider). Scarus chrysopterus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 286, PI. LVII (American Seas) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 211. Scarus Moris Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 289 (Cuba). Scarus lateralis Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 219 (Cuba). Sparisoma chrysopterum Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 94; Jordan, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 674; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1636; Evermann & Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XX, 1900 (1902), 239. Head 3.1 to 3.3; depth 2.8 to 3.06; D. IX, 9 or 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 25. Body elongate, compressed; the back elevated; profile from tip of snout to anterior margin of eyes nearly straight, from eyes to dorsal slightly convex ; head deep, compressed ; snout moderately pointed, 2.05 to 2.35 in head; eye 5.0 to 5.2; interorbital space flat; mouth small; upper jaw included; teeth coalesced, the cutting edges more or less uneven, the median suture evident ; upper jaw with one or several canines on sides above the cutting edge, and one or two in front on edges of median suture ; gill-membranes united with the broad isthmus ; scales large, 3 in advance of ventrals ; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row of 5 scales ; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on next row of scales below, the pores considerably branched ; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, of about the same length as the soft rays; caudal fin in adult deeply concave, the outer rays much produced; anal with 3 weak spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal; ventrals not much shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.4 to 1.44 in head. Color of old alcoholic specimens at hand all faded, except a large, distinct black spot at base of upper rays of pectorals; the margin of the scales appear lighter than the rest of the scale. The life colors of a specimen, about a foot long, from Porto Rico are described by Ever- mann & Marsh (Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XX, 1900 ( 1902) , p. 239) thus : "Rich greenish-blue or bluish-green above ; edges of scales greener, their bases darker ; under parts rich blue ; head greenish-blue, somewhat mottled; lower jaw and breast sky-blue; dorsal pale rose; anal pale blue at base, then broadly pale brick-red, then a very narrow pale-blue 754 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. border; caudal reddish at base, blue on outer rays extending to tips; abaft the red a pale crescent, then a broad blood-red one, and last a narrow bluish-green border; pectoral pale lemon, a black splotch at base above ; ventrals pale-greenish." This species was not taken by us. It is here described from 3 speci- mens, 255 to 320 mm. in length, from the West Indies. Ranging from the West Indies south to Brazil, but not recorded from Panama. 544. Sparisoma rhomaleum sp. nov. (Plate LXXIV, fig. i) Type No. 81777, U. S. N. M. ; length 225 mm.; Colon market, Panama. Head 3.33 to 3.7; depth 2.8 to 2.95; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 25. Body elongate, robust, moderately compressed; the back elevated; dorsal profile anteriorly rather strongly convex; head short and deep; snout very blunt, its length 1.97 to 2.2 in head; eye 5.0 to 5.25; interorbital space transversely strongly convex; mouth small; upper jaw included ; teeth coalesced, the cutting edge more or less uneven, the median suture evident; upper jaw with one very small point in front above cutting edge next to median suture, usually none on side (Our largest specimen has only one very small point developed near angle of mouth, on one side of jaw only) ; gill-membranes united with the broad isthmus ; scales large, 3 in advance of ventrals ; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row of 5 scales; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on next row of scales below, the pores much branched, occupying nearly the entire row of scales ; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, all of about the same length as the soft rays ; caudal fin in adult about evenly concave, the outer rays not much produced; anal with 3 weak spines, the first one very small, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins moderate, not much shorter than the broad pectorals, the latter 1.25 to 1.28 in head. Color in alcohol dark green to brownish above, pale green below; sides of body perfectly plain, without spots or bars; snout mostly dusky; opercles with an indistinct bluish blotch or bar; dorsal and anal bluish black or dusky; caudal with the inner rays pale, the outer rays deep green to bluish ; ventrals pale ; pectorals dusky, with a wide, pale margin, and a very prominent black spot at the base of the upper rays ; teeth with a greenish tinge. We have 3 specimens of this species, respectively 225, 280 and 320 mm. in length, which were secured in the Colon market. *! SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 755 This fish appears to become darker in color with age. Our largest specimen has only 6 soft rays in the dorsal, which must, however, be regarded as an abnormal development, since it agrees in every other respect with the other specimens. We are unable to identify our specimens with any known species. They agree admirably in the general shape and form of the body with S. flavescens, but differ very prominently from that species in color. Comparing adult specimens of like size, it is also evident that the caudal fin is much more deeply concave in the present species. 545. Sparisoma squalidum (Poey). Scarus squalidus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 218 (Cuba) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 212; Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 938. Sparisoma flavescens Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 92 (in part) ; Jordan, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 672 (in part) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1639 (in part). Head 3.35; depth 2.82; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 25. Body elongate, rather strongly compressed ; the back moderately elevated ; profile straight or slightly concave over snout, slightly convex from anterior margin of eyes to origin of dorsal ; head short, rather strongly compressed; snout rather long and pointed, its length 2.25 in head; eye 4.6; interorbital space transversely slightly concave, the skull broadened just in front of eyes; mouth small, failing to reach anterior margin of eye ; upper jaw included ; teeth fully coalesced, form- ing continuous plates, the anterior suture in each jaw quite evident; no free lateral canines; gill-membranes attached to the broad isthmus; scales large, not reduced on chest, 3 in advance of ventrals ; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row of 5 scales; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on next row of scales below; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, of about the same length as the soft rays ; caudal concave, the middle rays of about equal length, the outer rays notably produced ; anal with 3 weak spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals moderate, somewhat shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.28 in head. Color in alcohol uniform grayish olive above, pale below, probably mostly reddish in life; rows of scales on lower part of sides with pale or slightly bluish streaks ; dorsal grayish, with darker spots or indistinct bars; middle rays of caudal pale, the outer rays dusky, with 756 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. indistinct darker spots ; anal and ventrals pale ; pectorals greenish, with a very evident jet-black spot at the base of the upper rays: teeth pale. Of this species there is a single specimen, 220 mm. long, in the present collection. In the National Museum collection there are 4 specimens from Nassau, 200 to 355 mm. in length, and 2 from Curacao, 200 and 205 mm. long, all wrongly identified as S. flavescens, which, however, agree perfectly with our specimen. The largest of these have the interorbital space more strongly concave, and the outer rays of caudal more prominently produced. A specimen from Cuba, 340 mm. long, identified as 5". squalidus by Poey, agrees admirably with the original description of that species, and is quite certainly identical with our specimen. 6". squalidum is, therefore, not identical with S. flavescens as considered by recent authors. It may be distinguished from the latter by the more strongly compressed head and body, more sharply pointed snout, and by the transversely flat or slightly concave interorbital. Comparing specimens of like size, a very marked difference becomes evident in the shape of the caudal fin. In S. flavescens the outer rays of the caudal are never as prominently produced as in the present species. The color of preserved specimens of. S. squalidum is much paler, the fins have fewer spots and bars, and the very prominent jet-black spot at the base of the upper rays of the pectorals at once distinguish the two species. From 6*. brachiale, a Cuban species, which 5\ squalidum strongly resembles, it is distinguished by the absence of free lateral canines. 6". brachiale has by recent authors (Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, p. 93; Jordan, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), p. 673; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, p. 1641 ; Evermann & Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XX, 1900 (1902), p. 242) been erroneously described as having no free lateral canines. Poey in the original description of the type, a specimen 240 mm. long, however, states that it has s'uch teeth, viz. : "Les dents sont blanches, ses granu- lations bien marquees sur le machoire inferieure; la superieure a son bord crenele, et porte en arriere deux ou trois pointes laterales tres petites." (Memorias, II, 1861, p. 345). In the National Museum col- lection is a specimen 300 mm. long, identified by Poey, himself, as this species, which has the canines as above described. Ranging from the Bahamas south to Venezuela. Our specimen was obtained in the Colon market. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 757 546. Sparisoma elongatum sp. nov. (Plate LXXIV, fig. 2.) Type No. 81504; U. S. N. M.; length 230 mm.; Panama City, Panama. Head 3.36; depth 3.13; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 25. Body elongate, rather slender, moderately compressed ; the back elevated ; profile straight over snout, gently convex from eyes to dorsal ; head rather short ; snout moderately produced, its length 2.33 in head ; eye 4.4 ; interorbital space flat ; mouth small, not reaching vertical from anterior margin of eye; upper jaw included; teeth fully coalesced, forming continuous plates, the cutting edges more or less uneven, the median suture evident ; upper jaw without free canines at side, and with only one minute point in front on edge of the median suture; gill- membranes connected with the isthmus ; scales large, 3 in advance of ventrals; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row of 5 scales; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on the next row of scales below, the pores with several branches occupying most of one row of scales; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, all of about the same length as the soft rays; caudal fin about evenly concave, the outer rays not much produced; anal with 3 spines, the first one very small, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals nearly as long as the pectorals, the latter 1.25 in head. Color in alcohol dark green above, pale green below; no streaks of any kind on sides of body; head with a pale green streak, extending from lower margin of eye to angle of mouth, where it curves backward on lower margin of cheek; snout plain olivaceous; lips dusky; dorsal fin grayish green, without spots or bars; caudal with middle rays of white, the outer rays grayish dusky, fin margined with dusky ; anal pale at base, distal portion of fin more or less dusky ; ventrals pale, unmarked ; pectorals pale green, with a livid green area above axil and a very prominent black spot at base of upper rays. A single specimen of this species is present in the collection. It is 230 mm. in length, and was purchased in the Panama City market. It is the first species of this genus recorded from the Pacific coast. This fact leads one to wonder if it could have been brought across from the Atlantic coast. But inasmuch as the supply of fish on the Atlantic coast is much smaller than the demand, and that Pacific coast fish are frequently brought across to supply the Atlantic coast markets, this does not seem probable. During the two seasons spent on the Isthmus by the present writers, no Atlantic coast fish were seen, or, at any rate, recognized as such in the Panama City market. The specimen at hand was taken along with Trachinotus rhodopus, Caranx cabdlus, 758 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Paralichthys woolmani, Ancylopsetta dendritica, Azevia panamensis, and others, all distinctly Pacific coast fish. We, therefore, regard this record as genuine. Our specimen is rather closely related to the Brazilian fish, S. maschalespilos Bleeker, from which, however, it differs in the more elongate and less strongly compressed body, in the shape of the caudal, and in color. 547. Sparisoma flavescens (Bloch & Schneider). Scarus flavescens Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 290 (Cuba). Callyodon flavescens Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XIV, 1839, 289. Sparisoma flavescens Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 92 (in part); Jordan, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (J&Ji), 672 (in part) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1639. Head 3.25 to 3.66; depth 2.64 to 3.2; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 24 to 26. Body elongate, robust, moderately compressed; the back elevated; profile over snout nearly straight, from eyes to origin of dorsal gently convex; ventral outline anteriorly strongly convex; head short and deep; snout very blunt, its length 2.4 to 3.34 in head; eye 3.55 to 5.2; interorbital space transversely strongly convex; mouth small, not reaching anterior margin of eye; upper jaw included; teeth fully coalesced, each jaw with an evident median suture; no lateral canines; gill-membranes joined to the broad isthmus; scales large, slightly enlarged on breast, 3 in advance of ventrals; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row of 5 large scales; lateral line slightly interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on next row of scales below, most of the pores with several branches ; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, of about the same length as the soft rays ; caudal rounded in young, becoming slightly truncate in specimens about 185 mm. long, notably concave with the angles somewhat produced in adults ; anal with 3 very weak spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ven- trals not much shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1 .23 to 1 .73 in head. Color olive-gray to brownish above, pale to orange below ; sometimes with one or more indistinct pale streaks along sides ; often more or less clouded with darker blotches or bars; lower jaw brownish or dusky, crossed by a pale band ; dorsal and caudal pale olivaceous, each barred and spotted with brown; anal red, with faint spots or bars of brown; ventrals nearly uniformly red, sometimes with faint brownish bars ; pectorals light orange-red ; teeth pale. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 759 Of this species 156 specimens, ranging from 35 to 250 mm. in length, were preserved. It was found to be the most abundant fish along shores lined with eel-grass, nearly every seine haul yielding considerable numbers. Known from Key West south to Rio de Janeiro. Our specimens are from Toro Point; Fox Bay, Colon; and Porto Bello. 548. Sparisoma frondosum (Cuvier). Scarus jrondosus (Cuvier MS.) Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 98, PI. LIV (Bahia) ; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus, 1886, 542 (note on the type). Scarus aracanga Giinther, Cat. Fish Brit. Mus., IV, 1862, 209 (Jamaica). Sparisoma aracanga Jordan, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 674. Sparisoma frondosum Jordan, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XV, 1887 (1891), 673; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1642; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913,61. Head 3.7; depth 2.9; D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 9; scales 25. Body elongate, compressed; the back elevated; profile anteriorly gently convex; ventral outline anteriorly strongly convex; head rather short; snout moderate, scarcely as blunt as in 5*. flavescens, its length 2.37 in head; eye 4.37; interorbital space transversely flat; mouth small, failing to reach anterior margin of eye; upper jaw included; teeth fully coalesced, each jaw with an evident median suture; no lateral canines; gill-membranes united with the broad isthmus; scales large, 3 in advance of ventrals; cheeks and opercles scaly, the former with a single row of 5 scales; lateral line interrupted posteriorly, beginning again on next row of scales below ; dorsal with 9 pungent spines, all of about the same length as the soft rays ; caudal evenly and gently concave in specimens at hand ; anal with 3 weak spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal ; ventrals not much shorter than the pectorals, the latter 1.35 in head. Color in alcohol uniform brownish above, paler below ; rows of scales on lower part of sides with pale streaks; vertical fins rather distinctly spotted and barred; ventrals and pectorals pale; no black spot at base of pectorals. The life colors have been described as nearly uniform bluish violet. 760 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from a single specimen, 170 mm. long, from Bahia, Brazil. This fish differs from 5". flavescens in the slightly more pointed snout, in the flat interorbital space and in color. Comparing the specimen at hand with a specimen of S. flavescens of the same size, an evident difference in the shape of the caudal is noticed. The caudal in S. flavescens of this size (170 mm.) is still slightly rounded, while in the present species it is evenly and gently concave. Known from Jamaica to Brazil, but not recorded from Panama. Family LXIII. Ephippidae. THE SPADE-FISHES. Body very deep, much compressed; dorsal outline strongly arched, more so than the ventral ; head short and blunt ; mouth small, terminal, slightly protractile or not; maxillary short, no supplemental bone; nostrils double; gill-membranes broadly united with the isthmus; the rakers very short; branchiostegals 6 or 7; pseudobranchiae present; lateral line present, strongly arched; scales small, ctenoid; dorsal fins slightly disconnected or not, the anterior with 8 to 10 spines; the soft dorsal long, densely scaled at base, anteriorly elevated, sometimes much produced; caudal fin broad, with posterior margin straight or concave ; anal fin with 3 or 4 spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventrals thoracic, pectorals short. This is a rather small family, having a single representative on the Atlantic coast of Panama and two on the Pacific coast. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Dorsal spines of unequal length, the third produced; mouth slightly protractile, a distinct transverse fold above upper lip; ventral fins rather large. Ch&todipterus, p. 760. aa. Dorsal spines very short and of about equal length; mouth not protractile, no transverse fold above upper lip ; ventral fins small. Parapsettus, p. 763. 197. Genus Chaetodipterus Lacepede. Chatodipterus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 503 (type Chatodipterus plumierii Lacepede). Body very deep, much compressed ; the anterior profile very steep ; head short and blunt; mouth small, terminal; teeth small, more or less g O M in c s^ 2 o a '". ~ s CE g UJ C 3! (/) U 2 S o - c&sin SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 761 flexible, in narrow bands; preopercle finely serrate or nearly smooth; branchiostegals 6; scales small, ctenoid, present nearly everywhere on head, from 50 to 100 in a lateral series; dorsal fins scarcely separate, the first with about 9 spines, the third elongate ; anal with three spines, the second the longest; soft portion of dorsal and anal anteriorly elevated in adult ; ventrals long, I, 5, with a large accessory scale. Two species are known, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of tropical and subtropical America. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales of moderate size, 50 to 60 in a lateral series, regularly arranged ; dorsal spines and the anterior part of soft dorsal and anal very strongly elevated. faber, p. 761. aa. Scales very small, from 75 to 100 in a lateral series, irregularly arranged; dorsal spines and the anterior part of soft dorsal and anal only moderately elevated. zonaius, p. 762. 549. Chaetodipterus faber (Broussonet). (Plate LXXV.) Chatodon faber Broussonet, Ichth. Sist. Pise., 1782, (19), PI. (VI). Chatodon plumieri Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, III, 1787, 104, PI. CCXI (Martinique). Zeus quadratus Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, 1789, 1225 (Jamaica). Chatodipterus plumierii Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 503 (Jamaica; Carolina). Selene quadrangularis Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 564 (Jamaica). Ephippus gigas Cuvier, Regne Anim., Ed. II, II, 1829, 191 (America). Ephippus faber Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 61. Ch&todipterus faber Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 613; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1668, PI. CCXLVII, fig. 619; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 135 (Colon). Head 2.7 to 3.5; depth 1.15 to 1.4; D. VIII-I, 21 to 23; A. Ill, 17 to 19; scales 53 to 60. Body short and very deep, much compressed ; anterior profile steep, gently and evenly convex in young, somewhat swollen between the eyes, making the margin of snout concave in adult ; head short and very deep ; snout short, somewhat projecting, its length 2.2 to 2.6 in head ; eye 3 to 4.2; mouth small, terminal, only very slightly protractile, a transverse fold above upper lip; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to anterior 762 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. margin of eye, 3.1 to 3.35 in head; teeth very small, flexible, in narrow bands ; lateral line continuous, arched ; scales moderate, ctenoid, in regu- lar series on sides ; the fins all densely scaled in adult, only the soft dorsal and anal with many scales in young; dorsal fins scarcely separate, the spines of unequal length, the third the longest, notably longer than head in some of our specimens, in others notably shorter, often with a membrane posteriorly which exceeds the length of the spine; the soft dorsal anteriorly much elevated in the adult, the longest rays often reaching beyond the tips of the caudal; caudal fin nearly straight in young, gently concave in adult; anal fin with three spines, the second the largest, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins moderate, longer than the pectorals, the outer ray filamentous in the young; pectoral fins short, 1.35 to 1.75 in head. Color grayish, with brassy reflections; chest and abdomen white; sides with 6 bars ; the first from above orbits through eye to throat ; the second just behind margin of opercle; the third a narrow half-bar extending from base of fourth and fifth dorsal spines to or slightly below middle of side; the fourth bar broad, extending from origin of second dorsal to origin of anal ; the fifth bar under middle of soft dorsal ; the sixth at base of caudal ; fins grayish green ; the ventrals and the membranes of spinous dorsal often very dark. Very young (35 mm.) dead leaf color, with paler spots and lines; the dark bars of the adult only faintly visible. This species is common on the Atlantic coast of Panama and is extensively used as food. We preserved 16 specimens, ranging from 35 to 385 mm. in length. Known from Massachusetts south to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Mindi, Christobal, and Colon. 550. Chaetodipterus zonatus (Girard). (Plate LXXVI.) Ephippus zanatus Girard, (House of Repr. Ex. Doc. No. 91) Rept. Expl. & Surv. Miss. R. to Pac. O., X, Pt. IV, 1858, no (San Diego, California) . Choetodipterus zonatus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 385 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1668; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 147 (Panama Bay) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 411 (Panama Bay). Head 2.8 to 3.55; depth 1.25 to 1.57; D. VIII-I, 21 to 23; A. Ill, 1 8 to 20 ; scales about 75 to 90. LIBRARY OF THE .ra SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 763 Body moderately deep, strongly compressed; anterior profile steep, gently and evenly convex in young, swollen between the eyes in very large examples, making the anterior margin of snout nearly vertical, but not concave; head short and deep; snout little projecting, its length 2.5 to 3 in head ; eye 3.1 to 3.75 ; mouth small, terminal, only very slightly protractile, a transverse fold above upper lip; maxillary reaching opposite anterior margin of eye, 3.1 to 3.45 in head; teeth very small, flexible, in narrow bands; lateral line continuous, arched; scales very small, in irregular series, difficult to enumerate ; fins all densely scaled in adult, only the vertical fins with many scales in the young; dorsal fins scarcely separate, the spines of unequal length, the third the longest, varying greatly among individuals, sometimes not much longer than eye, occasionally as long as head without opercle; the soft dorsal anteriorly notably elevated, the longest rays reaching somewhat past base of caudal in large examples ; caudal fin gently concave in adult, round in very young; anal fin with 3 short spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal, ventral fins notably longer than the pectorals, the outer ray filamentous in young; pectoral fins short, 1.3 to 1.7 in head. Color silvery gray, with black bars arranged as in C. faber. Very young (30 mm.) brownish, with slightly darker marking; the dark bands of the adult only faintly visible. This species is common on the Pacific coast of Panama. It is used quite extensively as food. We preserved 16 specimens, ranging in length from 30 to 275 mm. It differs from C. faber, its Atlantic congener, very strikingly in the much smaller and more irregularly arranged scales. The shorter dorsal spines of the present species, an alleged difference, while generally true is not always a reliable character, due to much variation among individuals. When specimens of like size are compared, it will be seen that the Pacific coast representative has a more elongate body, less strongly projecting snout, and the produced portions of the dorsal and anal are shorter. Known from San Diego, California, southward to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Our specimens were taken at Taboga Island, Balboa, and in the Panama City market. 198. Genus Parapsettus Steindachner. Parapsettus Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., Ill, 1875, 50 (type Parapsettus panamensis Steindachner). 764 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. This genus differs from Chatodipterus principally in the much shorter dorsal spines which are shorter than pupil and all of about equal length. There is no transverse fold above the upper lip, the mouth is not protractile, and the ventral fins are much smaller. A single species of this genus is known. 551. Parapsettus panamensis Steindachner. Parapsettus panamensis Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., Ill, 1875, 51, PI. VII (Panama); Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1669; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 148 (Panama Bay) ; Starks, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1906, 798 (Guayaquil, Ecuador). Head 3.35 to 3.55; depth 1.25 to 1.35; D. IX (rarely VIII), 25 or 26; A. Ill, 22 to 24; scales 100 to no. Body short and deep, strongly compressed; anterior profile vertical on margin of snout, swollen between the eyes, straight or slightly concave above the eyes ; head short and deep ; snout very blunt, its length 4.35 to 4.95 in head; eye 3.5 to 4.6; mouth small; the lower jaw included; premaxillaries not protractile, without a transverse fold above upper lip; maxillary reaching opposite middle of eye, 3.15 to 3.35 in head ; teeth in the jaws very small, flexible, in narrow bands ; lateral line continuous, arched; scales very small, the series irregular and difficult to enumerate; vertical fins densely scaled at least at base; dorsal fin long, continuous, the spines very short and of about equal length, preceded by a small, antrorse, scarcely hidden spine, the soft portion anteriorly somewhat elevated but not filamentous; caudal fin slightly double concave, angulate at outer rays; anal fin with 3 very short spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins very small, notably shorter than pectorals, the outer ray filamentous; pectoral fins moderate, I to 1.15 in head. Color in alcohol silvery gray ; ventral fins dusky. This species, although reported not rare in the Panama market by Gilbert & Starks, was not seen by us. The above description is based on 5 specimens from the National Museum collection, ranging from 150 to 190 mm. in length, taken at Panama and Guayaquil, Ecuador. Known from Panama south to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Family LXIV. Chaetodontidae. THE BUTTERFLY-FISHES. Body short and deep, usually strongly compressed; head short; mouth small, terminal, protractile ; teeth numerous, slender, bristle-like, SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 765 in narrow bands, none on palatines or vomer; gill-membranes attached to the isthmus ; gill-rakers short ; pseudobranchiae large ; branchiostegals 6 or 7; scales rather small, ctenoid; lateral line concurrent with the back, not extending on caudal fin; dorsal fin single, continuous, the soft part usually elevated anteriorly, often filamentous, densely scaled; anal fin with 3 or 4 spines, the soft portion usually similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins thoracic, with I, 5 rays. This family consists of brilliantly colored fishes of the tropical seas, the young often being very different from the adult. Three genera are represented in the Panama fauna.* KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Preopercle without an enlarged spine; dorsal spines not gradu- ated, some of the anterior ones longer than the last ones. Chcetodon, p. 765. aa. Preopercle with an enlarged spine at its angle; dorsal spines graduated. b. Body very deep, much compressed ; interopercle unarmed ; scales small, unequal, not in regular series; dorsal fin with 8 to n spines. Pomacanthus, p. 772. bb. Body oblong, rather robust; interopercle armed with from I to 4 spines; scales rather large, in regular series; dorsal fin with 12 to 15 spines. Holacanthus, p. 777. 199. Genus ChaBtodon Linnaeus. Chcetodon Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 272 (type Chcetodon capistratus Linnaeus). Chcetodon Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, II, 1817, 333 (types Chcetodon striatus & capistratus, first restricted to this group). Rdbdophorus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 211 (type Chcetodon ephippium Bloch) . Citharcedus Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXVI, 1860, 136 (type Chcetodon ornatissimus Solander). Linophora Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXVI, 1860, 137 (type Chcetodon auriga Forskal). Sarothrodus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 99 (type Chcetodon capistratus Linnaeus ; offered as a substitute for Chcetodon, the latter name being transferred to Pomacanthus'}. *A fourth genus (one species, Angelichthys ciliaris') was recorded, since these pages were prepared, from Colon, by Fowler (Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, P- 135). 766 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Tholichthys Giinther, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 4, 1, 1868, 457 (type Tholichthys osseus Giinther). Tetragonopterus Bleeker, Versl. Ak. Amsterdam, 2 ser., II, 1868, 300 (type Chatodon capistratus Linnaeus). Body short, deep, much compressed; head short; snout pointed; mouth small, terminal; teeth in jaws slender, flexible, numerous, in bands ; preopercle without an enlarged spine ; lateral line much arched ; scales firm, ctenoid, present almost everywhere except on head; dorsal fin long, continuous, with about 12 or 13 spines, not graduated; caudal fin straight or rounded; anal fin similar to soft portion of dorsal, preceded by 3 strong spines ; ventral spine strong. This is a large genus of beautiful fishes, most of them being rather small. Five species are represented in the Panama collection. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales above axis of body running obliquely upward and back- ward, those below the axis running similarly downward and backward ; rows of scales marked by distinct dark streaks. b. Dorsal with 13 spines; a single band present, passing through eye; a large jet-black ocellus present on side below soft dorsal. (Very young with a dusky bar on sides from anterior dorsal spines to abdomen and a small ocellus on soft dorsal.) capistratus, p. 767. bb. Dorsal with 12 spines ; sides with 3 or 4 broad black bands ; no ocellus on sides below dorsal; young with a black ocellus on anterior rays of soft dorsal. striatus, p. 768. aa. Scales on upper part of sides running obliquely upward and backward, those on the lower parts becoming nearly horizontal ; rows of scales without definite dark streaks. c. Dorsal with XII, 24 or 25 rays; scales 45 to 56; lateral line present on caudal peduncle; a wedge-shaped bar from origin of dorsal to eyes, but not extending through the eyes. nigrirostris, p. 769. cc. Dorsal with XII or XIII, 18 to 21 rays ; lateral line extending under base of soft dorsal, not present on caudal peduncle; occular band present. d. Dorsal with 13 spines; sides of head and body with 3 or 4 black bands ; caudal fin with black bars in adult. humeralis, p. 770. dd. Dorsal with 12 spines; only the occular band present in the SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 767 adult; a more or less distinct dusky band on base of caudal in the young. ocellatus, p. 771. 552. Chaetodon capistratus Linnaeus-. Chest odon capistratus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 275 ("India"; based on specimen in Mus. Adolph Frederici) ; Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 940; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1677, PI. CCL, fig. 622; Fow- ler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 135 (Colon). Sarothrodus capistratus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 62. Chcetodon bricei Smith, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1897 (1898), 102, with figure (Woods Hole, Mass.). Head 2.5 to 3.4; depth 1.35 to 1.7; D. XIII, 19 or 20; A. Ill, 16 to 18; scales 36 to 44. Body deep, strongly compressed; anterior profile slightly concave in adult, nearly straight in young; head short, deep; snout moderately pointed, 2.6 to 3.3 in head; eye 2.55 to 2.9; mouth small, terminal; teeth in the jaws slender, flexible, very numerous, in bands; gill- membranes attached to the isthmus, the rakers very short; lateral line arched, ending at base of last rays of dorsal ; scales moderate, reduced on head, chest and caudal peduncle, the rows on sides above axis of body running obliquely upward and backward, those below axis extending downward and backward ; vertical fins densely scaled ; dorsal fin long, its origin over margin of preopercle, the spines rather strong, the longest slightly longer than eye and snout; caudal fin with gently convex margin posteriorly ; anal fin with strong spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins reaching slightly past origin of anal in young, to vent in adult ; pectoral fins inserted over or a little in advance of ventrals, i.i to 1.5 in head. Color brownish, with more or less yellow on lower parts; rows of scales on sides marked with very distinct black streaks; a jet-black band, edged with white on sides, extending from nape through eye to throat; young with a broad dusky band from anterior dorsal spine to abdomen, passing behind base of pectorals, wanting in adult; very young with two black ocelli, a small one not much larger than pupil on the anterior rays of dorsal and one larger than eye on side below base of posterior rays of dorsal, the one on the dorsal disappearing with age, sometimes remaining faintly visible in specimens 30 mm. in length, but disappearing wholly in larger ones ; the large ocellus on body below dorsal persisting; dorsal, caudal and anal each with a brown band, becoming dark on each edge, bounded on outer side on 768 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. dorsal and anal by a narrow white line, on the caudal by broad pale band on each side ; the margin of the vertical fins plain translucent. This is a common species on the Atlantic coast of Panama. We preserved 82 specimens, ranging in length from 25 to 105 mm. It was found on rocky bottom as well as on soft bottom which supported vegetation. Known from Massachusetts south to Trinidad. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 553. Chaetodon striatus Linnaeus. Choetodon striatus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 275 (India); Eigenmann & Horning, Ann. N. Y. Ac. Sci., IV, 1887, 8; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1677. Sarothrodus striatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 352. Head 2.4 to 2.85; depth 1.4 to 1.6; D. XII, 19 to 21; A. Ill, 16 to 18; scales 39 to 44. Body very deep, strongly compressed; anterior profile concave, except in very young; head short; snout pointed, 2.7 to 3.1 in head; eye 2.5 to 3.1 ; mouth very small, terminal ; teeth in the jaws slender, flexible, in bands; gill-membranes attached to isthmus, the rakers rudimentary; lateral line strongly arched, ending at base of last rays of dorsal ; scales moderate, ctenoid, those on the head reduced, rows on sides above axis running obliquely upward and backward, those below the axis running downward and backward; vertical fins densely scaled, except in very young; dorsal fin long, its origin over or slightly in advance of posterior margin of opercle, the spines moderate, the longest equal to the distance from end of snout to preopercular margin ; caudal fin with straight or slightly rounded margin; anal fin with rather strong spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal but slightly shorter ; ventral fins reaching to or slightly beyond origin of anal in young, to vent in adult; pectoral fins inserted over base of ventrals, i.i to 1.5 in head. Color pale greenish; the rows of scales on sides marked by dark streaks ; a black band from nape through eye to throat ; a broader band from anterior spines of dorsal to abdomen, passing just behind base of pectorals and ventrals; another broad band extending from tips of last spines of dorsal to tips of anterior rays of anal; a fourth band usually present on posterior part of soft dorsal and anal, crossing caudal peduncle ; this bar indefinite in some specimens and represented by a small ocellus on the caudal peduncle in one (32 mm.) ; anterior rays of soft dorsal with a distinct ocellus in young, only slightly smaller than eye, becoming a mere blotch and disappearing when the fish reaches a SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 769 length of about 55 mm. ; dorsal and anal each with pale margin pos- teriorly; caudal fin with alternating black and pale bars; ventral fins mostly black ; pectorals plain translucent. This species is not abundant on the coast of Panama. We have ten specimens, ranging in length from 25 to 55 mm. The smallest one was taken from a tide pool and the others were seined from among eel-grass. Known from the West Indies to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 554. Chaetodon nigrirostris (Gill). Sarothrodus nigrirostris Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 243 (Cape San Lucas). Chatodon nigrirostris Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 365; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1673, PI. CCXLVIII, fig. 620; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 148, PI. XXIV, fig. 47 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 142 ( Acapulco ; Perico Island, Panama Bay). Chcetodon capistratus Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3 (Darien, Panama; not of Linnaeus). Head 2.55 to 3; depth 1.2 to 3.45; D. XII, 24 or 25; A. Ill, 18 or 19; scales 45 to 56. Body very deep, strongly compressed; anterior profile deeply con- cave ; head short ; snout pointed, 2.65 to 2.85 in head ; eye 2.9 to 3.45 ; mouth very small, terminal ; maxillary slipping under preorbital, about three- fourths the length of eye; teeth in the jaws pointed, flexible, in bands ; gill-membranes attached to the isthmus, the rakers obsolete ; lateral line much arched, becoming straight on caudal peduncle ; scales ctenoid, reduced on head (except cheek) and caudal peduncle, the rows running obliquely upward and backward above median line of side, nearly horizontal on lower parts; vertical fins densely scaled, except on margins ; dorsal fin long, its origin only slightly behind vertical from posterior margin of eye, the spines very strong, the longest one a little longer than eye and snout; margin of caudal fin straight or slightly convex ; anal fin with strong spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal, but shorter and with a somewhat more strongly convex margin; ventral fins moderate, equal to or somewhat longer than pectorals, reaching past origin of anal in young, to vent in adult; pectoral fins inserted slightly in advance of ventrals, i to 1.2 in head. 770 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color of a fresh specimen 160 mm. in length: Ground color of head pale ; body and fins yellowish green ; upper part of snout mostly jet-black ; a dark blotch above each eye ; a wedge-shaped bar beginning at origin of dorsal, extending toward orbits, bordered posteriorly by a pale yellow bar ; margin of opercle jet-black ; a narrow black bar above and behind upper angle of gill-opening; upper part of base of pectoral black; a broad jet-black bar extending from fourth dorsal spine across base of dorsal and caudal peduncle. In the young the black margin of opercle, the bar above and behind upper angle of gill-opening and the black base of pectorals are all united in one broad bar. This apparently rare species is represented in the Panama collec- tion by only two specimens, respectively 150 and i6omm. in length. These were secured by the use of dynamite off the shores of a small island near Balboa. We have the "type specimens" for comparison. Known from Cape San Lucas to the Galapagos Islands. Our specimens are from Balboa. 555. Chaetodon humeralis Giinther. Chcetodon humeralis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 19 (? "Sandwich Islands"; probably Panama); Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1866, 419, PI. LXV, fig. 3; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1674; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3 (Darien, Panama) ; Gil- bert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 149 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 142 (Acapulco; Perico and Taboguilla islands, Panama Bay); Fow- ler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 411 (Panama Bay). Head 2.3 to 3.1 ; depth 1.3 to 1.55; D. XIII, 18 to 20; A. Ill, 15 to 17; scales 35 to 40. Body deep, strongly compressed ; anterior profile concave in adult, straight or even slightly convex in very young; head short and deep; snout moderately pointed, 2.8 to 3.7 in head ; eye 2.6 to 3.35 ; mouth very small, terminal; maxillary mostly exposed, about ^. the length of eye ; teeth in the jaws very numerous, flexible, bristle-like, in bands ; gill-membranes attached to the isthmus, the rakers obsolete; lateral line strongly arched, ending at base of last rays of dorsal, not present on caudal peduncle; scales large on anterior part of sides, notably reduced on head, the rows running obliquely upward and backward on upper part of sides, becoming nearly horizontal on lower parts ; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, its origin over margin of opercle, the spines strong, the longest equal to distance from end of snout to margin of preopercle ; caudal fin straight or slightly rounded ; SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 771 anal fins with rather strong spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal ; ventral fins moderate, reaching beyond origin of anal in young, sometimes failing to reach vent in adult ; pectoral fins inserted slightly in advance of base of ventrals, i.i to 1.5 in head. Color of adult in life yellowish; tip of upper jaw black; a dark band from nape through eye to lower margin of opercle; a broader band, about equal to length of eye, from base of first dorsal spines to and across base of pectoral; another broad black band from tips of last dorsal spines to base of anterior rays of anal; a narrow black band at base of caudal and two on caudal fin; soft dorsal and anal with a broad intramarginal band and with a narrow yellowish margin ; very young similar to adult, but the rows of scales on sides marked with more or less distinct dark stripes; and the caudal fin without black bars. This is a common species on the Pacific coast of Panama. We preserved 72 specimens, ranging in length from 33 to 130 mm. It is occasionally seen in the markets and is used as food to a limited extent. It is common in rocky tide pools and on the shores of the small islands near Panama City. Known from Guaymas to Panama. Our specimens are from Taboga Island, Naos Island, tide pools at Balboa and Panama. 556. Chaetodon ocellatus Bloch. Chatodon ocellatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, III, 1787, 105, PI. CCXI, fig. 2 ( ?East Indies) ; Eigenmann & Horning, Ann. N. Y. Ac. Sci., IV, 1887, 7 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1674, PI. CCXLIX, fig. 621; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 135 (Colon). Chatodon bimaculatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 9, PI. CCIX, fig. i (? East Indies). Sarothrodus maculo-cinctus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 99 (Newport, R. I.; young). Sarothrodus amplexicollis Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 63 (Cuba; young). Chcetodon maculocinctus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 615. Head 2.5 to 3; depth 1.35 to 1.6; D. XII, 19 to 21 ; A. Ill, 16 to 18; scales 27 to 35. Body very deep, strongly compressed; anterior profile notably concave, except in very young; head short and deep; snout pointed, 2.5 to 2.85 in head; eye 2.5 to 3.5; mouth very small, the lower jaw slightly in advance of the upper; maxillary slipping under preorbital, 772 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. its length somewhat less than the diameter of the eye; teeth in the jaws slender, flexible, in bands; gill-membranes attached to isthmus, the rakers rudimentary; lateral line running high, and ending under the posterior rays of the soft dorsal; scales ctenoid, large on sides, reduced on caudal peduncle and on head, the rows running obliquely upward and backward on upper portion of sides and becoming nearly horizontal below; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, its origin over upper angle of gill-opening, the spines strong, the longest one about equal to length of eye and snout; caudal fin with straight or slightly rounded margin; anal fin with strong spines, the soft portion similar to soft dorsal; ventrals moderate, nearly as long as pectorals, reaching past origin of anal in young, not quite to vent in adult; pectoral fins inserted slightly in advance of base of ventrals, 1.3 to 1.45 in head. Color in life of a specimen 140 mm. in length: Body gray on sides, base of each scale pale; lower parts yellowish; a yellow streak from angle of mouth backward to eye; a jet-black bar, about three-fourths the width of eye, extending from origin of dorsal through eye to lower margin of opercle, this bar with a yellow margin posteriorly above eye; membranous margin of opercle, base of pectorals, and caudal peduncle orange; fins all orange; dorsal with pale margin and a jet- black quadrate spot at the tips of the longest rays ; caudal fin with a pale margin and pale band across distal third; anal fin with pale streaks. In the young a black bar extends from the base of the soft dorsal to the base of the anal, the bar being broadest and most distinct on base of dorsal, where a dark blotch is evident even in moderately large examples (120 mm.) ; the soft dorsal of the young with an intra- marginal black line broadened on the longest rays, later giving rise to a quadrate blotch ; this dark marking on the distal part of the dorsal wholly wanting in our smallest individuals (32 mm.). This fish is apparently rather rare on the coast of Panama. We secured only 8 specimens, ranging in length from 32 to 140 mm. The range of this species reaches from Massachusetts to Trinidad. Our specimens were taken at Toro Point ; Fox Bay, Colon ; and Porto Bello. 200. Genus Pomacanthus Lacepede. Pomacanthus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 517 (type Ch&todon arcuatus Linnaeus). Pomacanthodes Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 244 (type Poma- canthodes zonipectus Gill). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 773 Body very deep, much compressed; head short, blunt; preopercle slightly serrate or entire, a very strong spine at its lower posterior angle; interopercle unarmed; scales small, unequal; dorsal and anal densely scaled ; dorsal with 8 to 1 1 graduated spines, the soft portion usually much elevated in front in the adult; caudal fin with straight or rounded margin; anal fin with 3 strong graduated spines, the soft portion usually similar to that of dorsal. The individuals vary much with age and the species are often difficult to define. Only three species, two on the Pacific and one on the Atlantic, were taken. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Dorsal fin with 9 spines; caudal fin with straight or slightly concave margin, angulate at outer rays; soft dorsal and anal anteriorly much elevated in adult; each scale on side with pale margin; caudal fin with a broad pale margin. arcuatus, p. 773. aa. Dorsal fin with 10 spines; caudal fin convex, not angulate at outer rays; soft dorsal and anal anteriorly much elevated in adult; only a part of the scales on sides with white margins; caudal fin with a very narrow pale margin. paru, p. 775. aaa. Dorsal fin with II spines; caudal fin convex, not angulate at outer rays ; soft dorsal anteriorly moderately elevated ; anal fin with convex margin, never angulate or elevated; some of the scales on sides with black bases and pale blue margins. zonipectus, p. 776. 557. Pomacanthus arcuatus (Linnaeus). Ch&todon arcuatus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 273 ("India"; from specimen in Mus. Adolph Frederici). Chatodon aureus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, III, 1787, 49, PI. CXCIII, fig. i (Martinique; on a drawing by Plumier). Chetodon lutescens Bonnaterre, Tableau Encyclo., Ichth., VI, 1788, 82 (Jamaica; after Browne). Pomacanthus aureus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 518. Pomacanthus balteatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VII, 1831, 208 (Porto Rico). Pomacanthus cingulatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VII, 1831, 209, PI. CLXXXV (West Indies; probably Porto Rico). Pomacanthus quinquecinctus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VII, 1831, 210 (West Indies; probably Porto Rico). Pomacanthus paru Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 55 (in part). 774 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Chcetodon littoricola Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 351 (Cuba). Pomacanthus arcuatus Jordan & Rutter, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1897, 125; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1679, PI. CCLI, fig. 623; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 62; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 405 (Colon) ; Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 156 (Caledonia Bay). Head 3.3 to 3.85; depth 1.3 to 1.4; D. IX, 32 or 33; A. Ill, 23 to 25 ; scales about 80. Body deep, strongly compressed; anterior profile rather steep, straight or gently convex; head very short, deep; snout blunt, 2.1 to 2.9 in head; eye 3 or 4; mouth small, oblique, the lower jaw in advance of the upper; teeth in the jaws numerous, slender, flexible, in bands; preopercular margin smooth in adult, crenate in young, the spine at lower angle large, flattened, with a sharp point and cutting edges ; gill- membranes attached to the isthmus, the rakers short; lateral line arched, continuous; scales ctenoid, much reduced on head and chest, irregular on sides, lateral series difficult to enumerate; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, its origin over or a little behind pos- terior margin of opercle, the spines graduated, the longest one not much shorter than head, a few of the anterior rays of the soft dorsal much produced in adult, filamentous; caudal fin straight or slightly concave, angulate at outer rays (this condition not evident in young of less than 90 mm.) ; anal fin preceded by 3 strong graduated spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins long, the outer rays filamentous; pectoral fins rather short, i.i to 1.25 in head. Color of adult in alcohol brownish, each scale on sides with a pale margin; fins dark brown, the caudal with a broad pale margin; young much darker; very young nearly black; a white bar on snout at angle of mouth; another white bar from nape across preopercular margin to chest; a third bar curved forward from tips of last dorsal spines across body to origin of anal ; a fourth bar from middle of soft dorsal, curved forward and ending on tips of middle anal rays; a white circle around caudal fin in very young; this circle forming 2 bars when the fish reaches a length of about 90 mm., one at base of caudal and one on the margin of the fin, the latter being the only bar persisting in the adult. This species was not seen by us at Panama. It is here described from specimens from the Bahamas, West Indies and Brazil, ranging in length from 70 to 280 mm. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 775 Known from New Jersey to Brazil. It is recorded from Panama by both Fowler and Breder. 558. Pomaeanthus paru (Bloch). Chcetodon paru Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, III, 1787, 57, PL CXCVII, fig, i (Brazil). Pomaeanthus arcuatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VII, 1831, 211 (not of Linnaeus). Pomaeanthus paru Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VII, 1831, 205; Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 55 (in part) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1680; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 61 (Natal, Brazil). Head 3.1 to 3.6; depth 1.25 to 1.45; D. X, 29 to 33; A. Ill, 22 to 24; scales about 90. Body very deep, strongly compressed ; anterior profile rather steep, gently convex; head .short, very deep; snout blunt, 2.35 to 2.8 in head; eye 2.45 to 3.6; mouth small, oblique, the lower jaw slightly in advance of the upper ; teeth numerous, slender, flexible, in bands ; preopercular margin slightly crenate in young, nearly straight in adult, the spine at lower angle broad, flat, with sharp point and cutting edges ; gill- membranes attached to the isthmus, the rakers very short; lateral line arched, continuous ; scales ctenoid, much reduced on head and anterior part of body, irregular on sides, lateral series difficult to enumerate ; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, its origin slightly behind posterior margin of opercle, the spines graduated, the longest one only slightly shorter than head ; a few anterior rays of soft dorsal produced, filamentous in adult ; caudal fin rounded at all ages ; anal fin preceded by 3 strong spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal but the anterior rays not as prominently produced ; ventral fins long, the outer rays more or less filamentous; pectoral fins short, i.i to 1.33 in head. Color of a fresh specimen 190 mm. long: Very dark; a part of the scales on sides with yellow margins, making it appear as if the scales were much larger than they prove to be upon closer examination ; a yellow bar from eye to nostrils; a faint yellowish bar at base of pectorals; margin of opercle and preopercular spine yellow; a faint pale band from produced rays of dorsal across body to vent ; fins mostly black ; produced rays of dorsal yellow ; dorsal, caudal and anal posteriorly with very narrow white margins; pectoral fins with a broad pale margin. A small specimen, 60 mm. in length, is jet-black, with yellow cross-bars as follows : one on snout across angle of mouth, 776 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. the second from nape across preopercular margin to chest, the third from tips of anterior rays of soft dorsal running forward across body to vent, the fourth from tips of soft dorsal, forward and across body to tips of middle rays of anal ; and a yellow ring encircling the caudal fin. Our largest specimen is without bars except for a short one from eye to nostrils and one across base of pectoral, and the ground color of body is dark brown. This is a rather rare species on the coast of Panama where only four specimens were secured, ranging from 60 to 21 5 mm. in length. Our specimens were taken on coral reefs by the use of dynamite. Known from the West Indies southward to Brazil. It is also re- corded from Ascension Island. Our specimens were taken at Toro Point, Colon Reef and Porto Bello. 559. Pomacanthus zonipectus (Gill). Pomacanthodes zonipectus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 244 (San Salvador). Pomacanthus crescentalis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1 88 1, 358 (Mazatlan; young). Pomacanthus zonipectus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 376; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1681, PI. CCLII, fig. 624; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 150 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 143 (Perico Island, Panama Bay) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 411 (Panama Bay). Head 3.3 to 3.7; depth 1.25 to 1.43; D. XI, 24 or 25; A. Ill, 20 to 22 ; scales about 85. Body very deep, strongly compressed; anterior profile uneven, with more or less of a hump at the nape ; head short and deep ; snout very blunt, 2.4 to 3 in head; eye 2.8 to 4; mouth small, the lower jaw slightly in advance of the upper; teeth numerous, slender, flexible, in bands; preopercular margin slightly crenate, the spine on lower pos- terior angle large, with sharp point and cutting edges; gill-membranes attached to the isthmus, the rakers very short; lateral line arched, complete ; scales ctenoid, much reduced on anterior part of body and head, the rows irregular on sides ; vertical fins densely scaled ; the dorsal fin long, its origin over posterior margin of opercle, the spines graduated, the longest about equal to the distance from end of snout to margin of preopercle, the anterior portion of soft dorsal produced in adult, but not as much so as in related species ; caudal fin posteriorly straight or slightly rounded; anal fin preceded by 3 strong spines, the SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 777 soft portion similar to that of dorsal, except that the anterior rays are never produced, the outline convex not angulate ; ventral fins very long, the outer rays produced; pectoral fins short, I to 1.22 in head. Color of a specimen 250 mm. in length: Dark brown; scales on sides irregularly with black bases and pale blue margins ; a curved pale band bounded fore and aft with black extending from middle of spinous dorsal to vent; fins very dark, the pectorals with pale spots. Color of the young (45 mm.) as in P. paru, except that the yellow bars are apparently slightly narrower and more numerous, there being 6 instead of 4; the anterior 4 situated as in P. paru, but the fifth bending forward from the end of the posterior rays of soft dorsal across body to end of posterior rays of anal; the sixth bar on the middle of the caudal fin. This species, although reported rare by Gilbert & Starks, was found to be fairly common. We preserved 23 specimens ranging from 100 to 255 mm. in length. Besides these we have examined small speci- mens from Nicaragua and Perico Island, Panama Bay. It is used as food to a limited extent. Known from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimens are from Taboga Island, Balboa and the Panama City market. 201. Genus Holacanthus Lacepede. Holacanthus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 525 (type Chceto- don tricolor Linnaeus). Genicanthus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 212 (type Holacanthus lamarckii Cuvier). Centropyge Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXVI, 1860, 140 (type Centropyge tibicen Kaup). Acanthochatodon Bleeker, Arch. Neerl. Sci. Nat., XI, 1876, 308 (type Holacanthus annularis Lacepede). Body oblong, rather robust; back not compressed; head short and blunt; preopercle serrate, with a large spine at its lower posterior angle, this spine often preceded by I or 2 short spines on lower margin of preopercle; interopercle with from I to 4 short spines; preorbital anteriorly with 2 or more large serrse; scales firm, strongly ctenoid, small accessory scales often present; dorsal with 12 to 15 spines, usually graduated; soft dorsal and anal anteriorly elevated or not; color unusually brilliant. The species are common in all tropical seas. A single species is known from Panama (west coast). We, however, have included in our discussion the single known species from the 778 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Atlantic coast of America which has been recorded from localities both north and south of the Isthmus. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales on sides each with several accessory scales on base; caudal fin with convex margin, the outer rays never produced nor angulate ; head and trunk black ; sides with a white bar (young also with several narrow bluish bars) . passer, p. 778. aa. Scales on sides each with a single accessory scale on base or none; outer rays of caudal produced in adult, merely angulate in young; head and anterior part of trunk yellow, the rest of body black. tricolor, p. 779. 560. Holacanthus passer Valenciennes. Holacanthus passer Valenciennes, Voy. Venus, Zool., Poiss., 1846, PL VI, text, 1855, 327 (Galapagos Islands). Holacanthus strigatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 243 (Cape San Lucas). Pomacanthus passer Eigenmann & Horning, Ann. N. Y. Ac. Sci., IV, 1887, 14. Holacanthus passer Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1682 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 150 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 143 (Acapulco; Taboguilla Island, Panama Bay; Chatham Island). Head 3.25 to 4; depth 1.45 to 1.65; D. XIV, 18 to 20; A. Ill, 17 to 19; scales 46 to 53. Body rather deep, moderately compressed ; anterior profile concave in adult, a slight nuchal hump present ; head short, deep ; snout blunt, 2.4 to 2.5 in head; eye 4 to 4.95; mouth small, terminal; teeth numerous, slender, flexible, in bands; posterior margin of preopercle serrate, the spine at lower angle extremely large, preceded by 2 or 3 short spines on lower margin of the preopercle, these becoming obsolete in very large examples; interopercle with from I to 3 short spines ; gill-membranes narrowly attached to the isthmus, the rakers very short; lateral line arched, becoming horizontal only on caudal peduncle; scales very strongly ctenoid, reduced on head, in regular series on sides, the large scales with several small accessory scales at base; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, the spines strong, graduated, the longest slightly exceeding the length of snout, the soft dorsal anteriorly much elevated in adult; caudal fin slightly convex at SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 779 all ages, the outer rays never produced nor angulate; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the soft portion similar to that of dorsal ; ventral fins long, the outer rays more or less produced ; pectoral fins rather short, i.i to 1.4 in head. Color of adult satin-black; a white bar with its origin under fifth and sixth dorsal spines extending down sides and ending under tips of pectorals ; scales on sides behind the white bar with greenish margins ; angle of mouth yellow ; a greenish yellow region about the base of pectorals; a purple bar from eye to eye; lining of gill-covers yellow; dorsal and anal mostly satin-black ; the spinous dorsal deep orange ; the soft dorsal with a narrow orange intramarginal band and a blue margin ; anal with streaks of red, becoming broadest on distal part of the rays, the margin blue ; caudal fin orange, with a narrow yellow band at base and a very narrow dark blue margin; ventrals pale yellow; pectorals uniform orange. Young with 2 distinct blue bands on head, one just anterior to eyes, the other just back of eyes ; 4 indistinct bluish bars be- tween the white bars on side and base of caudal. This species, although reported as common in the rocky pools about Panama City by Gilbert & Starks, was rarely seen by us. We secured only 7 specimens, ranging from 140 to 305 mm. in length. We have for comparison the type of H. strigatus Gill, a specimen 85 mm. in length, upon which we base the color description of the young. A comparison of specimens of this species and H. tricolor shows that the present species possesses more numerous accessory scales at the base of the large scales, the caudal fin is always rounded, never angulate, and the color is very strikingly different. Known from Acapulco south to the Galapagos Islands. Our speci- mens are from Taboga Island and Balboa. 561. Holacanthus tricolor (Bloch). Chatodon tricolor Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IX, 1795, 103, PL CCCCXXVI. Holacanthus tricolor Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 525; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1684, PI. CCLIII, fig. 625 ; Fowler, Proc. Ac, Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 405 (Colon). Genicanthus tricolor Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 212. Pomacanthus tricolor Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 941. Head 3.5 to 3.9; depth 1.45 to 1.95; D. XIV (rarely XV), 17 or 18; A. Ill, 17 to 19; scales 44 to 48. 780 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body moderately elongate, compressed; anterior profile gently convex; head short; snout blunt, 2.2 to 2.75 in head; eye 3.1 to 4.4; mouth small, terminal; teeth in the jaws numerous, slender, flexible, in bands; posterior margin of preopercle serrate, with an excessively large spine at lower angle, preceded by a small spine on lower margin of preopercle; interopercle with 2 or 3 short spines; gill-membranes narrowly attached to the isthmus, the rakers short ; lateral line arched, becoming straight on caudal peduncle ; scales strongly ctenoid, reduced on head, in regular series on sides, the large scales with a single accessory scale at base or none ; vertical fins densely scaled ; dorsal fin long, the spines strong, graduated, the longest equal to length of eye and snout, the soft portion anteriorly produced in adult, filamentous; caudal fin convex, with the outer rays produced in adult, simply convex in young ; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins moderate the outer rays more or less produced; pectoral fins rather short, i.i to 1.4 in head. Color in spirits : Head, anterior part of trunk, caudal, ventrals and pectorals pale (golden yellow in life; ; the rest of the body and lips black; dorsal and anal posteriorly with pale margin (scarlet in life). This species was not taken b> us, but it has been recorded from Panama by Fowler. It is here described from specimens from the West Indies, ranging from 100 to 190 mm. in length. Known from Bermuda south to Bahia, Brazil. Family LXV. Acanthuridae.* SURGEON-FISHES. Body ovoid or oblong, compressed; head short; snout long; eye placed high; preorbital broad; nostrils double; mouth small, terminal; teeth in a single series in each jaw; gill-opening restricted, the mem- branes attached to the isthmus ; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth ; gill- rakers rudimentary; pseudobranchiae large; scales small; sides of caudal peduncle armed with one or more spines or bony plates ; lateral line complete ; pelvic bones long and narrow ; air bladder large ; intes- tinal canal long; pyloric caeca few; dorsal fin single, very long, the spinous part shorter than the soft part; anal fin similar to soft portion of dorsal ; ventral fins present, thoracic, with 5 soft rays and one spine. Fishes of tropical or subtropical waters. Two genera are represented on the coasts of Panama. *This family is given under the name Hepatida in the "Key to the Families" in Part I, p. 22, of the present work. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 781 KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Caudal peduncle armed with a single sharp-edged spine, cap- able of being erected from a groove. Acanthurus, p. 781. aa. Caudal peduncle armed with immovable spines, tubercles or plates. Xesurus, p. 785. 202. Genus Acanthurus Forskal. Acanthurus Forskal, Descr. Animal., 1775, 59 (type Chatodon sohal Forskal). Aspisurus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 556 (type Chcetodon sohar Forskal). The caudal peduncle of this genus is armed with a single sharp movable spine, which is capable of being erected from a groove; teeth strong, incisor-like, fixed; ventral rays I, 5; dorsal spines usually 9; anal spines 3. The species of this genus, owing to the marked changes taking place with age, are difficult to define in a key. In order to under- stand the relationship, it is necessary to compare specimens of like size. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body deep, rhomboid, the depth 1.55 to 1.75 in length; snout 1.25 to 1.5 in head; longest dorsal spine shorter than snout; dorsal rays IX, 25 to 27; anal rays III, 24 to 26; caudal spine rather large, more than half the length of the eye in adult (160 mm.) ; color deep bluish black; base of caudal not paler than rest of body. cceruleus, p. 782. aa. Body more elongate, at least when specimens of like size are compared; color lighter, brownish; base of caudal paler than rest of body, this condition most evident in young. b. Longest dorsal spine equal to length of snout; anal rays III, 24 to 27; snout 1.5 to 2 in head; caudal spine very small, not more than half the length of eye in adult (160 mm.). crest onis, p. 782. bb. Longest dorsal spine somewhat shorter than snout; anal rays III, 21 to 23; caudal spine large, exceeding half the length of eye in adult (160 mm.) c. Caudal fin deeply concave, the upper lobe notably produced in adult; color uniform, without vertical bars in young; concave portion of caudal fin with a broad white margin. bahianus, p. 783. cc. Caudal fin only moderately concave, the upper lobe not produced and not much longer than the lower ; young with narrow vertical 782 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. bars; concave portion of caudal fin with a very narrow white margin or none. hepatus, p. 784. 562. Acanthurus coeruleus Bloch & Schneider. Acanthurus coeruleus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 214 (Caro- lina; Havana; Jamaica). Acanthurus broussonetii Desmarest, Mem. Soc. Linn. Paris, II, 1823, 26 (Cuba). Acanthurus brevis Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 207 (Antilles; Havana). Acronurus coeruleatus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 69 (Cuba; young). Teuthis coeruleus Meek & Hoffman, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1884, 228; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1691. Hepatus coeruleus Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 405 (Colon). Head 3.2 to 3.5; depth 1.55 to 1.75; D. IX, 25 to 27; A. Ill, 24 to 26; scales about 160. Body deep, compressed; anterior profile steep, straight or concave over snout; head short, deep; snout moderately in advance of forehead, its length 1.2 to 1.5 in head; eye 3 to 4.5; mouth small, terminal; teeth broad, with large serrae; scales very small, ctenoid; caudal spine variable in length, longer than eye in some specimens and notably shorter in others of like size; lateral line complete, curved with the back ; dorsal fin long, the spines graduated, the longest somewhat shorter than snout; caudal fin deeply concave, both lobes produced, the upper only slightly longer than the lower; anal fin similar to soft part of the dorsal, the spines strong, the first more or less embedded, the third somewhat shorter than the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins reaching past origin of anal to base of first soft ray; pectoral fins moderate, equal to length of head. Color deep bluish black, brownish on chest and abdomen; faint pale longitudinal lines noticeable on a few specimens ; all the fins except pectorals bluish black; dorsal and anal with a narrow blue margin; caudal with a very narrow white margin; pectorals dusky at base, the distal parts yellowish ; caudal spine orange. We have over 50 specimens, ranging from 35 to 285 mm. in length. It is a food fish of some importance, living mostly on rocky bottom. Known from Florida south to Brazil. Our specimens were taken at Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 563. Acanthurus crestonis (Jordan & Starks). Teuthis crestonis Jordan & Starks, in Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 485, PI. XLVII (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 783 Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1692, PL CCLVI, fig. 628; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 151 (Panama Bay) ; Evermann & Goldsborough, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., XXII, 1909, 103 (Taboga Island). Head 2.7 to 3.7; depth 1.65 to 2.2; D. IX, 24 to 27; A. Ill, 23 to 26; scales about 150. Body deep, compressed; anterior profile steep, convex; head short, deep; snout not greatly in advance of forehead, its length 1.5 to 2 in head ; eye small, 2.75 to 4 ; mouth small, terminal ; teeth broad, cutting edges and sides with prominent serrae; scales small, ctenoid; caudal spine small, half the eye in adult, proportionately shorter in young; lateral line curved like the back; dorsal fin long, the spines pungent, graduated, the longest equal to length of snout; caudal fin rather strongly concave, the upper lobe the longer, exceeding the length of head in adult; anal fin similar to soft dorsal, the spines strong, the first one very .short, embedded in the skin ; ventral fins shorter than the pectorals, the outer rays somewhat produced; pectoral fins moderate, equal to length of head. Color in spirits dark brown, more or less blotched; base of caudal paler; dorsal, anal and ventrals very dark; caudal somewhat lighter, with a very narrow pale margin or none ; distal three-fourths of pectorals pale (yellow in life). This species is represented by 40 specimens, ranging from 40 to 155 mm. in length. It is very common in the rocky tide pools about Panama City. A. crest onis is very closely related to A. matoides recorded from the Hawaiian Islands and other points of the Western Pacific, from which it, however, seems to differ in the somewhat smaller caudal spine and in color. In 3 specimens of A. matoides from Honolulu pale longitudinal streaks appear on the upper part of sides, a condition which is not evident in our large series. It is used as food to a limited extent. Known from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimens were taken in tide pools at Naos Islands, Balboa and Panama and in the Panama City market. 564. Acanthurus bahianus Castelnau. Acanthurus bahianus Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. Rares Amer. Sud, 1855, 24, PI. XI, fig. i (Bahia). Acanthurus tractus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 208 (Cuba). Acromirus nigriculus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 69 (Cuba; larval form). 784 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Acanthurus matoides Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 626 (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Teuthis tractus Meek & Hoffman, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1884, 229. Teuthis bahianus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1693, PL CCLVI, fig. 629; Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 156 (Caledonia Bay), Hepatus bahianus Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 405 and I9 J 7 135 (Colon). Head 3.2 to 3.6; depth 1.8 to 2.1 ; D. IX, 24 to 26; A. Ill, 21 to 23; scales about 150. Body elongate, compressed; anterior profile moderately steep, con- vex ; head short and deep ; snout well in advance of forehead, its length 1.3 to 1.75 in head; eye 2.9 to 3.7; mouth small, the lower jaw slightly included; teeth broad, the entire margin with prominent serrae; scales small, ctenoid ; caudal spine moderate, about three-fourths length of eye ; lateral line curved with the back; dorsal fin long, the spines graduated, the longest slightly shorter than snout; caudal fin deeply concave, the upper lobe notably produced in adult but scarcely filamentous as described in current works; anal fin similar to soft portion of dorsal, the first spine very small, embedded, the other two very strong, the third one somewhat shorter than the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins mod- erate, reaching past origin of anal; pectoral fins rather long, equal to or slightly shorter than head. Color uniform dark brown ; the young with a somewhat lighter area at base of caudal ; dorsal, anal and ventrals very dark ; caudal somewhat lighter, with a white margin, broadest and most conspicuous on the shortest rays; pectoral fins yellowish in life. This species is the rarest of the three which were taken on the Atlantic coast of Panama. We have 30 specimens ranging from 45 to 215 mm. in length. The young are separated from the young of A. cceruleus with difficulty. It inhabits rocky shores. Known from North Carolina south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 565. Acanthurus hepatus (Linnseus). Teuthis hepatus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 507 (Carolina) ; Meek & Hoffman, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1884, 229; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1691. Chatodon chirurgus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, III, 1787, 99, PI. CCVIII (Martinique; on a drawing by Plumier). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OP PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 785 Acanthurus hepatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 211 (in part). Acanthurus chirurgus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss, X, 1835, 168. Acanthurus phlebotomus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss, X, 1835, 176 (Martinique, Brazil, Havana, New York). Acronurus fuscus Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 191 (same type as T. hepatus Linnaeus) . Acronurus carneus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 350 (Cuba). Acanthurus nigricans Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 941 (not Chcetodon nigricans Linnaeus). Hepatus hepatus Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 405 and I 9 I 7. 135 (Colon). Head 2.8 to 3.6; depth 1.75 to 2.1 ; D. IX, 23 to 25; A. Ill, 22 or 23 ; scales about 140. Body moderately elongate, compressed; the anterior profile rather steep, gently convex; head short, deep; the snout well in advance of forehead, its length 1.4 to 1.75 in head; eye 2.5 to 4; mouth small, the lower jaw included; teeth broad, the entire margin strongly serrate; scales small, ctenoid; caudal spine rather large, equal to diameter of eye in adult (220 mm.), proportionately shorter in young; lateral line curved with the back ; dorsal fin long, the spines graduated, the longest one a little shorter than the snout ; caudal fin only moderately concave, the upper lobe not much longer than the lower ; anal fin similar to soft part of dorsal, the spines strong, the first short but scarcely embedded, the third only slightly shorter than the longest dorsal spine ; ventral fins reaching well beyond origin of anal, nearly to base of first soft ray; pectoral fins moderate, equal to length of head. Color in adult uniform brownish; young often with narrow dark cross-bars, and the base of caudal yellowish green ; a bluish black blotch surrounding caudal spine ; dorsal, anal and ventrals bluish black ; caudal somewhat lighter, with a very narrow yellowish margin ; pectoral yellow, except at base which is dusky. This species, although its size is rather small, is frequently seen in the market. We have at hand over 100 specimens, ranging from 35 to 220 mm. in length, taken mainly on rocky bottom. Our 220 mm. speci- men is one of the largest seen. Known from Massachusetts south to Brazil. The species is also recorded from Ashantee, West Africa. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 786 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 203. Genus Xesurus Jordan & Evermann. Xesurus Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comrn., XXI, 1895 (1896), 421 (type Prionurus punctatus Gill). This genus has the caudal peduncle armed with 3 immovable bony shields, placed in a straight line; teeth each 5-lobed. A single species of this genus is known from Panama. The species is based on 2 large specimens obtained at Panama City by Prof. C. H. Gilbert and assistants in 1896. It was not seen by us. The original description follows : 566. Xesurus hopkinsi Gilbert & Starks. Xesurus hopkinsi Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 155, PL XXV, fig. 48 (Panama Bay). "The outlines of the body are evenly curved. The snout projects but slightly as compared with the other species, and the upper anterior outline is shallowly concave. From before eye to dorsal, the profile is regularly rounded and without a projection at nape. "Dorsal VIII, 26 or 27; anal III, 23. The head is smaller than in the other species, 26 or 27 hundredths of the length. In seven specimens of X. punctatus, the head averages 31 1/7 hundredths of the length; in three specimens of laticlavius, 31^3 hundredths; in clarionis, 30 hundredths. The mouth is smaller; the maxillary forms but 6% hun- dredths of the length (in punctatus, 7 5/7 hundredths ; in latidavius ; 8^5 hundredths ; in clarionis, 8 hundredths) . The teeth are much smaller, though they number the same as in the other species, 8 or 9 on each side of the upper jaw. The eye is smaller, 4 or 4^2 in the snout, 5 hundredths of the length (in punctatus 6 5/7 hundredths ; in latidavius, js/b hundredths; in clarionis, 6^2 hundredths). "The pectoral is broad and rounded at its tip, reaching to above the base of the second anal spine, when forced into a horizontal position. It seems to incline obliquely upward in its normal position. The ventrals nearly reach the first anal spine, and are about two-thirds the length of the pectorals. The dorsal and anal are as in related species. In the larger specimen, the first dorsal spine has become almost entirely con- cealed beneath the skin, the first anal spine wholly concealed. "The posterior part of the body is rather thickly covered with sharp spines, the bases of which are expanded as rough plates. The spines are somewhat inclined forward and are occasionally bifid (some speci- mens of other species have scattered rough plates which sometimes bear low sharp keels, but never high spines). The three bony shields on the caudal peduncle bear thick blunt spines, their points broad and smooth, as though worn. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 787 "Color light slaty on lower parts, dark above. One specimen is faintly spotted with black on nape and opercles." This species is known only from 2 large specimens taken at Panama City, respectively 410 and 430 mm. in length, upon which the above description by Gilbert & Starks is based. Family LXVL Balistidae. THE TRIGGER-FISHES. Body usually more or less ovate, considerably compressed; snout long ; eye small, placed high ; mouth small, usually terminal ; jaws short but strong ; teeth in the jaws in a single series, more or less incisor-like ; gill-openings mere slits ; preopercular bones externally not evident ; body covered with modified scales, more or less plate-like in structure and bearing spines or bony tubercles ; skin leathery ; dorsal fins 2, the first spine highest, very strong; ventral fins replaced by a single stout spine attached to the enlarged pubic bone. Only 2 genera are represented in the waters of Panama. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Several enlarged bony plates behind gill-slit. Balistes, p. 787. aa. Gill-slit surrounded by ordinary scales, not as above. Canthidermis, p. 793. 204. Genus Balistes Linnaeus. Balistes Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 327 (type Balistes vetula Linnaeus). Capriscus Klein, Neuer Schauplatz, etc., V, 1777, 427 (type Balistes capriscus Gmelin). Pachynathus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 326 (type Pachynathus triangularis Swainson; name preoccupied). Chalisoma Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 325 (type Balistes pulcherrimus 'Lesson=Balistes vetula Linnaeus). Sufflamen Jordan, Copeia, Apr. 12, 1916, 27 (type Balistes capistratus Shaw; substitute for Pachynathus, preoccupied). Body usually deep, compressed ; snout long ; eye small, placed high ; mouth small, usually terminal ; gill-opening an oblique slit, with enlarged bony scutes behind it; teeth in the jaws irregular, usually notched and the anterior cusp enlarged ; lateral line more or less developed, undulat- ing, often obsolete in adult ; scales plate-like, rough, usually bearing spinules; first dorsal with 3 spines, the anterior one much enlarged, which sets stiff and erect when the second spine is erect, but which may 788 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. be laid back, if the second is deflexed, hence the name "trigger fishes" ; second dorsal and anal long, usually similar; the ventral fins repre- sented by a spine, attached to the abdomen by a spinous flap. Four species of this genus occur in the Panama collection, but several others will doubtless be taken there in time. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Cheeks with several short, horizontal rows of enlarged scales; D. 111-30 to 33 ; A. 27 to 29 ; scales 60 to 64. verres, p. 788. aa. Cheeks with oblique rows of scales which are not enlarged; second dorsal usually with fewer than 30 rays. b. Scales small, 65 to 76 in lateral series ; D. 111-26 to 28 ; A. 24 to 26. polylepis, p. 790. bb. Scales larger, fewer than 65 in a lateral series. c. A naked area about the mouth, small in young but large in adult ; scales below pectoral fins not enlarged ; preorbital groove poorly developed ; D. 111-25 to 27 ; A. 23 to 25 ; scales 57 to 60. naufragium, p. 790. cc. Naked area about mouth wanting, the snout closely scaled; preorbital groove well developed. d. Head without prominent bands or stripes ; sides and fins without conspicuous roundish blue black spots ; scales below pectoral fins more or less enlarged; outer caudal rays not greatly produced, never filamentous ; D. 111-27 to 29 ; A. 23 to 26 ; scales 54 to 62. carolinensis, p. 791. dd. Head with prominent dark bars and stripes; the outer caudal rays much produced in adult, filamentous ; D. 1 1 1-29 or 30 ; A. 26 to 28; scales 60 to 62 vetula p. 792. ddd. Body and dorsal and anal fins covered with roundish blue black spots. forcipatus, p. 793. 567. Balistes verres Gilbert & Starks. Pachynathus capistratus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1704 (in part) ; Jordan & McGregor, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXIV, 1898 (1899), 280 (Clarion and Socorro islands; not of Shaw). Balistes verres Gilbert & Starks,, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 153, PI. XXVI, fig. 49 (Panama Bay) ; Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1904 (1905), 406 (Galapagos Islands). Balistes capistratus Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 163 (Acapulco; Perico and Taboguilla islands). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 789 Head to upper angle of gill-opening 2.7 to 2.9; depth 1.7 to 2; D. III-3O to 33 ; A. 27 to 29 ; scales 60 to 64. Body deep, compressed ; profile straight or slightly concave in advance of eyes; snout long, 1.2 to 1.4 in head; eye 4.8 to 6.15; pre- orbital groove present; mouth small, terminal; gill-opening about 2 times length of eye in adult (265 mm.), equal to length of eye in young; teeth in jaws moderate, notched, with sharp, oblique margins; body closely scaled, no naked area about the mouth, 6 longitudinal series of scales on cheeks, scales on sides and posterior part of the body each with a small antrorse spine; an irregular row of pores extending from eye backward nearly to soft dorsal; ventral spine broad, movable, provided with spinules at apex; first dorsal with 3 spines, the first one strong, with upward projecting barbs on anterior margin, its length 1.75 to 1.8 in head ; second dorsal and anal similar in young ; the former slightly elevated in adult, the lobes not produced, with nearly straight margin in young; pectoral fins short, 3.1 to 3.2 in head. Color of preserved specimens, dark above, yellowish below; a scarcely discernable pale streak from angle of mouth backward across the cheek present in one of our specimens, wholly wanting in others. This streak is very evident on some specimens from the west coast of America, which we have examined in the National Museum. Dorsal, anal and pectorals plain or dusky ; caudal fin very dark. This species is represented by 8 specimens, ranging from 145 to 165 mm. in length. We have for comparison several specimens from the Hawaiian Islands, and from Acapulco, and the Galapagos Islands. We have also examined specimens from Panama Bay identified as B. capistratus by Kendall & Radcliffe. We find that all the specimens taken on or off the American coast can be readily distinguished from the Hawaiian specimens by the smaller scales, there being from 60 to 64 in a lateral series in the former, while in the latter there are only 49 to 54. In the adult of the American specimens the dorsal fin is ante- riorly somewhat elevated, which is not true of the Hawaiian repre- sentatives. In comparing specimens of like size, it will also be seen that the margin of the caudal fin in the American specimens is more deeply concave. It is, therefore, quite certain that all records of B. capistratus based on American specimens should be referred to B. verres. Known from Mazatlan south to Panama Bay and the Galapagos Islands. Our specimens are from the rocky shores of small islands near the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. 79 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 568. Batistes polylepis Steindachner. Batistes polylepis Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXIV) Ichth. Beitr., V, 1876, 21 (Magdalena Bay, Mazatlan; Acapulco) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1700; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 152 (Panama Bay). Head to upper angle of gill-slit 2.7 to 2.95; depth 1.6 to 1.9; D. 111-26 to 28; A. 24 to 26; scales 65 to 76, difficult to enumerate in small specimens. Body deep, proportionately deeper in young than in adult ; anterior profile straight or slightly concave over snout; the interorbital region somewhat swollen; snout long, 1.25 to 1.6 in head; eye 2.9 to 5.6; pre- orbital groove strongly developed; mouth small, terminal; gill-opening 1.75 times the length of the eye in specimens 430 mm. in length, equal to diameter of eye in specimens 70 mm. in length ; teeth strong, notched, the anterior cusp very large ; body closely scaled ; no naked area about the mouth; a patch of short spines behind angle of mouth; the young rougher than the adult ; young with a row of pores beginning at angle of mouth extending to under posterior part of eye there meeting a branch having its origin on the chin, from thence continued as a single row run- ning upward back of the eye there meeting two other branches, one from the upper lip backward over eye, and the other crossing nape just in front of dorsal spine, the row then continued nearly to origin of second dorsal then curving abruptly downward and backward to below median line of body, then again curving upward to median line of caudal peduncle ; these lines obsolete in adult (430 mm. in length) ; ventral spine strong, provided with spinules; first dorsal with three spines, its origin just behind eye, the first spine strong, only moderately rough on anterior margin, 1.25 to 1.95 in head; dorsal and anal similar, anteriorly elevated in adult ; caudal fin rounded in young, deeply concave with the outer rays much produced in adult; pectoral fins short, 2.3 to 2.65 in head. Color in alcohol dusky or brownish; very young, of 40 mm. and less in length, with dark spots on sides; fins unmarked, usually light brown in adult, pale in young. This species is represented by 73 specimens ranging from 20 to 430 mm. in length. It is used as food only to a very limited extent. Known from Lower California to Peru. Our specimens are from Chame Point, Taboga Island, Balboa and the Panama City market. 569. Balistes naufragium Jordan & Starks. Balistes naufragium Jordan & Starks, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 791 1895, 488 (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1700; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 152 (Panama Bay) ; Starks, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1906, 798 (Guayaquil, Ecuador) ; Evermann & Goldsborough, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., XXII, 1909, 103 (Taboga Island) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 163 (Perico Island, Panama Bay). Head to upper angle of gill-slit 2.55 to 3 ; depth 1.7 to 1.9; D. 111-25 to 27 ; A. 23 to 25 ; scales 57 to 60. Body deep, moderately compressed; anterior profile nearly straight over snout, convex over eyes, very large specimens (550 mm.) with nuchal hump ; snout long, 1.2 to 1.3 in head ; eye 4.45 to 6.75 ; preorbital groove poorly developed; mouth terminal;, the lips thickened in adult; gill-slit 2 times length of diameter of the eye in adult (550 mm.), pro- portionately much shorter in young; teeth very strong, notched, the anterior cusp much enlarged; body with rather large scales; a naked area about the mouth which increases in size with age; lateral line in young as in B. polylepis, obsolete in adult (550 mm.) ; ventral spine very strong, rough; origin of the first dorsal just behind vertical from pos- terior margin of eye, the first spine very strong, with prominent tubercles, its length 1.5 to 2.1 in head; second dorsal and anal dissimilar, the former anteriorly more elevated than the latter; caudal fin in small specimens (195 mm.) double concave, with the lower rays shorter than the middle rays, the outer rays more strongly produced, the lower ones longer than the middle rays in adult; pectoral fins short, 2.15 to 2.5 in head. Color in alcohol very dark brown, the fins only slightly paler than the body. This species is represented in the present collection by 12 specimens, ranging from 195 to 550 mm. in length. It is used as food to a very limited extent. Known from Mazatlan, Mexico, south to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Our specimens are from Naos Island, Balboa and the Panama City market. 570. Balistes carolinensis Gmelin. Batistes carolinensis Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, Part III, 1789, 1468 (Caro- lina) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1701, PL CCLVIII, fig. 632. Balistes capriscus Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, Part III, 1788, 1471 (Indian and American oceans). 792 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Batistes caprinus Valenciennes, in Webb & Berthelot, Hist. Nat. lies Canaries, II, Pt. II, 1844, 94, PI. XVI (Canaries). Batistes fuliginosus De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 339, PI. LVII, fig. 1 88 (New York). Head to upper angle of gill-slit 2.8 to 3.1; depth 1.7 to 2.25; D. 111-27 to 29; A. 23 to 26; scales 54 to 62. This species was not seen at Panama. It is rather closely related to B. polylepis, from which it differs in having larger and rougher scales. In comparing specimens of like size, it will also be seen that the anal fin in the present species is less strongly elevated. From B. naufragium it may readily be distinguished by the enlarged scales below and behind the pectorals and by having the snout com- pletely scaled, while in B. naufragium there is a larger naked area about the mouth. A widely distributed species, known from both shores of the warmer waters of the Atlantic ; also recorded from the Indian Ocean. 571. Balistes vetula Linnaeus. Batistes vetula Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 329 (Ascension Islands ; after B. vetula of Osbeck) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1703; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 63 (Natal, Brazil) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 411 (Panama). Balistes bellus Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, III, 1792, 467 (West Indies). Chalisoma velata Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 325. Balistes equestris Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 31 (American Seas). Head to upper angle of gill-slit 2.6 to 2.75; depth 1.7 to 2; D. 111-29 or 30 ; A. 26 to 28 ; scales 60 to 62. Body deep, compressed; anterior profile nearly straight over snout, convex over eyes; snout long, 1.35 to 1.45 in head; eye 3.5 to 4.7; preorbital groove present ; mouth terminal ; the lips not thickened ; gill- slit equal to diameter of eye in adult (250 mm.), shorter than eye in young; teeth moderate; scales of moderate size, no naked area about mouth; lateral line in young as in B. polylepis, obsolete in adult (250 mm.) ; ventral spine broad, with many spinules ; origin of first dorsal just behind vertical from posterior margin of eye, the first spine 1.7 to 1.95 in head; second dorsal and anal more or less dissimilar, the former being more strongly elevated anteriorly than the latter; caudal fin deeply concave, the outer rays notably produced, even in small SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 793 specimens (no mm.), filamentous in adult (250 mm.); pectoral fins short, 2.3 to 2.7 in head. Color in alcohol brownish ; sides of head below eye with two heavy dark bands, the lower extending from upper lip to the throat, the upper from above the snout to below base of pectoral; a narrow dark line curved like the bands extending from above snout to above base of pec- toral ; several similar lines radiating from eye ; fins unmarked in spirits. This species was not seen by us at Panama, but it is recorded from there by Fowler (I.e.) and more recently from Caledonia Bay by Breder (Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 156). It is here described from speci- mens, ranging in length from no to 250 mm., from Cuba, Jamaica and Bahia, Brazil. Known from Massachusetts south to Brazil; also recorded from the Azores and Ascension Island. 572. Batistes forcipatus Gmelin. Batistes forcipatus Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, Pt. Ill, 1789, 1472 (Brazil) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1702. Balistes punctatus Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, Pt. Ill, 1789, 1472. Batistes spilotopterygius Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, III, 1792, 455 (Brazil). Balistes guttatus Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, III, 1792, 467 (St. Vin- cent) . Balistes ciliaris Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 471 (Brazil). Balistes liberiensis Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LV) Ichth. Notizen, IV, 1867, 9 (Monrovia). Balistes powellii Cope, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1870, 120 (Newport, R. I.; young). Balistes moribundus Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 479 (St. Martins; young). This species was not seen by us. It apparently differs from B. carolinensis only in coloration, having the body and the dorsal and anal fins covered with roundish blue black spots. Known from both coasts of the tropical Atlantic. The species is included because it is recorded from localities both north and south of Panama, thus coming within the scope of the present work. 205. Genus Canthidermis Swainson. Canthidermis Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 325 (type Balistes angulosus Quoy & Gaimard). 794 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body somewhat elongate ; head completely scaled ; a preorbital groove present; gill-opening surrounded by ordinary scales, there being no enlarged bony scutes behind it as in Batistes; dorsal spines 3. A single species, which is from the Pacific coast, occurs in the Panama collection. We have included in our discussion C. maculatus from the Atlantic Ocean, which probably comes within the scope of the present work, but the relationship of which we do not understand and, there- fore, no attempt is being made to give a key to the species. 573. Canthidermis rotundatus (Marion de Proce). Batistes rotundatus Marion de Proce, Bull. Soc. Philo. Paris, 1822, 130 (Manila). Batistes azureus Lesson, Voy. Coquille, Zool., II, 1831, 121, PI. X, fig. 2. Batistes angulosus Quoy & Gaimard, in Freycinet, Voy. Uranie et Physicienne, Zool., 1824, 210 (Hawaiian Islands). Batistes ocutatus Gray, Illus. Ind. Zool., I, 1832, PL XC, fig. I (India). Batistes senticosus Richardson, in Adams, Zool. Voy. Samarang, Fish., 1848, 23, PI. IX, figs. 5-8 (China Sea). Batistes maculatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 213 (Cape of Good Hope, Pinang, Borneo, Sandalwood Island, China, Japan; in part, not of Bloch). Canthidermis rotundatus Jordan & Fowler, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1903, 260. Canthidermis angulosus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XXIII, Pt. I, 1903 (1905), 415; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 164 (Lat. 7, 15' N.; Long. 82, 8' W. & Lat. 17, 20' N.; Long. 101, 32' W.). Head to upper angle of gill-slit 2.35 to 2.75; depth 1.5 to 1.95; D. III-2O to 24; A. 20 to 22; scales 41 to 46. Body deep, moderately compressed; profile slightly concave over snout, convex at nape ; snout moderate, 1.75 to 2 in head ; eye 2.8 to 3.7 ; preorbital groove present; interorbital region broad, with prominent ridges over eyes in young; mouth small, terminal; gill-slit notably shorter than the eye; teeth notched, with rather sharp cutting edges; scales moderate, rough, posteriorly slightly keeled ; no naked area about the mouth ; lateral line present but indistinct ; ventral spine strong, pro- vided with spinules; origin of first dorsal over gill-opening, the first spine strong, rough on the anterior margin, 1.9 to 2.4 in head; second dorsal and anal of equal length, the latter more strongly elevated ante- riorly; caudal fin very short, rounded; pectoral fins short, 2.75 to 3 in head. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 795 Color brownish to black; sides usually with white spots; fins in very small examples colorless; colored like the body in larger speci- mens, but without white spots. The Panama collection contains 19 specimens, ranging from 17 to 72 mm. in length. Besides these there are three other small specimens from Panama at hand, belonging to the U. S. National Museum, one from Taboga Island, taken by August Busck, and two specimens taken by the Albatross off the coast of Panama. We also have at hand three specimens from Japan with which our material agrees perfectly. For this reason we are using the older name, rotundatus, given to a specimen from Manila, believing that the East Indian, Hawaiian and American representatives are all identical. This species, as here understood, is widely distributed throughout the warm parts of the Pacific and Indian oceans, having been recorded from the western Pacific, from the Hawaiian Islands and Panama, and also from, Peru, if Balistes adspersus Tschudi too proves to be identical with the present species. Our specimens were collected at Chame Point by Robert Tweedlie. 574. Canthidermis maculatus (Bloch). Balistes maculatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, II, 1786, 25, PI. CLI (West Indies) ; Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 213 (in part) ; Day, Fishes of India, 1878, 688 (in part). Balistes americanus Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, Pt. Ill, 1789, 1473 (America). Balistes macropterus Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, III, 1792, 465 (Amer- ica). ? Balistes oculatus Gray, Illus. Ind. Zool., I, 1832, PI. XC, fig. i (India). Balistes rufus Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 36 (American Ocean) . Balistes longus Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 37 (American Ocean). Balistes melanopterus Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 478 (Darien). Canthidermis maculatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1706. There are no specimens of this species available, and we are unable to understand the affinities of the species from the scant descrip- tions which are at hand. If Bloch's figure is accurate, the spots on sides are much larger in the present species than in C. rotundatus. Bloch's figure represents the dorsal as being higher than the anal, while in the specimens of C. rotundatus which are at hand the reverse is true. The caudal fin is represented as angulated, while in specimens at hand 796 FIELD M^USEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. it is rounded. Some of these differences may be due to age, i. e., Bloch's figure may be based on a large specimen, while we have only small specimens of C. rotundatus. It is not unlikely that Giinther (Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, p. 213) was right in combining this species with C. rotundatus. We follow Jordan & Evermann in placing in the synonomy of this species Balistes melanopterus Cope, type locality Darien. While Cope does not state whether his specimen was from the Atlantic or the Pacific side of the Isthmus, we infer that it was from the former, because other material upon which he reported in the same paper was from the Atlantic side. This species, as here understood, is known from the warmer waters of the Atlantic ; on the American side from the West Indies to Darien, the Panama record being based upon Balistes melanopterus Cope. Family LXVII. Monacanthidae. THE FILE-FISHES. Body much compressed, rather deep ; mouth small, usually terminal ; teeth incisor-like, in 2 series in upper jaw; gill-opening a mere slit; lateral line absent ; scales rudimentary, bearing spines ; first dorsal com- posed of a single spine, or occasionally of a rudimentary spine behind the first; second dorsal and anal similar; caudal fin long or short, pointed or rounded ; ventral fins represented by a fixed or movable spine attached by the pelvic bone or entirely wanting. Herbiverous fishes, with rough skin. Most of the species are small and none are of value as food. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Pelvic bone with a terminal spine projecting through the skin; gill-opening short, equal to or shorter than eye in small or medium sized specimens. b. Dorsal spine situated over posterior part of eye, posteriorly armed with 2 series of barbs. Monacanthus, p. 796. bb. Dorsal spine situated over or slightly in advance of middle of eye, without barbs. Cantherines, p. 800. aa. Pelvic bone without a terminal spine ; dorsal spine without barbs. Alutera, p. 801. 206. Genus Monacanthus Oken. Monacanthus Oken, Isfs, 1817, 1183 (type Balistes chinensis Bloch). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 797 Trichoderma Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 3 2 & (type Batistes scapus Lacepede). Stephanolepis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 78 (type Mona- canthus setifer Bennett). Body short, deep, and much compressed ; snout long ; mouth small ; teeth broad, with sharp cutting edges, a double series in upper jaw; gill-opening an oblique slit, scarcely as long as eye; a strong ventral spine present, projecting through the skin and attached to the abdomen by a flap ; first dorsal composed of a single spine, bearing two series of barbs posteriorly and situated over part of eye; caudal fin not longer than head, rounded. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body short and deep, the depth at vertical from vent usually less than 2 in length to base of caudal ; ventral flap never extend- ing beyond tip of ventral spine; caudal peduncle at sides with small spines like the rest of the body, not with prominent recurved spines and bristles. b. Dorsal with 31 to 35 rays ; anal with 31 to 35 rays ; color variable from plain grass-green to very dark green and marbled with black. hispidus, p. 797. bb. Dorsal with 27 to 29 rays ; anal with 27 to 29 rays ; color green mottled with black; sides with elongate black spots so arranged as to form more or less distinct longitudinal lines. oppositus, p. 798. aa. Body somewhat more elongate, the depth at vertical from vent usually more than 2 in length to base of caudal; ventral flap usually extending beyond tip of ventral spine; caudal peduncle at sides with the spines less closely placed, enlarged and recurved in the adult. ciliatus, p. 799. 575. Monacanthus hispidus (Linnaeus). Batistes hispidus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 405 (Carolina). Batistes broccus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Philo. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 467 (New York). Monacanthus filamentosus Valenciennes, in Webb & Berthelot, Hist. Nat. lies Canaries, II, Pt. II, 1844, 95 (Canaries; adult). Monacanthus gallinula Valenciennes, in Webb & Berthelot, Hist. Nat. lies Canaries, II, Pt. II, 1844, 95 (Canaries; young). Monacanthus varius Ranzani, Novi Comment. Ac. Sci. Inst. Bonon., V, 1842, 6, PI. II (Brazil). 798 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Monocanthus (!) massachusettensis De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 336, PI. LVII, fig. 187 (Massachusetts Bay). Monocanthus ( !) setifer De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 337, PI. LIX, fig. 194 (New York Harbor; not of Bennett). Monacanthus signifer Storer, Memoir. Amer. Ac., New Ser., II, 1846, 245 (Massachusetts; substitute for setifer, preoccupied). Monacanthus auriga Lowe, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1850, 253 (Madeira). Stephanolepis setifer Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 78. Monacanthus broccus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 856. Monacanthus hispidus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1715, PI. CCLIX, fig. 635; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 63 (Natal, Brazil). This fish was not taken at Panama, but it doubtless occurs there, as it is recorded from localities both north and south of the Isthmus. The difference between this species and M. oppositus is shown in the key to the species of this genus. Known from Massachusetts south to Brazil. . 576. Monacanthus oppositus Poey. Monacanthus oppositus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 331 (Cuba) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1716. Head to upper angle of gill-slit 2.7 to 3 ; depth at vertical from vent 1.75 to 2 ; D. 27 to 29 ; A. 27 to 29. Body short and deep ; profile straight or slightly concave in advance of eyes; snout long, 1.35 to 1.65 in head; eye placed high, 2.6 to 3.6; mouth small, terminal ; gill-opening a small oblique slit, equal to or shorter than eye; teeth in the jaws broad, with sharp cutting edges; body densely covered with small clusters of bristles ; a prominent ven- tral spine present, beyond which the ventral flap does not extend ; first dorsal composed of a single spine, placed over posterior part of eye and bearing a double row of barbs posteriorly, its length scarcely exceeding the length of snout; second dorsal and anal similar, and of equal length ; caudal fin convex ; pectoral fin small, 2.25 to 2.85 in head. Color in life green, mottled with black; sides with elongate black spots, forming more or less distinct longitudinal lines; dorsal and anal plain translucent, or slightly tinged with yellow; middle caudal rays dark green, the outer rays yellowish. This species is common on the Atlantic coast of Panama. Our col- lection contains over 200 specimens, ranging from 25 to 90 mm. in SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 799 length. It is closely related to M. hispidus, from which it differs in the shorter dorsal and anal fins and in color. Previously recorded only from Cuba and Cartagena, Colombia. Our specimens are all from Fox Bay, Colon. 577. Monacanthus ciliatus (Mitchill). Batistes ciliatus Mitchill, Amer. Monthly Mag., II, 1818, 326 (Bahama Straits). Monacanthus piraaca Kner, Reise Fregatte Novara, Fische, 1867, 396 (Rio de Janeiro). Monacanthus occidentalis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 237 (Puerto Cabello). Monacanthus davidsonii Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 476 (Florida Reef). Monacanthus ciliatus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 145 ; Jor- dan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1714, PL CCLIX, fig. 634; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 63 (Natal, Brazil) ; Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 157 (Caledonia Bay). Head to upper angle of gill-slit 2.9 to 3.4; depth at vertical from vent 1.95 to 2.6; D. 30 to 34; A. 30 to 33. Body strongly compressed, of moderate depth; profile over snout notably concave; snout long, 1.3 to 1.5 in head; eye placed high, 3.3 to 3.8; mouth slightly superior, the lower jaw a little longer than the upper ; gill-opening a small oblique slit, shorter than eye ; teeth in the jaws broad, with sharp cutting edges; body covered with short spines, these less numerous at base of caudal; adult with recurved spines and bristles at base of caudal ; a prominent ventral spine present ; ventral flap variously developed, usually extending beyond the spine even in young ; first dorsal composed of a single spine placed over posterior part of eye and bearing two series of barbs posteriorly, its length about equal to snout; second dorsal and anal similar; caudal fin not longer than snout, convex at all ages ; pectoral fins short, 2.7 to 3.3 in head. Color in life of a specimen 84 mm. in length, green, sides with four (2 distinct) dark longitudinal bands ; ventral flap green, with an orange margin; dorsal and anal red; caudal dark green, with 2 black cross-bars. The color is variable and the dark longitudinal bands de- scribed in the above specimen are usually not present. This species is represented in the Panama collection by 14 speci- mens, ranging from 30 to 85 mm. in length. The development of the ventral flap is variable. In some specimens even of small size, 50 mm. 8oo FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. in length, it is well developed and extends much beyond the ventral spine, in others much longer it is often less strongly developed. The development of the bristles on caudal peduncle is also very variable among individuals. This species differs from M. hispidus: a. In the shallower and less robust body, a difference which is, however, only apparent when specimens of like size are compared, b. The greater development of the ventral flap, in the present species, usually distin- guishes the two quite readily, but at times this variable character also fails among the young, c. The longer and less densely placed spines on the caudal peduncle. Although this character also varies, it appears to be of value. In very young this character is often evident only as a bare area at the base of the caudal. It is from this area that later the largest and strongest recurved spines arise. Recorded from North Carolina, Florida, the West Indies, Caledonia Bay, and south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Fox Bay, Colon. 207. Genus Cantherines Swainson. Cantherines Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II 1839, 327 (type Monacanthus nasutus Quoy & Gaimard). Liomonacanthus Bleeker, Nederl. Tijdsch. Dierk., Ill, 1866, 13 (type Monacanthus pardalis Riippell). This genus is distinguished from Monacanthus by the absence of barbs on the dorsal spine and by the more anterior position of the dorsal spine, which is placed over or slightly in advance of middle of eye. 578. Cantherines pullus (Ranzani). Monacanthus pullus Ranzani, Novi Comment. Ac. Sci. Inst. Bonon., V, 1842,4, PI. I (Brazil). Monacanthusmacrocerus'H.otta.Td, Ann. Sci. Nat., 4th Ser., II, 1854, 327, PI. XII, fig. i (Bahia). Monacanthus ruppelii Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. Rares Amer. Sud, 1855, 97, PI. XLVII, fig. 2 (Bahia). Monacanthus stratus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 329 (Cuba). Monacanthus irroratus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 330 (Cuba). Monacanthus parraianus Poey, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 185 (Cuba). Monacanthus punctatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 437 (Cuba). Monacanthus pardalis Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 230 (in part). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 801 Cantherines pullus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1713. Head to upper angle of gill-opening 2.85 to 3.25 ; depth at vertical from vent 2.1 to 2.3 ; D. 35 or 36; A. 32 to 34. Body moderately deep; profile concave in advance of eyes; snout long, 1.2 in head; eye placed high, 3.6 to 4.5; mouth small, terminal or slightly superior; gill-opening an oblique slit, equal to or longer than eye in specimens 100 mm. or more in length ; teeth in the jaws rather broad, with sharp cutting edges ; body densely covered with small bristles ; a prominent ventral spine present, beyond which the flap does not extend; first dorsal composed of a single spine, situated over or slightly in advance of middle of eye, equal to length of snout and bearing no barbs posteriorly; dorsal and anal similar; caudal fin shorter than snout, its margin convex; pectoral fins short, 2.6 to 2.8 in head. Color -greenish, variable, usually with a white spot on caudal pe- duncle just behind last rays of dorsal ; sides of head with wavy bluish streaks ; sides of tail often with pale longitudinal bands. This species was not seen at Panama, but is here included be- cause it is known from localities both north and south of the Isthmus and it doubtless in time will be taken on the coast of Panama. It is here described from specimens from the West Indies and Brazil, ranging from 90 to 170 mm. in length. This fish is said to reach a weight of 6 pounds. Known from the coast of Florida, West Indies and Brazil. 208. Genus Alutera Oken. Alutera Oken, Isis, 1917, 1183 (type Batistes monoceros Linnaeus). Ceratacanthus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, Suppl., 57 (type Batistes aurantiacus Mitchill). Osbeckia Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 424 (type Batistes scriptus Osbeck). Body more or less elongate, strongly compressed; mouth small, oblique, lower jaw projecting; gill-slit oblique, longer than eye; dor- sal spine long, slender, without barbs ; caudal fin quite long, more or less pointed ; pelvic bone not surmounted by a spine. A single species was taken at Panama. We, however, include A. scripta, a widely dis- tributed species, which will doubtless sooner or later be taken on one or both coasts of Panama. 802 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body rather deep; dorsal fin with 35 to 38 rays; anal rays 39 or 40; sides of head with or without small black spots, no bluish wavy streaks. schcspfii, p. 802. aa. Body not very deep; dorsal fin with 45 to 47 rays; anal rays 48 to 50; sides of head with prominent black spots and with bluish wavy streaks. scripta, p. 803. 579. Alutera schoepfii (Walbaum). Batistes schoepfii Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, 1792, 461 (Long Island). Batistes aurantiacus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 468 (New York; adult). Alutera punctata Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1829, 137, PI. LXXVI (Brazil); Jordan &Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1718; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 63 (off coast of Brazil) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 135 (Colon). Aluteres cuspicauda De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 338 (New York ; young) . Aluterus holbroocki Hollard, Ann. Sci. Nat., 4th Ser., IV, 1855, 7 (North America). Aluterus cultrifrons Hollard, Ann. Sci. Nat., 4th Ser., IV, 1855, 8, PI. IV, fig. 2 (New York and Bahia). Ceratacanthus aurantiacus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, Suppl., 57- Alutera schcepfii Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1718, P. CCLX, fig. 636. Head to upper angle of gill-slit 3 to 3.4; depth 2.3 to 2.7; D. 35 to 38; A. 39 or 40. Body elongate, strongly compressed ; dorsal profile concave over snout, convex over eyes; head poorly differentiated; snout long, i.i to 1.18 in head; eye 4 to 5; mouth small; lower jaw projecting; gill- slit oblique, twice as long as eye in adult, not more than \y 2 times the length of eye in small specimens; teeth broad, with triangular cutting edges, those in upper jaw in two series ; body covered with rough spines, each of which with a separate base and expanded at the tip; first dorsal composed of a single spine, situated slightly behind mid- dle of eye, usually not as long as head, posteriorly rough, but without distinct barbs; second dorsal and anal similar; caudal fin extremely SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 803 long in young, proportionately shorter in adult, from J4 to V* the total length ; pectoral fins short, 3.3 to 4 in head. Color of specimens at hand dark brown; sides with dark round spots, these most numerous in our largest example and fewest in the smallest one ; caudal fin very dark ; other fin plain translucent. There are only 4 specimens, ranging from 120 to 172 mm. in length, in the present collection. We have compared our specimens with others from North Carolina and Jamaica with which they essen- tially agree. The species apparently is not distinct from A. punctata. Known from Massachusetts south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Fox Bay, Colon. 580. Alutera scripta (Osbeck). Batistes scriptus Osbeck, Reise Ostind. China, Ed. II, 1765, p. 145. Batistes monoceros var. scriptus Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, Pt. Ill, 1789, 1463 (after Osbeck). Balistes Icevis Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IX, 1795, 82, PI. CCCCXIV (Morocco; Tranquebar). Balistes ornatus Marion de Proce, Bull. Soc. Philo. Paris, 1822, 131. Monacanthum proboscidcum Ranzani, Novi Comment. Ac. Sci. Inst. Bonon., V, 1842, 8 (Brazil). Aluterus venosus Hollard, Ann. Sci. Nat., 4th Ser., 1855, 14, PI. IV, fig. 3 (New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago). Alutera picturata Poey, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 178 (Cuba). Monacanthus scriptus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 252. Alutera scripta Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 424; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1719, PI. CCLX, fig. 637 (figure wrong, probably young of A. schcepfii} ; Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 157 (Caledonia Bay). Osbcckia scripta Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Fish. Comm., XXIII, 1903 (1905), 422, fig. 184 (after Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1900, PI. CCLX, fig. 637, which is not scripta). Head to upper angle of gill opening 3.15 to 4.6; depth 2.65 to 4; D. 47 to 49; A. 48 to 51 ; eye 3.25 to 5 in head; snout i.i to 1.3; pec- toral 3.2 to 3.4. This species differs from A. schcepfii in the more elongate body, smoother skin, longer dorsal and anal fins, shorter caudal fin and in color. Comparing young of about 100 mm. in length, the most strik- ing difference is the length of the caudal fin. In A. schcepfii the caudal fin is long and narrow, being more than one-half the length of body, 804 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. while in the present species it is broad and very notably less than half the length of body. The color in the present species is variegated, the sides of head and body bearing prominent markings. In our small specimens from the west coast of Panama the entire head and sides are reticulated and marbled, the ground color being very dark, in spirits, and the reticu- lations pale. Dark bars extend across the pale chest and abdomen and to the base of the dorsal and anal fins, which are colorless; caudal fin dark, with a pale margin and black cross-bars. Large specimens from the West Indies have prominent dark spots on sides, and in front and below the eye there are bluish, wavy longitudinal stripes. There are 3 specimens, ranging from 70 to 105 mm. in length, in the Panama collection, taken on the Pacific coast at Chame Point by Mr. Robert Tweedlie. It was not seen on the Atlantic coast of Panama. The species is recorded from South Carolina, southward to the West Indies and Brazil, from Ascension Island and also from the East Indies, Hawaiian Islands and on the Pacific coast of America from Mazatlan, Clarion, Sacorro, and the Revillagigedo Islands. It recently has been recorded by Breder from Caledonia Bay on the east coast of the Isthmus. Family LXVIII. Ostraciida. THE TRUNK-FISHES. Body short, cuboid, 3, 4 or 5 angled, covered by a hard box-like shell, composed of more or less definitely defined polygonial plates, wanting only on caudal peduncle, about the mouth and bases of the fins ; caudal peduncle long; mouth small, terminal; a single row of pointed teeth in each jaw; gill-opening a short, nearly vertical slit below and posterior to eye; dorsal fin small, inserted far backward, composed of soft rays only; caudal fin with 10 rays, its posterior margin square or rounded; anal fin similar to the dorsal and nearly opposite it; ventral fins wanting; pectoral fins short. 209. Genus Lactophrys Swainson. Lactophrys Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 324 (type Ostracion trigonus Linnaeus). Rhinesomus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 324 (type Ostracion triqueter Bloch). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 805 Acanthostracion Bleeker, Nederl. Tijdsch. Dierk., Ill, 1866, 15 (type Ostracion quadricornis Linnaeus). Chapinus Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 424 (type Ostracion bicaudalis Linnaeus). This genus consists of trunk-fishes which have the carapace 3-angled, the ventral surface being flat or concave. The carapace is closed behind the anal fin and it may or may not have frontal or lateral ventral spines. The dorsal fin consist of 9 or 10 rays and the caudal fin always has 10 rays. Four American species are known from the Atlantic coast, all of which are included in the following pages. The genus has not yet been found on the Pacific coast of America. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Carapace without spines anywhere. triqueter, p. 805. aa. Carapace with spines, at least on the ventral ridges. b. Frontal spines wanting ; a single spine on each side of the ven- tral ridge. c. Carapace closed behind the dorsal fin; body everywhere with round dark spots. bicaudalis, p. 806. cc. Carapace open behind the dorsal fin ; body mottled with pale areas and with a dark area behind gill-opening and another one on the side. trigonus, p. 806. bb. A strong spine in front of each eye; a spine on each side on ventral ridge. tricornis, p. 807. 581. Lactophrys triqueter (Linnseus). Ostracion triqueter Linnseus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 330 (India). Ostracion concatenatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, I, 1785, 101, PI. CXXXI (Martinique; on a drawing by Plumier). Lactophrys triqueter Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1722, PI. CCLXI, fig. 638. Head 2.8; depth at nape 1.7; D. 10; A. 10. Body short and deep, sharply 3-angled ; no spines anywhere ; dorsal ridge sharply compressed, beginning between posterior part of eyes and extending to dorsal fin; the carapace closed behind dorsal fin; head short; the anterior profile concave; snout projecting, 1.35 in head; eye 2.4; interorbital deeply concave, 1.45; mouth small, terminal; teeth in the jaws rather strong, pointed; dorsal fin highest anteriorly; caudal fin rather long, rounded ; anal fin similar to the dorsal, its origin under about middle of dorsal ; pectoral fins broad, the upper rays longest, 1.55 in head. 806 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color in life dark green above ; ventral surfaces nearly black ; sides with small greenish blue spots; bases of dorsal, caudal and pectorals black ; the distal part of caudal fin black ; the fins otherwise plain. A single small specimen, 58 mm. long, upon which the above descrip- tion is based, was taken. The adults are proportionately longer and more slender, the head is longer, and the angles of the body are less prominent. The species is not common on the Atlantic coast of Panama. Known from North Carolina southward to Bahia, Brazil, occasion- ally straying northward as far as Woods Hole, Mass. Our specimen was taken at Porto Bello. 582. Lactophrys bicaudalis (Linnaeus). Ostracion bicaudalis Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 330 (India) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 257. Lactophrys trigonus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1723 (in part). Lactophrys bicaudalis Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 157 (Caledonia Bay). This fish was not seen by us, but it is readily separated from L. trigonus, its nearest relative, by the closed carapace behind the dorsal fin and by the many small dark spots on the body and caudal. Known from the West Indies south to Ascension Island; recently recorded by Breder from Caledonia Bay on the Atlantic coast of Panama. 583. Lactophrys trigonus (Linnaeus). Ostracion trigonus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 330 (India; after Artedi). Ostracion yalei Storer, Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist., I, 1837, 353, PL VIII (Holmes Hole, Martha's Vineyard). Ostracion oviceps Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXI, 1855, 218. Ostracion trigonum Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 362. Ostracion undulatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 441 (Havana). Ostracion expansum Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., 1871, 474, figs. 9 & 10 (St. Martins, West Indies). Lactophrys trigonus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1723, PI. CCLXIII, figs. 641 & 6413; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 136 (Colon). Head 3.8; depth at nape 2.65 to 2.8; D. 10; A. 10. Body sharply 3-angled ; no spine before eye ; each ventral ridge with a large flat spine situated somewhat in advance of vent; dorsal ridge sharply compressed, more or less notched in adult ; the carapace open SEPT. 1928, FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 807 behind dorsal, followed by one or two separate scutes ; head very deep ; the snout not much in advance of forehead, 1.15 to 1.25 in head; eye 2.3; interorbital concave, 1.65; mouth small, terminal; teeth in the jaws strong, canine-like; dorsal fin small, with convex margin; caudal fin truncate; anal fin similar to the dorsal, its origin at vertical from base of last dorsal ray; pectoral fins broad, the upper rays longest, 1.5 to 1.6 in head. Color in alcohol greenish gray, the center of the plates somewhat lighter ; black lines back of the gill-opening, forming more or less distinct circles, similar markings further back on side at level of eye and above and somewhat in advance of spines on ventral ridges; fins plain trans- lucent. We have 3 adult specimens at hand, ranging in length from 160 to 190 mm., upon which the above description is based. We also have a young individual, 53 mm. long, which differs so essentially from the adult that it seems advisable to call attention to these differences which do not appear to have been described previously. The head in the young is proportionately much larger (2.7 in body) ; the body is notably shorter and deeper (the depth at nape 1.7 in length) ; the dorsal ridge is notably higher ; and the ventral spines are much smaller, being mere points, scarcely as long as pupil. The species is used as food to a limited extent. Known from Massachusetts to Bahia, Brazil. Our specimens are from Colon. 584. Lactophrys tricornis (Linnaeus). Ostracion tricornis Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 331 (no locality given). Ostracion quadricornis Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 331 (no locality given). Ostracion lister Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., I, 1798, 468, PI. XXIII, fig. 2 (no locality given). Ostracion sexcornutus Mitchill, Amer. Monthly Mag., II, 1818, 328 (mouth of Mississippi River). Ostracion maculatus Hollard, Ann. Sci. Nat., 4th Ser., VII, 1857, 149. Ostracion guineensis Bleeker, Nederl. Tijdsch. Dierk., II, 1865, 302 (Guinea). Ostracion gronovii Bleeker, Nederl. Tijdsch. Dierk., II, 1865, 302. Acanthostracion polygonius Poey, Enumeratio, 1876, 175 (Cuba). 808 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Ostracium quadricorne Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 854. Lactophrys tricornis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1724, PI. CCLXI, fig. 639; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 136 (Colon). Head 2.95 to 3.1 ; depth at nape 1.75 to 2; D. 9 or 10; A. 10. Body sharply 3-angled; a prominent, horn-like spine before each eye; each ventral ridge with a prominent spine, situated somewhat in advance of anal; dorsal ridge sharply compressed; the carapace closed behind the dorsal fin; head deep; snout little in advance of forehead, 1.15 to 2 in head; eye 2.1 to 2.4; interorbital deeply concave, 1.05 to 1.15; mouth very small, terminal; teeth in the jaws rather strong, pointed ; dorsal fin small, the anterior rays longest ; caudal fin quite long, rounded; anal fin similar to the dorsal, its origin notably behind base of last dorsal ray ; pectoral fins rather broad, the upper rays the longest, 1.25 to 1.45 in head. Color in alcohol brownish, the abdomen paler; body everywhere spotted with black ; the fins plain translucent. This species is represented by 3 small specimens ranging in length from 35 to 45 mm. It does not appear to be common on the Atlantic coast of the Isthmus of Panama. Known from Massachusetts southward to Natal, Brazil, also rang- ing eastward to the Cape of Good Hope. Our specimens are from Colon. Family LXIX. Tetraodontidae. THE PUFFERS. Body oblong or elongate ; the belly usually capable of great inflation either with air or water; head large; mouth small, terminal; teeth in each jaw fused into a kind of beak with a median suture ; gill-slits small, situated immediately in front of pectorals; scales usually absent; the skin often covered with prickles; lateral line conspicuous or not; air- bladder present; spinous dorsal and ventral fins absent; dorsal fin inserted posteriorly, short, consisting of soft rays only ; caudal fin various in shape; anal fin similar to the dorsal and opposite or slightly behind it ; pectoral fins short and broad. The members of this family are for the most part restricted to the warmer coastal waters. They are slug- gish swimmers and when inflated they float on the back at the surface. Inflation usually takes place when the animal is disturbed and it is SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEE AND HILDEBRAND. 809 doubtlessly a means of protection, for the body is thereby greatly enlarged and the prickles on the skin, when the abdomen is inflated, project much more strongly. Five genera are represented in the Panama collection. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Nostrils with 2 distinct openings on each side, usually with a more or less distinct tube. b. Olfactory organ consisting of a single short canal on each side, with 2 small openings; the canal without cup-shaped pits, the inner surface usually being smooth or provided with one or a few folds of skin. c. Body comparatively elongate; dorsal and anal fins rather long, each with 12 to 15 rays; lower sides of tail with a cutaneous fold. Lagocephalus, p. 809. cc. Body oblong, plump ; dorsal and anal fins small, consisting of 6 to 8 rays each; lower sides of tail without a distinct cutaneous fold. Sphceroides, p. 8n. bb. Olfactory organ consisting of a transverse tube, open at each end to its full diameter; the inner surface of the tube closely covered with cup-shaped pits visible to the naked eye. Guentheridia, p. 82 1 . aa. Nostrils with a single opening on each side, without a tube, and with or without a bifid tentacle. d. Each nostril with a bifid tentacle; the body rather broad, the back not compressed. Tetraodon, p. 822. dd. Nostrils without a distinct tube or tentacle, with a single small opening on each side; the back compressed and produced into a short prominence over the pectoral fins. Canthig aster, p. 825. 210. Genus Lagocephalus Swainson. Lagocephalus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 328 (type Tetraodon stellatus Donovan). Physogaster Miiller, Abh. k. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1839, 252 (type Tetra- odon lunaris Bloch & Schneider; name preoccupied). Gastrophysus Miiller, Achiv. Naturg., IX, 1843, 33 (type Tetraodon lunaris Linnaeus; substitute for Physogaster, preoccupied). Body comparatively elongated; skin smooth or variously prickly, prickles most strongly developed on abdomen ; nostrils without distinct papillae, each with two distinct openings ; lower sides of tail with a 8 io FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. cutaneous fold; dorsal and anal fins long, falcate, each with 12 to 15 rays; caudal fin deeply lunate. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body rather robust, the depth 3.1 to 3.3 in length; head 2.6 to 2.7. pachycephalus, p. 810. aa. Body rather elongate, the depth 4.3 to 4.5 in length; head 3.25 to 3.3. l&vigatus, p. 811. 585. Lagocephalus pachycephalus (Ranzani). Tetrodon pachycephalus Ranzani, Novi Comment. Ac. Sci. Inst. Bonon., IV, 1840, 73, PI. XI, fig. 2 (Brazil). Lagocephalus pachycephalus Jordan & Rutter, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1897, 128; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1728; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 136 (Colon). Head 2.6 to 2.7; depth 3.1 to 3.3; D. 13 or 14; A. 13. Body rather robust; head large; snout blunt, 5.15 to 5.25 in head; e y e 3-3 to 341 interorbital (bone) 3.2 to 3.7; mouth small, terminal, the lips with dermal folds; the skin smooth above and on sides, the chest and abdomen with rather strong prickles, a slight fold of skin along lower part of side of tail ; lines of mucous pores distinct, four short lines inclosing a quadrangular area back of eye, a line surround- ing the eye extending from the anterior corners, the lateral line extend- ing from the posterior angle directly backward nearly to origin of dorsal, then downward to middle of side of caudal peduncle; dorsal fin rather long, highest anteriorly, its origin somewhat nearer anterior margin of eye than tip of caudal; caudal fin rather long, its posterior margin rather deeply lunate, the upper lobe longest ; anal fin similar to the dorsal and opposite it; pectoral fins short and broad, the upper rays longest, 2.05 to 2.25 in head. Color in alcohol light grayish above; sides bright silvery; lower surface plain white ; interorbital area somewhat darker than the ground color; dark bar crossing the back about midway between the eyes and the origin of the dorsal ; a second dark bar under the base of the dorsal and a third one on the caudal peduncle; the anal fin plain translucent; all the other fins more or less dusky. . This species is probably quite rare on the coast of Panama. Only 2 small specimens, each 113 mm. in length, were seen. Known from the West Indies to Brazil. Our specimens are from Hindi Cut, Canal Zone. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 811 586. Lagocephalus laevigatus (Linnaeus). Tetraodon lavigatus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 411 (Charles- ton, S. C.). Tetrodon curvus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 472 (New York). Tetrodon mathematicus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 474 (New York). Holocanthus melanothos Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 24 (Carolina). Tetrodon lineolatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 432 (Cuba). Lagocephalus lavigatus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 860; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1728, PI. CCLXIII, fig. 642. Head 3.25 to 3.3; depth 4.3 to 4.5; D. 13 or 14; A. 12 or 13. Body rather elongate, slender; head large; snout blunt, 2.1 in head; eye 4.8; interorbital 2.3; skin of back and sides smooth; chest and abdo- men with depressible spines ; lower edge of caudal peduncle with a fold of skin; mucous lines as in L. pachycephalus; dorsal and anal fins large and falcate, the last rays rapidly shortened ; caudal fin deeply lunate. Color in alcohol purple above to nearly black; sides dirty silvery; belly white. The young have 3 broad, dark, transverse bands on back of trunk, I on caudal peduncle and similar narrower bands on top of head. This species comes within the scope of the present work, but it was not seen by us. The above description is compiled from published accounts. This fish is said to be sluggish and to reach a length of 2 feet. It appears to be of no value for food. Known from Massachusetts to Brazil; not as yet recorded from Panama. 211. Genus Sphceroides Dumeril. Les spheroides Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1800, 22 (type French name only, "Le spheroide tubercule"). Spheroides Dumeril, Zool. Analy., 1806, 108 and 342 (type "Le spheroide tubercule" Lacepede). Cirrhisomus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 328 (type Tetrodon spengleri Bloch). Orbidus Rafinesque, Analyse Nat., etc., 1815, 90 (substitute for "Les spheroides Lacepede). Chelichthys Miiller, Abhand. k. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1839, 252 (type Tetraodon testudineus Linnaeus). 812 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Holocanthus Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 23 (type Holocanthus leionothos Gronow; name preoccupied). Anchisomus Kaup, in Richardson, in Forbes, Zool. Voy. Herald, 1854, I56( type Tetrodon spengleri Bloch). Body oblong, plump, capable of considerable inflation ; a single short nasal canal on each side with two openings near its tip; skin often largely smooth, sometimes with more or less distinct scale-like dermal development, usually also with prickles at least on a portion of the back and abdomen, and not infrequently with dermal cirri; dorsal and anal fins similar, small, consisting of 6 to 8 rays each; caudal fin moderate, usually with straight or convex margin, but occasionally slightly con- cave. This genus consists of many species, mostly American, which inhabit warm seas. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Caudal fin slightly rounded posteriorly or nearly straight, never concave. b. Body with evident membranous (not ossified) scales on sides, having free margins and being arranged in more or less definite series like normal scales. marmoratus, p. 813. bb. Body without well developed membranous scales, small, if present, and without free margins. c. Sides with a row of round black spots bounding the dark area of the back and the white of the abdomen ; no pale lines or retic- ulations on back and sides ; snout long, 1.8 to 2.1 in head. d. Skin of body mostly prickly, spines present from eyes to origin of dorsal, also on snout and abdomen; body robust, the depth at nape 3 to 3.5 in length ; origin of anal a little behind vertical from base of last ray of dorsal ; pectoral fins rather long, 2 to 2.4 in head. lobatus, p. 814. dd. Skin of body largely smooth, a prickly area on back extending from nape about half way to dorsal ; abdomen with prickles ; no prickles on snout; body rather slender, the depth 3.6 to 5.1 in length ; origin of anal under middle of base of dorsal ; pectoral fins short, 2.75 to 3 in head. spengleri, p. 815. cc. Sides without a definite row of black spots bounding the line of the abdomen ; snout convex, of moderate length, about 2 to 2.5 in head (except in 5". angusticeps in which it is long and con- cave, 1.5 in head). e. Back usually with pale or yellowish lines or reticulations; body robust; width of head just anterior to gill-openings 1.15 to 1.25 in its length ; profile of snout convex ; back and abdomen prickly ; *-i THE LfBfWmr OF TH SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 813 f. Interorbital bone usually convex, very broad, about 4 in head in specimens 100 mm. long, 3.2 in specimens 150 mm. long; color of back dark brownish, with more or less definite light yellow lines, inclosing circular and elliptical areas, the ellipses occupying a longitudinal position on the back, a small ellipse inclosed in a larger one (the light yellow lines wanting in large specimens); no evident reticulations on sides; black spots on sides, if present, very small. annulatus, p. 816. f f. Interorbital bone more or less concave, narrow, about 6.5 in head in specimens 100 mm. long, 4.6 in specimens 150 mm. long; color of back very dark brown, with light lines inclosing circular and elliptical areas and forming reticulations on sides, the ellipses occupying a transverse position on back; black spots on sides large and distinct. testudineus, p. 817. ee. Back without lines or reticulations ; sides with few small spots or none; body elongate, rather slender; width of head just anterior to gill-opening 1.35 to 1.4 in its length; back and abdomen smooth, with or without pores. g. Snout moderate, its profile convex, 2.05 to 2.2 in head; inter- orbital bone of moderate width, convex, 3.85 to 4.15 in head in specimens 180 to 190 mm. long; skin without dermal tentacles. kendalli sp. nov., p. 819. gg. Snout very long, its profile convex, i .5 in head ; interorbital concave, 8 in head in a specimen 255 mm. in length ; a pair of dermal flaps, about an eye's diameter apart, situated on back at vertical from base of pectorals. angusticeps, p. 820. aa. Caudal fin posteriorly moderately concave; snout short, 2.6 to 3.3 in head ; color brownish above, the back with large dark blotches nearly as broad as the back ; fins all colorless. furthii, p. 821. 587. Sphoeroides marmoratus (Ranzani). Plate LXXVII.) Tetrodon marmoratus Ranzani, Novi Comment. Ac. Sci. Inst. Bonon., IV, 1840, 73, PI. X, fig. i (Brazil). Spheroides marmoratus Jordan & Rutter, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1897, 129; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1733. Head 2.5 to 2.8; depth 3.1 to 3.8; D. 7 or 8; A. 6 or 7. Body moderately robust; head rather large; snout moderate, 2 to 2.15 in head; eye 3.6 to 5.3; interorbital (bone) 5.1 to 8; skin with prickles from interorbital nearly to origin of dorsal, and on chest and 8i4 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. abdomen; sides of head and body with distinct membranous scales, arranged in more or less definite series like normal scales but not ossified ; the edge of abdomen with a few cirri ; lateral line very distinct; dorsal fin rather high, inserted posteriorly, about equidistant from anterior margin of eye and tip of caudal; caudal fin moderate, its posterior margin slightly convex; anal fin similar to dorsal, but some- what lower, its origin under or slightly behind middle of base of dorsal; pectoral fins rather short and broad, the upper rays longest, 2.1 to 2.3 in head. Color in alcohol dark grayish brown above, with many dark spots varying in size among specimens, largest on sides of back ; some speci- mens with pale reticulations on sides and occasionally on back; lower parts pale ; caudal fin dusky, but without an indication of bars ; other fins colorless. There are 8 specimens of this rather rare species in the Panama collection, ranging in length from 50 to 95 mm. We have had for comparison specimens from Porto Rico and San Domingo which had been identified by previous workers. Much variation in color, size of eye, and the size of the prickly areas is evident. The one character, however, that readily separates this species from all others examined by us, is the distinctness of the scale-like dermal development on sides of head and body. This character is not mentioned in current descriptions, but it certainly is worthy of consideration. Known from the West Indies to Brazil. Our specimens are all from Fox Bay, Colon. 588. Sphceroides lobatus (Steindachner). Canthogaster lobatus Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wein, LXL) Ichth. Notizen, X, 1870, 18, PL V, fig. 3 (Altata). Spheroides lobatus Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 490; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1731 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 156; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 165 (Taboguilla Island, Panama Bay). Head 2.4 ; depth 3 to 3.5 ; D. 8 ; A. 6. Body comparatively elongate; head rather narrow; snout long, 1.9 in head; eye 3.8 to 4.6; interorbital (bone) 5.1 to 7.6; the skin of the body mostly rough; spines present from eyes to dorsal, also spines on snout, and rather prominent ones on the abdomen; no dorsal cirri present ; dorsal fin far back, its origin about equidistant from middle of eye and tip of caudal ; caudal fin rather long, rounded ; anal fin similar SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 815 to the dorsal, its origin a little behind vertical from base of last ray of dorsal ; pectoral fins rather broad, 2 to 2.4 in head. Color in alcohol very dark gray above, pale below; the back with small round black spots; a row of larger black spots on sides of the pale abdomen; a dark cross-bar between eyes; caudal fin with a dark bar at base, the distal third black; other fins pale. This rare species is represented by 2 small specimens, respectively 43 and 57 mm. in length. We compared our specimens with one 90 mm. in length from Mazatlan and find them identical. Known from the Gulf of California to the Galapagos Islands. Our specimens are from Chame Point and Naos Island. 589. Sphceroides spengleri (Bloch). Tetrodon spengleri Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, I, 1785, 135, PI. CXLIV (East Indies). Tetrodon .plumieri Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 509 (Marti- nique). Tetrodon turgidus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 432 (Cuba). Spheroides spengleri Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1732, PI. CCLXIV, fig. 644. Head 2.2 to 3.1 ; depth 3.6 to 5.15 ; D. 7 or 8; A. 6 or 7. Body rather slender ; head narrow, compressed ; snout long, i .85 to 2.2 in head; eye 4 to 5.5; interorbital (bone) 7 to 12, varying with age; skin of back from nape backward half way or more to dorsal with small prickles ; chest and abdomen with smaller prickles ; snout, sides and tail smooth ; lateral line evident ; dorsal fin not very high, its origin about equidistant from tip of tail and posterior margin of eye ; caudal fin mod- erate, the margin convex; anal fin similar to the dorsal and of about the same height, its origin under middle of base of dorsal ; pectoral fins rather short and broad, 2.75 to 3 in head. Color of fresh specimen : Back dark green, with more or less blue on interorbital and nape ; a row of poorly defined black spots from below eye to base of caudal; a row of large well defined black spots from mandible to base of caudal; lower parts pale; iris bright red; caudal fin with a dark bar at base and one on distal part of fin; fins otherwise colorless. The color is fairly uniform in all specimens at hand. In alcohol the back is grayish brown above and more or less irregularly speckled with dark points and spots. This species is represented by a series of 34 specimens, ranging in length from 30 to TOO mm. It is not as rare on the Atlantic coast of Panama as S. marmoratus but much less common than S. testudineus. 8i6 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Known from Massachusetts to the West Indies; also recorded from the French Congo. The range is now extended southward to the Atlantic coast of Panama. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 590. Sphceroides annulatus (Jenyns). (Plate LXXVIII, fig. i.) Tetrodon annulatus Jenyns, in Darwin, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Pt. IV, Fish, 1842, 153 (Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago). Anchisomus geometricus Kaup, in Richardson, in Forbes, Zool. Voy. Herald, 1854, 156, PI. XXX (Galapagos Islands; not of Bloch & Schneider). Tetraodon politus Girard, (House of Repr. Ex. Doc. No. 91) Rept. Expl. & Surv. Miss. R. to Pac. O., X, Pt. IV, 1858, 340 (San Diego, Cal.). Tetrodon heraldi Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 283 (Galapagos Islands and Panama; after Richardson's specimen). Tetrodon geometricus Giinther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 489. Sphceroides testudineus var. annulatus Jordan & Edwards, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 240. Spheroides politus Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889 (1890), 183 (Panama Bay). Spheroides annulatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1735; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 157 (Panama) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 165 (Perico Island, Panama Bay) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 411 (Panama). Head 2.5 to 3; depth 3.3 to 4; D. 8; A. 6 or 7. Body robust, nearly round in cross section when not inflated; head rather flat above; snout moderately blunt, 2.2 to 2.5 in head; eye 3.5 to 6.3; interorbital broad, flat, increasing notably in width with age, the bone 2.9 to 5 in head; dorsal surface from interorbital to dorsal fin covered with small sharp spines, the spines also covering skin of sides behind base of pectorals and the entire belly ; dorsal fin placed far back, its origin about equidistant from tip of caudal and posterior margin of eye ; caudal fin very slightly rounded ; anal fin similar to dorsal, but somewhat smaller, its origin under or just behind the base of the last ray of dorsal ; pectoral fins rather broad, 1.7 to 2.45 in head. Color above dark brownish, the ventral surface pale ; the color mark- ings of the back vary; usually a yellowish line across snout in advance of the nostrils ; 2 yellow cross lines behind eyes, the anterior one extend- I! Ji co TBE OF IB* UHIVEBSIH Or I SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 817 ing downward and backward to gill-opening, the posterior one running parallel with the anterior one and extending on sides behind base of pectorals. In some specimens there is a short line on middle of head connecting the two. Then there is a yellow line enclosing an oblong area on back which extends from an eye's diameter back of the second cross stripe, described above, to origin of dorsal. Inside of the area thus enclosed is another yellow line which encloses a smaller oblong or elliptical area which, however, in an occasional specimen is almost per- fectly round. Frequently a line on middle of back extends forward from the small ellipse, or circle, to the large ellipse. The back and sides usually with dark spots; these vary in size, number and intensity on different specimens and on an occasional specimen they are entirely wanting. The fins are yellowish in life ; the caudal usually with a dark bar at base and the distal third black. The pale lines (yellowish in life) on back, while varying in intensity among specimens, are narrower and more distinct in the young than in the adult. Specimens about 240 mm. in length have broad and rather indistinct pale lines on the back and our largest specimen 305 mm. long has no trace of pale lines. The dark spots, however, become more numerous with age, specimens of 240 mm, and upward in length being profusely spotted on sides and back. This puffer is extremely abundant on the Pacific coast of Panama, ascending tide streams to fresh water. We preserved 84 specimens ranging in length from 15 to 305 mm. Gilbert & Starks (1904) report that the species frequently appeared in the Panama City market. We, however, did not see it in the market and did not learn that it was of any economic value. Known from California to Peru and also from the Galapagos Islands. Our specimens are from Chame Point, Taboga Island, Corozal and Balboa. 591. Sphceroides testudineus (Linnaeus). (Plate LXXVIII, fig. 2.) Tetraodon testudineus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 332. Tetrodon geometricus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 508 (Virginia). Tetraodon ammocryptus Gosse, Naturalist's Sojourn in Jamaica, 1851, 287 (Jamaica). Anchisomus reticularis Kaup, in Richardson, in Forbes, Zool. Voy. Herald, 1854, 161, PI. XXXI (not Tetrodon reticularis Bloch & Schneider) . Holocanthus leionothos Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 24 (American Ocean). Tetrodon testudineus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 282. 8:8 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Spheroides testudineus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1734, PI. CCLXV, figs. 646 and 6463; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 405 and 1917, 136 (Colon) ; Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 142 and 157 (Gatun Spillway and Cale- donia Bay). Head 2.4 to 2.8 ; depth 3.3 to 4 ; D. 7 or 8 ; A. 6 or 7. Body robust ; head rather broad ; snout moderate, 2 to 2.8 in head ; eye 3.85 to 6.1 ; interorbital (bone) 4.6 to 8, getting proportionately broader with age, more or less concave, or at least with a slight ridge over orbit ; the skin with small prickles on back from interorbital nearly to dorsal, and extending down on sides under and behind tip of pectorals; chest and abdomen also prickly; snout and tail smooth; no cirri present; lateral line evident; dorsal fin inserted posteriorly, its origin about equidistant from anterior margin of eye and tip of tail; caudal fin rather long, slightly convex; anal fin similar to the dorsal, but smaller, its origin under base of posterior ray of dorsal; pectoral fins short and broad, 2 to 2.5 in head. Color of a fresh specimen : Ground color of back nearly uniformly dark brown, breaking up on sides and becoming lighter; sides with black spots, increasing in number with age; the back with narrow light lines (rarely yellowish in life), forming reticulations on all speci- mens at hand ; two pale lines between eyes, inclosing interorbital area ; the posterior line with a median backward extension, meeting an ellipse on occiput ; another line extending backward on median line of back from this ellipse to a circular area on middle of back ; another irregular pale line crossing the back just in advance of dorsal and 2 behind the dorsal ; these lines connecting with other reticulating lines on sides ; belly pale ; caudal fin sometimes wholly dusky but more usually with a dusky bar at base and the distal fourth of the fin dusky ; other fins pale greenish, unmarked. This species is extremely abundant on the Atlantic coast of Panama and, like its near relative 5. annulatus from the Pacific, it ascends streams. We preserved 150 specimens, ranging in length from 40 to 215 mm. 6". testudineus is rather closely related to 5". annulatus but the interorbital is somewhat narrower, a difference which is evident only when specimens of like size are compared, as this character varies greatly with age in both species. The interorbital in all Atlantic specimens at hand is more or less concave, with at least a slightly elevated ridge over orbit which can readily be detected under the skin through touch. None of our Pacific specimens have a concave inter- orbital and usually the bone is slightly convex. The young of S. Of iv&Vrt SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 819 annulatus, at least, may be readily distinguished by the fewer lines on back and sides and by the large ellipses, the smaller one inside of the other, the larger one, and usually the smaller one, being notably longer than broad. In 5". testudineus the areas surrounded by pale lines are broader than long, i.e., the ellipses occupy a transverse position on .the back. The species is of no economic value. Known from Woods Hole, Mass., to Natal, Brazil. Generally common from the West Indies southward. Our specimens are from Mindi, Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 592. Sphceroides kendalli sp. nov. (Plate LXXIX.) Spheroides testudineus Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 156 (Panama Bay; not of Linnaeus). Type No. 80952, U. S. N. M.; length 190 mm.; Panama Bay, Balboa, Canal Zone. Head 2.95 to 3.05; depth 3.75 to 5; D. 8; A. 7. Body rather elongate; head compressed, notably deeper than broad, its width just in advance of gill-opening 1.35 to 1.4 in its length; snout moderate, its profile convex, 2.05 to 2.2 in head; eye 4.9 to 5.6; inter- orbital moderately broad, slightly convex, 3.85 to 4.15 in head; back and abdomen with pores in the skin but without prickles or cirri; dorsal inserted about equidistant from tip of caudal and anterior margin of eye; caudal fin slightly rounded; anal fin similar to dorsal, but somewhat smaller, inserted at vertical from base of last dorsal ray; pectoral fins short and broad, 1.9 in head. Color of the type grayish above, white below; no traces of pale or yellowish lines on sides or back; small dark spots on sides from pectorals to caudal ; the fins pale greenish ; the distal part of the caudal fin dusky. Our other specimen agrees with the type in color pattern, but the back and upper parts of the sides are very much darker, being dark brown. We have at hand 2 specimens, respectively 180 and 190 mm. long, which appear to represent a new species. Gilbert & Starks (1904) provisionally referred 4 specimens of their collection from Panama Bay to 6". testudineus and it is believed that those specimens, too, belong to the species here described. The species differs from both 5". testudineus and S, annulatus in having no pale or yellowish markings on the back and sides, no evident prickles on the skin, and in the less robust head and body. The width of the interorbital bone, as shown by a comparison of specimens of even size of all 3 species, is intermediate, i.e., it is broader than in S. testudineus and narrower than in S. annulatus. 82o FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Our specimens are from Chame Point and Balboa. The species is named for Dr. William C. Kendall, of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, in recognition of his many valuable contributions to our knowledge of American ichthyology. 593. Sphoeroides angusticeps (Jenyns). Tetrodon angusticeps Jenyns, in Darwin, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Pt. IV, Fish, 1842, 154, PI. XXVIII (Galapagos Islands) ; Jordan & Gil- bert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 631 (Panama). Anchisomus angusticeps Richardson, in Forbes, Zool. Voy. Herald, 1854, 159. Spheroides angusticeps Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 183 (Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1731 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 156. "Head 2^; depth 3^ (when not inflated). D. 8; A. 7. Body comparatively elongate, the snout very long, concave in profile, a little longer than rest of head; eye large, 2 to 3 in snout. A well-marked pair of small dermal flaps, black in color, i on each side of median line of back, behind the occiput, and just behind gill opening, the two close together; interorbital area very narrow, deeply concave, channel-like, not so broad as eye, the width of its bony part 6*/2 in snout, about 12 in head ; supraorbital bone prominent. Sides with a few small whitish dermal cirri or flattish flaps, irregular in size and position, sometimes wanting; our adult examples (Galapagos Islands) entirely smooth, the skin everywhere rough velvety ; nostrils tubular, with 2 lateral openings near the summit. Caudal gently rounded, the middle rays longest; a slight trace of fold on caudal peduncle; pectoral broad, rounded, the upper rays longest. Skin on back and sides tending to form oblique lengthwise wrinkles. Color of adult, dark smoky gray, nearly uniform, the belly scarcely pale; base of fins dusky; no trace of lateral blotches. Pacific coast, from La Paz to the Galapagos Islands ; rather rare. Here described from 2 adult examples (9 and 10 inches long) from Chatham Island of the Galapagos. One of these has the eye larger, the snout shorter, and the interorbital space much deeper than the other, a difference perhaps sexual. Both are uniformly colored and without prickles." (Jordan & Evermann.) This species has not been taken in Panama Bay by recent collectors. We have examined a specimen 255 mm. in length from the Galapagos Islands. The extremely long snout, with the notably concave upper SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 821 profile, and the narrow and deeply concave interorbital readily separate this species from all others occurring on the coasts of Panama. Known from Lower California to Panama Bay and from the Galapagos Islands. 594. Sphoeroides fiirthii (Steindachner). Tetrodon fiirthii Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXIV) Ichth. Beitr., V, 1876, 22 (Panama). Tetrodon furthi Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 393 (Panama). Spheroides furthi Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1737; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 158. Head 2.3 to 2.5 ; depth 2.5 to 2.95 ; D. 8 ; A. 6. Body moderately robust ; head short ; snout blunt, 2.6 to 3.3 ; eye 2.7 to 3.3; interorbital (bone) 5.25 to 5.7; skin on dorsal surface from interorbital nearly to origin of dorsal prickly, the chest and abdomen also rough, the rest of the body smooth; dorsal fin far back, its origin about equidistant from anterior margin of eye and tip of upper lobe of caudal ; caudal fin moderate, its posterior margin concave, the upper lobe slightly the longer; anal fin similar to the dorsal, its origin under base of last ray of the dorsal; pectoral fins broad, the upper rays longest, 2 to 2.1 in head. Color in alcohol: Back rather brownish, with large dark blotches nearly as wide as the back; the sides light brown; the abdomen pale; the fins all colorless. There are 3 specimens of this rare species at hand, respectively 33, 34 and 41 mm. in length, collected by Mr. Robert Tweedlie at Chame Point. This species is characterized by the short snout, narrow inter- orbital and the concave caudal fin. Known from Panama to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Our specimens are from Chame Point. 212. Genus Guentheridia Gilbert & Starks. Guentheridia Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 158 (type Tetrodon formosus Giinther). This genus differs from Sphoeroides in the structure of the olfactory organ, which is a transversely placed tube, open at each end to its full diameter. The outer end is squarely, the inner obliquely, truncate, making the upper margin of the tube very narrow. The inner surface of the tube is closely covered with Cup-shaped pits, visible to the naked eye. 822 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 595. Guentheridia formosa (Giinther). Tetrodon formosus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 283 (South America). Spheroides formosus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1736; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 165 (Perico Island, Panama Bay). Guentheridia formosa Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 159 (Panama). Head 2.65 to 3 ; depth normally 3.1 to 4.2; D. 7 or 8; A. 6. Body robust; head low and broad, notably broader than deep; snout rather short, 2.55 to 2.7 in head; eye 5.1 to 7.1; interorbital (bone) broad, convex, 2.5 to 3.6; skin on back and abdomen with prickles, these much more prominent on some specimens than on others ; no cirri ; dorsal fin inserted about an eye's diameter nearer tip of caudal than eye ; caudal fin nearly straight posteriorly, the lower lobe rounded; anal fin similar to the dorsal, inserted just behind vertical from base of last ray of dorsal; pectoral fins broad, 2 to 2.3 in head. Color very dark on back; lower parts pale or dusky; the yellowish markings on the back variable; the smaller specimens with cross- lines on head and concentric rings, inclosing smaller rings on back and more or less definite reticulations on sides. In some of our larger specimens these lines are broken up into spots, with only a slight indication of concentric arrangement. The pale yellow color predomi- nates in the largest specimens on which the ground color as well the lines are broken up into spots. The caudal fin is mostly or entirely dusky; the other fins are plain greenish. Fifteen specimens of this rather common species were preserved. No young were seen. Our specimens range in length from 158 to 265 mm. This species is most like 5*. annulatus, from which it, how- ever, may be distinguished by the different nasal development, broader and lower head, shorter snout, and the broader and notably convex interorbital. Known from "South America" and Panama. Two of our speci- mens are from Chame Point, the others from the rocky islands near Balboa and Panama City. 213. Genus Tetraodon Linnaeus. Tetraodon Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 332 (type Tetraodon lineatus Linnaeus). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 823 Ovoides Cuvier, Lee. d'Anat. Comp., I, 1800, Tabl. 4 (type Ovoides fasciatus Lacepede). Body rather robust; nostril on each side with a tentacle, bifid to the base, its tips without opening, the branches of the large olfactory nerve ending in cup-like depressions along the inner edges of the 2 flattish lobes ; skin usually more or less prickly ; dorsal and anal fins rounded, each with 7 to 14 rays ; dorsal more or less in advance of anal ; caudal rounded. The genus is distinguished from Sphceroides by the bifid nasal tentacle. It is represented in Panama Bay by a single species which is of wide distribution. 596. Tetraodon hispidus Linnaeus. Tetraodon hispidus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 333 (India) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 159 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 165 (Naos Island, Panama Bay). Tetraodon perspicillaris Ruppell, Atlas Reise Nord. Afrika, Fische, 1828,63 (Red Sea). Tetrodon implutus Jenyns, in Darwin, J2ool. Voy. Beagle, Pt. IV, Fish, 1842, 152 (Keeling Island). Tetrodon laterna Richardson, in Hinds, Voy. Sulphur, Ichth., 1845, I2 4 PI. LXI, fig. 2. Arothron erethizon Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 631 (Panama). Ovoides erethizon Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1739- Head 2.25 to 2.8; depth 2 to 2.85; D. 9 to n ; A. 9 or 10. Body rather stout, compressed; head large; snout moderate, 2 to 2.6 in head; eye 3.1 to 3.75; interorbital (bone) concave, 2.35 to 3.45; mouth quite small, terminal ; lips more or less thickened in adult, papillose or plicate ; jaws beak-like, each with a median suture ; gill- slit equal to or longer than longest diameter of eye; body with or without spines or prickles, their number and length variable, prominent when the belly is inflated, when retracted their position is indicated only by pores in the skin ; very young (20 mm.) with numerous dermal tentacles, these apparently replaced by spines with age; dorsal and anal similar, the origin of the anal immediately behind base of dorsal; caudal fin slightly convex, equal to or longer than snout ; pectoral fins short and broad, the posterior margin convex, the upper part of fin longest, 2.1 to 2.8 in head. 824 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color of our smallest specimen (20 mm.) black, no pale spots above, the belly with white spots. A larger specimen (50 mm.) is also black, but it has pale, lengthwise streaks, slightly broader than the black interspaces on the abdomen ; caudal fin black, the other fins pale green. Large specimens (230 to 330 mm.) are dark brown above, some of them having the upper parts spotted with white from the tip of the snout to the end of the caudal fin, others have the white spots wanting on the head and still others have spots only on the posterior part of the body and not extending on the caudal fin. The lower parts are pale and in a few specimens without markings, others have indications of dusky streaks and still others have definite dark longitudinal bands. The dorsal and anal are greenish and in the profusely spotted specimens they usually bear a few white spots on the base ; caudal fin of about the same color as the upper part of body, with or without white spots; pectorals greenish, the basal portion dusky or black, inserted in a large black area which usually is more or less definitely surrounded by i and rarely 2 white circles. Sixteen specimens, ranging in length from 20 to 330 mm., were preserved. The species is not uncommon about the rocky islands near Balboa and Panama City. A large amount of variation relative to the abundance and size of the spines on the body appears to prevail. Gilbert and Starks (1904) state: "The long quill-like spines protrude only when the fish is inflated. When retracted, the position of the spines is indicated by the pores in the skin." This is true of specimens ihaving spines, but we have 2 individuals that are inflated and yet perfectly smooth, without indications of spines, except in advance of vent. It is probable that the presence or absence of spines is corre- lated with sex, as indicated by a limited number of dissections, the spineless individuals being females. Much variation in color is also evident and these differences do not seem to be as closely correlated with age and size as stated in published accounts. Our largest speci- men (330 mm.), for example, has rather definite indications of dark lengthwise streaks on lower part of sides and it has white spots only on the posterior part of the body. Another specimen (275 mm.) has definite longitudinal bands on the abdomen, and on back and sides it is rather profusely spotted. Still another specimen (270 mm.) has no lengthwise streaks below, and on the back and sides it is profusely spotted. Molluscs form, at least, a part of the food of this fish which, because of the strong jaws, it is well able to crush. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 825 A widely distributed species, occurring in the Indian Ocean and the tropical Pacific. Our specimens were taken about the rocky islands near Balboa. 214. Genus Canthigaster Swainson. Canthigaster Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 194 (type Tetrodon rostratus Bloch). Eumycterias Jenkins, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XIX, 1899 (1901), 399 (type Eumycterias bitceniatus Jenkins). Body moderately elongate ; the back compressed and produced into a short prominence about midway between the eyes and origin of dorsal; snout quite long and pointed; nostrils with a single opening on each side. A single species is known from Panama. 597. Canthigaster punctatissimus (Gunther). Tetrodon punctatissimus Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1670, 302 (Panama). Tetrodon oxyrhynchus Lockington, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1881, 116 (Gulf of California). Psilonotus punctatissimus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882 (1883), 370. Canthigaster punctatissimus Jordan & Edwards, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 246; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1741. Eumycterias punctatissimus Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 160, PI. XXIII, fig. 46; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 166 (Taboguilla Island; Perico Island, Panama Bay; and Acapulco and Chatham islands). Head 2.5 to 2.6; depth 2.3 to 2.8; D. 9 or 10; A. 9. Body moderately elongate, the back elevated; profile a little concave over snout; head rather large; snout slender, 1.55 to 1.65 in head; eye 3.8 to 4.15; interorbital (bone) 3.5 to 3.8; mouth very small, terminal ; the skin of snout, chin and interorbital more or less prickly, one specimen only with prickles on back to dorsal fin, skin otherwise smooth ; dorsal fin situated posteriorly, its origin a little nearer anterior margin of eye than tip of tail, its margin round; caudal fin rather short, moderately convex ; anal fin similar to dorsal, its origin slightly behind vertical from base of last ray of dorsal; pectoral fins short, with emarginate margin, the upper rays longest, 2.3 to 2.4 in head. 826 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color grayish brown above, somewhat paler below ; sides with many round, green spots nearly as large as pupil ; these spots becoming smaller on the back where they are bright blue; abdomen unspotted; fins all plain. This fish, reported not rare by Gilbert & Starks (1904), is repre- sented in the present collection by only 3 small specimens, respectively, 55, 60 and 64 mm. in length. It is a very pretty little fish and it is readily distinguished by the bright green and blue spots on the body. It lives among the rocky islands in Panama Bay. Known from Acapulco, Chatham Island and Panama Bay. Our specimens are from Taboga Island and Balboa. Family LXX. Diodontidae. THE PORCUPINE FISHES. Body short, depressed above; belly moderately inflatable; mouth moderate, terminal; jaws with bony plate like the beak of a bird, these not divided in middle by suture; nostril on each side forming a short tentacle, usually with 2 openings ; gill-opening moderate, placed immediately in front of pectoral; body everywhere with bony spines except on snout, chin and caudal peduncle ; dorsal and anal fins placed posteriorly, similar and nearly opposite each other; ventral fins want- ing; pectoral fins short and broad. The species of this family are sluggish fishes, living among weeds and sometimes among rocks and corals in the warm seas. They are capable of inflating themselves either with air or water and when inflated the spines are all directed outward. In such a condition even a small porcupine fish could not easily be devoured by a moderately large predacious fish. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Dermal ossifications consisting of slender, stiff, pointed, mov- able spines. Diodon, p. 826. aa. Dermal ossifications consisting of short, stiff, immovable spines. Chilomycterus , p. 83 1 . 215. Genus Diodon Linnaeus. Diodon Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 334 (type Diodon hystrix Linnaeus ) . Paradiodon Bleeker, Nederl. Tijdsch. Dierk., II, 1865, 271 (type Diodon hystrix Linnaeus). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 827 Body robust, the belly moderately inflatable; head short, broad; both jaws entire ; nasal tube simple, with 2 lateral openings ; body everywhere with strong, stiff dermal spines ; dorsal and anal similar, posteriorly inserted ; caudal fin rounded ; ventral fins wanting ; pectoral fins broad, the posterior margin truncate, the upper lobe longest. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Spines of moderate length, the frontal spines equal to or shorter than the post-pectoral ones. hystrix, p. 827. aa. Spines longer, the frontal spines longer than the post-pectoral ones. holacanthus, p. 829. 598. Diodon hystrix Linnaeus. Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 335 (India) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 306; Jordan & Ever- mann,.Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1745, PI. CCLXVI, fig. 648; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 411 (Panama). Diodon atinga Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, I, 1785, 67, PI. CXXV (not of Linnaeus). Diodon brachiatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 513 (Cuba; after Parra). Diodon punctatus Cuvier, Memoir. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, IV, 1818, 132 (no locality given) . Diodon echinus Rafinesque, in Bonaparte, (Cat. Met. Pesci Eur.) Atti Sci. Ital., 1845, 87 (Mediterranean Sea). Head 2.2 to 2.4; depth 2.45 to 3; D. 13 or 14; A. 12 or 13. Body robust, normally (when not inflated) rather broader than deep; head depressed, notably broader than deep; snout very short, not greatly in advance of forehead, 2.8 to 3.1 in head ; orbit 2.85 to 3.45 ; interorbital very broad, gently concave, 1.4 to 1.5 ; mouth rather broad; lips thick, especially in adult, plicate; jaws entire, with notches and tubercles on margins; gill-slit not longer than eye; spines moderate, the free portion proportionately shorter in the adult than in the young, the embedded portion longer, usually exceeding in length the free part, the postpectoral spines greatly exceeding in length the frontal spines (Our largest specimen has spines on the caudal peduncle; one pair well beyond the base of the anal and 2 pairs and an odd one on upper surface of the peduncle, the latter reaching nearly to base of caudal. These spines are wanting in other specimens examined.) ; spines distinctly 3-rooted and movable; dorsal and anal fins similar, placed far back ; the dorsal inserted a little in advance of the anal, the 828 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. origin of the latter falling under the middle of the base of the former ; these fins about equally elevated, the longest rays about equal to the longest rays of pectoral ; caudal fin scarcely longer than pectorals, rounded ; pectoral fins broad, slightly truncate posteriorly, the upper lobe the longest, 1.65 to 2.33 in head, rays 20 or 21. Color of our largest specimen (362 mm.) in alcohol olivaceous above, pale below ; back, sides, snout and fins everywhere with round black spots, these smallest on snout ; a dusky bar across chin and extending backward on each side to below base of pectorals. A smaller specimen (170 mm.) has a broad black bar across interorbital and continued a short distance below eye, another broad bar across occiput ; a large black blotch above and behind base of each pectoral ; a still larger black blotch on middle of back, situated a little posterior to the blotches above and back of base of pectorals ; another large black blotch in front of and around base of dorsal ; an irregular black blotch on side behind tips of pectoral rays; a few small round black spots on snout and larger black spots behind the spines, both above and on belly ; no spots on fins, the dorsal and caudal each with a dusky intramarginal band. The above description is based on 2 specimens, 170 and 362 mm. in length, taken at Taboga Island. As indicated in the foregoing de- scription, these specimens are neither identical in color, nor wholly alike in the length and position of the 1 spines. From an examination of published accounts and specimens in the National Museum collection, it is apparent that these specimens represent the form or forms which recent ichthyologists, at least, have regarded as hystrix. We also have 21 specimens from the Atlantic coast of Panama, ranging in length from 80 to 140 mm., which do not appear to be identical with the Pacific specimens already described, but which we are unable to place with any other known form. The genus stands in need of thorough study and revision and, to add another name to the numerous ones which have already been applied to the various forms of the genus from all over the world, would merely add to the confusion. We, therefore, refer these specimens to the present species with the following characterization of the specimens : Head 2.3 to 2.55; depth 2.5 to 2.95; D. n or 12; A. n or 12. Body normally (when not inflated) broader than deep; head quite broad, depressed: snout short, little exserted, 3.25 to 3.9 in head; eye 2.5 to 2.9; interorbital broad, slightly concave, 1.9 to 2.4; mouth rather broad, terminal ; lips thickened, plicate ; jaws entire, the margins slightly notched ; gill-slit a little shorter than eye ; spines of moderate SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 829 length, distinctly 3-rooted and movable ; the frontal and postpectoral spines usually of equal length or the latter slightly longer ; no spines on caudal peduncle; few dermal flaps variously distributed over back and sides of body ; dorsal and anal similar, placed far back ; the origin of the anal under about the middle of the base of dorsal; the dorsal fin slightly longer and higher, the longest rays about equal to the length of the longest rays of the pectoral; caudal fin distinctly rounded, slightly longer than the pectorals; pectoral fins broad, the posterior margin straight or slightly concave, the upper lobe longest, 1.8 to 1.95 in head, rays 19 to 22. Color pale to dark olivaceous above, white or dusky below ; a black bar on interorbital extending across eye to cheek, this bar often in- terrupted on median line ; another black bar at occiput ; a large black blotch above and behind base of each pectoral; a large black cross- blotch on middle of back posterior to the black blotches above and behind base of pectorals; another large black blotch in front and around base of dorsal ; usually also with a black blotch behind tips of pectorals. The back and sides are covered with small round spots that are variously distributed and that do not always occur in the axil of the spines and not at all on the chest and abdomen. The spots vary in number and size among individuals, usually being most numer- ous on the lighter colored specimens ; fins all pale green, unmarked. It will be noticed from the foregoing descriptions that the Atlantic coast specimens have the frontal spines longer in comparison with the postpectoral spines, the dorsal fin appears to be composed of fewer rays, and there is a difference in color which, however, may not be of any specific value. We do not find that the proportionate length of the spines varies greatly with age or that the frontal spines become proportionately shorter with age when compared with the postpectoral ones. The free part of the spines, however, is shorter and the em- bedded portion longer in the adult. Recorded from all warm seas. Our specimens from the Pacific are from Taboga Island and our Atlantic specimens are from Colon. 599. Diodon holacanthus Linnaeus. Diodon holocanthus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 335 (India; based on Ostracion oblongus holocanthus Artedi ; misprint for holacanthus) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1746; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 160 (Panama). 830 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Erizo guanabana Parra, Desc. Piezas de Hist. Nat., 1787, 62, PI. XXIX, fig. 3 (Havana). Diodon liturosus Shaw, Gen. Zool., V, Part II, 1804, 436 (after Diodon tachete Lacepede). Diodon spinosissimus Cuvier, Memoir. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, IV, 1818, 134 (no locality). Diodon novemmaculatus Cuvier, Memoir. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, IV, 1818, 136, PI. VI (no locality). Diodon sexmaculatus Cuvier, Memoir. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, IV, 1818, 136, PI. VII (no locality). Diodon multimaculatus Cuvier, Memoir. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, IV, 1818, 136 (no locality). Diodon quadrhnaculatus Cuvier, Memoir. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, IV, 1818, 137, PI. VI (Otaiti). Diodon melanopsis Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXI, Pt. I, 1855, 228. Paradiodon quadrimaculatus Bleeker, Nederl. Tijdsch. Dierk., II, 1865, 271. Diodon mactdatus var. a, Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 307 (St. Croix, Jamaica, Panama, South America, Sandwich Islands, China, Sooloo Sea, Indian Ocean; based on Diodon tachete La- cepede). Head 2 to 2.55 ; depth 2.2 to 2.9; D. 13 or 14; A. 1 1 or 12. Body normally (when not inflated) notably broader than deep; head broad, depressed ; snout little exserted, 2.55 to 4.05 in head ; eye 2.45 to 4.05; interorbital broad, gently concave, 1.45 to 1.7; mouth rather broad ; jaws entire, the margins more or less notched ; lips rather thick, slightly plicate; gill-slit scarcely as long as eye; spines long, 3-rooted and movable; the frontal spines very long, much longer than the postpectoral ones; dorsal and anal fins similar, placed far back; the origin of the anal under middle of base of dorsal; these fins about equally elevated, the longest rays scarcely as long as the longest pectoral rays; caudal fin rounded, a little longer than the pectorals; pectoral fins broad, the posterior margins truncate, the Upper lobe the longer, 1.6 to 2.05 in head, rays 21 to 23. Color in alcohol pale to dark olivaceous above, white or dusky below ; a black bar on interorbital, extending below eye on cheek, usually pres- ent ; this bar rarely continuous, being more often broken on median line of head ; a second black cross-bar at occiput ; a large black blotch above and behind base of pectorals; another black cross-blotch farther pos- teriorly on back and a large black blotch in front and around base of dorsal; some specimens with the snout or the lower parts or both un- SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 831 spotted ; more usually the body, except head and chest, covered with black spots, smallest on the snout, occurring most frequently in the axil of the spines on the lower parts ; the spots largest behind pectoral fins, there on some individuals becoming confluent and forming an irregular blotch ; the fins pale greenish, unspotted. This species is represented by 59 specimens, ranging in length from 80 to 175 mm. This fish was not seen often, but on February 5, 1912, it was extremely abundant around Naos Island and numerous specimens were taken in every seine haul. The fish occurring in this "school" ranged in length from 80 to 135 mm., and, while they varied considerably in color, they were quite uniform in other respects. The spines are very long, the frontal spines greatly exceeding in length the postpectoral spines. The specimens taken at Naos Island appear to represent the extreme type of those forms which have been referred to holacanthus. We have another lot of specimens taken near Balboa, ranging in length from 80 to 175 mm., which have somewhat shorter spines, the frontal spines being only a little longer than the postpectoral ones. These specimens, with respect to the development of the spines, approach our Atlantic coast specimens which we have provision- ally referred to D. hystrix. The Pacific specimens, however, all appear to be uniform in having one more ray in the dorsal fin and in having a somewhat broader interorbital than the Atlantic specimens. Known from all warm seas. Our specimens are from Naos Island and Balboa. 216. Genus Chilomycterus Bibron. Chilomycterus Bibron, in Brisout de Barneville, Revue Zoologique, 1846, 140 (type Diodon reticulatus Linnaeus). Cyclichthys Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXI, 1855, 231 (type Diodon orbic- ularis Bloch). Cyanichthys Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXI, 1855, 2 3 J (tyP e Cyanichthys cceruleus Kaup). Body broad, depressed, more or less inflatable; nasal tube simple, with 2 lateral openings; dermal spines 3-rooted, immovable, and tri- angular; caudal peduncle short; teeth on jaws without median suture. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Supraorbital ridge little elevated; a prominent spine on middle of forehead; a large prominent black spot on nape; a large black spot at origin of dorsal, involving a part of the base of fin. antennatus, p. 832. 832 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. aa. Supraorbital ridge notably elevated ; prominent spine on middle of forehead wanting; no blotch on nape; a large black spot behind pectoral, and one on each side of dorsal, spinosus, p. 832. 600. Chilomycterus antennatus (Cuvier). Diodon antennatus Cuvier, Mem. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, IV, 1818, 131, PL VII. Chilomycterus antennatus Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXI, 1855, 232; Gtinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 311; Jordan & Ever- mann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1750; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 136 (Colon). Chilomycterus puncticulatus Poey, Anal. Soc. Espafi. Hist. Nat., X, 1881, 346 (Porto Rico). Head 2.05 to 2.5; depth 1.9 to 2.6; D. 10 to 12; A. 10 or n. Body oblong, depressed ; head notably broader than deep ; snout very short, not much in advance of the forehead, 3 to 4.5 in head; eye 2.9 to 3.65; interorbital (bone) 1.95 to 3.55 in head; mouth small, transverse; the spines of the back strong, fixed, those of the abdomen more or less retractile ; 2 spines on supraorbital with a long dermal tentacle between them ; a short stiff spine on middle of forehead ; a row of tentacles along lower lateral margin of head and 2 on each side somewhat in advance of vent; dorsal and anal fins similar and opposite each other, each with strongly convex margin; caudal fin moderate, rounded ; pectoral fins broad, slightly emarginate, the upper rays longest, 2 to 2.6 in head. Color of fresh specimens : Back olive-green ; abdomen deep red to brownish; a large black spot in middle of nape; a large elongate spot above base of pectoral ; a large black spot before and along anterior part of base of dorsal ; head and chest usually with many black dots ; the black dots in some specimens much more numerous than in others, covering nearly the entire body ; the fins all yellowish green. This species is represented by 17 specimens, ranging in length from 40 to 1 55mm.; all taken in a shallow, grassy bay near Colon. It is not abundant and was not seen elsewhere. A rather unique, pretty fish, which is of no value as food. Known from the West Indies southward ; previously recorded from Porto Rico, Jamaica, St. Croix, Trinidad and the Cape of Good Hope. Our specimens are from Fox Bay, Colon. 601. Chilomycterus spinosus (Linnaeus). Diodon spinosus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 335 ("India"). SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 833 Diodon geometricus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 513, PI. XCVI (America). Cyclichthys cornutus Kaup, Archiv. Naturg., XXI, 1855, 231 (Bahia). Chilomycterus geometricus var. y, Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., VIII, 1870, 311 (type of Cyclichthys cornutus Kaup). Chilomycterus spinosus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1749. This species was not seen by us, but its distribution indicates that it may be expected on the Atlantic coast of Panama. Its relationship is imperfectly understood, but it seems to be distinguished from C. antennatus by the strongly elevated supraorbital ridge; by the large spot behind the pectoral ; by 2 large black spots, one on each side of the dorsal ; and by the absence of a large black spot on middle of nape. In structure it is said to agree with C. schcepfi, a more northern species, which, however, has a series of undulating blackish stripes running from the nape backward. Recorded from the West Indies and from the coast of Brazil. Family LXXI. Scorpaenidae. THE ROCK-FISHES. Body oblong, more or less compressed; head large, with one or more ridges above, terminating in spines ; mouth terminal, usually large ; teeth villiform, present on jaws and vomer and sometimes on palatines; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary broad, with a supple- mental bone ; gill-openings wide, the membranes free from the isthmus ; scales rather small, ctenoid or cycloid; lateral line single, concurrent with the back ; a narrow bony stay on cheek ; dorsal fin continuous, sometimes quite deeply notched, with 8 to 16 spines and about an equal number of soft rays ; anal fin with 3 spines and 5 to 10 soft rays ; ventral fins thoracic, composed of I, 5 rays. Two genera are repre- sented in the Panama collection. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Dorsal spines normally 12; villiform teeth on palatines. Scorpcena, p. 833. aa. Dorsal spines normally 1 3 ; no teeth on palatines. Scorpcenodes, p. 845. 217. Genus Scorpaena Linnaeus. SCORPION FISHES. Scorpana Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 266 (type Scorpana porcus Linnaeus). 834 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body oblong, somewhat compressed ; head large, usually not much compressed, more or less uneven with spines, mostly scalelesSj some- times with dermal flaps; mouth large, with bands of villiform teeth on jaws, vomer and palatines ; scales moderate or small, ctenoid or cycloid, often with dermal flaps ; dorsal fin normally with 12 strong spines ; the anal with 3 strong spines ; ventrals inserted behind pectorals ; pectoral fins large, the base with procurrent rays, some or all of the upper rays normally divided. The dorsal spines are capable of inflicting a painful sting-like wound, not unlike that of a scorpion, hence the name scorpion fishes. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Occipital pit large, well developed. b. A distinct pit below anterior margin of eye ; head broad, quite as broad as deep. c. Interorbital area broad, 4.2 to 5 in head; occipital pit very deep, prominent; axil usually black, with small white or pale blue spots. plumieri, p. 835. cc. Interorbital area somewhat narrower, 5.28 to 8.25 in head; occipital pit shallow; axil brownish, usually with a large black spot and no pale spots. mystes, p. 836. bb. No distinct pit under anterior margin of eye ; head not broader than deep. d. Suborbital stay with 2 or 3 distinct spines; axil of pectoral either with dark or pale bluish spots. e. Anal spines graduated, the third anal spine longer but not stronger than the second ; occipital pit open at sides ; scales small, 55 to 60; axil of pectoral pale, with small round dark spots. brasiliensis, p. 837. ee. Anal spines not graduated, the second spine longer and stronger than the third ; occipital pit more or less closed at sides ; supra- orbital tentacles very long, always longer than eye; scales larger, 41 to 45 ; axil of pectoral gray, with very small bluish spots enclosed in black rings. grandicornis, p. 838. dd. Suborbital stay without spines or merely ending in a spine posteriorly; no distinct spines on the stay under the eye; axil of pectoral pale or cloudy, not spotted. f . Suborbital stay ending in a spine posteriorly ; a large dermal flap present above base of pectoral ; scales moderate, 43 on sides, many of them bearing dermal flaps. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 835 g. Pectoral rays 19 in number, the lowest 8 simple, the next 10 branched, the uppermost one simple; maxillary not reaching posterior margin of eye, 2.25 in head ; ventral rays reaching only to vent ; a distinct dark spot on side behind opercular flap. pannosa, p. 839. gg. Pectoral rays 20 in number, the lowest n or 12 simple, the next 7 or 8 branched, the uppermost simple ; maxillary reaching beyond posterior margin of eye, 2 in head ; ventral rays reach- ing beyond vent ; no distinct dark spot on side behind opercular flap. histrio, p. 840. ff. Suborbital stay entirely without spines; dermal flap above base of pectoral obsolete; scales rather small, 47; dermal flaps present on lateral line; pectoral rays 18, lower 10 simple, the next 7 branched, the upper one simple. isthmensis sp. hov., p. 842. aa. Occipital pit scarcely developed, represented only as a slight quadrate depression. h. Pectoral fins with 21 rays, the lower 14 simple, the next 6 branched, the uppermost one simple; longest dorsal spine not as high as the longest soft rays ; head and occiput without dermal flaps. russula, p. 843. hh. Pectoral fins with 19 rays, the lower 16 simple, the next 2 branched and the uppermost one simple; longest dorsal spine a little higher than the longest soft rays; head and occiput bearing numerous dermal flaps. colonensis sp. nov., p. 844. 602. Scorpaena plumieri Bloch. Scorpczna plumieri Bloch, K. Vet. Ac. Nya Handl., X, 1789, 234 (Mar- tinique) ; Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 113; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1848. Scorpcena bufo Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1829, 306 (Martinique). Scorpana rascacio Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 303 (Havana). Head 2.2 to 2.5; depth 2.4 to 2.9; D. XII, 9 or 10; A. Ill, 5 or 6; scales 43 to 47. Body elongate, moderately compressed ; the back somewhat elevated ; head large, usually quite as broad as deep; snout short and blunt, 3.2 to 3.8 in head; eye 3.6 to 5.5; interorbital 4.2 to 5; supraorbital with high ridge, bearing 3 short spines and usually, although not always, a. fringed tentacle about as long as eye behind the second spine; a large quadrate pit at occiput ; a small pit below and in front of eye ; 836 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. suborbital stay continuous or with spines; preorbital with 2 divergent spines; a small spine slightly above and behind each anterior nostril; occiput with two series of spines ; preopercle with 4 or 5 spines ; opercle with 2 strong spines; mouth broad, oblique; maxillary broad, reaching beyond middle of eye, 1.85 to 1.95 in head; teeth in villiform bands on jaws, vomer and palatines; gill-rakers short and coarse, about 7 developed on the lower limb of first arch; scales rather small, present on part of opercles and on part of cheeks ; breast fully scaled ; lateral line complete, many of the pores with short dermal flaps; dorsal fin continuous, somewhat notched, its origin slightly in advance of upper anterior angle of gill-opening, the spines strong, the fourth the longest, longer than the soft rays ; caudal fin moderate, with rounded margin ; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second the largest, longer and stronger than the largest dorsal spine ; ventral fins inserted a little behind base of pectorals, reaching beyond vent ; pectoral fins rather large, with broad bases, the lower rays decreasing rapidly in length, 1.4 to 1.7 in head. Color dark brown above, paler below (chest and belly red in life) ; sides with large dark blotches, forming more or less distinct bars, the last one on base of caudal being narrow, quite distinct and forked on lower half of peduncle; the fins dark, with pale spots; the soft dorsal, caudal and anal with bars ; axil of pectoral usually black, with white or pale blue spots. This species is represented by 23 specimens, ranging in length from 75 to 260 mm. It is not abundant, although rather common, and it lives in shallow water usually where there is some vegetation. The junior author, while collecting at Porto Bello, had the misfortune of being "finned" by one of these fish. The poison which it injects is of a rather violent nature, as the spines piercing the thumb caused swelling of the entire hand and forearm, accompanied by severe pains throughout the hand and arm. The pain, however, lasted only a few hours and within 12 hours the swelling had gone down and, except for a little soreness in the wound on the thumb, no evil effects were apparent. This fish is occasionally seen in the Colon fish market but its commercial value is small, because of the small size attained and because it is not abundant. Known from Massachusetts southward to Brazil. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 603. Scorpaena mystes Jordan & Starks. Scorpcena mystes Jordan & Starks, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 837 1895, 491, PI. LII (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1849, PI. CCLXXVII, fig. 671 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 161 (Panama Bay) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 411 (Panama). Head 2.25 to 2.4 ; depth 2.6 to 3.2 ; eye 3 to 5.6 in head ; snout 3.4 to 4.75 ; interorbital 5.25 to 8.25 ; maxillary 1.9 to 2.1 ; D. XII, 10; A. Ill, 5 ; gill-rakers on lower limb of first arch about 5, besides 4 or 5 rudi- ments ; scales 44 to 49. This species is closely related to S. plumieri, from which it is distinguished with difficulty. The interorbital area, however, appears to be a little narrower and the quadrate pit at occiput is notably shallower. The axil is not wholly black, and it usually has only a large black spot. The small white spots in axil are much less numerous or frequently wanting. The tentacle above eye is variously developed or absent and is of no specific value. The species is represented by 20 specimens, ranging in length from 40 to 270 mm. It is not infrequent in tide pools. Known from Guaymas to Panama. Our specimens are from Taboga Island, Naos Island and Panama. 604. Scorpaena brasiliensis Cuvier & Valenciennes. Scorpcena brasiliensis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1829, 305 (Brazil) ; Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 112; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1842, PI. CCLXXVII, fig. 670. Scorpcena stearnsii Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 421 (Pensacola, Fla.). Head 2.5 to 2.8; depth 2.6 to 3.15; D. XII, 10; A. Ill, 5; scales 55 to 60. Body moderately compressed; the back elevated; head notably deeper than broad; snout rather blunt, 4 to 4.35 in head; eye 3.15 to 3.7 ; interorbital 5.5 to 7.4 ; supraorbital stay elevated, bearing 3 spines ; a shallow quadrate pit at occiput, the ridges on sides of it not complete, leaving the pit open laterally; no pit below eye; preorbital with 2 divergent spines ; a small sharp spine slightly above and behind each anterior nostril; occiput with 2 series of spines; preopercle with 4 spines ; opercle with 2 strong spines ; mouth moderate, slightly oblique ; maxillary reaching a little beyond middle of eye, 1.9 to 2 in head; teeth in villif orm bands on jars, vomer and palatines ; gill-rakers very short, about 7 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, present on chest, part of cheeks and most of opercles as 838 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. well as on body; lateral line complete, with few short dermal flaps; dorsal fin rather deeply notched, its origin over upper anterior angle of gill-opening, the spines moderate, the fourth or fifth the longest, higher than the soft rays ; caudal fin slightly rounded ; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the second stronger than the third, the third spine shorter than the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins inserted a little behind base of pectorals, reaching beyond vent in young, proportion- ately much shorter in adult ; pectoral fins rather large, the lower rays decreasing rapidly in length, 1.2 in head. Color in alcohol pale brownish, paler below, some indistinct dark blotches on upper part of sides ; the posterior part of each scale darker ; axil of pectoral pale, with small round dark spots, these also present on lower part of side behind pectoral ; dorsal and anal irregularly marbled ; caudal with a median and terminal blackish band ; ventrals pale at base, bluish black at tips ; pectorals mottled, faintly banded. This species was not taken by us on the coast of Panama. It is here described from specimens in the National Museum collection from Key West, Florida, and Bahia, Brazil, ranging in length from 70 to 135 mm. Known from North Carolina to Brazil; not recorded from the Isthmus of Panama. 605. Scorpaena grandicornis Cuvier & Valenciennes. Scorpana grandicornis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1829, 309 (Martinique; Porto Rico; Havana; San Domingo); Meek & Newland, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1885 (1886), 396, 401 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1850, PI. CCLXXVIII, fig. 672. Head 2 to 2.6; depth 2 to 2.6; D. XII, 9 or 10; A. Ill, 5 or 6; scales 41 to 45. Body elongate, rather strongly compressed; the back elevated; head rather narrow, somewhat deeper than broad; snout blunt, 3.2 to 4.4 in head ; eye 3 to 3.85 ; interorbital 5.5 to 6.3 ; supraorbital greatly elevated, bearing 3 spines; a long fringed dermal tentacle behind the second spine, the tentacle varying in length among specimens, but always notably longer than eye, none as long as in specimens examined from Key West; a quadrate pit at occiput; no distinct pit below and in front of eye; suborbital stay usually with processes; preorbital with 2 blunt divergent spines ; a small spine slightly above and behind each anterior nostril; occiput with several spines on each side; pre- opercle with 4 or 5 spines ; opercle with 2 strong spines ; mouth rather SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 839 broad, oblique; maxillary reaching a little beyond middle of eye, 1.9 to 2.1 in head; teeth in villiform bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines; gill-rakers short and blunt, with many spinules, about 6 developed on the lower limb of the first arch; scales rather small, present on part of opercle and on part of cheek; lateral line complete, with a series of dermal flaps equal to or longer than half the eye; dorsal fin continuous, somewhat notched, its origin a little in advance of gill-opening, the spines strong, the third or fourth the longest, higher than the soft rays ; caudal fin round ; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second the longest, also somewhat longer than the longest dorsal spine ; ventrals inserted nearly half an eye's diameter behind base of pectorals, reaching well beyond vent; pectoral fins large, with broad bases, the lower rays decreasing in length rather less abruptly than in S. plumieri, i.i to 1.25 in head. Color grayish brown above, paler below ; a dark vertical band below eye extending over interorbital ; dark band extending across base of pectoral and across spinous dorsal; a third band on tips of pectorals to last spines of dorsal; a fourth dark band from base of second anal spine to near middle of soft dorsal ; a fifth bar on caudal peduncle ; a faint dark bar at base of spinous dorsal back to fifth spine; soft dorsal with 2 bars ; caudal fin with 2 dark bars ; anal with 3 dark bars ; ventrals with black tips; pectorals very dark, with 3 black bars, the axil gray, with very small bluish spots enclosed in black rings ; the lower surface of head and chest usually with pale spots. Twenty-two specimens, ranging in length from 50 to 135 mm., were preserved. This species is a little less common than 5". plumieri but it is usually found in company with the latter. Known from Massachusetts to Brazil. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 606. Scorpaena pannosa Cramer. Scorpeena pannosa Cramer, in Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1897, 446, PL LII (Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1845 J Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 161. Head 2.25 ; depth 3 ; D. XII, 10; A. Ill, 5 ; scales 43. Body compressed ; head about as wide as dep ; eye placed high, 4.2 in head ; interorbital space narrow, deeply concave, 2 in eye ; supra- ocular ridges thin, with blunt spines ; occipital pit of moderate depth, continuous on each side; spines at anterior nostrils sharp and strong; no pit under eye; preorbital with two spines, one directed forward, 840 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. the other downward ; suborbital stay with 3 or 4 points ; preopercle with 5 spines, the upper one largest; opercle with two diverging spines; mouth large, nearly horizontal; maxillary reaching about to posterior margin of pupil, 2.25 in head ; teeth in broad bands on jaws, vomer and palatines ; gill-rakers very short, with many minute points, about 6 developed on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, present on lower part of cheeks and on base and flap of opercle, many of them with dermal flaps; dorsal fin not deeply notched, its origin over upper anterior angle of gill-opening, the third and fourth spines longest, scarcely longer than the longest soft rays ; caudal fin truncate or very slightly rounded ; anal with 3 spines, the second one the largest, not quite as long as the longest soft rays, the soft rays not quite reach- ing the base of caudal ; ventral fins reaching vent ; pectoral fins large, reaching nearly to origin of anal, rays 19, the lower 8 simple, the next 10 branched, the upper one simple ; a broad flap above base of pectoral, with tattered margin. Color probably scarlet in life; no white spots on side of body; cheeks mottled with small, dark, mostly round spots ; 2 narrow dark bars on side under spinous dorsal and a broader one under soft dorsal ; no trace of dark bar on caudal peduncle; a large dark spot on side behind opercular flap; dorsal and pectorals pale, with slight cloudings of dark spots; axil of pectorals pale, with 3 or 4 dark spots; caudal fin with 2 faint cross-bars or dark spots, faint white spots on the lighter bands. This species was not secured by us. The above description is based on the type, a specimen 190 mm. in length, which we have examined, and which appears to be the only specimen known. Recorded only from Panama Bay where it was taken by the Albatross. 607. Scorpaena histrio Jenyns. Scorpcena histrio Jenyns, in Darwin, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Pt. IV, Fish, 1842, 35, PI. VIII (Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 115; Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 182 (Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1843; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 161. Head 2.15; depth 3.1 ; D. XII, 10; A. Ill, 5; scales 43. Body elongate, compressed; head large, its depth and width equal; interorbital narrow, 2 in orbit; supraocular ridges thin, high, with very blunt spines; preopercular ridges very thick, prominent, with SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 841 strong spines ; postocular spines on rim of orbit, external and posterior to supraoculars ; another small spine on rim of orbit below and a little behind postocular; the bifid spine a little behind middle of posterior margin of orbit, and behind this a small exoccipital spine; a pair of sharp "coronal" spines with small pits in front of them; thin, rather high parietal and nuchal ridges with blunt spines; occiput with a moderate pit, continuous on each side between "coronal" spine and parietal ridge, with a pit behind superior posterior border of orbit ; nasal spines strong; preorbital very wide, with 2 or 3 small spines; no pit under orbit, but a broad shallow depression under whole length of orbit; uppermost preopercular spine longest, with a small spine above its base, the second, third and fourth spines successively smaller, the fifth obsolete; ope'rcle with two strong spines; mouth very large, nearly horizontal; maxillary reaching beyond posterior edge of orbit, 2 to 2.1 in head; broad bands of teeth on jaws, vomer and palatines; gill-rakers, very short, broad, about 8 developed; scales moderate, mostly cycloid; small embedded scales behind orbit on base of opercle and below suborbital stay; many of the scales on sides with dermal flaps ; dorsal fin somewhat notched, its origin opposite upper angle of gill-opening; third and fourth spines equal, the longest twice as long as first; longest soft rays about equal to longest spine; caudal truncate; second anal spine longest; ventrals reaching a little beyond vent; pectorals reaching nearly to anal, the uppermost ray simple, the next 8 or 9 branched, the lower n or 12 simple; a broad flap above base of pectoral, its edge nearly smooth. Color in alcohol : Top of head and sides dark brown, with a slight wash of cherry-red; belly white; cheeks under eyes mottled with light and dark; soft dorsal dark; membrane of spinous dorsal and base of soft dorsal strongly washed with cherry-red; a dark spot on opercular flap ; some of the flaps on the sides of the same color, others white; pectorals with 3 dark bars, alternating with lighter; axil cloudy; caudal with 2 broad dark bars, the lighter bands much mottled with white; posterior part of sides with several white spots; a narrow black band across top of peduncle just in front of caudal. This species was not secured by us but it has been taken in Panama Bay by the Albatross. The description here given is based upon pub- lished accounts and upon a few large specimens which we have exam- ined in the National Museum. Known from Juan Fernandez, Galapagos Archipelago, Chinchas Island, Panama Bay, and southward to Peru. 842 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 608. Scorpaena isthmensis sp. nov. (Plate LXXX.) Type No. 81617, U. S. N. M.; length 90 mm.; Porto Bello, Panama. Head 2.5 ; depth 2.7 ; D. XII, 10 ; A. Ill, 5 ; scales 47. Body rather robust; head somewhat deeper than broad; snout broad, 3.4 in head ; eye 3.4 ; interorbital deeply concave, 7.7 ; suborbital stay evident, bearing no spines; the rest of the armature of the head identical with 5. brasiliensis; mouth rather large, slightly oblique ; maxil- lary reaching nearly to posterior margin of eye, 1.8 in head; teeth minute, in bands on jaws, vomer and palatines; gill-rakers very short and blunt, with strong bristles, 5 somewhat developed on lower limb of first arch ; scales moderate, present on chest, part of the cheeks and opercles as well as on body; lateral line with few short dermal flaps, none on scales elsewhere; dorsal fin deeply notched, the membrane attached to less than a third of the last spine, the spines moderate, the third or fourth the longest, about equal to the longest soft rays ; caudal fin nearly square posteriorly, notably longer than snout and eye; ventral fins rather long, reaching past vent; pectoral fins large, the upper ray simple, the next 7 branched and the lower 10 simple, the longest rays 1.2 in head; a very small flap above base of pectoral, its margin adnate and entire. Color in alcohol dark brown above, paler brown on lower part of sides ; chest and abdomen pale ; many of the scales on sides with small black spots; a trace of a dark bar from base of pectoral across spinous dorsal ; a second dark bar on anterior part of anal, across body and extending on anterior soft rays of dorsal; a third dark bar at base of caudal, another dark bar on median portion of caudal and one on the distal portion; lower part of sides with faint pale spots; lower surface of head speckled with white ; ventral fins pale brown at base, the distal parts black; axil of pectoral pale brownish, unspotted, the fin exteriorly with indications of a black bar at base and another on median portion, the rays with pale markings. We have a single specimen, 90 mm. long, which appears to represent a new species. Its relationships are with S. histrio and S. pannosa, from which it differs in having a smooth suborbital stay which does not end in a spine posteriorly ; flap above base of pectoral small, adnate, with smooth margin; no dermal flaps on scales, except along lateral line; scales somewhat smaller; color somewhat darker, many of the scales on sides with black spots. From S. bergii Evermann & Marsh (Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XX, Pt. I, 1900 (1902), p. 276, fig. 83) it differs in having one more spine in the dorsal ; the anal spines are gradu- * PI- IV, figs. 2 & 2a (Panama). Gymneleotris seminudus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2204; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 170; Kendall & RadclifTe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 146 (Acapulco, Mex.). "Head 3^. D. VII-n ; A. 9. Head depressed, broader than high, flat above. Snout rather obtuse, longer than eye, lower jaw somewhat prominent; cleft of mouth extending to below anterior margin of orbit. Teeth in upper jaw in a narrow band, the lower having 4 somewhat larger and recurved teeth in front, appearing to form a single series; palate toothless. None of the fin rays prolonged; pectoral not quite extending to origin of second dorsal ; ventral much shorter than pectoral, 864 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. its inner ray the longest, the others gradually decreasing in length out- ward; caudal fin rounded. Head and trunk naked; tail covered with small scales. Brown, with numerous well defined white cross-stripes on head as well as on body ; vertical fins black." This species is known from the type, a specimen about 45 mm. in length, taken at Panama, and from a specimen about 33 mm. in length from Acapulco, Mexico. The above description is copied from Jordan & Evermann (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, p. 2204). 222. Genus Erotelis Poey. Erotelis Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 272 (type Erotelis valenciennesi Poey = Eleotris smaragdus Cuvier & Valenciennes). Alexurus Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 511 (type Alexurus armiger Jordan). Body elongate; preopercle with a broad concealed hooked spine at its angle ; scales small, cycloid ; caudal fin broad, with many procurrent rays at base; ventral fins separate. Two apparently closely related species are known. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Second dorsal with 13 rays; anal n ; maxillary reaching below middle of eye. armiger, p. 864. aa. Second dorsal with 1 1 rays ; anal 10 ; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye. smaragdus, p. 865. 623. Erotelis armiger (Jordan). Alexurus armiger Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 511, PI. LXVIII (La Paz, Lower California) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2203; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 170 (Panama Bay). Head 3.9; depth 7.3; D. VI-I3; A. II, 9; scales about 102. Body long and low, compressed posteriorly, depressed anteriorly; head broad and flat; snout short, 6.5 in head; eye small, high up, 8 in head; mouth moderate, very oblique, the lower jaw heavy, projecting; maxillary reaching middle of eye, 3.25 in head; teeth in the jaws in broad villiform bands, the outer one in each jaw enlarged, those in the upper jaw increasing in size laterally, those in the lower jaw present only anteriorly; preopercle with a concealed hook at its angle; gill- membranes rather narrowly attached to the isthmus; scales small, cycloid ; top of head, cheeks and opercle with very small scales, some of SEPT. 1928. FISHES OP PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 865 them partly embedded ; first dorsal rays low, slightly filamentous ; second dorsal low, its last ray longest; caudal long, bluntly pointed, with strongly procurrent rays both above and below; anal fin similar to sec- ond dorsal; ventral fins short, inserted under base of pectorals; pec- toral fins short, 1.3 in head. Color brownish, dusky above, paler below, but everywhere covered with fine black dots ; both dorsals with pale membranes, the rays barred with black; caudal dusky brown; anal, ventrals and pectorals speckled, the pectorals with dusky base. This species is represented by a single specimen, 63 mm. long, sent by Mr. Robert Tweedlie. This appears to be the second specimen taken on the coast of Panama. The previous Panama record was based on a specimen secured in 1896 by Prof. C. H. Gilbert and associates. Known from Lower California to Panama. The specimen at hand was taken at Chame Point. 624. Erotelis smaragdus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Eleotris smaragdus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XII, 1837, 231 (Cuba). Erotelis valenciennesi Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 273 (Cuba). Erotelis smaragdus Jordan & Eigenmann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 484; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2204, PI. CCCXXV, fig. 785; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 66 (Natal, Brazil). Head 4.3 to 5.5; depth 8 to 12; D. VI-n ; A. 10; scales 100. Body very long and slender, compressed posteriorly ; head depressed, flat above ; eyes mostly superior ; interorbital area more than 2 times as wide as eye, with a knob near its middle ; mouth very oblique, the lower jaw much projecting; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye; teeth small, in bands ; scales very small, cycloid ; dorsal spines lower than the rays of second dorsal; second dorsal rather high, the longest rays 1.2 in head; caudal fin lanceolate, longer than head; ventral fins separate, 2 in head. Color very dark green, almost black, with some dark markings about the eye; fins mostly bluish, the dorsal with brown lines, the pectoral with dark markings on base. This species was not taken on the Panama coast, but its range places it within the scope of the present work. According to Starks (Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, p. 66) this species and E. armiger from the Pacific coast are closely related, if not in fact identical. We have not seen specimens of E. 866 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. smaragdus and our description has been compiled from published accounts. Known from Florida to Brazil. 223. Genus Lophogobius Gill. Lophogobius Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 240 (type Gobius cristagalli Cuvier & Valenciennes = Gobius cyprinoides Pallas). Body short, rather deep, compressed; teeth in the jaws in bands; scales large ; a prominent fleshy median crest, extending from interorbital area to origin of dorsal; dorsal fins distinct, the anterior with slender filamentous spines ; caudal fin rounded ; ventral fins fully united, form- ing a sucking disk, free from abdomen. 625. Lophogobius cyprinoides (Pallas). Gobius cyprinoides Pallas, Spicil. Zool., I, Fasc. 8, 1770, 17, PI. I, fig. 5 ("Amboina"; probably from the West Indies). Gobius crista galli Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XII, 1837, 130 (Havana). Lophogobius cyprinoides Poey, Repertorio, II, 1868, 393 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2209, PI. CCCXXVI, fig. 786. Head 3; depth 2.88; D. VI-io; A. 9; scales 27. Body rather robust, short, compressed; the back elevated; head short, rather broad ; snout short, bluntish, 4.45 in head ; eye large, 3.35 in head ; interorbital scarcely half as wide as eye ; mouth oblique ; the lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of pupil, 2.68 in head ; teeth in the jaws in broad villiform bands, the outer series in each jaw somewhat enlarged ; opercle and preopercle unarmed ; gill-openings restricted to the sides, broader than base of pec- torals, the membranes attached to the isthmus, forming a fold across it; scales large, ctenoid, wanting on head and on median line of nape; a prominent fleshy crest extending from interorbital to origin of dor- sal; dorsal fins separate, the first one with slender filamentous spines, the median ones longest, shorter than head ; second dorsal rather high, the last rays reaching slightly past base of caudal ; caudal fin rounded, about as long as head; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral fins fully united, forming a sucking disk, wholly free from abdomen; pec- toral fins large, slightly pointed, the median rays longest, reaching beyond origin of anal, slightly longer than head. Color in alcohol uniform dark brown, lower parts a little paler; spinous dorsal black ; the other fins slightly lighter than the body. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND 867 We have a single, poorly preserved specimen, 48 mm. in length, upon which we base the foregoing description. Our specimen appears to be deeper, with a more strongly elevated back, than Cuban specimens with which we compared it. Fin and scale counts, however, agree per- fectly. Previously recorded from Florida and the West Indies. Our speci- men was taken at Porto Bello. 224. Genus Bathygobius Bleeker. Bathygobius Bleeker, Arch. Neerl. Sci. Nat., XIII, 1878, 54 (type Gobius nebula punctatus Cuvier & Valenciennes). Mapo Smitt, 5fv. K. Vet.-Ak. Forh., 1899, 551 (type Gobius separator Cuvier & Valenciennes). Body moderately elongate ; head rather broad, depressed ; the skull with a low median crest; snout bluntly rounded; eyes large, close together; opercle unarmed; mouth moderate, nearly horizontal; teeth in the jaws conical, in bands, no canines ; tongue with a distinct notch anteriorly ; scales moderate, ctenoid, wanting on cheeks and opercles ; dorsal fins 2, the first with 6 or rarely with 7 spines ; caudal fin rounded, not produced ; ventral fins fully united, free from the abdomen ; pectoral fins with free, silk-like rays above. 626. Bathygobius soporator (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Gobius soporator Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XII, 1837, 56 (Martinique) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2216; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3 (Rio Tuyra, Darien; Flamenco Island, Panama Bay) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 171 (Panama Bay) ; Breder, Zoologica, IV, Pt. 4, 1925, 157 (Caledonia Bay). Gobius catulus Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 169 (St. Joseph Island, Texas). Gobius mapo Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 277 (Cuba). Gobius lacertus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 278 (Cuba). Gobius caroliniensis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 268 (Charles- ton, S. C). Gobius andrei Sauvage, Bull. Soc. Philo. Paris, 7 ser., IV, 1880, 44 (Rio Guayas, Ecuador). Evorthodus catulus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 632. 868 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Gobius arundelii Garman, Proc. N. E. Zool. Club, I, 1899, 63 (Clipper- ton Island). Mapo fuscus Evermann & Goldsborough, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., XXII, 1909, 103 (Taboga Island). Mapo soporator Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 147 (Perico Island, Panama Bay) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 405 and 411 (Colon and Panama). Head 2.95 to 3.45; depth 3.7 to 5.3; D. VI-I, 8 or 9; A. I, 8; scales 35 to 40. Body elongate, compressed posteriorly; head broader than deep; snout short and blunt, 3 to 4.15 in head ; eye 3.5 to 4.9 ; mouth moderate, terminal, slightly oblique, the gape reaching anterior margin of pupil; teeth in the jaws in broad bands, pointed, the outer ones more or less enlarged; opercle and preopercle without spines or serrations; gill- membranes broadly joined to the isthmus; scales rather large, ctenoid, wanting on head, more or less embedded at nape and on chest and abdomen; dorsal fins well separated, the first with flexible spines, the second longer, the rays all of about equal length; caudal fin round; anal fin similar to second dorsal, but slightly smaller ; ventral fins form- ing a large sucking disk ; pectoral fins broad, rounded, the middle rays the longest, the upper rays with free ends, i.i to 1.4 in head. Color various, from plain dark brown to pale or straw color; the pale specimens with dark spots or more or less distinct dark cross-bars ; dorsal and caudal with dark spots or cross-bars; anal fin dusky or at least with an intramarginal dark bar and pale margin ; ventrals pale or dusky; pectorals pale or slightly dusky at base. This species is abundant on both coasts of Panama and is represented by numerous specimens, ranging in length from 27 to 145 mm. We are unable to find any difference whatever in the representatives from the opposite coasts, except that the Pacific coast representatives are usually somewhat darker in color. On the other hand we have one lot from the Pacific that is quite as light in color as any from the Atlantic. This fish, although occurring almost everywhere along the coasts, is most abundant on rocky bottom. Known from all tropical seas. Our specimens from the Atlantic coast are from Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. Those from the Pacific coast are from Taboga Island, Chame Point, Naos Island, Balboa, Corozal and Panama City. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 869 225. Genus Tyntlastes Giinther. Tyntlastes Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1862, 194 (type Amblyopus sagitta Giinther). Body elongate, compressed; head quadrangular; eye very small or rudimentary; mouth wide, oblique, the lower jaw projecting; teeth in a single series, none on vomer or palatines; dorsal fin single, continuous, with 6 to 8 spines ; caudal fin pointed, more or less joined to the dorsal and anal; ventral fins united. A single very rare species is known from the Pacific coast of Panama. 627. Tyntlastes brevis (Giinther). Amblyopus brevis Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 151 (Panama). Tyntlastes brevis Jordan & Eigenmann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 512; Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1890, 451 (Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2262; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 180. Head 4.5; depth 8; D. VIII, 14; A. 15. Body elongate, compressed; teeth long, wide set, in a single series. Caudal fin black. This fish was not seen by recent investigators. The above brief description is from the meagre accounts of the species which is known only from the type, and from 2 partly digested specimens removed from the stomach of a Centropomus which was taken on the Pacific coast of Panama. 226. Genus Evorthodus Gill. Evorthodus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 195 (type Evorthodus breviceps Gill). Body moderately elongate; head short; isthmus moderate or rather broad ; teeth in each jaw in a single series, more or less flattened, incisor-like or emarginate; scales moderate, posteriorly ctenoid, becoming smooth anteriorly, present on most of head; first dorsal with 5 or 6 spines ; ventral fins united, free from the abdomen. To this genus we refer the species which agree with the type in having only a single series of teeth in each jaw. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Teeth deeply notched; the spinous dorsal conspicuously barred with black. breviceps, p. 870. aa. Teeth more or less incisor-like, not notched ; the spinous dorsal 870 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. not barred, with a conspicuous black spot at base and the tips of the longest rays black. minutus sp. nov., p. 870. 628. Evorthodus breviceps Gill. Evorthodus breviceps Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, J 95 (Trinidad) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2208. Head 4.5 ; depth 4.5 to 4.75 ; D. VI-n ; A. 12 ; scales 28 to 30. Body robust, compressed posteriorly; head thick and short; snout blunt and rounded; eye moderate, 3 in head; mouth horizontal; maxillary reaching below middle of eye; teeth in the jaws small, in a single series, deeply notched at tips; scales ctenoid, of moderate size, those on abdomen small ; nape, occiput and opercles scaled ; cheeks apparently with a number of embedded scales; dorsal spines not produced, shorter than head; second dorsal and anal similar, the rays about as long as longest dorsal spine; caudal fin slightly acute, a little longer than head; ventral disk moderate, free from the abdomen; pectorals extending slightly beyond ventral disk, but failing to reach vent. Color in alcohol brown, darkest above ; sides irregularly spotted and blotched ; the larger blotches of the sides meeting on the back and form- ing irregular cross-bars ; caudal peduncle with a single dark spot ; base of caudal with 2 dark spots; spinous dorsal conspicuously barred with black ; soft dorsal and caudal barred or checkered with black ; anal and ventrals nearly plain translucent; pectoral slightly barred with dusky. This little goby, which enters fresh water, was not taken by us, but since it comes within the range of the present work it has been here included. The above description is compiled from published accounts of the species. Recorded from Tampico, Mexico; Trinidad; and Surinam. 629. Evorthodus minutus sp. nov. (Plate LXXXIV.) Type No. 81847, U. S. N. M. ; length 30 mm. ; Corozal, Canal Zone. Head 4; depth 4 to 5; D. V or VI-n or 12; A. n or 12; scales 28 to 30. Body compressed throughout; head deeper than wide; snout short and very blunt, 4.15 to 6 in head; eye 3 to 3.45; interorbital about .75 width of eye; mouth small, horizontal, terminal or slightly inferior; maxillary reaching slightly past vertical from middle of eye, 3 to 3.25 in head; teeth in the jaws minute, slightly flattened, incisor-like, in a single series in each jaw ; gill-openings extending only slightly above SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 871 base of pectorals; isthmus broad; pores on cheeks very inconspicuous; scales rather large, present on entire body and head except on snout and mandible, ctenoid posteriorly, becoming smooth anteriorly; dorsal fins well separated, the rays all short, none of them as long as head ; caudal fin round, equal to length of head ; anal fin similar to second dorsal ; ventral disk short, failing to reach vent; pectoral fins reaching beyond the tips of ventrals, i.i to 1.3 in head. Color in alcohol brownish abo^e, paler below; sides with irregular dark blotches, forming more or less distinct cross-bars ; base of caudal with 2. dark spots, the upper one being most distinct; first dorsal with a round dark spot at base, and with the tips of the longest rays black ; second dorsal spotted with dark ; caudal fin plain translucent or slightly barred with dusky; anal, ventrals and pectorals pale in spirits. In life the second dorsal and anal are bright red and the side between these fins is dull red. This fish is represented by 3 specimens, ranging in length from 27 to 30 mm., taken in a muddy tide stream at Corozal. 227. Genus Microgobius Poey. Microgobius Poey, Anal. Soc. Espan. Hist. Nat., V, 1876, 168 (type Microgobius signatus Poey) . Zdypnus Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 459 (type Gobius emblematicus Jordan & Gilbert). Body more or less compressed; mouth large, very oblique or vertical ; teeth rather strong, mostly in 2. series, the outer ones more or less canine-like; no barbels about the mouth; scales of small or moderate size, usually wanting in advance of first dorsal ; dorsal spines 7 or 8 ; with or without a median cutaneous fold in advance of dorsal. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales small, about 70 to 85 in lateral series; a prominent cutaneous fold extending from back of the eyes to origin of first dorsal. emblematicus, p. 872. aa. Scales comparatively large, from 44 to 48 in a lateral series; with or without a slight cutaneous fold in advance of first dorsal. b. Mouth oblique; maxillary reaching vertical from posterior margin of eye ; eye rather small, 3.6 in head. miraflorensis, p. 873. bb. Mouth vertical ; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye ; eye large, 3.3 in head. tabogensis sp. nov., p. 873. 872 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 630. Microgobius emblematicus (Jordan & Gilbert). Gobius emblematicus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., I, 1881 (1882), 330 (Panama Bay). Lepidogobius emblematicus Jordan & Eigenmann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 505. Microgobius cyclolepis Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1890, 74 (Albatross Station 3020, Lower California) . Zalypnus emblematicus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2247. Microgobius emblematicus Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 174 (Panama Bay). Head 3.6 to 3.8; depth 3.7 to 5.75; D. VII-I7 or 18; A. 16 to 18; scales 72 to 83. Body compressed throughout ; head deeper than broad ; snout short, 3.55 to 4.7 in head; eye 3.55 to 4.35; interorbital very narrow, not broader than pupil; a prominent cutaneous fold extending from back of eyes to origin of dorsal; mouth large, very oblique, the lower jaw in advance of the upper ; maxillary reaching posterior margin of pupil, 1.75 to 2.4 in head; teeth in the jaws mainly in 2 series, the outer series in upper jaw laterally wanting, composed of rather large, strongly recurved teeth, the second series of small villiform teeth; the mandibular teeth like those of the upper jaw, except that the second series laterally is composed of enlarged recurved teeth; scales very thin and small, difficult to enumerate, usually wanting in advance of base of fifth dorsal spine; dorsal fins close together, the median spines sometimes slightly produced, rarely as long as head ; second dorsal of about equal height throughout, the posterior rays reaching base of caudal; caudal fin pointed, somewhat longer than head; anal fin similar to second dorsal ; ventral disk rather long, usually reaching to vent and occasionally to origin of anal; pectoral fins failing to reach the tip of ventral disk, 1.15 to 1.5 in head. Color in alcohol pale brown, some individuals with a round dark brown spot on shoulder, above and behind the base of pectorals ; fins plain translucent or slightly dusky. Color in life of a specimen 55 mm. in length : Body bright green above to pale green below ; head and body in advance of about the fifth ray of second dorsal with alternating streaks and spots of sky-blue and orange ; dorsals, caudal and anal pink ; anal fin with an orange stripe across base, extending along lower edge of caudal peduncle and on the lower rays of the caudal fin ; other fins pale. This species is represented by 19 specimens, ranging in length from 38 to 65 mm. It is rather common in the tide pools at Panama City. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 873 Known only from Lower California and from Panama. Our specimens are from Balboa and Panama City. 631. Microgobius miraflorensis Gilbert & Starks. Microgobius miraflorensis Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 176, PI. XXIX, fig. 54 (Pacific coast of Panama) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 412 (Panama). Head 3.3 to 3.65; depth 4.25 to 4.85; D. VII-i?; A. 17; scales 44 to 49. Body elongate, rather strongly compressed ; head notably deeper than broad ; snout short, 4.5 to 4.75 in head ; eye 3.6 to 3.7 ; interorbital not broader than pupil; no cutaneous fold in advance of dorsal; mouth large, quite oblique, the lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching vertical from posterior margin of eye, 1.75 to 2 in head; teeth in the jaws in 2 series, the outer series in each jaw enlarged, composed of recurved canines and wanting laterally where the second series is somewhat enlarged ; scales rather large, ctenoid, wanting in advance of about third dorsal spine and on a narrow strip on median line of abdomen ; dorsal spines more or less produced, the median ones filamentous, usually somewhat longer than head; second dorsal lower, of about equal height throughout; caudal fin pointed, notably longer than head; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral disk moderate, scarcely reaching vent; pectoral fins reaching slightly beyond tip of ventrals, 1.15 to 1.25 in head. Color in alcohol light grayish olive; sides with 4 or 5 narrow dark lines, the anterior one broadest and most distinct and situated below the base of the anterior dorsal spines ; the outer margin and produced spines of first dorsal dusky; the second dorsal plain translucent, with dusky punctulations, forming more or less distinct longitudinal bands; caudal fin pale, with indefinite V-shaped bars at base; anal fins dusky, or at least with dark margins ; ventrals and pectorals plain translucent. Only 4 specimens of this species, which are all of equal length (45 mm.), were secured. It differs from M. emblematicus principally in having much larger scales, in the absence of a cutaneous fold in advance of first dorsal fin, and in color. This fish is recorded only from the Pacific coast of Panama. Our specimens are from Rio Culebra, tributary of the Rio Bayano, a very muddy and slightly brackish tide stream. 632. Microgobius tabogensis sp. nov. (Plate LXXXV.) Type No. 81844, U. S. N. M.; length 45 mm.; Taboga Island, Panama. 874 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Head 3.77; depth 4.7; D. VII-I7; A. 18; scales about 48. Body compressed throughout ; head much deeper than broad ; snout very short, 5 in head; eye 3.33; interorbital about half the width of eye; a slight cutaneous fold from nape to origin of dorsal; mouth moderate, vertical, the lower jaw in advance of the upper; maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of pupil, 2.25 in head ; teeth in the jaws in two series, the outer series enlarged and wanting laterally where the second series is somewhat enlarged ; scales rather large, cycloid, extending forward nearly or quite to base of pectorals, leaving a naked area about base of first dorsal; head and chest naked; abdomen fully scaled; the median dorsal spines somewhat produced, but scarcely as long as head; second dorsal increasing in height posteriorly, the last rays reaching base of caudal ; caudal fin pointed, longer than head ; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral disk short, failing to reach vent ; pectoral fins rather long, reaching well beyond the tip of ventrals, nearly or quite to origin of anal, 1.05 in head. Color in alcohol plain light brown, wholly without spots or bars ; fins all plain translucent. This species is represented by a single specimen, 45 mm. in length, taken at Taboga Island. It differs from M. miraflorensis principally in having the mouth vertical, a larger eye, broader interorbital, in the presence of a cutaneous fold in advance of dorsal, smooth scales, and in the more elongate caudal fin. From M. emblematicus it may readily be distinguished by the much larger scales and the vertical mouth. 228. Genus Euctenogobius Gill. Euctenogobius Gill, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., VII, 1859, 45 (type Euctenogobius badius Gill). This genus, as here understood, differs from Gobionellus only in the dentition. The teeth in the upper jaw in a single series; those in the lower jaw in a very narrow band, with the outer series slightly enlarged. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales ctenoid posteriorly, wanting on nape and head, 28 to 35 in lateral series. panamensis sp. nov., p. 874. aa. Scales all cycloid, present on nape, opercles and cheeks, 77 to 87 in lateral series. liolepis sp. nov., p. 875. 633. Euctenogobius panamensis sp. nov. (Plate LXXXVI.) Type No. 81839, U. S. N. M. ; length 95 mm. ; Rio Culebra, Panama. Head 3.8 to 4.2; depth 4.65 to 5.45; D. VI-I3; A. 13; scales 28 to 35- SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 875 Body elongate, compressed throughout; head a little deeper than broad; snout very obtuse, 2.65 to 3.1 in head; eye 3.9 to 4.65; inter- orbital space about half the width of eye ; mouth very nearly horizontal, slightly inferior; maxillary reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.5 to 2.8 in head ; teeth small, in a single series in the upper jaw, in a band in the lower jaw, the outer series enlarged and separated from the very narrow band of minute teeth by an interspace; gill-openings extending well below the base of pectorals; isthmus rather narrow; scales moderate, ctenoid, wanting on nape, head and chest; dorsal fins well separated ; the anterior rays of the first dorsal with short filaments ; the second dorsal of about equal height throughout, none of the rays much more than half the length of head ; caudal fin lanceolate, twice the length of head in adults ; anal fin similar to second dorsal ; ventral disk short, failing to reach vent; pectoral fins reaching somewhat beyond the ventral disk, i.i to 1.3 in head. Color olivaceous ; median line of side with a row of dark blotches, these often more or less elongate and forming short cross-bars; the back with irregular dark markings ; the nape occasionally with 2 narrow cross-bars; side of head with 2 longitudinal stripes, one of these just below eye and the other slightly above the angle of the mouth to margin of opercle, these partly or wholly joined by a short oblique bar below eye; dorsals and caudal with a small dark spot, the short filaments of spinous dorsal black; anal fin and ventral disk pale or slightly dusky; pectorals plain translucent, with a large jet-black spot at the base of the upper rays. This species is represented by 8 specimens, ranging in length from 80 to 115 mm. All were taken in brackish muddy water in the Rio Bayano Basin ; seven in the Rio Culebra and one near the mouth of the Rio Mamoni. 634. Euctenogobius liolepis sp. nov. (Plate LXXXVII.) Type No. 81836, U. S. N. M.; length no mm.; Beach, Balboa, Canal Zone. Head 4.85 to 5.25; depth 5.45 to 6.1; D. VI-I5; A. 15; scales 77 to 87. Body elongate, compressed, deeper than broad throughout ; head moderate; snout rather short, 3.7 to 4.35 in head; eye 4.8 to 5-35; interorbital not more than half the width of eye; mouth terminal, notably oblique, the lower jaw very weak; maxillary reaching middle of eye, 2.15 to 2.6 in head; teeth small, the upper jaw with a single series, lower jaw with a band of minute teeth ; scales small, all cycloid, 876 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. extending forward nearly to eyes, present also on opercles, cheeks and chest, more or less embedded on the latter two; dorsal fins separate; the first of weak spines; the second dorsal long, its posterior rays the longest ; caudal fin pointed, the median rays much longer than the head ; anal fin similar to the second dorsal ; ventral fins forming a broad sucking disk, free from the abdomen ; pectoral fins rather short, reaching little if any beyond the ventral disk, 1.05 to 1.3 in head. Color olivaceous, the scales above with dusky punctulations, and dark edges ; median line of sides with a row of small dark spots ; larger dark spots present along the back, forming more or less distinct saddle- like bars posteriorly ; dorsals and caudal more or less spotted or barred ; other fins plain translucent. This species is represented by 15 specimens, ranging in length from 80 to no mm. ; all taken on the same date along a sandy beach near Balboa. 229. Genus Gobionellus Girard. Gobionellus Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 168 (type Gobi- onellus hastatus Girard). Body elongate, rather slender; head moderate, not depressed; teeth in the jaws in narrow bands, the outer series in upper jaw separated from the others by an interspace; scales ctenoid, at least posteriorly, usually wanting on head; dorsal fins 2, the first with 6 or rarely 7 spines ; caudal fin lanceolate or rounded ; ventral disk free from the abdomen. This genus, as here understood, includes those species which have the teeth in the jaws in villiform bands and the outer series in upper jaw separated from the others by an inter- space. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales small, more than 55 in a lateral series; dorsal and anal each with 13 to 15 rays. b. Scales very small, 64 to 75 in lateral series; anterior dorsal spines filamentous. c. Opercle with a patch of scales; color plain grayish brown; a single dark spot below base of spinous dorsal; dorsals and caudal without dark cross-bars. oceanicus, p. 877. cc. Scales wanting on opercle; color light olivaceous; sides with a stripe or dark blotches ; a narrow black stripe extending back- ward from eye; dorsals and caudal faintly barred with black. microdon, p. 879. bb. Scales 58 to 65 in lateral series ; teeth in the jaws fixed ; none j\ -\ &>*&$> 3 /. x\\ cSr^t A K:.V\\ fe^: "i /V-7-. v-V^P >- '$/.' -' I 52 E Q. C in C O ~ CD V o .5 THE Ot l HE Of SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 877 of the dorsal spines filamentous ; sides with a series of irregular dark spots; a round spot just behind upper angle of gill- opening; dorsals, caudal and pectorals with dark wavy cross- bars, sagittula, p. 879. aa. Scales larger, usually fewer than 45 in a lateral series ; second dorsal and anal each with from 9 to 13 rays. d. Caudal fin lanceolate, notably longer than head in adult; species of moderate size. e. Small scales present on nape, chest and abdomen, 29 to 32 in lateral series ; anterior spines of first dorsal produced in adult male, reaching nearly or- quite to base of caudal ; caudal fin trans- lucent, with faint bars in female, darker in male, with a longi- tudinal white stripe on each lobe. lyricus, p. 880. ee. Scales wanting in advance of first dorsal (not verified in G. smaragdus} ; none of the dorsal spines greatly produced, shorter than head, reaching to or slightly past origin of second dorsal. f . Scales moderate, 39 to 42 in lateral series ; mouth large, slightly oblique, upper jaw slightly projecting; maxillary reaching below pupil or to posterior margin of eye, 2.1 to 2.35 in head. smaragdus, p. 882. f f . Scales large, fewer than 39 in lateral series ; mouth moderate, horizontal or slightly oblique; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to middle of eye, 2.5 to 3.15 in head. g. Head large, 3.5 to 3.9 in length; scales 34 to 38 in lateral series ; caudal fin with dark cross-bars in both sexes ; pectoral fins plain translucent. stigmaticus, p. 882. gg. Head slightly smaller, 3.95 to 4.3 in length ; scales 31 to 35 in lateral series ; caudal fin with dark cross-bars in female, the male with a white horizontal stripe on upper and lower half of caudal fin. manglicola, p. 883. dd. Caudal fin rounded or slightly pointed, equal to or shorter than head; species of small size. h. First dorsal with 6 spines ; anal fin with 12 rays ; scales 33 to 36 in lateral series. encceomus, p. 884. hh. First dorsal with 7 spines ; anal with 9 or 10 rays ; scales 27 to 28 in lateral series. boleosoma, p. 885. 635. Gobionellus oceanicus (Pallas). Gobius oceanicus Pallas, Spicil. Zool., I, Fasc. VIII, 1770, 4 (locality 878 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. unknown ; after Gronow) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2230, PI. CCCXXVII, figs. 789 and 789^ Gobius lanceolatus Bloch, Oec. Naturg. Fische Deutschl., II, 1783, 8, PI. XXXVIII, fig. i (Martinique; figure probably from Plumier). Gobius bacalaus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XII, 1837, 119 (Surinam; Cayenne; Cuba). Gobionellus oceanicus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882 (1883), 613. Head 3.75 to 5.1; depth 5.3 to 7.15; D. VI-I4; A. 15; scales 64 to 75- Body very elongate, compressed ; head notably deeper than wide ; snout short, blunt, 3 to 4.25 in head; eye placed high, 3.6 to 4.35 in head ; interorbital narrower than eye ; mouth rather large, terminal, a little oblique; maxillary reaching to or past middle of eye, 1.9 to 2.4 in head; teeth in the jaws movable, in villiform bands, the outer series in upper jaw enlarged and separated from the others by a narrow interspace; opercle and preopercle without spines or serrations; gill- membranes broadly attached to the isthmus; pores present about the head; no lateral line; scales on anterior part of body small, cycloid, more or less embedded, notably larger posteriorly and strongly ctenoid ; a patch of scales, apparently varying in size among individuals, present on upper part of opercle; dorsal fins well separated, the spines of the first dorsal filamentous; the second dorsal long, of about equal height throughout; caudal fin long, pointed, the middle rays filamentous, sometimes nearly half the length of rest of body; anal fin similar to second dorsal ; ventral fins forming a large sucking disk ; pectoral fins without partly detached silky rays, I to 1.2 in head. Color in alcohol grayish brown ; opercle with a dark bluish blotch ; another dark blotch, equal to or larger than eye, on side under spinous dorsal ; sides with a rather faint median dark stripe, often more or less broken up into dark spots ; a small caudal spot always present ; dorsal fins more or less dusky ; anterior spine of first dorsal with from 2 to 4 black spots on anterior margin, or rarely with a continuous black stripe ; first ray of second dorsal either with dark spots on anterior margin or with a continuous dark margin; other fins without definite markings, much darker in some specimens than in others ; margin of sucking disk pale in specimens having a dark disk; base of tongue with an emerald spot on each side. This species is represented by more than 100 specimens, ranging in length from 45 to 200 mm. It is very probable that this species and G. hastatus are identical. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 879 Known from South Carolina to Texas and the West Indies. Now for the first time recorded from as far south as Panama. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Hindi and Colon. 636. Gobionellus microdon (Gilbert). Gobius microdon Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1891, 554 (San Juan Lagoon, Mexico) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2227. Gobionellus microdon Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 171, PL XXVIII, fig. 51 (Miraflores, Canal Zone, Panama). Head 4 to 4.1; depth 4.95 to 5.8; D. VI-I3; A. 13 or 14; scales 63 to 72. Body elongate, compressed throughout, everywhere deeper than broad; head moderate; snout short, 3.34 to 4.25 in head; eye 3.55 to 4.2 ; interorbital very narrow, scarcely as wide as pupil ; mouth terminal, nearly horizontal, the lower jaw very weak; maxillary reaching under middle of eye, 2.3 to 2.5 in head; teeth very small, in a weak band in each jaw; scales extending forward to nape; a naked area on median line of back in advance of first dorsal; sides of head and chest wholly naked ; scales on sides behind spinous dorsal strongly ctenoid ; dorsal fins separate, the first of weak spines, the anterior spines fila- mentous, varying in length, but always reaching past the origin of the second dorsal; the second dorsal rather long, of about equal height throughout; caudal fin pointed, the median rays produced, much longer than the head ; anal fin similar to the second dorsal ; ventral fins forming a rather long narrow sucking disk, free from the abdo- men; pectoral fins moderate, reaching opposite vent, I to 1.2 in head. Color light olivaceous; sides with a more or less broken stripe and irregular dark spots ; a short dark stripe back of eye and a dark area on opercle; dorsals and caudal slightly barred with black; other fins plain translucent. This species is represented by 10 specimens, ranging in length from 22 to 60 mm. ; all taken in a slightly brackish stream. Known from San Juan Lagoon, Mexico, south to Pamana. Our specimens are from the Rio Juan Diaz, 6 to 8 miles southeast of Panama City. 637. Gobionellus sagittula (Giinther). Euctenogobius sagittula Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1861, 371 (West coast of Central America). 88o FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Gobius sagittula Jordan & Eigenmann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 497; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2228. Gobius longicaudus Jenkins & Evermann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888, 146 (Guaymas). Euctenogobius saggitula Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3 (Rio Cucunati, Darien). Gobionellus sagittula Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 171. Head 3.7 to 4.45; depth 5.8 to 8.3; D. VI-I3 or 14; A. 14; scales 58 to 65. Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, anteriorly as wide as deep; head rather short; snout blunt, 3.15 to 3.85 in head; eye small, placed high, 3.85 to 4.75 ; mouth broad, the upper jaw slightly in advance of the lower; maxillary reaching about middle of eye, 2.7 to 3.15 in head; teeth pointed, in villiform bands, the outer ones in upper jaw somewhat enlarged and well separated from the others ; gill-membranes rather broadly connected with the isthmus ; scales reduced in advance of dorsal, increasing in size posteriorly where they become strongly ctenoid; dorsal fins well separated, the first with 6 short flexible spines; second dorsal long and of nearly uniform height throughout; caudal fin pointed, about equal to length of head in very young, increasing in proportionate length with age ; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral fins forming a rather small sucking disk; pectoral fins moderate, more or less pointed, 1.2 to 1.45 in head. Color in alcohol light yellowish ; upper parts with irregular brownish specks or punctulations ; median line of sides with 5 irregular dark brown spots; a roundish dark spot on shoulder just above base of pectorals; upper parts of head with small dark spots; side of head with two horizontal dark stripes ; dorsals, caudal and pectorals spotted or barred with dark; the other fins colorless. Twelve specimens of this species, ranging in length from 30 to 90 mm., were taken by us, and Mr. Robert Tweedlie later sent 5 addi- tional specimens. This is a rather rare fish frequenting muddy pools and tide streams. Known from the Gulf of California south to Ecuador. Our speci- mens are from Chame Point and Corozal. 638. Gobionellus lyricus (Girard). Gobius lyricus Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 169 (Brazos SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA -^ MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 881 Santiago, Texas) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2224. Gobius wurdemanni Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 169 (Brazos Santiago, Texas; female). Smaragdus costalesi Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 280 (Havana). Euctenogobius lyricus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 633. Head 3.65 to 4.15 ; depth 4.3 to 5 ; D. VI-n, rarely 10 or 12; A. n or 12; scales 29 to 32. Body rather robust, compressed ; head as wide as deep ; snout very short and blunt, 3.8 to 5 in head ; eye moderate, 2.9 to 3.5 ; interorbital not much broader than pupil; mouth inferior, nearly horizontal; maxil- lary reaching below middle of eye, 2.2 to 2.8 in head; teeth minute, the outer series in each jaw somewhat enlarged and separated from a band of very min'ute teeth by an interspace, the outer series of lower jaw anteriorly followed by 3 or 4 enlarged cusps ; scales rather large, ctenoid on body, cycloid and reduced on nape, chest and abdomen; dorsal fins separate, the anterior 3 or 4 spines much produced, fila- mentous in adult male, reaching nearly or quite to base of caudal, more than half the length of body; the second dorsal high, with the posterior rays reaching to or beyond base of caudal in adult male, the fins low and without produced rays in the female; caudal fin lanceolate, 2.5 in body in adult males, shorter in females; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral disk rather small, failing to reach vent; pectoral reaching well beyond the ventral, usually about equal to length of head. Color olivaceous ; sides usually with 4 or 5 faint dark bars and with irregular dark blotches ; spinons dorsal with dark dots, the produced rays in the male dusky ; second dorsal in female merely with dark dots, in male with dark dots on the anterior rays and a black bar at base extending on posterior ray; caudal fin in females trans- lucent, slightly barred with dusky, dark in males, with 2 longitudinal white stripes, one on the upper lobe and one on the lower; anal fin and ventral disk in female pale, dusky in male ; pectoral fins nearly plain translucent in female, dusky in male, and with pearly spots forming cross-bars. This species is represented by 12 specimens, ranging in length from 35 to 85 mm. Known from Texas to the Lesser Antilles, and now for the first time recorded from the Atlantic coast of Panama. Our specimens are all from very muddy, brackish pools at Mindi, Canal Zone. 882 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 639. Gobionellus smaragdus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Gobius smaragdus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XII, 1837, 120 (Cuba) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2227. Smaragdus valenciennesi Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 280 (Cuba). Gobionellus smaragdus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 394. Head 4; depth 5.25 to 5.9; D. VI-n or 12; A. n or 12; scales 39 to 42. Body moderately elongate, compressed; head not compressed; snout short; eye moderate, 4 to 5 in head; mouth large, slightly oblique; lower jaw slightly the shorter; maxillary reaching below pupil or to posterior margin of orbit, 2.1 to 2.35 in head; teeth in bands, the outer row in upper jaw enlarged and separated from the narrow succeeding band by an interspace ; scales posteriorly ctenoid, becoming cycloid anteriorly ; caudal fin produced, 2.25 to 2.5 in body. Color of male light olive, with dark olive blotches ; body and head with many conspicuous round, cream-colored spots, each surrounded by a dusky ring, these smaller than pupil and most distinct on head ; snout with dusky streaks ; dorsal and caudal plainly barred ; pectorals crossed with dark wavy lines, dusky at base ; anal and ventrals dusky ; a small dark spot at base of caudal; a bright deep green spot inside of mouth in life. Female nearly plain olivaceous. This species was not seen by us and is not recorded from Panama, but it may be expected there, since it has been taken at localities both north and south of the Isthmus. The above description is compiled from published accounts. Known from South Carolina to Rio de Janeiro. 640. Gobionellus stigmaticus (Poey). Smaragdus stigmaticus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 281 (Cuba). Gobionellus stigmaticus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 394. Gobius stigmaticus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 49; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2224, PI. CCCXXVI, fig. 787. Head 3.5 to 3.9; depth 5.5 to 6.6; D. VI-n or 12; A. 12 or 13; 34 to 38 oblique series of scales on sides. Body elongate, compressed; head as broad as deep; snout short, blunt, 4 to 4.65 in head; eye large, 3.55 to 4; interorbital narrow, less than half the width of eye; mouth terminal, horizontal; maxillary scarcely reaching middle of eye, 2.45 to 3.15 in head; teeth in the jaws in bands, the outer series in each jaw enlarged, the enlarged series in SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 883 upper jaw separated from the others by an interspace; scales rather large, ctenoid, somewhat reduced anteriorly, wanting on head, nape and chest; dorsal fins well separated, all the rays shorter than head, the spines sometimes slightly filamentous; caudal fin pointed, notably longer than head in adult; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral disk moderate, reaching vent ; pectoral fins rather long, pointed, reach- ing slightly past tip of ventrals, I to 1.35 in head. Color brownish; median line of sides with a series of 5 more or less elongate dark spots ; body elsewhere with irregular dark markings, formed by punctulations ; nape sometimes with indistinct cross-bars ; dorsal and caudal fins barred with dark; anal fin pale, with series of dark spots on base and a slightly dusky intramarginal band; ventral disk dusky, with a broad pale margin; pectoral fins plain translucent. This species was taken only in brackish water. We have at hand 25 specimens, ranging in length from 25 to 65 mm. Known from North Carolina to Rio de Janeiro. Our specimens are from Mindi and Porto Bello. 641. Gobionellus manglicola (Jordan & Starks). Gobius manglicola Jordan & Starks, in Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 495 (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2220. Head 3.95 to 4.3; depth 5 to 6; D. VI-I2; A. 13; scales 31 to 35. Body elongate, anteriorly as broad as deep, posteriorly compressed ; head short, quite as broad as deep; snout very blunt, short, 3.5 to 5.15 in head ; eye small, superior, 3.5 to 4.2 in head ; interorbital very nar- row, furrowed ; mouth terminal, slightly oblique ; maxillary reaching middle of eye, 2.5 to 2.6 in head; teeth in jaws pointed, the upper jaw with an enlarged outer series well separated from an irregular series or narrower band of minute teeth; lower jaw with a band of pointed teeth, the outer ones enlarged but not as much so as in upper jaw; gill-membranes broadly attached to the isthmus; scales rather large, ctenoid, wanting on back in advance of dorsals and on head and chest ; dorsal fins well separated, none of the spines of the anterior dorsal produced, shorter than head ; second dorsal low, the posterior rays failing to reach the base of caudal; caudal fin pointed, about 1.5 times the length of head; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral fins forming a rather broad disk, free from abdomen; pectoral fins rather short, not reaching beyond ventral disk, 1 .28 to i .4 in head. Color olivaceous above, paler below ; sides and back with irregular brownish markings, largest and most distinct along median line of 884 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. side; a caudal spot present; dorsal, caudal and pectorals more or less distinctly barred with brownish spots; spinous dorsal in male with a jet-black membrane between the fourth and fifth spines and a fairly distinct whitish bar at base; caudal fin in male less distinctly barred than in female, with a white horizontal bar on upper half of fin; anal fin pale or slightly dusky ; ventral disk pale, with a broad black margin in male specimens, dusky, with broad pale margin in the female. We have 3 specimens, 2 males and I female, ranging in length from 40 to 42 mm., which, in the absence of material for comparison, we refer somewhat doubtfully to this species. The scales in our speci- mens do not become smooth posteriorly and the lower jaw does not protrude as described in the type. Previously recorded only from Mazatlan. Our specimens are from tide pools at Panama City. 642. Gobionellus encaeomus (Jordan & Gilbert). Gobius encaomus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882 (1883), 611 (Charleston, South Carolina) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2223. Head 3.75 ; depth 5.7 ; D. VI-ii ; A. 12 ; scales 33 to 36. Body elongate, notably compressed; head quite as broad as deep; snout very short and blunt, 4.5 to 6 in head ; eye partly superior, 3.75 to 4 ; interorbital narrow, not much wider than pupil ; cheeks swollen ; mouth rather small, terminal, nearly horizontal; maxillary reaching opposite middle of eye, 2.6 in head ; teeth in the jaws well developed, in bands, curved inward, the outer series in upper jaw somewhat enlarged and well separated from the others; isthmus broad; scales ctenoid, wanting in advance of first dorsal and on median line of abdomen ; dorsal fins well separated, the first with low, slender spines, shorter than the head; second dorsal highest posteriorly, the last rays reaching nearly to base of caudal; caudal fin scarcely pointed, only slightly longer than head; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral disk rather long, reaching vent (male) ; pectoral fins reaching tip of ventrals, 1.15 to 1.2 in head. Color dark i^ivaceous ; median line of sides with a series of 5 elongate dark spots, two or three of them on middle of sides with upward projections, forming V-shaped bars (in male) ; a black spot, slightly larger than the pupil, above and behind the upper angle of gill-opening; dorsals and caudal with dark dots, forming cross-bars; anal fin pale, with an indication of a dark longitudinal intramarginal SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 885 bar; ventral disk dusky or with a broad pale margin; pectoral fins pale translucent. We have 2 specimens, 30 and 40 mm. long, which we doubtfully refer to this species. Heretofore known from South Carolina to the Florida Keys. Our specimens were taken in a brackish drainage ditch at Colon. 643. Gobionellus boleosoma (Jordan & Gilbert). Gobius boleosoma Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 295 (Laguna Grande, Pensacola, Florida) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2221. Ctenogobius boleosoma Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Series., 1913,68 (Natal). Head 3.45 to 3.7; depth 4.35 to 5.25; D. VII-n or 12; A. 9 or 10; scales 27 or 28. Body compressed ; head quite as broad as deep ; snout very short and blunt, 5.5 to 6.5 in head; eyes rather large, 3.05 to 3.8 in head; interorbital space about half the width of eye; mouth rather small, terminal, oblique ; maxillary reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.6 to 2.75 in head; teeth moderate, in bands in each jaw, the outer ones enlarged, those of the upper jaw separated from the others by an interspace ; isthmus broad ; scales ctenoid, wanting on back in advance of second dorsal, head, chest and abdomen ; dorsal fins low, well separated, none of the rays as long as head ; caudal fin broadly rounded, shorter than head ; anal fin similar to second dorsal ; ventral disk rather short, failing to reach vent ; pectorals moderate, reaching opposite vent, i to 1.2 in head. Color grayish, sides with dark markings, forming indistinct cross- bars ; base of caudal with 2 small irregular spots ; fins mostly plain translucent; the anal fin and ventral disk dusky; pectoral fins with an indication of a dark bar on base. We have 3 specimens, respectively 23, 27 and 30 mm. in length, which we somewhat doubtfully refer to this species. Typical speci- mens of G. boleosoma have 6 dorsal spines and the caudal fin produced, lanceolate, in adult males. Previously recorded only from Pensacola, Florida, and Natal, Brazil. Our specimens are from a brackish creek near Mindi and from tide pools at Colon. 230. Genus Bollmannia Jordan. Bollmannia Jordan, in Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 164 (type Bollmannia chlamydes Jordan). 886 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body elongate, more or less compressed; interorbital narrow and without trace of a median keel ; no fleshy processes on inner edge of shoulder girdle ; teeth in the jaws in several series ; scales large, ctenoid, not much reduced anteriorly, present on nape and cheeks. 644. Bollmannia chlamydes Jordan. Bollmannia chlamydes Jordan, in Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 164 (Albatross Stations 2800, 2802, 2803, 2804 and 2805; Panama Bay, 7 to 51^ fathoms) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2238, PI. CCCXXVIII, fig. 791 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 174. Head 3.5; depth 4.5; D. VII-I5; A. 15; scales about 28. Body rather robust, compressed; head large and heavy, its profile evenly curved ; eye longer than snout, 3.75 to 4 in head ; interorbital very narrow, concave, its least width about one-third of eye ; mouth very large, oblique, the lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching to opposite pupil, 2.2 to 2.3 in head ; teeth in the jaws small, sharp, in several series, the outer one, especially in the lower jaw, somewhat enlarged ; scales very large, ctenoid, little reduced on breast and nape, about 8 in advance of dorsal ; top and sides of head with large scales ; cheeks with four rows, opercles with 2 rows of scales above ; dorsal spine slender, filamentous, the fifth the longest, 1.2 in head; first ray of soft dorsal 2.4 in head ; caudal fin long, the median rays somewhat more than half the length of body; first anal ray equal to snout; ventrals 1.33 in head; pectorals 1.2. Color olivaceous, darker above ; scales with a few black dots, some of the posterior ones occasionally dark edged ; sides with 8 to 10 obscure vertical dusky bars, narrower than the interspaces, and in some speci- mens wholly wanting; snout bluish; opercles with a dark shade; lips, gular region, and anterior branchiostegals very dark in males; upper part of spinous dorsal darkest, with a few lighter dark edged oval spots ; a well marked black blotch between the last two spines ; soft dorsal dusky, usually with about 3 well developed rows of lighter dark edged oval spots ; anal dusky, crossed by 2 narrow bluish streaks ; caudal, pectorals and ventrals dusky, tinged with blue; ventrals edged with pale. This species was not taken by us. It is known only from speci- mens taken in Panama Bay by the Albatross. This fish apparently does not occur in shallow water along the shore. The above descrip- tion is compiled from published accounts of the species. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 887 231. Genus Aboma Jordan & Starks. Aboma Jordan & Starks, in Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 497 (type Aboma etheostoma Jordan & Starks). Body more or less compressed posteriorly; head depressed, rather long, somewhat pointed; mouth moderate, not very oblique; teeth in narrow bands, rather strong, the outer and inner series in each jaw enlarged; no flaps on shoulder girdle; scales large, ctenoid, wanting on head ; dorsal spines short, not filamentous, more than 6 in number ; soft dorsal and anal short, each with 10 to 12 rays; ventral fins united. 645. Aboma lucretise (Eigenmann & Eigenmann). Gobius lucretice Eigenmann & Eigenmann, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., I, 1888, 57 (Pearl Island, Panama Bay). Aboma lucretice Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2241 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 174. Head 3.5; depth 5.33; D. VII-io; A. 12; scales 28. Body slightly compressed posteriorly; head little wider than deep; eye placed high, equal to length of snout, 4.5 in head ; mouth large, oblique; maxillary extending beyond posterior margin of eye, 2 in head; teeth in the jaws in narrow bands, recurved, the outer and inner series enlarged, largest in front; scales large, weakly ctenoid, becoming cycloid and very much crowded above and below pectoral ; head, breast and anterior part of nape naked ; dorsal spines slender, not filamentous ; caudal fin pointed, 3 in length of body; ventrals 1.25 in head; pectorals longer than head. Color light brown, with 4 oblique dark cross-bars as wide as the interspaces; 4 narrower transverse bars on nape and back; a large dusky spot at base of caudal; upper half of base of pectoral black; a black spot on opercle, margined above and behind with silvery; fins dusky. This species was not seen by us. It is known from a single specimen taken at Pearl Island, Panama Bay. The above description is compiled from published accounts of the species. 232. Genus Enypnias Jordan & Evermann. Enypnias Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2233 (type Gobius seminudus Giinther). This genus differs from Garmannia principally in the presence of 4 barbels about the mouth. Two of these are inserted on edge of upper jaw just behind the lip, somewhat below anterior nostril. The 888 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. other 2 are on the chin, arising from the median frenum of the lower lip. Both nostrils, unlike in Garmannia, end in a short tube. Scales present on posterior part of body only ; dorsal spines 6 or 7. 646. Enypnias seminudus (Giinther). Gobius seminudus Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1861, 372 (West coast of Central America). Garmannia setninuda Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2233. Enypnias seminudus Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 173, PI. XXIX, fig. 53 (Panama Bay). Head 3.25 to 3.4; depth 4 to 4.8; D. VII-I4 to 16; A. 10 or n; scales 50 to 60. Body moderately robust, posteriorly compressed ; head broader than deep ; snout short, blunt, 3.75 to 4.6 in head ; eye 4 to 5 ; interorbital a little more than half the width of eye; mouth rather large, terminal, oblique ; maxillary reaching nearly to vertical from posterior margin of eye, 2.1 to 2.7 in head; teeth in bands, the outer series in each jaw and the inner series in the lower enlarged; both nostrils ending in a short tube ; a short barbel just behind margin of upper lip below anterior nostril; chin with 2 barbels, spring-ing laterally from the median frenum of the lower lip; upper surface of head with about 12 very large open pores; scales minute, ctenoid, wanting on back in advance of first dorsal, head, chest and median line of abdomen; first dorsal very low, none of the spines produced; second dorsal somewhat higher; caudal fin broadly rounded, shorter than head ; anal fin similar to second dorsal but somewhat shorter ; ventral disk short, failing to reach vent ; pectoral fins moderate, reaching well beyond tip of ventral disk, 1.2 to 1.55 in head. Color brownish, variable ; males usually with broad black cross-bars ; females usually speckled with pale spots; some specimens uniformly brown, others slightly marbled with black ; fins often all dark, with pale margins; second dorsal and caudal spotted in the lighter colored speci- mens. This fish is represented in the Panama collection by 9 specimens, ranging in length from 27 to 52 mm. The wide variation in color is striking, making the extreme phases appear as distinct species. Our specimens, taken in March, are in spawning condition. Known only from the Pacific coast of Panama. The specimens are from Chame Point and from tide pools at Panama City. ? E <=> 2 tr SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 889 233. Genus Gerhardinus gen. nov. Type Gerhardinus nudus sp. nov. This genus differs from Enypnias principally in having the body entirely naked. We take pleasure in naming this genus for William J. Gerhard, Associate Curator of the Division of Insects, Field Museum of Natural History, whose untiring efforts on the proofs of the present work have added much to its uniformity, accuracy and usefulness. 647. Gerhardinus nudus sp. nov. (Plate LXXXVIII.) Type No. 81834, U. S. N. M. ; length 36 mm.; tide pools, Panama City. Head 3.15 to 3.6; depth 3.65 to 4.8; D. VI or VII-I2 or 13; A. 10. Body compressed posteriorly; head somewhat broader than deep; snout short and blunt, 4.25 to 5.55 in head ; eye 3.6 to 4.35 ; interorbital about half the width of eye ; mouth moderate, terminal, slightly oblique ; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to vertical from posterior margin of eye, 2.25 to 2.5 in head ; teeth in the jaws in bands, the outer series in each jaw and the inner series in the lower jaw somewhat enlarged ; both nostrils ending in a very small tube ; a minute barbel behind upper lip and below anterior nostril ; chin with 2 small barbels ; scales wanting ; first dorsal low, none of the spines produced ; second dorsal somewhat higher; caudal fin broadly rounded; anal fin similar to second dorsal but shorter; ventral disk small, failing to reach vent; pectoral fins reaching well beyond the tip of the ventral disk, 1.2 to 1.65 in head. Color grayish brown; sides with or without small white dots and with narrow white cross-bars; median line of sides often with a row of black dots ; first dorsal dusky, or merely with a black spot ; second dorsal paler, more or less spotted with dusky ; caudal plain translucent, with a dark line across base ; anal fin dusky or black ; ventral disk plain translucent, wholly black or pale, with a dark margin; pectoral fins pale. The sexes seem to be similarly colored. We have 13 specimens of this little fish, ranging from 22 to 36 mm. in length. These specimens were all taken during March and most of them are gravid. Our smallest female, only 22 mm. in length, has the ovaries well distended with eggs. Our specimens are all from tide pools at Balboa and Panama City. 234. Genus Garmannia Jordan. Garmannia Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 497 (type Gobius paradoxus Giinther) . 890 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body moderately robust, compressed; no barbels about the mouth; teeth in the jaws in bands, the outer series enlarged, canine-like ; scales ctenoid, present only on posterior half of body; dorsal spines 6 or 7. 648. Garmannia paradoxa (Giinther). Gobius paradoxus Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1861, 372 (West coast of Central America). Garmannia paradoxa Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 496, PI. XLIX; Jordan & Evermann, Bull.. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2232, PL CCCXXVII, fig. 790; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 172, PL XXVIII, fig. 52; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 412 (Panama). Head 3.5 to 3.75; depth 3.85 to 5; D. VI or VII-I2; A. 9 or 10. Body compressed ; head compressed, broader than deep ; snout short, obtuse, 4.8 to 6.1 in head ; eye 4.15 to 5.6; interorbital not much broader than pupil; chin without barbels; mouth terminal, oblique; maxillary reaching nearly opposite posterior margin of eye, 2.15 to 2.6 in head; teeth in the jaws in bands, the outer series in each jaw enlarged and more or less separated by an interspace from the other teeth; gill- openings small, not longer than base of pectoral ; scales ctenoid, present only on posterior part of body, i.e., behind vertical from origin of second dorsal, 16 to 19 series developed ; dorsal fins separate, the rays all short in the female, the first spine filamentous in the male, reaching well beyond origin of the second dorsal; caudal fin broadly rounded; not produced in male, always shorter than head ; anal fin similar to second dorsal; ventral disk small, failing to reach vent; pectoral fins reaching well beyond the ventrals, 1.25 to 1.55 in head. Color of the male nearly uniform dark brown, the lighter colored specimens with indications of dark bars on back and a series of dark lateral spots ; fins of about the same color as the body, except the ventral disk which is darker ; pectorals often somewhat lighter ; filamentous ray of the first dorsal and the margin of both dorsals white in spirits; the ground color of the female somewhat paler and the entire head and body, except the abdomen, which is usually wholly pale, speckled with pale spots ; some specimens with more or less distinct cross-bars on back ; dorsal and caudal fins densely speckled with black; anal and ventrals dusky, each with pale margin ; pectorals slightly speckled or plain trans- lucent. This goby is the most abundant fish in the rocky tide pools at Panama City where numerous specimens, ranging from 20 to 52 mm. in length, were collected. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 891 Known from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimens are from tide pools at Balboa and Panama City. 235. Genus Gobiosoma Girard. Gobiosoma Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 169 (type Gobiosoma molestum Girard). Body compressed posteriorly; head more or less depressed; snout blunt ; mouth moderate, horizontal ; teeth in the jaws in several series or in bands, the outer row enlarged, no canines; barbels wanting; scales entirely wanting; shoulder girdle without flaps; dorsal spines usually 7, rarely 5 or 6; second dorsal and anal each with n to 14 rays. 649. Gobiosoma molestum Girard. Gobiosoma molestum Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 169 (Indiahola, Texas) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2258. Gobiosoma alepidotum Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 297 (Laguna Grande, Pensacola, Florida). Head 3.2 to 3.5; depth 4 to 4.5; D. VII-I2 or 13; A. 12. Body rather short and chubby ; head depressed, more or less rounded above ; mouth horizontal ; maxillary reaching posterior margin of orbit ; teeth in the jaws in several series, the outer ones somewhat enlarged. Color olivaceous, with dark points ; sides with narrow alternating light and dark bars; a row of small dark spots along middle of sides; breast with many well defined spots ; a dark line running forward and downward from eye to angle of mouth, another extending straight downward from eye; a black bar on edge of preopercle, and a black spot on upper edge of opercle; first dorsal with 3 oblique dark bars; second dorsal, caudal and pectorals finely barred ; base and edge of anal light, middle dark. This fish was not taken on the coast of Panama but may be expected there, because it is recorded from localities both north and south of the Isthmus. The above description is compiled from published accounts. Known from the Gulf coast of the United States south to Bahia, Brazil. 236. Genus Evermannia Jordan. Evermannia Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., IV, 1895, 592 (type Gobiosoma zosterurwn Jordan & Gilbert). 892 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body slender, compressed behind ; head long, slender, snout pointed ; maxillary more or less produced backward; teeth small, slender, in narrow bands in each jaw, the outer ones in upper jaw slightly enlarged ; a rather long flexible dermal flap on shoulder-girdle ; scales very small, embedded, visible only under strong magnification; first dorsal with 4 spines; second dorsal and anal each with about 13 to 16 rays; caudal fin lanceolate; ventral fins united. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Second dorsal with 15 rays; second dorsal, caudal and anal in male with black bands; second dorsal and anal in female checkered, but without black bands. sosterura, p. 892. aa. Second dorsal with 16 rays; second dorsal and caudal in male mostly translucent, without black bands, the anal fin black at base, its upper half plain translucent; second dorsal and caudal in female more or less dusky, with plain translucent membranes, the anal fin with dusky base, the marginal third translucent or whitish. panamensis, p. 893. 650. Evermannia zosterura (Jordan & Gilbert). Gobiosoma zosterurum Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 361 (Mazatlan). Evermannia sosterura Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 498, PI. LI (Mazatlan) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 178 (Panama Bay). Head 3.25; depth 5 or 6; D. IV-I5; A. 14 or 15. Body long, compressed; head rather long; snout not very blunt, about 5 in head; eye placed high, equal to length of snout; mouth oblique, terminal; maxillary reaching posterior margin of eye; teeth small, in villif orm bands, the outer ones in upper jaw slightly enlarged ; shoulder girdle with a single rather long flexible appendage; scales few in number, embedded, visible only when detached portions of the skin are placed under high magnification; spinous dorsal high in male, the first spine filamentous, reaching to middle of soft dorsal, notably lower in female; caudal fin shorter than head; ventral fins rather long, united ; pectoral fins shorter than ventrals, 2 in head. Color of male olivaceous, sometimes vaguely barred with traces of 8 olive cross-bands; dorsal and anal yellowish at base, then a broad median band of jet-black, then a broad white margin ; middle of caudal yellow to tip, with a black longitudinal band above and below, with white margin above and below; pectorals and ventrals dusky; female SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 893 with dorsals and anal plainly checkered with black; caudal fin faintly barred ; all vertical fins with pale margins but without the black stripes of the male. This species was not seen by us. The above description is compiled from published accounts. The species is known from Mazatlan and Panama. The Panama records are based on 7 specimens secured by Prof. C. H. Gilbert and associates in 1896. 651. Evermannia panamensis Gilbert & Starks. Evermannia panamensis Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 179, PI. XXX, fig. 55 (Panama). Head 3.2; depth 5.5; D. IV-i6; A. 14. Body slender, compressed, tapering little posteriorly; head rather long; eye small, 6.5 in head; interorbital narrow, less than half the diameter of eye; mouth large, slightly oblique, the lower jaw included; maxillary reaching an eye's diameter beyond eye, about 2 in head ; teeth minute, in a narrow band on edge of each jaw, the outer ones slightly enlarged ; shoulder-girdle with a rather long flexible appendage ; scales small, cycloid, partially embedded, not easily distinguishable ; the anterior dorsal spines produced, the first filamentous in the male; second dorsal and anal similar; caudal fin lanceolate; ventral fins united, rather long; pectorals short, failing to reach beyond tip of ventrals. Color of male in alcohol dusky brown, somewhat lighter on median line of abdomen ; a faint vertical dark line below the eye ; dorsal, pectorals, ventrals and upper half of caudal with translucent membranes and dusky rays ; lower half of caudal black ; base of anal black, its upper half translucent. Color of female lighter and the pattern less uniform ; the ground color light olive; the upper parts of head and back finely mottled with brown; sides of body with narrow streaks; upper half of caudal plain or faintly cross-banded, the lower half translucent or faintly shaded, the two halves never strongly contrasting as in the male ; basal two-thirds of anal fin dusky, the marginal third translucent or whitish. This species was not seen by us. The above description is compiled from the original. The species is said to differ from E. sosterura in being more extensively scaled, in having one or two more soft rays in the dorsal and anal fins, and in coloration. This fish is known only from Panama reef, where Prof. C. H. Gilbert and associates took 40 specimens in tide pools in 1896. Although the tide pools on this reef were thoroughly fished by us in 1912, the species was not taken. 894 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 237. Genus Gobioides Lacepede. Gobioides Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1800, 576 (type Gobius broussonnetii Lacepede). Plecopodus Rafinesque, Analyse Nat., etc., 1815, 87 (substitute for Gobioides, regarded as objectionable). Ognichodes Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 183 and 278 (type Gobioides broussonnetii Lacepede; a needless substitute). Body very elongate, compressed posteriorly; head small; eyes very small; mouth large, oblique, the lower jaw projecting; teeth in the jaws in bands, the outer series much enlarged; scales very minute; dorsal rays V to VII, 15 to 23; anal 16 to 23; dorsal fin low, continuous; soft dorsal and anal joined to base of caudal ; ventrals united in a disk, free from abdomen. 652. Gobioides broussonnetii Lacepede. Gobioides broussonnetii Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1800, 580, PL XVII, fig. i (probably from Surinam, "given by Holland to France") ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2263. Amblyopus brasiliensis Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 69 (Bra- , zil ; on a drawing made by Prince Maurice) . Gobius oblongus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 548 (based on Lacepede). Gobioides barreto Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 282 (Cuba). Amblyopus mexicanus O'Shaughenessy, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., 4th Ser., XV, 1875, 147 (Mexico). Gobioides broussoneti Jordan & Eigenmann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 512. Head 5.25 to 7; depth 14; D. VI or VII, 15 to 17; A. 16 or 17. Body elongate, compressed ; eye small, but evident, 7 to 10 in head ; mouth oblique; maxillary extending beyond eye; teeth in the jaws in bands, the outer series enlarged; scales larger than in related species, becoming smaller anteriorly, not imbricated. Color brownish, violet bars extending downward and forward on upper part of body, sometimes with a lighter or darker dot at the end of each bar; head marbled or spotted with dark violet or brown. This fish was not seen by us. The above description is compiled from published accounts. It has been recorded from New Orleans, La., to Brazil, and may, therefore, be expected on the Panama coast. This species is said to reach a length of about 500 mm. or more. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 895 Family LXXV. Echeneididae. THE REMORAS. Body elongate or slender; head depressed above, with a large oval disk consisting of crosswise partitions or laminae and a single length- wise septum; lower jaw projecting beyond upper; mouth wide; teeth villiform, present on jaws, vomer, palatines and usually on tongue ; gill- arches 4; gill-membranes free from the isthmus; branchiostegals 7; scales minute, cycloid; air-bladder wanting; dorsal and anal fins long and low; ventral fins thoracic; pectoral fins placed high. Four genera are represented in American waters, only two of which have as yet been recorded from Panama but a third one may be expected there. The fishes of this family are instantly recognized by the presence of the large oval sucking disk on the head, by means of which they adhere firmly to sharks and other fishes as well as to turtles, boats and other objects. The sucking disk is regarded by ichthyologists as a modified spinous dorsal fin. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Body long and slender; ventral fins narrowly adnate to the abdomen; lower jaw produced in a flap. b. Laminae 10. Phtheirichthys, p. 895. bb. Laminae 20 to 28. Echeneis, p. 896. aa. Body rather robust ; ventrals rather broadly adnate to abdomen ; lower jaw not produced as a flap; laminae 13 to 18. Rewiora, p. 897. 238. Genus Phtheirichthys Gill. Phtheirichthys Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 239 (type Echeneis lineata Menzies). Body very elongate; disk with only 10 laminae; other characters mostly as in Echeneis. A single species is known. 653. Phtheirichthys lineatus (Menzies). Echeneis lineata Menzies, Trans. Linn. Soc. London, I, 1791, 187, PI. XVII, fig. i (Pacific Ocean, between the tropics). Echeneis tropica Euphrasen, Handl. K. Sven. Vet.-Aked., XII, 1791, 317 (Atlantic, between the tropics). Echeneis apicalis Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 254 (Cuba). Echeneis sphyrcenarum Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 255 (Cuba; on Barracudas). Phthirichthys lineatus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1882 (1883), 969. 896 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Phtheirichthys lineatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2268. This species was not seen by us. The following description is copied from Jordan & Evermann (1898) : "Head 5 ; disk twice as long as broad, its length 4^/2 m body. D. X~33; A. 33. Lower jaw very narrow, much projecting. Body blackish, with 2 whitish lateral bands ; all the fins white-margined." A widely distributed species, inhabiting tropical seas. It is not recorded from Panama but it may be expected there. 239. Genus Echeneis Linnaeus. Echeneis Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 260 (type Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus). Leptecheneis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 60 (type Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus). Body slender, fusiform ; disk long, with 20 to 28 laminae ; soft dorsal with numerous short rays; anal similar, the anterior rays somewhat elongate; caudal slightly concave behind; ventrals long, the inner rays narrowly adnate to abdomen; pectorals pointed, the rays soft and flexible. 654. Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus. Echeneis neucrates (misprint for naucrates) Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 261 ("in Pelago Indico") ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2269, PL CCCXXIX, fig. 796; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3 (Gulf of Panama) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 180. Echeneis albacauda Mitchill, Amer. Monthly Mag., II, 1818, 244 (New York). Echeneis lunata Bancroft, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, I, 1831, 134 (Ja- maica)* Echeneis vittata Riippell, Neue Wirbelthiere, 1835, 82 (Red Sea). Echeneis fusca Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 92 (after E. naucrates Lin- nseus). Echeneis guaican Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 248 (Cuba). Echeneis metallica Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 252 (Cuba). Echeneis verticalis Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 253 (Cuba). Leptecheneis naucrates Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 61. Head 4.8 to 5.25 ; depth 12.3 to 14.6; D. 31 to 35 ; A. 30 to 34. Body slender; head depressed, bearing a sucking disk composed of 23 or 24 laminae; length of disk 3.5 to 3.9 in head; snout broadly SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 897 angular, notably shorter than the broad flap-like lower lip, its length 1.95 to 2.45 in head; eye 4.2 to 5.8; interorbital 1.9 to 2.3; mouth moderate, oblique; maxillary 2.9 to 3.3 in head; teeth in villiform bands, present on jaws, tongue and on practically the entire roof of mouth; gill-rakers small, scarcely half the length of eye, about 15 on lower limb of first arch ; scales minute ; dorsal fin rather low, some- what elevated anteriorly ; caudal fin long, the median rays produced, filamentous in the smallest specimen at hand; anal fin a little higher anteriorly than dorsal, its origin under that of the dorsal, and coter- minal with it; ventral fins rather long, pointed, as long as pectorals, the inner rays adherent to abdomen at base ; pectoral rays more or less pointed, 1.4 to 1.8 in head. Color dark brown above and below; sides of head with a black stripe extending from snout through eye ; dorsal and anal dark brown, the distal parts of the anterior rays pale; caudal fin black, with the outer rays pale; ventral and pectoral fins mostly dark brown in our darkest specimens, largely pale in the lighter colored ones. There are 6 specimens of this species at hand, ranging in length from 62 to 165 mm. This species adheres to larger fish apparently regardless of species and is carried about by them, but they occasionally forsake their host and are taken separately. One of our specimens was taken separately, one adhering to a shark and four of them, taken by H. Pittier, are reported to have adhered to "Picudo" (bar- racuda) fishes. Known from all warm seas. Recorded from the Gulf of Panama by Boulenger. Our specimens are all from the Atlantic coast, viz., Mindi Cut, Porto Bello and Alligandi on the San Bias coast. The specimens from Alligandi were collected by H. Pittier. 240. Genus Remora Gill. Remora Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 239 (type Echeneis remora Linnaeus). Remoropsis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 88 (type Echeneis brachypterus Lowe). Remorina Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 490 (type Echeneis albescens Temmick & Schlegel). Body comparatively stout; disk relatively short, with 13 to 18 laminae ; soft dorsal with 22 to 32 rays ; anal rays 22 to 30 ; caudal with straight or slightly concave margin ; ventrals rather short, broadly adnate to abdomen; pectorals short, rounded. 898 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Laminae about 18: dorsal rays 23. remora, p. 898. aa. Laminae 13 to 16. b. Dorsal rays 22; laminae 13. albescens, p. 898. bb. Dorsal rays 29 to 32; laminae 14 to 16. brachyptera,p.8gg. 655. Remora remora (Linnaeus). Echeneis remora Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 260 ("in Pelago Indico"). Echeneis squalipeta Daldorf, Skriv. Nat. Selskab. Kjob., II, 1793, 157 Echeneis jacobcea Lowe, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1839, 89 (Madeira). Echeneis parva Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 92 (no locality; after E. remora Linnaeus). Echeneis postica Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 255 (Havana). Remora jacobcea Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 240. Remora remora Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 372 (Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2271 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 180. Head 4; depth about 6.6; D. 23; A. 25. Body comparatively robust, compressed behind ; head rather broad, depressed ; lower jaw not produced into a flap ; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye; disk longer than the dorsal or anal fin, consisting of about 18 laminae; vertical fins rather high; caudal fin rather broad, with posterior margin concave; ventral fins joined to abdomen by more than half the length of the inner rays; pectoral fins short, broad, rounded, 1.6 in head. Color nearly uniform dark brown. This species was not taken by us, but it is recorded from the Pacific coast of Panama by Jordan, 1885. This remora is usually observed attached to large sharks. A widely distributed species, occurring in the warm seas, and on both coasts of America, as far north as Woods Hole, Mass., on the Atlantic coast, and San Francisco on the Pacific. 656. Remora albescens (Temmick & Schlegel). Echeneis albescens Temmick & Schlegel, in Siebold, Fauna Japon., Pisces, 1850, 272, PI. CXX, fig. 3 (Japan) ; Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 377. Remora albescens Jordan, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XIII, 1885 (1887), 854 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2272. This species was not seen by us. It is characterized by the short SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 899 disk which consists of about 13 laminae and the short dorsal fin which has only about 22 rays. Its color is uniform grayish brown. This remora inhabits the tropical Pacific, occasionally straying to the coast of America. It is not recorded from Panama, but it may be expected there. 657. Remora brachyptera (Lowe). Echeneis brachyptera Lowe, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1839, 89 (Madeira). Echeneis sex-decim lamellata Eydoux & Gervais, Mag. Zool., 1837, Cl. IV, i, PI. XVI (Indian Ocean?). Echeneis quatuordecimlaminatus Storer, Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist., II, 1839, 496 (Holmes Hole). Echeneis pallida Temmick & Schlegel, in Siebold, Fauna Japon., Pisces, 1850, 271, PI. CXX, figs. 2 & 3 (Japan). Remoropsis brachypterus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 60. Remora brachyptera Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2272, PL CCCXXX, figs. 797 and 797a. This remora was not taken by us. It is characterized by the short disk which consists of 14 to 16 laminae and by the long dorsal fin which has 29 to 32 rays. The color is light brown above and darker below. A widely distributed species, occurring in warm seas. It is not recorded from Panama but it may be expected there. Family LXXVI. Opisthognathidae. THE JAW-FISHES. Body oblong or elongate, low, moderately compressed ; head large, naked, the anterior profile decurved, no ridges, spines, or crests ; mouth wide, terminal, horizontal ; premaxillaries protractile ; supplemental maxillary present; teeth pointed, in bands on jaws, usually one or a few on vomer; opercles unarmed; pseudobranchise present; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth ; gill-membranes somewhat united ; branchi- ostegals 6; dorsal and anal long and low, the spines of the dorsal flexible and passing gradually into the soft rays ; ventral fins jugular, I, 5 rays. A single genus and 2 species are known from the Pacific coast of Panama. 9OO FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 241. Genus Opisthognathus Cuvier. Opistognathus Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, II, 1817, 252 (type Opistognathus sonnerati Cuvier; Opisthognathus intended?). Gnathypops Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 241 (type Opistho- gnathus maxilloisus Poey). Body oblong or elongate, compressed posteriorly at least; head large, with no spines, ridges or crests; mouth terminal, horizontal, wide; the maxillary moderate, truncate in female, greatly produced in the male; teeth pointed, in bands on the jaws; gill-rakers rather long, slender. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Anterior part of dorsal fin with a large black ocellus and with pale spots ; caudal fin with 2 large pale spots at the base ; scales 135 to 155. scops, p. 900. aa. No black blotch or ocellus on dorsal fin, posterior part of dorsal fin with white ocelli ; the caudal fin without 2 large pale spots at base; scales about 125. punctata, p. 901. 658. Opisthognathus scops (Jenkins & Evermann). Gnathypops scops Jenkins & Evermann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888, 152 (Guaymas) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2283. Opisthognathus ommata Jenkins & Evermann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888, 153 (Guaymas). Opisthognathus ommatum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2282. Head 3 to 3.3; depth 3.4 to 3.75; D. 27 or 28; A. 19 or 20; scales 135 to 155. Body rather robust anteriorly, compressed, tapering posteriorly; head large, not quite as broad as deep; snout very short, 5 to 6 in head; eye very large, 2.75 to 3.1 in head; interorbital n to 14; mouth large, horizontal; jaws subequal; maxillary moderate in female, trun- cate, failing to reach margin of preopercle, 1.5 to 1.7 in head, produced in a flexible, pointed flap in the male, reaching the bony margin of opercle, nearly or quite equal to length of head; teeth pointed, in bands on jaws, the outer series on upper jaw enlarged, a single pointed tooth on vomer ; gill-membranes connected at isthmus ; gill- rakers slender, scarcely half the length of the eye, 25 to 30 on the lower limb of first arch; scales small, wanting on head; lateral line present on anterior half of body only ; head with many pores ; dorsal fin long and low; caudal fin rounded; anal fin similar to dorsal, but shorter SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 901 and coterminal with it ; ventral fins narrow, quite as long as the pectorals, inserted in advance of pectorals; pectoral fins broad, the posterior margin round, 1.7 to 2 in head. Color brown, irregularly mottled with dark; head with small blackish spots, smaller than on body; the maxillary with cross-bars, with black on lower margin near angle of mouth, the lower margin and inner surface of the produced flap in male whitish; dorsal fin blackish, with pale spots; a large elongate black ocellated spot on anterior rays of dorsal ; caudal fin dark, with 2 large pale spots at base and smaller ones on distal parts of fin ; anal fin black, with pale brown base; ventral fins brownish black; pectoral fins pale brown, with small pearly spots at base. This species is represented by 4 specimens, ranging in length from 75 to i6omm. Our specimens show that Gnathypops scops Jenkins & Evermann is the female of Opisthognathus ommata Jenkins & Evermann, We have examined the type specimens of these nominal species, and it seems quite probable that all the species of Gnathypops are based on females and that all species of Opisthognathus are based on males. The genus Gnathypops Gill, therefore, becomes untenable. Previously recorded only from Guaymas. Our specimens are all from Balboa, taken on rocky bottom by the use of dynamite. 659. Opisthognathus punctata Peters. Opisthognathus punctatus Peters, Monatsb. k. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1869, 708 (Mazatlan). Opisthognathus punctata Jordan, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883 (1884), 290; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 389 (Panama). Opisthognathus punctatum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2281 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 1 80. This species is recorded from Panama by Jordan (1885), the record being based on a specimen taken by Gilbert. The species has not been seen by other collectors. We quote below the description from Jordan & Evermann which the authors state is based on the original specimen from Mazatlan. "D. 28; A. 18. Body moderately elongate; scales very small, about 125 in lateral line. Dorsal spines continuous with the soft rays. No vomerine teeth. Maxillary very long, extending slightly beyond head. Head everywhere finely speckled with black, the body more coarsely and irregularly spotted ; pectoral finely and closely speckled, its edge plain ; ventral fin dusky, similarly marked ; dorsal without large black 902 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. blotch, finely spotted, the spots behind gradually forming the boundaries of white ocelli, the base of the fins having rings of white around black spots, the upper part with dark rings around pale spots ; caudal with pale spots, its edge, like that of the dorsal, somewhat dusky, not black; anal with a broad, blackish edge, and with dark spots, those near the base of the fin largest; lining membrane of maxillary with the usual bands of white and inky black." Known from Mazatlan and Panama. Family LXXVII. Dactyloscopidae. THE SAND STAR-GAZERS. Body elongate, compressed posteriorly; head oblong, usually large, nearly plain above; eyes small, superior, well forward; suborbital without a bony stay ; nostrils double ; opercles more or less fringed ; mouth nearly vertical; premaxillaries protractile, not forming the entire edge of upper jaw; lips fringed; gill-openings very broad, the membranes separate, free from the isthmus; pseudobranchiae present or obsolete; dorsal fin long, divided or continuous, the anterior rays spinous ; ventral fins jugular, I, 3. The fishes of this family are small and live on sandy shores of tropical America. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Dorsal fin continuous. b. Dorsal fin beginning on nape, in advance of origin of anal; pseudobranchiae well developed. Dactyloscopus, p. 902. bb. Dorsal fin beginning behind nape, a little behind origin of anal ; pseudobranchiae well developed. Dactylagnus, p .904. aa. Dorsal fin divided, the first dorsal consisting of 4 free spines, free or connected by membrane. Cokeridia gen. nov., p. 905. 242. Genus Dactyloscopus Gill. Dactyloscopus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, J 3 2 ( tv P e Dacty- loscopus tridigitatus Gill). Esloscopus Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 465 (type Dactyloscopus zelotes Jordan & Gilbert). Body moderately elongate ; head cuboid ; eyes small ; mouth nearly vertical; lower jaw projecting, without barbels; pseudobranchiae very small or obsolete ; origin of dorsal on nape in advance of origin of anal, the fin continuous. Four species of this genus are recognized. However, only a single one comes within the scope of the present work. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 903 KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Dorsal rays XII, 28; A. II, 32; scales about 45. tridigitatus, p. 903. aa. Dorsal rays VI, 38; A. II, 37; scales about 51. zelotes, p. 903. 660. Dactyloscopus tridigitatus Gill. Dactyloscopus tridigitatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 132 (Barbados) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2301 ; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., I 9 I 3> 7 1 (Natal, Brazil). Head 5 in total length; depth 7; D. XII, 28; A. II, 32; scales 45. Body slender, much compressed posteriorly; opercular fringe consisting of 15 separate filaments; pseudobranchise very small; origin of dorsal over lower angle of base of pectorals, or immediately before the margin of opercle, the distance from snout 5 in total length of body. Color in life that of pale sand above, whitish below; 12 narrow cross-bands of whitish on back, not extending down far on sides ; head mottled above ; fins all pale. Known from Key West and the West Indies ; recorded from Natal, Brazil, by Starks (1913) who says, "In life they are of a transparent flesh-color. When frightened they bury themselves in the sand." This species was not seen by us and is not recorded from Panama, but its range brings it within the scope of the present work. 661. Dactyloscopus zelotes Jordan & Gilbert. Dactyloscopus zelottes Jordan & Gilbert, in Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2303 (Panama) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 181. Head 4.5; depth 6.6; D. VI, 38; A. II, 37; scales 51. Body slender, compressed; head narrow, cuboid, compressed; snout very short, about equal to length of eye ; eyes small, superior, with little lateral range, about 6.6 in head ; mouth nearly vertical ; the lower jaw projecting; the lips fringed; subopercle and interopercle very wide and flexible, overlapping throat and base of ventral and pectoral fins ; the opercle posteriorly with a membranous fringe ; teeth present on jaws only, in narrow villif orm bands ; lateral line running near the back through 12 scales, then obliquely downward to middle of side; origin of dorsal on the nape, at a point from snout equal to depth of body, the first 6 rays of fin shorter than those following and not con- nected by membrane ; caudal distinct, narrow, short ; origin of anal 904 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. under fourth dorsal spine; ventrals inserted under anterior margin of preopercle; pectorals short, 1.25 in head. Color in spirits light olivaceous ; the edgings of the scales, some vermiculations on top of head, and the labial fringe clear brown; fins translucent ; the caudal with a brown bar at base. This species was not seen by us. It is known only from the type taken at Panama City by Captain J. M. Dow. The above account of the species is taken from the original description of the type. Known only from Panama City. 243. Genus Dactylagnus Gill. Dactylagnus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 504 (type Dactyl- agnus mundus Gill). Body elongate ; head cuboid ; eye small, directed upward ; mouth very oblique or nearly vertical ; lower jaw projecting, without barbels ; pseudobranchiae well developed; dorsal fin entire, its origin a little behind origin of anal; base of anal fins slightly longer than the base of dorsal. A single species is known. 662. Dactylagnus mundus Gill. Dactylagnus mundus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 505 (Cape San Lucas) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2304 (Carmen Island, Gulf of California). Head 4.75 to 5; depth 5.6 to 7.1 ; D. 41 to 43; A. 40 or 41 ; scales 47 to 51. Body elongate, compressed, tapering posteriorly ; head robust, nearly as broad as deep ; snout short, 6.3 to 6.7 in head ; eyes wholly superior, looking upward, 5.9 to 7.2 in head; interorbital narrow, concave, 8.6 to 10 in head; mouth nearly vertical, with labial fringes; the lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary truncate, 2.5 to 2.9 in head ; preopercle unarmed ; upper angle of opercle with fringes, the lower margin with a broad membranous border; teeth pointed, not uniform in size, in very narrow bands, wanting on vomer and pala- tines; gill-rakers undeveloped; lateral line running near the back through 13 or 14 scales, then abruptly deflected to middle of side to base of caudal; scales moderate, cycloid, wanting on head; dorsal fin long and low, continuous, its origin a little behind base of pectorals, the spines gradually merging into the soft rays, the last rays reaching base of caudal; caudal fin very gently rounded, about as long as the postorbital part of head ; anal fin long, its origin a little in advance of vt SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 905 of that of dorsal and coterminal with it, the spines merging into soft rays; ventral fins jugular, inserted under or slightly in advance of preopercular margin, consisting of a very short spine and 3 rays, reaching origin of anal ; pectoral fins large and broad, the third to sixth rays from above longest, equal to or longer than head, 3.9 to 4.8 in body. Color light brown above, pale below; upper surface of head and nape with dark brown spots and more or less definite rings ; numerous small dark brown spots along the back in the larger examples, the smallest specimen with indistinct quadrate blotches on back; dorsal and caudal with small dark spots ; the other fins colorless. There are 3 specimens of this species in the Panama collection, ranging in length from 56 to 112 mm. They were taken on a sandy beach at Taboga Island from May 12 to 15, 1911. One of the large specimens had attached to its abdomen a cluster of eggs containing well developed embryos which encircled the eggs and had well devel- oped eyes with lenses. It is unlikely that the eggs were extruded under accidental pressure when the fish was caught in a minnow seine, as there was not an egg inside the specimen when dissected and the sexual organs appeared to be completly collapsd. It, therefore, is probable that this fish carries the eggs externally until hatched, although there is no special pouch provided for retaining them, the eggs being held together by gelatinous threads. Known from the Gulf of California and now for the first time recorded from Panama Bay. Our specimens are from Taboga Island. 244. Genus Cokeridia gen. nov. Type Cokeridia crossota sp. nov. Body elongate, compressed ; head compressed ; eyes superior ; mouth nearly vertical ; both lips with evident fringes ; teeth in jaws in bands ; lateral line descending abruptly, the dorsal portion much shorter than the median one ; a separate dorsal fin at nape, composed of 4 short well separated spines. This gen'us bears some relationship to Gillellus, es- pecially in the presence of a separate spinous dorsal fin. The genus is named for Dr. Robert E. Coker, professor of biology with the University of North Carolina, formerly chief of the Division of Scientific Inquiry, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, to whom we are indebted for many suggestions and for encouragement while this work was in the course of preparation. 906 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 663. Cokeridia crossota sp. nov. (Plate LXXXIX.) Type No. 81784, U. S. N. M. ; length 85 mm. ; Chame Point, Panama. Head 4.7 ; depth 5.5 ; D. IV-VIII-26 ; A. II, 30 ; scales 40. Body elongate, compressed, tapering toward the tail; head rather deep, compressed ; snout very short, 1 1 in head ; eyes small, superior, 8.3; interorbital narrow, 13; mouth nearly vertical, rather small maxil- lary broad, 3 in head ; lips with fringes, the median ones on upper lip very short; teeth in the jaws small, in bands; upper part of opercular mar- gin with fringes, 14 or 15 in number; origin of lateral line at upper anterior angle of gill-opening, running slightly upward and backward anteriorly on 9 or 10 scales, curving abruptly downward to median line of side under tip of pectoral ; scales moderate, very thin, cycloid ; origin of dorsal slightly behind vertical from preopercular margin, preceded by 4 short, separate spines, not exceeding in length the diam- eter of eye and separated from each other by spaces slightly greater than the length of the spines, the rest of the fin consisting of two separate parts, 8 connected inarticulated rays and 26 articulated rays ; caudal fin separated from the dorsal and anal by a very short peduncle, the fin round ; anal fin similar to dorsal, the first 2 rays inarticulated ; ventral fins inserted in advance of base of pectorals, consisting of 3 connected rays ; pectoral fins broad at base, the upper and lower rays short, the median ones longest, 1.2 in head. Color in alcohol pale brownish, with dark brown punctulations on sides, most numerous and darkest above lateral line; back of head and body with quadrate dark brown spots, largest on head and diminish- ing in size posteriorly, the last one a small dark spot at base of upper rays of caudal ; fins all pale, the dorsal with dark spots on base of rays. A single specimen, 85 mm. long, was obtained at Chame Point and it represents the type of a new genus and species. Family LXXVIII. TJranoscopidae. THE STAR-GAZERS. Body elongate, conic, more or less compressed, widest and usu- ally deepest at occiput; head large, broad, partly covered with bony plates ; eyes small, superior, placed anteriorly ; mouth vertical ; teeth moderate, present on jaws, vomer and palatines; premaxillary pro- tractile; maxillary broad, without a supplemental bone; gill-openings wide ; gill-membranes nearly separate, free from the isthmus ; gills 3^2, a slit behind the last; pseudobranchia? present; branchiostegals 6; scales, if present, small; spinous dorsal small or wanting, the soft SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 907 dorsal long; caudal fin not forked; anal fin large; ventral fins jugu- lar, close together, with I, 5 rays ; pectoral fins large, broad, with oblique bases, the lower rays rapidly decreasing in length. Two gen- era of this family come within the scope of the present work. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Spinous dorsal present, consisting of 4 or 5 well developed, pungent spines; scales well developed in adult. Astroscopus, p. 907. aa. Spinous dorsal obsolete ; scales wanting. Kathetostoma, p. 909. 245. Genus Astroscopus Brevoort. Astroscopus Brevoort, in Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, 20 (type Uranoscopus anoplos Cuvier & Valenciennes). Agnus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 229 (type Urano- scopus ano plots Cuvier & Valenciennes). Upselonphorus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 113 (type Urano- scopus y-grcecum Cuvier & Valenciennes). Body robust; upper surface of head not entirely covered with bone, the occipital plate ceasing far behind eyes; a bony Y-shaped process on head, the forks of the Y reaching forward to interorbital, the vertical limb extending backward to occipital plate; the area be- tween the forks of the Y and extending forward to upper lip covered by naked skin ; a somewhat triangular naked area present on each side of the Y serving as a covering for the electric organs ; head without spines in the adult; young individuals with the head largely covered with bone and with spines ; anterior nostril round, situated in front of eye, fringed; posterior nostril represented externally as a crescent-shaped groove, terminating behind eye, fringed; lips fringed; back and sides covered with close-set scales in adult ; first dorsal with 4 or 5 short pungent spines, connected with the long soft dorsal by membrane. 664. Astroscopus zephyreus Gilbert & Starks. Astroscopus zephyreus Gilbert & Starks, in Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 453, PI. LIII, fig. 2 & PI. LIV (Magdalena Bay, L. C.) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XL VII, 1898, 2309. Head 2.86; depth 4; D. V, 14; A. 12; scales about 89. Body robust, subcylmdrical anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; head large, depressed, broader than deep; snout short, 5.3 in head; eyes small, superior, 12 ; interorbital broad, 3.35 ; mouth large, verti- cal, the lower jaw much in advance of the upper; the lips with fringes, 908 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. some of them longer than eye; maxillary very broad, 2.25 in head; anterior nostril round, fringed, the posterior nostril long, crescent- shaped, curved abruptly forward posteriorly; the forked portion of the Y on the head shorter than the vertical limb ; a large naked area between the forks, and larger naked triangular areas over the elec- tric organs situated behind the elongate posterior nostrils and along sides of the Y ; head entirely scaleless, but with coarsely rugose areas ; belly naked below a line drawn from the origin of the anal to middle of base of pectoral; the median line of belly with a prominent mem- branous fold; the rest of body with small and nearly square scales, grown together and forming oblique plates, running downward and backward; fins all naked; dorsal fins separate; origin of first dorsal somewhat nearer tip of snout than end of base of dorsal, the soft fin much higher than the spines ; caudal fin broadly rounded ; anal fin similar to the soft dorsal but scarcely as high; ventral fins inserted in advance of pectorals, nearly at symphysis of the isthmus, reaching nearly to end of base of pectorals, the inner rays much the longest; pectoral fins with broad bases, the lower rays short, graduated, the Upper rays longest, reaching a little beyond origin of soft dorsal. Color brownish above, paler below; upper parts with many small white spots, edged with dark brown ; spinous dorsal black ; soft dorsal pale brownish at base anteriorly, with alternating black and pale brown vertical bands ; caudal fin with alternating brownish and black longi- tudinal bars ; anal and pectorals nearly uniform dark brown ; ventral fins pale, with few dusky punctulations and an elongate black spot on the membrane between the first and second inner rays near the tip of fins. Two specimens of this species, 36 and 300 mm. in length, are at hand. The above description is based on the large specimen, from which the smaller specimen differs so greatly that it appears advis- able to mention the differences which quite certainly are due only to age. We would have been unable to identify the small specimen with the larger one with any degree of certainty, had we not had the op- portunity of examining a large series, including various sizes, of the more common form, A. y-gracum, of the Atlantic coast of our south- ern states, which undergoes similar changes with age. The small specimen is proportionately much more robust than the large one, the depth being contained 2.7 in the length; the eyes are proportion- ately very much larger, 5.5 in head; the Y on the head is undevel- oped; the naked areas where the electric organs are situated are not present ; a high bony ridge lies near the eye and the elongate posterior SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 909 nostril is situated between this bony ridge and the orbit, running very close to the orbit posteriorly, whereas in the adult it is somewhat distant from the orbit posteriorly; there are 2 blunt spines at occiput and one on each shoulder at upper angle of gill-opening; an evident pore is present at the base of each spine on occiput; scales apparently are entirely wanting. The color is uniform blackish above, the belly and lower parts of head pale ; the spinous dorsal is black, and the other fins are colorless. Known from the Pacific coast of Mexico; apparently rather rare. Previously not recorded from Panama. The specimens at hand were taken at Chame Point by Mr. Robert Tweedlie. 246. Genus Kathetostoma Giinther. Kathetostoma Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 231 (type Uranoscopus lazvis Bloch & Schneider). Body, robust, formed as in Astroscopus and Uranoscopus; some of the bones of head armed; gill-cavity without superior opening; scales wanting; pseudobranchise present; branchiostegals 6; air bladder wanting; dorsal fin continuous, without spines; ventrals jugular, not adnate to abdomen; pectoral rays branched. A single species is known from Panama waters. 665. Kathetostoma averruncus Jordan & Bollman. Kathetostoma averruncus Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 163 (Albatross Station 2800, Panama Bay, 7 fathoms) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2311; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 181. Head 2.66; depth 3.75; D. 13; A. 13. Body short and robust, its width behind base of pectorals equal to length of top of head; head very large; snout 1.4 in eye; eye rather small, 5 in head; mouth large, vertical; maxillary 2 in head; teeth of lower jaw largest, inner row of each jaw enlarged and movable; vomer and palatines with a few large, conical teeth; lower jaw with- out tentacle; preorbital with 3 spines in front, directed forward and downward; preopercle with 3 spines below angle, directed forward and downward; mandible with 2 antrose spines and two spines on chest before ventrals ; top of head coarsely granular ; occipital region with radiating ridges, starting from 2 points; base of dorsal and anal of equal length, 1.4 in head; ventral fins reaching more than half way to vent, equal to length of top of head ; pectorals half the diam- eter of the eye longer than the ventrals. QIO FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color blackish brown, mottled with paler; lower parts pale, dusted with brown; lips and gular region black; dorsal dusky, with 5 indis- tinct, partly confluent, whitish spots along the base ; caudal with 3 irregular dark bars; anal anteriorly pale, posteriorly thickly dusted with blackish, the tips of rays pale ; ventrals pale ; pectorals blackish, faintly barred, the axil dusted outside, inner parts very pale. Known only from the Pacific coast of Panama from a single speci- men, 120 mm. long, dredged at a depth of 7 fathoms, by the "Alba- tross." Not seen by us. i Family LXXIV. Batrachoididae. THE TOAD-FISHES. Body depressed anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; head large, de- pressed ; mouth large ; teeth usually strong ; premaxillaries protractile ; gills 3, a slit between the last; gill-openings restricted to the side, the membranes broadly united to the isthmus ; pseudobranchiae none ; branchiostegals usually 6; gill->rakers present, moderate; suborbital without a bony stay ; post -temporal bone simple, undivided ; scales small or wanting ; dorsal fins 2, the first with 2 or 3 low, strong spines ; soft dorsal long and low; anal similar, but shorter; pectorals broad, at least at base; caudal fin rounded; vertebrae 32 to 45. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Dorsal spines 3 ; opercle with 2 strong diverging spines ; sub- opercle with one or two stiff spines. b. Body covered with small striated scales ; subopercular spines 2, strong and diverging, similar to opercular spines. Batrachoides, p. 911. bb. Body scaleless ; subopercle with only one strong spine. c. Axil of pectoral with a prominent foramen. Opsanus, p. 917. cc. Axil of pectoral without a foramen, but with numerous glan- dular folds. Amphichthys , p. 918. aa. Dorsal spines 2 ; opercle with a single strong spine ; subopercle feebly developed, without a spine; body scaleless. d. Opercular and dorsal spines hollow, connected at base with venom glands ; lateral line single ; no canine teeth. Thalassophryne, p. 919. dd. Opercular and dorsal spines solid, not connected with venom glands; lateral lines 4; some of the teeth canine-like. Porichthys, p. 922. SEPT. 1928. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 911 247. Genus Batrachoides Lacepede. Batrachoides Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1800, 451 (type Ba- trachoides tau Lacepede). Batrachus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 42 (type Batrachus surinamensis Bloch & Schneider). Batrichtius Rafinesque, Analyse Nat., etc., 1815, 82 (substitute for Batrachoides). Body subcylindrical anteriorly, compressed posteriorly ; head broad, strongly depressed ; pores about mouth and in lateral line accompanied by dermal flaps and fringes ; dorsal spines 3 ; opercle and subopercle each with 2 solid diverging spines ; no poison glands ; body covered with small striated scales, more or less embedded, at least anteriorly. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Dorsal with 111-24 to 26 rays; anal with 21 to 23 rays. b. A, conspicuous glandular pocket in axil of pectoral; vomerine, palatine and lateral mandibular teeth very strong and blunt; vomerine teeth in a single row. pacifici, p. 912. bb. Axil of pectoral without a glandular pocket; vomerine, pala- tine and lateral mandibular teeth moderate, or rather small and pointed. c. Eye rather large, 2.1 in interorbital space in specimens 265 mm. in length; lower jaw strongly projecting, exposing the teeth near mandibular symphysis when the mouth is closed; vomerine teeth in 2 rows; outer teeth at mandibular symphysis enlarged; a distinct pore 'at base of each interradial membrane of pectoral on inner side of fin, these continued on fin as canals. goldmani, p. 913. cc. Eye small, 3 in interorbital space in specimens 265 mm. in length; lower jaw only slightly projecting, none of the teeth exposed when the mouth is closed; vomerine teeth in a single row ; outer teeth at mandibular symphysis not enlarged ; a small pore at base of only the upper interradial membranes of pectoral on inside of fin, these not extended on fin as canals. gilberti sp. nov., p. 914. aa. Dorsal with 111-28 or 29 rays ; anal with 25 or 26 rays. d. Pores present at base only of the upper interradial membranes of pectoral on inner side of fin; scales extending forward to a line connecting posterior end of maxillaries; cirri about mouth numerous ; upper lateral line interrupted slightly behind middle of base of dorsal, reappearing on extreme base of this fin, 912 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. there forming n or 12 pores; fins with dark and whitish bars and streaks. snrinamensis,p.gi$. dd. A conspicuous pore present at base of each interradial mem- brane of pectoral on inner side of fin; scales extending for- ward to a line connecting the base of upper opercular spines ; cirri about mouth rather few; upper lateral line interrupted at beginning of posterior third of base of dorsal, reappearing on the extreme base of this fin, there forming 7 or 8 pores; fins plain, of the same color as the body. boulengeri, p. 916. 666. Batrachoides pacifici (Giinther). Batrachus pacifici Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ill, 1861, 173 (Panama). Batrachoides pacifici Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 170; Jor- dan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2314; Gil- bert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Acad. Sci., IV, 1904, 181 (Panama) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 159; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 412 (Panama). Head 2.7 to 3; depth 4.8 to 6.6; D. III-2S or 26; A. 21 or 22. Body elongate; head strongly depressed, its width 1.06 to 1.2 in its length; snout very broad, 3.9 to 5 in head ; eye larger than in related species, 1.7 to 2.4 in interorbital space, 4.3 to 8 in head; lower jaw projecting; mouth large, the maxillary reaching past eye, 1.35 to 1.75 in head ; opercle and subopercle each with 2 strong, diverging spines ; premaxillary teeth in a narrow villiform band tapering laterally to a point ; strong conical canine-like teeth on vomer, palatine and laterally on mandible, those near mandibular symphysis in a broad cardiform patch, with the outer ones enlarged ; head and chest naked, the rest of the body covered with small, partly embedded, cycloid scales; lat- eral lines 2 ; the upper one on a level with the upper opercular spine, in- terrupted slightly anterior to middle of base of dorsal, reappearing along the base of the dorsal, again interrupted near the .last rays of the fin, then assuming its former level on the caudal peduncle; the lower lateral line curving upward around the base of pectorals, inter- rupted at about the beginning of the second third of the base of the anal, and again posteriorly, similar to the upper one; the interrup- tion of these lateral lines not always very evident, sometimes with in- termediate pore, then being curved rather than interrupted; alimentary canal much shorter than body; air bladder short and broad, divided into 2 compartments by a longitudinal partition; dorsal fins separate, the first with 3 strong spines ; the spines flattened, with a cutting edge ;