I/I B RAR.Y OF THL UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVE 59O.5 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY PUBLICATION No. 226 ZOOLOGICAL SERIES VOL. XV THE MARINE FISHES OF PANAMA BY SETH E. MEEK Late Assistant Curator, Department of Zoo' AND SAMUEL F. HILDEBRAND Scientific Assistant. 1 T . S. Bureau of Fisheries PART IT H. Curator, Department of Z HIM Cim \<,', Q. S. A. April 15, Natural History FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY PUBLICATION No. 226 ZOOLOGICAL SERIES VOL. XV THE MARINE FISHES OF PANAMA BY SETH E. MEEK Late Assistant Curator, Department of Zoology AND SAMUEL F. HILDEBRAND Scientific Assistant, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries PART II WILFRED H. OSGOOD Curator, Department of Zoology EDITOR CHICAGO, U. S. A. April 15, 1925 C T>, 3 tY >/. 5. CONTENTS OF PART II Contents of Part II List of Plates in Part II List of new Species in Part II . Page XV XVII XX CLASSES, ORDERS, FAMILIES, AND GENERA INCLUDED IN PART II Page Class III. TELEOSTOMI Continued Order XIV. Acanthopteri Continued Family XLIV. Carangidae THE CAVALLAS 100. Decapterus Bleeker .... 333 101. Selar Bleeker 335 102. Trachurus Rafinesque 336 103. Hemicaranx Bleeker 339 104. Caranx Lacepede 346 105. Gnathanodon Bleeker 360 106. Citula Cuvier 361 107. Alectis Rafinesque .... 363 1 08. Vomer Cuvier 365 109. Chloroscombrus Girard . 369 no. Selene Lacepede 371 in. Trachinotus Lacepede . . 377 112. Oligoplites Gill 387 113. Elagatis Bennett 393 114. Seriola Cuvier 394 115. Naucrates Refinesque 399 XV Page Family XLV. Pomatomidae THE BLUEFISHES 116. Pomatomus Lacepede . . 402 Family XLVI. Rachycentridse THE SERGEANT-FISHES 117. Rachycentron Kaup .... 403 Family XLVII. Coryphsenidae THE DOLPHINS 1 1 8. Coryphasna Linnaeus 405 Family XLVIII. Stromateidss THE HARVEST-FISHES 119. Nomeus Cuvier 407 1 20. Psenes Cuv. & Valenc. . . 409 121. Peprilus Cuvier 410 Family XLIX. Apogonida3 THE CARDINAL-FISHES 122. Apogon Lacepede 414 Family L. Centropomidae THE ROBALOS 123. Centropomus Lacepede . . 419 . Swvey Libra ^ Page Family LI. Serranidae THE SEA BASSES 124. Paranthias Guichenot . . 436 125. Cephalopholis Bloch & Schn. 438 126. Petrometopon Gill .... 441 127. Mycteroperca Gill .... 444 128. Promicrops Poey 45 129. Epinephelus Bloch .... 452 130. Alphestes Bloch & Schneider 463 131. Paralabrax Girard 466 132. Hypoplectrus Gill 467 133. Prionodes Jenyns .... 470 134. Diplectrum Holbrook . 472 135. Rhegma Gilbert 478 136. Rypticus Cuvier ... . 479 Family LI I. Lobotidae THE TRIPLE-TAILS 137. Lobotes Cuvier 483 Family LIII. Priacanthidae THE BIG-EYES 138. Priacanthus Oken 487 139. Pseudopriacanthus Bleeker . 489 Family LIV. Lutianidae THE SNAPPERS 140. Hoplopagrus Gill 491 141. Lutianus Bloch 493 142. Rabirubia Jordan & Fesler . 514 143. Ocyurus Gill 515 144. Rhomboplites Gill .... 517 145. Xenichthys Gill 518 Family LV. Haemulidae THE GRUNTERS 146. Conodon Cuv. & Valenc. . . 521 147. Bathystoma Scudder . . 523 148. Orthostcechus Gill .... 525 149. Brachygenys Scudder . . . 527 150. Lythrulon Jordan & Swain . 528 151. Haemulon Cuvier 529 152. Orthopristis Girard .... 544 153- Pomadasys Lacepede . . . 547 154. Anisotremus Gill 560 Page Family LVI. Sparidae THE PORGIES 155. Calamus Swainson .... 572 156. Pagrus Cuvier 5/6 157. Archosargus Gill 577 158. Diplodus Rafinesque .... 580 Family LVI I. Gerridae THE MOJARRAS 159. Eucinostomus Baird & Girard 582 160. Ulaema Jord. & Everm. . . 588 161. Gerres Cuvier 589 162. Diapterus Ranzani .... 591 Family LVI II. Kyphosidae THE RUDDER-FISHES 163. Kyphosus Lacepede .... 605 164. Sectator Jordan & Fesler 609 Family LIX. Sciaenidae THE CROAKERS 165. Umbrina Cuvier 613 166. Micropogon Cuv. & Valenc. 616 167. Stellifer Oken 619 1 68. Elattarchus Jord. & Everm. 628 169. Bairdiella Gill 629 170. Ophioscion Gill 636 171. Macrodon Schinz 646 172. Isopisthus Gill 650 173. Cynoscion Gill 653 174. Menticirrhus Gill 666 175. Paralonchurus Bocourt . 671 176. Eques Bloch 676 177. Sciaena Linnaeus 679 178. Nebris Cuv. & Valenc. . . 680 179. Larimus Cuv. & Valenc. 683 180. Odontoscion Gill 688 181. Corvula Jord. & Eigen. . . 691 Family LX. Pomacentridae THE DESMOISELLES 182. Chromis Cuvier 694 183. Pomacentrus Lacepede 697 184. Abudefduf Forskal .... 700 185. Nexilarius Gilbert 704 186. Microspathodon Giinther 705 XVI It I 111 (iff LIST OF PLATES IN PART II Opposite Page XXV. Fig. i. Hemicaranx leucurus (Giinther). Fig. 2. Hemicaranx rhomboides sp. nov 344 XXVI. Fig. i. Caranx latus Agassiz. Fig. 2. Caranx marginatus (Gill) 354 XXVII. Caranx crysos (Mitchill) 358 XXVIII. Caranx caballus Giinther 359 XXIX. Fig. i. Vomer setapinnis(Michill). Fig. 2. Vomer declivifrons sp. nov 366 XXX. Fig. i. Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Linnaeus). Fig. 2. Chloroscombrus orqueta Jordan & Gilbert 369 XXXI. Selene vomer (Linnaeus) 372 XXXII. Selene brevoortii (Gill) 374 XXXIII. Trachinotus falcatus (Linnaeus) 378 XXXIV. Trachinotus kennedyi Steindachner 380 XXXV. Trachinotus culveri Jordan & Starks 381 XXXVI. Fig. i. Trachinotus glaucus (Bloch). Fig. 2. Trachinotus paloma Jordan & Starks 382 XXXVII. Trachinotus rhodopus Gill 383 XXXVIII. Fig. i. Oligoplites altus (Giinther). Fig. 2. Oligoplites mundus Jordan & Starks .... 388 XXXIX. Fig. i. Oligoplites saurus (Bloch & Schneider). Fig. 2. Oligoplites refulgens Gilbert & Starks.. 390 XL. Psenes pacincus sp. nov 409 XLI. Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch) 425 XLII. Centropomus nigrescens Giinther 426 XLIII. Alphestes afer (Bloch) 463 XLIV. Alphestes multiguttatus (Giinther) 464 XLV. Hypoplectrus lamprurus (Jordan & Gilbert) .... 468 XVII Opposite Page XLVI. Fig. i. Diplectrum radiale (Quoy & Gaimard). Fig. 2. Diplectrum pacificum sp. nov 475 XLVII. Rypticus saponaceus (Bloch & Schneider) 480 XLVIII. Rypticus xanti Gill 481 XLIX. Lobotes pacificus Gilbert 484 L. Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch) 485 LI. Priacanthus arenatus Cuvier & Valenciennes .... 487 LI I. Priacanthus cruentatus (Lacepede) 488 LIU. Haemulon flavolineatum (Desmarest) 531 LIV. Fig. i. Haemulon bonariense Cuvier & Valenc. Fig. 2. Haemulon scudderii Gill 541 LV. Fig. i. Pomadasys corvinaeformis (Steindachner). Fig. 2. Pomadasys leuciscus (Giinther) 549 LVI. Anisotremus dovii (Giinther) 563 LVII. Anisotremus pacific! (Gunther) 564 LVIII. Anisotremus surinamensis (Bloch) 566 LIX. Anisotremus interruptus (Gill) 568 LX. Anisotremus virginicus (Linnaeus) 569 LXI. Anisotremus taeniatus Gill 570 LXII. Fig. i. Eucinostomus calif orniensis (Gill). Fig. 2. Eucinostomus californiensis elongatus subsp. nov 584 LXIII. Diapterus evermanni sp. nov 594 LXIV. Kyphosus elegans (Peters) 607 LXV. Kyphosus sectatrix Linnaeus) 608 LXVI. Fig. i. Stellifer colonensis sp. nov. Fig. 2. Stellifer mindii sp. nov 623 LXVII. Fig. i. Bairdiella armata Gill. Fig. 2. Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier & Valenc.).. 633 LXVIII. Ophioscion punctatissimus sp. nov 644 LXIX. Fig. i. Chromis marginatus (Castelnau). Fig. 2. Chromis atrilobatus Gill 695 LXX. Abudefduf saxatilis (Linnaeus) 701 LXXI. Abudefduf analogus (Gill) 703 XVIII LIST OF NEW SPECIES IN PART II Page Hemicaranx rhomboides 345 Vomer declivifrons .... .... 367 Psenes pacificus . . . 409 Diplectrum pacificum 477 Eucinostomus californiensis elongatus 586 Diapterus evermanni ........ 594 Stellifer colonensis 623 mindii 626 Ophioscion punctatissimus ....... 644 XIX THE MARINE FISHES OF PANAMA. BY SETH E. MEEK AND SAMUEL F. HILDEBRAND. PART II. Class III. TeleOStomi Continued. Order XIV. Acanthopteri Continued. Family XLIV. Carangidae. THE CAVALLAS. Body deep or elongate, usually more or less compressed; head compressed; occipital region usually with a keel; mouth of varying size; premaxillaries usually protractile; maxillary with or without a supplemental bone; preopercle usually entire in adult, armed with 3 or more spines in very young ; teeth various, usually small, in one or a few series, or in villiform bands, on jaws, occasionally wholly wanting in adult ; gills 4, a slit behind the last ; gill-rakers long or short, few or many; pseudobranchise large, sometimes lost with age; branchiostegals commonly 7; scales small, cycloid, sometimes embedded, and occas- ionally obsolete; lateral line complete, usually with a prominent arch anteriorly, often wholly or in part armed with bony scutes; dorsal fins 2, separate, the spinous dorsal rather weak, usually preceded by a procumbent spine, the spines usually depressible in a groove; second dorsal long, usually more or less elevated anteriorly; anal fin similar to second dorsal in form, sometimes, however, much shorter, always preceded by 2 strong spines, more or less connected with the fin and with each other in young, separate in adult, sometimes, together with procumbent spine and one or two of the anterior spines of dorsal, disappearing with age; caudal fin widely forked; ventrals thoracic, I, 5 ; pectoral fins usually narrow ; pyloric caeca generally numerous ; vertebrae about 10+14=24. Most of the species of this family are widely distributed, and nearly all are valued as food. 331 332 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Lateral line wholly or in part armed with bony scutes. (Very weak and occasionally wanting in Chloroscombrus) b. Dorsal and anal each with a single detached finlet. Decapterus, p. 333. bb. Dorsal and anal without finlets. c. Shoulder girdle with a deep furrow near its juncture with the isthmus, and a fleshy projection above it; eye large. Selar, p. 335. cc. Shoulder girdle normal, not as above; eye of moderate size. d. Lateral line armed with deep bony scutes for its entire length ; last ray of second dorsal and anal enlarged, nearly separate in adult. Trachurus, p. 336. dd. Lateral line with bony scutes on its straight portion only; last ray of second dorsal and anal not notably enlarged. e. Maxillary very narrow ; head small ; teeth in jaws in a single close set series, few or none on vomer, palatines and tongue; dorsal and anal low, never with salient lobes, each with a conspicuous sheath of scales at base. Hemicaranx, p. 339. ee. Maxillary broad; head rather large; teeth, if present, in one or more series, or in bands on jaws, never in a single close set series as above. f. Teeth uneven, in one or a few series on jaws, persistent; villi- form teeth usually present on vomer, palatines and tongue, these deciduous or wanting in some species. Caranx, p. 346. ff. Teeth, if present, small and even, in a single series, or in villiform bands on jaws. g. Minute teeth present on jaws and tongue, none on vomer and palatines, those on jaws lost with age. Gnathanodon, p. 360. gg. Minute teeth on jaws, vomer, tongue, and usually on palatines, present at all ages, h. The back much elevated; the dorsal outline more strongly curved than the ventral, i. Snout well in advance of the forehead ; anterior profile convex ; anterior rays of second dorsal and anal filamentous, j. Body more or less ovate in young, elongate in adult, not excessively compressed, the outlines not everywhere trenchant; scales of moderate size; dorsal and anal filaments of moderate length. Citula, p. 361. jj. Body strongly ovate in young, somewhat elongate in adult, very strongly compressed, the outlines everywhere trenchant; scales APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 333 very small ; dorsal and anal filaments long, extremely long in young. Alectis, p. 363. ii. Snout scarcely in advance of forehead; anterior profile nearly vertical; soft dorsal and anal low, never falcate, the anterior rays not produced into filaments. Vomer, p. 365. hh. The back little elevated ; the ventral outline much more strongly curved than the dorsal; lateral line with few very weak bony scutes or none. Chloroscombrus, p. 369. aa. Lateral line entirely unarmed. k. Second dorsal and anal about equal in length, both longer than the abdomen. I. Body deep, ovate; premaxillaries protractile; second dorsal and anal fins anteriorly elevated, falcate. m. Body very closely compressed, the outlines everywhere trench- ant; preorbital extremely deep; maxillary broad, with a well developed supplemental bone. Selene, p. 371. mm. Body less closely compressed, the abdomen never trenchant; preorbital very narrow; maxillary narrow, without a distinct supplemental bone. Trachinotus , p. 377. II. Body oblong; premaxillaries not protractile, except in very young; maxillary narrow, without a supplemental bone; second dorsal and anal fins low, never falcate. Oligoplites, p. 387. kk. Anal fin much shorter than second dorsal, its base shorter than abdomen. n. Dorsal and anal each with a single detached finlet, composed of 2 rays. Elagatis, p. 393. nn. Dorsal and anal without finlets. o. First dorsal with 6 to 8 slender spines, connected by membrane at all ages; lateral line with a long, low arch, forming a slight keel on caudal peduncle in adult. Seriola, p. 394. oo. First dorsal with 3 or 4 low, stiff spines, separate in adult, or connected by membrane in very young; lateral line scarcely arched, forming a prominent dermal keel on caudal peduncle. Naucrates, p. 399. 100. Genus Decapterus Bleeker. Decapterus Bleeker, Nat. Tijds. Ned. Ind., I, 1851, 358 (type Caranx kurra Cuvier & Valenciennes). Eustotnatodus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 261 (type Decapterus kurr aides Bleeker). 334 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body elongate, fusiform; head rather short; snout pointed; mouth small; jaws subequal; maxillary broad, with a supplemental bone; premaxillaries protractile; teeth minute; scales moderate; straight portion of lateral line armed with bony scutes, at least posteriorly; first dorsal with slender, persistent spines; second dorsal and anal each with a single detached finlet; spines preceding anal well developed, persistent; pectorals rather short. 250. Decapterus punctatus (Agassiz). Scomber hippos Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, PI. V, fig. 5 (not of Linnaeus). Caranx punctatus Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 108, PI. LVIa, fig. 2 (Brazil). Caranx suareus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 33 (Mediterranean). Decapterus punctatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 368; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 907. Head 3.7 to 4.3; depth 4.3 to 5.3; D. VII or VIII-29 to 31-!; A. II-I, 25 to 27-! ; lateral scutes 35 to 42. Body elongate, little compressed, fusiform; the ventral outline anteriorly a little more convex than the dorsal ; head rather short and low; snout pointed, 2.75 to 3.5 in head; eye 2.75 to 3.8; mouth small, oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary broad, reaching anterior margin of eye, 2.1 to 3.0 in head; teeth minute, those on upper jaw in a single series, those on lower jaw in a narrow band near symphysis, in a single series laterally; vomer, palatines, and tongue with bands of villiform teeth; gill-rakers short and close set, about 35 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate; breast and most of head scaly; lateral line scarcely arched, the curved portion quite as long as straight part, the latter fully armed with deep, short scutes ; first dorsal with very slender spines, the longest about as long as eye and snout; second dorsal and anal similar, little elevated anteriorly, each with a single detached finlet; caudal forked, the lobes short, subequal; ventrals rather small, about as long as postorbital part of head ; pectorals shorter than head, never falcate, 4.4 to 5.7 in length of body. Color bluish black above, silvery below; a distinct opercular spot present; dorsals and caudal dusky; other fins pale; axil of pectoral black. We have a single specimen 147 mm. in length. The above description is based on this one and numerous specimens from the West Indies and the eastern coast of the United States. There APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 335 appears to be considerable variation among individual specimens of this species with respect to the shape of the body. In some specimens the body is almost perfectly fusiform, in others it is more or less compressed and usually notably deeper. That the tongue is devoid of teeth, as is stated in current descriptions, is not true of any of the specimens examined by us, for in each one the tongue has a narrow longitudinal band of minute teeth on its median line. Known from Cape Cod to Brazil. Our specimen is from Porto Bello. 101. Genus Selar Bleeker. Selar Bleeker, Nat. Tijds. Neder. Ind., I, 1851, 359 (type Caranx boops Cuvier & Valenciennes). Trachurops Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 238 (type Scomber plumieri Bloch=Scomber crumenophthalmus Bloch). Body elongate, little compressed ; the back not elevated ; eye very large; shoulder girdle with a deep furrow at its juncture with the isthmus, and a fleshy projection above the furrow; other characters essentially as in Caranx. 251. Selar crumenophthalmus (Bloch). Scomber crumenophthalmus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 77, PI. CCCXLIII (Acara [in Guinea]). Scomber plumieri Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 79, PI. CCCXLIV (Antilles). Scomber balantiophthalmus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 29 (Guinea). Caranx crumenophthalmus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 703. Caranx plumieri Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 65- Trachurops brachychirus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 261 (Cape San Lucas). Trachurops plumieri Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 78. Trachurops crumenophthalmus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 196; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 75 (Panama Bay). Head 3.03 to 3.35; depth 3.1 to 3.85; D. VIII-I, 23 to 26; A. II-I, 20 to 23. Body elongate, little compressed; the back not elevated; ventral outline more strongly convex than the dorsal; head long and low; snout rather pointed, 3.3 to 3.9 in head; eye very large, with a well 336 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. developed adipose membrane in adult, 2.75 to 3.17 in head; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.1 to 2.45 in head; teeth small, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, those in upper jaw anteriorly in two series, or a narrow villiform band in a single series laterally, those in lower jaw in a single series ; vomerine teeth in rather broad patches ; palatine teeth in a very narrow band or single series ; tongue with a long, narrow villiform band; gill-rakers scarcely half as long as eye, 23 to 27 on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, cycloid ; breast fully scaled ; head mostly covered with small scales ; lateral line without an arch, armed with scutes which increase in size posteriorly; first dorsal with rather high, slender spines ; second dorsal and anal similar, moderately elevated anteriorly, each with a low sheath of scales at base ; caudal moderately forked, the lobes subequal, shorter than head; ventrals rather long, reaching to or slightly past vent; pectorals rather long and falcate, 3.2 to 4.5 in length of body. Color bluish above, silvery below ; snout and tip of lower jaw dusky; fins mostly dusky; dorsal and caudal edged with black. Of this species 6 specimens, ranging from 93 to 255 mm. in length, were secured. Three of these are from the Atlantic coast and the other 3 from the Pacific. Known from most tropical seas. Our specimens are from Porto Bello and Panama City market. The specimens from the two coasts seem to agree perfectly. 102. Genus Trachurus Rafinesque. Trachurus Rafinesque, Caratteri, etc., 1810, 41 (type Scomber trachurus L.innazus=Trachurus saurus Rafinesque). Body elongate, somewhat compressed ; the back not elevated ; head rather low; snout blunt; mouth moderate; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary of moderate width, supplemental bone present ; teeth minute, mostly in a single series on jaws; vomer, palatines and tongue with bands of villiform teeth; gill-rakers long and slender, close set; lateral line prominently arched anteriorly, armed with bony scutes for its entire length, those on straight portion the strongest, spinous; an accessory dorsal branch to lateral line; first dorsal with rather slender spines connected by membrane; second dorsal and anal similar; no finlets, but the last ray of second dorsal and anal enlarged and nearly separate in adult. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 337 KEY TO THE SPECIES.* a. Body rather deep, compressed, its depth 3.45 to 4.25 in its length; curved portion of lateral line usually notably shorter than the straight part; bony scutes very deep, the deepest in straight part of lateral line about three-fourths the depth of eye; pectorals reaching to beginning of straight part of lateral line. trachurus, p. 337. aa. Body very elongate, little compressed, its depth 4.5 to 5.3 in its length; curved portion of lateral line as long as the straight part; bony scutes narrow, the deepest in straight part of lateral line slightly more than half the depth of eye; pectorals failing to reach beginning of straight part of lateral line. picturatus, p. 338. 252. Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus). Scomber trachurus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 298 (Mediter- ranean Sea) ; Bloch, Ichtyol., II, 1785, 97, PI. LVI. fCaranxomorous plumierianus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 84, PI. II, fig. i (from a figure by Plumier; Martinique?). Caranx semispinous Nilsson, Prodr. Ichthyol. Scand., 1832, 84 (Scandinavia). Caranx trachurus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, n (part). Trachurus europceus Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 125 (Seas of Europe). Trachurus trachurus Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 419 (part) ; Lutken, (Dan. Vid. Selsk. Skr., 5 ser., XII) Spolia At- lantica, 1880, 125; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 910, PI. CXL, fig. 384. Trachurus declivis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 358 (not Caranx declivis Jenyns). Head 3.25 to 3.75; depth 3.45 to 4.25; D. VII or VIII-I, 30 to 35 ; A. II-I, 24 to 27. Body of moderate depth, compressed; the back little elevated; dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly convex; head rather long, compressed; snout blunt, 13.2 to 4 in head; eye 3.25 to 4.38; mouth moderate, oblique; lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching slightly past anterior margin of eye, rarely to anterior margin of pupil, 2.4 to 2.88 in head; teeth weak, in a single series on jaws; vomer, palatines and tongue with bands of villiform teeth ; gill-rakers long and slender, *For a revision of this genus see Nichols (Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., XLII, 1920, 477 to 481), whose classification, with the limited material available, we are unable to verify. 338 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. about two-thirds the length of eye, very close set and difficult to enumerate, 35 to 44 on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, covering most of head; lateral line with a prominent arch, armed with deep bony scutes for its entire length, those on straight portion the strong- est, each with a spine, forming a keel, the deepest about three- fourths the depth of eye, 35 to 45 in number, the curved portion usually nota- bly shorter than the straight part; first dorsal with rather long, slen- der spines, connected by membrane; second dorsal and anal similar, scarcely elevated anteriorly, the last ray of each fin enlarged and nearly separate in adult; caudal broadly forked, the lobes of about equal length ; ventrals rather small ; pectorals- long, the upper rays considerably produced, reaching to or nearly to beginning of straight part of lateral line, 3.16 to 4.4 in length of body. Color bluish green above, pale or silvery below; opercle with a black spot on its edge above its posterior angle. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from 10 specimens, ranging in length from 75 to 300 mm. Known from nearly all warm and temperate seas. Specimens examined by us are from the Mediterranean Sea, Norway, Rhode Island, Florida, Chile and Japan. 253. Trachums picturatus (Bowdich). Seriola picturata Bowdich, Excursions in Madeira, 1825, 123, fig. 27 (Madeira). Caranx trachurus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, ii (Mediterranean; Valparaiso; part). Caranx cuvieri Lowe, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, II, 1837, 183 (Madeira). Caranx symmetricus Ayres, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., I, 1855, 62 (San Francisco). Trachurus symmetricus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 260. Trachurus fallax Capello, Journ. Sci. Math. Phys. Nat. Lisboa, 1867, 310-318 (Lisbon). Caranx (Trachurus) cuvieri Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXI) Ichth. Beitr., II, 1875, 16. Trachurus cuvieri Lutken, (Dan. Vid. Selsk. Skr., 5 ser., XII) Spolia Atlantica, 1880, 126. Caranx picturatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 269. Trachurus picturatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 191 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 909. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 339 Head 3.5 to 3.8; depth 4.5 to 5.3; D. VIII-I, 29 to 35; A. II-I, 25 to 29. Body very elongate, little compressed; the back scarcely elevated; dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly convex; head low, little compressed ; snout blunt, 3.05 to 34 in head ; eye 3.34 to 3.9 ; mouth rather small, oblique; lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.5 to 2.65 in head; teeth weak, in a single series in jaws; vomer, palatines and tongue with bands of villiform teeth; gill-rakers long and slender, about two-thirds the length of eye, very close set and difficult to enumerate, 35 to 40 on the lower limb of first arch; scales small, covering most of head; lateral line with a prominent arch, armed with rather narrow bony scutes for its whole length, those on straight portion the strong- est, each with a spine, forming a keel, the deepest scutes slightly more than half the depth of eye, 40 to 50 in number, the curved portion as long as the straight part; first dorsal with rather slender spines, connected by membrane; second dorsal and anal similar, not much elevated anteriorly, the last ray of each fin enlarged, nearly separate in adult; caudal broadly forked, the lobes of about equal length; ventrals rather small; pectorals long, the upper rays more or less produced, but failing to reach beginning of straight part of lateral line, 3.8 to 4.3 in length of body. Color bluish green above, pale or silvery below; opercle with a black spot on its edge above posterior angle. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from 16 specimens, ranging in length from 130 to 280 mm. A pelagic species, widely distributed in nearly all open seas. Abundant on coast of California, also recorded from the Galapagos Islands and Chile. Not as yet recorded from either coast of Panama, nor, in fact, from the entire Atlantic coasts of North and South America. Specimens examined are from California, "Punta Del- gade", and "Europe". 103. Genus Hemicaranx Bleeker. Hemicaranx Bleeker, Versl. Ak. Amsterdam, XIV, 1862, 135 (type Caranx marginatus Schlegel). Carangops Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 238 (type Caranx heteropygus Poey). Head small; maxillary very narrow; teeth in the jaws in a single, close set, series, few or none on vomer, palatines, and tongue; dorsal 340 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. and anal rather low anteriorly, never with salient lobes, each with a wide sheath of scales at base. Other characters essentially as in Caranx. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Dorsal and anal anteriorly more or less elevated, the outer margins of fins not evenly convex; pectoral fin falcate, reach- ing much beyond beginning of straight portion of lateral line; dorsal spines long and flexible; body without evident cross- bars. b. Dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly curved; caudal deeply forked, the upper lobe produced in adult, its longest rays nearly equal to depth of body ; color pale bluish or brownish above ; base of pectoral without a large black blotch. amblyrhynchus, p. 341. bb. Dorsal outline anteriorly more strongly curved than the ventral; caudal moderately forked, the upper lobe not much , produced and not equal to depth of body; color bluish black above; base of pectoral with a large jet black blotch. c. Snout rather blunt, its anterior profile gently elevated; maxillary short, reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 3.1 to 3.45 in head ; pectorals long, 2.45 to 2.9 in length of body ; fins mostly yellowish green. atrimanus, p. 342. cc. Snout very blunt, its anterior profile strongly elevated; max- illary longer, reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.7 to 3.06 in head; pectorals shorter, 3.28 to 3.84 in body; fins mostly blackish. zelotes, p. 343. aa. Dorsal and anal anteriorly not elevated, the outer margins of fins evenly convex; pectorals not falcate, reaching beginning of lateral line; dorsal spines short and stiff; body with evident cross-bars, at least in young. d. Anterior profile strongly convex over snout, ascending in an almost straight oblique line from posterior nostril to first dorsal; lateral scutes moderately developed; dorsal and anal high, the longest rays equal to eye and postorbital part of head, the last rays of fins usually reaching base of outer caudal rays; caudal little forked, the lobes subequal, broad and round. leucurus, p. 344. dd. Anterior profile nearly evenly convex; lateral scutes very strongly developed ; dorsal and anal low, the longest rays equal to postorbital part of head, the last rays not nearly reaching APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 341 base of outer caudal rays; caudal moderately forked, the lobes subequal, and rather pointed. rhomboides sp. nov., p. 345. 254. Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Caranx amblyrhynchus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 100, PI. CCXLVIII (Brazil). Caranx falcatus Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. II, 1860, 94, PI. XIII, fig. 2 (Charleston). Caranx heteropygus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 344 (Cuba). Carangops falcatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 435. Carangops heteropygus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 77. Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 912, PI. CX,LI, fig. 386; Starks, Leland Stan- ford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 44. Head 4.01 to 4.4; depth 2.04 to 2.5; D. VII-I, 27 or 28; A. II-I, 24; P. 20 to 22; lateral scutes 44 to 51. Body oval, much compressed; the back elevated; dorsal and ven- tral outlines about evenly curved, the former slightly carinate anteriorly ; head short and deep ; snout blunt, 3.8 to 4.35 in head ; eye 3.35 to 3.5 ; mouth oblique ; jaws subequal ; maxillary reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.74 to 2.9 in head ; teeth on vomer minute or wanting ; palatines and tongue with bands of minute teeth, those on jaws larger, in a single series, pointed, and rather close set; preopercle with a striated membranous border; gill-rakers slightly more than half as long as eye, 18 to 21 on lower limb of first arch; scales very small, cycloid; breast scaly; head and a small triangular patch in front of spinous dorsal naked, except for a few scattered scales on postorbital regions; lateral line with a high arch anteriorly, which is as long as head, the straight portion armed with strong scutes, each one bearing a flattened spine, forming a lateral keel; first dorsal with slender spines, connected by membrane; second dorsal and anal similar, only slightly elevated anteriorly, none of the anterior rays reaching past tips of succeeding rays when deflexed, each fin with a very wide sheath of scales at base, no scales on fins; caudal deeply forked, the upper lobe the longer, much produced in adult, its longest rays longer than pectorals, equal to depth of body; ventrals small; pectorals long and falcate, 3.16 to 3.6 in body. Color bluish or brownish above, sides silvery; a black opercular spot; fins mostly yellowish green in life; dorsal and caudal with black margin ; axil of pectoral dusky. 342 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Only 3 specimens, ranging from 170 to 260 mm. in length, were taken. The above description is based on these and other specimens from South Carolina and Florida. Known from Cape Hatteras to Brazil. Our specimens are from Fox Bay, Colon, and Colon market. 255. Hemicaranx atrimanus (Jordan & Gilbert). Caranx atrimanus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., I, 1881 (1882), 308 (Panama). Hemicaranx atrimanus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 913; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 75 ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 97. Head 3.64 to 4.4 ; depth 2.2 to 2.56 ; D. VII-I, 26 or 27 ; A. II-I, 22 to 24; P. 21 or 22; lateral scutes 47 to 57. Body elliptical, much compressed; the back elevated; the dorsal outline more strongly convex than the ventral, slightly carinate in front of first dorsal ; head rather small ; snout rather blunt, its anterior profile gently elevated, 3.8 to 4.3 in head; eye 3.2 to 3.8; mouth oblique ; jaws subequal ; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 3.1 to 3.45 in head; teeth on vomer, palatines, and tongue very small or wanting, those on jaws small, in a single, close set series; preopercle with a striated membranous border; gill-rakers slightly more than half the length of eye, 1 8 to 20 on the lower limb of first arch; scales minute, cycloid; breast scaly; head and a tri- angular patch in front of spinous dorsal naked, except for scattered scales on postorbital regions ; lateral line with a large arch anteriorly, which is usually notably longer than head, the straight portion armed with rather strong scutes, of about the width of the pupil, each scute with a compressed spine, forming a keel; first dorsal with slender spines, connected by membrane, the longest equal to length of snout; second dorsal and anal similar, not greatly elevated anteriorly, the longest rays not reaching past the tips of any of the succeeding rays when deflexed ; each fin with a wide sheath of scales at base ; no scales on fins; caudal deeply forked, the upper lobe the longer, moderately produced in adult, its longest rays shorter than pectorals, and not quite equal to depth of body; ventrals small; pectorals very long and falcate, 2.45 to 2.9 in body. Color bluish black above, silvery below, usually shaded with more or less dusky; snout and opercles dusky; cheeks and under surface of head specked with dark points; dorsal dusky; caudal, anal and APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 343 pectorals yellowish green; caudal edged with black; pectorals with a jet black blotch, involving the axil of fin and the base of all except the lowest rays. Of this species 9 specimens were secured, ranging from 225 to 315 mm. in length. Known only from Panama Bay. Our specimens are all from the Panama City market. 256. Hemicaranx zelotes Gilbert. Hemicaranx zelotes Gilbert, in Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2845 (Panama) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 76, PI. XII, fig. 22 ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 98. Head 4.5 ; depth 2.3 to 273 ; D. VIII-I, 27 to 30 ; A. II-I, 23 to 25 ; P. 20 to 22; lateral scutes 46 to 54. Body elliptical, compressed; the dorsal outline anteriorly more strongly convex than ventral, carinate in front of spinous dorsal; head small; snout very blunt, its anterior profile much elevated, 3.9 to 4.5 in head; eye 3.1 to 3.5; mouth oblique; jaws subequal; max- illary reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.7 to 3.06 in head; teeth on vomer, palatines and tongue minute or wanting, those on jaws small, in a single, close set series; preopercle with a striated mem- branous border; gill-rakers about half the length of eye, 16 to 20 on the lower limb of first arch; scales minute, cycloid; breast scaly; head and a triangular patch in front of first dorsal naked, except for a few scattered scales on postorbital regions ; lateral line anterior- ly with a high arch, usually not exceeding the head in length, the straight portion armed with strong scutes, which are slightly more than half as wide as eye, forming a keel; first dorsal with slender spines, connected by membrane, the longest scarcely as long as snout ; second dorsal and anal similar, little elevated anteriorly, the longest rays not reaching past the tips of any of the succeeding rays when deflexed, each fin with a wide sheath of scales at base, no scales on fins; caudal deeply forked, the upper lobe the longer, its longest rays longer than pectorals, but shorter than depth of body; ventrals small; pectorals rather long and falcate, 3.28 to 3.84 in length of body. Color bluish black above, silvery below, with dusky shades; snout, mandible and upper part of opercles black; cheeks and subopercle sprinkled with dark, points; fins dusky or blackish; pectorals as in H. atriiiianus. 344 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Of this species 7 specimens, ranging from 230 to 275 mm. in length, were secured. It is closely related to H. atrimanus, from which it may be distinguished by its blunter snout, more strongly as- cending profile, longer maxillary, shorter pectorals and darker color- ation. Usually the curved portion of the lateral line is notably shorter, but, as this is a variable character, it is untrustworthy. Known only from Panama Bay. Our specimens are from Balboa and the Panama City market. \ 257. Hemicaranx leucurus (Gunther). (Plate XXV, fig. i.) Caranx leucurus Gunther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 24 (Panama), and Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 430. Caranx fiirthii Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Akad. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., IV, 1875, 12 (Panama). Hemicaranx fiirthii Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 914. Hemicaranx leucurus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 914; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 98. Head 3.03 to 3.54; depth 1.9 to 2.26; D. VIII-I. 26 to 30; A. II-I, 22 to 25 ; P. 20 to 22 ; lateral scutes 39 to 45. Body elliptical, strongly compressed; the back much elevated; anterior profile strongly convex over snout, ascending in a nearly straight, oblique line from posterior nostril to origin of spinous dorsal; ventral outline anteriorly gently convex; head short and low; snout blunt, 3.4 to 4.35 in head ; eye 3.7 to 4.35 ; mouth oblique ; jaws subequal ; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye, 2.6 to 3.2 in head ; teeth in jaws small, in a single, close set series ; vomer, palatines and tongue toothless; preopercle strongly serrate; gill-rakers slightly more than half the length of eye, 16 to 20 on the lower limb of first arch ; scales minute ; breast scaly ; head naked ; lateral line with a prominent arch, which is slightly shorter than head, the straight portion armed with rather strong scutes, which only in our largest specimens (100 mm. long) bear spines; first dorsal with short stiff spines, connected by membrane, the longest scarcely as long as eye; second dorsal and anal similar, of equal height, not elevated anteriorly, their margins evenly convex, longest rays equal to eye and postorbital part of head, the posterior rays usually reaching base of outer rays of caudal; each fin with a sheath of scales at base; caudal slightly forked, the lobes broad and round, subequal, as long as pectorals ; ventrals small ; pec- FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV, PL. XXV. FIG. 1. HEMICARANX LEUCURUS (Gunther). From a specimen 57 mm. in length. FIG. 2. HEMICARANX RHOMBOIDES sp. nov. From the type 75 mm. in length. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 345 totals short and broad, reaching beginning of straight portion of lateral line, 4.45 to 4.85 in length of body. Color variable, dark brown to pale yellowish ; sides with 4 to 8 dark cross-bars ; specimens with few bars lighter in color and the bars much wider; our largest specimen and several very small specimens with in- distinct bars; a few of the very smallest specimens (25 mm. long) with- out trace of bars; the first bar usually forms a big, black blotch on opercle ; rarely also a bar across the eyes ; caudal pale or yellowish ; other fins dusky or black. Of this species there are 125 specimens in the present collection, ranging from 25 to 107 mm. in length. No doubt remains of the identity of this species and Caranx fiirthii Steindachner. The latter was described as having a shorter head (3.5 in length of body), and differing from the former in the presence of a spine on each lateral scute. Both of these are clearly age characters. In our longest specimen, 107 mm. long, the head is contained 3.54 times in length of body, and each scute bears a well developed spine. In specimens of about 80 mm. and less in length there is no trace of spines, but on slightly larger specimens spines begin to appear on the posterior scutes. When the fish reaches a length of about 100 mm. or more, each scute is provided with a well developed spine. Giinther's type specimens of H. leucurus were 3 inches long. Steindachner's type specimens of H. fiirthii were from 3 to 5 inches in length. Known only from Panama Bay. Our specimens are all from Giame Point. 258. Hemicaranx rhomboides sp. nov. (Plate XXV, fig. 2.) Type No. 81758, U. S. N. M.; length 75 mm.; Fox Bay, Colon, Panama. Head 3.0 to 3.3; depth 2.0 to 2.1; D. VIII-I, 27 to 29; A. II-I, 24 ; P. 20 ; lateral scutes 38 to 42. Body elliptical, strongly compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile about evenly convex; ventral outline anteriorly not quite as convex as the dorsal; head short and rather deep; snout blunt, 3.7 to 4.25 in head ; eye 3.7 to 4.25 ; mouth oblique ; jaws subequal ; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye, 3.1 to 3.2 in head; teeth in the jaws small, in a single, close set series, those on vomer and palatines obsolete; tongue with a very narrow band of minute teeth; preopercle strongly serrate ; gill-rakers slightly more than half the length of eye, 15 to 17 on the lower limb of first arch; scales minute, cycloid ; breast scaly ; head and a triangular patch in front of spinous 346 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. dorsal naked; lateral line with a high arch, being equal to eye and postorbital part of head; straight portion armed with strong scutes, each of which bears a small spine in our larger specimen, these obsolete in the smaller one; first dorsal with stiff spines, connected by membrane, the longest scarcely as long as eye; second dorsal and anal similar, of equal height, not elevated anteriorly, their margins evenly convex, the longest rays as long as postorbital part of head, the posterior rays not nearly reaching base of outer rays of caudal; each fin with a sheath of scales at base; caudal moderately forked, the lobes subequal, slightly pointed, but not produced, longer than pectoral ; ventrals small ; pectorals short and broad, reaching beginning of .straight portion of lateral line, 4.5 to 4.9 in length of body. Color pale yellowish; sides with 5 broad, dark brown cross-bars, the first crossing opercles, leaving a big black blotch on opercle; lower parts of head and body with numerous dark points; dorsal, anal, and ventrals black; pectorals and caudal pale. The species is the Atlantic representative of H. leucurus, from which it is separated with difficulty. It, however, appears to have a more evenly curved anterior profile, lower dorsal and anal, a more deeply forked caudal, and notably stronger and wider lateral scutes. From H. secundus Poey (Memorias, II, 1860, p. 223), if the des- cription can be relied upon, it differs in the fewer pectoral rays, 30 being the number given for H. secundus. Poey described the pectoral fins as long and falcate ; in our immature specimens they are short and rounded. The maxillary is said to reach past anterior fourth of eye; in our specimens it reaches only to anterior margin of eye. Poey's description was, however, based on a specimen 425 mm. in length. Some of the differences noted may, therefore, be due to age. Only 2 specimens, respectively 55 and 75 mm. in length, were taken in Fox Bay, Colon. 104. Genus Caranx Lacepede. Caranx Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 57 (type Scomber car- angus Bloch=Cara;u- hippos Linnaeus ; as restricted by Bleeker) . Tricropterus Rafinesque, Caratteri, etc., 1810, 41 (type Scomber caran- gus B\och=Scomber hippos Linnaeus). Carangus Griffith, in Cuvier, Animal Kingdom, X, 1834, 335 (type Scomber carangus Bloch .SVowfor hippos Linnaeus). Paratractus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 330 (type Caranx pis- quetos Cuvier & Valenciennes=5Vawfor crysos Mitchill). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 347 Body ovate or oblong, compressed ; dorsal profile sometimes strongly convex, sometimes only gently arched; head rather large, com- pressed; snout usually blunt; mouth moderate or large, oblique; jaws usually subequal; maxillary with a well developed supplemental bone; premaxillary protractile; teeth in the jaws more or less unequal, in one or a few series; villiform teeth usually present on vomer, pala- tines, and tongue, deciduous or wanting in some species; preopercle with a membranous border, which is usually more or less serrate; gill- rakers long; scales small; lateral line posteriorly armed with bony plates; first dorsal with rather slender spines depressed in a groove; second dorsal and anal similar, usually more or less elevated anteriorly, the anal preceded by 2 rather strong spines ; caudal fin strongly forked ; pectoral fins long and falcate in adult, moderate in young. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Arch of lateral line very long and low, much longer than straight portion; lips thick, papillose; teeth on vomer decidu- ous or wanting; D. VIII-I, 25; A. II-I, 21; lateral scutes 23; gill-rakers, exclusive of rudiments, 21. guara, p. 349. aa. Arch of lateral line moderate or high, usually shorter than straight portion, never notably longer. b. Gill-rakers rather few, 13 to 18, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of the first arch. c. Breast naked, with only a small triangular patch of scales in front of ventrals; a large opercular spot present. hippos, p. 350. cc. Breast covered with small scales; opercular spot present or wanting. d. Second dorsal and anal scarcely elevated anteriorly, the fins completely covered with minute scales ; no opercular spot. bartholomai, p. 351. dd. Second dorsal and anal moderately, or strongly elevated an- teriorly, only the elevated portions of fins with minute scales. e. General color brassy or blackish; vertical fins dusky or black; no opercular spot ; none of the mandibular teeth enlarged. f. Second dorsal and anal very strongly elevated anteriorly, the produced rays reaching to or past the middle of base of fins; gill-rakers 17 or 18; color nearly uniform brownish black. lugubris, p. 352. 348 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. ff. Second dorsal and anal only moderately elevated, the longest rays not reaching the middle of base of fins; gill-rakers 15 or 16; sides with many scattered dark spots, melampygus, p. 353. ee. General color silvery, the vertical fins mostly pale, or yellowish green in life; a small opercular spot present; some of the man- dibular teeth enlarged, canine-like. g. Lateral scutes 35 to 38; D. VIII-I, 20 to 23; A. II-I, 17 or 18. h. Snout short, 3.46 to 3.7 in head; maxillary 2.0 to 2.2; gill- rakers 13 or 14; D. VIII-I, 20 to 22; A. II-I, 17 or 18. latus, p. 354. hh. Snout rather long, 2.9 to 3.0 in head ; maxillary 2.4 to 2.5 ; gill- rakers 17 or 18; D. VIII-I, 22 or 23; A. II-I, 18. medusicola, p. 355. gg. Lateral scutes 25 to 30; D. VIII-I, 19 or 20; A. II-I, 15 to 17; gill-rakers 15 to 18. marginatus, p. 356. bb. Gill-rakers numerous, 24 to 32, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch; second dorsal and anal little elevated anteriorly. i. Second dorsal and anal long, the former with 27 or 28 rays, and the latter with 23 or 24 ; lateral scutes 30 to 35 ; gill-rakers 30 to 32. ruber, p. 357. ii. Second dorsal and anal shorter, the former with 22 to 25 rays, and the latter with 19 to 24; lateral scutes 38 to 52; gill-rakers fewer than 30. j. Body strongly compressed, dorsal profile much more strongly convex than the ventral; second dorsal and anal scarcely ele- vated anteriorly, with a very wide sheath of scales at base, the fins themselves without scales; body with 8 or 9 dark cross- bars, vinctus, p. 358. jj. Body fusiform, not very strongly compressed, the dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly rounded ; second dorsal and anal slightly elevated anteriorly, each with a rather narrow sheath of scales at base, the fins wholly or partly covered with small scales; body without dark cross-bars. k. Body moderately deep, its depth 2.8 to 3.0 in its length ; maxil- lary 2.3 to 2.5 in head; second dorsal and anal completely covered with minute scales ; gill-rakers 24 or 25. crysos, p. 358. kk. Body elongate, its depth 3.1 to 3.5 in its length; maxillary 2.6 to 2.75 in head ; second dorsal and anal with scales on elevated portion only ; gill-rakers 27 to 29. caballus, p. 359. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 349 259. Caranx guara (Bonnaterre). Scomber guara Bonnaterre, Tableau Encyclo., Ichth., VI, 1788, 139, PI. LVIII. Scomber dentex Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 30 (Brazil). Caranx luna Geoffroy St. Hilaire, Descr. Egypte, Poiss., about 1820, PI. XXIII (Egypt). Citula banksi Risso, Hist. Nat. Princ. Prod. 1'Europe, III, 1826, 422 (Nice). Caranx solea Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 86 (Brazil). Caranx dentex Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 87. Caranx analis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 88 (St. Helena). Caranx guara Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 926. Head 2.7; depth 2.9 ; D. VIII-I, 25 ; A. II-I, 21 ; lateral scutes 23. Body elongate, compressed ; dorsal profile about evenly convex, only slightly carinate in front of spinous dorsal; lower outline anteriorly only gently rounded; head long; snout very long and rather pointed, 2.2 in head; eye 5.7; mouth oblique, jaws about subequal; lips, unlike in other species of the genus, thick and papillose ; maxillary not reach- ing anterior margin of eye, 2.65 in head; teeth present on both jaws, palatines, and tongue, none on vomer, those in jaws in a single row; preopercle with a serrate membranous border; gill-rakers rather short and strong, 21, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of the first arch; scales small, cycloid; breast anteriorly partly without scales; cheeks, opercles and postorbital regions mostly scaly, rest of head scale- less ; lateral line with a very low arch anteriorly, which is much longer than the straight portion ; lateral scutes few and weak, caudal peduncle without a very prominent keel ; first dorsal with rather slender spines ; second dorsal and anal only very slightly elevated anteriorly, each with a sheath of scales at base, the fins themselves without scales; ventrals reaching vent; pectorals long and falcate, 3.1 in length of body. Color bluish above, sides silvery; a prominent opercular spot pres- ent ; dorsals, caudal and anal with dusky ; other fins mostly pale. This species was not taken by us. The above description is based on a single specimen, 515 mm. long, taken by the Albatross at Easter Island. Known from the tropical parts of the Atlantic and the South Pacific. Not as yet recorded from either coast of Panama. 350 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 260. Caranx hippos (Linnaeus). Scomber hippos Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 494 (Charleston, S. C). Scomber carangus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 69, PI. CCCXL (East and West Indies). Caranx erithrurus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 68 (South Carolina; based on Scomber hippos Linnaeus). Caranx daubentonii Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 71 (Mar- tinique; on a drawing by Plumier). Caranx carangua Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 59, 74 (Mar- tinique; on a drawing by Plumier). Caranx xanthopygus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 109 (Isle de France). Caranx ekala Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 117 (Vizagapatam ; after Ekalah parah Russell). Caranx antillarum Bennett, Whaling Voyage, II, 1840, 282 (West In- dies). Caranx defensor DeKay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 120, PI. XXIV, fig. 72 (New York). Carangus esculentus Girard, U. S. & Mex. Bound. Surv., II, Pt. II, Fishes, 1859, 2 3 pl - XI % s - J ~3 ( Brazos Santiago, Texas). Carangus chrysos Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 434 (young). Carangus hippos Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 434. Caranx caninus Giinther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 432 Panama) . Caranx hippos Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat Mus., 1882, 269; , Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 920, PI. CXLI, fig. 387 ; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 77 ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 99; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 401, 409 (Colon; Panama), and 1917, 131 (Colon). Head 2.95 to 3.33; depth 2.2 to 3.0; D. VII or VIII-I, 18 to 21 ; A. II-I, 16 or 17; lateral scutes about 25 to 40. Body robust, compressed; upper profile very strongly convex an- teriorly, slightly carinate in front of spinous dorsal ; lower outline only slightly curved anteriorly; head short and deep; snout very blunt, 3.3 to 4 in head; eye 2.8 to 4.65; mouth slightly oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary reaching posterior margin of eye, 2.1 to 2.44 in head; teeth present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, some of the teeth in the jaws enlarged, canine-like; preopercle with a slightly serrate APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 351 membranous border; gill-rakers rather long, 13 to 15, besides rudi- ments, on the lower limb of the first arch ; scales small, cycloid ; breast naked, with only a small triangular patch of scales in front of ven- trals; cheeks and postorbital regions mostly scaled, rest of head with- out scales; lateral line with a long low arch, which is usually only slightly shorter than straight portion; lateral scutes strong posteriorly, forming a strong keel on caudal peduncle; alimentary canal short; stomach with heavy muscular walls ; first dorsal with slender spines, the first very short and disappearing with age ; second dorsal and anal moder- ately elevated anteriorly, each with a very low scaly sheath at base, the fins themselves with few or no scales; ventrals not quite reaching vent in large examples, reaching past vent to origin of anal in young; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately much shorter in young, 2.6 to 4.1 in length of body. Color bluish green above, sides with a brassy luster; head mostly dusky, with a very prominent opercular spot; young with 5 or 6 dark cross-bars; fins mostly yellowish green in life; dorsal and caudal dusky, especially on their margin; axil of pectoral black; the lower rays of pectoral with a black blotch, this indistinct or wanting in young. We have 120 specimens of this species, ranging from 40 to 450 mm. in length. Of these 50 are from the Atlantic coast and 70 from the Pacific. A careful comparison of our large series from the two coasts discloses no differences of importance. The ventral fins in the Atlantic specimens usually reach to or past the vent, while in Pacific specimens, 230 mm. or more in length, they usually do not quite reach the vent. The Pacific specimens average a slightly larger number of anal rays and gill-rakers. The contents of stomachs examined consisted of small fish. A widely distributed species; common on both coasts of tropical America. Our Atlantic coast specimens are from Toro Point; Mindi Cut; Mindi Reef; Colon market; Fox Bay, Colon; and Porto Bello. Pacific coast specimens are from Chame Point ; tide streams, Corozal ; tide streams, Balboa ; Panama Bay, Balboa, and the Panama City market. 261. Caranx bartholomaei Cuvier & Valenciennes. Caranx bartholomai Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, IO (St. Bartholomew) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 919; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 131 (Colon). Caranx cibi Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 224 (Cuba). 352 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Caranx beam Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 486 (Beaufort, N. C). , Head 2.8 to 3.25; depth 2.0 to 2.7; D. VIII-I, 26 to 28; A. II-I, 22 to 24 ; lateral scutes about 22 to 35. Body rather deep, compressed ; upper profile evenly convex, slightly carinate anteriorly; lower outline not quite as strongly convex as the upper; head rather short and blunt; snout moderate, 2.76 to 3.4 in head ; eye 2.8 to 3.96 ; mouth oblique ; jaws subequal ; maxillary reach- ing slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.25 to 2.5 in head; teeth small, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; preopercle with a slightly serrate membranous border; gill-rakers rather short, 17 or 18, besides rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales very small, cycloid ; breast fully scaled ; cheeks and postorbital regions most- ly scaly ; rest of head without scales ; lateral line with a long, low arch, equal to or longer than the straight portion; lateral scutes weak; first dorsal with slender spines; second dorsal and anal only slightly ele- vated anteriorly, each with a scaly sheath at base, the fins themselves completely covered with minute scales ; ventrals reaching to or slightly past vent; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately much shorter in young, 2.8 to 4.25 in length of body. Color bluish green above, sides silvery; young with irregular brownish cross-bars; no opercular spot; spinous dorsal dusky, the fins mostly pale in spirits, yellowish green in life. This species is represented by 39 specimens, ranging from 40 to 150 mm. in length. Known from North Carolina southward to Panama. Our speci- mens are from Toro Point; Fox Bay, Colon, and Porto Bello. 262. Caranx lugubris Poey. Scomber ascensionis Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 33 (not Scomber ascensionis of Osbeck, which may be Caranx guara}. Caranx ascensionis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 102. Caranx lugubris Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 222 (Cuba) ; Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1905, 365. Caranx frontalis Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 222 (Cuba). Carangus lugubris Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 365. Head 3.15 to 3.5; depth 2.34 to 2.7; D. VII or VIII-I, 21 or 22; A. II-I, 17 to 19; lateral scutes 26 to 30. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 353 Body deep, strongly compressed; dorsal profile strongly convex anteriorly, concave in front of eyes in largest specimens, carinate in front of spinous dorsal ; lower outline only feebly rounded ; head deep ; snout rather long, 2.6 to 2.95 in head; eye 4.05 to 4.7; mouth notably oblique; lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.2 to 2.5 in head ; teeth present on both jaws, vomer, palatines, and tongue, only the outer ones in upper jaw enlarged; pre- opercle with a finely serrate membranous border; gill-rakers rather strong, 17 or 18, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch; scales small, cycloid; breast fully scaled; cheeks scaled; post- orbital regions and portions of opercle also scaly, rest of head scale- less; lateral line with a prominent arch anteriorly which is about two- thirds the length of the straight portion; lateral scutes strong; first dorsal with slender spines, the first very short, disappearing in large individuals ; second dorsal and anal strongly elevated anteriorly, the produced rays reaching to or past middle of base of fins, each with a very low sheath of scales on first half of base, the fins with a few scales on the elevated portion only; ventrals reaching to or past vent; pectorals very long and falcate, 2.5 to 2.7 in head. Color of alcoholic specimens uniform brownish black; no opercular spot ; fins all black or dusky. This species was not obtained by us. We have examined 6 large specimens from the U. S. National Museum collection, ranging from 335 to 5 mm - m length. Of these 3 are from Clarion Id., 2 from Socorro Id., and i from Cuba. We are unable to find any differences between the Atlantic and the Pacific specimens. Known principally from rocky islands in the tropical parts of the Atlantic and Pacific. Not as yet recorded from either coast of Panama. 263. Caranx melampygus Cuvier & Valenciennes. Caranx ntelampygus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 116 (East Indies) ; Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 230; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 925 ; Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1905, 365. Caranx bixanthopterus Riippell, Neue Wirbelthiere, 1837, 49 (Red Sea). Caranx stellatus Eydoux & Souleyet, Voy. Bonite, Poiss., 1841, 167 (Hawaiian Islands). Head 3.1 to 3.4; depth 2.3 to 2.9; D. VIII-I, 21 to 23; A. II-I, 18 or 19; lateral scutes 28 to 36. 354 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body elongate, much compressed; the upper profile strongly con- vex anteriorly, carinate in front of spinous dorsal ; lower outline little convex anteriorly; head rather short; snout rather long and pointed, 2.6 to 3.46 in head; eye 3.46 to 5.4; mouth slightly oblique; jaws sub- equal; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.5 to 2.65 in head; teeth present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, the outer ones in upper jaws slightly enlarged ; preopercle with a serrate membranous border; gill-rakers rather slender, 15 or 16, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch; scales small, cycloid ; breast fully scaled ; cheeks and postorbital regions mostly scaly, the rest of head scaleless ; lateral line anteriorly with a rather promi- nent arch, about three-fourths the length of the straight portion; lateral scutes moderate ; first dorsal with slender spines ; second dorsal and anal moderately elevated anteriorly, the produced rays not reach- ing middle of base of fins, each with a sheath of scales at base, only the elevated portions of fins with small scales ; ventrals reaching to or past vent ; pectorals long and falcate in adult, much shorter in young, 2.7 to 3.2 in length of body. Color brownish black, or silvery ; no opercular spot ; head and sides with scattered black spots, these wanting in young; fins mostly dusky or black. This fish was not taken by us. It is a widely distributed species, oc- curing about islands in the Pacific Ocean. We have examined one speci- men, 420 mm. long, from Cocos Island and several smaller specimens from Vavan Tonga Islands. The latter are not nearly as dark in color as the large specimen. 264. Caranx latus Agassiz. (Plate XXVI, fig. i.) Caranx latus Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 105 (Brazil) ; Jor- dan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 923, PI. CXLII, fig. 389; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 132 (Colon). Caranx lepturus Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 106 (Brazil). Caranx fallax Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 95 (Antilles; Brazil). Caranx richardi Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. II, 1860, 94, PI. XIII, fig. i (South Carolina). Carangus fallax Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 433. Caranx aureus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 76 (Cuba). Head 2.9 to 3.2; depth 2.3 to 2.6; D. VIII-I, 20 to 22; A. II-I, 17 or 18 ; lateral scutes 35 to 38. FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV, PL. XXVI. FIG. 1. CARANX LATUS Agassiz. From a specimen 65 mm. in length. FIG. 2. CARANX MARGINATUS (Gill). From a specimen 105 mm. in length. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 355 Body elongate, compressed ; the upper profile anteriorly very strong- ly convex, carinate; lower outline anteriorly little curved; head rather large; snout blunt, 3.46 to 3.7 in head; eye 3.1 to 3.6; mouth oblique; jaws subequal, or the lower slightly projecting; maxillary reaching posterior margin of pupil, 2.0 to 2.2 in head; teeth present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, some of the outer ones in the jaws enlarged, canine-like; preopercle with a slightly serrate mem- branous border; gill-rakers rather slender, 13 or 14, exclusive of rudi- ments, on the lower limb of the first arch; scales small, cycloid; breast fully scaled; cheeks scaly; postorbital regions with few scattered scales, the rest of head scaleless; lateral line anteriorly with a strong arch, which is about three- fourths the length of the straight portion; lateral scutes of moderate size, forming a distinct keel on caudal pe- duncle; first dorsal with slender spines; second dorsal and anal only moderately elevated anteriorly, each with a very low sheath of scales at base; ventrals reaching from slightly past vent nearly to origin of anal ; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately much shorter in young, 2.75 to 4.3 in length of body. Color bluish above, sides silvery; very young with 5 or 6 dark cross-bars; a small opercular spot present, another very small black spot at upper anterior angle of opercle; spinous dorsal and elevated portion of soft dorsal black; caudal with more or less dusky; other fins pale in spirits, yellowish green in life. This is the most abundant of all the species of this genus on the Atlantic coast of Panama. One hundred and ten specimens, ranging from 40 to 250 mm. in length, were preserved. Known from the Atlantic coast of tropical America. All Pacific coast records we believe to be referable to either C. marginatus or C. medusicola. (See Gilbert & Starks, Fishes of Panama Bay, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., Vol. IV, 1904, p. 78.) Our specimens are from Toro Point; Creek near Mindi Cut; Mindi Cut; Fox Bay, Colon; Colon market; Rio Cascajal, Porto Bello, and Porto Bello Bay. 265. Caranx medusicola Jordan & Starks. Caranx medusicola Jordan & Starks, in Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 430 (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 924, PI. CXLIII, fig. 390; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 78. This species was not seen by us. It is recorded as (Gilbert & Starks, 1904, p. 78) differing from C. marginatus in having a deeper body, and more plates in the lateral line, 36 to 38. From C. latus it is said to dif- 356 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. f er : in the shorter maxillary, 2.4 to 2.5 in head ; in the longer snout, 2.9 to 3.0 in head; in the more numerous gill-rakers, 17 or 18 on the lower limb of the first arch; and in the slightly more numerous dorsal and anal rays, 22 or 23 dorsal rays, 18 anal rays. Recorded from Mazatlan and Clarion Island. 266. Caranx marginatus (Gill). (Plate XXVI, fig. 2.) Carangus marginatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 166 (Pan- ama) . Caranx hippos Giinther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, Vol. VI, 1869, 431 (in part). Caranx latus Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 180. Caranx marginatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 922; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 78; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 99. Head 3.05 to 3.3; depth 2.24 to 2.7; D. VIII-I, 19 or 20; A. II-I, 15 to 17; lateral scutes 25 to 30. Body rather deep, compressed; dorsal profile rather strongly and evenly convex, carinate in front of spinous dorsal ; lower outline not as strongly curved as the upper; head rather large; snout blunt, 3.2 to 3.85 in head; eye 3.1 to 3.6; mouth oblique; jaws subequal, or the lower slightly projecting; maxillary reaching to or slightly past middle of eye, 2.05 to 2.45 in head ; teeth present on both jaws, vomer, pala- tines and tongue, some of the outer ones in the jaws enlarged, canine- like; preopercle with a smooth membranous border; gill-rakers rather long, 15 to 18, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch; scales small, cycloid; breast fully scaled; cheeks and postorbital re- gions mostly with scales, the rest of head scaleless; lateral line with a prominent arch anteriorly, which is about two-thirds the length of the straight portion ; lateral scutes rather large, forming a distinct keel on caudal peduncle; first dorsal with slender spines; second dorsal and anal moderately elevated anteriorly, each with a very low scaly sheath at base of first half of fins, only the elevated portion of fins covered with small scales ; ventrals reaching slightly past vent in adult and nearly to origin of anal in young; pectorals long and falcate in adult, pro- portionately much shorter in young, 2.7 to 4.0 in length of body. Color bluish above, sides silvery; young with 5 or 6 dark cross- bars, which disappear with age ; a small opercular spot present, another small spot above it at the upper anterior angle of opercle ; spinous dor- sal and the elevated portion of the second dorsal usually dusky ; other fins mostly plain. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 357 This species is represented by 19 specimens, ranging from 55 to 105 mm. in length. It is very closely related to C. latus, from which it, however, may be separated by the fewer scutes in the straight por- tion of the lateral line, and by the more numerous gill-rakers. It also averages a smaller number of dorsal and anal rays. Known from Mazatlan to Panama Bay. Our specimens are from Chame Point ; Taboga Island ; and tide pools, Balboa. 267. Caranx ruber (Bloch). Scomber ruber Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 75, PI. CCCXLII (Ste. Croix). Caranx ruber Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 29; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 919. Caranx blochii Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 69 (Ste. Croix) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 430. Caranx iridinus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 226 (Cuba). Carangoides iridinus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 366. Head 3.4 to 3.65; depth 2.9 to 3.26; D. VIII-I, 27 or 28; A. II-I, 23 or 24 ; lateral scutes about 30 to 35. Body elongate, compressed ; the upper profile evenly convex, slightly carinate anteriorly; the lower outline only slightly curved in front of anal ; head long and tapering ; snout long, 2.9 to 3.05 in head ; eye 3.64 to 4.3; mouth slightly oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary reaching an- terior margin of eye, 2.55 to 2.8 in head; teeth small, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; preopercle with a rather smooth membranous border; gill-rakers long and slender, 30 to 32, besides rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales small, cycloid; breast fully scaled; cheeks and postorbital region scaly, rest of head mostly without scales; lateral line with a low arch which is nearly as long as the straight portion; lateral scutes rather weak; first dorsal composed of slender spines; second dorsal and anal only slightly elevated an- teriorly, each with a low sheath of scales at base, the fins entirely cov- ered with scales; ventrals reaching vent; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately shorter in young, 3.35 to 3.4 in length of body. Color mostly bluish above, silvery below; dorsal and anal dusky; lower lobe of caudal with a dusky bar. This species was not taken by us. It is recorded from North Caro- lina, the Bahama Islands and southward to Cozumel. It is here de- scribed from specimens from Nassau and Havana, ranging in length from 220 to 300 mm. 358 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 268. Caranx vinctus Jordan & Gilbert. Caranx vinctus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 349 (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 918; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 77. Head 3.4 to 3.75; depth 2.6 to 3.0; D. VII or VIII-I, 22 to 24; A. II-I, 19 to 21 ; lateral scutes 44 to 50. Body elongate, compressed ; the upper profile evenly convex, slight- ly carinate in front of spinous dorsal; lower outline anteriorly only slightly convex ; head rather long, tapering ; snout 2.8 to 3.5 in head ; eye 3.9 to 4.4; mouth slightly oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary reach- ing slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.75 to 2.9 in head; teeth on premaxillary and mandible small, in a narrow band, becoming a single series laterally on mandible, similar teeth on vomer, palatines and tongue; preopercle with a nearly smooth membranous border; gill- rakers long, 24 to 26, besides rudiments, on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, cycloid ; breast entirely scaled ; cheeks scaly, rest of head mostly scaleless; lateral line with a strong arch anteriorly, notably shorter than the straight portion; lateral scutes strong; first dorsal with slender spines, the first very short, disappearing with age ; second dorsal and anal scarcely elevated anteriorly, each long and low with a very wide sheath of scales at base ; no scales on fins ; ventrals reaching to or slightly past vent; pectorals in adult very long and falcate, 2.85 to 3.1 in length of body. Color bluish or brown above, silvery below ; sides with 8 or 9 dark bars, extending from back to below lateral line; head mostly dusky; opercle with a distinct black spot; dorsal and anal with more or less dusky, other fins mostly pale. Of this species only 2 specimens, ranging from 265 to 355 mm. in length, were taken. We have had for comparison the type and 3 other large specimens from Mazatlan. Known from the Gulf of California to Panama. Our specimens were bought in the Panama City market. 269. Caranx crysos (Mitchill). (Plate XXVII.) Scomber crysos Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 424 (New York). Caranx pisquetus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 97 (San Domingo, Cuba, and Brazil). Caranx crysos DeKay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 121, PI. XXVII, fig. 85; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 921, PI. CXLII, fig. 388; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 401 (Colon), and 1917, 131 (Colon). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 359 Trachurus squantosus Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 125 (Carolina). Paratractus pisquetus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 432. Caranx chrysus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 199. Head 3.3 to 3.7; depth 2.8 to 3.0; D. VIII-I, 23 to 25; A. II-I, 19 to 20 ; lateral scutes 40 to 50. Body elongate, rather slender, compressed; dorsal and ventral out- lines about evenly rounded, the dorsal carinate anteriorly; head rather short; snout blunt, 3.25 to 3.75 in head; eye 3.2 to 4.1 ; mouth oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary reaching about middle of eye, 2.3 to 2.5 in head; teeth present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, some of the outer teeth in jaws slightly enlarged ; preopercle with a slightly serrate membranous border; gill-rakers rather long and slender, 24 or 25, exclusive of rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales small, cycloid ; breast completely scaled ; cheeks and postorbital region mostly scaled, rest of head without scales; lateral line with a prominent arch anteriorly, which is usually only about two-thirds the length of the straight portion ; lateral scutes strong posteriorly, forming a prominent keel on caudal peduncle; first dorsal with slender spines; second dor- sal and anal only slightly elevated anteriorly, very low posteriorly, each with a wide sheath of scales at base, the fins themselves covered with small scales, at least anteriorly; ventrals not quite reaching vent in adult, reaching to or past vent in young ; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately shorter in young, 3.0 to 3.6 in length of body. Color bluish above, silvery below; a black opercular spot present; spinous dorsal and margin of dorsal and caudal dusky; other fins mostly pale. Of this species only 6 specimens, ranging from 130 to 165 mm. in length, were obtained. Known from Cape Cod to Brazil. Our specimens are from Fox Bay, Colon, and Colon market. 270. Caranx caballus Gunther. (Plate XXVIII.) Trachurus boops Girard (House of Repr. Ex. Doc. No. 91) Rept. Expl. & Surv. Miss. R. to Pac. O., X, Pt. IV, 1858, 108 (San Diego; not Caranx boops Cuvier & Valenciennes). Caranx boops Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 261. Caranx caballus Gunther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 431 (Panama) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 78; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 99; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 409 (Panama). 360 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Caranx girardi Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wein., LX) Ichth. Notizen, IX, 1869, 25 (San Diego). Head 34 to 37; depth 3.1 to 3.5; D. VIII-I, 23 or 24; A. II-I, 19 to 21 ; lateral scutes 38 to 52. Body elongate, rather fusiform, not as strongly compressed as in related species; dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly rounded, the dorsal outline slightly carinate anteriorly only in young; head moder- ate; snout blunt, 3.5 to 4.05 in head; eye 3.2 to 4.3; mouth oblique; jaws subequal ; maxillary not quite reaching middle of eye, 2.6 to 2.75 in head; teeth present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, some of the outer ones on upper jaw slightly enlarged; preopercle with an almost smooth membranous border ; gill-rakers slender, 27 to 29, exclusive of rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales small, cycloid; breast fully scaled; cheeks and postorbital regions scaled, the rest of head scaleless; lateral line with a prominent arch anteriorly, which is usually only slightly more than half as long as the straight portion; lateral scutes moderate; first dorsal with slender spines; sec- ond dorsal and anal only slightly elevated anteriorly, very low pos- teriorly, each with a low scaly sheath at base, the elevated portion of fins covered with small scales; the ventrals not reaching vent except in young ; pectorals very long and falcate in adult, proportionately much shorter in young, 2.63 to 4.25 in length of body. Color bluish gray above, silvery below; head mostly dusky; a black opercular spot present; dorsals and caudal dusky; other fins usually mostly pale. Ten specimens, ranging from 205 to 355 mm. in length, were se- cured. This species is very closely related to C. crysos, from which it, however, may be distinguished by the less compressed and shallower body, slightly smaller mouth, and the more numerous gill-rakers. Known from San Diego to Peru. Our specimens are from Panama Bay, Balboa, and the Panama City market. 105. Genus Gnathanodon Bleeker. Gnathanodon Bleeker, Nat. Tijds. Ned. Ind., I, 1851, 160 (type Scomber speciosus Forskal). Hypocaranx Klunzinger, Fische des Rothen Meeres, 1884, 92 (type Scomber speciosus Bloch). This genus differs from Caranx chiefly in the dentition. Teeth very small, present only on the jaws and tongue; those on jaws entirely lost with age. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 361 271. Gnathanodon speciosus (Forskal). Scomber speciosus Forskal, Descr. Animal., 1775, 54 (Red Sea). Scomber rim Forskal, Descr. Animal., 1775, 54 (Djidda, Arabia). Caranx poloosoo Richardson, Voy. Erebus & Terror, Ichth., 1844, PI. LVIII, figs. 4 and 5; called Caranx speciosus in text (Australia). Gnathanodon speciosus Bleeker, Verb. Bat. Gen., XXIV, Makreele, 1852, 6, 12; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 928; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 79. Caranx speciosus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 444, and Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 431. Caranx panamensis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 166 (Panama). Head 3.0 to 3.25; depth 2.15 to 2.32; D. VII-I, 19 or 20; A. II-I, 15 or 16; lateral scutes weak, about 12 to 15. Body deep, strongly compressed ; dorsal profile very strongly con- vex; lower outline gently curved; head rather short; snout blunt, 2.4 to 2.65 in head; eye 4.3 to 5.4; mouth slightly oblique; jaws subequal, the lower slightly included ; maxillary reaching to or slightly past an- terior margin of eye, 2.4 to 2.5 in head ; teeth minute, present on jaws and tongue, those on jaws disappearing entirely with age; preopercle with a practically smooth membranous edge; gill-rakers rather short, 18 or 19, exclusive of rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales small, cycloid; breast scaled; cheeks and postorbital regions mostly with scales, the rest of head scaleless; lateral line with a low arch, which is nearly as long as the straight portion; lateral scutes few and very weak, not forming an evident keel on caudal peduncle ; first dor- sal with only 7 spines ; second dorsal and anal not greatly elevated an- teriorly, each with a narrow sheath of scales at base of first half of fin, the fins without scales ; pectorals long and falcate in adult, propor- tionately shorter in young, 2.5 to 3.2 in length of body. Color brownish green above; below golden in life, mostly pale in spirits; sides with about 6 broad dusky cross-bars; a narrow stripe between each pair of bands; opercular spot obsolete; fins mostly yel- lowish green in life; axil of pectoral black. Only 3 specimens, ranging from 225 to 500 mm. in length, were taken. Known from the tropical parts of the Pacific and Indian oceans. Our specimens are from Panama Bay, Balboa, and Panama City market. 106. Genus Gtula Cuvier. Citula Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, 1817, 315 (type Sciana anna t a Forskal). 362 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body deep, compressed, elongate in adult, more or less ovate in young, but never as much so as in Alec t is; head rather short, not much, if any, deeper than long, its anterior profile not very steep, rather gently and evenly convex; snout blunt, well in advance of forehead; teeth minute, in bands on jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; scales small, but larger than Alec t is; lateral line with rather large bony scutes on its straight portion; first dorsal with 6 spines, the posterior ones very short, becoming obsolete with age ; second dorsal and anal similar, the first ray of each fin with a filament, which is proportionately longer in young than in adult, but never reaches the extreme proportions of Alectis; spines preceding anal short, becoming obsolete with age; ven- tral fins proportionately much longer in young than in adult. 272. Citula dorsalis (Gill). Carangoides dorsalis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 166 (Panama). Caranx dorsalis Giinther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 432; Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 375; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 79. Caranx otrynter Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 202 (a new name as a substitute for dorsalis; preoccupied in Caranx, if Vomer dorsalis is regarded as a species of Caranx). Head 3.0 to 3.35; depth 1.57 to 2-1 ; D. VI-I, 18 or 19; A. II-I, 16 or 17. Body deep, elongate in adult, more or less ovate in young, rather strongly compressed; the back moderately elevated; anterior profile about evenly convex ; outlines of body with a very broad angle at origin of second dorsal and anal; head rather short, but not much deeper, if any, than long; eye moderate; snout blunt, well in advance of forehead, 2.42 to 3.2 in head ; eye 3.46 to 4.45 ; mouth rather large, oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary broad, usually not quite reaching middle of eye, 2.13 to 2.5 in head; teeth minute, in bands on jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers short and rather strong, 15 to 17 on lower limb of first arch; scales small; breast fully scaled; cheeks and postorbital regions mostly scaly, the rest of head naked; lateral line with a rather long and low arch, the straight portion armed with bony scutes, which form a keel on caudal peduncle; first dorsal with short spines, the posterior ones becoming obsolete with age; sec- ond dorsal and anal similar, much elevated anteriorly, the first ray of each fin bearing a filament, which in young reaches past tip of caudal ; caudal deeply forked, the lobes of equal length ; ventrals nearly as long APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 363 as head in our smallest specimens, shorter than snout in adult ; pectorals long and falcate, 2.3 to 2.55 in length of body. Color bluish or yellowish above; sides mostly yellowish or silvery, with narrow, pale cross-bars in young ; edge of opercle above posterior angle black; young with a black bar extending from posterior angle of mouth through eye to origin of spinous dorsal; fins mostly pale in adult; the produced portions of dorsal and anal, and the ventrals black in our smallest specimens. Only 5 specimens of this species, ranging from 145 to 300 mm. in length, were obtained. Besides these we have examined 2 specimens, 220 and 480 mm. long, from Mazatlan. The above description is based on all material examined. It is regretted that there are no smaller specimens available for study, as in species of related genera the most marked variation, due to age, was noted among small specimens. Known from the Pacific coast of Central America, from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimens are from Balboa and Panama City market. 107. Genus Alectis Rafinesque. Callus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 583 (type Callus vires- cens Lacepede=Z^M^ gallus Linnzeus; name preoccupied). Alectis Rafinesque, Analyse Nat., etc., 1815, 84 (substitute for Gallus, preoccupied). Blepharis Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, II, 1817, 322 (type Zeus ciliaris Bloch, name preoccupied). Scyris Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 209 (type Scyris indica Cuvier & Valenciennes). Callichtys Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 168 (type Gallichtys major Cuvier & Valenciennes; substitute for Gal- lus, preoccupied). Blepharichthys Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 36 (type Zeus crinitus Mitchill; substitute for Blepharis, preoccupied). Body strongly ovate in young, becoming much more elongate in adult, compressed; the back much elevated, at least in young; head short and deep, its anterior profile convex; mouth rather large; the maxillary reaching well past anterior margin of eye; teeth small, in bands on jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue ; scales minute, embedded ; lateral line with bony scutes on its straight portion; first dorsal with 6 or 7 short spines, becoming obsolete with age ; second dorsal and anal similar, the anterior rays of each fin bearing filaments, which in young reach several times the length of body, much shorter in adult; spines preceding anal very short, becoming obsolete with age; ventral fins 364 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. very long in young, becoming much shorter with age. The changes due to age in this genus are remarkably great. 273. Alectis ciliaris (Bloch). Zeus ciliaris Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, III, 1787, 36, PI. CXCI (East Indies; Suratte). Scomber filamentosus Mungo Park, Trans. Linn. Soc., Ill, 1797, 36 (Sumatra). Callus vircscens Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 583 (after Lin- naeus). Zeus crinitus Mitchill, Amer. Journ. Sci. & Arts, XI, 1826, 144 (Shore- ham). Blepharis sutor Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 161, PI. CCLIII (Caribbean Sea). Gallichtys major Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 168, PI. CCLIV (West Indies). Gallichtys chevola Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 175 (East Indies). Blepharis crinitus De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 123 ; Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 438. Carangoides blepharis Bleeker, Verh. Bat. Gen., XXIV, 1852, 67 (East Indies). Carangoides gallichthys Bleeker, Verh. Bat. Gen., XXIV, 1852, 68 (East Indies). Caranx sutor Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 454. Blepha-richthys crinitus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 262. Scyris analis Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 369 (Cuba). Gallichthys crinitus Liitken, (Dan. Vid. Selsk. Skr., 5 ser., XII) Spolia Atlantica, 1880, 131, 197. Caranx crinitus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 359. Alectis ciliaris Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 931 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 80. Head 2.75 to 3.25; depth 1.02 to 2.0; D. VI-I, 18 to 20; A. II-I, 15 to 17. Body ovate, nearly as deep as long in young, becoming much more elongate in adult ; anterior profile rather steep, convex ; outlines strong- ly angulated at origin of second dorsal and anal in young, these angles becoming much more obtuse with age ; head short and deep ; eye large, 2 -55 to 3-7 m head; snout little projecting, 2.55 to 4.6 in head; mouth rather large, oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary broad, reaching nearly to below middle of eye, 2.15 to 2.7 in head; teeth small, in bands on jaws, vomer and palatines ; upper surface of tongue almost wholly cov- APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 365 ered with villiform teeth; gill-rakers rather short, 13 to 15 on lower limb of first arch; scales minute, embedded; lateral line with a promi- nent arch, the straight portion armed with bony scutes posteriorly; first dorsal very low, some of the spines becoming obsolete with age; second dorsal and anal similar, the anterior rays of each fin produced into filaments, which are many times the length of body in young, pro- portionately much shorter in adult; caudal broadly forked, the lobes subequal ; ventrals in very young nearly as long as body, less than half the length of head in adult; pectorals long and falcate in adult, pro- portionately much shorter in young, 2.13 to 4.1 in length of body. Color bluish above; sides silvery, with traces of darker bars or blotches in young; opercle often with a dark blotch; a black bar ex- tending from posterior angles of mouth through eye to base of first dorsal present in young; ventrals and the produced portions of dorsal and anal bluish or blackish, the other fins mostly pale; the filaments with pale spots in very small specimens. Of this species we have 15 small specimens, ranging from 15 to 70 mm. in length. Two specimens are from the Atlantic coast and the others are from the Pacific. We have examined specimens from Vir- ginia, Florida, Hawaii and New South Wales. We are unable to de- tect any differences. The above description is based on all the ma- terial examined. The largest specimen at hand is from Key West, Florida, and is 560 mm. long. It varies very remarkably from the young in the much more elongated body, the anterior profile is not as steep, the outlines of body are scarcely angulate at origin of second dorsal and anal, the pectorals are very long and falcate and the fila- ments do not reach past tip of caudal. Known from both coasts of tropical America. Our Atlantic speci- mens are from Fox Bay, Colon, and the Pacific specimens are from Chame Point and the Panama City market. 108. Genus Vomer Cuvier. Vomer Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, II, 1817, 316 (type Vomer brownii Cuvier). Body broad, ovate, very strongly compressed ; the outlines trenchant ; head short and deep, its anterior profile nearly vertical; snout only slightly projecting; teeth small, present on both jaws, vomer and tongue; palatines with few weak teeth or none; scales small, rudimen- tary; lateral line strongly arched, its straight portion with weak bony scutes posteriorly ; soft dorsal and anal very low, never falcate. Other characters essentially as in Caranx. 366 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body very deep, the anterior profile vertical, depth in length 1.7 to 1.8 in specimens about 200 mm. long; gill-rakers 24 to 27, besides one or two rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch. setapinnis, p. 366. aa. Body scarcely as deep, the anterior profile not quite vertical, depth in length 1.85 to 1.95 in specimens about 200 mm. long; gill-rakers 28 to 32, besides one or two rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch . declivifrons sp. nov., p. 367. 274. Vomer setapinnis (Mitchill). (Plate XXIX, fig. i.) Zeus setapinnis Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 384 (New York). Vomer brownii Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 189, PI. CCLVI (New York). Platysomus micropteryx Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 406 (Pernambuco). Argyreiosus unimaculatus Batchelder, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., II, 1845, 78 (Maine; young). Argyreiosus setipinnis Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 459 (part). Vomer setipinnis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 436; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 934, PI. CXLIV, fig. 392 (part). Vomer sanctce-martha, columbianus, martinicensis, dominicensis, nove- boracensis sanctce-petri, brasiliensis, cayennensis, and cubce Guiche- not, Ann. Soc. Linn. Maine et Loire, VIII, 1865, 38 to 44 (locali- ties indicated by the names). Vomer curtus Cope, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1870, 119 (Rhode Island; young). Selene setipinnis Liitken, (Dan. Vid. Selsk. Skr., 5 ser., XII) Spolia Atlantica, 1880, 135. Caranx setipinnis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 595. Vomer setapinnis Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 401 (Colon), and 1917, 132 (Colon). Head 2.5 to 3.3; depth 1.3 to 1.95; D. VIII-I, 21 to 23; A. II-I, 17 to 19. Body rhombic, very strongly compressed, usually proportionately deeper in young than in adult, depth in length 1.7 to 1.8 in specimens about 200 mm. in length; back much elevated; anterior profile very steep, slightly concave in front of eyes; the ventral profile slightly FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV, PL. XXIX. FIG. 1. VOMER SETAPINNIS (Mitchill). From a specimen 170 mm. in length. FIG. 2. VOMER DECLIVIFRONS sp. nov. From the type 200 mm. in length. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 367 more convex than the dorsal; head short and deep; snout little pro- jecting, 2 to 2.4 in head; eye 3.75 to 4.55; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw slightly in advance of the upper; maxillary broad, failing to reach vertical from anterior margin of eye in young, reaching anterior mar- gin of pupil in adult, 2.5 to 2.9 in head ; teeth small, those in jaws in a single irregular series or in a narrow band ; vomerine teeth in a rather large triangular patch, with a backward projection ; palatines toothless ; tongue with a rather large band of villif orm teeth ; gill-rakers about two- thirds the length of eye, 24 to 27, besides one or two rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales very small, rudimentary ; lateral line with a prominent arch, which is about as long as head in adult, shorter in young, the straight portion posteriorly armed with small bony scutes ; first dor- sal with 8 spines, the anterior 4 or 5 connected by membrane, the others very short and far apart ; second dorsal and anal similar, very low, not notably elevated anteriorly; caudal broadly forked, the lobes of equal length; ventrals very small, only about half as long as eyes; pectorals long and falcate, 2.55 to 3.55 in length of body. Color sky blue above, sides silvery; opercle with a blue blotch and usually with a small black spot above its posterior angle; a broad in- distinct bluish band extending from snout through eye to opercle some- times present; tip of lower jaw black; fins mostly pale; dorsal and caudal often with more or less dusky. We have 17 specimens of this species, ranging from 60 to 185 mm. in length. Besides these we have examined numerous specimens from the Atlantic coast of the United States, Jamaica and Brazil. Known from Halifax to Uruguay. Also recorded from Kamerun, West Africa. Our specimens are from Toro Point ; Mindi Cut ; Mindi Reef; Fox Bay, Colon; Colon market, and Porto Bello. 275. Vomer declivifrons sp. nov. (Plate XXIX, fig. 2.) Argyreiosus setipinnis Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 459 (part, not of Mitchill). Caranx setipinnis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 625 (not of Mitchill). Selene setipinnis Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 440 (part, not of Mitchill). Vomer setipinnis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 934 (part, not of Mitchill) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 80 (not of Mitchill) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Mem- oir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 100 (not of Mitchill). 368 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Argyriosus setipinnis Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3 (not of Mitchill). Vomer setapinnis Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 409 (Pana- ma; not of Mitchill). Type No. 81773, U. S. N. M.; length 200 mm.; Panama City, Panama. Head 2.8 to 3.2; depth 1.5 to 2.1 ; D. VIII-I, 21 to 24; A. II-I, 17 to 19. Body rhombic, very strongly compressed, proportionately deeper in young than in adult, scarcely as deep as in V. setapinnis, depth in length i .85 to i .95 in specimens about 200 mm. long ; the back much elevated ; the anterior profile scarcely as steep as in V. setapinnis, slightly concave in front of eyes ; the ventral outline more convex than the dorsal ; head rather short and deep; snout slightly projecting, 2.1 to 2.45 in head; eye 3.4 to 4.35 ; mouth large, oblique ; lower jaw slightly in advance of the upper; maxillary broad, reaching anterior margin of eye in adult, shorter in young, 2.4 to 2.85 in head; teeth small, those in jaws in single, irregular series or in a narrow band; vomerine teeth in a tri- angular patch with a backward extension ; palatines toothless ; tongue with a large band of villiform teeth ; gill-rakers about three-fourths the length of eye, 28 to 32, besides one or two rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch ; scales very small, rudimentary ; lateral line with a promi- nent arch anteriorly, which is about as long as head in adult, shorter in young, the straight portion posteriorly armed with bony scutes; first dorsal with eight spines, anterior 4 or 5 connected by membrane, the others short and far apart; second dorsal and anal similar, very low, not notably elevated anteriorly ; caudal broadly forked, the lobes of about equal length ; ventrals very small, shorter than eye ; pectorals long and falcate, 2.5 to 3.0 in length of body. Color bluish above, sides silvery; opercle with a bluish area and often a small black spot above its posterior angle; a broad, indistinct, bluish band extending from snout through eye to upper angle of opercle sometimes present ; tip of lower jaw black ; fins mostly pale, the dorsal and caudal often with more or less dusky. We have 43 specimens, ranging from 45 to 235 mm. in length. This species differs from V. setapinnis in the more numerous gill-rakers, and in the slightly more elongate body. The latter difference, however, is noticeable only when specimens of equal size are compared. The snout projects slightly more, and the anterior profile is scarcely as steep. Ranging from Cape San Lucas to Peru. Our specimens are from Chame Point, Balboa and Panama City market. ~ -5 5 S o APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 369 109. Genus Chloroscombrus Girard. Chloroscombrus Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, J 68 (type Scriola cosmopolita Cuvier & Valenciennes=5V0nfor chrysurus Linnaeus). Body ovate, strongly compressed; the ventral outline much more strongly curved than the dorsal, both carinate ; head short ; mouth very strongly oblique; lower jaw slightly projecting; upper jaw protractile; maxillary broad, emarginate behind, with a large supplemental bone; teeth very small, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers long and slender; head mostly naked, rest of body covered with small smooth scales; lateral line with a strong arch anteriorly, with or without a few small bony scutes ; first dorsal with feeble spines, connected by membrane; second dorsal and anal long and low, longer than the short abdomen ; no finlets ; caudal fin deeply forked ; ventrals small ; pectorals long and falcate. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body very deep, with extremely convex abdomen, its depth 2.1 to 2.4 in its length; bony scutes in lateral line wholly obso- lete ; color rather light, bluish gray above. chrysurus, p. 369. aa. Body scarcely as deep, with less strongly convex abdomen, its depth 2.45 to 2.8 in its length ; lateral line posteriorly armed with small bony scutes ; color dark, bluish black above. orqueta, p. 370. 276. Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Linnaeus). (Plate XXX, fig. i.) Scomber chrysurus Linnseus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 494 (Charles- ton, S. C). Scomber chloris Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 67, PI. CCCXXXIX (Acara). Micropteryx cosmopolite. Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831 104 (Brazil). Seriola cosmopolita Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 219, PI. CCLIX. Scomber latus Gronow, Cat. Fish., 1854, 127 (Carolina). Chloroscombrus caribbaus Girard, U. S. & Mex. Bound. Surv., II, Pt. II, Fishes, 1859, 21, PI. XI, fig. 6 (St. Josephs Island, Texas). Micropteryx chrysurus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 460. Chloroscombrus chrysurus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 437; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 938, 3/o FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. PI. CXLV, fig 394; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon), and 1917, 132 (Colon). Head 3.6 to 4.3; depth 2.1 to 2.4; D. VIII-I, 26 or 27; A. II-I, 26 to 28. Body ovate, very strongly compressed; dorsal and ventral outlines regularly curved, the latter very convex, much more strongly curved than the former, each carinate anteriorly; head short and deep; snout blunt, shorter than eye, 3.34 to 4 in head ; eye 2.66 to 3.2 ; mouth nearly vertical; lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye, 2.45 to 2.74 in head ; teeth very small, those on jaws in very nar- row bands or single series; those on vomer, palatines and tongue in villiform patches or bands; gill-rakers slender, close set, about two- thirds length of eye, 28 to 33 on lower limb of first arch ; head, dorsal and ventral ridges naked, the rest of body with small cycloid scales; lateral line with a prominent arch anteriorly, longer than head, con- tained 3.2 to 3.9 times in length of body, the straight portion without bony scutes; first dorsal with slender spines; second dorsal and anal of about equal length, the former more strongly elevated anteriorly than the latter, each with a sheath of scales at base ; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately much shorter in young, 2.9 to 3.6 in length of body. Color bluish gray above, sides silvery; a small opercular spot pres- ent; a prominent black, quadrate blotch on upper half of base of cau- dal ; fins yellowish in life ; vertical fins edged with black ; pectorals and ventrals pale in spirits. This species is represented by 84 specimens, ranging from 40 to 200 mm. in length. Known from Cape Cod to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point ; Mindi Cut ; Fox Bay, Colon, and Colon market. 277. Chloroscombrus orqueta Jordan & Gilbert. (Plate XXX, fig. 2.) Chloroscombrus orqueta Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 646 (Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 937; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 82; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 100. Chloroscombrus stirurus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 206. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 371 Head 3.5 to 4.43; depth 2.45 to 2.8; D. VIII-I, 26 to 28; A. II-I, 26 to 28. Body ovate, very strongly compressed; dorsal and ventral outlines regularly curved, the latter much more strongly convex than the former, each carinate anteriorly ; head short and deep ; snout blunt, shorter than eye, 3.6 to 4.35 in head; eye 2.6 to 3.15; mouth nearly vertical; lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye, 2.4 to 2.8 in head ; teeth very small, those on jaws forming very narrow bands or single series, those on vomer, palatines, and tongue in villiform patches and bands; gill-rakers very slender, close set, slightly more than half as long as eye. 30 to 35 on the lower limb of first arch; head, dor- sal and ventral ridges naked, the rest of the body covered with small cycloid scales ; lateral line with a prominent arch, which is longer than head, and is contained 2.94 to 3.5 times in length of body, the straight portion posteriorly armed with small bony scutes; first dorsal with slender spines ; second dorsal and anal of about equal length, the former anteriorly more strongly elevated than the latter, each with a sheath of scales at base ; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately much shorter in young, 2.7 to 4.1 in length of body. Color bluish black above, sides silvery; a very distinct opercular spot present; a quadrate blotch on upper half of base of caudal; fins yellowish in life, dorsal and anal edged with black and caudal with more or less dusky. We have 48 specimens of this species, ranging from 20 to 190 mm. in length. The two species of this genus are rather closely related, but in our large series the Pacific coast specimens, while varying consider- ably among themselves, are constantly a little more slender than the Atlantic ones. The lateral line on caudal peduncle is armed with small bony scutes, which are wholly obsolete in Atlantic specimens. The Pa- cific specimens are also constantly darker in color. Known from Magdalena Bay and Panama. Our specimens are from Chame Point, tide pools and Panama Bay at Balboa, and the Panama City market. 110. Genus Selene Lacepede. Selene Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 560 (type Selene argen- tea Lacepede=Zett.s vomer Linnaeus). Argyreiosus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 566 (type Zeus vomer Linnaeus). Body ovate, very closely compressed ; the back much elevated ; an- terior profile very steep but never vertical, forming a rather abrupt 372 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. angle with dorsal outline at occipital region; edges of body every- where trenchant; head short and deep; opercles very short; preorbital extremely deep ; mouth moderate ; premaxillaries protractile, fitting into a notch between the bases of the maxillaries; maxillaries broad, each with a supplemental bone; teeth small, present on jaws, vomer, and tongue; palatines with a few very minute teeth or none; lateral line with a prominent arch, entirely unarmed ; spines of first dorsal slender, filamentous in young; free anal spines immovable, obsolete in adult; second dorsal and anal much elevated anteriorly in adult, the first ray of each fin much produced, these fins little elevated anteriorly and with- out produced rays in very young individuals. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body extremely closely compressed, the outlines anteriorly sharply trenchant; occipital region with an abrupt angle; D. VIII-I, 21 to 23; A. II-I, 17 to 20; gill-rakers long and slen- der, 23 or more on lower limb of first arch. b. Body very deep, the depth 1.33 to 1.45 in length, in specimens about 200 mm. long; gill-rakers in moderate number, 23 to 26, besides one or two rudiments, on lower limb of first arch. vomer, p. 372. bb. Body scarcely as deep, the depth 1.53 to 1.6 in length, in speci- mens about 200 mm. long; gill-rakers numerous, 28 to 32, be- sides one or two rudiments, on lower limb of first arch. brevoortii, p. 374. aa. Body less closely compressed, the outlines anteriorly not com- ing to a sharp edge; occipital region without a very abrupt angle; D. VIII-I, 16 to 18; A. II-I, 15 or 16; gill-rakers rather short and strong, 13 to 16, besides one or two rudiments, on lower limb of first arch. aerstedii, p. 375. 278. Selene vomer (Linnaeus). (Plate XXXI.) Zeus vomer Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 266 (America). Zeus gallus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 267 (America). Zeus niger Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 98 (confounded with Pomacanthus arcuatus). Selene argentea Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 560, PI. IX, fig. 2 (adult) ; Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 436. Argyreiosus vomer Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 566. Zeus capillaris Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 383 (New York; young). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 373 Zeus rostratus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 384 (New York; young). Zeus gcometricus Mitchill, Amer. Monthly Mag., II, 1818, 245 (New York; adult). Argyriosus triacanthus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 250 (Brazil; after Spix & Agassiz, PI. LVIII). Argyriosus filamentosus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 250 (after Cuvier & Valenciennes, PI. CCLV). Argyriosus mauriceii Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 408 (Brazil; adult). Argyriosus setifer Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 407 (after Cuvier & Valenciennes, PI. CCLV). Argyreiosus mitchilli De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 126 (New York; young). Argyreiosus spixii Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. Rares Amer. Sud, 1855, 23 (Brazil; adult). Argyriosus vomer Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 437. Argyriosus capillaris Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 437. Selene vomer Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 439 (part) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 936, PI. CXLIV, fig. 393 and PI. CXLV, fig. 3 93 a. Head 2.25 to 2.7; depth 1.28 to 1.45; D. VIII-I, 21 to 23; A. II-I, 1 8 to 20. Body ovate, very strongly compressed, the outlines strongly trenchant, very deep, the depth 1.33 to 1.45 in length in specimens about 200 mm. long; back much elevated; anterior profile ascending at a steep angle, straight or slightly concave, forming an angle at occipital region; ventral outline anteriorly gently convex, angulated at origin of anal; head short and very deep; snout little projecting, 1.67 to 2.2 in head; eye 4 to 5.25 ; mouth moderate, oblique; lower jaw in advance of upper; maxillary broad, failing to reach vertical from anterior margin of eye, 2.7 to 3.4 in head ; teeth small, those on upper jaw in a band, those on lower jaw mostly in a single series; vomerine teeth in a triangular patch; palatines with a few weak teeth or none; tongue with a band of villiform teeth; gill-rakers slender, rather close set, about two-thirds as long as eye, 23 to 26, besides one or two rudiments, on lower limb of arch; scales very small, rudimentary; lateral line with a prominent arch, which is usually somewhat shorter than head, the straight portion unarmed, an accessory branch present, extending from scapula to below base of spinous dorsal; first dorsal with 8 spines, the second, third and fourth bearing filaments which 374 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. are more than twice the length of the body in young, the longest spine about the length of eye in adult ; second dorsal and anal similar, falcate, the anterior rays much produced, the first one on each fin filamentous in adult, these fins lower in young and without filaments ; caudal deeply forked, the lobes subequal; ventrals very small in adult, shorter than eye, in young they are filamentous, more than half as long as the body ; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately much shorter in young, 2.2 to 3.75 in length of body. Color bluish green above, sides silvery ; very young with an oblique bar extending from snout through eye to origin of first dorsal; sides with indistinct vertical bars or dusky blotches ; fins mostly pale, dorsal and caudal with dusky in adult ; filaments of fins in young bluish black. Of this species 25 specimens, ranging from 30 to 210 mm. in length, were taken. We have also examined specimens from Massachusetts, Virginia, Florida and Brazil. We note no difference between northern and southern specimens, and all agree in having fewer gill-rakers than V. brevoortii, the Pacific coast representative of this species. Known from Maine to Uruguay. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Mindi Cut, Mindi Reef, Fox Bay, Colon; Colon market and Porto Bello. 279. Selene brevoortii (Gill). (Plate XXXII.) Argyriosus brevoortii Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 83 (Lower California; young). Argyreiosus pacificus Lockington, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., VII, 1876 (1877), 84 (Lower California; adult). Argyreiosus vomer Liitken, (Dan. Vid. Selsk. Skr., 5 sen, XII) Spolia Atlantica, 1880, 137 (part; with figures of changes due to age). Selene vomer Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 439 (part), and Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 625; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 82 (Panama Bay; not of Lin- naeus). Head 2.24 to 2.55; depth 1.2 to 1.6; D. VII or VIII-I, 21 or 22; A. II-I, 17 to 19. Body ovate, very strongly compressed, the outlines strongly trenchant, scarcely as deep as 5". vomer, the depth 1.53 to 1.6 in length of specimens about 200 mm. long; back much elevated; the anterior profile ascending at a steep angle, straight or slightly concave, forming an angle at occipital region; ventral outline anteriorly little curved, angulated at origin of anal; head short and deep; snout little projecting, 1.75 to 2 in head; eye 4.05 to 5.2; mouth moderate, oblique; APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 375 lower jaw in advance of upper; maxillary broad, failing to reach vertical from anterior margin of eye, 2.8 to 3.3 in head ; teeth minute, those on upper jaw in a narrow band, those on lower jaw mostly in a single series; vomerine teeth in a triangular patch; palatine teeth weak or wanting; tongue with a band of villiform teeth; gill-rakers slender, close set, 28 to 32, besides one or two rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch; scales very small, rudimentary; lateral line with a prominent arch, usually somewhat shorter than head, straight portion unarmed, an accessory branch present, extending from scapula to below origin of spinous dorsal; first dorsal with 7 or 8 spines, the second, third and fourth bearing filaments which are often more than twice the length of body in young, the longest spine about as long as eye in adult; second dorsal and anal similar, falcate, the anterior rays much produced, the first one filamentous in adult, the fins lower and without filaments in young; caudal widely forked, the lobes of about equal length; ventrals very small in adult, scarcely as long as eye, much produced in young but not filamentous, about half as long as the body in specimens 40 mm. in length; pectorals long and falcate in adult, proportionately shorter in young, 2.25 to 3.65 in length of body. Color bluish green above, sides silvery; very young with a blackish bar extending from snout through eye to origin of first dorsal ; sides with indistinct vertical bars or blackish blotches ; fins mostly pale in adult ; filament of dorsal blackish; the produced rays and filaments in young bluish black. The present collection contains 30 specimens of this species, ranging from 40 to 250 mm. in length. This species, although long confounded with the Atlantic coast form, S. vomer, may be distinguished without fail, as is indicated by the large series examined, by the constantly larger number of gill-rakers. In comparing specimens of equal size, it is also noted that this species is scarcely as deep as 5". vomer. Known from Lower California to Peru. Our specimens are from Chame Point; tide streams, Corozal; tide streams, beach and the bay, Balboa; and Panama City market. 280. Selene oerstedii Liitken. Selene rstedii Liitken, (Dan. Vid. Selsk. Skr., 5 ser., XII) Spolia Atlantica, 1880, 144 (Punta Arenas). Selene cerstedii Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 205; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat Mus. XLVII, 1896, 935; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 81 (Panama Bay). 376 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Head 2.5 to 3.06; depth 1.4 to 1.65; D. VIII-I, 16 to 18; A. II-I, 15 or 16. Body ovate, much compressed, the outlines trenchant, but not as much so as in other species of this genus; back much elevated; the anterior profile straight or slightly concave over snout, convex above level of eyes; the ventral outline anteriorly only slightly convex, angulated at origin of anal; head very short and deep; snout little projecting, 1.85 to 2.2 in head; eye 3.7 to 4.3; mouth moderate, slightly oblique; lower jaw slightly in advance of the upper; maxillary broad, reaching about to vertical from anterior margin of eye, 2.95 to 3.5 in head; teeth small, those on jaws in narrow bands; vomerine teeth in triangular patch with a backward projection; palatines toothless; tongue with a rather large band of villiform teeth; gill-rakers strong, rather far apart, about half as long as eye, 13 to 16, besides one or two rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch ; scales very small, rudiment- ary; lateral line with a prominent arch, about as long as head, the straight portion unarmed; an accessory lateral line present, extending from scapula to below anterior rays of spinous dorsal ; first dorsal with 8 spines, the anterior 5 or 6 connected by membrane, the anterior spines very long and slender in very young (35 mm. long), the second equaling about three-fourths the length of body, becoming proportionately much shorter with age, shorter than snout in adult (300 mm. long) ; second dorsal and anal similar, falcate, the anterior rays much produced, the first ray filamentous in adult, often reaching past tip of caudal, these fins an- teriorly much lower in young, and none of the rays produced into fila- ments; caudal very broadly forked, the lobes subequal; ventrals rather large, equal to postorbital part of head in adult, at least two-thirds the length of body in very young, none of the rays filamentous; pectorals long and falcate in adult, much shorter in young, 2.1 to 3.5 in length of body. Color of adult plain bluish green above, sides silvery; head often with dusky punctulations ; fins all with more or less dusky; axil of pectoral black; very young mostly black, with a prominent black bar extending from posterior angle of mouth through eye to base of anterior dorsal spines; in larger specimens the black of the body is broken up, often appearing as indistinct cross-bars; the produced fins in the young are jet black ; caudal pale. The present collection contains 17 specimens of this species, ranging from 35 to 310 mm. in length. This species is easily distinguished from other species of this genus by the less compressed body, less APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 377 trenchant outlines, and by the scarcely angulated occipital region. The gill-rakers are also much stronger and fewer in number. Known from the Pacific coast of tropical America, from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimens are from Chame Point, Balboa and the Panama City market. 111. Genus Trachinotus Lacepede. Trachinotus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 78 (type Scomber falcatus Forskal). Casiomorus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 92 (type Casiomorus baillonii Laecepde). Acanthinion Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 499 (type Chatodon rhotnboides Linnaeus). Bothrolcemus Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. I, 1855, 80 (type Trachinotus p amp anus Cuvier & Va\enciennes=Gasterosteus caro- linus Linnaeus). Doliodon Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 168 (type Gasterosteus carolimis Linnaeus). Body short, compressed, more or less ovate; abdomen shorter than anal fin, never trenchant; head short, compressed; snout extremely blunt; mouth slightly oblique, the upper jaw a little in advance of the lower; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary without a distinct supple- mental bone, reaching about middle of eye; preopercle serrate in very young, becoming entire with age; gill-membranes considerably united across isthmus; gill-rakers short and rather few; teeth in young in villiform bands on jaws, vomer, palatines, and sometimes on tongue, almost or entirely disappearing with age; scales small and smooth; lateral line scarcely arched, entirely unarmed; spinous dorsal with 6 short, strong spines, connected by membrane in young, free and proportionately shorter in aduh; second dorsal and anal similar, anteriorly more or less elevated in adult, sometimes long and falcate, very little if at all elevated in very young; anal preceded by 2 strong spines; caudal broadly forked, the lobes produced in adult; ventrals rather small, usually shorter than postorbital part of head; pectorals never falcate, constantly shorter than head. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Second dorsal with 17 to 21 rays; anal with 16 to 20 rays. b. Body deep, ovate, the depth 1.3 to 1.8 in length; sides without black cross-bars. 378 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. c. Second dorsal and anal anteriorly greatly elevated, the longest rays reaching nearly to base of caudal in adult; much shorter in young; dorsal with 19 to 21 rays. falcatus, p. 378. cc. Second dorsal and anal not greatly elevated, the longest rays reaching only slightly past middle of base of fins in adult; scarcely elevated in young; dorsal with 17 or 18 rays. d. Body slightly elongate, the depth 1.6 to 1.8 in length; head short and very deep ; profile from snout to dorsal rather strongly convex; maxillary reaching slightly past middle of eye, 2.75 to 2.9 in head ; color mostly silvery ; a black blotch under base of pectoral rays. kennedyi, p. 380. dd. Body ovate, the depth 1.3 to 1.57 in length; head lower; profile from snout to dorsal a straight oblique, or very slightly convex line; maxillary scarcely reaching middle of eye, 3.0 to 3.45 in head; general color reddish or blackish; no black blotch under base of pectoral rays. culvert, p. 381. bb. Body moderately elongate, the depth 1.8 to 2.65 in length; sides with evident black cross-bars, except in very young. e. Gill-rakers less than a third the length of eye, 8 to 10 on the lower limb of first arch; anal usually with 17, occasionally with 18, rays. glaucus, p. 382. ee. Gill-rakers at least half as long as eye, 13 to 15 on lower limb of first arch; anal usually with 18 or 19, rarely with 20, rays. rhodopus, p. 383. aa. Second dorsal with 23 to 27 rays ; anal with 20 to 24 rays. f. Body rather deep; in specimens about 80 mm. in length, the depth 2.15 to 2.35 in length; gill-rakers very short, less than a third the length of eye, 7 or 8, rarely 9, on lower limb of first arch; second dorsal usually with 24, occasionally with 23 or 25, rays; anal with 21, rarely with 23, rays. carolinus, p. 385. ff. , Body elongate; in specimens about 80 mm. in length, the depth 2.45 to 2.65 in length; gill-rakers longer, about half the length of eye, 9 or 10, rarely only 8, on lower limb of first arch; second dorsal usually with 26 or 27, occasionally with only 25 rays ; anal with 22 or 23, rarely with 24 or 25, rays. paloma. p. 386. 281. Trachinotus falcatus (Linnaeus). (Plate XXXIII.) Labrus falcatus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 284 (America). Chatodon rhomboides Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, III, 1787, 100, PI. CCIX (on a drawing by Plumier). PI- XI, fig. 4. Trachynotus ovatus Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 481 (in part ; not of Linnaeus) . Trachynotus rhomboides Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 974; Meek & Goss, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1884, 124. Trachinotus falcatus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 575; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 941, PI. CXLVI, fig. 396; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 132 (Colon). Head 2.75 to 3.75; depth 1.45 to 1.8; D. VIM, 19 to 21 ; A. II-I, 17 or 18. Body more or less ovate, strongly compressed; the back much elevated; profile of snout nearly vertical, from snout to second dorsal moderately convex ; dorsal and ventral outlines forming a marked angle at origin of second dorsal and anal; head short and deep; snout very short and blunt, 3.65 to 5 in head ; eye 2.96 to 4 ; mouth small, slightly oblique; upper jaw in advance of the lower; maxillary rather wide, scarcely reaching middle of eye, 2.8 to 3.1 in head ; teeth almost wholly wanting in adult, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue in young; gill-rakers very short, less than a third the length of eye, 9 to 12 on the lower limb of first arch; scales minute, partly embedded ; lateral line with only a slight arch, wholly unarmed; first dorsal with 6 short, stiff spines; second dorsal and anal produced in adult, the longest reaching nearly to base of caudal; these fins anteriorly only slightly elevated in small specimens; caudal broadly forked, the lobes produced in adult, much shorter in young; ventrals small, slightly shorter than postorbital part of head ; pectorals constantly shorter than head, 4.4 to 5.15 in length of body. Color bluish or blackish above, usually silvery below; in dark colored specimens the lower part of sides as well as abdomen densely punctulate with dark points; paler specimens with the anterior rays 380 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. of second dorsal and anal, and outer rays of caudal black, the rest of fins mostly pale ; dark specimens mostly with black fins ; no black blotch under base of pectoral rays. The present collection contains 36 specimens of this species, ranging in length from 35 to 290 mm. Known from Cape Cod to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point; Fox Bay, Colon, and the Colon market. 282. Trachinotus kennedyi Steindachner. (Plate XXXIV.) Trachinotus kennedyi Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., Ill, 1875, 47, PI. VII, fig. 9 (Magdalena Bay, Lower California) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 942; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 84 (Panama Bay) ; Starks, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1906, 786 (Ecuador). Trachynotus kennedyi Meek & Goss, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1884, 123. Head 3.32 to 3.5; depth 1.6 to 1.8; D. VI-I, 17 or 18; A. II-I, 16 or 17. Body rather deep, but scarcely ovate, strongly compressed; the back rather strongly elevated; profile of snout almost vertical, from snout to dorsal rather strongly convex; dorsal and ventral outlines forming broad obtuse angles at origin of second dorsal and anal ; head short and deep, high at nape; snout very short and blunt, 4.15 to 4.4 in head; eye 3.4 to 3.5; mouth moderate, slightly oblique; upper jaw in advance of the lower; maxillary reaching slightly past middle of eye, 2.75 to 2.9 in head; teeth almost wholly wanting in adult; the young with feeble teeth; gill-rakers less than one-third the length of eye, 9 to n on the lower limb of first arch; scales minute, more or less embedded; lateral line anteriorly with a broad angle, entirely unarmed; first dorsal with 6 short, stiff spines; second dorsal and anal similar, anteriorly only moderately elevated, the longest rays reaching about middle of base of fins when deflexed; caudal broadly forked, the lobes in adult much longer than head; ventrals small, somewhat shorter than postorbital part of head; pectorals constantly shorter than head, 3.95 to 4 in length of body. Color bluish or grayish above, lower part of sides and abdomen silvery; elevated portion of dorsal, caudal and pectorals black or dusky; other fins mostly pale or yellowish in life; a black blotch present under base of pectoral rays. 5 E z E APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 381 The present collection contains only 2 specimens of this species, 225 and 260 mm. in length. We have for comparison one specimen, 265 mm. in length, collected by Dr. Gilbert and associates who found the species more common at Panama than the present authors. The above description is based on the three specimens mentioned. This species is close to T. falcatus, but the dorsal fin is slightly shorter, and the second dorsal and anal are much lower anteriorly. This last dif- ference, owing to the great change the dorsal and anal undergo with age, is noticeable only when specimens nearly of like size are compared. Known from Lower California to Guayaquil. Our specimens are from the Panama City market. 283. Trachinotus culveri Jordan & Starks. (Plate XXXV.) Trachinotus culveri Jordan & Starks, in Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Sen, V, 1895, 439, PI. XXXVI (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 942, PI. CXLVII, fig. 397; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 84 (Panama Bay). Head 2.9 to 3.5; depth 1.3 to 1.57; D. VI-I, 17 or 18; A. II-I, 16 or 17. Body ovate, strongly compressed ; the back strongly elevated ; profile of snout vertical, from snout to second dorsal ascending in a straight, oblique or slightly convex line; dorsal and ventral outline scarcely angulate at origin of second dorsal and anal in adult, evenly convex in young; head short, rather low at nape; snout extremely short and blunt, 4.25 to 5.15 in head ; eye 3.2 to 3.7 ; mouth small, slightly oblique ; upper jaw very little in advance of the lower; maxillary scarcely reaching middle of eye, 3 to 3.45 in head; teeth present in villiform bands on jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue in specimens at hand; gill-rakers less than a third the length of eye, 9 to II on the lower limb of first arch ; scales minute, embedded ; lateral line nearly straight, unarmed; first dorsal with 6 short, stiff spines, separate in adult, connected by membrane in young; second dorsal and anal similar, anteriorly moderately elevated in adult, the longest rays reaching slightly past middle of base of fins when deflexed, in very young the outer margin of these fins evenly convex; caudal broadly forked, the lobes produced in adult, notably longer than head, not produced in young and shorter than head; ventrals small, notably shorter than postorbital part of head; pectorals constantly shorter than head, 4 to 5.8 in length of body. 382 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color bluish or black above; some small specimens wholly reddish black ; lighter colored specimens with the lower part of sides and abdo- men pale with dusky punctulations ; fins of all of our largest specimens dusky, the produced portion of second dorsal and the tips of lobes of caudal black; caudals and pectorals pale in young; other fins mostly black ; no black blotch under base of pectoral rays. The young were taken in large numbers at Taboga Island, swimming at the surface, among dead leaves, which were of the same color as the fish. Of this species there are 154 specimens, ranging in length from 20 to 195 mm., in the present collection. This species differs from T. falcatus in the slightly shorter dorsal fin, in the less convex dorsal profile, and in the much lower vertical fins. It differs from T. kennedyi in the lower head, the less convex dorsal profile, slightly deeper body, and shorter maxillary. The color of T. culveri, in specimens at hand, is much darker and the black blotch under base of pectoral rays is wanting. Known from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimens are from Chame Point, Taboga Island, and the Panama City market. 284. Trachinotus glaucus (Bloch). (Plate XXXVI, fig. i.) Chatodon glaucus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, III, 1787, 112, PI. CCX (Martinique; on a figure by Plumier). Trachinotus glaucus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 400; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 940, PL. CXLVI, fig. 395 ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 132 (Colon). Trachynotus glaucus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 483; Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 270; Meek & Goss, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1884, 122. Trachynotus rhodopus Meek & Goss, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1884, 125 (part). Head 3 to 3.9; depth 1.9 to 2.65; D. V or VI-I, 19 or 20; A. II-I, 17 or 18. Body more or less elongate, strongly compressed; the back moderately elevated ; profile over snout very steep, from snout to origin of second dorsal only slightly convex; dorsal and ventral outlines forming broad, obtuse angles at origin of second dorsal and anal ; head rather low; snout very blunt, 3.7 to 4.75 in head; eye 3 to 4.1 ; mouth rather small, oblique; upper jaws in advance of lower; maxillary of FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. ZOOLOGY. VOL. XIV, PL. XXXVI. FIG. 1. TRACHINOTUS GLAUCUS d'.iochi From a specimen 80 mm. in length. FIG. 2. TRACHINOTUS PALOMA Jordan & Starks. From a specimen 82 mm. in length. P E O -S APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 383 moderate width, reaching about middle of eye, 2.2 to 2.76 in head; teeth in jaws in villiform bands; vomer and palatines each with a small patch of teeth; tongue toothless; gill-rakers very short and sharply pointed, less than a third the length of eye, 8 to 10 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, more or less embedded; head with a few scattered scales; lateral line with only a slight curve, and wholly without bony scutes; first dorsal with 6 short, stiff spines, the first one occasionally becoming obsolete in adult; second dorsal and anal similar, the anterior rays very much produced, reaching nearly to tip of caudal in adult, little, if at all, produced in specimens less than 80 mm. in length; caudal deeply forked, the lobes much produced in adult, much shorter in young; ventrals rather small, about as long as postorbital part of head; pectorals constantly shorter than head, 4.55 to 5.5 in length of body. Color variable, from bluish black to pale brown above, silvery below; sides with 4 or 5 cross-bars, which vary much in width and intensity, wholly wanting on specimens less than 75 mm. in length; produced rays of dorsal and anal and outer rays of caudal black; fins otherwise mostly pale. We have only 4 small specimens of this species, ranging from 35 to 80 mm. in length. We have also examined specimens of this species from North Carolina, Bahama Islands, Cuba and Honduras. The above description is based on all the material examined. Known from Virginia southward to Argentina. Our specimens are from Toro Point, and Porto Bello. 285. Trachinotus rhodopus Gill. (Plate XXXVII.) Trachynotus rhodopus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 85 (Cape San Lucas ; young of 2 inches) ; Meek & Goss, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1884, 125 (in part; not of Gill). Trachynotus nasutus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 85 (Cape San Lucas ; young of i inch) . Trachynotus fasciatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 86 (Panama). Trachynotus glaucoides Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 150 (San Jose, Guatemala). Trachinotus rhodopus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 941 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 82 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, loo. 384 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Head 3 to 4.1; depth 1.8 to 2.65; D. VI-I, 19 to 21; A. II-I, 1 8 to 20. Body more or less elongate, strongly compressed; the back moderately elevated ; profile of snout very steep, from snout to second dorsal only slightly convex; dorsal and ventral outlines forming broad obtuse angles at origin of second dorsal and anal; head rather low; snout blunt, 3.9 to 4.4 in head; eye 3.3 to 4.2; mouth rather small, slightly oblique ; upper jaw in advance of lower ; maxillary of moderate width, reaching about middle of eye, 2.3 to 2.8 in head ; teeth in jaws in villiform bands; vomer and palatines each with a small patch of teeth; tongue toothless; gill-rakers rather long and blunt, at least half as long as eye, 13 to 15 on the lower limb of first arch; scales small, more or less embedded; head mostly without scales; lateral line with only a very slight curve, and wholly without bony scutes; first dorsal with 6 short, stiff spines; second dorsal and anal similar, the anterior rays much produced, reaching nearly to tip of caudal in adult, little, if at all, produced in specimens less than 80 mm. in length; caudal deeply forked, the lobes produced in adult, much shorter in young; ventrals rather small, as long as postorbital part of head; pectorals constantly shorter than head, 4.7 to 5.65 in length of body. Color black or brownish above, silvery below; sides with 4 or 5 black cross-bars, which vary greatly in width and intensity, wholly wanting in specimens less than about 75 mm. in length; fins in dark specimens mostly black; in light specimens only the produced rays of dorsal and anal and outside rays of caudal are black; a black blotch under base of pectoral usually present. Of this species no specimens, ranging from 30 to 285 mm. in length, were secured. This species differs from T. glaucus, its Atlantic representative, in the longer and more numerous gill-rakers, and in the slightly longer anal. The average number of soft anal rays in 12 specimens is 18.7-)- in T. rhodopus. For the same number of specimens it is 17.94- m T. glaucus. The difference in profile mentioned by Jordan & Evermann (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, p. 941) is an unreliable character. The dorsal profile is greatly changed when the fish is preserved with the mouth open, becoming less convex or even slightly concave. In specimens with the mouth closed, we can not de- tect the slightest difference with respect to the dorsal profile. Known from the Pacific coast of tropical America, from Mazatlan to Tumaco, Colombia. Our specimens are from Chame Point, Taboga Island and the Panama City market. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 385 286. Trachinotus carolinus (Linnaeus). Gasterosteus carolinus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 490 (Carolina). Trachinotus argenteus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 413 (New York; Rio de Janeiro). Trachinotus aipreus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 414 (Martinique). Trachinotus pampanus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 414, PI. CCXXXVII (Brazil). Doliodon carolinus Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 168. Bothrolamus pampanus Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. I, 1855, 8 1 (Charleston). Trachynotus carolinus Gill, Proc, Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 438. Trachinotus carolinus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 944, PI. CXLVII, fig. 398. Head 3.2 to 4.15; depth 2.0 to 2.35; D. V or VI-I, 23 to 25; A. 1I-I, 20 to 23. Body elongate, strongly compressed ; the back moderately elevated ; profile of snout strongly convex, from snout to second dorsal moderately and evenly convex; body outlines without marked angles at origin of second dorsal and anal ; head short and rather deep ; snout short and blunt, 4.2 to 4.9 in head ; eye 3.2 to 4.6 ; mouth moderate, slightly oblique ; upper jaw in advance of the lower; maxillary reaching to or slightly past middle of eye, 2.7 to 3.0 in head; teeth weak, in villiform bands in young, becoming obsolete with age; gill-rakers short, less than a third the length of eye, 7 or 8, rarely 9, on lower limb of first arch; scales minute, embedded ; lateral line nearly straight, entirely unarmed ; first dorsal with 6, rarely with 5, short, stiff spines connected by mem- brane in young, separate in adult; second dorsal and anal similar, an- teriorly not greatly elevated, the longest rays in adult reaching about middle of base of fins when deflexed, much shorter in young; caudal widely forked, the lobes longer than head in adult, shorter in young; ventrals small, usually slightly shorter than postorbital part of head; pectorals shorter than head, 4.2 to 5.55 in length of body. Color bluish above, silvery below; ventrals pale; other fins usually black or dusky. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from specimens from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Yucatan, ranging in length from 70 to 365 mm. Known from Massachusetts to Brazil. 386 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 287. Trachinotus paloma Jordan & Starks. (Plate XXXVI, fig. 2.) Trachinotus paloma Jordan & Starks, in Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 437 (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 945 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 84 (Panama Bay) ; Starks, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1906, 786 (Ecuador). Head 3.4 to 3.7; depth 2.25 to 2.65; D. VI-I, 25 to 27; A. II-I, 22 to 24. Body elongate, strongly compressed ; the back not greatly elevated ; profile of snout strongly convex, from snout to second dorsal only slightly convex; outlines of body not angulate at origin of second dorsal and anal; head rather short and low; snout rather blunt, 3.6 to 4.45 in head; eye 4 to 4.8; mouth moderate, oblique; the upper jaw in advance of the lower; maxillary reaching about middle of eye, 2.6 to 2.9 in head; teeth weak, in villiform bands in young (no adult specimens at hand) ; gill-rakers moderate in length, about half the length of eye, 9 or 10, rarely only 8, on lower limb of first arch; scales minute, more or less embedded; lateral line nearly straight, entirely unarmed ; first dorsal with 6 short, stiff spines, connected by membrane in very young, separate in adult; second dorsal and anal similar, anteriorly not greatly elevated, the longest rays failing to reach middle of base of fins when deflexed in largest specimens at hand, shorter in young; caudal widely forked; ventrals small, scarcely as long as postorbital part of head; pectorals shorter than head, 4.85 to 5.8 in length of body. Color bluish or grayish above, silvery below; ventrals pale; other fins all with more or less black or dusky; the elevated portion of dorsal always black. Of this species there are only 7 small specimens, ranging from 75 to 80 mm. in length, in the present collection. Besides these we have examined 6 specimens, ranging from 70 to 140 mm. in length, from Cape San Lucas. This species is very close to T. carolinus, from which it appears to differ in the following characters : (a) The body is scarcely as deep, this character being apparent only when specimens of like size are compared. The body of both species appears to increase with age and thus measurements overlap. In specimens about 80 mm. in length, the depth is contained 2.45 to 2.65 in length in T. paloma; in T. carolinus, 2.15 to 2.35. (b) The gill-rakers are longer and slightly greater in number, (c) The soft dorsal and anal are slightly longer. In the 12 specimens at hand of T. paloma, 2 have 25 rays in the soft dorsal, 6 have 26, and 4 have 27. In 4 specimens APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 387 the anal has 22 rays, in 6 it has 23, in one it has 24 and in another it has 25. In 20 specimens of T. carolinus, 3 have 23 rays in the soft dorsal, 14 have 24, and 3 have 25. In the anal fin one specimen has 20 rays, n have 21, 7 have 22, and one has 23. Known from Lower California to Peru. Our specimens are from Chame Point. 112. Genus Oligoplites Gill. Oligoplites Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 166 (type Oligoplites occidentals GiH=Scomber saurus Bloch & Schneider). Body compressed, oblong or lanceolate ; dorsal profile anteriorly with sharp keel; head short, compressed and rather pointed; mouth rather large, oblique; lower jaw usually slightly projecting, premaxillaries not protractile, except in very young; maxillary long and very narrow, without a distinct supplemental bone; teeth present in both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, none on pterygoids, those on jaws in bands; gill-rakers rather long; scales small, linear, embedded in the skin and placed at different angles to each other ; lateral line anteriorly with a low arch or broad angle, unarmed ; dorsal spines 3 to 5, connected at base by low membranes; second dorsal and anal similar and of about equal length, more or less elevated anteriorly, with deep notches between their posterior rays ; anal preceded by 2 strong spines ; pectoral fins very short. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Head above with numerous pores which lead to canals which ramify under the skin; gill-rakers rather few, 7 to II, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch. b. Body elongate, the dorsal outline not angulate at origin of second dorsal ; head short, 4.25 to 4.3 in length of body ; mouth moderate, the maxillary reaching posterior margin of eye in adult, 1.65 to 1.75 in head; band of teeth in lower jaw with an outside series of slightly enlarged, very close set, laterally compressed, movable teeth. altus, p. 388. bb. Body deep, the dorsal outline angulate at origin of second dorsal ; head longer, 3.8 to 4.05 in length of body ; mouth very large, the maxillary reaching much beyond eye in adult, to posterior margin of eye in very young, 1.45 to 1.65 in head; band of teeth in lower jaw with an outside series of slightly enlarged, well separated, pointed teeth. mundus, p. 389. aa. Head without pores and canals; gill-rakers more numerous, 13 to 17 on the lower limb of first arch. 388 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. c. Body moderately elongate, its depth 3.3 to 4.0 in its length; mouth rather large, the maxillary reaching slightly past middle of eye in very young, past posterior margin of eye in adult; band of teeeth in lower jaw, with the outside series somewhat enlarged, composed of well separated pointed teeth. d. A well developed membrane connecting anterior part of the first branchiostegal rays across the isthmus. saliens, p. 390. dd. No membrane connecting anterior branchiostegal rays across isthmus. saurus, p. 390. cc. Body very elongate, its depth 4.0 to 4.6 in its length; mouth small, the maxillary not reaching past middle of eye, 2.3 to 2.45 in head ; bands of teeth in lower jaw with an outside series of slightly enlarged, very close set, laterally compressed, mov- able teeth. , refulgent, p. 392. 288. Oligoplites altus (Giinther). (Plate XXXVIII, fig. i.) Chorinemus altus Gunther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 433 (Panama). Oligoplites altus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 374 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 899; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 72, PI. XI, fig. 20 (Panama Bay). Head 4.25 to 4.3; depth 3.0 to 3.2; D. IV or V-I, 20; A. II-I, 20. Body slender, compressed ; dorsal profile anteriorly nearly straight, not forming an angle at the origin of the second dorsal ; lower outline a little more strongly rounded than the upper; head short, its upper surface with numerous pores; snout rather pointed, 4.4 in head; eye 3.7; mouth quite oblique; lower jaw projecting; maxillary narrow, reaching posterior margin of eye, 1.65 to 1.75 in head; teeth small, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; the teeth in jaws in bands, the one on lower jaw very wide, with an outer row of very close set, movable, laterally compressed teeth projecting above the other teeth ; gill-rakers short, the longest only slightly longer than half the diameter of eye, 10 or n, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch ; anterior branchiostegal rays connected across isthmus by a thin transparent membrane; scales long and narrow, numerous, and placed at angles to each other as in O. saliens; lateral line with a low arch anteriorly, sometimes forming a broad obtuse angle; spines of first dorsal connected by low membranes at base; second dorsal and anal anteriorly not much elevated, the longest rays reaching little, if APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 389 at all, past the tips of the succeeding rays when deflexed, the lower portion of fins with deep notches between the rays; ventrals inserted a little nearer the origin of anal than tip of mandible, reaching nearly or quite to vent; pectorals of moderate length, 1.4 in head. Color bluish above, sides silvery; fins mostly yellowish green in life. Only 2 specimens of this species were secured, respectively 220 and 240 mm. in length. Known from the Pacific coast of Panama to Guayaquil. All records from other localities which we have examined are very probably refer- able to O. mundus. Our specimens are from Chame Point and the Panama City market. 289. Oligoplites mundus Jordan & Starks. (Plate XXXVIII, fig. 2.) Oligoplites mundus Jordan & Starks, in Jordan & Evermann, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XXI, 1895 (1896), 344 (Mazatlan, Mexico; name only) ; Jordan & Starks, in Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2844 (first description) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 74, PI. XII, fig. 21 (Panama Bay) ; Starks, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1906, 784 (Ecuador). Head 3.8 to 4.05; depth 2.75 to 3.1; D. IV-I, 18 or 19; A. II-I, 1 8 to 20. Body deep, strongly compressed; dorsal profile nearly straight anteriorly, forming an angle at origin of second dorsal ; ventral outline strongly convex; head rather large, its upper surface with numerous pores; snout pointed, 4.45 to 5.1 in head; eye 3.4 to 4.45; mouth very oblique; lower jaw projecting; maxillary very long and narrow, reaching much beyond eye in adult, scarcely to posterior margin of eye in very young, 1.45 to 1.65 in head; teeth small, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; the teeth in jaws in bands, the one on lower jaw of moderate width, with the inner and outer series somewhat enlarged, composed of well separated, pointed teeth; gill-rakers few, the longest about two-thirds the length of eye, 7 to 9, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch; anterior branchiostegal rays connected across the isthmus by a thin, transparent membrane; scales very long and narrow, fewer and more scattered than in O. altus; lateral line with a low arch, sometimes forming a broad obtuse angle ; spines of first dorsal connected by low membranes at base; second dorsal and anal moderately elevated anteriorly, the longest rays reaching past the tips of succeeding rays when deflexed, the low portion of fins with notches between the rays ; ventrals inserted 390 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. a little nearer origin of anal than tip of mandible, failing to reach vent in adult, reaching to or past vent in young; pectorals rather short, 1.5 to 1.8 in head. Color bluish above, sides silvery; fins mostly yellowish in life. This species is represented by 49 specimens, ranging from 65 to 345 mm. in length. Known from the Gulf of California to Ecuador. Our specimens are from tide streams, Corozal; tide streams, beach, and Panama Bay at Balboa, and the Panama City market. 290. Oligoplites saliens (Bloch). Scomber saliens Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 49, PI. CCCXXXV (Antilles). Scomberoides sdtator Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1800, PI. XIX, fig. 2 (opposite p. 596), text, III, 1802, 55. Chorinemus saliens Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 389. Oligoplites saliens Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 899; Starks, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1906, 784, and Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Sen, 1913, 43. This species was not seen by us. It is said to differ from O. saurus in having a well developed membrane connecting the anterior part of the first pair of branchiostegal rays across the isthmus. The maxillary is more evenly and gently curved downward, and longer, reaching past eye in specimens over 180 mm. long (see Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, pp. 43 & 44). Recorded from the West Indies and Brazil. 291. Oligoplites saurus (Bloch & Schneider). (Plate XXXIX, fig. i.) Scomber saurus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 321 (Jamaica; based on the Leather Coat, or Saurus argenteus of Browne). Centronotus argenteus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 316 (Equatorial America). Lichia quiebra Quoy & Gaimard, in Freycinet, Voy. Uranie et Physi- cienne, Zool., 1824, 365 (Equatorial America). Chorinemus saltans Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, J 83i, 393 (Martinique, San Domingo, and Brazil). Chorinemus occidentalis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 475 (not Gasterosteus occidentalis Linnaeus) ; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 3. S? E II O - APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 391 Oligoplites inornatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 166 (Panama). Oligoplites occidentals Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 167. Chorinetmis inornatus Giinther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 433- Scombroides occidentalis Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 447- Oligoplites saurus Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 70 (Panama Bay) ; Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Sen, 1913, 43. Head 3.7 to 4.8 ; depth 3.3 to 4.0 ; D. V-I, 19 to 21 ; A. II-I, 19 to 21. Body rather slender, strongly compressed; dorsal profile anteriorly nearly straight, and not angulated at origin of second dorsal ; lower out- line anteriorly about evenly convex ; head rather long, its upper surface without pores; snout pointed, 3.4 to 4 in head; eye 3.44 to 4.2; mouth oblique; lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary very narrow, reaching to or slightly past posterior margin of eye in adult, only slightly past middle of eye in young of about 55 mm. in length, 1.7 to 1.85 in head; teeth small, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, those on jaws in bands, the one on lower jaw of moderate width, with the inner and outer series somewhat enlarged, composed of well separated, pointed teeth ; gill-rakers about two-thirds the length of eye, 13 or 14, exclusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch; anterior branchiostegal rays not connected across the isthmus by a membrane; scales long and very narrow, placed obliquely and at angles to each other; lateral line with a low arch anteriorly, which sometimes forms a broad obtuse angle ; spines of first dorsal connected by membranes at base ; second dorsal and anal little elevated anteriorly, the longest rays not reaching past tips of succeeding rays when deflexed, the low portions of fins with deep notches between the rays; ventrals inserted slightly nearer origin of anal than tip of mandible, usually reaching to or slightly past vent; pectorals short, 1.57 to 1.85 in head. Color bluish above, sides silvery ; fins mostly yellowish in life. We have 55 specimens of this species, ranging from 25 to 300 mm. in length. Of these 31 are from the Atlantic coast and 24 from the Pacific. Numerous specimens from the West Indies, Florida, Texas, Nicaragua, Brazil, and the west coast of Mexico and Central America were also examined. We are unable to detect any differences between Atlantic and Pacific specimens, or between specimens from northern and southern localities. The length of the maxillary varies with age. In 392 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. large examples it reaches to or slightly past posterior margin of eye, while in the very young it reaches only slightly past middle of eye. The comparative width of the lowest suborbital bone and the next one above it is also an unreliable character, as these vary greatly, even on the op- posite sides of the same fish. (See Gilbert & Starks, Fishes of Panama Bay, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904^ p. 70.) Known from both coasts of tropical America. Our Atlantic coast specimens are from Mindi Cut ; Fox Bay, Colon ; Colon Reef, and the Colon market. The Pacific coast specimens are from Chame Point ; tide streams, Corozal; tide streams, beach and Panama Bay at Balboa, and the Panama City market. 292. Oligoplites refulgens Gilbert & Starks. (Plate XXXIX, fig. 2.) Oligoplites refulgens Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 73, PI. XI, fig. 19 (Panama Bay). Head 3.8 to 4.5; depth 4.0 to 4.6; D. IV or V-I, 19 to 21; A. II-I, 19 or 20. Body very slender; more elongate than in other species of this genus; dorsal profile evenly convex, not forming an angle at origin of second dorsal; ventral outline a little more strongly rounded than the upper; head rather small, without pores; snout pointed, 3.2 to 4.15 in head; eye 3.35 to 4.6; mouth oblique; lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary very narrow, reaching slightly past anterior margin of eye to below middle of eye, 2.3 to 2.5 in head ; teeth small, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue, those on jaws in bands, the one on lower jaw much as in O. altus, the outer series of very close set, com- pressed teeth ; gill-rakers about two-thirds length of eye, 16 or 17, ex- clusive of rudiments, on the lower limb of first arch ; anterior branchios- tegal rays not connected across the isthmus by a membrane; scales long and narrow, as in O. saliens; lateral line with a low arch or broad obtuse angle anteriorly ; spines of first dorsal connected at base by mem- branes ; second dorsal and anal not greatly elevated anteriorly, the long- est rays not reaching past the tips of the succeeding rays when deflexed, the low portion of fins with deep notches between the rays ; ventrals in- serted about midway between tip of mandible and origin of anal, usually not quite reaching vent; pectorals short, 1.65 to 1.85 in head. Color dark blue above, sides silvery; the dark blue of the back rather distinctly defined by the silvery of the sides; the body and fins in young often with yellowish green in life; tip of snout and mandible black; dorsal and caudal usually dusky, other fins pale in spirits. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 393 We have 63 small specimens, ranging from 20 to 95 mm. in length, which we refer to this species. Known from the Pacific coast of Panama to Guayaquil. Our material is from Chame Point and Taboga Island. 113. Genus Elagatis Bennett. Elagatis Bennett, Whaling Voyage, II, 1840, 283 (type Seriola bipinnnlata Quoy & Gaimard). Seriolichthys Bleeker, Nat. Tijds. Ned. Ind., VI, 1854, 196 (type Seriola bipinnulata Quoy & Gaimard). Decaptus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 391 (type Seriola pinnulata Poey). Body long and slender, not greatly compressed, the outlines nowhere sharply trenchant; head low; snout long and pointed; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary broad, with a well developed supplemental bone; lateral line with a very low and long arch, forming a slight keel on caudal peduncle, but not armed with bony scutes; second dorsal and anal similar, not greatly elevated anteriorly, each with a detached finlet; ventrals rather long; pectorals short. 293. Elagatis bipinnulatus (Quoy & Gaimard). Seriola bipinnulata Quoy & Gaimard, in Freycinet, Voy. Uranie et Physicienne, Zool., 1824, 363, PI. LXI, fig. 3 (Keeling Island). Elagatis bipinnulatus Bennet, Whaling Voyage, II, 1840, 283; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 906. Seriola pinnulata Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 233 (Havana). Seriolichthys bipinnulatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 468. Elagatis pinnulatus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 446; Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1905, 362. Head 3.5 to 3.9; depth 4.0 to 4.38; D. V or VI-I, 24 to 26-2; A. I or II-I, 16 to 18-2. Body elongate, moderately compressed; the back scarcely elevated; profile from snout to dorsal only slightly convex ; head rather low ; snout long and pointed, 2.7 to 3.4 in head ; eye 3.7 to 5 ; mouth small, nearly horizontal; lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary broad, with a well developed supplemental bone, failing to reach anterior margin of eye, 2.9 to 3.05 in head ; teeth in villiform bands, present on jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers long and slender, about three- fourths the length of eye, 25 to 27 on lower limb of first arch ; scales of moderate size, present on cheeks, the rest of head mostly naked ; lateral line with a long, low arch, the scales in posterior part of straight portion slightly thickened, but not developed into bony scutes; first dorsal 394 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. with 5 or 6 slender spines, connected by membrane ; second dorsal and anal similar in form, the latter, however, much the shorter, each with a single detached finlet, composed of 2 rays ; caudal deeply forked ; ventrals of moderate size, as long as snout and eye; pectorals short, about 6.6 to 7.75 in body. Color dark brown. Our small specimen with 2 indistinct, dark bands on sides; the upper one beginning at upper posterior margin of eye and running horizontally to upper margin of caudal peduncle; the lower one beginning at tip of snout, running through lower margin of eye and losing itself above base of anal; fins pale or dusky. This species is represented by one specimen, 85 mm. in length, in the present collection. It is here described from the above and several larger specimens from New York, Florida and Cuba, ranging in length form no to 460 mm. A pelagic species recorded from all warm seas. Our specimen is from Chame Point. 114. Genus Seriola Cuvier. Seriola Cuvier, Regne Anim., Ed. I, II, 1817, 315 (type Caranx dumerili Risso). Micropteryx Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 102 (type Seriola dumerili Cuvier). Zonichthys Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 248 (type Scomber fasciatus Bloch). Halatractus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 442 (type Seriola dumerili Cuvier & Valenciennes; substitute for Seriola, used in Botany). Lepidomegas Thominot, Bull. Soc. Philom. Paris, 7 ser., IV, 1880, 173 (type Lepidomegas muelleri Thominot). Body elongate, moderately compressed ; the back not greatly elevated ; head rather long ; snout more or less conical, not blunt ; mouth rather large; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary very broad, with a wide supplemental bone ; teeth in broad villif orm bands, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and usually on tongue ; lateral line with a long, low arch, unarmed, forming a slight keel on caudal peduncle in adult; first dorsal with 6 to 8 slender spines, connected by membrane; second dorsal long, more or less elevated anteriorly; anal similar to second dorsal, but much shorter ; no finlets ; ventral fins long ; pectorals broad, shorter than ventrals. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 395 KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body deep, strongly compressed, the depth 2.45 to 2.9 in the length. b. Dorsal and anal anteriorly not notably elevated ; gill-rakers about 22. mazatlana, p. 395. bb. Dorsal and anal anteriorly notably elevated, distinctly falcate in adult; gill-rakers 17 or 18. rivoliana, p. 396. aa. Body more elongate, not greatly compressed, its depth 2.95 to 4.2 in its length; dorsal and anal fins anteriorly not much elevated, slightly falcate only in very large examples. c. Maxillary reaching to or slightly past middle of eye, 2.1 to 2.25 in length of head; gill-rakers rather few, n to 14 on lower limb of first arch. dumerili, p. 397. cc. Maxillary shorter, reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.5 to 2.65 in head; gill-rakers more numerous, 19 to 25 on lower limb of first arch. dorsalis, p. 398. 294. Seriola mazatlana Steindachner. Seriola mazatlana Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXIV) Ichth. Beitr., V, 1876, 8 (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 904, Head 2.75 to 2.9 ; depth 2.45 to 2.75 ; D. VII-I, 31 to 33 ; A. II, 22. Body deep, rather strongly compressed ; head as deep as long ; snout tapering, 4 to 5.25 in head; eye 3 to 3.5; mouth oblique, terminal; maxillary scarcely reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.4 to 2.6 in head ; teeth all small, in villiform bands, present on jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers slender, about 22 on lower limb of first arch; scales very small, wanting on upper surface of head and snout, present on cheeks; lateral line with a long, low arch anteriorly, more or less wavy, the arched part shorter than the straight portion; first dorsal low, the spines scarcely longer than eye, the soft part about a fourth higher, not elevated anteriorly, the outer margin convex; caudal fin forked; anal fin with 2 short detached spines, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal but notably shorter ; ventral fins somewhat longer than the pectorals, inserted just behind base of pectorals; pectoral fins short, the upper rays longest, 1.75 to 2.3 in head. Color very dark brown, sides with about 10 narrow, vertical bars of lighter brown; a rather indistinct dark bar extending upward and backward from upper posterior margin of eye, meeting its fellow at nape ; caudal fin yellowish ; pectorals pale ; the other fins mostly darker than the bodv. 396 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. The above description is based on 8 small specimens, 22 to 50 mm. long, which we doubtfully refer to this species. This fish has been reported only from Mazatlan. Representatives of this genus appear to be rare in the Pacific. Our specimens are from Taboga Island and Chame Point. The specimens (6) from the latter locality were sent by Mr. Robert Tweedlie. 295. Seriola rivoliana Cuvier & Valenciennes. Seriola rivoliana Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 207 (Greek Archipelago) ; Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 444; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 532; Berg, Anal. Mus. Nac. Buenos Aires, IV, 1895, 34; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 904. Seriola boscii Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 208 (South Carolina). Seriola bonariensis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 211 (Buenos Aires). Seriola coronata Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 232 (Cuba). Zonichthys boscii Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., appendix, 1861, 36. Halatractus boscii Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 442. Halatractus bonariensis Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 373. Halatractus coronatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 373. Zonichthys coronatus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 83. Head 3.3 to 3.4; depth 2.8 to 2.9; D. VIM, 28 to 30; A. II-I, 19 to 21. Body deep, rather strongly compressed; the back considerably elevated; profile from tip of snout to origin of second dorsal evenly convex; ventral outline from tip of mandible to origin of anal nearly straight and horizontal ; head rather deep, compressed ; snout pointed, 2.7 to 2.8 in head ; eye 4.35 ; mouth of moderate size, slightly oblique ; jaws subequal; maxillary very broad, with a large supplemental bone, scarcely reaching middle of eye, 2.3 in head; teeth in broad villiform bands, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers long, about two-thirds length of eye, 17 or 18 on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, present on cheeks, the rest of head mostly naked ; lateral line with a long, low arch, unarmed, but in large examples forming a slight keel on caudle peduncle; first dorsal with 7 rather slender spines, connected by membrane, its origin behind that of pectorals; second dorsal and anal similar in form, the latter, however, much the shorter, each moderately elevated anteriorly, more or less falcate; caudal widely forked; ventrals long, equal to length of eye APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 397 and postorbital part of head ; pectorals much shorter than ventrals, 5.9 to 6.5 in length of body. Color plain brownish above, paler below; the dark brown or black band, extending from eye to origin of soft dorsal, which the fish is said to possess, is entirely wanting in the old alcoholic specimens at hand ; fins all brownish ; dorsal, caudal and anal with a darker margin. This species was not obtained by us. It is here described from 2 specimens, 90 and 445 mm. in length. The smaller specimen is from Watlings Island and the larger one from Florida. Known from the Mediterranean, and from the Atlantic coast of America, from South Carolina to Uruguay. 296. Seriola dumerili (Risso). Caran.v dumerili Risso, Ichthyol. Nice, 1810, 175, PI. VI, fig. 20 (Nice). Trachurus aliciolus Rafinesque, Caratteri, etc., 1810, 42, PI. XI, fig. 2 (Sicily). Seriola dumerili Risso, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1827, 424; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 122 & 123; Jordan & Evermann, Bull, U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 903. Seriola lalandi Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 208 (Brazil) ; Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 271, and Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 444 (part) ; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, I22 & 123 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 903, PI. CXL, fig. 382. Seriola dumcrilii Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 462. Seriola lalandii Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 463. Seriola gigas Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 227 (Cuba). Seriola proxhna Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 229 (Cuba). Zonichthys gigas Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 371. Head 3.3 to 3.5; depth 2.95 to 4.1 ; D. VI to VIII-I, 30 to 36; A. I or II-I, 19 or 20. Body elongate, compressed ; the back more or less elevated ; profile from snout to second dorsal gently and about evenly convex; ventral outline anteriorly little curved; head rather deep, compressed; snout tapering, moderately pointed; mouth large, slightly oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary very broad, with a wide supplemental bone, reaching to or slightly past middle of eye, 2.1 to 2.25 in head; teeth in broad villiform bands, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers well developed, about two-thirds the length of eye, ii to 14 on the lower limb of first arch; scales small; present on cheek, the rest of head naked ; lateral line with a very long, low arch, unarmed, forming a keel on caudal peduncle in adult; first dorsal with 6 to 8 398 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. slender spines, connected by membrane, its origin considerably behind that of pectorals; second dorsal and anal similar in form, the latter, however, much the shorter, each slightly elevated anteriorly, but not falcate, the outer margin of fins not concave except in very large individuals; caudal widely forked, the lobes of about equal length; ventrals long, usually about as long as eye and postorbital part of head ; pectorals notably shorter than ventrals, 6.25 to 7.5 in length of body. Color of the old alcoholic specimens at hand uniform bluish or brownish; without bars or bands. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from 12 specimens, ranging from 200 to 930 mm. in length. They are from the following localities : Italy, Bahama Islands, Massachusetts, New York, South Carolina and Florida. A study of the material available in the National Museum indicates that this genus is in need of revision. We have included S. lalandi in our synonomy, believing it to be identical with the present species. There is considerable difference in the depth of the body, but this appears to be only an individual variation. It seems probable that the banded forms may yet prove to be the young of this species. As here understood, this species ranges from the Mediterranean Sea to the West Indies, and on the Atlantic coast of America from Massachusetts to Brazil. 297. Seriola dorsalis (Gill). Halatractus dorsalis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 84 (Cape San Lucas). Seriola lalandi Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 456 (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes), and Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 444 (part). Seriola dorsalis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 359; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 902, PL CXXXIX, fig. 380. Head 3.5 to 3.95; depth 3.16 to 4.2; D. VI or VII-I, 31 to 35; A. II-I, 20 or 21. Body elongate, more or less compressed ; the back little elevated ; profile from snout to second dorsal gently and evenly convex; ventral outline anteriorly little curved ; head rather long and low ; snout pointed in adult, blunter in young, 2.7 to 3.35 in head ; eye 4 to 7.1 ; mouth rather small, oblique; jaws subequal; maxillary broad, with a wide supplemental bone, reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of pupil, 2.5 to 2.65 in head; teeth in broad villiform bands, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers rather strong, APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 399 about two-thirds the length of eye, 19 to 22 on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, present on cheeks, the rest of head naked; lateral line with a very long, low arch, forming a keel on caudal peduncle in large examples ; first dorsal with 6 or 7 slender spines, connected by mem- brane, its origin considerably behind that of pectorals; second dorsal and anal similar in form, the latter, however, much the shorter, each more or less elevated anteriorly, but not falcate, the outer margin of fins not concave, except in adult; caudal widely forked, the lobes of about equal length ; ventrals long, about as long as eye and postorbital part of head; pectorals notably shorter than ventrals, 6.15 to 8.4 in length of body. Color of alcoholic specimens at hand plain bluish or brownish; young banded in life. A single, small specimen, 105 mm. long, was sent by Mr. Robert Tweedlie. The species is here described from this specimen, 2 large specimens, 610 and 930 mm. in length, from San Diego, California, and 2 smaller specimens, each 250 mm. long, from Albemarle Island. This species is readily distinguished from S. dumerili, the Atlantic form, by the shorter maxillary, and the more numerous gill-rakers. Known from California southward to the Galapagos Islands. 115. Genus Naucrates Rafinesque. Centronotus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 309 (type Centronotus conductor Lacepede; not Centronotus of Bloch & Schneider) . Naucrates Rafinesque, Caratteri, etc., 1810, 43 (type Naucrates fanfarus Rafinesque = Gasterosteus ductor Linnaeus). Pompilus Minding, Lehrb. Nat. Fische, 1832, 108 (type Gasterosteus ductor Linnaeus). Nauclerus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 2 47 (type Nauclerus compressus Cuvier & Valenciennes). Body elongate, little compressed, the outlines nowhere trenchant; head rather low; snout moderately pointed; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary of moderate width, with a rather narrow supplemental bone ; teeth in villiform bands of moderate width, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue ; lateral line scarcely arched, unarmed, but forming a prominent dermal keel on caudal peduncle; first dorsal with 3 or 4 low, stiff spines, separate in adult, connected by membrane only in very young ; second dorsal long, anteriorly moderately elevated ; anal similar to second dorsal, but much shorter; no finlets; ventrals a little longer than pectorals. 400 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 298. Naucrates ductor (Linnaeus). Gastcrostcus ductor Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 295 ("en pelago"). Gasterosteus antccessor Daldorf, Skriv. Nat. Selskab. Kjob., II, 1793, 166. Scomber kcelreuteri Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 570. Centronotus conductor Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill 1802, 311. Naucrates fanfarus Rafinesque, Caratteri, etc., 1810, 44. Naucrates indicus Lesson, Voy. Coquille, Zool., II, 1830, 157 (India). Naucrates noveboracensis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 325 (New York). Pompilus ductor Minding, Lehrb. Nat. Fische, 1832, 108. Seriola dussumieri Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 217 (Gulf of Bengal). Seriola sue cine ta Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 218 (South of St. Helena). Nauclerus compressus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 249, PI. CCLXIII (Molucca). Nauclerus abbreviatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 251 (Atlantic Ocean; misprinted abreviatus). Nauclerus brachycentrus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 253 (Indian Ocean). Nauclerus triacanthus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 253 (Atlantic Ocean). Nauclerus annularis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 254 (South of St. Helena). Nauclerus leucurus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 255 (South of St. Helena). Naucrates cyanophrys Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 412 (Palermo). Naucrates serratus Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 413 (Palermo). Thynnus pompilus Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 123 (Palermo). Naucrates ductor Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 374; Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 440, and Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 490; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 900, PI. CXXXIX, fig. 379; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 96. Head 3.35 to 4.05; depth 3.8 to 4.05; D. Ill or IV-I, 26 to 28; A. II-I, 15 or 16. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 401 Body elongate, somewhat fusiform, little compressed ; anterior profile gently convex; ventral outline little curved; head little com- pressed; snout rather bluntly pointed, 3.45 to 4.2 in head; eye 3.9 to 5.85; mouth moderate, oblique; jaws nearly equal, the lower slightly included ; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.8 to 3.15 in head; teeth in rather narrow villiform bands, present on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers well developed, about three-fourths the length of eye, 15 to 17 on the lower limb of first arch; scales small, present on cheeks, the rest of head mostly naked ; lateral line scarcely arched, forming a well developed keel on caudal peduncle; first dorsal with 3 or 4 very short spines, connected by membrane in very young only; second dorsal and anal similar in form, the latter, however, much the shorter, each more or less elevated anteriorly, but not falcate; caudal broadly forked, the lobes of equal length; ventrals nearly as long as eye and postorbital part of head; pectorals a little shorter than ventrals, 6.15 to 7.2 in length of body. Color of adult in spirits uniform brownish above, pale or silvery below ; young with 6 distinct cross-bands, extended on vertical fins ; caudal with a black blotch at base and a black bar on the lobes ; ventrals largely black. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from specimens from Italy, Cuba and Woods Hole, ranging in length from loo to 345 mm. We have also examined 2 small specimens, 35 and 65 mm. in length, from the Pacific (Albatross stations 4703, Lat. 17 18.6' S; Long. 100 52.3' W., and 4704, Lat. 16 55.3' S.; Long. 100 24.6' W.). These small specimens were provisionally identified by Kendall & Radcliffe, 1912, as this species. We are able to verify this identifi- cation with a degree of certainty. The young appear to be deeper and more strongly compressed than the adult. A pelagic species, known from all warm seas. Family XLV. Pomatomidae. THE BLUEFISHES. Body oblong, compressed ; head large ; mouth large, oblique ; pre- maxillaries protractile; maxillary not slipping under preorbital, with large supplemental bone; lower jaw projecting; jaws each with a series of strong, compressed, unequal, widely set teeth; upper jaw with an inner series of small depressed teeth ; villiform teeth on vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-membranes free from isthmus, not united; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth ; branch iostegals 7 ; gill-rakers slender, 402 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. rather few; opercle ending in a flat point; preopercular margin serrate; lateral line present, unarmed; scales rather small, weakly ctenoid, present on cheeks and opercles, also on soft dorsal and anal; dorsal fins 2, the first with about 8 weak spines, connected by mem- brane, depressible into a groove; caudal fin forked; anal fin similar to soft dorsal, preceded by 2 very small free spines ; ventrals thoracic, I, 5 ; pectorals rather short. A single widely distributed species is known. 116. Genus Pomatomus Lacepede. Pomatomus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 435 (type Poma- tomus skib Lacepede==P^rca saltatrix Linnaeus). Gonenion Rafinesque, Caratteri, etc., 1810, 53 (type Gonenion serra Rafinesque=Perca lophar Forsk&l). Lopharis Rafinesque, Caratteri, etc., 1810, 52 (type Perca lophar Forskal). Temnodon Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, II, 1817, 346 (type Cheilo- dipterus heptacanthus Lacepede). Sparactodon Rochebrune, Bull. Soc. Philom. Paris, 7 ser., IV, 1880, 162 (type Sparactodon nalnal Rochebrune). Characters of the genus are included in the family description. 299. Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus). Perca saltatrix Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 293 (Carolina). Gasterosteus saltatrix JLannaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 491. Pomatomus skib Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 436 (Caro- lina). Temnodon saltator Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 225, PI. CCLX. Chromis epicurorum Gronow, Cat. Fish, 1854, 149 (Carolina). Pomatomus saltator Jordan _& Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 448. Pomatomus saltatrix Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 914; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 946, PI. CXLVII, fig. 400. Head 3.3; depth 4; D. VIII-I, 25; A. II-I, 26; scales 95. Body elongate, robust, moderately compressed; head deep; snout pointed, about twice the length of eye; eye rather small, about 8 in head, depending much upon the size of the fish, the eye being pro- portionately much larger in the young than in adult; cheeks much longer than opercles ; mouth large, oblique ; maxillary reaching beyond eye, at least in adult, about 2.3 in head; scales rather small, weakly APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 403 ctenoid ; dorsal fins separate, the first dorsal with 8 short weak spines ; the second dorsal anteriorly somewhat elevated, the longest rays about twice as high as the longest spines, its outer margin broadly concave; caudal fin forked; anal fin preceded by 2 weak, separate spines, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins small, inserted under base of pectorals ; pectoral fins short, about 2 in head. Color green above and silvery below; a blackish blotch at base of pectoral. This widely distributed fish was not taken by us. It reaches a large size, one meter or more in length, and is an excellent food fish. It is voracious and very destructive to other fish. Known from the Atlantic and Indian oceans; on the American coast from Maine to Argentina. Family XL VI. Rachycentridae. THE SERGEANT-FISHES. Body elongate, nearly fusiform; head broad, strongly depressed, the bones above appearing through the skin; mouth wide, nearly horizontal; lower jaw projecting; premaxillaries not protractile; maxil- laries reaching about to anterior margin of eye; teeth small, pointed, in bands on jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue ; opercle and preopercle unarmed ; branchiostegals 7 ; gill-rakers short and rather strong ; first dorsal with 8 or 9 short, free spines, depressible in a groove; second dorsal and anal long and rather low, not much elevated anteriorly, without falcate lobes ; caudal truncate in young, forked in adult ; ven- trals thoracic, I, 5 ; pectorals moderate, placed below level of lower margin of eye; vertebrae 12 -(- 13 = 25. 117. Genus Rachycentron Kaup. Rachycentron Kaup, Isis, XIX, 1826, 89 (type Rachycentron typtts Kaup). Rachycentrum Kaup, Isis, XX, 1827, 624, amended spelling. Elacate Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 203 (type Elacate motta Cuvier & Valenciennes). Characters of genus included in family description. 300. Rachycentron canadus (Linnaeus). Gasterosteus canadus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 491 (Caro- lina). Scomber niger Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 57, PI. CCCXXXVII (Southern Seas between Africa and America). 404 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Centronotus\ gardenil Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 318 (Carolina). Ccntronotus spinosus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 490, PI. Ill, fig. 9 (New York). Elacate pondiceriana Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 329 (Pondicherry). Elacate motta Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 332 (Orixa). Elacate malabarica Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831,332 (Malabar). Elacate atlantica Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 334, PI. CCXXXIII (Brazil) ; De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 113, PL XXV, fig. 77- Elacate bivittata Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., VIII, 1831, 338 (Molucca). Elacate falcipinnis Gosse, Naturalists' Sojourn in Jamaica, 1851, 208 (Jamaica). Elacate nigcr Gimther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 375. Elacate Canada Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 418. Rachycentron canadus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 948, PI. CXLVIII, fig. 401. Head 4.05 to 5.3; depth 5.55 to 8.1 ; D. VIII or IX-I, 28 to 33; A. I, 23 to 26. Body very elongate, somewhat fusiform; head very long, much depressed; snout broad, its length 2.45 to 2.85 in head; eye 4.85 to 6.35; mouth moderate; the lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye, 2.3 to 2.6 in head; teeth small, in bands on both jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; gill-rakers short, 7 to 9 on lower limb of first arch; lateral line continuous, more or less wavy; scales minute, covering entire body, also present on cheeks; first dor- sal with 8 or 9 very short, stiff spines ; second dorsal long, anteriorly only slightly elevated, not forming a lobe ; anal similar to second dor- sal, but shorter; caudal truncate in young, slightly forked in adult; ventrals moderate, as long as postorbital part of head ; pectorals large, not much shorter than head in adult, i.i to 1.3 in length of head. Color dark brown above, a paler brown on sides and below; a black lateral band, wider than eye, extending from snout to base of caudal ; ventral surface of head pale ; fins mostly black. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 405 Only one specimen of this species, 215 mm. in length, was se- cured. We have compared it with specimens from New Jersey, Mary- land, Virginia and North Carolina, with which it essentially agrees. The above description is based on 10 specimens ranging in length from 95 to 440 mm. This species is widely distributed, inhabiting warm seas. It oc- curs on the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod southward to Brazil. It is as yet not recorded from the Pacific coast of America. Our specimen is from Mindi Cut, Canal Zone. Family XLVII. Coryphamidae. THE DOLPHINS. Body elongate, compressed; mouth wide, oblique; the lower jaw projecting; teeth small, present on jaws, vomer, palatines and tongue; opercle and preopercle entire (except in very young) ; gill-membranes free from the isthmus; branchiostegals 7; pseudobranchiae wanting; lateral line present; scales very small, cycloid; dorsal fin long and low, with many rays, extending from nape nearly to caudal fin; anal similar, but shorter; caudal fin forked; ventrals well developed, tho- racic, I, 5 ; pectorals small. 118. Genus Coryphaena Linnaeus. Coryphana Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 261 (type Coryphana hippurus Linnaeus). Caranxomorus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 82 (type Scom- ber pelagicus Linnaeus). Lepintphis Rafinesque, Caratteri, etc., 1810, 33 (type Lepimphis hip- puroides Rafinesque). Lampugus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 317 (type Scomber pelagicus Linnaeus). Ectenias Jordan & Thompson, Memoir. Carneg. Mus., VI, 1914, 241 (type Ectenias brunneus Jordan & Thompson). Characters of the genus are included in the family description. A large number of species have been named which have, however, been reduced to two by recent authors. The multiplication of the nominal species appears to be due to the variation in color and the variation in structure with age. A single species is represented in the Panama collection. 406 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 301. Coryphsena hippurus Linnaeus. Coryphcena hippurus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 261 (open seas) ; Lutken, (Dan. Vid. Selsk. Skr., 5 ser., XII) Spolia Atlantica, 1880, 483, PI. Ill, figs. 12 & 13; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 952, PI. CXLIX, fig. 402. Scomber pelagicus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 299. Coryphcena immaculata Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, in, PI. LVI (Atlanric, off Brazil). Coryph&na marcgravii Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 301 (South America). Coryphana sueurii Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 302 (Philadelphia). Coryphcena dorado Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 303 (Brazil). Coryphana dolfyn Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 305 (Antilles). Coryph&na virgata Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 308 (Martinique). Head 3.75 to 3.85; depth 5 to 6.3; D. 55 to 60; A. 26 to 29. Body elongate, tapering posteriorly, moderately compressed; head large, rather broad; snout moderately acute, 3.95 to 4.35 in head; eye rather large, 2.65 to 3 in head ; interorbital broad, flat, wider than eye; mouth large, oblique, terminal; maxillary reaching vertical from middle of eye, 2.15 to 2.45 in head; teeth small, in bands on anterior part of each jaw, reduced to a single irregular series posteriorly; vo- mer, palatines- and tongue with bands of villiform teeth; preopercle with a few rather prominent spines at angle in very young (25 mm.), disappearing early (wanting in specimens 50 mm. long) ; gill-rakers slender, 8 to 10 on lower limb of first arch; scales minute; lateral line anteriorly with a short abrupt arch; dorsal fin very long, its origin over or a little in advance of preopercular margin; caudal fin forked, the lobes equal; anal fin similar to the dorsal but its base only about half as long; ventral fins notably longer than pectorals, inserted under base of pectorals; pectorals short, 1.8 to 2 in head. Color in alcohol very dark brown. The largest specimens in the present collections are of nearly uniform color, lighter cross-bars being only faintly visible on back, represented on sides by pale dots; these markings are much more distinct in the small specimens. Dor- sal fin paler brown than the back, with a series of dark spots at base, these extending upward on fins ; caudal fin dark brown at base, the tips APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 407 pale; anal and ventrals very dark, the outer rays of ventrals and the distal part of anterior rays of anal pale; pectorals colorless. The above description is based on 36 young specimens, ranging in length from 23 to 75 mm., which were sent by Mr. Robert Tweedlie. Known from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The species previ- ously was not recorded from the coasts of Panama. Our specimens are from Chame Point on the Pacific Coast. Family XLVIII. Stromateidae. THE HARVEST-FISHES. Body compressed; the back more or less elevated; anterior pro- file blunt and rounded ; premaxillaries not protractile ; opercle smooth ; preopercle entire or serrate; gill-membranes either separate and free, or broadly joined to the isthmus; pseudobranchiae present; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth; teeth wanting on vomer and palatines; pharyn- geals little developed ; oesophagus armed with numerous horny, barbed, or hooked teeth; lateral line well developed; scales small or minute, cycloid, covering entire body and cheeks ; dorsal fin single, long, with the spines few or weak, often obsolete; anal fin long, similar to dor- sal, usually with 3 spines ; ventrals thoracic, I, 5 in young, reduced or altogether wanting in adult; caudal fin well forked; air bladder usu- ally wanting; vertebrae 30 to 36. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Ventral fins present in the adult as well as in the young; dor- sal spines 7 to n. b. Body elongate, the depth more than 3 in the length; teeth on vomer and palatines. Nomeus, p. 407. bb. Body short and deep, the depth usually less than 2.5 in the length ; no teeth on the palatines. Psenes, p. 409. aa. Ventral fins absent in adult; dorsal spines 3; the soft dorsal and anal anteriorly much elevated. Peprilus, p. 410. 119. Genus Nomeus Cuvier. Nomeus Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, II, 1817, 315 (type Gobius gronovii Gmelin). Body oblong, moderately compressed ; head and body covered with small, cycloid scales ; mouth small ; maxillaries entirely concealed when the mouth is closed ; premaxillaries feebly protractile ; teeth on vomer 408 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. and palatines ; opercular bones thin, entire ; gill-membranes 1 not united, free from the isthmus ; gill-rakers of moderate length ; branchioste- gals 6; lateral line running high, concurrent with the dorsal profile; dorsal spines 10 or n; anal spines 3, the fin similar to soft dorsal; caudal fin forked ; ventrals well developed, attached to the abdomen by membrane, depressible in a deep furrow ; pectorals long ; air-bladder present; vertebrae about 41. 302. Nomeus gronovii (Gmelin). Gobius gronovii Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, 1789, 1205 (tropical Amer- ica). Gobiomorus gronovii Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1800, 584. Eleotris mauritii Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 66 (Brazil). Nomeus maculosus Bennett, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1831, 146 (East Indies). Nomeus gronovii Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 387; Eigenmann, Ann. N. Y. Ac. Sci., VII, 1894, 629 (Panama) ; Jor- dan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 948. Nomeus oxyurus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 236 (Havana). Head 3.4; depth 3.8; D. X or XI-I, 25 to 27; A. Ill, 25 to 27; scales 64 to 66. Body compressed, the dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly curved, the depth greater in the young than in the adult ; snout blunt, 4.2 in head; eye 3.2; mouth rather small, terminal; maxillary reach- ing vertical from anterior margin of eye, 1.2 in head; dorsal fin long, deeply notched to nearly divided, the longest spines scarcely higher than the longest soft rays ; caudal fin forked, the lobes of about equal length ; anal fin preceded by 3 connected spines, the soft part of fin rather low, not elevated anteriorly, the margin convex, similar to the soft dorsal and opposite it; ventral fins large, fan-shaped, inserted under the base of the pectorals ; pectoral fins rather small, shorter than ventrals. Color light brown above, silvery below ; sides with large brown spots ; anal with 3 or 4 brown spots ; ventrals black with silvery mar- gin ; pectorals brown above, white below. This fish was not taken by us. The above description is compiled from published accounts. Known from the tropical parts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Once recorded from the Pacific coast of Panama by Prof. C. H. Eigenmann. It has not been seen there by other investigators. 1 1 Q- jj APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 409 120. Genus Psenes Cuvier & Valenciennes. Pscncs Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 259 (type Psenes cyanophrys Cuvier & Valenciennes). Body rather short and deep, strongly compressed; snout short and swollen; mouth small; no teeth on tongue and vomer in young; scales of moderate size, cycloid; dorsal with 9 to n spines; second dorsal and anal long and similar ; anal spines 3, not separate from the soft part; ventral fins inserted under the base of pectorals. 303. Psenes pacificus sp. nov. (Plate XL.) Type No. 82196, U. S. N. M. ; length 31 mm.; Chame Point, Panama. Head 2.35 to 2.7; depth 1.6 to 1.85; D. IX-I, 26 to 28; A. Ill, 26 or 27 ; scales about 55 to 58. Body short, compressed; the anterior profile rather steep, convex; head deeper than long; snout blunt, rather broad, 5.25 to 5.85 in head; eye 2.4 to 2.9; interorbital broader than eye, convex; mouth rather small, inferior, a little oblique; maxillary reaching slightly beyond anterior margin of pupil, 2.9 to 3.4 in head ; preopercular margin en- tire; gill-membranes separate, free from the isthmus; lateral line concurrent with the back; head with many mucus pores; scales rather large, adherent, cycloid, wanting only on chin, snout and interorbital region ; dorsal fin long, nearly or quite separated, the third and fourth spines highest, about as long as the longest soft rays, its origin slightly in advance of margin of opercle; caudal fin forked, the lobes of equal length ; anal fin with 3 spines, all connected with each other and with the soft part of the fin by membrane, highest anteriorly, with convex margin, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal and opposite it; ventral fins moderate, inserted under base of pectorals, scarcely shorter than pectorals; pectoral fins rather short, 1.35 to 1.6 in head. Color dark brown ; sides with slightly darker blotches, forming in- definite vertical bars, and faint indications of dark lines along the rows of scales; snout, chin and chest with large punctulations ; dorsal and anal brownish, punctulate; caudal fin paler, with fewer punctulations; ventral fins black ; pectoral fins plain translucent. The foregoing description is- based on 3 small specimens, respec- tively 23, 31 and 33 mm. in length, sent by Mr. Robert Tweedlie from Chame Point. This appears to be the first time that representatives of this genus have been taken on the Pacific coast of tropical America. Our specimens appear to be rather close to P. cyanophrys, but they have 9 spines instead of 10 in the first dorsal ; the mouth is inferior. 4io FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. the lower jaw being shorter than the upper; and the snout is very blunt and much shorter than the eye. 121. Genus Peprilus Cuvier. Rhombus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1800, 321 (type Ch&todon alepidotus Linnseus; name preoccupied). Peprilus Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 213 (type Peprilus crenulatus Cuvier). * Palometa Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 965, and 1898, 2849 (tyP e Palometa palometa Jordan & Bollman). Body ovate or more or less elongate, strongly compressed; head short, compressed; snout short and blunt; mouth small; jaws sub- equal; premaxillaries not protractile; opercle and preopercle entire; teeth small, present on jaws only, in a single series ; gill-membranes separate, free from the isthmus; gill-rakers short or of moderate length; lateral line high, following the curvature of the back, with- out scutes or keel on caudal peduncle; scales small, cycloid, rather loosely attached; very small scales covering the dorsal and anal, and sometimes the caudal fin; pectorals usually without scales; dorsal and anal similar, more or less elevated anteriorly, each preceded by about 3 indistinct spines and a procumbent spine with a free point both anteriorly and posteriorly; caudal deeply forked, the lobes long and slender; ventrals wanting, represented by a single short spine at- tached to the pubic bone ; pectorals long and narrow. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body deep, ovate, the depth usually less than 2 in the length ; snout extremely short, notably shorter than eye. b. Anal fin long, with III, 37 to 45 rays. c. Body very short and deep, rather robust, its depth 1.46 to 1.5 in its length ; head extremely short and deep, the anterior pro- file steep and very strongly convex; mouth very small, the maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye, 3.54 to 3.75 in head; anal with III, 37 or 38 rays. paru, p. 411. cc. Body more elongate, and morfe strongly compressed, its depth 1.63 to 2.0 in its length; head longer, the anterior profile more gently convex; mouth slightly larger, the maxillary reaching past anterior margin of eye, 3.1 to 3.46 in head; anal with III, 41 to 45 rays. palometa, p. 412. * According to Jordan (Genera of Fishes, Part IV, 1920, p. 474) Palometa should stand as a distinct genus. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 411 bb. Anal fin short, with III, 32 rays. medius, p. 413. aa. Body much more elongate, its depth 2.5 in its length; snout longer, about as long as eye. snyderi, p. 413. 304. Peprilus paru (Linnaeus). Stromateus paru Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 248 (Jamaica) ; Liitken, (Dan. Vid. Selsk. Skr., 5 ser., XII) Spolia Atlantica, 1880, 522, PI. Ill, fig. 16 (in part) ; Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 914. Stromateus gardenii Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., II, 1860, 399 (in part). Stromateus alepidotus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 45i (in part). Rhombus paru Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 965, and 1898, 2849, PI- CL, %. 404 (in part). Peprilus paru Evermann & Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XX, Pt. I, 1900 (1902), 141 (in part). Seserinus paru Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon). Head 3.8 to 4.25; depth 1.46 to 1.5; D. Ill, 41 to 43; A. Ill, 37 or 38. Body short and deep, compressed, more robust than in related species ; the back elevated ; anterior profile steep, strongly convex ; head short and deep; snout extremely short and blunt, its length 5.45 to 7.1 in head; eye 2.85 to 3.0; mouth small; jaws equal; maxillary reaching anterior margin of eye, 3.54 to 3.75 in head ; teeth present on jaws only, small, in a single close set series ; gill-rakers short and feeble, 14 or 15 on lower limb of first arch; lateral line high, following the curvature of the back; scales rather large, covering entire body and most of head; pectorals wtih few scales, other fins densely scaled to their tips ; dorsal and anal fins similar, elevated anteriorly, falcate, the produced lobe of the anal longer than that of the dorsal ; pectorals longer than head, 2.3 to 3.25 in length of body. Color in spirits plain bluish above, silvery below. This species was not taken by us. Here described from two speci- mens, one 210 mm. long, from Jamaica, and the other, 170 mm. long, from Rio de Janeiro. Known from Jamaica to Brazil. Apparently differing from P. alep- idotus of our south Atlantic coast in the more robust body, larger scales, in the much more numerous scales on the fins, and in the slightly shorter anal fin. 412 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 305. Peprilus palometa (Jordan & Bollman). Stromateus palometa Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 156 (off coast of Colombia, Lat. 8 16' 30" N., Long. 79 37' 45" W.; Albatross Sta. 2804). Rhombus palometa Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 966. Palometa palometa Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2849. Peprilus palometa Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 85 (Panama Bay). Head 2.94 to 3.85; depth 1.63 to 2.0; D. Ill, 43 to 46; A. Ill, 41 to 45. Body deep, ovate, strongly compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile moderately convex ; head short and deep ; snout extremely short and blunt, 4.7 to 5.4 in head ; eye 3.25 to 3.5 ; mouth rather small, oblique; jaws equal; maxillary scarcely reaching anterior margin of pupil, 3.1 to 3.46 in head; teeth small, present on jaws only, in a single close set series; gill-rakers short and feeble, 14 to 17 on lower limb of first arch ; lateral line rather high, following the curvature of the back ; scales small, covering entire body and the cheeks and preopercles ; pec- torals and caudal with few scales or none ; other fins covered with very small scales; dorsal and anal similar, elevated anteriorly, falcate, the produced lobe of the anal longer than that of the dorsal ; pectorals very long in adult, much longer than head, shorter in young, 2.2 to 3.5 in length of body. Color bluish above, silvery, with more or less dusky below; fins all black or dusky; with numerous black points. We have 8 specimens of this species, ranging from 180 to 225 mm. in length. Besides these we examined several small specimens taken at the Galapagos Islands by the "Albatross." This fish is close to P. alepidotus of the southern Atlantic coast of the United States, but differs in the more elongate body, the less convex anterior profile, somewhat larger mouth, and in the much shorter dorsal and anal lobes. Known from the Pacific coast of Panama south to off the coast of Colombia, Lat. 8 16' 30" N., Long. 79 37' 45" W., where the type was taken. Our specimens are all from the Panama City market. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 413 306. Peprilus medius (Peters). Stromateus medius Peters, Monatsb. k. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1869, 707 (Mazatlan) ; Jordan, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, 284. Rhombus medius Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 967. Peprilus medius Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 88. Head 3.5; depth 1.9; D. Ill, 42; A. Ill, 32. Body broad, ovate; fins distinctly punctulate. This species was not seen by us. It was once recorded from Pan- ama, this record being based upon specimens which were destroyed by fire. Gilbert & Starks (1904, p. 88) have the following to offer in regard to this record: "The Panama record of this species needs verification. The specimens obtained may have belonged to one of the forms above recorded (P. paJometa, P. snyderi), both of which were unknown. Only the type of P. medius from Mazatlan is now extant." 307. Peprilus snyderi Gilbert & Starks. Peprilus snyderi Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 87, PI. XII, fig. 23 (Panama Bay). Body more elongate than in related species, compressed; the back not greatly elevated ; dorsal and ventral outlines similarly curved ; the anterior profile moderately convex; head large; snout blunt, of mod- erate length, as long as eye, 4.25 in head ; mouth small ; jaws equal ; maxillary reaching slightly past anterior margin of eye, 3.4 in head; teeth small, present on jaws only, in a single close set series; gill-rakers slender, of moderate length, 15 on lower limb of first arch; lateral line running rather high, following the curvature of the back; scales of moderate size, covering entire body, also present on cheeks and upper part of opercles; pectorals without scales; other fins with very small crowded scales, extending nearly or quite to the tips of the rays ; dorsal and anal similar, moderately elevated anteriorly, the lobe of the anal slightly longer than that of the dorsal ; pectorals longer than head, 2.95 in length of body. Color bluish brown above, silvery below; fins all brown or dusky; pectoral with numerous dark points, its base brownish. This species was not taken by us. It is here described from a single specimen, a paratype, 249 mm. in length. Known only from the Pacific coast of Panama, where it was taken by Dr. Gilbert and his party in 1896. 414 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Family XLIX. Apogonidae.* THE CARDINAL-FISHES. Body oblong or elongate; mouth large, oblique; preopercle with two ridges, its edge entire or serrate; opercle with a spine behind, usu- ally little developed; branchiostegals 6 or 7; teeth villiform, present on jaws, vomer and sometimes on palatines; canines occasionally present; lower pharyngeals separate, with sharp teeth; scales rather large, stri- ated and ctenoid, occasionally cycloid; lateral line complete; dorsal fins well separated, the first with 6 to 9 rather strong spines; no dorsal sheath or furrow; anal fin short, usually with 2 spines, occasionally with 3 or 4; ventral fins thoracic, with I, 5 rays, without an axillary scale. 122. Genus Apogon Lacepede. Amia Gronow, Zoophyl., 1763, 80 (type Apogon moluccensis Cuvier & Valenciennes ) ( non-binomial ) . Apogon Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 411, (type Apogon ruber Lacepede). Ostorhinchus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 23, (type Ostor- hinchus fleurieu Lacepede). Dipterodon Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 165 (type Dip- terodon hex acanthus Lacepede). Monoprion Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 123, (type Monoprion macu- latus Poey). Body oblong, compressed; head large; mouth wide, oblique; max- illary extending below middle of large eye; preopercle with a double ridge, its edge somewhat serrate, at least in young ; opercle with a single spine behind; villiform teeth present on jaws, vomer and palatines; no canines; gill-rakers long; scales large, ctenoid; first dorsal with 6 or 7 strong spines; second dorsal remote, short; anal with 2 spines and 8 or 9 soft rays, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; pectorals and ventrals moderate. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Base of second dorsal with a saddle-like black blotch or with a band ; another blotch on caudal peduncle above ; no caudal spot. b. Base of second dorsal with a saddle-like black blotch extending downward to lateral line ; body short and deep, the depth 2.6 to 2.9 in length; pectoral fins moderate, reaching to or slightly past origin of anal, 1.4 to 1.6 in head. maculatus, p. 415. *This family is given under the name Cheilodipteridce in the ''Key to the Families" in Part I, p. 23,' of the present work. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 415 bb. Base of second dorsal with a narrow black band uniting its last rays with those of the anal ; body more elongate, the depth 3.0 in length; pectoral fins long, reaching past anterior third of base of anal, 1.6 in head. binotatus, p. 416. aa. Base of second dorsal without a black blotch or band ; no saddle- like blotch on caudal peduncle above ; base of caudal with a more or less distinct blackish spot or vertical band. c. Color pale in spirits, bright red in life; head and scales mostly with dusky punctulations ; base of caudal with a roundish black spot; snout of moderate length, 4.2 to 5.3 in head; second dorsal high, nearly as long as head without snout ; scales 23 to 25. dovii, p. 417. cc. Color brownish; head with black specks; scales mostly with clusters of brownish punctulations; base of caudal with an ob- long vertical bar or band; snout very short and blunt, 5.0 to 5.85 in head ; second dorsal moderate, its longest rays equal to postorbital part of head and half the eye; scales 21 to 23. pigmentarius, p. 418. 308. Apogon maculatus (Poey). Monoprion maculatus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 123 (Cuba). Amia maculata Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 304. Apogon maculatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 279; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1109. Head 2.5 to 2.85; depth 2.6 to 2.9; D. VI-I, 9; A. II, 8; scales 23 to 25. Body rather short and deep, compressed ; dorsal and ventral pro- files about evenly rounded; caudal peduncle long, much compressed, its depth 2.3 to 2.75 in head ; head large, compressed ; interorbital space narrower than eye, 4.0 to 4.9 in length of head; snout rather blunt, shorter than eye, 4 to 5.8 in head; eye 2.7 to 3.26; mouth large, slightly subinferior; the maxillary not quite reaching posterior margin of eye, 1.7 to 2.0 in head; opercle with a stiff spine; preopercle rather strongly serrate; gill-rakers shorter than pupil, 13 or 14, including rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; pseudobranchiae well developed; scales large, ctenoid ; lateral line complete, following the outline of the back ; first dorsal rather low, the longest spine equal to postorbital part of head; second dorsal higher, the longest rays equal to postorbital part of head and half the eye; caudal fin emarginate, the upper lobe the longer, somewhat pointed, the lower lobe round; anal fin similar to 4i6 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. second dorsal, but not quite as high, its longest rays slightly shorter than snout and eye ; ventral fins inserted below base of pectorals, reach- ing slightly past vent; pectoral fins rather long, reaching to or slightly past origin of anal, 1.4 to 1.6 in head. Color in life bright red; opercle with a black blotch; a saddle-like blotch under base of the posterior rays of the dorsal, which extends downward to lateral line; a second saddle on caudal peduncle; fins all bright red in life, plain in spirits. We have 7 specimens of this species, ranging in length from 45 to 90 mm. Known from Florida to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point and Colon ; all were taken on coral reefs. 309. Apogon binotatus (Poey). Amia binotata Poey, Repertorio, II, 1867, 234 (Cuba). Apogon binotatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1109. Head 2.58; depth 3.0; D. VI-I, 9; A. II, 8; scales 23. Body much compressed, but rather more elongate than in related species; dorsal profile anteriorly nearly straight; ventral profile with a more or less distinct angle at articulation of mandible ; caudal peduncle very long, compressed, its depth 2.75 in head ; head large, compressed ; interorbital space narrower than the large eye, 5.0 in length of head; snout short and blunt, 4.6 in head ; eye 2.9 ; mouth large, terminal ; the maxillary reaching slightly past posterior margin of eye, 1.85 in head; opercle with a stiff spine; preopercle distinctly serrate; gill-rakers slightly shorter than pupil, 15, including rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; pseudobranchise well developed; scales large, ctenoid; lateral line complete, closely following the outline of the back; first dorsal rather low, the longest spine equal to postorbital part of head ; second dorsal high, its longest rays equal to postorbital part of head and two- thirds of eye ; caudal fin emarginate, both lobes round, the upper much the larger ; anal similar to the dorsal, but lower, the longest rays equal to length of snout and eye ; ventral fins inserted in advance of pectorals, not quite reaching origin of anal ; pectorals long, reaching past anterior third of base of anal, 1.6 in head. Color red in life, mostly pale in spirits ; head and scales above and on sides with dusky punctulations ; a narrow black band uniting the last rays of the dorsal with those of the anal, a wider one on caudal peduncle; fins plain. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 417 This species is represented by a single specimen, 93 mm. long, in the present collection, which forms the basis for the above description. It differs from A, maculatus in the more slender body, larger eye, more anterior position of the ventrals, longer pectoral fins and in color. Heretofore known only from Cuba. Our specimen is from Porto Bello. 310. Apogon dovii Giinther. Apogon dovii Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1861, 371 (Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1108; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 88 (Panama). Amia dovii Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 103. Head 2.5 to 2.7; depth 2.7 to 3.2; D. VI-I, 9; A. II, 8; scales 23 to 25. Body rather short, compressed; ventral profile anteriorly more convex than the dorsal; caudal peduncle long, strongly compressed, its depth 2.2 to 2.7 in head; head large, compressed; interorbital space narrow, 4.2 to 4.9 in length of head; snout blunt, shorter than the large eye, 4.2 to 5.3 in head; eye 2.45 to 3; mouth large, subin- ferior; the maxillary reaching posterior margin of eye, 1.75 to 1.9 in head ; opercle with a stiff spine ; preopercle weakly serrate ; gill-rakers not much longer than pupil, 13 or 14, including rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; pseudobranchiae well developed; scales large, ctenoid; lateral line complete, closely following the outline of the back; first dorsal rather low, the longest spine equal to postorbital part of head; second dorsal rather high, the longest rays only slightly shorter than head without snout; caudal fin emarginate, the lobes round, the upper much the larger ; anal fin small ; ventral fins inserted slightly in advance of the pectorals, usually reaching origin of anal; pectorals long, reaching past origin of anal, 1.2 to 1.57 in head. Color of body and fins bright red in life; base of caudal with a black blotch, somewhat larger than the pupil; this spot very distinct in young, occasionally becoming faint in large examples ; head densely punctulate with brown; scales mostly with dusky punctulations ; tips of second dorsal, caudal and anal dusky. This species is represented by 145 specimens, ranging in length from 35 to 95 mm. We have compared our specimens with a large series of A. retrosella from San Benito Id. The latter seems to differ 418 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. mainly in color, and the average number of scales in the lateral series apparently runs a little lower. Known from Mazatlan to Panama. Our material is from Taboga Island, Balboa and Panama. The specimens are mostly from rocky tide pools. 311. Apogon pigmentarius (Poey). Monoprion pigmentarius Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 123 (Cuba). Apogon pigmentarius Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1109, PI. CLXXVIII, fig. 472. Head 2.55 to 2.7; depth 2.55 to 2.85; D. VI-I, 9; A. II, 8; scales 21 to 23. Body short and deep, much compressed; the ventral outline anter- iorly notably more convex than the dorsal; caudal peduncle long, its depth 2.06 to 2.46 in head ; head large, interorbital space narrower than eye, 3.75 to 4.0 in length of head; snout very short and blunt, only about half as long as eye, 5 to 5.85 in head; eye 2.5 to 3.2; mouth large, inferior; the maxillary reaching posterior margin of eye, 1.76 to 1.88 in head; opercle with a stiff spine; preopercle serrate; gill- rakers shorter than pupil, 16, including rudiments, on lower limb of first arch ; pseudobranchias present ; scales large, ctenoid ; lateral line complete, closely following the outline of the back; first dorsal rather low, the longest spine slightly shorter than postorbital part of head; second dorsal much higher, the longest rays equal to postorbital part of head and half the eye ; caudal fin forked, the upper lobe the larger and longer; anal similar to the second dorsal, only slightly lower, the longest rays notably longer than snout and eye; ventral fins inserted slightly in advance of pectorals, reaching origin of anal ; pectorals long, reaching middle of base of anal, 1.35 to 1.6 in head. Color in spirits brownish; head with black specks; scales with dusky punctulations, which on some individuals form dusky blotches; an oblong, blackish spot on band at base of caudal; base of dorsal and anal sometimes black ; spinous dorsal and margin of caudal dusky, fins otherwise plain. This species is represented by 3 specimens in the present collec- tion, ranging from 50 to 60 mm. in length. Heretofore recorded only from Cuba. Our specimens are from Colon Reef and Porto Bello. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 419 Family L. Centropomidae. THE ROBALOS. Body moderately elongate, compressed; head long, somewhat de- pressed above, mouth large, protractile; lower jaw projecting; teeth in villiform bands on jaws, on vomer and palatines; scales small or of moderate size, ctenoid; lateral line little arched, continued to end of caudal; preopercle and supraclavicle serrate; preopercle with a ridge that bears i or 2 spines ; opercle without spines, produced into a flap; two separate dorsals, the first usually with 8 spines, rarely with only 7 ; the first spine very small, the second short, the third and fourth the longest; the second dorsal with I spine and 8 to n branched rays ; anal short, with III, 6 or 7 rays ; caudal forked ; pec- torals symmetrical ; ventrals inserted behind base of pectorals, with I, 5 rays; air bladder with or without appendages. 123. Genus Centropomus Lacepede. Centropomus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 248 (type Scicena undecimalis Bloch) . The characters of the genus are included in the family description. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales small, 60 to 90 in a longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal ; pectorals short, not nearly reaching tips of ventrals, 1.55 to 2.2 in head. b. Anal with 7 branched rays; the second and third anal spines very long and slender, of about equal length; membrane be- tween second and third anal spines, and the tips of longest rays black; gill-rakers on lower limb of first arch 13 to 15, without rudiments. pectinatus, p. 421. bb. Anal with 6 branched rays; the second anal spine very strong and constantly longer than the third spine, although frequently not reaching the tip of the third ; membrane between the second and third anal spines and tips of longest rays often dusky, but not black; gill-rakers on lower limb of first arch 7 to n, not counting rudiments. c. Preorbital strongly serrate at all ages; eye large, about 4.2 in head in specimens 6 inches in length ; scales small, 77 to 90 in a longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal; gill-rakers 10 or n on lower limb of first arch, not including rudiments. parallelus, p. 423. 420 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. cc. Preorbital entire in adult, weakly serrate in young ; eye smaller, about 5 in head in specimens 6 inches in length; scales larger, 60 to 77 in longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supra- clavicle serrae to base of caudal; gill-rakers 7 to 10 on lower limb of first arch, without rudiments. d. Branched rays of second dorsal almost constantly 10; scales in longitudinal series, above lateral line, 67 to 77 ; gill-rakers on lower limb of first arch, exclusive of rudiments, 7 or 8. undecimalis, p. 425. dd. Branched rays in second dorsal 8 to 10, usually 9; scales in longitudinal series, above lateral line, 60 to 73; gill-rakers on lower limb of first arch, exclusive of rudiments, 8 to 10. nigrescens, p. 426. aa. Scales large, 47 to 56 in longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal; pectorals longer, reaching to or nearly to tips of ventrals, 1.27 to 1.55 in head. e. Second anal spine rather small, usually not reaching base of caudal when the fin is deflexed, extending past the tip of the third spine a distance usually less than half the diameter of eye, 1.35 to 1.75 in head ; scales 6 or 7 between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 47 to 56 in longitudinal series above lateral line; gill-rakers 9 to 12 on lower limb of first arch, exclusive of rudiments ; lateral line not in a black streak ; membrane between second and third anal spines never black. unionensis, p. 428. ee. Second anal spine much enlarged, reaching to or past the base of caudal when the fin is deflexed, extending past the tip of the third spine a distance about equal to or greater than diameter of eye, I to 1.55 in head. f. Gill-rakers numerous, 13 to 17 on lower limb of first arch, exclusive of rudiments; lateral line not in a black streak; mem- brane between the second and third anal spines not black ; scales in vertical series between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 5 or 5^2. robalito, p. 430. ff. Gill-rakers less numerous, 9 to 13 on lower limb of first arch, exclusive of rudiments ; lateral line in a black streak (which often fades in preserved specimens) ; membrane between second and third anal spines black. g. Body rather deep, robust; the back elevated; anterior profile notably convex; depth 3 to 3.4; mouth large; maxillary 2.3 to 2.5 in head; scales in front of second dorsal small and much APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 421 crowded, 19 to 25 in number ; 6 to 7^2 scales in a vertical series between lateral line and middle of second dorsal. armatus, p. 431. gg. Body more elongate; the back little elevated; anterior profile only slightly convex ; depth 3.4 to 4.1 ; mouth smaller ; maxillary 2.5 to 2.8 in head ; scales in front of second dorsal larger and less crowded, 16 to 18 in number; 5 to 6% scales in a vertical series between lateral line and middle of second dorsal. enstferus, p. 433. 312. Centropomus pectinatus Poey. Ccntropomus undecimalis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat Poiss., II, 1828, 102 (part) ; Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 79. Centropomus pectinatus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 121 (Havana & Cienfuegos) ; Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 368; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1122; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 46. Centropomus pedimacula Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 122; Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., 1874, 29 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1119; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 90; Jordan & Dickerson, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1908, 14. Ccntropomus medius Gunther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 144 (Chiapam, Guatemala). Centropomus cuvieri Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat., 5 ser., IX, 1868, 91 (Haiti). Centropomus grandoculatus Jenkins & Evermann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888, 139 (Guaymas) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1 120. Head 2.8 to 3.2; depth 3.3 to 4.1 ; D. VIII-I, 10; A. Ill, 7; scales 5 to 8 between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 62 to 67 in a longitudinal series, above the lateral line, from the supraclavicle serrse to base of caudal. Body moderately elongate, compressed ; the back elevated ; anterior profile notably concave; head long, depressed above; eyes large, placed high, 3.2 to 4.7 in head; snout long, ending in the prominently pro- truding lower jaw, 3.1 to 3.7; mouth rather large, somewhat oblique; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of pupil, 2.2 to 2.5 in head; preorbital, preopercle and supraclavicle strongly ser- rate; preopercular margin with 3 or 4 enlarged serrae at angle; pre- opercular ridge with 2 spines at angle; opercle without spines, pro- duced into a flap, that does not reach vertical from first dorsal except in 422 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. very young; gill-rakers rather long and slender, the longest equal to about half diameter of eye, 13 to 15 movable ones on lower limb of anterior arch; pseudobranchiae well developed; stomach with 4 caeca; air bladder without appendages, somewhat fusiform, but tapering more posteriorly than anteriorly; scales ctenoid, rather small and crowded in front of spinous dorsal, large elsewhere; all the fins except spinous dorsal more or less scaly at base; spinous dorsal with 8 strong spines, the first 2 short, the third the strongest, also the longest, but not reach- ing past the tip of the fourth, 1.5 to 1.85 in head; outer posterior mar- gin of fin usually straight; second dorsal with one spine and 10 branched rays, the anterior rays long, but decreasing rapidly in length to the fifth ray, the posterior 5 rays of about equal length, the outer posterior margin of fin deeply concave; caudal deeply forked, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 spines and 7 branched rays; the first spine short, the second and third very long; the second spine much stronger than the third, but not longer and not reaching past the tip of the third, i.i to 1.5 in head; the anterior anal ray very long, usually reaching past the tip of the long spines, the third ray only about half the length of the first, the posterior 4 rays of about equal length; the outer posterior margin of fin concave; ventrals large, rather long, reaching past vent; pectorals small, not nearly reaching tips of ventrals, 1.55 to 1.85 in head. Color bluish or grayish above, sides and below silvery ; tip of snout and lower jaw dusky; lateral line black; in old and poorly preserved specimens the black has often disappeared, leaving it almost, or entirely, pale; fins usually all more or less dusky; the tips of caudal lobes, the tips of ventrals and the tips of the longest anal ray, also the mem- brane between the second and third anal spines, usually black. The amount of black on fins varies greatly among individuals; in some specimens it almost entirely disappears. This species is here described from 106 specimens, of which 38 are from the Pacific coast, and the remainder from the Atlantic. The speci- mens range in length from 65 to 300 mm. We find marked variation with age. In the young the head is comparatively longer, the eye larger, the fin spines longer, and the anterior profile less concave. We are unable to follow those authors who have attempted to sepa- rate the Pacific coast representatives from those of the Atlantic. The only difference that we note in our large series is that the scales above the lateral line of the Pacific coast specimens seem to average somewhat fewer in number. In 19 specimens from the Pacific coast there are from 5 to 7 scales between the lateral line and the second dorsal (count- APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 423 ing opposite the fifth ray) with an average of 6.26 scales to a series. In 23 specimens from the Atlantic the range, counted as above, is 6 to 8, with an average of 6.6 scales to a series. In a longitudinal series above the lateral line, from the supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal, for the same 19 specimens from the Pacific mentioned above, the range is from 62 to 67, with an average of 62.4+ scales to a series. For the 23 Atlantic specimens the range is from 61 to 72, with an average of 66.5 scales to a series. This small variation may well occur within a species. Of the described forms included here, we have been able to examine the type of C. grandoculatus Jenkins & Evermann. We find no char- acters that separate it from C. pectinatus, as here described. The first dorsal has 8 spines as usual. The authors probably overlooked either the first or the last, both of which are very short. We count 62 scales in a longitudinal series above the lateral line. This species enters rivers freely and many of our specimens were taken in brackish water. Known from both coasts of tropical America, ranging on the At- lantic from the West Indies to Bahia and on the Pacific from Guaymas, Mexico, to Buenaventura, Colombia. Our Atlantic specimens are from Mindi, Colon and Porto Bello. The Pacific coast specimens were taken at Chame Point, Balboa, Corozal and Panama City. 313. Centropomus parallelus Poey. Centropomus parallelus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 120 (Havana and Cienfuegos) ; Gunther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 407; Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1874, 22; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1122; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 48. Centropomus mexicanus Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat., 5 ser., IX, 1868, 90 (Gulf of Mexico) ; Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1874, 23, PI. I, fig. 2; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1121; Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub., Zool. Ser., V, 1904, 199. Centropomus constantinus Jordan & Starks, in Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1125 (Bahia, Brazil). Centropomus heringi Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1906, 425, fig. 2 (Surinam or Dutch Guiana). Centropomus gabbi Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1906, 423, fig. i (eastern San Domingo). Head 2.7 to 3; depth 3.5 to 4; D. VII or VIII-I, 10 or 11 ; A. Ill, 6; scales 8 to 10 between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 424 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. s 77 to 90 in longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal. Body elongate, moderately compressed ; the back elevated ; anterior profile only slightly convex; head long and depressed above; eyes large, placed high, 3.6 to 4.9 in head; snout long, ending in the pro- truding lower jaw, 3 to 3.5 ; mouth large, nearly horizontal ; the maxil- lary reaching to about middle of eye, 2.25 to 2.4 in head; preorbital, preopercle and the supraclavicle serrate; preopercular ridge with 2 spines at angle ; opercle without spines, produced into a flap, which ex- tends to vertical from origin of first dorsal in adult, in young it reaches somewhat past this point; gill-rakers long and slender, 10 to n mov- able ones on lower limb of first arch ; pseudobranchise well developed ; stomach with 4 short caeca; air bladder simple, without appendages, tapering posteriorly, coming to a sharp point rather abruptly; scales ctenoid, smaller than in related species; all the fins except spinous dorsal more or less scaly; the latter usually consisting of 8 strong spines, rarely of 7 (one specimen out of thirteen has only 7 spines in the first dorsal) ; the third spine is variable in length, somewhat longer, equal to, or often slightly shorter than the fourth, never reach- ing past the tip of the fourth, when the fin is deflexed, its length 1.75 to 2.2 in head; second dorsal composed of one spine and 10 soft rays 1 , rarely of 1 1 ; the anterior rays high, decreasing in length to about the sixth ray; the posterior rays of about equal length; outer posterior margin of fin concave; caudal deeply forked, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 spines and 6 divided rays ; the second spine much enlarged, reaching past the tip of the third spine, its length 1.2 to 1.65 in head; the first ray long, as long as the third spine, the posterior rays of about equal length, not more than half as long as the first ray; the outer posterior margin of fin slightly concave; ventrals moderate, reaching to or past vent; pectorals short, 1.55 to 1.8 in head. Color bluish gray above, silvery below; lateral line in a black or dusky streak which becomes pale in specimens not well preserved; fins all more or less dusky; the third anal spine usually black. Our collection contains 21 specimens, ranging from 120 to 580 mm. in length, upon which the above description is based. This fish ascends streams into fresh water. One of our specimens was taken above rapids in the Rio Charges some distance above Alha- juela, more than fifty miles from the sea. Known from the Atlantic coast of tropical America, from the West Indies to Bahia, Brazil. Our specimens are from the Rio Chagres at Gatun and Alhajuela, New Gatun, Hindi Cut and Colon. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 425 314. Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch). (Plate XLI.) Sci&na undecimalis Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VI, 1792, 60, PI. CCCIII (Jamaica). Platycc phalus undecimalis Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichthyol., 1801, 59- Centropomus undccim-radiatus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 268. Perca loubina Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 418 (Cayenne). Sphyrcena aureoviridis Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., V, 1803, 3 2 5 PI- IX, fig. 2 (Martinique). Centropomus undecimalis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 102, PI. XIV; Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1874, 17, PI. II, fig. i ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, l8 59, 79; Steindachner, Denkschr. Ak. Wiss. Wien, XXXIX, 1879, 21; Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 367; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1118; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 89; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 49; Jordan & Dickerson, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1908, 13; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon). Centropomus appendiculatus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 119 (Havana and Cienfuegos). Centropomus argenteus, Regan, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 8, XIII, 1904, 260. Head 2.7 to 3.5; depth 3.9 to 4.8; D. VIII-I, 10 or 11 ; A. Ill, 6; scales 7 to 8^2 between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 67 to 77 in longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle spines to base of caudal. Body elongate, somewhat compressed; the back little elevated; anterior profile almost straight in young, somewhat convex in adult; head long and low, depressed above; eye rather small, 4.4 to 7.25 in head; snout long, ending in the projecting lower jaw, 3.1 to 3.6; mouth large, horizontal; maxillary reaching from slightly past middle of eye to slightly past posterior margin of pupil, 2.2 to 2.6 in head ; preorbital weakly serrate in young, smooth in- adult ; pre- opercle and supraclavicle serrate; 2 to 4 enlarged serrae at angle of preopercle; preopercular ridge with I or 2 spines at angle, the lower one, if present, very small; opercle without spines, extended into a flap, which extends to vertical from origin of first dorsal in young, somewhat shorter in adult; gill-rakers rather long, 7 or 8 movable ones on lower limb of anterior arch ; pseudobranchise well developed ; stomach with 4 caeca; intestine short, less than half the length of 426 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. body; air bladder anteriorly with 2 lateral appendages, which curve backwards and lie along lateral sides of the bladder, their length is contained from 6 to 6.4 times in total length of bladder; scales mod- erate, ctenoid; all the fins, except spinous dorsal, more or less scaly at least at base; first dorsal with 8 strong spines, the third equal to or longer than the fourth, usually not reaching tip of the fourth when the fin is deflexed, but occasionally reaching past it, its length 1.75 to 2.3 in head; second dorsal with one spine and 10 branched rays, rarely with only 9 branched rays, the anterior rays long, the posterior rays not more than half as long as the anterior rays; the outer pos- terior margin of fin concave ; caudal forked, with large scales at base ; anal constantly with 3 spines and 6 branched rays; the second spine always longer than the third, reaching past the tip of the third in the young when the fin is deflexed, not reaching tip of the third in the adult, also proportionately shorter in the adult, its length 1.45 to 2.3 in head ; ventrals moderate, reaching vent in young, shorter in adult ; pectorals moderate, not reaching tips of ventrals, but of about equal length, 1.8 to 1.95 in head. Color bluish gray above, silvery below; lateral line in a black streak; sides usually with dusky punctulations ; fins somewhat dusky; ventrals without black; peritoneum and lining of gill-covers silvery. This species is represented in our collection by 37 specimens, rang- ing from 85 to 460 mm. in length, which form the basis for the above description. Known from the Atlantic coast of tropical America, ascending streams, but apparently not far, as only a few of our specimens were taken in streams a short distance above brackish water. It ranges from Florida to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, New Gatun, Mindi, Colon and Porto Bello. 315. Centropomus nigrescens Giinther. (Plate XLII.) Centropomus nigrescens Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 144 (Chiapam), and Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 407; Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1874, 20, PI. I, fig. I ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1119; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 90; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 50. Centropomus viridis Lockington, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., VII, 1876 (1877), no (off Asuncion Island, Lower Calif.) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1118; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 50. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 427 Ccntropomus undecimalis Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 89 (part). Head 2.7 to 3.1 ; depth 3.7 to 4.5; D. VIII-I or VII-II, 8 to 10; A. Ill, 6; scales 7 to 9 between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 60 to 73 in longitudinal series from supraclavicle to base of caudal. Body elongate, somewhat compressed ; the back moderately elevated ; anterior profile straight, except in very large examples where it becomes convex; head long, somewhat depressed above; eye rather small, 4.3 to 8.6 in head; snout long, ending in the protruding lower jaw, 3.15 to 3.7; mouth large, nearly horizontal; maxillary reaching from pos- terior margin of pupil to posterior margin of eye, 2.2 to 2.6 in head; preorbital weakly serrate in young, entire in adult; preopercle and supraclavicle serrate; the serras at preopercular angle enlarged; pre- opercular ridge with only one developed spine at angle, smooth in adult; opercle without spines, produced into a flap, which reaches ver- tical from origin of first dorsal in young, shorter in adult; gill-rakers rather long, 8 to 10 movable ones on lower limb of anterior arch; pseudobranchiae well developed; stomach with 4 caeca; air bladder simple or with appendages which vary from mere rudiments to one-fourth the total length of the air bladder; scales of moderate size, ctenoid; all the fins except spinous dorsal more or less scaly, at least at the base ; first dorsal with 8 spines, rarely with only 7 ; the first dorsal spine very small, the third usually the longest, sometimes the third and fourth are of equal length, occasionally the third is shorter than the fourth, 1.7 to 2.5 in head; second dorsal usually with I spine, occasionally with 2 spines, and with 8 to 10 branched rays, the anterior rays long, decreasing rapidly in length to the sixth ray, the remaining rays of about equal length and not more than half the length of the anterior ray ; the outer posterior margin of fin concave ; caudal forked, both lobes acute ; anal constantly with 3 spines and 6 branched rays ; the second spine enlarged, constantly larger than the third, reaching past the tip of third when the fin is deflexed only in the very young, not reaching tip of third in adult, also proportionately shorter in adult, 2.1 to 2.6 in head ; the anterior ray very long, reaching past tip of longest spine in adult, shorter in young; ventrals moderate, reaching vent in young, not nearly reaching vent in adult; pectorals rather short, not reaching tip of ventrals, 1.8 to 2.2 in head. Color bluish gray to bluish black above, silvery below; sides with dusky punctulations ; lateral line in a black streak ; fins usually all more or less dusky; ventrals usually with black on distal third. 428 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Of this species 54 specimens, ranging from 80 to 580 mm. in length, were preserved and form the basis for the above description. We have here included C. viridis, which was supposed to differ from C. nigrescent mainly in that it had an air bladder with appendages. It has already been noted by Gilbert & Starks (1904) that the length of the appendages of the air bladder in C. viridis=-C. undecimalis vary greatly. A further examination of 16 specimens shows them in all stages of development. Of the specimens examined, 4 have the air bladder entirely without appendages, 6 have mere rudiments, and 6 have appendages variously developed, ranging in length from 1/12 to *4 f tne total length of the bladder. We find no external characters that are of distinctive value. C. nigrescens is very closely related to C. undecimalis of the Atlantic coast, from which it can scarcely be separated. C. nigrescens has from 8 to 10 movable gill-rakers on the lower limb of the anterior arch ; C. undecimalis has 7 or 8. The former has from 8 to 10, usually 9, branched rays in the second dorsal; the latter almost constantly has 10. The scales in a longitudinal series above the lateral line, from the supraclavicle serrse to base of caudal, are usually fewer in number in C. nigrescens. The range in 23 specimens in the scales in a lateral series is from 60 to 73, with an average of 68 . In 23 specimens of C. undecimalis, the range in the longitudinal series (counted as above) is from 66 to 77, with an average of 72+ scales. The air bladder in all specimens of C. undecimalis examined has appendages. Known from the Pacific coast of tropical America. It enters streams freely. Some of our specimens were taken in fresh water streams above tide influence. Recorded from Lower California to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Our specimens were taken at Chame, Chanie Point, Balboa, Corozal, Miraflores, Rio Mamone and Rio Calobre. 316. Centropomus unionensis Bocourt. Centropomus unionensis Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat., 5 ser., IX, 1868, 90 (La Union, El Salvador) ; Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1874, 37; Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXIV) Ichth. Beitr., V, 1876, I ; Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 370; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1122; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 90, PI. XII, fig. 27; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 53; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 409 (Panama). Head 2.7 to 3.1 ; depth 2.9 to 3.6; D. VIII-I, 9 or 10; A. Ill, 6; scales 6 or 7 between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 47 to APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 429 50 in longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal. Body moderately elongate, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile convex, rather steep at nape ; head rather long, depressed above ; snout long, ending in the protruding lower jaw, 3.1 to 3.6 in head; eye 4.15 to 5.7; mouth large, horizontal; the maxillary reaching from middle of eye to posterior margin of pupil, 2.2 to 2.6 in head ; preorbital, preopercle and supraclavicle serrate; preopercle with 2 enlarged teeth at angle; preopercular ridge with one small and one large spine at angle; opercle without spines, produced into a flap, reaching to about vertical from origin of first dorsal; gill-rakers moderate, 9 to 12 movable ones on lower limb of anterior arch; pseudobranchiae well developed; stomach with 4 caeca; air bladder anteriorly with 2 short processes; scales ctenoid, large, and not greatly crowded in front of first dorsal, 13 to 17 in a series in advance of dorsal; all the fins, except spinous dorsal, more or less scaly at base ; the first dorsal with 8 spines, the third and fourth spines usually of about equal length, sometimes, however, the third is notably longer and again it is somewhat shorter, 1.7 to 2.05 in head; second dorsal with one spine and usually with 9, occasionally with 10, branched rays ; the anterior rays long, more than twice the length of the posterior ; outer posterior margin of fin concave ; caudal forked, the lobes of equal length, acute ; anal with 3 spines and 6 branched rays; the second spine moderately enlarged, extending past the tip of the third spine a distance usually less than half the diameter of eye, usually not quite reaching the base of caudal, 1.35 to 1.75 in head; ventrals reaching vent in adult, past vent in young; pectorals moderate, not reaching tips of ventrals, 1.3 to 1.47 in head. Color bluish gray above, silvery below; lateral line not in a dark streak; fins usually all more or less dusky; spinous dorsal usually black; membrane between second and third anal spine pale or only slightly dusky. This species is represented by 37 specimens, ranging from 95 to 220 mm. in length, upon which the above description is based. It differs mainly from C. armatus in the shorter and weaker fin spines, the lateral line is not in a black streak, the membrane between the second and third anal spines is not black, and the scales in front of the first dorsal are fewer in number and less crowded. From C. robaUto it differs mainly in having more scales between the lateral line and second dorsal, fewer gill-rakers, and smaller fin spines. It is abundant in tide streams. 43 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Known from the Pacific coast of tropical America, namely, La Union, El Salvador; Panama City, Corozal and Rio Culebra, Panama; and Guayaquil, Ecuador. 317. Centropomus robalito Jordan & Gilbert. Centropomus armatus Giinther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 408 (not of Gill). Centropomus robalito Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 462 (Mazatlan, Acapulco) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1 123 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 94, PL XIII, fig. 25; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., JW, 5i; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 101. Centropomus ensiferus Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, l &95> 369 (not of Poey). Head 2.7 to 3; depth 3.1 to 3.8; D. VIII-I, 10; A. Ill, 6; scales 5 or S/^2 between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 50 to 53 in longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal. Body moderately elongate, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile notably convex over head, steep at nape; head long, depressed above; snout long, ending in the protruding lower jaw, 3.1 to 3.4 in head; eye 3.7 to 5.7; mouth large, horizontal; the maxillary reaching about middle of eye, 2.4 to 2.7 in head; preorbital, preopercle and supraclavicle serrate; preopercular ridge with one small and one well developed spine; opercle without spines, produced into a flap, which reaches somewhat past the vertical from origin of first dorsal; gill- rakers numerous, 13 to 17 movable ones on lower limb of anterior arch ; pseudobranchiae well developed ; stomach with 4 caeca ; air bladder anteriorly with 2 short processes; scales ctenoid, large, not greatly crowded in front of first dorsal, 13 to 16 in a series in advance of dorsal; all the fins, except spinous dorsal, more or less scaly, at least at base ; first dorsal with 8 spines ; the third dorsal spine equal to or longer than the fourth, but never reaching past the tip of the fourth when fin is deflexed, 1.6 to 1.9 in head ; second dorsal with one spine and 10 branched rays, the anterior rays long, the posterior rays about half the length of the first, outer posterior margin of fin concave; caudal forked, the lobes acute, of equal length; anal with 3 spines and 6 branched rays, the second spine notably enlarged, extending past the tip of the third spine, a distance somewhat smaller than the diameter of the eye, reaching to or past the base of caudal when fin is deflexed, APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 431 1.15 to 1.55 in head; the anterior ray long, reaching slightly past the tip of the third spine, the posterior ray less than half the length of the anterior; outer posterior margin of fin concave; ventrals rather long, reaching vent in adult and past vent in young ; pectorals moderate, not quite reaching tip of ventral, 1.4 to 1.55 in head. Color bluish gray above, silvery below; lateral line not in a black streak; all the fins usually more or less dusky; spinous dorsal usually black ; the membrane between the second and third anal spines not black. Our collection contains 28 specimens, ranging from 70 to 240 mm. in length, and they form the basis for the above description. This species differs from C. armatus mainly in having fewer scales between lateral line and second dorsal, also fewer and less crowded scales in front of first dorsal, the gill-rakers are more numerous, the fin spines are somewhat shorter, and the lateral line is not in a dark streak. It is abundant in tide streams. Known from the Pacific coast of tropical America, from Rio Presidio, Mexico, to Panama. Our specimens are from Arrijan, Balboa, Corozal and Panama City. 318. Centropomus armatus Gill. Centropomus armatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 163 Panama) ; Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1874, 34; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1123 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 92, PI. XIII, fig. 26; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 52. Centropomus brevis Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 145. Centropomus ensiferus Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, !895, 369 (not of Poey). Centropomus atridorsalis Regan, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 7, XII, 1903, 627 (Rio Vauqueria, Ecuador). Head 2.7 to 2.95 ; depth 3 to 3.4 ; D. VII or VIII-I, 9 or 10 ; A. Ill, 6; scales 6 to 7% between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 47 to 55 in longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal. Body robust, moderately elongate, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile notably convex, especially in adult, rather steep over posterior part of head; head long, depressed over eyes; snout long, ending in the protruding lower jaw, 3.1 to 3.8 in head; eye 4.1 to 6.1 ; mouth large, horizontal, the maxillary reaching from middle of eye to posterior margin of pupil, 2.3 to 2.5 in head ; preorbital, preopercle and supraclavicle serrate at all ages; preopercle with 2 enlarged teeth at 432 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. angle; preopercular ridge with but one developed spine at angle; opercle without spines, produced into a flap, which usually reaches somewhat past the origin of first dorsal; gill-rakers moderate, from 9 to 12 movable ones on lower limb of anterior arch; pseudobranchiae well developed; stomach with 4 caeca; intestine very short, much less than half the length of the body; air bladder simple, without appen- dages ; scales ctenoid, small and crowded in front of first dorsal, 19 to 25 in number, large elsewhere; all the fins, except spinous dorsal, more or less scaly, at least at base; first dorsal with 8 strong spines, rarely with 7, the third and fourth spines the longest, usually about equal length, although in some of our specimens the third spine is notably longer than the fourth, and in others it is shorter, the third never reaching past the tip of the fourth when fin is deflexed, 1.55 to 2.3 in head; second dorsal with one spine and 10 rays, occasionally with only 9, the anterior ray about two times as long as the posterior, outer posterior margin of fin concave; caudal forked, the lobes acute, of equal length ; anal with 3 spines and 6 branched rays ; the second anal spine much enlarged, varying greatly in length among individuals, constantly extending far past the tip of the third spine, reaching to or past base of caudal when fin is deflexed, i.i to 1.55 in head; the anterior branched ray of anal equal to or slightly longer than the third spine, more than twice the length of the posterior rays, outer posterior margin of fin somewhat concave; ventrals moderate, reaching past vent in young, proportionately shorter in adult, reaching only about Y^ of the distance from their base to vent ; pectorals long, reaching to or past the tips of the ventrals, 1.27 to 1.48 in head. Color bluish gray above, silvery below; sides usually with dusky punctulations ; lateral line in a dark streak, which fades readily in alcohol; all the fins usually dusky; the membranes between spines of first dorsal and between second and third anal spines black. This species is very abundant in the tide streams of the Pacific coast of Panama, 98 specimens, ranging from 80 to 265 mm. in length, were preserved, and these form the basis for the above description. This species is close to C. ensiferus, from which it differs mainly in the deeper and more robust body (average depth of 26 specimens of C. armatus is 3.34 , of 24 specimens of C. ensiferus 3.76-)-) ; stronger fin spines; smaller and more crowded scales in front of first dorsal; more rows of scales between lateral line and second dorsal (average number of scales in vertical series between lateral line and middle of second dorsal in 26 specimens of C. armatus is 6.77-4-, in 24 specimens of C. ensiferus 5.52+) ; and in the somewhat larger mo'uth. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 433 Known from the Pacific coast of tropical America, from Chiapam, Guatemala, to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Our specimens are from Balboa, Corozal, Panama City, Rio Culebra and Rio Calobre. 319. Centropomus ensiferus Poey. Ccntropomus ensiferus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 122, PI. XII, fig. I (Havana); Giinther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 408; Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1874, 33; Stein- dachner, Denkshr. Ak. Wiss. Wien, XXXIX, 1879, 21 ; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 39; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1125; Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 52. Centropomus affinis Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, XLIX) Ichth. Notizen, I, 1864, I, PI. I, fig. i (Rio de Janeiro and Cajutuba, Brazil; Demerara, Guiana) ; Vaillant and Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1874, 31, PI. I, fig. i ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1124. Centropomus scaber Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat., 5 ser., IX, 1868, 90 (marshes of Belize). Centropomus altus Regan, Biol. Cent. Amer., Pise., 1907, 53, PI. VIII, fig. i (Colon, Panama). Head 2.7 to 3; depth 3.4 to 4.1; D. VIII-I, 10; A. Ill, 6; scales 5 to 6y 2 between lateral line and middle of second dorsal, 50 to 56 in longitudinal series, above lateral line, from supraclavicle serrae to base of caudal. Body elongate, moderately compressed; the back little elevated; anterior profile not steep, nearly straight in young, slightly convex over anterior portion of head in adult ; head long and low ; snout long, ending in the protruding lower jaw, 2.95 to 3.8 in head ; eye 3.8 to 6.4 ; mouth moderate, horizontal; the maxillary reaching to about middle of eye, 2.5 to 2.8 in head; preorbital, preopercle and supraclavicle serrate; preopercle with 2 enlarged teeth at angle; preopercular ridge with one small and one well developed spine; opercle without spines, produced into a flap which extends well past the vertical from origin of first dorsal; gill-rakers moderate, from 10 to 13 movable ones on lower limb of anterior arch ; pseudobranchiae well developed ; stomach with 4 short caeca; intestine very short; air bladder simple, without appendages; scales strongly ctenoid, rather large, not greatly crowded in front of first dorsal, 16 to 18 in a series in advance of dorsal ; all the fins, except spinous dorsal, more or less scaly, at least at base; first dorsal with 8 spines, which are not as strong as those of C. armatus of the Pacific 434 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. coast, its nearest relative; the third spine equal to or longer than the fourth, never reaching past the tip of the fourth when the fin is deflexed, 1.65 to 2.2 in head; second dorsal with one spine and 10 branched rays, the anterior rays long, more than twice the length of the posterior rays ; outer posterior margin of fin concave; caudal forked, both lobes of equal length, acute ; anal with 3 spines and 6 branched rays ; the second anal spine excessively long, but not as strong as in C. armatus, extending far past the tip of the third spine, reaching past the base of the caudal when fin is deflexed, i to i .35 in head ; the anterior branched anal ray- equal to or longer than the third spine, more than twice the length of the posterior ray; outer posterior margin of anal fin concave; ventrals moderate, reaching past vent in young, proportionately shorter in adult, when they do not reach vent ; pectorals moderate, reaching about to tip of ventrals, 1.4 to 1.5 in head. Color bluish gray or brownish above, silvery below; sides with or without dark points ; lateral line in a dark streak which often fades in alcohol ; fins all more or less dusky ; the membranes between the spines of first dorsal and between second and third anal spines black. This species was found less abundantly than most of the other species of this genus from the Atlantic coast. Our collection contains 25 specimens, ranging from 60 to 230 mm. in length. The above description is based on these specimens and numerous others, in the National Museum collection from the West Indies, that we have examined. Known from the West Indies and the Atlantic coast of tropical America, from Cuba to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our specimens were taken at New Gatun, Mindi Cut, Colon and Porto Bello. Family LI. Serranidae. THE SEA BASSES. Body oblong, more or less compressed; mouth moderate, or large, more or less oblique; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary broad, exposed; teeth conical or pointed, present on jaws, vomer and palatines; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth ; gill-membranes free from the isthmus ; branchiostegals 6 or 7; nostrils 2 on each side; lateral line usually complete, rarely interrupted on side; never extending on caudal fin; scales adherent, moderate or small, usually ctenoid, extending forward on opercle and cheeks; dorsal spines stiff, from 2 to 15 in number; soft dorsal with 10 to 30 rays; anal fin short, spines if present always 3, soft rays 7 to 12 ; ventrals thoracic, without axillary scale, with I, 5 rays. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 435 This is a very large family, consisting chiefly of marine species inhabiting all warm seas. So far as known, the species are carnivorous, some of them reach a very large size, and most of them are valued as food. The members of this family, known as groupers, command a fancy price in the markets on the Isthmus of Panama. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Ventral fins inserted a little behind the base of pectorals. b. Dorsal normally with 9 spines. c. Caudal fin deeply forked, the lobes notably produced ; dorsal fin very low, with 19 or 20 soft rays; gill-rakers long and slender, about 25 on lower limb of first arch. Paranthias, p. 436. cc. Caudal fin rounded; dorsal fin notably higher, with 14 to 17 soft rays; gill-rakers rather short, fewer than 18 on lower limb of first arch. d. Dorsal rays IX, 15 to 17; anal rays III, 9. Cephalopholis, p. 438. dd. Dorsal rays IX, 14; anal rays III, 8. Petrometopon, p. 441. bb. Dorsal normally with 10 or u spines. e. Anal fin rather long, with n or 12 soft rays. Mycteroperca, p. 444. ee. Anal fin shorter, with 7 or 8 soft rays. f . Maxillary with a distinct supplemental bone ; jaws with enlarged, depressible teeth behind the outside row. g. Posterior margin of preopercle serrate, the lower limb entire, no antrorse spines. h. Cranium broad, depressed between the eyes ; scales of lateral line each with 4 to 6 strong radiating ridges. Promicrops, p. 45. hh. Cranium narrower, not depressed between the eyes; scales of lateral line normal, simply with radiating striae. Epinephelus, p. 452. gg. Posterior margin of preopercle serrate, a single strong antrorse spine on lower posterior angle. Alphestes, p. 463. ff. Maxillary without a supplemental bone; jaws without enlarged depressible teeth. i. Body robust, the back not notably elevated; dorsal fin notched, some of the anterior spines notably elevated; lower limb of preopercle entire. Paralabrax, p. 466. 436 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. ii. Body deep and compressed, the back notably elevated; dorsal fin not notched, none of the spines high ; lower limb of preopercle distinctly serrate. Hypoplectrus, p. 467. aa. Ventral fins inserted a little in advance of base of pectorals. j. Anal fin with 3 spines; dorsal with 7 to 10 spines. k. Lateral line simple, complete, not interrupted; preopercular margin serrate, the serrse arranged in clusters or not. I. Preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrse not arranged in clusters. Prionodes, p. 470. II. Preopercle with I or 2 clusters of strong, diverging spines. Diplectrum, p. 472. kk. Lateral line interrupted under posterior part of soft dorsal, reappearing lower down on side; preopercular margin with a single broad spine, otherwise smooth; opercle without evident spine. Rhegma, p. 478. jj. Anal fin without spine; dorsal fin with 2 or 3 spines; preopercle provided with 2 or 3 spines, otherwise smooth; opercle with 2 or 3 spines. Rypticus, p. 479- 124. Genus Paranthias Guichenot. Brachyrhinus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 (type Serranus creolus Cuvier & Valenciennes = Serranus furcifer Cuvier & Valenciennes; name preoccupied). Paranthias Guichenot, Ann. Soc. Linn. Maine et Loire, X, 1868, 87 (type Serranus creolus Cuvier & Valenciennes = Serranus furcifer Cuvier & Valenciennes). Body elongate, compressed; head short, rather blunt; mouth moderate; maxillary of moderate width; teeth in narrow bands, 2 to 4 anterior canines present; preopercular margin finely serrate; gill-rakers slender, rather numerous; lateral line simple, complete; scales small, ctenoid on body, cycloid on head ; dorsal fin low, with 9 spines ; caudal fin deeply forked; anal fin rather short, with III, 9 or 10 rays; ventrals rather long, narrow, inserted just behind base of pectorals; pectorals long, slightly pointed. A single species of this genus is known. 320. Paranthias furcifer (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Serranus furcifer Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 196 (Brazil). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 437 Serranus creolus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 197 (Martinique) ; Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., IV, 1875, 6 (Panama Bay). Corvina oxyptcra De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 77, PI. XXX, fig. 96 (no locality). Serranus colonus Valenciennes, Voy. Venus, Zool., 1846, PI. II, fig. I, text, 1855, 3 (Galapagos Is.). Anthias furcifer Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 9 1 - Brachyrhinus creolus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 249. Paranthias creolus Guichenot, Ann. Soc. Linn. Maine et Loire, X, 1868, 87. Paranthias furcifer Guichenot, Ann. Soc. Linn. Maine et Loire, X, 1868, 87; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1221, PI. CXCII, fig. 504; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, no (Panama; Toboguilla Island). Brachyrhinus furcifer Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U." S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 916. Head 3.33 to 3.6; depth 2.75 to 2.9; D. IX, 19 or 20; A. Ill, 10; scales 105 to 118. Body rather deep; dorsal and ventral outlines anteriorly both convex, the dorsal outline more strongly curved than the ventral ; head rather short and deep ; snout short and rather blunt, 3.85 to 4.8 in head ; eye 3.85 to 4.2; mouth moderate, oblique; lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching to or a little beyond middle of eye, 2.25 to 2.4 in head ; teeth small, in villiform bands on jaws, vomer and palatines, each jaw with a very small pair of canines anteriorly; preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrse at angle scarcely enlarged; opercle short, with 3 spines, the middle one the longest; gill-rakers slender, about 24 tne diameter of eye, 24 to 26 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid on body, smooth on head, extended on base of caudal fin; dorsal fin long, without notch, the first spine short, the second only slightly shorter than the third, the third and succeeding spines of about equal length, the soft part of fin scarcely higher than the spines, the posterior rays slightly shorter than the anterior ones ; caudal fin deeply forked, both lobes produced, pointed, the upper one the longer, equal to or longer than head; anal fin with 3 spines, the second and third of about equal length, the soft part a little higher than soft dorsal; ventral fins narrow, inserted a little behind base of pectorals ; pectoral fins reaching well beyond tips of ventrals, slightly pointed, i to i.i in head. 438 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color uniform brownish above, lower parts and all the fins except dorsal blood red; the base of dorsal very dark, distal parts reddish green. This fish is represented by 7 specimens in the present collection, ranging from 200 to 268 mm. in length, which were taken along the rocky shores of Taboga Island by the use of dynamite. It was seen only on this occasion. Numerous specimens were taken at Taboguilla Island by the Albatross in 1905. We have no specimens for comparison from the Atlantic. Known from both coasts of tropical America, from Cuba to Brazil and from Cape San Lucas to Peru. Our specimens are from Taboga Island. 125. Genus Cephalopholis Bloch & Schneider. Cephalopholis Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 311 (type Cephalopholis argus Bloch & Schneider). Enneacentrus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1865, IO 5 (tyP 6 Serranus ouatalibi Cuvier & Valenciennes). Menephorus Poey, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., X, 1871, 50 (type Serranus dubius Poey). This genus differs from Epinephelus chiefly in the presence of 9, instead of n, spines in the dorsal fin. "In character of cranium the two genera differ little, the skull above having its bones thin and smooth, the angular ridge on the posterior part of the f rentals being wanting, the parietal and supra- occipital crests not extending on the f rentals." (Jordan & Evermann.) KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Dorsal fin with 15 soft rays; the soft dorsal and anal with convex outlines; gill-rakers about as long as pupil, 12 to 14 on lower limb of first arch. fulvus, p. 438. aa. Dorsal fin with 17 soft rays; the soft dorsal and anal with some of the rays produced, making the outlines angular; gill-rakers about half the diameter of eye, 17 on lower limb of first arch. acanthistius, p. 440. 321. Cephalopholis fulvus (Linnaeus). Labrus fulvus ;Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 287 (Bahamas). Perca punctata Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 291 (Bahamas). Guativere amarilla Parra, Desc. Piezas de Hist. Nat., 1787, PI. V, fig. 2 (Cuba). Perca punctulata Gmelin, Syst. Nat. Hist., 1789, 1315 (Bahamas). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 439 Holocentrus auratus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 75, PI. CCXXXVI (East Indies). Bodianus guativere Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichthyol., 1801, 336 (Cuba). Serranus auratus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 364- Serranus ouatalibi Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 381 (Havana). Serranus guativere Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 383. Serranus carauna Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 384 (Brazil). Enneacentrus punctatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 288. Eplnephelus fulvus Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 402. Bodianus fulvus Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 379- Bodianus fulvus ruber Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 379. Bodianus fulvus punctatus Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 380. Epinephelus punctatus Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 183, fig. 16 (skull). Cephalopholis fulvus Starks, Leland Stanford Jr. Univ. Pub., Univ. Ser., 1913, 45 (Natal). Head 2.65 to 3; depth 2.7 to 3; D. IX, 15; A. Ill, 9 (rarely 8) ; scales 89 to 96. Body elongate, moderately compressed; anterior profile rather strongly convex ; head moderate ; snout rather acute, 3.75 to 4.4 in head ; eye 3.8 to 4.7; mouth large; lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary broad, reaching well beyond eye, 1.8 to 1.95 in head; teeth moderate, pointed, in narrow bands on jaws, vomer and palatines ; a pair of very small fixed canines on anterior margin of each jaw, shorter but stronger than the depressible teeth behind them; preopercular margin finely ser- rate, the serrae at angle scarcely enlarged, a slight notch above angle; gill-rakers not much longer than pupil, 12 to 14 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, strongly ctenoid posteriorly, becoming smooth in advance of dorsal ; dorsal fin moderate, the third and fourth spines the longest, the posterior spines only slightly reduced, the soft part of dorsal higher than the spines, with convex outline ; caudal fin gently rounded ; anal fin rather small, the second and third spines of about equal length, 440 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. approximately 24 ^ e length of the longest soft rays, the outline of fin strongly convex; ventral fins narrow, somewhat shorter than the pectorals; pectoral fins reaching well beyond tips of ventrals, 1.25 to 1.4 in head. Color in life nearly black above, lower parts rusty red; sides and back everywhere with small round black spots; dorsal and caudal dark at base, becoming red distally; soft part of dorsal and caudal with pale margins; other fins bluish red. Some of our specimens are considerably darker than others, but all are profusely spotted with small, round, black dots. We have 10 specimens, ranging in length from 127 to 190 mm. Our specimens are probably nearest the variety, C. fulvus ruber, of Jordan and coauthors. The species is not abundant on the coast of Panama. Known from Florida to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point and Porto Bello. 322. Cephalopholis acanthistius (Gilbert). Bodianus acanthistius Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1891, 552 (Cape Lobos, on eastern shore of Gulf of California) ; Jordan & Ever- mann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1147. Head 2.45; depth 2.7; D. IX, 17; A. Ill, 9; scales 86. Body elongate, compressed ; anterior profile, rather strongly convex ; head moderate ; the snout rather short and blunt, 4.05 in head ; eye large, 4.05 ; mouth moderate, oblique ; lower jaw rather strongly projecting ; maxillary broad, reaching vertical from posterior margin of eye, 1.95 in head ; teeth all pointed, in narrow bands, or partly in 2 series laterally in the mandible, a pair of very small, fixed canines on anterior margin of each jaw; preopercular margin serrate, the serrae considerably enlarged at angle, the margin without evident notch; gill-rakers rather slender, the longest about half the diameter of eye, 17 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, very weakly ctenoid posteriorly, becoming smooth on anterior part of body; dorsal spines slender, the third and fourth the longest, notably longer than the posterior spines, the soft dorsal notably higher than the spines, the median rays somewhat produced, making the outline of fin strongly angulate; caudal fin with strongly convex margin; anal spines graduated, the second one notably shorter than the third, the soft rays high, with slightly angulate margin ; ventral fins rather large, the outer rays produced, pointed ; pectoral fins long, round, reaching past tips of ventrals to opposite origin of anal, 1.4 in head. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 441 Color in alcohol uniform brown; a dark stripe at sides above maxillary; fins all bluish black. A single specimen, 172 mm. in length, of this rare species occurs in the present collection. We compared this specimen with the type of the species with which it agrees admirably, although much smaller than the original. Previously known only from the type from Cape Lobos on the east- ern shore of the Gulf of California. Our specimen is from the Pan- ama City market. 126. Genus Petrometopon Gill. Petrometopon Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1865, 105 (type Sparus cruentatus Lacepede). Body oblong, compressed ; head large, acute ; mouth large, oblique ; frontal bones with an anterior groove for the reception of the posterior processes of the premaxillaries ; scales small, ctenoid, more or less embedded on head and nape; dorsal with 9 spines; anal with III, 8 rays; ventral fins inserted a little behind base of pectorals. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Lower part of sides of head and body and the lower surface of head, chest and abdomen with more or less distinct dark red, round spots ; no blue spots ; sides without dark bars ; a small black spot on back at base of anterior rays of soft dorsal. cruentatus, p. 441. aa. Sides with from 8 to 10 more or less distinct dark cross-bars; sides of head with more or less distinct bluish spots, these most distinct on lips; usually a black blotch behind eye; no dark red spots present on lower part of head or body. panamensis, p. 443. 323. Petrometopon cruentatus (Lacepede). Sparus cruentatus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 157, PI. IV, fig. i (Martinique; on a drawing by Plumier). Serranus coronatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 124. Serranus apiarius Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 143 (Havana). Petrometopon apiarius Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 288. Enneacentrus guttatus Jordan and Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 398. Bodianus cruentatus Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 378. 442 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Epinephelus guttatus Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 176. Petrometopon cruentatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1141. Head 2.5 to 2.9; depth 2.55 to 3.1; D. IX, 14; A. Ill, 8; scales 81 to 90. Body oblong, compressed; dorsal profile evenly rounded; head rather large, compressed; snout acute, 3.2 to 4.25 in head; eye 4.85 to 5.7; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary broad, extending well beyond eye, 1.75 to 2 in head; teeth all sharply pointed, in narrow bands on jaws, vomer and palatines, the depressible teeth in the jaws long and slender, especially those in anterior part of upper jaw; anterior margin of upper jaw with a pair of fixed, recurved canines; preopercular margin very finely serrate; opercle with 3 flat spines ; gill-rakers short, 9 or 10 on lower limb of first arch; lateral line arched anteriorly, scarcely confluent with dorsal out- line; scales small, strongly ctenoid, those on head and nape slightly imbedded; dorsal fin long, the spines strong, graduated, the soft part with rounded outline, higher than the spines; caudal round, a little more than half the length of head; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the soft part similar to soft dorsal ; ventral fins moderate, inserted slightly behind base of pectorals, equidistant from tip of lower jaw and middle of base of anal; pectoral fins- rather long, with strongly rounded margin, 1.2 to 1.65 in head. Color in life dark brown above to rusty underneath; lower part of sides of head and body as well as lower surface of head, chest and abdomen with very dark red, round spots which vary in size, and which are much more distinct on some specimens than on others; a jet black spot on back just below base of first soft rays of the dorsal, usually smaller than pupil ; some specimens with several black spots on back below base of dorsal; fins all very dark. In those specimens on which the dark red spots are well defined they are extended on the fins, in others the fins are simply plain, dark brown. The present collection contains 18 specimens, ranging from no to 208 mm. in length. This fish lives among rocks and is difficult to capture without the use of dynamite. It was not seen in the market on the Isthmus. In Cuba it is a food fish of some importance. Known from Florida south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 443 324. Petrometopon panamensis (Steindachner). Serranus panamensis Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., IV, 1875, i, PI. I, fig. i (Panama). Enneacentrus panamensis Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 398. Bodianus panamensis Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 378. Efrineplielus panamensis Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 177- Petrometopon panamensis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1141; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 95 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 107 (Panama, Toboguilla Island and Acapulco) . Head 2.55 to 2.75; depth 2.6 to 2.85; D. IX, 14; A. Ill, 8; scales 79 to 85. Body oblong, compressed ; dorsal profile gently rounded ; head large ; snout acute, 3.4 to 4.5 in head; eye 4.5 to 5-75; mouth large; lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary reaching well beyond eye, 1.8 to 1.95 in head; teeth all strongly pointed, in narrow bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines, the depressible teeth in the jaws enlarged, anterior margin of upper jaw with a single pair of fixed, recurved canines ; preopercular margin finely serrate ; opercle with 3 flat spines ; gill-rakers short, 8 to 10 on lower limb of first arch; lateral line arched, nearly confluent with the outline of back; scales small, finely serrate, those on head and nape more or less imbedded; dorsal fin long, the spines strong, graduated, the soft part with round outline, higher than the spines; caudal fin round; anal with 3 strong spines, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins moderate, inserted a little behind base of pectorals, about equidistant from tip of lower jaw and middle of base of anal ; pectorals rather long, round, 1.45 to 1.65 in head. Color in life very dark red ; sides with about 10 dark bars which are faint on upper part of body ; no round dark spots ; sides of head with more or less distinct bluish spots, most prominent on lips; a dark blotch behind eye sometimes present; fins usually uniform dark brown ; the dorsal and anal occasionally with bluish spots at base on interradial membranes ; the margins of fins often blue. This species is represented by 35 specimens, ranging from 46 to 360 mm. in length. It lives among rocks and is seldom taken in seines. We fail to find any structural differences between this species 444 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. and P. cruentatus. Most specimens can be readily separated by the color, but in others even this is difficult. Known from Acapulco to Panama. Our specimens are from Balboa and the Panama City market. 127. Genus Mycteroperca Gill. Mycteroperca Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 (type S err anus olfax Jenyns). Trisotropis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1865, 104 (type Johnius guttatus Bloch & Schneider = Perca venenosa Linnseus). Body elongate, compressed ; head large, more or less pointed ; mouth large, lower jaw prominent. This genus superficially differs from Epinephelus principally in the longer anal fin, there being usually n or 12 soft rays. "The skull differs from that of Epinephelus by the wider interorbital area; the parallelism and continuation of the lateral crests forward to the middle of the orbits inclosing an elongate parallelogram, the surface of which, especially between the orbits, is more uniform ; the absence of a frontal crest, the simple curvature or straightness of the naso-vomerine ridge, the absence of the angle at the suture between the nasals and the vomer." (Gill.) KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Gill-rakers numerous, close set, about 53 on the lower limb of first arch ; outlines of soft dorsal and anal always convex ; color brownish; sides with indistinct reticulations of dark around paler areas. ruber, p. 445. aa. Gill-rakers fewer in number, from 8 to 18 on lower limb of first arch. b. Soft dorsal and anal with convex margins, none of the rays produced; gill-rakers 8 to n. c. Gill-rakers about 8; scales in lateral series about 120; general color red or scarlet, with red or black spots. venenosa apua, p. 446. cc. Gill-rakers 10 or n; scales in lateral series 104 to 115; color brownish, with or without pale reticulations. bonaci, p. 447. bb. Soft dorsal and anal with strongly angulate outlines, some of the rays being produced; gill-rakers 17 or 18. d. Preopercular margin with an evident notch above its angle; color brownish, everywhere with oblong blackish blotches, with reticulations of ground color between. boulengeri, p. 448. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 445 dd. Preopercular margin without evident notch above its angle; color plain dark olivaceous. xenarcha, p. 449. 325. Mycteroperca ruber (Bloch). Epinephelus ruber Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 22, PI. CCCXXXI ("Japanese seas"). Serranus acutirostris Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 286 (Brazil). Serranus undulosus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 295 (Brazil). Epinephelus chalinius Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 465 (St. Martins). Mycteroperca rubra Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 372. Mycteroperca ruber Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1180. Head. 2.7 to 2.9; depth 2.9 to 3.05; D. XI, 16; A. Ill, n or 12; scales 96 to 115. Body elongate, rather strongly compressed; anterior profile gently convex ; head rather deep ; snout moderately acute, 3.26 to 3.65 in head ; eye 4.3 to 4.7; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw moderately projecting; maxillary scarcely reaching vertical from posterior margin of eye, 2 to 2.05 in head ; teeth small, pointed, mostly in 2 series laterally in the jaws, anteriorly in bands; anterior canines very small, scarcely differ- entiated; preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrse at angle a little enlarged, a distinct notch above angle; gill-rakers scarcely exceeding the length of pupil, numerous, about 33 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid, becoming smooth in advance of dorsal; dorsal fin without notch, the second spine noticeably shorter than the third, the third and fourth spines only slightly longer than the posterior ones, the soft portion of fins higher than the spines, none of the rays produced, the margin convex; caudal fin rounded; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the soft part higher than the spines, its margin convex; ventral fins a little shorter than the pectorals; pectoral fins long, with round margin, 1.45 to 1.6 in head. Color in alcohol brownish above, rather pale below; sides with indistinct reticulations of dark around pale areas; lower part of sides sometimes with more or less distinct, dark, wavy, longitudinal lines ; fins slightly darker than the body, without distinct markings ; ventrals rather darker than the other fins. 446 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. This fish is represented by 3 specimens, ranging from 113 to 125 mm. in length. This species appears to be rare on the coast of Panama. It can readily be separated from related species by the large number of gill-rakers. Known from the Mediterranean Sea and islands of the eastern Atlantic, and on the American shore from the West Indies to Brazil. Our specimens are from Porto Bello. 326. Mycteroperca venenosa apua (Bloch). Pirati apia Marcgrave, Hist. Nat. Brasil, 1648, 158 (Brazil). Bonaci cardenal Parra, Desc. Piezas de Hist. Nat., 1787, 29, PI. XVI (Havana). Bodianus apua Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 50, PI. CCXXIX (Brazil). Johnius guttatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 77. Bodianus tnarginatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 331. Serranus cardinalis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 378. Serranus rupestris Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 437 (San Domingo). Trisotropis cardinalis Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 13. Mycteroperca vcnenosa guttata Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 375- Mycteroperca venenosa apua Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 370; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1173. Head 2.66; depth 3; D. XI, 16; A. Ill, n ; scales 121. Body rather short and deep, rather strongly compressed ; anterior profile rather strongly and evenly convex; head bluntish; eye small, 5.5 in head; mouth rather large; lower jaw moderately projecting; maxillary reaching past eye, 2.25 in head; teeth moderate, in narrow bands, both jaws with 2 moderate anterior canines; preopercular margin slightly notched, the serrse at angle slightly enlarged ; gill-rakers rather few and short, 8 on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, chiefly cycloid ; dorsal spines rather strong, the second spine as long as the tenth, the third and fourth highest ; soft dorsal with gently convex outline ; caudal fin slightly concave, the outer rays a little the longer; anal fin high, with convex margin; pectorals about reaching tips of ventrals, 1.75 in head. Color in life, of an example 750 mm. in length, very dark, sparsely covered with round spots which are black on upper parts and red on APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 447 belly; pectorals broadly margined with orange-red, otherwise plain; soft parts of vertical fins largely black. The color appears to vary from dark red to bright red and grayish. This fish was not seen by us. The above description is from published records. We follow Jordan & Eigenmann in using the trinomial designated by them. Known from Florida to Brazil. Not as yet recorded from the Isthmus of Panama. 327. Mycteroperca bonaci (Poey). Serranus bonaci Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 129 (Cuba). Serranus brunneus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 131 (Havana). Serranus arara Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 132 (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Serranus decimalis Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 138 (Cuba). Serranus cyclopomatus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 353 (Cuba). Serranus latepictus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 353 (Cuba). Trisotropis aguaji Poey, Repertorio, II, 1868, 229 (Havana). Trisotropis bonaci Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 283. Mycteroperca bonaci Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 370; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1174, PI. CLXXXVII, fig. 492 (skull only). Head 2.55 to 3.95; depth 3 to 3.4; D. XI, 16 or 17; A. Ill, 11 or 12; scales 104 to 115. Body elongate, compressed; anterior profile gently convex; head rather low; snout acute, 3.2 to 4.2 in head; eye 4.2 to 6.35; mouth large, oblique ; lower jaw strongly projecting ; maxillary broad, reaching to or a little beyond posterior margin of eye, 1.95 to 2.15 in head; teeth all pointed, present in jaws, vomer and palatines, those in jaws anteriorly in a band, laterally mostly in 2 series, a pair of anterior canines in each jaw, those of the lower very small ; nostrils rather close together, subequal; preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrae at the angle scarcely enlarged, a rather distinct notch above angle; gill-rakers rather few, the longest not much more than half the diameter of eye, 10 or u more or less developed on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, finely ctenoid, becoming smooth anteriorly; dorsal fin long, continuous, without notch, the second spine not much shorter than the third, the soft portion notably higher than the spines, none of the rays produced, its margin convex at all ages; caudal fin rounded in young, slightly emarginate in adult, the upper rays slightly produced, forming an acute angle, the lower lobe round; anal fin with 3 moderate, 448 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. graduated spines, the soft rays rather high, none of the rays produced, with convex margin at all ages; ventral fins moderate, a little shorter than the pectorals; pectoral fins reaching tips of ventrals, 1.55 to 1.95 in head. Color in alcohol dark brown ; the young with pale reticulations which are much more pronounced on some specimens than on others, the adults are uniform dark brown. The pectoral fins are somewhat paler than the body and are often marked with pale spots which sometimes form cross-bars. The other fins are all darker than the body, and are narrowly margined with white; the soft dorsal sometimes with a pale stripe on the median part of the rays. This fish is represented by 31 specimens, ranging from 65 to 460 mm. in length. It is rather common and is of some importance as a food fish on the Atlantic coast of Panama. Known from Florida to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Colon, and Porto Bello. 328. Mycteroperca boulengeri Jordan & Starks. Mycteroperca boulengeri Jordan & Starks, in Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., V, 1895, 445, PI. XXXVIII (Mazatlan) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1171, PI. CLXXXVII, fig. 490; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 97. Head 2.8; depth 2.9; D. XI, 16; A. Ill, n ; scales 108. Body elongate, moderately compressed; anterior profile gently convex; head rather low; snout moderately acute, 3.5 in head; eye 5.9; mouth moderate, oblique; lower jaw rather strongly projecting; maxillary reaching vertical from posterior margin of pupil, 2.05 in head; teeth all pointed, those on lower jaw at sides mostly in 2 series, elsewhere in narrow bands ; upper jaw with i or 2 well developed canines anteriorly, those of the lower jaw very small, scarcely differentiated; preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrae at angle slightly enlarged, very slight evidence of a notch above the angle; gill-rakers about y\ the diameter of eye, 17 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid posteriorly, becoming smooth in advance of dorsal; dorsal fin long, without notch, the third and fourth spines a little longer than the posterior ones ; the ninth and tenth rays of soft dorsal produced, form- ing an acute angle ; caudal fin slightly emarginate, the upper rays a little produced; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the median rays produced, forming a sharp angle ; ventral fins nearly as long aSj the pectorals ; pec- toral fins long, round, failing to reach tips of ventrals, 1.63 in head. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 449 Color in alcohol brownish, everywhere with oblong black markings between which the ground color forms reticulations; a blackish blotch on each side behind maxillary; fins darker than the body; the vertical fins with indications of irregular dark markings. A single specimen, 272 mm. long, was taken. The species appears to be rare at Panama. Our specimen was taken in a tide stream several miles inland. Known from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimen is from Corozal. 329. Mycteroperca xenarcha Jordan. Mycteroperca xenarcha Jordan, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1887 (1888), 387 (James Island, Galapagos) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1180. Epinephelus xenarchus Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 266. "Head 2^ ; depth 3 ; eye small, 7 in head. D. XI, 16; A. Ill, 11 ; scales 25-110 to 115-50. "Body rather deep and compressed; head compressed, with rather short, sharp snout, which is 4 in head ; profile steep and nearly straight ; mouth large, the maxillary reaching scarcely beyond eye, 2 in head; lower canines small; upper canines (2 in number) strong, scarcely directed forward ; preorbital narrow, y$ width of eye ; interorbital area convex, its width 4^ in head; nostrils small, the posterior scarcely the larger, separated from the anterior by one diameter; angle of preopercle scarcely salient but provided with coarser teeth; a rather sharp notch above it; opercular spine flat and divided into about 6 teeth at the end; gill-rakers moderate, g-\-iS; scales moderate, scarcely ctenoid; dorsal spines low, the outline of the spinous dorsal gently convex, the fourth spine longest, 3 in head; soft dorsal high, its outline angular, the tenth ray produced, i^ in head; anal fin formed as in Mycteroperca falcata, its seventh ray produced and falcate, ij4 in head, its posterior outline concave; caudal subtrun- cate, the outer slightly produced ; pectoral I Y$ in head. Color in spir- its plain dark olivaceous, the edges of the fins scarcely darker." (Jor- dan & Evermann.) This fish was not seen by us. From published accounts it appears to be closely related to M . boulengeri. Recorded from rocky islands on the Pacific coast of Mexico, the Galapagos Islands and from Payta, Peru. Not as yet taken on the coast of Panama. 450 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 128. Genus Promicrops Poey. Promicrops Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 287 (type Serranus guasa Poey). Itaiara Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1878, 70 (type Serranus itaiara Lichtenstein=Pm:a guttata Linnaeus). Body elongate, rather robust; cranium broad and depressed be- tween the eyes; upper profile of head more or less concave; scales small, about 100 or more in a lateral series, those of the lateral line each with 4 to 6 radiating ridges; dorsal spines low, XI, 15 or 16 rays present; anal III, 8; ventral fins inserted a little behind base of pectorals. A single species, reaching a very large size, is known. 330. Promicrops itaiara (Lichtenstein). Serranus itaiara Lichtenstein, Abh. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1821, 278 (Brazil). Serranus galeus Miiller & Troschel, in Schomburgk, Reisen in Brit. Guiana, III, 1848, 621 ; Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 130. Serranus guasa Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 141, 354, Tab. 13, fig. 8 (Cuba). Serranus quinquefasciatus Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat., 5 ser., X, 1868, 223 (Nagualate, Pacific coast of Guatemala). Epinephelus quinquefasciatus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., II, 1882 (1883), 106, no, 112. Promicrops guasa Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 542. Epinephelus galeus Jordan, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883 (1884), 285. Epinephelus itaiara Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 124; Bou- lenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 252. Promicrops itaiara Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 377; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1900, 3197. Promicrops guttatus Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 363; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1162, & 1900, 3197, PI. CLXXXV, figs. 487, 487a, 487b; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 96 (Panama). Head 2.4 to 2.75; depth 2.85 to 3.4; D. XI, 15 or 16; A. Ill, 8; scales about 100 to 120. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 451 Body elongate, compressed, becoming more robust with age; pro- file over head straight or slightly concave; head large, quite broad in adult, narrower in young; interorbital area broad, its width nearly equal to length of snout ; snout acute in young, broader in adult, 3.75 to 5 in head ; eye 3.4 to 8.2 ; mouth large, oblique, the lower jaw pro- jecting; maxillary reaching to or beyond vertical from posterior mar- gin of eye, 1.85 to 2.2 in head; teeth all pointed, in bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines; the depressible teeth in upper jaw scarcely enlarged ; usually 2 pairs of small fixed canines on anterior margin of upper jaw; preopercular margin finely serrate, no antrorse spine; opercle with 3 hidden spines; gill-rakers rather short, 9 or 10 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid; dorsal fin long, the spines strong, increasing in length to the third, the others of about equal length, the soft part higher, with convex margin; caudal fin round, about as long as postorbital part of head and half the eye; anal fin with 3 strong graduated spines, the longest soft rays more than 2 times the length of the longest spine; ventral fins rather small, inserted slightly behind base of pectorals; pectoral fins moderate, broadly rounded, 1.5 to 1.75 in head. Color of a fresh specimen, 555 mm. long, nearly uniform dark brown, lower parts lighter brown to rusty ; head and back with small dark spots; anal and ventrals blue-black, the other fins brown with black spots. Color of fresh specimen, 160 mm. long, back and sides dark brown, lower parts paler brown with a shade of green; head and body with large black spots ; sides with 4 or 5 dark cross bands ; fins all spotted with black, the ventrals very dark, the other fins oliva- ceous. The number and intensity of the black spots vary on differ- ent individuals. In some specimens the dark spots on lower surface of head and abdomen are replaced by orange spots or blotches. A very small specimen, 38 mm. in length, has no trace of cross-bars, the entire body being profusely spotted with black. We have 8 specimens, ranging in length from 38 to 555 mm. One of these is from the Pacific and the others are from the Atlantic. A large individual, weighing probably about 100 pounds, was captured in Mindi Cut on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus, but was not pre- served. Some of our small specimens were taken from tide pools. Our single Pacific coast specimen was taken in a tide stream. Known from both coasts of tropical America. Our Atlantic speci- mens are from Mindi Cut and Colon, the Pacific coast specimen is from Balboa. 452 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 129. Genus Epinephelus Bloch. Epinephelus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, n (type Epine- phelus marginalis T$\och=Perca fasciata Forskal). Cerna Bonaparte, Icon. Fauna Ital., Pesce, III, 1837, fasc. 10 (type Per ca gigas BriinmchLabrus guaza Linnaeus). Cynichthys Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 201 (type Perca flava-purpurea Bennett=Holocentrus flavo-caruleus Lace- pede). Cromileptes Swainson, Nat. Hist. & Class. Fish., II, 1839, 201 (type Serranus altivelis Cuvier & Valenciennes). Hyporthodus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 98 (type Hypor- thodus flavicauda G\\\=Serranus niveatus Cuvier & Valenciennes). Schistorus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 237 (type Serranus mystacinus Poey). Labroperca Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 (type Serranus labriformis Jenyns). Priacanthichthys Day, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1868, 193 (type Pria- canthichthys maderaspatensis Da.y=:Epinephelus latifasciatus Tem- mick & Schlegel). Hyposerranus Klunzinger, Fische des Rothen Meeres, 1884, 3 (type Serranus morrhua Cuvier & Valenciennes). Body stout, compressed; head rather large, pointed; mouth large; maxillary broad, with a well developed supplemental bone; teeth in bands on the jaws, vomer and palatines; one or both jaws anteriorly with one or two pairs of fixed canines; teeth behind outer series de- pressible; preopercular margin posteriorly serrate, its lower limb en- tire, without distinct antrorse hooks; gill-rakers rather short and in moderate numbers; lateral line complete; scales small, ctenoid; dorsal spines n, occasionally 10, not filamentous; the soft parts of vertical fins usually scaly ; caudal fin round or slightly emarginate ; anal fin with 3 spines and 7 to 9 soft rays; ventral fins inserted a little behind base of pectorals. "Cranium narrow above. Parietal crests not produced on frontals which are without transverse ridge posteriorly ; f rentals with a process or knob on each side behind interorbital area ; premaxillary processes fitting into a notch or cavity on the anterior end of the frontals." (Jordan & Evermann). KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Head compressed; interorbital area rather narrow, usually less than diameter of eye. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 453 b. Dorsal spines normally 10; color light brown, everywhere with large round dark spots, extended on fins. analogus, p. 454. bb. Dorsal spines normally n. c. Second dorsal spine nearly as long as the third, the posterior spines not noticeably reduced in length; caudal fin with straight or concave margin; color nearly uniform brownish; sides with indistinct pale blotches ; several well defined dark dots about the eye. morio, p. 455. cc. Second dorsal spine notably shorter than the third, the pos- terior spines more or less reduced in length ; caudal fin rounded. d. The posterior nostril notably larger than the anterior; some of the serrae at angle of preopercular margin recurved; color brownish; sides with about 8 dark bars, obscure in preserved specimens; cheek with 3 dark bands. mystacinus, p. 455. dd. Nostrils subequal; no recurved spines at angle of preopercular margin. e. Scales wanting on maxillary ; color in alcohol dark brown, every- where with large round dark spots extending on fins. adscensionis, p. 456. ee. Maxillary more or less scaly ; spots on body smaller or wanting. f. Anal rays III, 9; dorsal XI, 14 or 15; body with whitish spots, arranged in vertical and horizontal series, none on breast; no cross-bars; saddle-like black blotch on caudal peduncle very large, extending to below lateral line on sides. niveatus, p. 458. ff. Anal rays III, 8; dorsal XI, 16 or 17; saddle-like blotch on caudal peduncle smaller, failing to reach lateral line ; cross-bars obscure or wanting. g. Scales moderate, 94 to 98 in lateral series ; no cross-bars ; lower parts spotted with white, spots most distinct on lower surface of head ; fins all with narrow white margins ; no dark spots about the eyes. labriformis, p. 459. gg. Scales smaller, 100 to 120 in lateral series; sides with more or less distinct cross-bars. h. The soft part of dorsal notably higher than the spines; sides with 5 or 6 dark cross-bars; no red spots; eye surrounded by distinct dark dots. striatus, p. 460. hh. The soft portion of the dorsal lower than the longest spines; sides with 3 or 4 slightly darker shades or bands; body pro- fusely covered with small round red spots ; no dark spots about the eye. guttatus, p. 461. 454 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. aa. Head broad; interorbital area notably wider than eye, 4 to 6 in head ; maxillary scaly ; scales 86 to 1 10 ; dorsal fin rather deeply notched, the spines indifferently 10 or n ; color brown or bluish black, uniform or with a few light spots. nigritus, p. 462. 331. Epinephelus analogus Gill. Epinephelus analogus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 163 (Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1152; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 2 (Gulf of Panama) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 96 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 107 (Panama). Serranus courtadei Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat., 5 ser., X, 1868, 222 (La Union, San Salvador). Serranus analogus Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., IV, 1875, 5 (Panama Bay). Head 2.6 to 2.85; depth 2.8 to 3.25; D. X, 16 to 18; A. Ill, 8; scales about 100 to 120. Body elongate, rather slender; profile notably convex over eyes; head rather low and long; snout moderate, 3.65 to 4.9 in head ; eye 4.35 to 5.1; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw little projecting; maxillary to or past vertical from posterior margin of eye, 1.95 to 2.1 in head; teeth all pointed, in bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines ; a pair of small, fixed canines present on anterior margin of each jaw; pre- opercular margin finely serrate, the serrae at angle a little enlarged; gill-rakers moderate, 16 to 18 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales very small, ctenoid, present on maxillaries; dorsal fin long, continuous, the second spine somewhat shorter than the third, of about the same length as the posterior spines, the third and fourth spines the longest, the soft portion of fin a little higher than the spinous part; caudal fin round; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second and third of about equal length; ventral fins rather small, inserted just be- hind base of pectorals ; pectoral fins round, reaching to or a little past tips of ventrals, 1.7 to 1.85 in head. Color light brown; body everywhere with round dark spots, which are smallest on head; young with 5 or 6 dark cross-bars; fins rather darker than the body, with numerous black spots, somewhat smaller than those on body. We have 40 specimens, ranging from 53 to 267 mm. in length. This is one of the important food fishes on the Pacific coast of Panama. Known from the Pacific coast of Mexico south to the Galapagos and Revillagigedo islands. Our specimens are from Balboa and Panama. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 455 332. Epinephelus morio (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Serranus morio Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 285 (New York and San Domingo). Serranus erythrogaster De Kay, Fauna N. Y., Fishes, 1842, 21, PI. XIX, fig. 52 (Florida). Serranus remotus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 140 (Havana). Epinephelus morio Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883. 540; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1160, PI. CLXXXIV, fig. 485. Head 2.55 to 2.75; depth 2.6 to 2.8; D. XI, 16; A. Ill, 8 or 9; scales about 130 to 140. Body elongate, rather strongly compressed; profile nearly straight over eyes; head moderate; snout slightly acute, 3.4 to 4 in head; eye 3.8 to 4.5; mouth moderate, oblique; lower jaw not strongly project- ing ; maxillary reaching about to vertical from posterior margin of eye, 1.9 to 2 in head; teeth in narrow bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines, each jaw with an anterior pair of fixed canines, those of the tower jaw very small ; preopercular margin serrate, the serrse at angle somewhat enlarged; gill-rakers rather short, 13 or 14 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales very small, ctenoid, not embedded on head, present on maxillary; dorsal fin long, continuous, the second spine nearly as long as the third, the posterior spine not reduced, the soft portion not much higher than the spines; caudal fin with the posterior margin straight or slightly concave; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the second spine not much shorter than the third; ventral fins moderate, inserted slightly behind base of pectorals; pec- torals rounded, reaching a little beyond tip of ventrals, 1.4 to 1.6 in head. Color brownish, without distinct markings, except for well defined dark dots about the eye ; sides with more or less distinct paler blotches, and sometimes with obscure dark blotches along back ; a very indistinct black saddle-like blotch on caudal peduncle ; pectoral fins pale, the other fins colored like the body, all narrowly edged with white. This species is not very abundant on the coast of Panama, but it is occasionally seen in the market. We have 4 specimens, ranging from 145 to 200 mm. in length. Known from Massachusetts south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Colon. 333. Epinephelus mystacinus (Poey). Serranus mystacinus Poey, Memorias, I, 1851, 52, PI. X, fig. I (Cuba). Schistorus mystacinus Poey, Repertorio, 1868, 154. 456 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Epinephehts mystacinus Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 383; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1151 ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 132 (Colon). Head 3.4; depth 2.9; D. XI, 15; A. Ill, 9; scales about 120. Body oblong, rather deep, compressed ; anterior profile convex and not steep ; head large ; snout obtuse ; eye large, 4.5 in head ; mouth mod- erate; lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching under posterior margin of eye, 2.25 in head; teeth strong, those in lower jaw mostly in 2 series, those in upper jaw in a band ; anterior canines small, those of the upper jaw shorter than the depressible teeth, those of the lower jaw scarcely differentiated; posterior nostril larger than the anterior, nearly round; preopercular margin rather strongly serrate, not emarginate, the serrse at angle considerably enlarged, some of the lower ones usually recurved ; gill-rakers short and thick, about 15 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales rather small, mostly ctenoid, none on max- illary; dorsal spines rather strong and high, the first spine nearly half the length of the second, the latter considerably higher than the tenth, the third spine longest, second fourth, fifth and sixth but little shorter, soft dorsal rather high ; caudal fin rounded ; anal rounded, second anal spine as long as the third but stronger; ventrals rather long; pectoral fins reaching slightly beyond tips of ventrals, 1.66 in head. Color in life dull olive brown to grayish brown ; sides with 8 darker bars, the one on caudal peduncle broadest and darkest on upper sur- face of tail; cheeks with 3 dark bands; dorsal dull olive, the bands of the sides extending on the scaly parts ; caudal and anal dull olive ; ven- trals blackish; pectorals light olive brown. The bars on sides and cheeks become faint in spirits. This fish was not seen by us. The above description is compiled from published accounts and is here included because the range of the species brings it within the scope of present work. Known from the West Indies to Brazil. 334. Epinephelus adscensionis (Osbeck). Trachinus adscensionis Osbeck, Reise Ost. Ind. China, Ed. II, 1765* 388 (Ascension Island). Trachinus punctatus Bonnaterre, Tableau Encyclo., Ichth., VI, 1788, 46. Perca stellio Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, Pt. Ill, 1792, 349. Holocentrus punctatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 88, PI. CCXLI. Perca maculata Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VI, 1792, 92, PI. CCCIII (Antilles). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 457 Trachinus osbeck Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1800, 364. Sparus atlanticus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 156, PI. V, fig. i (Martinique). Serranus nigriculus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 375 (Martinique). Serranus pixanga Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 383. Serranus aspersus Jenyns, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Fishes, 1842, 6 (Porto Praya, St. Jago, of the Cape Verde Islands). Serranus impetiginosus Miiller & Troschel, in Schomburgk, Hist. Bar- bados, 1848, 665 (Barbadoes). Serranus maculatus Peters, Monatsb. k. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1865 (1866), 109. Serranus varius Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat., 5 ser., X, 1868, 222 (Gulf coast of Mexico). Epinephelus punctatus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 16. Epinephelus atlanticus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 918 & 973. Epinephelus ascensionis Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 391- Epinephelus aspersus Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.. VIII, 1888 (1890), 358. Epinephelus adscensionis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1152, PL CLXXXII, fig. 482. Head 2.65; depth 3; D. XI, 17; A. Ill, 8; scales 91. Body elongate, compressed ; profile nearly straight over eyes ; head long and low; snout acute, 3.95 in head; eye 4.8; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary reaching a little beyond eye, 1.95 in head; teeth in bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines, a pair of fixed canines present on anterior margin of each jaw; preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrae at angle scarcely enlarged; gill-rakers short, 16 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch ; scales moderate, ctenoid, partly embedded in advance of dorsal and on head, wanting on maxillary; dorsal fin long, the second spine much shorter than the third, the third or fourth the longest, the posterior ones slightly reduced in length, the soft portion higher than the spines ; caudal fin round ; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second and third spines of about equal length; ventral fins rather small, in- serted slightly behind the base of the pectorals; pectoral fins broadly rounded, reaching a little beyond tip of ventrals, 1.8 in head. 458 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Color in alcohol very dark brown above, lighter brown below; everywhere with large round dark spots which become very obscure on upper portion of sides and head ; a saddle-like black blotch present on caudal peduncle. Fins colored like the body, all with a pale mar- gin; base of dorsal and anal with white spots which are partly on the fins and partly on the body. The dark spots are more or less distinctly visible on all of the fins except the dorsal. This fish is represented by a single specimen 333 mm. in length. Known from southern Florida south to Brazil. Also recorded from the African shore. Our specimen was taken at Porto Bello. 335. Epinephelus niveatus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Serranus niveatus Cuvier & Valenciennes-, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 380 (Brazil). Serranus margaritifer Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 131 (South America). Serranus conspersus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 139 (Cuba). Hyporthodus ftavicauda Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 98 (Newport, Rhode Island; young). Epinephelus niveatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 286; Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 225, PI. Ill, fig. B ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1156. Head 2.33; depth 2.9; D. XI, rarely X, 14 or 15; A. Ill, 9; scales about 115 to 1 20. Body oblong, compressed; anterior profile a little convex; snout short, rather acute, 3.75 in head ; eye rather large ; mouth large ; lower jaw rather strongly projecting; maxillary reaching vertical from pos- terior margin of eye, 2 in head ; opercular margin serrate, the serrse at angle enlarged, with slight emargination above angle; gill-rakers mod- erate, about 15 more or less developed on lower arm of first arch; scales rather small; dorsal spines rather high, the fourth 2.6 in head; soft dorsal of moderate height; caudal fin truncate; anal moderate, second spine as long as third, 2.7 in head ; ventrals nearly as long as pectorals ; pectoral fins not reaching to tips of ventrals, 1.9 in head. Color of young brown ; body with round whitish spots rather smaller than the pupil, regularly arranged in vertical and horizontal series, about 5 in horizontal and 4 in vertical series, these rows sometimes showing irregularities; no distinct spots on breast; a very large black blotch on upper surface of caudal peduncle, extending to below lateral line on sides; fins nearly plain; dorsal with a median row of round dusky spots on membranes. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 459 This fish was not seen by us. The above description is compiled from published accounts, and is here included because the range of the species places it within the scope of the present work. Known from the West Indies to Brazil. 336. Epinephelus labriformis (Jenyns). Serranus labriformis Jenyns, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Fishes, 1842, 8, PI. Ill (Galapagos Islands) ; Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 152. Epinephelus sellicauda Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 250 (Cape San Lucas). Epinephelus ordinatus Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 466 (Panama). Serranus sellicauda Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., IV, 1875, 5 (Panama). Epinephelus labriformis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1155; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 96 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 108 (Acapulco; Panama; Toboguilla, Perico and Chatham islands). Head 2.4 to 2.8; depth 2.7 to 3; D. XI, rarely X, 16 or 17; A. Ill, 8 ; scales about 94 to 98. Body rather deep, compressed; profile over eyes gently convex; head large ; snout acute, 3.5 to 4.7 in head ; eye 4.2 to 5.1 ; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw moderately projecting; maxillary reaching to or past vertical from posterior margin of eye, 1.9 to 2.1 in head; teeth all pointed, in bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines ; a pair of small fixed canines present on anterior margin of each jaw; preopercular margin serrate, the serrae at angle slightly enlarged; gill-rakers short, 14 to 16 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, ctenoid, imbedded on head, present on maxillaries ; dorsal fin continuous, the second spine notably shorter than the third, the third and fourth the longest, the posterior spines considerably shorter, the soft portion somewhat higher than the spines ; caudal fin slightly round ; anal fin with 3 rather short strong spines, the second and third of about equal length; ventral fins moderate, inserted just behind base of pec- torals; pectoral fins rather large, rounded, reaching to or slightly past rips of ventrals, 1.5 to 1.8 in head. Color dark brown ; lower parts spotted with white, these spots most distinct and best defined on lower surface of head; a dark blotch on upper surface of caudal peduncle present; fins colored like the body, all with narrow white margins; the white spots of body continued on 460 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. pectorals, ventrals, anal and caudal, much more distinct in some speci- mens than others, occasionally wholly wanting. This fish is represented by 29 specimens, ranging in length from 50 to 378 mm. This is one of the important food fishes in the Panama market. Known from Acapulco, Mexico, south to the coast of Peru. Our specimens are from Taboga Island, Balboa and Panama. 337. Epinephelus striaius (Bloch). Anthias striatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VI, 1792, 92, PI. CCCXXIV (Atlantic Ocean; based on a figure by Plumier). Anthias cherna Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 310 (Cuba). Sparus chrysomelanus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 160 (Martinique). Serranus striatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 288. Epinephelus striatus Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 356; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1157, PI. CLXXXIII, fig. 483; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 132 (Colon). Head 2.6 to 2.8; depth 2.7 to 2.9; D. XI, rarely XII, 16 or 17; A. Ill, 8; scales about 100 to 112. Body elongate, compressed ; profile over eyes slightly convex ; head rather deep; snout acute, 3.45 to 4.5 in head; eye 3.8 to 5; mouth large, oblique, the lower jaw not very strongly projecting; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to vertical from posterior margin of eye, 2 to 2.2 in head ; teeth in bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines ; an- terior canines small, present only in upper jaw ; preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrae at angle scarcely enlarged; gill-rakers short, 15 or 1 6 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid, present on maxillary; dorsal fin continuous, the second spine only a little shorter than the third, longer than the posterior spines, the soft portion notably higher than the spines; caudal fin with gently rounded margin; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second one not much shorter than the third ; ventral fins moderate, inserted a little be- hind base of pectorals; pectoral fins round, reaching to or slightly beyond tips of ventrals, 1.4 to 1.55 in head. Color dark brownish above, paler below ; sides with 5 or 6 indistinct dark cross bars ; a very distinct black blotch on upper surface of caudal peduncle; black dots present about eye; sides of head sometimes with obscure dark stripes, the one running from eye to upper angle of gill- APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 461 opening visible in all specimens at hand; fins all dark gray or brown at base, more or less clouded, the distal parts paler. This species is represented by 1 1 specimens, ranging from 40 to 257 mm. in length. It is not abundant, but is occasionally seen in the mar- ket. No large individuals were seen. Known from North Carolina south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 338. Epinephelus guttatus (Linnaeus). Perca guttata Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 292 (Brazil?). Serranus catus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 373 (Martinique). Serranus arara Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 377 (Havana). Serranus lunulatus Cuvier & Valenciennts, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 378 (Havana; after Parra). Serranus angustifrons Steindachner, Verh. Zool.-Bot. Ges. Wein, XIV, 1864, 230, PI. VII, figs. 2 & 3 (Cuba). Epinephelus cubanus Poey, Repertorio, 1867, 202 (Cuba). Epinephelus lunulatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 286. Epinephelus guttatus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 919; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1900, 3197; Evermann & Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., XX, Part i, 1900 (1902), 153, PI. XIII (Porto Rico). Epinephelus apua Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 389. Dermatolepis angustifrons Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 375. Epinephelus catus Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 355. Epinephelus maculosus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1158, & 1900, 3197. Head 2.5 ; depth 3.33 ; D. XI, 16; A. Ill, 8; scales about 100 to 120. Body rather slender, moderately compressed ; anterior profile evenly and gently convex ; head rather long ; snout acute, 4.3 in head ; eye 4.3 ; mouth not very large; lower jaw little projecting; maxillary reaching below posterior margin of eye, 2.33 in head; teeth rather strong, both jaws with 2 moderate, curved canines, those in the upper jaw largest; preopercular margin serrate, the serrse at angle enlarged, a slight emargination above angle; gill-rakers slender, longer than gill-fringes, 15 to 17 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, rather strongly ctenoid; dorsal spines rather slender, the 462 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. second spine considerably higher than the tenth, the third and fourth longest, the soft rays lower than the highest spines; caudal fin round; anal fin rather high, the second anal spine somewhat stronger than the third and rather longer; ventrals short; pectorals rather narrow, reach- ing past tips of ventrals, 1.66 in head. Color in life yellowish olive above, whitish below; three broad, oblique, obscure bands of olive running upward and backward on sides ; spots on body vivid scarlet red, those above a little darker, the edges of scales brown; belly spotted; dorsal olive yellow, somewhat clouded, a few red spots on spinous dorsal ; soft dorsal broadly edged with black ; caudal yellowish, the posterior half black, its edge white; anal like soft dorsal; ventrals red, blackish at tips; pectorals light yellow, with rows of scarlet spots. The olive bands on sides disappear in spirits, and the red spots above become brown, those below gray. This fish was not seen by us. The above description was compiled from published records, and is here included because the range of the species places it within the scope of the present work. Known from South Carolina to Brazil. Common in the West Indies. 339. Epinephelus nigritus (Holbrook). Serranus nigritus Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. I, 1855, 173, PI. XXV, fig. 2 (Charleston). Centropristis merus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 288 (Cuba). Cerna sicana Doderlein, Giorn. Sci. Nat. Palermo, XVI, 1882, 82 (Palermo). Epinephelus nigritus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 540; Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 238. Epinephelus merus Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 362. Garrupa nigrita Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1161. Head 2.5; depth 2.2 to 3; D. X or XI, 14 or 15; A. Ill, 9; scales 86 to no. Body very robust ; head broad ; eye small, 6 to 8 in head ; interorbital broad, 4 to 6 in head; mouth large; lower jaw projecting; maxillary scaly, reaching beyond eye, 2 in head; teeth in broad bands; canines strong, but growing smaller with age; preopercular margin rounded, with enlarged serrae at angle, the lower one usually directed downward ; gill-rakers very short and thick, the longest not twice as long as broad, 12 to 14 on lower limb of first arch; scales ciliated; dorsal fin notched, o - E UJ "> U- N in v p E APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 463 the second, or second and third, spines longest, 2 or 3 in head ; caudal fin rounded; second anal spine shorter than the third, 6 in head. Color brown or bluish black, uniform or with a few light spots, the lower parts scarcely paler ; a dark streak above maxillary ; the distal part of vertical fins darker. This fish was not seen by us, but it is widely distributed and may be expected on the Atlantic coast of Panama. It reaches a large size, a length of 2 meters and a weight of 500 pounds having been reported. The above description was compiled from published accounts of the species. Known from South Carolina to Brazil and the Mediterranean. 130. Genus Alphestes Bloch & Schneider. Alphestes Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 236 (type Alphestes afcr Bloch & Schneider). Prospinus Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 388 (type Plectropoma chlorop- terum Cuvier & Valenciennes). Body oblong, compressed ; frontal bones with an excavation for the reception of the posterior processes of the premaxillaries ; a strong antrorse spine present at lower posterior angle of preopercle; dorsal rays XI, 17 to 20; anal III, 9; ventral fins inserted a little behind base of pectorals. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Color dark brown, sides clouded with dark blotches; no well defined dark spots; a dark stripe from eye to upper angle of gill-opening; pectoral fins nearly uniform brownish, without dark bars; anterior profile slightly concave behind eyes; gill- rakers short, not more than y 2 the length of gill-filaments. afer, p. 463. aa. Color dark brown, head and body densely covered with round dark spots, forming longitudinal stripes posteriorly; no black stripe back of eye; pectoral fins with about 5 dark cross-bars; anterior profile gently convex; gill-rakers slightly longer, about 2 /z the length of gill-filaments. multignttatus, p. 464. 340. Alphestes afer (Bloch). (Plate XLIII.) Epinephelns afer Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 12, PI. CCCXXVII (Acara, Guinea). Alphestes afer Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 236; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1164, PI. CLXXXVI, figs. 488, 4883. 464 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Plectropoma chloropterum Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 398 (San Domingo; Martinique). Plectropoma monacanthus Miiller & Troschel, in Schomburgk, Hist. Barbados, 1848, 665. Prospinus chloropterus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 289. Head 2.95; depth 2.7; D. XI, 18; A. Ill, 9; scales about 80. Body oblong, compressed; dorsal profile slightly concave from eyes to dorsal; head rather long and low; snout moderately acute, 4.65 in head; eye 4.3; mouth moderate, oblique, lower jaw projecting; maxil- lary scarcely reaching vertical from posterior margin of eye, 2.07 in head; teeth all pointed, in narrow bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines ; the depressible teeth in anterior part of upper jaw only slightly enlarged; the anterior pair of fixed canines in upper jaw extremely small; preopercular margin finely serrate, the antrorse spine at lower angle short and strong ; opercle with 3 flat spines, all except the middle one hidden in the skin ; gill-rakers short, the longest not over half the length of the gill-fringes, 15 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales small, finely ctenoid, those on head and nape appar- ently more exposed than in A multiguttatus ; dorsal fin long, the spines strong, increasing in length to the third, the others of about equal length, the soft part higher than the spines, with broadly rounded out- line, the longest rays equal in length to postorbital part of head ; caudal fin round ; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second one failing to reach the tip of the third when deflexed; ventral fins moderate, failing to reach vent, inserted slightly behind base of pectorals, about equidistant from tip of lower jaw and middle of base of anal ; pectorals moderate, round, 1.43 in head. Color in alcohol dark brown above, somewhat paler below; sides with indistinct dark blotches; lower parts with lighter areas; no dis- tinct spots anywhere ; a dark stripe extending from eye to upper angle of gill-opening; fins brownish, the ventral fins darkest, with pale blotches, the vertical fins with indefinite dark markings. This species appears to be rare on the coast of Panama. A single specimen, 205 mm. long, was seined from Fox Bay, Colon. Known from the West Indies to Brazil; also recorded from the Falkland Islands. Our specimen is from Colon. 341. Alphestes multiguttatus (Giinther). (Plate XLIV.) Plectropoma multiguttatum Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1866, 600 (Panama). Plectropoma afrum Giinther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 411, PI. LXVII, fig. 3 (Panama; not of Bloch). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 465 Epinephelus multiguttatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 625; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 2 (Gulf of Panama). Alphestes multiguttatus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., II, 1882 (1883), 107, no; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1165; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 96 (Panama Bay) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 409 (Panama). Head 2.6 to 2.85 ; depth 2.6 to 3.05 ; D. XI, 18 to 20 ; A. Ill, 9 ; scales about 70 to 80. Body oblong, compressed; dorsal profile anteriorly gently convex; head long, rather low ; snout acute, 4.75 to 5.3 in head ; eye 3.7 to 4.65 ; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary extend- ing a little beyond eye in adult, not quite so far back in young, 2.05 to 2.2 in head ; teeth all pointed, in narrow bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines; the movable teeth in anterior part of upper jaw only slightly enlarged, a pair of short fixed canines on margin of jaw in advance of the depressible teeth; preopercular margin finely serrate, with a well developed antrorse spine at its lower posterior angle in adult, young with bifurcate spine at angle, the anterior fork developing into the antrorse spine of the adult; opercle with 3 flat spines; gill- rakers of moderate length, the longest about 2 /$ the length of gill- fringes, 13 to 15 on lower limb of anterior arch; scales small, ctenoid, difficult to enumerate, those on head and nape more or less embedded; dorsal fin long, the spines increasing in length from the first to the third, the others of about equal length or decreasing slightly in length posteriorly, the soft part higher than the spines, with convex margin, the longest ray a little shorter than postorbital part of head ; caudal fin round ; anal with 3 strong spines, the second rarely reaching the tip of the third when deflexed ; ventral fins rather small, failing to reach vent in adult, to or past vent in very young, inserted slightly behind base of pectorals, about equidistant from the tip of lower jaw and middle of base of anal; pectorals moderate, outline round, the lower rays the shortest, 1.35 to 1.65 in head. Color dark brown ; head and body densely covered with round dark spots, often arranged so as to form more or less distinct rows of stripes on caudal peduncle ; lower parts of head and body usually without spots ; young with fewer spots, mostly confined to head, the rest of body with wavy longitudinal streaks. Pectoral fins yellowish, with about 5 dark cross-bands; the other fins usually plain olive or brown, rarely with a few indistinct spots ; caudal with a very narrow pale margin. 466 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. The Panama collection contains 94 specimens, ranging from 45 to 255 mm. in length. This fish is common about the rocky shores of the small islands in Panama Bay. The young are frequently taken in tide pools. It is often seen in the market and is of some importance as a food fish. This species may be distinguished from A. afer by the color, the general contour of the body and the slightly longer gill-rakers. Known from Mazatlan to Lobos de Afuera, Peru. Our specimens are from Naos Island, Balboa and Panama. 131. Genus Paralabrax Girard. Paralabrax Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 131 (type Labrax nebulifer Girard). Atractoperca Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 164 (type Labrax dathratus Girard). Gonioperca Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 (type Serranus albomaculatus Jenyns) . Body robust ; mouth large ; small lateral canines present, no depres- sible teeth; preopercle with posterior margin serrate, the lower limb entire ; scales small, ctenoid ; some of the anterior dorsal spines consid- erably elevated; dorsal rays usually X, 14; anal III, 7; caudal fin always lunate; ventral fins inserted a little behind base of pectorals. One species of this genus of food fishes has been recorded from the Pacific coast of Panama. 342. Paralabrax humeralis (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Serranus humeralis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 246 (Chile). Serranus albomaculatus Jenyns, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Fishes, 1842, 3, PI. II (Galapagos Archipelago) ; Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wein, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., IV, 1875, 4, PL I, fig. 2 (Panama). Serranus semifasciatus Guichenot, in Gay, Hist. Fisc. Polit. Chile, Zool., II, 1848, 151, PI. I bis., fig. 2 (Juan Fernandez). Percichthys godeffroyi Giinther, Jour. Mus. Godeffroy, I, Pt. II, 1873, 97 (Iquique, Peru). Paralabrax albomaculatus Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 181. Paralabrax humeralis Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 389; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1196, PI. CXC, fig. 499 (skull only). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 467 Head 2.6 to 3.25; depth 3.25 to 4; D. X, 13 or 14; A. Ill, 7; scales 85 to 100. Body rather robust, compressed ; anterior profile nearly straight over eyes; head moderate; snout acute, 3.15 in head; eye 5 to 6; mouth moderate ; lower jaw projecting ; maxillary reaching to or a little beyond vertical from middle of eye, 2.33 in head; canines small or wanting; preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrae at angle somewhat en- larged; gill-rakers long, 18 or 19 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid; dorsal fin rather deeply notched, the second spine not more than half the length of the third, the third and fourth the longest ; caudal fin rather deeply emarginate ; anal fin short, the second and third spines of about equal length; ventrals inserted slightly behind base of pectorals, shorter than pectorals; pectoral fin rounded, 1.5 to 1.66 in head. Color dark above, paler below ; sometimes with small light spots on head and sides, and with traces of dark cross-bars; fins dusky, pec- torals lighter, sometimes with faint mottlings. Some specimens have a lateral series of rather large light spots. This species was not seen by us. It was once recorded from Pan- ama Bay by Steindachner, but has not been seen by recent investigators. The above description is compiled from published accounts. Known from Panama to Peru. 132. Genus Hypoplectrus Gill. Hypoplectrus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 (type Plec- tropoma puella Cuvier & Valenciennes). Body deeper and more compressed than in allied genera; head rather short, tapering; mouth moderate; the maxillary not reaching beyond eye; the lower margin of preopercle distinctly serrate; scales moderate, ctenoid; dorsal fin with 10 spines; caudal fin more or less emarginate; anal fin with 3 spines and 7 or 8 soft rays; ventral fins inserted a little behind base of pectorals. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales rather large, 42 to 45 in lateral series ; gill-rakers short, about 8 on lower limb of first arch ; outline of soft dorsal an- gulate in adult. lamprurus, p. 468. aa. Scales smaller, about 69 in lateral series; gill-rakers longer, about ii on lower limb of first arch; outline of soft dorsal convex. unicolor, p. 469. 468 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 343. Hypoplectrus lamprums (Jordan & Gilbert). (Plate XLV.) Serranus lamprurus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., I, 1881 (1882), 322 (Panama Bay). Hypoplectrus lamprurus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 376; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1190. Head 2.6; depth 2.1 to 2.6; D. X, 14; A. Ill, 8; scales 42 to 45. Body rather short and deep; anterior profile rather steep, slightly concave over eyes ; head moderate ; snout acute, 3 to 3.7 in head ; eye 3.25 to 3.55 ; mouth moderate, a little oblique ; lower jaw scarcely pro- jecting; maxillary scarcely reaching opposite middle of eye, 2.25 to 2.5 in head; teeth all pointed, in bands on jaws, vomer and palatines; anterior margin of each jaw with several enlarged teeth, the upper one with a distinct pair of canines; preopercular margin finely ser- rate, the serrae at angle scarcely enlarged, a slight notch above angle; opercle with a broad flat point, no distinct spines ; gill-rakers short and slender, about 8 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales rather large, strongly ctenoid; dorsal fin continuous, the spines strong, the third and fourth spines the longest, a little longer than the posterior spines, the soft part short, slightly angulate in our largest specimen ; caudal fin slightly emarginate ; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second and third of about equal length, the soft part higher, with convex margin; ventral fins long, equal to length of pectorals; pectoral fins rather short, pointed, 1.44 to 1.6 in head. Color of our largest specimen, 85 mm. long, dark brown; faint dark stripes along the rows of scales ; 2 pearly lines back of eye and scattered pearly spots on nape and sides; dorsal fin black at base, distal parts of soft dorsal pale; caudal fin black at base, then abruptly yellowish ; anal and ventrals mostly black ; pectoral fins plain translucent. Smaller specimens, 38 to 50 mm. long, are paler and have 2 dark stripes back of eye and no pearly stripes or spots; the fins are all translucent. Very young of 25 mm. and less in length are slightly paler and have 6 distinct pale cross-bars on sides. We have 12 specimens at hand, ranging from 20 to 85 mm. in length. The largest one was taken by us and the others were sent by Mr. Robert Tweedlie. These appear to be the only specimens known besides the type. The serrations on lower limb of preopercle are very distinct even in the young of 20 mm. Recorded only from the Pacific coast of Panama. The specimens at hand are from Chame Point. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 469 344. Hypoplectrus unicolor (Walbaum). Perca unicolor Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, Pt. Ill, 1792, 352 (locality unknown). Holocentrus unicolor Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 322. Serranus unicolor Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 299. Hypoplectrus unicolor Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1190. Head 2.7; depth 2.05; D. X, 15; A. Ill, 7; scales 69. Body short and deep; anterior profile steep, gently concave over eyes; head moderate; snout pointed, 3.2 in head; eye 3.65; mouth moderate, oblique; lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary reaching opposite middle of eye, 2.05 in head ; teeth pointed, in bands, the an- terior teeth in outer series somewhat enlarged, no distinct canines; preopercular margin finely serrate, the serrae at and below angle slightly enlarged, a slight notch above angle; opercle with a distinct flat spine and a short flat point above it and below it; gill-rakers short, ii on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid; dorsal fin continuous, the first 3 spines graduated, the remainder of about equal length; the soft dorsal scarcely higher than the spines, the margin convex ; caudal fin distinctly emarginate ; first anal spine short, the second and third of about equal length, somewhat shorter than the soft rays, the outline of fin convex; ventral fins rather large, but shorter than the pectorals; pectoral fins long and rather narrow, rounded, i.i in head. Color reddish brown, a little paler below than above; sides of snout with several bluish spots; a narrow bluish band from lower anterior margin of orbit, backward and downward to lower margin of preopercle; another narrow bluish band from lower posterior mar- gin of orbit toward angle of preopercle ; about 3 dark vertical lines on opercle, the anterior one partly under margin of preopercle, extend- ing on side of chest to base of ventral ; a black blotch or band on cau- dal peduncle; ventral fins dark; dorsal and anal light greenish yel- low; pectorals a little paler; caudal fin bright golden. We have one specimen, 115 mm. in length, which we refer to the color variety described by Cope under the name, Plectropoma crocota (Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, p. 466). We have another specimen which is probably nearest to Plectropoma accenswn (Poey, Memorias, I, 1851, 72). This specimen is also 115 mm. in length and agrees well with the foregoing, except in color and in the appar- ently more elongate body, the depth being contained 2.45 in the length. 47O FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Its color is nearly uniform brownish, the sides of head being slightly yellowish. There are no distinct markings anywhere. The dorsal and anal fins are dusky, the caudal fin is olivaceous, the ventral fins are black and the pectoral fins are light yellow. The species, H. unicolor, is recorded from Florida and the West Indies. A large variation in color seems to have led to the naming of several species, representing, however, only different color patterns. The species is known from Florida, the West Indies and Grenada. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 133. Genus Prionodes Jenyns. Prionodes Jenyns, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Fishes, 1842, 46 (type Prionodes fasciatus Jenyns). Body elongate, moderately compressed ; head rather long and low ; mouth large; maxillary not scaly and without a supplemental bone; teeth present in jaws, vomer and palatines, none of the teeth in jaws depressible; preopercular margin serrate, the scrrse not in clusters; gill-rakers usually few; lateral line complete; dorsal fin with about 10 spines and n to 13 soft rays; caudal fin lunate or truncate; anal fin small, with 3 slender spines; ventrals close together, inserted slightly in advance of pectorals. The species of this genus are of small size, most of them being brightly colored. The single species known from Panama occurs on the Pacific coast. 345. Prionodes fasciatus Jenyns. Prionodes fasciatus Jenyns, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Fishes, 1842, 46 (Chat- ham Island, Galapagos) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1212; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 98. Serranus psittacinus Valenciennes, Voy. Venus, Zool., 1846, PI. I, fig. I, text, 1855, 290 (Galapagos Islands) ; Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 407; Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 295. Centropristis psittacinus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 86. Serranus calopteryx Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 350 (Mazatlan), and 1882, 625 (Panama; Pearl Islands). Head 2.7 to 2.8; depth 2.9 to 3.5; D. X (rarely IX), 12 or 13; A. Ill, 7; scales above lateral line 46 to 49. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 471 Body elongate, moderately compressed; the back little elevated; head rather long and low; snout pointed, 3.3 to 5 in head; eye 4 to 4.65; mouth rather large, oblique, the lower jaw strongly project- ing; maxillary reaching to or past posterior margin of pupil, 2.15 to 2.3 in head ; teeth in the jaws in villiform bands, a few in anterior part of upper jaw and a few of the lateral ones in lower jaw some- what enlarged; vomerine teeth in a triangular-shaped patch; palatine teeth in short bands; preopercular margin finely serrate, none of the serrae enlarged ; gill-rakers very short, 7 or 8 more or less developed ; scales rather small, 10 oblique rows on cheeks, ^ l / 2 rows between the lateral line and base of spinous dorsal; dorsal fin long, the median spines slightly longer than the posterior ones, the soft part higher than the spines ; caudal fin slightly lunate, the upper rays the longest ; anal fin with 3 rather strong spines, the second and third of about equal length, not much shorter than the fourth dorsal spine, the soft portion short, very high; ventral fins rather long, inserted midway between the tip of lower jaw and origin of anal; pectoral fins mod- erate, 1.3 to 1.4 in head. Color in alcohol brown above, paler below; sides with an indefi- nite horizontal streak extending from snout through eye and along side, disappearing posteriorly, always most distinct in young; sides also with about 12 more or less distinct cross-bars; in some speci- mens these bars are broken along middle of side and a row of black spots appears along the abdomen and lower edge of the tail; a small black spot at base of pectoral and one in front of ventral, and 2 or 3 similar black spots between and in front of the bases of these fins; chin and cheek usually with black blotches or bars ; dorsal fin rather dark brown, usually with a row of 3 roundish black spots about as large as pupil on anterior half of the soft part of the dorsal fin, the posterior rays with many small black dots; in specimens in which the large black spots are missing on the dorsal, the entire distal part of the fin is densely speckled with black; caudal fin with a black base, which color extends on the outer rays of the fin, the median rays more or less spotted with black; anal and ventrals dusky to nearly black, slightly speckled in the light colored specimens; pectoral fins colorless. The present collection contains 6 specimens, ranging in length from 52 to 148 mm. The specimens at hand were all taken along the shores of rocky islands near Balboa. Known from Cape San Lucas south to the Galapagos Islands and the coast of Peru. Our specimens are from Balboa. 472 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 134. Genus Diplectrum Holbrook. Diplectrum Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. I, 1855, 32 (type Diplectrum fasciculare Holbrook = Perca formosa Linnaeus) . Haliperca Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 (type Serranus bivittatus Cuvier & Valenciennes = Serranus radialis Quoy & Gai- mard). Body elongate, more or less compressed; preopercle armed with I or 2 clusters of strong, divergent spines, these most prominent in adult ; smooth area on top of head large, extending backward to a line connecting borders of opercles; lateral line complete; dorsal fin low, with 10 slender spines ; caudal fin posteriorly deeply concave to slightly forked ; anal fin with 3 rather weak spines ; ventral fins inserted a little in advance of pectorals, the latter unsymmetrically rounded. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Serrae on margin of preopercle in two clusters, radiating from two centers ; scales small, 74 to 80 in a horizontal series above lateral line, n or 12 oblique rows on cheeks; sides of head with from 3 to 6 horizontal bands. formosum, p. 473. aa. Serrae on margin of preopercle radiating from a single center ; scales larger, fewer than 74 in a lateral series and fewer than ii oblique rows on cheeks. b. Anal fin constantly with 8 soft rays; base of soft dorsal with a black bar. eury plectrum, p. 474. bb. Anal fin constantly with 7 soft rays; base of soft dorsal with- out black bar. c. Body rather deep, depth 3.3 to 4.5 in length; scales moderate, about 56 in lateral series; 6 oblique rows on cheeks. macropoma, p. 475. cc. Body not as deep, depth 3.5 to 4.15 in length; scales rather smaller, 60 to 69 in lateral series; more than 6 oblique rows on cheeks. d. Eye large, 3.1 to 3.6 in head; $ l / 2 horizontal rows of scales be- tween lateral line and base of spinous dorsal; 8 or rarely 9 oblique rows on cheeks; caudal spot small, not broader than lateral band. radiale, p. 475- dd. Eye smaller, 3.9 to 4.5 in head; 6]/ 2 horizontal rows of scales between lateral line and base of spinous dorsal ; 9 or 10 oblique rows on cheeks; caudal spot large, notably broader than lateral band. pacificum sp. nov., p. 477- APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 473 346. Diplectrum formosum (Linnaeus). Perca fonnosa Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. XII, 1766, 488 (Carolina). Epinephelus striatus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VII, 1793, 20, PI. CCCXXX (Jamaica). Serranus radians Quoy & Gaimard, in Freycinet, Voy. Uranie et Phy- sicienne, Zool., 1824, 313, PL LVIII, fig. 2 ( Montevideo [?]). Serranus irradians Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 244 (Montevideo). Serranus fascicularis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 245, PI. XXX (Brazil). Centropristis radians Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 83. Centropristis fascicularis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 83. Diplectrum fasciculare Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. II, 1860, 35- Serranus fonnosus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 35. Diplectrum formosum Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 397, PI. LXV; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1207, PI. CXCI, fig. 502. Head 2.9 to 4.15; depth 3.55 to 4.75; D. X, n or 12; A. Ill, 7; scales above lateral line 74 to 80. Body very elongate, compressed ; the back little elevated ; head rather large; snout moderate, 3.35 to 4 in head; eye 3.6 to 4.3; mouth large, oblique; the lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary reaching slightly past middle of eye, 2.15 in head; teeth as in D. radiate; preopercular margin strongly serrate, the serrae with 2 diverging centers, one at the lower angle of the preopercle and the other above it, not very evident in young; gill-rakers scarcely as long as pupil, 10, exclusive of I or 2 rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid, n or 12 oblique rows on cheeks ; about 20 scales on median line in advance of dorsal, /^ rows between the lateral line and the base of spinous dorsal ; dorsal fin continuous, the median spines slightly longer than the pos- terior ones, the soft part slightly higher than the spines, the last rays the longest ; caudal fin posteriorly deeply concave, the outer rays of each lobe produced in adult; anal fin with 3 weak spines, the soft portion shorter but similar to the dorsal in form; ventrals moderate, inserted slightly nearer the origin of the anal than tip of lower jaw ; pectoral fins rather long, 1.4 to 1.5 in head. Color in alcohol brownish above, pale below; young with 3 hori- zontal dark bars on back and sides; the adult without evident dark bands but with faint cross-bars; sides of head and snout with 3 to 5 474 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. dark horizontal bands ; a small black spot present at base of the upper lobe of caudal fin. The fins in preserved specimens are unmarked. This fish was not taken by us. It is here included because it has been recorded from localities both north and south of the Isthmus of Panama and, therefore, coming within the range of the present work. The above description is based on specimens from the eastern coast of the United States, ranging in length from 100 to 195 mm. Known from North Carolina south to Uruguay. 347. Diplectruin euryplectrum Jordan & Bollman. Diplectrum euryplectrum Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 157 (off coast of Panama) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1206; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 98. Head 2.5 to 2.8; depth 3.3 to 3.5; D. X, 12; A. 8; scales above lateral line 67 to 69. Body very elongate, compressed; the back scarcely elevated; head rather large; snout short, 4 in head; eyes 3.6 to 3.8; mouth large, oblique, the lower jaw scarcely projecting; maxillary reaching to or a little past posterior margin of pupil, 2 in head; teeth as in D. radiate; preopercular margin serrate, with a single broad cluster of diverging spines; gill-rakers slender, slightly longer than eye, 12 to 15 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid, 8 oblique series on cheeks; about 16 scales in advance of dorsal, 6^2 rows between the lateral line and base of spinous dorsal; dorsal fin long, the median spines the longest, the soft rays all of about equal length ; caudal fin deeply con- cave, the upper rays the longer ; anal fin with 3 small graduated spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins rather small, inserted slightly nearer the origin of anal than tip of lower jaw ; pec- toral fins rather long, 1.4 to 1.55 in head. Color in spirits brownish above, pale below; sides with slightly darker bars; base of caudal with a dark blotch; margin of spinous dorsal dusky, the base of the soft dorsal with a dark bar; fins other- wise plain translucent. This species was not taken by us. It was dredged in moderately deep water in Panama Bay by the Albatross in 1888. It does not seem to frequent the shores. The above description is based on specimens ranging in length from 135 to 155 mm. Known only from Panama Bay. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 475 348. Diplectrum macropoma (Gunther). Centra pristis macropoma Gunther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 145 (Panama), and Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 409, PI. LXV, fig. i. Diplectrum macropoma Jordan & Bollman, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, 157; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1205. Head 2.9 to 3; depth 3.3 to 3.5; D. X, 12; A. Ill, 7; scales above lateral line 56. Body elongate, compressed; the back little elevated; head rather large; snout moderate, 4.1 to 4.2 in head; eye 3.7 to 4.15; mouth large, oblique, terminal, or the lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary reaching nearly to posterior margin of eye, 2 to 2.1 in head; teeth as in D. radialc; preopercular margin with a single center of radiating serrae; gill-rakers equal to or larger than pupil, 9 or 10, exclusive of i or 2 rudiments, on the lower limb of the first arch; scales moderate, ctenoid, 6 oblique rows on cheeks; 12 to 14 scales on median line in advance of dorsal, 4^2 rows between the lateral line and base of spinous dorsal ; dorsal fin continuous, the median spines longer than the posterior ones, the soft part with a nearly straight margin, the last rays longest; caudal fin posteriorly concave, the upper rays the longest; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the soft portion rather high; ventral fins moderate, inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw ; pectoral fins rather long, 1.2 to 1.3 in head. Color of preserved specimens brownish above, pale below; upper parts with faint, dark cross-bars ; a dark caudal spot present ; preorbital with pale spots; fins colorless. This fish was not taken by us. It is here described from specimens taken off the coast of Panama, Colombia and Ecuador, ranging in length from 120 to 205 mm. Known from the Gulf of California south to Ecuador. 349. Diplectrum radiale (Quoy & Gaimard). (Plate XLVI, fig. i.) Serranus radialis Quoy & Gaimard, in Freycinet, Voy. Uranie et Phy- sicienne, Zool., 1824, 316 (Rio de Janeiro). Serranus bivittatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 241 (Martinique). Centropristis ayresi Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LVII) Ichth. Notizen, VII, 1868, i, PI. I, fig. i (Santos, Brazil). 476 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Centropristis radialis Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien r LXXII), Ichth. Beitr., IV, 1875, 6 (Panama Bay). Haliperca bivittata Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 282. Diplectrum radialis Streets, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., VII, 1878, 52. Diplectrum radiale Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus.. XLVII, 1896, 1204. Head 2.5 to 3.1; depth 3.85 to 4.3; D. X, n or 12; A. Ill, 7; scales above lateral line 60 to 68. Body elongate, little compressed ; the back not elevated ; head rather large and low; snout short, 3.6 to 4.4 in head; eye very large, 3.1 to 3.6; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching middle of eye, 2 to 2.25 in head ; teeth in the jaws in villif orm bands, some of the outer ones in each jaw somewhat enlarged ; vomerine teeth in a triangular patch ; palatine teeth in very narrow bands ; preopercular margin serrate, the spines longest at the lower posterior angle; gill-rakers scarcely as long as pupil, 10 or n, exclusive of a few rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales rather small, ctenoid; 8 or rarely 9 oblique rows of scales on cheeks, 15 or 16 scales on median line in advance of dorsal, 5^2 horizontal rows between the lateral line and base of spinous dorsal; dorsal fin long, continuous, the spines pungent, the third or fourth slightly longer than the succeeding ones, the soft part a little higher than the spinous portion, its margin slightly convex; caudal fin slightly forked, the upper lobe the longer; anal fin with 3 rather small graduated spines, the soft portion short but similar in shape to that of the dorsal; ventral fins rather large, inserted about midway between the tip of lower jaw and origin of anal; pectoral fins rather long, 1.33 to 1.5 in head. Color in alcohol of young up to 80 mm. in length, brown above, paler below; back and side with 3 dark horizontal stripes, one from nape to base of anterior dorsal spines, the next one from upper margin of eye to base of last rays of dorsal, the third, the broadest and most distinct, extending from snout through eye to base of caudal ; sides also with indications of dark cross-bars; caudal spot indistinct, not wider than the lateral band, and not much darker; a small black spot at base of upper rays of caudal and another preceding it on median line of caudal peduncle; the caudal fin occasionally with one or two other small black spots; dorsal and caudal a little dusky, the other fins plain translucent. This species is represented by 24 specimens in the present collection, ranging in length from 35 to 80 mm. Young of this species are rather APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 477 common in shallow water on the Atlantic coast of Panama. The adults were not seen. Known from Cuba to Brazil. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 350. Diplectrum pacificum sp. nov. (Plate XLVI, fig. 2.) Diplectrum radiale Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 97 (not of Quoy & Gaimard) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 409 (Panama). Type No. 81756, U. S. N. M.; length 92 mm.; Naos Island, Panama. Head 2.9 to 3.15; depth 3.5 to 4.05; D. X, n or 12; A. Ill, 7; scales above lateral line 60 to 69. Body very elongate, compressed; the back scarcely elevated; head rather large and low ; snout short, 3.4 to 4 in head ; eye moderate, 3.9 to 4.5; mouth large, slightly oblique, lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching to or past posterior margin of pupil, 2.1 to 2.6 in head ; teeth as in D. radiale; preopercular margin serrate, the serrse with single diverg- ing center at angle, greatly enlarged in adult ; gill-rakers quite as long as pupil, 10 or n, exclusive of rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales rather small, ctenoid, 9 or 10 oblique rows on cheeks; 16 to 18 scales on median line in advance of dorsal, 6^2 horizontal rows between lateral line and base of spinous dorsal; dorsal fin long, the fourth spine usually the longest, the soft part with convex margin; caudal fin slightly forked, the upper lobe the longer; anal fin with 3 weak spines, the soft portion shorter but similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins moderate, inserted about midway between the tip of lower jaw and origin of anal; pectoral fins rather long, 1.25 to 1.5 in head. Color in alcohol slightly brownish above, pale or slightly silvery below; the young with the same color pattern as in D. radiale, with the dark bands, particularly the one on median line of sides, notably blacker and more distinct. The caudal spot is much larger, more distinct and broader than the lateral band. The black spots on upper surface of caudal peduncle and on the base of the caudal fin are also more distinct than in D. radiale. The soft dorsal and caudal are slightly barred with dusky. The longitudinal stripes disappear with age, but indistinct dark bars and a large caudal spot remain. Of this species 20 specimens were preserved, ranging in length from 42 to 213 mm. This fish is of some value as food and is rather frequently seen in the Panama City market. The Atlantic and Pacific coast forms have for a long time been considered identical. However, 478 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. a comparison of our specimens reveals several rather small, but apparently constant, differences. Unfortunately, we have no large specimens from the Atlantic, so that the comparison here given is that of the young. The differences in color are pointed out in the above description. Besides this, it is noted that the Pacific coast form has a smaller eye, usually one or two more oblique rows of scales on the cheeks and one more horizontal row between the lateral line and base of spinous dorsal. All of the Pacific representatives previously identified as D. radiale are doubtlessly referable to this species. The range would then extend from Lower California to Panama. Our specimens are from Naos Island and the Panama City market. 135. Genus Rhegma Gilbert. Rhegma Gilbert, in Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1900, 3169 (type Rhegma thaumasium Gilbert). Body moderately elongate, compressed; head rather short, blunt; mouth large; lower jaw scarcely in advance of the upper; maxillary broad, with narrow supplemental bone; teeth all in broad villiform bands; gill-covers above posterior angle attached to shoulder girdle by membrane; preopercle with a single broad spine; opercle without spines; pseudobranchise well developed; lateral line interrupted under posterior part of soft dorsal, reappearing lower down on median line of side; scales thin, weakly ctenoid, of moderate size, not embedded; dorsal fin low, normally with about 7 spines; caudal fin rounded; anal fin with 3 short spines; ventrals small, inserted slightly in advance of pectorals. A single species of this genus is known. 351. Rhegma thaumasium Gilbert. Rhegma thaumasium Gilbert, in Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1900, 3170 (Panama) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 99, PI. XV, fig. 31 (Panama) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, in (Toboguilla Island). Head 3 to 3.2; depth 2.8 to 3.2; D. VII (rarely VIII), 20 to 24; A. Ill, 17 to 20; scales 48 to 55. Body elongate, compressed; anterior profile rather steep, nearly straight over eyes; head short; snout blunt, 4.8 to 6.3 in head; eye 4.3 to 4.7; mouth large, slightly oblique; the lower jaw scarcely projecting; maxillary reaching far beyond eye, 1.7 to 1.85 in head; APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 479 teeth all small, in broad villiform bands on jaws, vomer and palatines ; anterior nostril with a short tube; a short supraoccular flap present; preopercle with a single broad spine ; opercle without spines ; gill-rakers very short, 6 or 7 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; lateral line interrupted under base of last rays of dorsal, reappearing on median line of side, considerably in advance of point of interruption ; scales of moderate size, weakly ctenoid, becoming smooth anteriorly, present on base of fins; dorsal fin low, the spines graduated, the soft part a little higher, some of the posterior rays slightly produced, the margin angulate; caudal fin shorter than head, rounded; anal fin with 3 spines, the second one notably larger than the others, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins small, inserted slightly in advance of base of pectorals, only slightly more than half as long as pectorals ; pectoral fins moderate, round, about equal to length of head. Color very dark brown above, paler below, other specimens lighter brown ; a large round black spot on opercle ; sides of head usually with 2 black lines, a broad one extending from eye to opercular blotch and a narrower one from above maxillary to margin of preopercle ; in the lighter colored specimens there are faint dark stripes along the rows of scales; fins very dark, the vertical ones narrowly margined with white. Twelve specimens, ranging from 58 to 98 mm. in length, were taken by the use of dynamite along the rocky shores of some small islands near Balboa. Our specimens appear to agree in all respects with the figure published by Gilbert & Starks, except that in our specimens the third anal spine and the ventral fins appear notably smaller than represented in the figure. Known only from Panama. Our specimens are from Balboa. 136. Genus Rypticus Cuvier. SOAPFISHES. Rypticus Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 144 (type Anthias saponaceus Bloch & Schneider). Smecticus Valenciennes, Voy. Venus, Zool., 1855, 305 (type Smecticus bicolor Valenciennes). Eleutheractis Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 467 (type Eleutheractis coriaceus Cope). Body elongate, compressed ; head rather small, pointed ; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw projecting; maxillary broad, with a supplemental bone; teeth all small, in villiform bands on jaws, vomer and palatines, no canines ; preopercular margin provided with 2 or 3 teeth, otherwise 480 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. smooth; opercle with 2 or 3 spines; gill-rakers short; lateral line normal ; scales minute, embedded ; dorsal fin with 2 or 3, rarely 4, short spines, the second dorsal rather long, of 20 or more rays; caudal rounded; anal rather long, with soft rays only; ventrals very small, I, 5 rays, inserted a little in advance of pectorals; pectorals moderate, round. Three rather closely related species are represented in the Panama collection. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Dorsal spines normally 3. b. Body slender, the depth not exceeding the length of head, 3.65 in length of body ; preopercle with only 2 spines. saponaceus, p. 480. bb. Body deeper, the depth greater than length of head; 2.7 in length of body; preopercle with 3 spines. xanti, p. 481. aa. Dorsal spines normally 2; body slender, the depth scarcely exceeding length of head, 3.1 to 3.5 in length of body ; preopercle with 2 spines and occasionally a rudiment of a third. nigripinnis, p. 482. 352. Rypticus saponaceus (Bloch & Schneider). (Plate XLVII.) Anthias saponaceus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 310 (Havana). Rhypticus microps Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. Rares Amer. Sud, 1855, 6 (Bahia). Rypticus saponaceus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1829, 63 ; Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 340; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1232. Rhypticus saponaceus Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859 1 7 2 - Rypticus arenatus Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon). Head 3.65; depth 3.65; D. Ill, 20; A. 13; scales 140. Body very elongate ; the back little elevated ; anterior profile concave over eyes; head rather small; snout acute, 5.25 in head; eye small, 5.05 in head ; interorbital narrow, only about half the eye; mouth rather large, oblique; lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary reaching vertical from posterior margin of eye, 2.2 in head; teeth all small, pointed, in rather broad bands on jaws, vomer and palatines; pre- opercular margin convex, with 2 rather prominent spines, the lower one the larger; opercle with 3 spines, the median one the largest; 1 , ir E APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 481 gill-rakers scarcely as long as pupil, about 8 on lower limb of first arch ; scales very small, embedded, present on base of all the vertical fins; dorsal fin with 3 very short and well separated spines, the last one at least an eye's diameter in advance of soft dorsal ; soft dorsal moderately thickened by skin at base, the rays difficult to enumerate, posterior margin of fin convex ; caudal fin with strongly convex margin ; anal fin similar to soft dorsal, although shorter; ventral fins small, inserted a little in advance of pectorals, half as long as pectorals; pectoral fins moderate, round, 1.57 in head. Color in alcohol very uniform dark above, brownish below; lower surface of head lighter brown; the vertical fins black, with a very narrow pale margin ; pectorals and ventrals a little paler than other fins. A single specimen, 150 mm. long, was taken. Upon it we have based the above description. This fish was seined from a very muddy pool on the Panama Canal, several miles from the shore. When cap- tured, it was densely coated with mucus, which, together with the smooth skin, gives the fish the characteristic soapy feeling from whence the members of the genus have received the name, "Soapfishes." Known from western Africa and on the American coast from Florida to Brazil. Our specimen is from Mindi. 353. Rypticus xanti Gill. (Plate XLVIII.) Rhypticus xanti Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 250 (Cape San Lucas) . Rypticus xanti Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1231. Head 3 to 3.1 ; depth 2.7; D. Ill, 20 to 24; A. 16; scales about 125. Body rather deep; anterior profile concave over eyes; head small, low; snout acute, 4.35 to 4.4 in head; eye 4.75 to 5.5; interorbital a little more than half the diameter of eye ; mouth large, oblique ; lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary reaching beyond eye, 2.2 in head; teeth small, pointed, in broad bands on jaws, vomer and palatines, no canines; preopercular margin with 3 spines, the upper one very short, the lower one largest; opercle with 3 spines, the median one notably enlarged; gill-rakers about as long as pupil, 7 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch ; scales small, embedded ; dorsal fin with 3 distinct spines, well separated from the soft dorsal; soft dorsal and anal greatly thickened at base by skin and scales, the rays very difficult to enumerate, each fin with convex outline ; caudal fin strongly convex ; ventral fins inserted a little in advance of base of pectorals, slightly 482 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. more than half the length of pectorals; pectoral fins rather short, rounded, 1.77 in head. Color in alcohol very dark gray above, brownish below; sides with small irregular and indistinct lighter brown blotches; fins all darker than the body, very narrowly edged with white. We have 2 specimens, 195 and 203 mm. long, which we refer to this species. They differ from all other specimens collected by us on the Pacific coast of Panama in having a notably deeper and more robust body, 3 distinct dorsal spines, and in the excessively thickened base of the soft dorsal and anal fins. The third preopercular spine is short but distinct, in the other specimens it is obsolete. Known from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimens are from Chame Point and from a tide pool at Panama City. 354. Rypticus nigripinnis Gill. Rhypticus nigripinnis Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 53 (Panama). Rhypticus maculatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 251 (Cape San Lucas). Promicropterus decoratus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 164 (Panama). Rhypticus decoratus Gunther, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, VI, 1869, 412. Rypticus nigripinnis Jordan & Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., VIII, 1888 (1890), 339; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1234; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, loo (Panama Bay) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 410 (Panama). Head 3 to 3.35; depth 3.1 to 3.5; D. II, 24 to 26; A. 14 to 16; scales about 140. Body elongate, rather strongly compressed ; anterior profile straight over eyes; head moderate; snout short, pointed, 5.1 to 6 in head; eye 4.45 to 5.75; interorbital space narrow, half the eye in specimens 180 mm. in length, not broader than pupil in young (45 mm. long) ; mouth large, oblique; lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary reaching to or a little beyond vertical from posterior margin of eye, 2.15 to 2.3 in head ; teeth all small, in broad villiform bands on jaws, vomer and palatines, no canines; preopercular margin with 2 spines and sometimes a slight rudiment of a third, the lower spine the larger; opercle with 3 distinct spines, the middle one the largest; gill-rakers not longer than pupil, 7 or 8 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales very small, embedded ; dorsal fin with 2 short, stiff spines, not separate from APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 483 the soft dorsal; soft dorsal and anal greatly thickened by skin and scales, each with strongly convex margin posteriorly ; caudal fin strongly convex ; ventral fins small, inserted a little in advance of pectorals, about half as long as pectorals; pectoral fins moderate, rounded, 1.6 to 1.8 in head. Color very dark brownish above, paler brown below ; sides with paler spots, these very indistinct in our largest specimen, but prominent and much more numerous in the smaller ones; young of 80 mm. and less in length with a pale median stripe from snout to origin of dorsal, and with 2 narrower pale stripes behind eye, the spaces between these pale stripes rather darker than ground color of body; fins uniform, rather darker than body, spotted like the body in very young. This species is represented by 20 specimens, ranging from 33 to 1 88 mm. in length. It is not rare and is occasionally seen in the market. Most of our specimens were taken from rocky tide pools, but it also inhabits other localities, as one of our specimens was taken in a very muddy bayou several miles inland. Known from Cape San Lucas to Panama. Our specimens are from Corozal, Balboa and Panama City. Family LII. Lobotidae. THE TRIPLE-TAILS. Body oblong, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile concave; head moderate; snout short; eye small, anteriorly placed; mouth moderate, oblique; the lower jaw projecting; teeth in the jaws pointed, small, none on vomer or palatines; preopercle serrate; scales of moderate size, rather strongly ctenoid; dorsal fin long, continuous, with about 12 strong spines, the soft part elevated; caudal fin rounded; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the soft part similar to that of dorsal and opposite it. This family is composed of a single genus and few species. 137. Genus Lobotes Cuvier. Lobotes Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 177 (type Holocentrus surinamensis Bloch). The characters of this genus are included in the family description. 484 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Preopercular margin moderately serrate, the serrse at angle not notably enlarged, always shorter than pupil; soft dorsal with 1 5 rays. pacificus, p. 484. aa. Preopercular margin strongly serrate, the serrae at angle much enlarged, longer than pupil; soft dorsal with 16 rays. surinamensis, p. 485. 355. Lobotes pacificus Gilbert. (Plate XLIX.) Lobotes auctorum Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., IV, 1875, 6 (Panama; not of Giinther). Lobotes surinamensis Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., II, 1882 (1883), no (Panama; not of Bloch) ; Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 378 (not of Bloch) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1235 (part; not of Bloch) ; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 2 (Rio Tuyra; not of Bloch). Lobotes pacificus Gilbert, in Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 2857 (Panama) ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 100, PI. XIV, fig. 28 (Panama). Head 2.7 to 2.95; depth 1.8 to 2.3; D. XII, 15; A. Ill, n; scales 45 to 50. Body deep, compressed ; the back elevated ; anterior profile strongly concave over eyes, strongly convex at nape; head moderate; snout tapering, 4.25 to 5.6 in head ; eye small, 3.5 to 8.5 in head ; interorbital broad; mouth moderate, oblique; lower jaws projecting; maxillary reaching verticle from middle of eye, 2.6 to 3.4 in head ; teeth in the jaws rather small, pointed, an outer irregular series, with a band of minute teeth behind it ; preopercular margin serrate, the serrae at angle never noticeably enlarged, always less than half the length of pupil, the serrae on lower limb very short, not recurved; scales moderate, strongly ctenoid, wanting only on snout, extending on base of vertical fins; dorsal spines strong, the median ones longest, the soft part of fin much higher, its outer margin strongly convex ; caudal fin rounded ; anal spines graduated, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins long, pointed, equal to or longer than head to preopercular margin ; pectoral fins very short, 1.95 to 2.05 in head. Color dark brown to pale brown, with more or less silvery, at least below lateral line; an indistinct dark band from eye to occiput, 2 narrower bands or lines extending backward for a short distance from interorbital, another band from lower margin of eye to angle of pre- ^ JS S oo ii APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 485 opercle; all the fins, except dorsal, darker than the body, the caudal fin with an abruptly pale margin in young, which is not present in adult ; pectoral fins plain translucent. This species is represented by 52 specimens, ranging in length from 20 to 298 mm. Most of the specimens are small and were taken at Chame Point by Mr. Robert Tweedlie, and no large specimens were observed. It is occasionally seen in the market. Known from the west coast of Panama. Our specimens are from Chame Point, Taboga and Naos islands, and from the Panama City market. 356. Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch). (Plate L.) Holocentrus surinamensis Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 98, PI. CCXLIII (Surinam). Bodianus triourus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., I, 1815, 418 (Powles Hook, N. J.). Lobotes somnolentus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., V, 1830, 324 (San Domingo). Lobotes auctorum Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 33$ (in part). Lobotes surinamensis Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. II, 1860, 169, PI. XXIV, fig. 2 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1235, PI. CXCIV, fig. 510 (in part; not of Bloch). Head 2.6 to 2.9; depth 1.8 to 2; D. XII, 16; A. Ill, n ; scales 45. Body oblong, compressed; anterior profile deeply concave; head rather small; snout short, 4.1 to 5 in head; eye rather small, 4 to 6 in head; mouth moderate, oblique; the lower jaw projecting; maxillary scarcely reaching middle of eye, 2.6 to 3 in head ; teeth small, pointed, with an irregular outer series and a band of minute teeth behind it; preopercular margin strongly serrate, the serrae at angle much enlarged, longer than pupil, the serrae above angle directed more or less upward and those on the lower limb downward and forward ; scales moderate, strongly serrate, wanting only on snout; dorsal spines strong, the median ones very slightly longer than the posterior ones, the soft part of fin much higher, strongly convex to slightly pointed; caudal fin rounded; anal fin with 3 strong graduated spines, the soft part of fin similar to that of the dorsal and opposite it; ventral fins long, pointed, exceeding length of head to preopercular margin; pectoral fins very short, 1.8 to 2.1 in head. Color dark chocolate brown to pale brown with more or less silvery ; a dark band from eye to nape; 2 narrower bands from interorbital 486 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. toward nape, another band from lower margin of eye to angle of preopercle; all the fins, except pectorals, darker than the body; the caudal fin with a broad yellow margin; pectoral fins plain translucent. This fish appears to be rather rare on the coast of Panama, as only 3 specimens, ranging from 60 to 178 mm. in length, were secured. It is rarely seen in the market. This species may be distinguished from the Pacific coast form by the much stronger serrations on the pre- opercular margin, and the soft dorsal appears to have constantly one more ray. All of our specimens from the Atlantic coast have 16 soft rays in the dorsal fin and all the specimens (20) from the Pacific coast, which we have examined in regard to the number of dorsal rays, have 15. That the body is deeper, the head longer and broader, and the scales more strongly serrate than in L. pacificus, as stated by Gilbert & Starks, we are unable to verify. There is considerable variation in color, but there are apparently no constant differences between the 2 species in this respect. Known from Massachusetts south to Uruguay. Our specimens are from Mindi Cut and the Colon market. Family LIII. Priacanthidae. THE BIG-EYES. Body oblong, compressed; head deep; snout short; eye very large; mouth large, very oblique; the lower jaw projecting; teeth in villiform bands on jaws, vomer and palatines; posterior nostril slit-like, close to the eye ; preopercle serrate, with one or more spines at angle ; opercle short, ending in 2 or 3 points; gill-membranes separate, free from the isthmus, the rakers long; pseudobranchiae large; branchiostegals 6; lateral line continuous, not extending on caudal fin; scales small, firm, ctenoid, extending forward on head, snout and maxillaries, not extend- ing on base of vertical fins; dorsal fin continuous, with about 10 spines; anal fin with 3 spines; ventral fins thoracic, with I, 5 rays; the fins usually rough with small serrse. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Scales small, 80 to 100 in lateral series ; body elongate, its depth not half the length; soft dorsal and anal each with 12 to 15 rays. Priacanthus, p. 487. aa. Scales larger, 35 to 50 in lateral series; body deep, its depth more than half its length; soft dorsal and anal each with 9 to ii soft rays. Pseudopriacanthus, p. 489- APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 487 138. Genus Priacanthus Oken. Priacanthus Oken, Isis, 1817, 1183 (type Anthias macro pthalmus Bloch). Body oblong, the depth less than half the length; preopercle with a well developed flat spine at angle; lateral line extending strongly upward and backward from upper angle of gill-opening to anterior dorsal spines, then following curvature of back; scales small, 80 to 100 in lateral series; dorsal rays X, 13 or 14; anal III, 13 to 15. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Ventral fins very long, about as long as head, inserted in advance of base of pectorals; opercular margin with a single small indentation a little above and behind tip of preopercular spine; gill-rakers long, 22 to 23 on lower limb of first arch. arenatus, p. 487. aa. Ventral fins rather short, much shorter than head, inserted under base of pectorals ; opercular margin with 2 distinct indentations. a small one above and behind tip of preopercular spine and a larger U-shaped one under tip of preopercular spine ; gill-rakers fewer, 16 to 18 on lower limb of first arch, cruentatus, p. 488. 357. Priacanthus arenatus Cuvier & Valenciennes. (Plate LI.) Priacanthus arenatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1829, 97 (Brazil; Atlantic) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1237, PI. CXCV, fig. 511. Priacanthus macracanthus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1829, 97 (not of Bloch). Priacanthus catalufa Poey, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 182 (Havana). Head 3.2 to 3.6; depth 2.5 to 2.8; D. X, 14; A. Ill, 15; scales 88 to 91. Body elongate, compressed; the ventral outline anteriorly more strongly convex than the dorsal; head rather deep; snout short, 3.45 to 3.6 in head; eye very large, 2.15 to 2.25; mouth moderate, strongly oblique; the lower jaw notably projecting; maxillary scarcely reaching anterior margin of pupil, 1.8 in head; teeth in narrow villiform bands, present on jaws, vomer and palatines; preopercular margin finely serrate, the angle produced into a short flat spine; margin of opercle with a small notch a little above and behind tip of preopercular spine; gill-rakers slender, 22 or 23 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid, reduced on head ; dorsal fin with 10 slender graduated spines, FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. the soft part not much higher than the longest spines, its outer margin convex; caudal fin with straight or slightly concave margin, the upper rays longest; anal fin with 3 slender graduated spines, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal and opposite it; ventral fins very long, inserted in advance of base of pectorals, about equal to length of head ; pectoral fins very short, 1.7 in head. Color in alcohol brownish above, lower part of sides, chest and abdomen pale silvery; dorsal, caudal and anal pale with dusky punctulations, the interradial membranes darkest; soft dorsal and anal with traces of pale spots; the basal part of ventral fins white, with distal part black; pectoral fins plain translucent. This fish is mostly bright red in life. There are 3 specimens, respectively 230, 277 and 290 mm. in length, in the present collection. These were taken by the use of dynamite on a coral reef. Known from the tropical Atlantic, reported from the Gulf Stream as far north as Rhode Island and southward to Brazil. Our specimens are from Porto Bello. 358. Priacanthus cruentatus (Lacepede). (Plate LII.) Labrus cruentatus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 522 (Martinique; from a drawing by Plumier). Priacanthus cepedianus Desmarest, Prem. Dec. Ichth., 1823, 9, PI. I (Havana). Priacanthus carolinus Lesson, Voy. Coquille, Zool., II, 1830, 224 (Caro- line Island). Priacanthus cruentatus Morrison, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1889, 162; Boulenger, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., Ed. II, I, 1895, 352; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1238; Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1905, 373. Head 3.1 to 3.2; depth 2.45 to 2.55; D. X, 12 or 13; A. Ill, 13 or 14; scales 88 to 90. Body elongate, compressed ; the ventral profile more strongly convex than the dorsal; head deep; snout short, 3.3 to 3.5 in head; eye very large, 2 to 2.4 in head ; mouth rather large, very oblique ; the lower jaw strongly projecting; maxillary reaching a little beyond anterior margin of pupil, 1.8 to 1.87 in head; teeth all small, in villiform bands on jaws, vomer and palatines; preopercular margin very finely serrate, the angle developed into a spine which varies in size, very large in one APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 489 specimen, rather small in another, sometimes scarcely more prominent than in P. arenatus; margin of opercle with 2 indentations, one above and behind tip of preopercular spine as in P. arenatus, and another larger U-shaped one under tip of preopercular spine ; gill-rakers slender. 16 to 18 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, ctenoid, reduced on head; dorsal fin continuous, with 10 graduated spines, the soft part only a little higher than the spines, its outer margin convex; caudal fin very slightly double concave, the upper rays longest; anal fin with 3 slender graduated spines, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal and opposite it ; ventral fins moderate, inserted under base of pectorals, equal to length of eye and snout; pectoral fins very short, 1.7 to 1.75 in head. Color in alcohol light brownish above, sides and lower parts pale silvery; one of our specimens has indications of about 6 dark bars on back; another specimen has brownish blotches on lower part of sides; fins mostly pale, all, except the pectorals, more or less punctulate; punctulations most numerous on distal parts of fins; the vertical fins with more or less distinct dark spots. Color in life mostly brilliantly red. We have 3 specimens of this species, respectively 200, 240 and 255 mm. in length. One of our specimens was purchased in the market and the other two were taken on a coral reef by the use of dynamite. The size of the preopercular spine, owing to variation, appears to be of little specific value, but the relative position of the ventral fins, the number of gill-rakers and the notches in the preopercular margin readily distinguish the species. These differences have been pointed out in the key to the species. Known from both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; recorded from the West Indies, Rio de Janeiro, and the Galapagos, Revillagigedo, and Cocos islands. Not as yet taken on the Pacific coast of Panama. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 139. Genus Pseudopriacanthus Bleeker. Pseud opriacanthus Bleeker, Versl. Ak. Amsterdam, 2 ser., Ill, 1869, 241 (type Priacanthus niphcmius Cuvier & Valenciennes). This genus differs from Priacanthus principally in the larger scales. 25 to 50 in lateral series, the deeper body, the depth more than half the length, and the shorter dorsal and anal ; dorsal rays X, 1 1 ; anal rays III, 9 to n. 49Q FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 359. Pseudopriacanthus serrula (Gilbert). Priacanthus serrula Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1890, 450 (Alba- tross Station 2797, Panama Bay). Pseudopriacanthus serrula Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1896, 1239; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 101. Head 2.66; depth 1.8; D. X, n; A. Ill, u; scales 36. Body ovate ; snout short, 5 in head ; eye 2.3 ; interorbital 3.3 ; mouth very oblique; maxillary scarcely reaching vertical from middle of eye, half the length of head ; teeth all small, in a narrow band on jaws and vomer, in a single series on palatines; preopercular and preorbital margin serrate, the spines at angle of preopercle enlarged; gill-rakers short, about half the diameter of pupil, about 16 on lower limb of first arch; scales along middle of sides conspicuously enlarged, the entire head scaly; spinous dorsal high, the longest spine ^ length of head, the first and last spines much shorter; anal spines similar but shorter, the first two equal and longer than the third, their length half that of the head; ventral fins long, reaching beyond origin of anal; pectoral fins short, scarcely reaching vertical from vent. Color in spirits light olive; sides with 4 dark cross-bars wider than interspaces, the last on base of caudal peduncle ; vertical fins dusky, the soft portions more or less speckled; ventrals black; pectorals pale. This species was not seen by us and is known only from a single small specimen, 44 mm. long, dredged by the Albatross in Panama Bay. Family LIV. Lutianidae. THE SNAPPERS. Body elongate, compressed; head large, with prominent crests on skull ; mouth usually large, terminal or with the lower jaw more or less projecting; teeth rather strong, present on both jaws and usually on palatines and tongue; premaxillaries moderately protractile; maxillary long, without a supplemental bone ; opercles without spines ; preopercle serrate or entire; gill-arches 4; gill-rakers short or long, few or rather numerous; gill-membranes free from the isthmus; pseudobranchiee large; lateral line present; scales ctenoid, adherent, completely covering body and usually the sides of head ; air bladder present ; intestine short, pyloric caeca few; dorsal fins single or double, with 10 to 12 rather strong spines; anal fin with 3 spines; caudal fin emarginate to deeply APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 491 forked ; ventral fins thoracic, with I, 5 rays ; pectorals usually rather long, pointed. A large family of warm-shore fishes, nearly all of them being of much economic importance. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Nostrils far apart, the anterior one situated in the end of a tube having its origin just behind the premaxillary ; vomerine teeth few, molar. Hoplopagrus, p. 491. aa. Nostrils close together, neither with a tube; vomerine teeth villiform. b. Mouth rather large, moderately oblique; palatines with teeth; dorsal and anal each with fewer than 16 rays. c. Pterygoid teeth wanting; dorsal spines 10 or u. d. Gill-rakers few and short, fewer than 12 on the lower limb of the first arch ; the caudal lobes not especially produced in adult. e. Anal fin with 7 to 9 rays; caudal fin emarginate or slightly forked. Lutianus, p. 493. ee. Anal fin with 10 or n rays; caudal fin well forked. Rabirubia, p. 514. dd. Gill-rakers long and numerous, about 20 on the lower limb of the first arch; caudal lobes much produced in adult. Ocyurus, p. 515. cc. Pterygoid teeth present, at least in adult; dorsal spines about 12 ; gill-rakers long and slender, about 17 or 18 on the lower limb of anterior arch. Rhomboplites, p. 517. bb. Mouth rather small, very oblique, the lower jaw strongly projecting; no teeth on palatines or tongue; soft dorsal and anal each with from 16 to 18 rays. Xenichthys, p. 518. 140. Genus Hoplopagrus Gill. Hoplopagrus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 78 (type Hoplopa- grus guntheri Gill). Body rather deep, robust ; head deep ; mouth moderate, the maxillary failing to reach eye; teeth in the jaws blunt; vomer with a few blunt teeth; nostrils far apart, the anterior one just behind premaxillary in the end of a barbel or tube ; gill-rakers few ; dorsal fin continuous ; the soft parts of vertical fins scaly at base. A single species of this genus is known. 492 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 360. Hoplopagrus giintheri Gill. Hoplopagrus giintheri Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 253 (Cape San Lucas) ; Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXVII) Ichth. Beitr., VI, 1878, I, PI. I (Altata, Mexico) ; Jordan & Ever- mann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1244, PI. CXCVI, % 5 J 3; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 101 (Panama Bay). Head 2.5 to 2.9; depth 2.3 to 2.4; D. X, 13 or 14; A. Ill, 9; scales 47 to 50. Body rather deep, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile evenly convex in young, slightly concave over snout in large specimens ; head deep; snout moderate, 1.95 to 2.3 in head; eye 4 to 6.5; mouth moderate, slightly oblique, the upper jaw projecting ; maxillary slipping under preorbital, failing to reach anterior margin of eye, 2.45 to 2.7 in head; teeth blunt, those in jaws anteriorly in bands at sides in a single series; two of the teeth at sides on front of lower jaw more or less canine-like; vomer with from i to 5 blunt teeth; preopercular margin deeply notched, serrate; gill-rakers short, 7 or 8 on lower limb of first arch ; scales moderate, the series above lateral line parallel with it, 6 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; soft parts of vertical fins with scales or interradial membranes at base only ; pectoral fins with a patch of scales at base, paired fins otherwise naked ; dorsal fin long, the spines strong, the fourth usually the longest, scarcely as long as snout, the soft part pointed, the median rays produced ; caudal fin only slightly emarginate; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second and third of about equal length, notably shorter than the longest dorsal spine, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins moderate, inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw ; pectoral fins rather long, falcate, i.i to 1.2 in head. Color of fresh specimen, 230 mm. in length, reddish, with pale cross- bars on sides ; a dark blotch at base of last rays of dorsal ; iris red ; pectorals and dorsal reddish yellow, other fins dark red. The pale cross-bars disappear in the adult and the color becomes more nearly uniform dark brown in spirits (reddish in life). The present species is represented by 6 specimens, ranging in length from 230 to 515 mm. It is not abundant on the coast of Panama and it is rarely seen in the market. Known from Guaymas to Panama. Our specimens are from Balboa and Panama City. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 493 141. Genus Lutianus Bloch. Lutianus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 107 (type Lutianus lutianus Bloch). Mesoprion Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., n, 1828, 441 (type Lutianus lutianus Bloch; name substituted for Lutianus, regarded as objectionable). Neomanis Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 167 (type Lobotes emarginatus Baird & Girard = Labrus griseus Linnaeus). Raizero Jordan & Fesler, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1889-91 (1893), 438 (type Mesoprion aratus Giinther). Body elongate, compressed; the back more or less elevated; head long ; snout more or less pointed ; nostrils usually close together, neither with a tube; mouth large; each jaw with a band of teeth, the outer ones usually enlarged, upper jaw with 2 to 4 canines anteriorly ; villiform teeth present on vomer, palatines and tongue; preopercular margin serrate, with or without a shallow notch above its lower posterior angle ; gill-rakers rather few, usually present only on lower limb of arch; scales moderate, ctenoid, wanting on head or present only at nape ; soft dorsal and anal rays scaly at base; dorsal spines 10 or n, not separated from the soft rays ; caudal fin emarginate or slightly forked ; anal rays 7 to 9. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Vomerine patch of teeth either crescent- or diamond-shaped, without a median backward projection. b. Vomerine patch of teeth diamond-shaped; dorsal fin with X, 14 rays; anal fin III, 9; scales above lateral line not throughout parallel with it, 6 or 7 rows between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine. jordani, p. 495. bb. Vomerine teeth more or less crescent-shaped, no median back- ward projection; anal fin with III, 8 rays. c. Dorsal normally with XI, 13 rays; scales large, series above the lateral line throughout parallel with it, usually with 4 (rarely 5) rows between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine; each scale on side with a pale area, forming lines along the rows of scales. aratus, p. 496. cc. Dorsal normally with X, 14 rays ; scales somewhat smaller, never fewer than 5 series between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine. d. Scales rather large, not more than 50 vertical series below lateral line; no black lateral blotch. 494 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. e. Soft part of dorsal and anal not greatly elevated, each with convex outline ; series of scales above lateral line not throughout parallel with it; lateral teeth in lower jaw notably enlarged, canine-like. f . Maxillary moderate, 2.3 to 2.4 in head ; gill-rakers 7 or 8 ; 5 or 6 rows of scales between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine. noveinfasciatus, p. 497. ff. Maxillary longer, 2.15 to 2.25 in head; gill-rakers 6; 6 or 7 rows of scales between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine. cyanopterus, p. 499. ee. Soft dorsal and anal elevated, pointed ; series of scales above the lateral line parallel with it; 5 or 6 rows between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine; lateral teeth in lower jaw not much enlarged. Colorado, p. 500. dd. Scales small, 55 to 60 vertical series below the lateral line ; the series above lateral line very oblique; 7 or 8 rows between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine; soft parts of dorsal and anal elevated, more or less pointed; a small jet-black lateral spot present. analis, p. 501. aa. Vomerine patch of teeth more or less anchor-shaped, with a distinct median backward projection. g. Dorsal normally with 12 rays; a black lateral spot present at all ages. h. Gill-rakers numerous, 10 or n on lower limb of first arch; rows of scales on sides with dark stripes in spirits ; lateral blotch very large, equal to or larger than eye. guttatus, p. 503. hh. Gill-rakers fewer, 7 to 9 on lower limb of first arch; rows of scales not marked by dark stripes. i. Mouth oblique, the lower jaw projecting ; eye very large, about 3.7 in head in specimens 175 mm. in length; body chiefly red, without yellow or golden horizontal stripes; rows of scales on upper part of sides marked by narrow bronze stripes; no stripes on head ; lateral blotch very large. mahogoni, p. 504. ii. Mouth nearly horizontal, terminal; eye moderate, about 4.75 in head in specimens 175 mm. in length; body chiefly greenish, with 3 golden stripes on head and 9 on body ; lateral blotch rather small, rarely as large as eye. synagris, p. 55- gg. Dorsal normally with 14 rays ; black lateral spot wanting, except in young of L. ay a. j. Series of scales above lateral line not throughout parallel with it; rows of scales without silvery stripes. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 495 k. Gill-rakers rather numerous, 9 or 10 on lower limb of first arch ; anal fin normally with 9 rays ; color nearly uniform rose red ; young with a black lateral blotch. aya, p. 507. kk. Gill-rakers fewer, 7 or 8 on lower limb of first arch; anal normally with 8 rays. I. Scales rather small, the series above the lateral line very oblique, 7 or 8 rows between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine ; a broad white bar from eye to angle of mouth. jocu, p. 508. II. Scales rather larger, the series of scales above lateral line less strongly oblique, usually fewer than 7 rows between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine; no white bar below eye. m. Body rather deep, 2.45 to 2.7 in length ; anterior profile notably concave in adult; snout long, pointed, 2.4 to 3.25 in head; 5 or rarely 6 rows of scales between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine; rows of scales not marked by dark lines or only faintly so ; caudal fin not edged with black. apodus, p. 509. mm. Body more elongate, 2.65 to 2.9 in length ; anterior profile only slightly concave in adult ; snout shorter and less strongly pointed, 2.55 to 3.2 in head ; 6 or rarely 7 rows of scales between the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine; rows of scales on sides marked by dark lines ; caudal fin edged with black. griseus, p. 511. jj. Series of scales above lateral line parallel with it; 5 or 6 rows betwe.en the lateral line and base of first dorsal spine ; gill-rakers in moderate numbers, 8 or 9 on lower limb of first arch ; rows of scales on sides marked with more or less distinct silvery streaks. argentiventris, p. 513. 361. Lutianus Jordan! (Gilbert). Neomcenis jordani Gilbert, in Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1251 (Panama Bay). Lutianus jordani Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 102, PI. XIV, fig. 29 (Panama Bay) ; Snodgrass & Heller, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci., VI, 1905, 375 (Cocos Island). Head 2.8 to 2.95; depth 2.75; D. X, 14; A. Ill, 9; vertical series of scales below lateral line 45 or 46. Body elongate ; the dorsal region elevated ; profile straight or slightly convex over snout and eyes; head rather short; snout short, pointed, 3 to 3.4 in head; eye 3.7 to 4.05; mouth large, terminal, oblique; 496 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. maxillary reaching to or past middle of eye, 2.2 to 2.3 in head; upper jaw anteriorly with one or two canines, lower jaw anteriorly with enlarged teeth ; vomerine teeth in a diamond-shaped patch ; teeth on tongue in a very broad band ; preopercular margin finely serrate, with a rather prominent notch above its lower posterior angle ; gill-rakers rather few, 7 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line not throughout parallel with it, 6 or 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of the dorsal ; caudal fin almost wholly covered with scales; soft parts of dorsal and anal scaly at base; dorsal fin scarcely notched, the spines strong, the fourth the longest, equal to length of snout and half the eye, the soft part rather low, with gently convex outline; caudal fin posteriorly broadly emarginate; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the soft portion shorter but similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins pointed, 1.15 to 1.25 in head. Color of preserved specimens dark brown above, lower parts paler ; the bases of the scales on lower part of sides pale; no lines on head; no lateral spot ; the pectorals pale, all the other fins dusky. This species, although originally described from Panama, was not taken by us. It is here described from 2 specimens from Cocos Island, deposited in the National Museum. Known from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Panama and Cocos Island. 362. Lutianus aratus (Giinther). Mesoprion aratus Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 145 (Pana- ma; Chiapam, Guatemala); Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 335, 1899, 2 (Sta. Elena Bay, Ecuador). Lut janus aratus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 355. Neomanis aratus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1273. Lutianus aratus Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 103 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 112 (Perico Island, Panama Bay). Head 2.7 to 3.1 ; depth 2.7 to 3.5; D. XI, 13; A. Ill, 8; scales 42 to 47. Body elongate, compressed; the dorsal region little elevated; an- terior profile nearly evenly convex; head rather long; snout pointed, 2.85 to 3.5 in head; eye 3.8 to 5.35; mouth moderate, slightly oblique, terminal; maxillary reaching nearly or quite opposite middle of eye, 2.25 to 2.5 in head; teeth in the jaws anteriorly in bands, posteriorly APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 497 in a single series in lower jaw, the outer series in each jaw enlarged, 2 in anterior part of upper jaw canine-like; patch of vomerine teeth crescent-shaped; palatine and tongue with bands of villiform teeth; preopercular margin serrate, slightly notched just above its lower posterior angle; gill-rakers rather long, 7 on lower limb of first arch; scales large, the series above lateral line parallel with it, those below it horizontal, 4 or 5 rows between the lateral line and origin of dor- sal; caudal fin almost completely scaled in adult, with scales on base only in young; dorsal, anal and pectorals with scales on base; dor- sal fin long, the spines stiff, the last 3 or 4 spines all of about equal length, the third or fourth spine the longest, equal to length of snout and about half the eye, the soft part of fin notably higher than the posterior spines, with strongly convex margin ; caudal fin deeply con- cave, the lobes acute; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the longest equal to length of eye, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal, but shorter; ventral fins moderate, inserted midway between the tip of lower jaw and the origin of the anal or slightly nearer the former ; pectoral fins rather long in adult, slightly falcate, 1.15 to 1.4 in head. Color in alcohol dark brown above, pale below; each scale on sides with a pale area, forming pale lines along the rows of scales* these most distinct below lateral line; dorsal, caudal and anal dusky; ventrals pale at base, with dark tips ; pectoral pale, with dark brown axil; sides in young with about 6 pale or silvery vertical stripes, dis- appearing when the fish reaches a length of about 170 mm. We obtained 9 specimens, ranging in length from 125 to 447 mm. This species appears to be rather rare on the coast of Panama, and it is rarely seen in the market. Known from Mazatlan to Ecuador. Our specimens are from Ta- boga Island, Chame Point, Balboa and Panama City. 363. Lutianus novemfasciatus Gill. Lutjanus novemfasciatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 251 (Cape San Lucas). Mesoprion pacificus Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat., 5 ser., X 1868, 223 (Tauesco, Pacific coast of Guatemala). Lutjanus prieto Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 353 (Mazatlan). Lutjanus pacificus Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, I88 3 , I2 3 , PI. Ill, fig. 2. Neomcenis novemfasciatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1252. 498 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Lutianus novemfasciatus Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 102 (Panama Bay). Head 2.4 to 2.75; depth 2.9 to 3.2; D. X, 14 (rarely 13) ; A. Ill, 8; scales in horizontal series below lateral line 43 to 48. Body very elongate, compressed; the dorsal region not much ele- vated; profile nearly straight and oblique over snout and eyes; head rather low; snout moderately long, 2.8 to 3.4 in head; eye 4 to 5.7; mouth large, slightly oblique, terminal; maxillary reaching nearly or quite opposite middle of eye, 2.3 to 2.4 in head; teeth in the jaws anteriorly in bands, reduced to a single enlarged series posteriorly in lower jaw, upper jaw anteriorly with a single pair of large canines, lower jaw with from 5 to 7 canines on each side; vomerine teeth in a triangular or more or less crescent-shaped patch, no median pos- terior prolongation; palatines with a band of minute teeth; tongue with a large oval-shaped patch of teeth preceded by 2 or 3 smaller patches; opercular margin finely serrate, scarcely notched above its lower posterior angle; gill-rakers few, 7 or 8 on lower limb of first arch; scales rather large, series above lateral line oblique, those be- low it nearly or quite horizontal, 5 or 6 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; caudal fin with small scales on lower half or two-thirds, base of soft parts of dorsal and anal and the base of pec- torals scaly ; dorsal fin long, scarcely notched, the spines rather strong, the third or fourth the longest, equal to or a little longer than snout, the soft part rather high, with strongly convex outline; caudal fin posteriorly moderately concave, not forked; anal fin with 3 gradu- ated spines, the longest about two-thirds the length of the longest dorsal spine, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins moderate, inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins pointed in adult, 1.35 to 1.5 in head. Color in alcohol uniform dark brown above, silvery below; no lateral spot, and no lines along the rows of scales; dorsal and cau- dal dusky; anal fin mostly black, with the first and last rays paler; ventrals largely white, with dusky on distal parts; pectorals with brown axil and base, elsewhere plain translucent. This snapper is represented in the present collection by 4 speci- mens, ranging in length from 91 to 390 mm. It appears to be rare on the Pacific coast of Panama. Our largest specimen was taken in a tidal stream several miles from the shores of the Bay. The species is said to reach a large size. Known from Lower California south to the Galapagos Islands. Our specimens are from Chame Point and Corozal. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 499 364. Lutianus cyanopterus (Cuvier & Valenciennes.). Mesoprion cyanopterus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 472 (Brazil). f 'Mesoprion pargus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 473 (Puerto Rico). Lut janus cynodon Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 294. Mesoprion cynodon Poey, Repertorio, II, 1868, 268 (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Lut janus cubera Poey, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., X, 1871, 75 (Cuba). Lutjanus dentatus Dumeril, in Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1883, 125. Lutjanus cyanopterus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 534. Neom&nis cyano\pterus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1254. Head 2.6 to 2.75 ; depth 2.8 to 3.05 ; D. X, 14 ; A. Ill, 8 ; horizontal series of scales below lateral line 48 to 50. Body elongate; the back not much elevated; profile straight or slightly convex over snout and eyes; head rather long; snout moder- ate, 2.7 to 3.3. in head; eye 3.8 to 5.8; mouth large, terminal, slightly oblique; maxillary reaching to anterior margin of eye in large ex- amples, to middle of eye in young, 2.15 to 2.25 in head; upper jaw with one or two pairs of canines, 4 or 5 strong canines on each side of lower jaw; vomerine teeth in a crescent-shaped patch, without a median backward projection ; palatine teeth in prominent bands ; teeth on tongue in an elongate patch, preceded by two or three smaller patches; preopercular margin finely serrate, with a broad but slight indentation above its lower posterior angle; gill-rakers few, 6 on lower limb of first arch; scales rather small, the series above lateral line not throughout parallel with it, 6 or 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal ; soft parts of vertical fins scaly at base only ; dorsal fin not very deeply notched, the spines rather slender, the third or fourth the longest, equal to length of snout in young, proportion- ately shorter in adult, the soft part not greatly elevated, its outline broadly convex; caudal fin not deeply concave, nearly straight in young; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the soft part shorter but similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins inserted slightly nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw, pectoral fins moderate, pointed in adult, 1.25 to 1.5 in head. Color in alcohol dark grayish brown above ; pale below, with brown punctulations ; center of scales on lower part of sides pale, making pale streaks along the rows of scales ; no dark lateral spot ; no markings on 5OO FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. head; dorsal, caudal, anal and distal third of ventrals very dark; base of ventrals and pectoral fins pale. Only 3 specimens, ^nd the head of a fourth, a large speci- men about 700 mm. in length, were preserved. The whole specimens at hand vary from 130 to 445 mm. in length. This species is very closely related to L. novemfasciatus from the Pacific coast, from which it can scarcely be separated. From the limited number of specimens which we have for comparison, the two species appear to differ slightly in the length of the maxillary, which appears to be a little longer in the Atlantic coast form, which also seems to have one or two fewer gill-rakers on the lower limb of the first arch, and usually one more row of scales between the lateral line and origin of dorsal. The color appears to be identical. Known from the West Indies south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Mindi Cut and Porto Bello. 365. Lutianus Colorado Jordan & Gilbert. Lut janus Colorado Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 338, 351, 355 (Mazatlan). Neom&nis Colorado Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1267. fMesoprion griseus Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 2 (after Cuvier & Valenciennes; recorded from Rio Tuyra, Panama, without comment). Lutianus Colorado Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 103 (Panama Bay). Head 2.65 to 2.9; depth 2.6 to 2.8; D. X, 14; A. Ill, 8; scales in horizontal series below lateral line 42 to 46. Body elongate, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile convex at all ages-; head rather short; snout moderately blunt, 2.7 to 3.35 in head; eye 4.1 to 5.8; mouth rather large, low, terminal, nearly horizontal ; maxillary reaching to or somewhat past the middle of eye, 2.25 to 2.5 in head; two or three pairs of canines in anterior part of upper jaw ; the lateral teeth in lower jaw not greatly enlarged ; vomer- ine teeth in a crescent-shaped patch, no median backward extension; palatine teeth in rather board bands; tongue with a broad patch of teeth posteriorly, preceded by one or two smaller patches; preoper- cular margin finely serrate, with a moderately developed indentation above lower posterior angle; gill-rakers rather few, 7 or 8 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line parallel with it, those below lateral line horizontal, 5 or 6 rows be- APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 501 tween the lateral line and origin of dorsal; all the fins, except the ventrals, more or less scaly at base; dorsal fin scarcely notched, the spines strong, the third or fourth the longest, equal to length of snout in adult, proportionately longer in young, the median part of soft dorsal elevated, the margin acute; caudal fin concave posteriorly but not forked; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second the longest, but failing to reach the tip of the third when deflexed, the soft portion high, with acute outline ; ventral fins inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectorals moderate, i.i to 1.25 in head. Color in life red, darker above than below; each scale on upper part of side with dark base; no blue lines on head; no lateral spot; fins largely red. Color in spirits dark brown above, chest and ab- domen pale silvery, or punctulate; vertical fins mostly dusky; paired fins pale. This species is represented by 14 specimens, ranging from 100 to 435 mm. in length. This snapper is rather rare and was not observed in the markets. Most of our specimens were taken in tide streams in very muddy and often slightly brackish water. Known from Guyamas south to Panama. Our specimens are from Chame Point, Balboa and Corozal. 366. Lutianus analis (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Mesoprion analis Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 452 (San Domingo). Mesoprion sobra Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 453 (Martinique). Mesoprion isoodon Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 443 (San Domingo). Mesoprion rosaceiis Poey, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., IX, 1870, 317 (Cuba). Lut janus analis Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 29; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 132 (Colon). Lutjanus rosaceus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 30. Neom&nis analis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1265, PI. CXCVIII, fig. 517. Head 2.65 to 2.85; depth 2.5 to 2.75; D. X, 14 (very rarely 13) ; A III, 8; scales in horizontal series below lateral line 55 to 60. Body elongate, compressed; the dorsal region moderately elevated; anterior profile gently convex; head rather deep; snout long, 2.2 to 2.9 in head; eye 3.7 to 5.1 ; mouth moderate, terminal, slightly oblique; maxillary reaching to or a little past anterior margin of eye in young, 502 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. failing to reach eye in adult, 2.3 to 2.55 in head; teeth in jaws an- teriorly in villiform bands, reduced to a single series posteriorly in lower jaw, 4 teeth in anterior part of upper jaw enlarged, canine-like; vomerine teeth more or less triangular in shape, no median backward projection; palatine teeth in narrow bands; teeth on tongue minute, wanting in young; preopercular margin sharply serrate, slightly notched above lower posterior angle; gill-rakers rather few, 7 or 8, exclusive of rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales rather small, the series above lateral line oblique, those below lateral line becoming more nearly horizontal, 7 or 8 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; caudal fin mostly covered with scales, ven- trals naked, the other fins with small scales at base only; dorsal fin long, not deeply notched, the spines stiff, the fourth the longest, equal to or a little shorter than snout, the soft part of the fin high, the me- dian rays produced in adult, acute ; caudal fin deeply concave posteri- orly, but scarcely forked, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the longest one slightly exceeding diameter of eye, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins rather long, inserted somewhat nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins pointed in adult, 1.2 to 1.5 in head. Color of a fresh specimen dull greenish brown above, yellowish green below, with a tinge of red on chest and abdomen; sides with about 6 indistinct dusky bars; a jet black spot, smaller than the eye, on the lateral line under the anterior rays of the soft dorsal; besides these there are about 6 irregular oblique blue stripes on sides; sides of head with a blue line from interorbital through eye to upper angle of gill opening, another blue line extending from upper jaw below eye where it forks, the upper branch ending at upper angle of gill- opening, the lower branch extending to posterior angle of opercle, a third blue line extending from just above angle of mouth to mar- gin of opercle; fins all reddish; anal and ventrals brick red; caudal with black margin posteriorly. The bright colors disappear in spirits, leaving the upper part of sides grayish, and the lower party silvery; rows of scales on back usually marked by wavy dark lines : the bluish lines on sides of head usually remaining as dark lines. The dusky cross-bars are noticeable only in specimens of about 150 mm. and less in length. More than 100 specimens, ranging from 50 to 335 mm. in length, were preserved. This species is seen in the markets daily. Known from Massachusetts to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Cristobal, Colon and Porto Bello. IffUM 'vfrutrci MI APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 503 367. Lutianus guttatus (Steindachner). Mesoprion guttatus Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LX) Ichth. Notizen, IX, 1869, 18, PI. VIII (Mazatlan) ; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 335, 1899, 2 (Sta. Elena Bay, Ecuador). Lut janus guttatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 354. Neomcenis guttatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1269. Lutianus guttatus Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 103 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 112 (Perico Island, Panama Bay). Head 2.6 to 2.95 ; depth 2.55 to 3; D. X, 12 (rarely 13) ; A. Ill, 8; scales 47 to 52 in horizontal series below lateral line. Body elongate, compressed; the dorsal region moderately elevated; anterior . profile slightly concave over snout and eyes in very large specimens, straight to gently convex in young ;* head moderate ; snout pointed, 2.5 to 3.6 in head; eye 3.15 to 5.25; mouth rather large, nearly horizontal, the lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary reach- ing to or slightly past anterior margin of pupil ; teeth in the jaws an- teriorly in narrow villiform bands, reduced to a single series posteri- orly in lower jaw, 4 teeth in anterior part of upper jaw enlarged, canine-like; vomerine teeth more or less anchor-shaped, the median backward prolongation very narrow and rather short; teeth on pala- tines and tongue minute, in narrow bands ; preopercular margin sharply serrate, notched above lower posterior angle; gill-rakers rather nu- merous, 10 or n, exclusive of rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line quite oblique, those be- low it becoming horizontal, 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal ; caudal fin largely scaly, ventrals naked, the other fins with a few scales on base only; dorsal fin long, not perceptibly notched, the spines stiff, the fourth usually the longest, not quite as long as snout and half the eye, the soft part rather high, with strongly con- vex outline; caudal fin rather deeply concave posteriorly, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the longest not quite as long as snout, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins moderate, inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw ; pectoral fins pointed, i.i to 1.4 in head. Color of a fresh specimen greenish above, lower part of sides sil- very with tinge of red, chest and abdomen pale yellowish; a large jet black spot present on and above lateral line below base of anterior rays of soft part of dorsal; rows of scales on upper part of sides 504 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. marked by dark greenish yellow spots above the lateral line, becom- ing plain yellow below it; mouth yellow inside; iris golden; dorsal and caudal reddish; anal and ventrals golden; pectorals pale. There is considerable variation among specimens, some are almost wholly bright red on sides. The distinctness of the spots on scales varies greatly and in some instances the spots are almost wholly wanting. Occasionally the soft dorsal is distinctly spotted with greenish spots, but usually these are wholly wanting. The bright colors disappear in spirits, leaving the upper parts pale grayish and the lower parts sil- very; the spots on the scales become dark. No indication of cross- bars in the young has been noticed, but the dark lateral spot is very large and distinct, and slightly ocellated. This species is represented in the present collection by 40 speci- mens, ranging in length from 40 to 465 mm. It is the most common and most important food fish of the family on the Pacific coast of Panama. Known from Guaymas to Ecuador. Our specimens are from Naos Island, Balboa, Corozal and the Panama City market. 368. Lutianus mahogoni (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Mesoprion mahogoni Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 447 (Martinique). Mesoprion ricardi Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 447 (Martinique). Mesoprion ojanco Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 150, PI. XIII, fig. 10 (Cuba). Lut janus ojanco Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 28. Lutjanus mahogani Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 451. Neomcenis mahogoni Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1272. Head 2.65 to 2.8; depth 2.6 to 2.95; D. X, 12; A. Ill, 8; scales in horizontal series above lateral line 57 to 63, below it 47 to 49. Body rather strongly compressed; the back elevated; anterior pro- file nearly straight to slightly concave over snout and eyes ; head rather large ; snout long, pointed, 2.65 to 2.8 in head ; eye very large, 3.7 to 4.05 in head ; mouth rather large, somewhat oblique, the lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of pupil, 2.25 to 2.35 in head; teeth in the jaws in villiform bands, reduced to a single series posteriorly in lower jaw, the outer teeth slightly enlarged, usually 4 in anterior part of upper jaw canine- like; teeth on vomer more or less anchor-shaped, with the median I I APRIL 1 5, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 505 backward prolongation very narrow and rather short; teeth on pala- tines and tongue in rather narrow bands; preopercular margin ser- rate, notably concave above its lower posterior angle ; gill-rakers rather long at angle, 8 or 9 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, somewhat reduced anteriorly above lateral line, the series quite oblique, those below lateral line horizontal, 6 or 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; caudal fin mostly covered with scales, soft parts of dorsal and anal and the pec- torals with a few scales at base, otherwise naked ; dorsal fin not very deeply notched, the spines rather slender, the fourth usually the long- est, equal to or slightly longer than snout, the soft part moderately elevated, with strongly convex margin; caudal fin rather deeply con- cave posteriorly but scarcely forked, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the longest equal to or a little longer than eye, the soft portion rather high, with strongly convex margin; ventral fins moderate, inserted rather notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins long, sharply pointed, 1.2 to 1.3 in head. Color in life chiefly red; the back deep brown; belly largely sil- very; a large black blotch on lateral line under anterior part of soft dorsal ; rows of scales on upper part of sides marked by narrow bronze stripes ; dorsal fin pale at base, edged with red ; the other fins mostly deep red. The bright colors fade in alcohol, leaving the back gray- ish brown, the lower parts silvery and the fins pale. This apparently rather rare species is represented in the present collection by 10 specimens, ranging in length from 230 to 300 mm. It is readily distinguished from related species by the large eye and the very large black lateral spot. We have compared our specimens with a specimen from Cuba, deposited in the National Museum, and identified by Poey as L. ojanco, and this fish and our specimens are certainly identical. L. ojanco has been referred to the synomy of L. tnahogoni. Known from the West Indies to Cartagena. Our specimens are from Toro Point and Porto Bello. 369. Lutianus synagris (Linnaeus). Spams synagris Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 280 (Bahamas). Sparus vermicularis Block & Schneider, Syst., Ichth., 1801, 275 (Mar- tinique; on a drawing by Plumier). Lutjanus aubricti Desmarest, Prem. Dec. Ichth., 1823, 17, PI. II, (Cuba). - ' 506 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Mesoprion uninotatus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 449 (San Domingo; Martinique). Lutjanus uninotatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 294. Lut janus synagris Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 27; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 132 (Colon). Neom&nis synagris Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1270, PI. CXCVIII, fig. 518. Head 2.6 to 2.75; depth 2.45 to 2.7; D. X, 12; A. Ill, 8; scales in horizontal series below lateral line 46 to 53. Body elongate, compressed; the dorsal region elevated; anterior profile rather steep, nearly straight over snout and eyes, strongly convex at nape; head moderate; snout pointed, 2.7 to 3.45 in head; eye 3.2 to 4.75 ; mouth rather large, terminal, horizontal ; maxillary reaching nearly or quite opposite middle of eye, 2.25 to 2.4 in head; teeth in the jaws anteriorly in villiform bands, reduced to a single series posteriorly in lower jaw, 4 of the teeth in anterior part of upper jaw enlarged, canine-like; vomerine teeth in an anchor-shaped patch, with the median posterior prolongation rather short and narrow ; teeth on palatines and tongue in narrow bands; preopercular margin sharp- ly serrate, scarcely notched above lower posterior angle; gill-rakers rather few, 8, exclusive of rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line slightly oblique and not parallel with it, those below lateral line horizontal, 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; dorsal fin continuous, scarcely notched, the spines stiff, the third or fourth the longest, equal to snout and about one-third the length of eye, the soft part short, the median rays the longest, making its outline very strongly convex to nearly acute; caudal fin deeply concave posteriorly, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the longest a little longer than di- ameter of eye, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal but less strongly convex ; ventral fins rather long, inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins pointed, 1.2 to 1.45 in head. Color of fresh specimen greenish above, lower parts silvery; sides with about 9 horizontal golden bands, 3 on sides of head; a large jet black spot present on and above lateral line under the anterior part of soft dorsal; dorsal and caudal reddish, the latter with black mar- gin ; anal and ventrals largely golden ; pectorals pale pink. The young have dusky vertical bars, and are very similar to the young of L. ana- lis. Color in spirits dusky gray above, silvery below; the golden APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 507 stripes on sides fade and appear as pale stripes; the fins are all plain translucent. This species is very common and numerous specimens, ranging in length from 30 to 218 mm., were preserved. It is the smallest of the snappers, but it is seen in the markets daily and is extensively used as food. It enters shallow water and is readily taken with nets. Known from Florida south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Mindi Cut, Mindi Reef, Colon and Porto Bello. 370. Lutianus aya (Bloch). Bodianus aya Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, IV, 1790, 45, PI. CCXXVII (Brazil). Bodianus ruber Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 330 (Brazil). Mesoprion campechanus Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 149 (Campeche). Lut janus campechianus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 294. Lutjanus aya Goode, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., V, 1876, 55. Lutjanus blackfordii Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 176 (Pensacola, Fla.). Lutjanus vivanus Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 453. Neomcenis aya Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1264, PI. CXCVII, fig. 516. Head 2.65 to 3 ; depth 2.5 to 2.6 ; D. X, 14 ; A. Ill, 9 ; horizontal series of scales below lateral line 45. Body elongate ; the back elevated ; anterior profile rather steep, nearly straight to nape ; head deep ; snout pointed, 2.7 to 2.8 in head ; eye 3.75 to 4; mouth moderate, terminal, slightly oblique; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to anterior margin of pupil, 2.45 to 2.5 in head; upper jaw anteriorly with 3 or 4 pairs of rather small canines, the outer teeth in lower jaw somewhat enlarged; vomerine teeth in an anchor-shaped patch, with the median backward prolongation rather short; palatine teeth in rather broad bands ; teeth on tongue in an elongate patch, pre- ceded by a triangular patch; preopercular margin serrate, no evident notch above its lower posterior angle; gill-rakers rather numerous, 9 or 10 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line not throughout parallel with it, 7 or 8 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; the vertical fins scaly at base; dorsal fin not notched, the spines rather slender, the fourth spine the longest, equal to or slightly longer than the snout, the soft part with strongly convex or nearly acute outline; caudal fin rather deeply emarginate, the upper rays notably the longest ; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the soft portion of fin with angulate margin; ventral fins inserted some- 508 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. what nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins rather long, pointed, 1.15 to 1.3 in head. "Color in life, deep rose-red, paler on throat; bluish streaks along rows of scales, above becoming fainter and disappearing with age ; fins brick-red; dorsal bordered with orange, with a narrow blackish edge; caudal narrowly edged with blackish; eye red; a large blackish blotch above lateral line and below front rays of soft dorsal in young speci- mens, this spot disappearing with age; axil of pectoral dusky" (Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, p. 1265). This species, although recorded from the Atlantic coast from local- ities both north and south of Panama, was not taken there by us. Here described from specimens from Long Island and Florida, ranging in length from 1 10 to 235 mm. This is the most valuable food fish of this genus on the coast of the United States. Recorded from Massachusetts south to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 371. Lutianus jocu (Bloch & Schneider). Anthias jocu Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 310 (Cuba). Mesoprion jocu Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828 466. Mesoprion litura Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828 467 (Cayenne; St. Thomas). Lut janus jocu Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 292. Neomcenis jocu Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1257. Head 2.6 to 2.75; depth 2.35 to 2.7; D. X, 14 (rarely 15) ; A. Ill, 8 ; horizontal series of scales below lateral line 42 to 46. Body elongate compressed ; the back elevated ; profile nearly straight over snout and eyes in young, concave in adult; head deep; snout long, pointed, 2.25 to 2.85 in head ; eye 3.45 to 4.8 ; mouth rather large, terminal, nearly horizontal; maxillary not quite reaching eye in adult, to anterior margin of pupil in young, 2.45 to 2.7 in head; one, rarely two, pairs of canines in anterior part of upper jaw, the lateral teeth in lower jaw not much enlarged; vomerine teeth in an anchor- shaped patch, the median backward prolongation well developed ; pala- tine teeth in narrow bands ; teeth on tongue in a single elongate patch ; preopercular margin finely serrate, with only a slight indentation above lower posterior angle; gill-rakers rather few, 7 or 8 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above very oblique, directed strongly upward and backward, those below lateral line horizontal, 7 or 8 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; dorsal fin APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 509 scarcely notched, the spines strong, the fourth usually the longest, equal to length of snout, the soft part not very high, its margin broadly con- vex; caudal fin deeply emarginate, the upper rays the longest; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second usually slightly the longest, reach- ing nearly or quite to tip of third when deflexed, the soft portion shorter but similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectorals moderate, pointed, 1.15 to 1.6 in head. Color of fresh specimen dark brown above, reddish below; bases of scales rusty on upper part of side, becoming red on lower part of side, forming more or less distinct lines along the rows of scales ; sides of head with a blue stripe below eye, usually broken up into elongate spots in adult; a broad whitish bar from eye to angle of mouth, very indistinct or wanting in young ; fins all red, the dorsal and caudal darker red than the others. Color in alcohol brown or grayish brown above, pale below ; dorsal and caudal dusky, the other fins mostly pale. There is considerable variation among specimens, some of them being much darker than others. The dark colored specimens have the dark lines along the rows of scales on upper part of body much more distinct. This species is represented by 73 specimens, ranging in length from 50 to 305 mm. It was taken along with L. griseus and L. apodus but is somewhat less abundant. It may be distinguished from both L. griseus and L. apodus by the more numerous and much more oblique rows of scales between the lateral line and the origin of the dorsal, and by the presence of the broad white bar below eye. Known from Massachusetts south to Bahia, Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Mindi Cut, Colon and Porto Bello. 372. Lutianus apodus (Walbaum). fPerca apoda ("Forster, Catal. of Anim., MS., 21," 1774; printed 1844) Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, Pt. Ill, 1792, 351 (based on Catesby, Hist. Carolina, etc., 1743, PI. XLI). Sparus caxis Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 284 (Havana). Bodianus striatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 335, PI. LXV (West Indies; misprinted albostriatus, p. 237; called B. fasciatus on plate). Lutjanus acutirostris Desmarest, Prem. Dec. Ichth., 1823, 12, PL III (Cuba). Mesoprion cynodon Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 465 (Martinique; San Domingo). 510 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Mesoprion linea Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 468 (Cuba; San Domingo). Mesoprion flavescens Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828,472 (Martinique). Mesoprion caxis Poey, Repertorio, II, 1868, 269. Lutjanus caxis Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 293. Neomanis apodus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, !8 9 8, 1258, PI. CXCVII, fig. 515. Lutianus apodus Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Toro Point; Colon). Head 2.5 to 2.65; depth 2.45 to 2.7; D. X. 14; A. Ill, 8; horizontal series of scales below lateral line .37 to 41. Body elongate, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile straight over snout in young, distinctly concave in adult ; head moderate ; snout long, sharply pointed, 2.4 to 3.25 in head ; eye 3.45 to 4.25 ; mouth moderate, terminal, slightly oblique ; maxillary reaching to or more usu- ally a little past anterior margin of eye, 2.25 to 2.6 in head ; upper jaw anteriorly with one or two pairs of canines, lateral teeth in lower jaw enlarged; vomerine teeth anchor-shaped, the median backward pro- longation long; palatine teeth in bands; teeth on tongue in a single elongate patch ; preopercular margin finely serrate, with a slight inden- tation above lower posterior angle; gill-rakers few, 7 or 8 on lower limb of first arch ; scales large, the series above lateral line for the most part parallel with it, occasionally becoming slightly oblique under soft part of dorsal, the series below lateral line horizontal or slightly oblique, 5 or rarely 6 rows of scales between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; the vertical fins well scaled at base; dorsal fin scarcely notched, the spines strong, the fourth spine usually the longest, equal to length of snout in adult, proportionately longer in young, the soft part not greatly elevated, with broadly convex margin; caudal fin deeply emarginate, the upper rays the longest; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second and third of about equal length, the second however failing to reach the tip of third when deflexed, the soft portion shorter but similar to that of the dorsal ; ventral fins inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins rather short, 1.25 to 1.5 in head. Color in life greenish above, pale below ; the rows of scales on upper part of side faintly, or not at all, marked by dark lines ; no lateral spot ; young with about 8 pale vertical bars and a blue stripe on head below eye, these becoming faint or disappearing with age ; soft parts of dorsal and anal greenish yellow at base, distal parts pale green ; caudal fin pale APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 511 yellowish green ; ventrals orange ; pectorals pale yellowish. The bright colors disappear in spirits, leaving the upper part of body greenish brown, and the lower parts pale silvery; the fins are pale or slightly dusky. More than 100 specimens of this species, ranging in length from 45 to 300 mm., were preserved. This snapper is a very common commer- cial species on the Atlantic coast of Panama, frequenting shallow water, apparently without regard to the nature of the bottom or the condition of the water. Some of our specimens were taken on muddy bottom, some on sandy bottom and others on coral reefs. This species is closely related to L. griseus. Due to much individual variation, the two at times can scarcely be separated. The following rather slight differences have been noted: The average depth of body in L. apodus is slightly greater, the anterior profile is more strongly concave in adult, the snout longer and more strongly pointed (not evident in young), the rows of scales above the lateral line are more nearly parallel with it, and the scales are slightly larger, there being usually one fewer row between the lateral line and origin of dorsal and 2 or 3 fewer in the lateral series. L. apodus is usually lighter in color, has no dark lines, or at least less distinct dark lines, along the rows of scales, the young have much more distinct light cross-bars, and the margin of the caudal fin in never black. Known from Massachusetts south to Bahia, Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Mindi Cut, Colon and Porto Bello. 373. Lutianus griseus (Linnaeus). Labrus griseus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 283 (Bahamas). Sparus tetracanthus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, V, 1791, 116, PI. CCLXXIX (Antilles; on a drawing by Plumier). Anthias caballerote Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 310 (Cuba). Bodianus vivanet Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 293, PI. IV, fig. 3 (Martinique; on a drawing by Plumier). Mesoprion griseus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 469 (San Domingo; not after Linnaeus). Lobotes emarginatus Baird & Girard, in Baird, 9th Kept. Smith Inst., 1854 (1855), 332 (Beesley's Pt, New Jersey). Mesoprion caballerote Poey, Repertorio, II, 1868, 157. Lutjanus caballerote Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 293. Lut janus griseus Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 439. Neomanis griseus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1255. 512 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Head 2.6 to 2.9; depth 2.65 to 2.9; D. X, 14 (rarely 13) ; A. Ill, 8; scales in horizontal series below lateral line 39 to 45. Body elongate, compressed; the back not strongly elevated; an- terior profile straight or slightly concave over snout; head moderate; snout rather pointed, 2.55 to 3.2 in head ; eye 3.45 to 5.2 ; mouth large, terminal, slightly oblique ; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to anterior margin of pupil, 2.35 to 2.55 in head ; upper jaw with one or two pairs of canines, the lateral teeth in lower jaw enlarged; vomerine teeth in an anchor-shaped patch, the median backward prolongation quite long; palatine teeth in long bands; tongue with a single elongate patch or band of teeth; preopercular margin finely serrate, with a slight inden- tation above its lower posterior angle ; gill-rakers rather few, 7 or 8 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line not parallel with it, usually directed strongly upward under anterior part of soft dorsal, the series below lateral line usually more or less oblique and occasionally wavy, 6 or rarely 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; vertical fins well scaled at base; dorsal fin scarcely notched, the spines strong, the fourth usually the longest, equal to snout and from one-third to one-half of eye, the soft part moderately elevated, the margin strongly convex; caudal fin emarginate, the upper rays the longest; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second and third of about equal length, the second, however, failing to reach the tip of third when deflexed, the soft portion with strongly convex outline; ventral fins inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw ; pec- toral fins rather short, 1.35 to 1.5 in head. Color of fresh specimen, 275 mm. in length, dark green above, lower part of side bluish green, chest and abdomen pale red ; scales on sides with rusty centers, forming lines along the rows of scales; a greenish stripe on side of head below eye (completely disappearing in alcohol) ; fins all reddish, the vertical fin darkest. A smaller specimen, 100 mm. in length, darker, with less red on back and sides, but more on belly; sides with about 6 faint pale bars. Color in alcohol dark brown above and on sides, chest and abdomen pale; rows of scales on sides marked by more or less distinct dark stripes, usually most distinct in young ; the vertical fins dusky, the margin of dorsal and caudal black, the dorsal fin usually spotted in young ; paired fins pale. About 80 specimens of this common species, ranging from 50 to 335 mm. in length, were preserved. It enters shallow, muddy and even brackish water. Known from Massachusetts to Brazil. Our specimens were taken at Toro Point, New Gatun, Mindi Cut, Colon and Porto Bello. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 513 374. Lutianus argentiventris (Peters). Mesoprion argentiventris Peters, Monatsb. k. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1869 704 (Mazatlan) ; Boulenger, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. Torino, XIV, No. 346, 1899, 2 (Panama Bay). Lut janus argentiventris Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 434- Xcomcenis argentiventris Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1260. Lutianus argentiventris Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 103 (Panama Bay) ; Starks, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., XXX, 1906, 788 (Guayaquil, Ecuador) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 112 (Acapulco; Toboguilla Island, Panama Bay). Head 2.4 to 2.8; depth 2.5 to 2.7; D. X, 14; A. Ill, 8 (rarely 9) ; scales in horizontal series below lateral line 38 to 42. Body elongate, rather strongly compressed; the dorsal region ele- vated; anterior profile concave over snout in large specimens, nearly straight to slightly convex in young; head rather long; snout pointed, notably so in adult, 2.5 to 3.25 in head ; eye 3.45 to 4.75 in head ; mouth low, terminal, slightly oblique; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to anterior margin of pupil, 2.4 to 2.85 in head ; upper jaw anteriorly with 2 or 3 pairs of canines ; lateral teeth in lower jaw enlarged, but not as big as the canines in upper jaw; vomerine teeth in an anchor-shaped patch, with a long median backward prolongation; teeth on palatines and tongue in long bands; preopercular margin finely serrate, with a slight indentation above its lower posterior angle; gill-rakers moderate, 8 or 9 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line parallel with it, those below lateral line horizontal, 5 or 6 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal ; caudal fin mostly covered with small scales ; soft parts of the dorsal and anal and the pec- torals with scales on base only ; ventrals wholly naked ; dorsal fin some- what notched, the spines strong, the third or fourth the longest, equal to length of snout in adult, proportionately longer in young, the soft part with strongly convex margin; caudal fin rather deeply concave posteriorly, but not forked; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second the longest, but rarely reaching the tip of the third when deflexed, not much shorter than the longest dorsal spine, the soft portion rather high, with strongly convex outline ; ventral fins inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectorals moderate, 1.15 to 1.4 in head. Color in alcohol rather variable, from light gray to rather dark brown above, chest and abdomen silvery ; rows of scales in some speci- 514 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. mens with pale or silvery streaks, faint or wanting in others; sides of head with a brown stripe (blue in life) just underneath the eye, this stripe sometimes broken up into spots, or rarely wanting; vertical fins more or less dusky, the paired fins pale. The body is reddish yellow in life, the vertical fins are largely red and the paired fins yellow. We preserved about 40 specimens of this species, varying in length from 60 to 345 mm. Some of our specimens were taken on rocky bottom, some along a sandy shore, and others in very muddy tide streams. Next to L. guttatus, this is the most common snapper on the Pacific coast of Panama. Known from Lower California south to Ecuador. Our specimens are from Taboga Island, Chame Point, Balboa, Corozal and the Pana- ma City market. 142. Genus Rabirubia Jordan & Fester. Rabirubia Jordan & Fesler, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1889-91 (1893), 438 (type Mesoprion inermis Peters). Body elongate, the dorsal region little elevated; gill-rakers few and short, about 9 on lower limb of first arch ; anal fin long and low, with about 10 or n rays; the caudal lobes not especially produced. A single species of this genus is known. 375. Rabirubia inermis (Peters). Mesoprion inermis Peters, Monastb. k. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1869, 705 (Mazatlan). Lutjanus inermis Jordan, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, 285. Rabirubia inermis Jordan & Fesler, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1889-91 (1893), 438; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1274, PL CXCIX, fig. 519; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 103 (Panama Bay). Head 2.9 to 2.95; depth 3.45 to 3.7; D. X, 12 or 13; A. Ill, 10 or ii ; scales 52 to 55. Body elongate, compressed ; the back scarcely elevated ; head rather long ; snout tapering, 2.9 to 2.95 in head ; eye 4.3 to 4.35 ; mouth mod- erate, oblique, the lower jaw slightly projecting; maxillary to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.5 to 2.55 in head ; teeth pointed, 4 in an- terior part of upper jaw enlarged, about 4 on each side in lower jaw somewhat enlarged; minute teeth present on vomer, palatines and tongue; preopercular margin with an entire membranous border; gill- rakers long, 9 on lower limb of first arch ; scales rather small, the series above lateral line very oblique, those below lateral line horizontal, about APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 515 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; dorsal fin con- tinuous, scarcely notched, the spines slender, the third the longest, about as long as snout and half the eyes ; the soft part very low, all the rays of about equal length ; caudal fin rather deeply forked, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 graduated spines, the longest about half the length of the longest dorsal spine, the soft portion a little higher than that of the dorsal; ventrals rather small, inserted somewhat nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins short, 1.67 in head. Color in alcohol brownish above, silvery below; each scale with a pearly gray spot, forming light stripes along the rows, these spots small above lateral line, becoming large on lower part of sides and gradually occupying the whole scale; dorsal and caudal dusky, the other fins mostly plain translucent; axil of pectoral dark brown. Only 2 specimens, respectively 225 and 228 mm. in length, were secured. This species appears to be very rare on the coast of Panama. Only 4 specimens have to date been taken there by collectors. Known from Mazatlan to Panama. Our specimens were pur- chased in the Panama City market. 143. Genus Ocyurus Gill. Ocyurus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 (type Sparus chrysurus Bloch). Body elongate, with long slender tail; the dorsal region somewhat elevated; pterygoid teeth present in adult; gill-rakers rather numer- ous, long and slender, about 20 on lower limb of first arch; anal fin rather short, with about 9 rays; caudal fin deeply forked, the lobes much produced in adults. A single species is known. 376. Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch). Sparus chrysurus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, V, 1791, 28, 1790, PI. CCLXII (Brazil). Anthias rabirubia Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 309 (Cuba). Sparus semiluna Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IV, 1803, 141, PI. Ill, fig. i (Martinique; based on a copy of a drawing by Plumier). Mesoprion chrysurus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., II, 1828, 459. Mesoprion aurovittatus Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 121, PI. iLXVI (Brazil). Ocyurus chrysurus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1275, PI. CXCIX, fig. 520; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1917, 132 (Colon). 516 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Ocyurus aurovittatus Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 295. Ocyurus rijgersmcei Cope, Trans. Am. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 468, fig. 4 (St. Kitts). Lutjanus chrysurus Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1883, 133, PI. V. Lutjanus melanurus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 548. Head 2.9 to 3.1; depth 2.8 to 2.97; D. X, 13 or 14; A. Ill, 9; scales in longitudinal series below lateral line 47 to 57. Body elongate, compressed; the back somewhat elevated; head rather strongly compressed; snout tapering, 2.6 to 2.9 in head; eye 3.65 to 4.5 ; mouth moderate, oblique, the lower jaw slightly project- ing; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.26 to 2.55 in head ; teeth pointed, about 4 in anterior part of upper jaw enlarged, canine-like; small teeth present on vomer, palatines and tongue; preopercular margin finely serrate; gill-rakers long, 19 to 21 on lower limb of first arch; scales smaller above lateral line than below it, the series above oblique, those below horizontal, 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; caudal fin scaly, the other fins naked or with a few scales at base ; dorsal fin continuous, not notched, the fourth spine the longest, a little longer than snout, the soft part low, with strongly convex margin; caudal fin deeply forked, the lobes produced in adult, sharply pointed, notably longer than head; anal with 3 graduated spines, the longest one equal to length of eye, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal, but shorter ; ventral fins rather small, inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins long in adult, 1.05 to 1.15 in head. Color brownish above, pale silvery below; faint pale stripes along the rows of scales on lower part of sides ; in life with a bright bronze stripe from snout through eye to caudal peduncle where it becomes indistinct; caudal peduncle and caudal fin golden yellow in life; dor- sal fin yellow with more or less dusky; the other fins mostly yellow; axil of pectoral dusky. We preserved 30 specimens, ranging in length from 40 to 260 mm. This species is fairly common on the Atlantic coast of Panama where it is of some importance as a food fish. Its flesh is of excellent quality. Known from Florida to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 517 144. Genus Rhomboplites Gill. Rhomboplites Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236 (type Centro- pristes aurorubens Cuvier & Valenciennes) . Body elongate, compressed ; mouth moderate, very oblique ; villif orm teeth present in large patches or well formed bands on vomer, palatines, pterygoids and tongue; gill-rakers long and slender, about 17 or 18 on lower limb of first arch; caudal fin forked, the lobes not especially produced ; color red. A single species is known. 377. Rhomboplites aurorubens (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Centropristes aurorubens Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1829, 45 (Brazil; Martinique; San Domingo). Mesoprion aurorubens Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 207. Mesoprion elegans Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 153 (Cuba). Rhomboplites aurorubens Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 236; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1277, PI. CC, fig. 521 ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon), and 1917, 132 (Colon). Rhomboplites elegans Poey, Repertorio, II, 1868, 158. Lut janus aurorubens Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., etc., Pt. IV, 1878, 117. Aprion ariommus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 142 (Pensacola; young with pterygoid teeth undeveloped). Head 2.9 to 3.1; depth 2.8 to 3.15; D. XII, 11; A. Ill, 8 or 9; scales 60 to 68. Body elongate, compressed; the dorsal and ventral outlines about evenly curved; head moderate; snout rather blunt, 3.45 to 4 in head; eye large, 2.7 to 3.35; mouth moderate, very oblique, the lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching slightly beyond anterior margin of eye, 2.45 to 2.6 in head; teeth in the jaws in villif orm bands anteriorly, posteriorly in a single series in lower jaw, the outer teeth somewhat en- larged, but none of them canine-like; vomer, palatines, pterygoids and tongue with broad bands of patches of minute teeth ; preopercular mar- gin serrate; gill-rakers rather long, 16 to 19 on lower limb of first arch; scales rather small, the series above lateral line quite oblique, those below it less so, but not horizontal, 6 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; caudal fin covered with minute scales, the other fins with a few scales at base or wholly naked; dorsal fin long, continuous, not notched, the spines rather slender, the third usually the longest, equal 518 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. to snout and about half the eye, the soft part short and low; caudal fin moderately forked, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 rather strong graduated spines, the longest about equal to length of eye, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins moderate, inserted slightly nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw ; pectoral fins rather long, the upper rays somewhat produced, i.i to 1.25 in head. Color in life vermillion, paler below, fading to almost a straw color in spirits; faint narrow brown streaks along the rows of scales on upper part of sides ; fins all pale in spirits, red to yellowish in life. Of this species 16 specimens were preserved, ranging in length from 185 to 235 mm. It was seen on only two occasions and then in rather large numbers. It enters the shallow water of Fox Bay at Colon. A female taken in January has the ovaries somewhat distended with rather small eggs. The intestinal canal is very short, and the pyloric caeca few, but large. Known from North Carolina to southern Brazil. Our specimens are all from Colon. 145. Genus Xenichthys Gill. Xenichthys Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 82 (type Xenichthys xanti Gill). Body elongate, not greatly compressed ; head moderate ; snout short, conical; eyes large; mouth rather small, very oblique; lower jaw strongly projecting; teeth minute, in narrow bands in jaws, none of them enlarged, a small patch on vomer, none on palatines and tongue; preopercular margin entire; gill-rakers long and slender; scales small, ctenoid; dorsal fins separate, the spines very slender, 12 in number, the soft dorsal very low, with about 17 rays; caudal fin emarginate; anal fin with 3 rather slender graduated spines, the soft part similar to that of the dorsal. 378. Xenichthys xanti Gill. Xenichthys xanti Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 82 (Cape San Lucas ; young) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1287; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 103 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 113 (Perico Island, Panama Bay) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 410 (Panama). Xenichthys xenops Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., I, 1881 (1882), 325 (Panama; adult). APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 519 Head 2.5 to 3.15; depth 2.8 to 3.05; D. XI-I, 17 or 18; A. Ill, 1 6 to 18; scales 54 to 62. Body elongate, compressed ; the back little elevated ; head moderate ; snout pointed, short, 3.8 to 4.5 in head; eye very large, 2.55 to 3; mouth moderate, strongly oblique, the mandible strongly projecting; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to anterior margin of pupil, 2.5 to 3 in head; teeth very small, pointed, in narrow bands in jaws, none of them enlarged, a band of minute teeth on vomer, none on palatines or tongue; preopercle entire; gill-rakers long and slender, 15 to 17 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, 10 to 12 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal ; the soft parts of the dorsal and anal densely scaled, the other fins also largely scaled ; dorsal fins distinctly separate, the spines weak, the third or fourth the longest, nearly equal to length of snout and eye ; soft dorsal low, with nearly straight margin ; caudal fin with broadly concave margin, the upper lobe acute; anal spines weak, the third the longest, not more than half the length of the longest dorsal spine, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal; ventral fins moderate, inserted somewhat nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins rather short, 1.36 to 1.6 in head. Color of a fresh specimen greenish brown above, sides silvery with golden reflections, lower parts pale ; faint dark horizontal stripes present on upper part of sides; a dark blotch at shoulder; pectoral fins yellowish, the other fins dark or dusky; the anal fin distally yellowish green. In some of our specimens the dark stripes on upper part of sides are wanting, these are usually most distinct in the smaller specimens. Caudal spot varied, large and distinct, small and ill defined or even wanting. We preserved 39 specimens, ranging in length from 135 to 200 mm. This species, although its flesh is rather soft, is a common food fish on the Pacific coast of Panama where it is brough to the market in large numbers. A female taken in February has the ovaries well distended with eggs. A comparison of specimens of this species with specimens of X. agassisi Steindachner from the Galapagos Islands, verifies the statement of Gilbert & Starks that the last named species differs from the former in the smaller scales (73 in series just above lateral line), smaller eye, which is most evident when specimens of like size are compared, and in the notably longer pectoral fins (about i.i in head). This species is known from Cape San Lucas to Panama. Our specimens are from Balboa and the Panama City market. 520 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Family LV. Haemulidae. THE GRUNTERS. Body more or less elongate, compressed ; the back usually elevated ; head large; snout blunt or pointed; mouth large or small, usually terminal, low and more or less horizontal; premaxillaries protractile; maxillary without supplemental bone, slipping partly under preorbital; no suborbital stay; no barbels; teeth pointed or conical, no canines, none on vomer, palatines or tongue; lower pharyngeals separate, with pointed teeth; preopercle usually serrate; opercle without spines, gills 4, a slit behind the last, the rakers moderate ; gill-membranes separate, free from the isthmus ; lateral line concurrent with the outline of back, usually not extending on caudal fin; scales moderate, firm, ctenoid, present on body, sides of the head and often on the fins; dorsal fin long, more or less deeply notched, the spines strong, depressible in a groove, 10 to 14 in number; caudal fin more or less concave; anal fin with 3 spines, the soft portion similar to that of the dorsal but usually shorter; ventral fins thoracic, with I, 5 rays; air bladder present; intestinal canal short ; pyloric caeca few ; branchiostegals 6 or 7. The species of this family are numerous. They inhabit the warm seas and nearly all of them are valued as food. KEY TO THE GENERA. a. Preopercle strongly serrate, two of the spines at angle enlarged, the serrae on lower margin directed forward; body elongate, not much compressed. Conodon, p. 521. aa. Preopercle rather finely serrate, none of the serrae directed forward; body deeper, more strongly compressed. b. Soft parts of dorsal and anal densely scaled. c. Dorsal spines normally 13 ; body elongate, the back little elevated. Bathystoma, p. 523. cc. Dorsal spines normally 12, occasionally n or 13. d. Series of scales above lateral line parallel with it, those below lateral line horizontal ; mouth rather small, oblique. Orthostaechus, p. 525. dd. Series of scales above lateral line more or less oblique, not parallel with it, those below lateral line horizontal or not. e. Snout short, more than 3 in head; mouth small, more or less oblique ; the maxillary rather short, not curved. f. Body elongate, the back scarcely elevated; mouth slightly oblique; sides with about 5 yellow horizontal stripes. Brachygenys, p. 527. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 521 ff. Body rather deeper, the back elevated; mouth notably oblique; scales on sides with pearly gray centers, forming 1 lines along the rows. Lythrulon, p. 528. ee. Snout long, usually 3 or less in head; mouth large, nearly or quite horizontal; maxillary long and curved. Hamulon, p. 529. bb. Soft parts of dorsal and anal not densely scaled, naked or with small scales on interradial membranes. g. Body rather elongate; the head long; snout pointed; lips thin, h. Anal fin long, with III, 10 to 13 rays, the spines small. Orthopristis, p. 544. hh. Anal fin short, with III, 6 to 8 rays, the second spine somewhat enlarged. Pomadasys, p. 547. gg. Body short and deep; head short; snout blunt; lips thick; second anal spine notably enlarged. Anisotremus, p. 560. 146. Genus Conodon Cuvier & Valenciennes. Conodon Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., V, 1830, 156 (type Conodon antillanus Cuvier & Valenciennes = Perca nobilis Linnaeus). Body oblong, rather robust ; the outer teeth in jaws notably enlarged, conical ; preopercle strongly serrate, two of the spines at angle enlarged, the serrae on the lower limb directed forward ; soft dorsal and anal more or less scaly; second anal spine enlarged. A single species, occurring on both coasts of Panama, is known. 379. Conodon nobilis (Linnaeus). Perca nobilis Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 191 (North America). Scicena plumieri Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VI, 1792, 66, PI. CCCVI (Antilles). Sciana coro Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VI, 1792, 70, PI. CCCVII, fig. 2 (Brazil). Cheilodipterus chrysopterus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 542, PI. XXXIII, fig. i. Conodon antillanus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., V, 1830, 156 (Jamaica). Pristipoma coro Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist Nat. Poiss., V, 1830, 266. Conodon plumieri Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 304. Conodon serrifer Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 351 (Boca Soledad, Lower California) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1324. 522 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Conodon nobilis Jordan & Fesler, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1889-91 (1893), 488; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 404 (Colon), and 1917, 132 (Colon). Head 3.1 to 3.35; depth 2.75 to 3.35; D. XII, 12 or 13; A. Ill, 7 or 8 ; scales 50 to 55. Body elongate, rather robust; the back not greatly elevated; head rather large; snout moderate, 2.8 to 2.9 in head; eye 3.35 to 4.2; mouth rather small, oblique; the lower jaw projecting, more strongly in the young than in adult; maxillary reaching slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.7 to 2.9 in head; teeth in the jaws conical or pointed, in bands, the outer series notably enlarged; preopercle serrate, with 2 enlarged spines at lower posterior angle, serrations most prominent in young, those on the lower limb directed forward; gill-rakers moderate, proportionately longer in young, 12 to 14 on lower limb of first arch ; scales moderate, strongly ctenoid, the series above lateral line parallel with it, 5 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; vertical fins with scales, at least on interradial membranes; dorsal fin long, deeply notched, the spines moderate, the fourth usually the longest, a little shorter than eye and snout, the soft part short, highest anteriorly; caudal fin scarcely forked, the margin merely concave; anal fin with 3 strong spines, the second enlarged, stronger and usually a little longer than the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins moderate, inserted about midway between tip of lower jaw and origin of anal; pectoral fins moderate, i.i to 1.35 in head. Color in life dark brown above, pale yellow below; sides with 8 dark cross-bars ; lower part of sides with brown punctulations ; dorsal and caudal yellowish green at base, becoming darker on distal parts; anal and ventrals yellowish green; pectorals brownish yellow; very young with 3 or 4 indistinct horizontal dark bands in addition to the dark cross-bars. We have 14 specimens, ranging in length from 55 to 290 mm. One specimen is from the Pacific coast, where the species appears to be rare. It has previously not been recorded from Panama. On the Atlantic side the species is fairly common, but not abundant. The Pacific coast representatives have been described as a distinct species (Conodon serrifer Jordan & Gilbert), but we are unable to separate our Pacific specimen from the others. We also have examined the types (3 specimens) of C. serrifer and we find that the alleged differences are not constant. We, therefore, regard the forms found on both coasts as the same. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 523 As here understood, the range of this species on the Atlantic extends from Texas to Brazil, and on the Pacific from Lower California to Panama. Our Atlantic specimens are from Toro Point, Cristobal and Colon. The Pacific specimen was bought in the Panama City market. 147. Genus Bathystoma Scudder. Bathystonta (Scudder) Putnam, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., I, 1863, 12 (type Perca tnelanura Linnaeus Hcemidon jeniguano Poey). This genus is scarcely separable from Hezmulon, but the dorsal spines are normally 13 in number instead of 12. The body is rather more elongate and the back lower; the mouth is red within. A single species was taken on the Atlantic coast of Panama, although one or two others probably occur there. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Body elongate, the depth 2.85 to 3.1 in length; scales moderate, 50 to 59 in lateral series; a large black caudal spot present. rimator, p. 523. aa. Body very elongate, the depth 3.4 to 3.85 in length; scales small, 65 to 72 ; caudal spot wanting. striatum, p. 524. 380. Bathystoma rimator (Jordan & Swain). H&mulon chrysopteron Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., V, 1830, 240 (brought by Milbert from New York; erroneously identified with Perca chrysoptera Linnaeus). Hamulon chrysopterum Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 3 J 3- Hamulon quadrilineatum Holbrook, Ichth. South Carolina, Ed. II, 1860, 195, PI. XXVII, fig. 2 (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Diabasis aurolineatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 276, 307 (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Diabasis chrysopterus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, J 883, 553 (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Hcctmilon rimator Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 308 (Charleston, S. C. ; Key West and Pensacola, Florida). Bathystoma rimator Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1308, PI. CCVI, fig. 534. Head 2.8 to 2.9; depth 2.85 to 3.1 ; D. XIII, 13 to 15; A. Ill, 8 or 9 ; scales 50 to 59. Body elongate, compressed ; dorsal region little elevated ; head rather long ; snout tapering, 2.3 to 3 in head ; eye 3.25 to 3.75 ; mouth large, terminal, slightly oblique ; maxillary reaching to or a little past middle 524 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. of eye, 1.8 to 2.1 in head ; teeth in the jaws in villiform bands, the outer ones enlarged; preopercle finely serrate; gill-rakers rather short and slender, 13 to 15 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, ctenoid, series above lateral line not parallel with it, 6 rows between origin of dorsal and lateral line, n between lateral line and origin of anal; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, the spines moderate, the fourth the longest, equal to about half the length of head, the soft part low, with convex outline; caudal fin forked, the lobes acute; anal fin with 3 spines of moderate size, the second somewhat enlarged, scarcely as long as the longest dorsal spine, the soft portion short, with concave margin; ventral fins moderate, inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins rather short, 1.3 to 1.4 in head. Color brownish or grayish above, yellowish to silvery below; sides with two yellow stripes, one from interorbital to base of last rays of dorsal, the second along middle of side to base of caudal where it ends in a large, black caudal spot; the stripes are most distinct in the young, the adults becoming plainer ; dorsal and caudal dusky, the other fins mostly yellow. Only 3 specimens, 100 to 130 mm. in length were taken. The species appears to be rare on the coast of Panama. Known from North Carolina south to Trinidad. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 381. Bathystoma striatum (Linnaeus). Perca striata Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 233 (North America). Grammistes trivittatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 188 (Brazil). Serranus capeuna Lichtenstein, Abh. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1821, 288 (Brazil). H&mulon quadrilineatum Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., V, 1830, 238, PI. CXX (San Domingo). Hamulon quinquelineatum Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 419 (Cuba). Diabasis trivittatus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883. 554 (erroneously ascribed, after Holbrook, to the Carolina fauna). Hamulon striatum Jordan & Fesler, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1889-91 (1893), 479. Bathystoma striatum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1310. Head 3.5 ; depth 3.4 to 3.85 ; D. XIII, 14 ; A. Ill, 8 ; scales 65 to 72. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 525 Body very elongate, compressed ; the back little elevated ; head rather long; snout moderate, 3.5 to 3.6 in head; eye 2.6 to 3.35; mouth moderate, terminal, slightly oblique ; maxillary scarcely reaching middle of eye, 2.24 to 2.4 in head; teeth in narrow bands, pointed, the outer ones enlarged; preopercle finely serrate; gill-rakers rather long and slender, 18 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, the series above lateral line not parallel with it, 7 or 8 oblique rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, the spines slender, the fourth the longest, nearly as long as eye and snout, the soft part very low; caudal fin rather deeply forked; anal fin with 3 spines, the second not much longer than the third, and notably shorter than the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins moderate, inserted equidistant from tip of lower jaw and origin of anal; pectoral fins rather short, 1.3 to 1.6 in head. Color in spirits grayish ; sides and back with 5 or 6 black longitudinal stripes ; no black spot at base of caudal. This species was not taken on the coast of Panama by us, but we have examined 2 specimens in the National Museum collection, respectively 125 and 155 mm. in length, sent from Cuba by Poey, who identified them as Hamulon quadrilineatus. This name has been referred to the synonymy of B. striatum by Jordan & Fesler and others. Whether or not this is correct, we are unable to state, but the specimens examined differ so greatly from B. rimator that there is no doubt but what they belong to a species distinct from the latter. We have also examined several specimens in the National Museum sent by Poey from Cuba of Hoemulon jeniguano. This name has been referred to the synonymy of B. aurolineatum of Cuvier & Valenciennes. We are, however, unable to separate these specimens from B. rimator, and although B. aurolineatum, as understood by Jordan & Fesler and others, falls within the scope of the present paper, we omit it, except for the mention just made, as we are unable to give its relationship. Bathystoma striatum, as understood by Jordan & Evermann, 1898, ranges from the Bermuda Islands south to Brazil. 148. Genus Orthostoechus Gill. Orthostcechus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 255 (type Orthostoechus maculicauda Gill). Body rather elongate, compressed ; mouth moderate ; series of scales above lateral line parallel with it, those below lateral line horizontal; soft dorsal and anal densely scaled. A single species known. 526 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. 382. Orthostcechus maculicauda Gill. Orthostcechus maculicauda Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 255 (Cape San Lucas). Hamulon masatlanum Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LX) Ichth. Notizen, VIII, 1869, 12, PI. VI (Mazatlan). Hamulon maculicauda Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., Ill, 1875, 14. Diabasis maculicauda Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 362, 372, 626. Orthostcechus maculicauda Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1313; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 106 (Panama Bay). Head 3.05 to 3.2; depth 2.8 to 3.15; D. XIII, 15 or 16; A. Ill, 9 or 10 ; scales 50 to 54. Body moderately elongate; the back not greatly elevated; head moderate ; snout rather pointed, 2.15 to 3.5 in head ; eye 3 to 3.85 ; mouth moderate, terminal, oblique; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to pupil, 2.5 to 2.8 in head; teeth in the jaws in narrow villiform bands, the outer ones scarcely enlarged; preopercle serrate; gill-rakers moderate, proportionately longer in young than in adult, 15 to 17 on lower limb of first arch; scales rather large, series above lateral line parallel with it, 5 or $y 2 rows between lateral line and origin of dorsal ; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, the spines moderate, the third or fourth the longest, equal to length of snout and half the eye, the soft part low, with convex margin; caudal fin forked, both lobes acute ; anal fin with 3 spines, the second the largest, equal to or a little longer than snout; ventral fins inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins moderate, 1.2 to 1.35 in head. Color grayish brown; each scale on back and sides with a pearly gray spot in center, forming distinct lines along the rows of scales; base of caudal with a distinct spot in young, becoming proportionately larger and less distinct with age ; dorsal, caudal and anal slightly dusky, the other fins mostly plain translucent. This species is represented by 10 specimens, ranging in length from 85 to 230 mm. This fish is apparently rather rare on the coast of Panama and it is only occasionally seen in the market. Known from Guaymas to Panama. Our specimens are from Taboga Island, Balboa and Panama City. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 527 149. Genus Brachygenys Scudder. Brachygenys (Scudder) Poey, Syn. Pise. Cub., 1868, 310 (type Hamulon tantalum Poey). Body slender; snout short and blunt; mouth small; the maxillary reaching but little beyond the anterior margin of eye, about one-third the length of head ; mouth red within. Other characters mostly as in Hamtdon. A single species is known. 383. Brachygenys chrysargyreus (Giinther). Hamulon chrysargyremn Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 3 J 4 (Trinidad) ; Jordan & Fesler, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1889- 91 (1893), 476. Brachygenys chrysargyreus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1307, PI. CCVI, fig. 533 ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon). Head 3 to 3.25; depth 2.9 to 3.25; D. XII, 13; A. Ill, 9 or 10; scales 53 to 60. Body elongate, compressed; the back not greatly elevated; anterior profile evenly convex; head rather long; snout moderately blunt, apparently blunter in female than in the male, 3.1 to 3.5 in head; eye 2.7 to 3.05; mouth rather small, terminal, slightly oblique; maxillary reaching slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2.85 to 3.1 in head ; teeth in the jaws in bands, the outer ones scarcely enlarged ; preopercle finely serrate; gill-rakers short, 16 to 18 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, strongly ctenoid, series above lateral line not parallel with it, 6 or 7 oblique rows between lateral line and origin of dorsal ; vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, deeply notched, the spines rather weak, the fourth the longest, equal to length of snout and two-thirds the eye, the soft part rather low, highest anteriorly; caudal fin deeply forked, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 stiff spines, the second and third of nearly equal length, as long as eye, the soft part short, with concave margin; ventral fins small, inserted about equidistant from tip of lower jaw and origin of anal; pectoral fins short, 1.2 to 1.4 in head. Color in spirits grayish above, silvery below; sides with about 5 yellow horizontal stripes which are scarcely half as broad as the inter- spaces; dorsal dusky; other fins plain translucent; axil of pectoral dusky. This species is represented by 36 specimens, ranging in length from 128 to 190 mm. It appears to inhabit chiefly coral reefs. Spawning occurs in the spring, as specimens taken from March to May 52& FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. have the sexual organs well distended with eggs and milt. The alimentary canal is very short and the stomach is provided with 6 pyloric caeca. The species is not abundant. Known from Florida to Brazil. Our specimens are from Colon and Porto Bello. 150. Genus Lythrulon Jordan & Swain. Lythrulon Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 287 (type Hcemulon flaviguttatus Gill). Body elongate, compressed; the back not greatly elevated; snout short; mouth notably oblique; gill-rakers rather numerous, about 18 on lower limb of first arch ; scales moderate, the series above lateral line not parallel with it ; dorsal and anal fins long and low ; caudal fin deeply forked. A single species is known which is rather common on the west coast of Mexico and Central America. 384. Lythrulon flaviguttatum (Gill). Hcemulon flaviguttatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 254 (Cape San Lucas) ; Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wien, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., Ill, 1875, 14 (Acapulco; Altata; Mazatlan; Panama). Hcemulon margaritiferum Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1864, 147 (Panama). Hcemulon flaviguttatum Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 314. Lythrulon opalescens Jordan & Starks, in Jordan, Proc. Cal. Ac. Sci., 2nd Ser., 1895, 459, PI. XL (Mazatlan). Lythrulon flaviguttatum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1312; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 105 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 115 (Acapulco; Perico Island) ; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 410 (Panama). Head 3.1 to 3.6; depth 2.65 to 3.3; D. XII, 16 to 18; A. Ill, 10 or ii ; scales 50 to 57. Body elongate, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile straight or slightly concave over snout, convex at nape ; head moderate ; snout short, 3.5 to 4.2 in head; eye 2.7 to 3.7; mouth rather small, terminal, notably oblique; maxillary reaching anterior margin of pupil, 2.4 to 2.6 in head ; teeth in the jaws in villiform bands, none of them enlarged; preopercle serrate; gill-rakers rather long, 16 to 18 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line not parallel with it, 6 or 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal ; APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 529 vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin long, not very deeply notched, the third or fourth spine longest, not quite as long as eye and snout, the soft part of fin low, with convex margin; caudal fin forked, the upper lobe the longer; anal fin with 3 spines, the second slightly enlarged, stronger but much shorter than the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins moderate, inserted a little nearer origin of anal than the tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins usually about equal to length of head, 3-35 to 4.55 in body. Color brownish to silvery gray; each scale on sides with a pearly center, forming lines along the rows of scales. Young of 60 mm. and less in length with 3 longitudinal black stripes and a jet black caudal spot. The caudal spot is much more persistent than the black stripes, but it becomes indistinct or disappears wholly in large examples. Membrane under preopercle black; dorsal, caudal and anal dusky; the other fins mostly pale. We preserved 48 specimens of this species, ranging in length from 40 to 415 mm. The species is rather common about Panama City and is frequently seen in the Panama City market. Known from Guaymas to Panama. Our specimens are from Taboga Island, Naos Island, Balboa and Panama City. 151. Genus Hamilton Cuvier. Hatnulon Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 175 (type Hcemulon elegans Cuvier = Spar us sciurus Shaw). Body oblong; the back more or less elevated; snout long; mouth large, terminal, nearly horizontal; maxillary long, curved, reaching to below eye ; no teeth on vomer or palatines ; teeth in the jaws in narrow villiform bands, the outer ones more or less enlarged; preopercle serrate; gill-rakers rather short; chin with a central groove behind the symphysis; scales above lateral line in series not parallel with it; soft parts of vertical fins densely scaled; dorsal fin more or less deeply notched; dorsal spines 12, rarely u; caudal fin more or less forked; anal fin with 3 spines, the second one enlarged, usually larger than the third ; mouth red within. KEY TO THE SPECIES. a. Scales below lateral line notably enlarged, very deep ; sides with yellow stripes, parallel with the lateral line above it, very oblique below it. flavolineatutn, p. 531. aa. Scales below lateral line not especially enlarged. 53Q FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. b. Scales above lateral line enlarged, 4 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; sides with about 12 well defined, more or less wavy, horizontal blue stripes, not extending beyond head on body. plumierii, p. 532. bb. Scales above lateral line not enlarged, not fewer than 5 series between lateral line and origin of dorsal. c. Sides without dark cross-bars. d. Maxillary reaching nearly or quite to middle of eye, 1.9 to 2.3 in head ; sides with blue, black or golden horizontal stripes. e. Gill-rakers on lower limb of first arch 16 to 18 in number; sides with black or blue stripes. f . Soft dorsal with strongly convex margin, the anterior rays scarcely longer than the posterior ones; head and body with about 10 horizontal blue stripes, becoming pale but not disappearing in spirits, well defined on snout and cheeks. sciurus, p. 533. f f. Soft dorsal with nearly straight margin, the anterior rays nearly twice as long as the posterior ones ; upper part of sides with 4 or 5 dark stripes present at all ages, no stripes on snout and cheeks. macrostomuw, p. 535. ee. Gill-rakers fewer, 12 to 14 on lower limb of first arch; a dark band along base of dorsal and upper surface of caudal peduncle to base of caudal fin; another dark band from snout through eye directly to base of caudal; sides with about 10 golden stripes, fading in alcohol. melanurum, p. 536. dd. Maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2 to 2.8 in head; sides with more or less distinct dark or pearly gray stripes following the rows of scales (except in H. carbonarium, which has horizontal bronze stripes). g. Sides with horizontal bronze stripes, fading but not disappearing in spirits, these not present on snout and cheeks; gill-rakers on lower limb of first arch 13 or 14 in number; 6 or 7 oblique rows of scales between lateral line and origin of dorsal. carbonarium, p. 537- gg. Sides with dark or pearly gray stripes following the rows of scales. h. Color silver-gray; rows of scales marked by distinct pearly gray stripes; caudal spot present at all ages; mouth rather large, the maxillary 2 to 2.1 in head ; snout long, pointed, 2.55 to 2.8 in head. steindachneri, p. 537. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 531 hh. Color darker; rows of scales marked by more or less distinct dark stripes; caudal spot wanting in adult; mouth smaller, the maxillary 2.2 to 2.8 in head. L Pectoral fins densely scaled ; 5 oblique rows of scales between lateral line and origin of dorsal; rows of scales on sides with faint dark stripes. parra, p. 539. ii. Pectoral fins with a few scales at base, the rest of the fin naked. j. Dorsal fin scarcely notched, the last two spines of about equal length, the soft part very low ; 7 oblique rows of scales between lateral line and origin of dorsal; caudal fin rather deeply forked; rows of scales marked with indistinct dark stripes. album, p. 540. jj. Dorsal fin rather deeply notched, the last spine longer than the preceding one, the soft part higher; 5 or 6 oblique rows of scales between the lateral line and origin of dorsal. k. Rows of scales on sides very distinctly marked by continuous dark lines, wavy above the lateral line; dorsal spines normally 12; caudal fin emarginate, but scarcely forked. bonariense, p. 54 1 - kk. Rows of scales on sides marked by well separated round spots, one on each scale, most distinct and not wavy above lateral line ; dorsal spines more usually n than T2 ; caudal fin rather deeply forked. scudderii, p. 542. cc. Sides with 6 broad black cross-bars; a few dark spots on head behind eye; 7 oblique rows of scales between lateral line and origin of dorsal; 12 gill-rakers on lower limb of first arch. sexfasciatum, p. 543. 385. Haemulon flavolineatum (Desmarest). (Plate LIII.) Diabasis flavolineatus Desmarest, Prem. Dec. Ichth., 1823, 35, PI. II, fig. i (Cuba). Hoemulon heterodon Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 176 (Cuba). Hcemulon xanthopteron Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., V, 1830, 254 (Martinique). Hccmulon xanthoptcrum Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 312. Hamulon flavolineatum Poey, Repertorio, 1867, 309; Jordan & Ever- mann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1306; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon), and 1917, 132 (Colon). Head 2.8 to 3.1 ; depth 2.5 to 2.85; D. XII, 14 or 15; A. Ill, 7 or 8 ; scales below lateral line 47 to 53. 532 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Body moderately elongate, compressed; anterior profile convex to nearly straight over snout and eye in adult, strongly convex at nape; head rather deep; snout moderate, 2.4 to 2.9 in head; eye 3 to 3.4; mouth large, terminal, nearly horizontal; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of pupil, 2.15 to 2.4 in head; teeth in the jaws in bands, the outer ones somewhat enlarged; preopercle serrate; gill-rakers rather short, 13 or 14 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, notably enlarged below lateral line, the series everywhere oblique except on belly and caudal peduncle, 5 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal ; soft parts of vertical fins densely scaled, the other fins mostly naked ; dorsal fin long, moderately notched, the fourth spine the longest, equal to snout and about one-third the eye, the soft part with convex outline; caudal fin rather deeply forked; anal fin with 3 spines, the second enlarged, reaching slightly past the tip of the third when deflexed, quite as long as the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins inserted slightly nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins i.i to 1.4 in head. Color of fresh specimen greenish, with yellow longitudinal stripes, those above lateral line parallel with it, those below lateral line quite oblique; pectorals pale; other fins yellowish green. Young of 90 mm. and less in length with 3 dark longitudinal stripes, and a black caudal spot. We preserved 55 specimens, ranging in length from 83 to 200 mm. This species is quite common on the coral reefs on the Atlantic coast of Panama. It does not seem to reach as large a size as the other species of the genus in this locality. It is only occasionally seen in the market. A specimen taken in March has the ovaries well distended with eggs. Known from Florida to Brazil. Our specimens were taken at Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 386. Haemulon plumierii (Lacepede). Labrus plumierii Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., Ill, 1802, 480, PI. II, fig. 2 (Martinique; based on a drawing by Plumier). Hamulon formosum Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 175 (Martinique). Hamulon arcuatum Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., IX, 1833, 481 (Charleston, South Carolina). Hamulon arara Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 177 (Cuba). Hamulon subarcuatum Poey, Memorias, II, 1861, 419 (Cuba). Diabasis plumieri Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 603. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 533 Hcemulon plumieri Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1304, PI. CCV, fig. 532; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon). Head 2.7 to 2.8; depth 24 to 2.5; D. XII, 15 or 16; A. Ill, 8 or 9; scales 49 to 53. Body elongate, compressed; the back elevated; anterior profile concave over snout and eyes in adult, evenly convex in young; head deep ; snout long, pointed, 1.9 to 2.3 in head ; eye 3.9 to 5.2 ; mouth large, terminal, horizontal; maxillary reaching nearly or quite to middle of eye, 1.9 to 2.05 in head; teeth in the jaws in villiform bands, the outer series somewhat enlarged; preopercle finely serrate; gill-rakers rather short, 14 or 15 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, those above lateral line enlarged, the series very oblique, 4 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; pectoral fins with scales at the base only; the soft parts of the other fins all densely scaled; dorsal fin long, scarcely notched, the fourth spine the longest, scarcely as long as snout, the soft part with convex outline; caudal fin forked, the upper lobe the longer ; anal fin with 3 spines, the second the strongest, reaching slightly past the tip of the third when the fin is deflexed, a little shorter than the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins moderate, 1.3 to 1.6 in head. Color in alcohol grayish brown; scales on sides each with a large silvery area, with brown bases and margins ; sides of head with about 12 more or less wavy horizontal blue stripes, separated by paler inter- spaces. These stripes are bright blue in life and the interspaces are brassy. They do not extend beyond head on body. The vertical fins are dusky ; the paired fins are mostly pale. The inside of the mouth is red in life. We preserved 42 specimens of this species, ranging in length from 1 1 5 to 290 mm. The species is fairly common, although not abundant on the Atlantic coast of Panama. Known from North Carolina south to Brazil. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 387. Haemulon sciurus (Shaw). Anthias formosus Bloch, Naturg. Ausl. Fische, VI, 1792, 122, PI. CCCXXIII (East Indies and Atlantic Ocean; not Perca formosa Linnaeus, which is Diplectrum formosum). Sparus sciurus Shaw, Gen. Zool., IV, 1803, PI. LXIV (Antilles; based on Anthias formosus Bloch). 534 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Hamulon elegans Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 175 (no description, based on figure of Bloch). Hamulon similis Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. Rares Amer. Sud, 1855, n (Bahia). Hamulon luteum Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 174 (Cuba). Hcemulon multilineatum Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 178 (Cuba). Hamulon hians Haly, Ann & Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 4, XV, 1875, 268 (Bahia). Diabasis elegans Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, Hcemulon sciurus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1303, PI. CCV, fig. 531. Head 2.7 to 2.8; depth 2.6 to 2.7; D. XII, 16 or 17; A. Ill, 8 or 9; scales 48 to 57. Body elongate, compressed; the back moderately elevated; anterior profile convex over eyes and snout, never concave; head deep; snout long, 2.2 to 2.4 in head ; eye 3.6 to 4.3 ; mouth large, terminal, nearly horizontal; maxillary reaching to or slightly past anterior margin of pupil, 1.9 to 2 in head; teeth in jaws in narrow villiform bands, the outer ones somewhat enlarged ; preopercle finely serrate ; gill-rakers rather short, 16 to 18 on lower limb of first arch; scales rather small. those above lateral line anteriorly rather smaller than those below it, the series quite oblique, 6 or 7 rows between the lateral line and the origin of the dorsal ; pectoral fins with scales at base but with few or none on distal parts, the soft portion of the other fins densely scaled ; dorsal fin long, not deeply notched, the fourth spine usually the longest, equal to or a little shorter than the snout, the soft part with a strongly convex outline, the anterior rays scarcely higher than the posterior ones ; caudal fin forked, the upper lobe the longer ; anal fin with 3 spines, the second the longest, reaching to or slightly past the tip of the third when deflexed, of about the same length as the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins inserted notably nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins moderate, 1.3 to 1.55 in head. Color yellowish; sides of body and head with about 10 blue hori- zontal stripes, the one below the eye arched, wavy ; spinous dorsal pale yellow, with orange border; soft dorsal greenish, with orange border; caudal fin dusky at base, the distal part yellowish green ; anal yellowish green ; ventrals and pectorals light yellow ; inside of mouth deep red. In the young (58 mm. long) the blue stripes on head and sides are very indistinct, and there is an indication of a dark bar extending along median line of side. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 535 This species is represented by 15 specimens, ranging in length from 58 to 305 mm. It is apparently less abundant than H. plumierii. Known from Florida to Brazil. Once recorded from the Atlantic coast of Panama by Haly, 1875. Our specimens are from Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 388. Haemulon macrostomum Giinther. Hamulon macrostoma Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., I, 1859, 308 (Jamaica). Hcemulon fremebundum Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 340 (Clearwater Harbor, Florida). Diabasis fremebundus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 554- Hamulon macrostomum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1296, PI. CCIV, fig. 529. Head 2.6 to 2.8; depth 2.4 to 2.55; D. XII, 15 to 17; A. Ill, 8 or 9; scales 50 to 60. Body moderately elongate, compressed; anterior profile nearly straight and oblique over snout and eyes, strongly convex at nape ; head rather deep; snout long, tapering, 2.2 to 2.5 in head; eye 3.1 to 4.4; mouth large, terminal, horizontal; maxillary reaching nearly or quite opposite middle of eye, 1.9 to 2.3 in head; teeth in the jaws in narrow villiform bands, the outer teeth enlarged ; preopercular margin very finely serrate; gill-rakers short, 16 or 17 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line oblique, 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; pectoral fins with small scales on base only; other fins completely scaled; dorsal fin long, the third or fourth spine the longest, equal to length of snout in adult, propor- tionately longer in young, the margin of fin nearly straight, the anterior rays about twice as long as the posterior ones ; caudal fin forked, the upper lobe the longer; anal fin with 3 spines, the second enlarged, but not reaching past the tip of the third, a little shorter than the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectorals moderate, 1.2 to 1.87 in head. Color in life bluish black above, brownish below ; back with a black median stripe, at each side of it a broad yellowish green band; sides with alternating dark stripes and pale blue bands, indistinct or more usually wanting on lower half ; scales mostly with pearly centers ; upper margin of eye reddish brown, lower margin golden; sptnous 536 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. dorsal brownish green, with golden margin; soft dorsal dark at base, elsewhere greenish yellow; caudal fin with a distinct spot at base in young, becoming obscure and much enlarged with age, spreading over base of fin, the distal portion of fin yellowish green; anal fin dark brown, with the last rays and the margin yellow; ventrals black with pale outer margin; pectorals orange. The dark longitudinal stripes in this species do not disappear with age as in related species. They, however, are much more distinct in some specimens than in others, but apparently never wanting. We preserved 92 specimens, ranging in length from 69 to 285 mm. It was found abundant on the coral reefs, but was not taken elsewhere. Recorded from Florida, the West Indies, the coast of Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia. Our specimens were taken at Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 389. Hamilton melanurum (Linnaeus). Perca melanura Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. X, 1758, 292; Ed. XII, 1766, 486 (Bahamas). Hamulon schranki Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 121, PI. LXIX (Brazil). H&mulon dor sale Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 179 (Cuba). Hamulon melanurum Cope, Trans. Amer. Philo. Soc. Phila., XIV, 1871, 471 ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1302. Head 2.8 to 3; depth 2.65 to 2.95; D. XII, 15 or 16; A. Ill, 7 or 8 ; scales below lateral line 50 to 55. This species was not taken on the coast of Panama, but we have examined specimens in the National Museum from the Bahama Islands and from Cozumel. It is rather closely related to H. sciurus, from which it may, however, be distinguished by the fewer gill-rakers and by the color. In H. melanurum there are from 12 to 14 gill-rakers on the lower limb of the first arch, while in H. sciurus there are 16 to 18. H. melanurum is described as having about 10 horizontal golden stripes in life. These fade in spirits; a dark band extends from the snout through eye to caudal peduncle. At the base of the dorsal is a black stripe which extends along the upper surface of the caudal pe- duncle and forks on the base of the caudal fin, the branches extend- ing on the caudal lobes. Recorded from the Bahama Islands south to Brazil. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 537 390. Haemulon carbonarium Poey. Hcemulon carbonarium Poey, Memorias, II, 1860, 176 (Cuba) ; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1300. Head 2.7 to 2.95; depth 2.45 to 2.8; D. XII, 15 or 16; A. Ill, 7 or 8; scales 52 to 60. Body elongate, compressed ; the back elevated, anterior profile nearly straight over snout, slightly swollen between eyes, convex at nape ; head rather large; snout long, 2.3 to 2.6 in head; eye 3.05 to 3.5; mouth large, terminal, nearly horizontal; maxillary reaching slightly past an- terior margin of eye, 2.15 to 2.4 in head; teeth in the jaws in villiform bands, the outer ones notably enlarged; preopercle finely serrate; gill- rakers short, 13 or 14 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line very oblique, 6 or 7 rows between the lateral line and origin of dorsal; the fins all densely scaled in adult, the pec- torals only partly scaled in young; dorsal fin long, moderately notched, the third or fourth spine the longest, slightly exceeding the length of snout, the soft part with convex margin ; caudal fin moderately forked, the lobes rather acute; anal fin with 3 spines, the second the largest, usually reaching the tip of the third when deflexed, equal to length of snout; ventral fins inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; pectoral fins moderate, 1.2 to 1.4 in head. Color bluish above, pale brown below ; sides with bronze longitudi- nal stripes which become faint but do not disappear in spirits; sides of head with faint dark lines ; upper margin of eye rusty red ; mouth bright red; spinous dorsal reddish brown; soft dorsal dark brown with deep red on base and margin ; caudal dark brown at base, becoming paler distally; anal dark brown with narrow pale margin; ventrals and pec- torals brownish. This species is represented by 29 specimens, ranging in length from 170 to 275 mm. It seems to inhabit mostly rocky bottom. It is appar- ently not very common and is rarely seen in the market. A specimen taken in April has the ovaries well distended with eggs. We have at hand the type of this species for comparison, with it our specimens agree perfectly. Known from the Bermuda Islands south to Brazil. Our specimens were taken at Toro Point, Colon and Porto Bello. 391. Hsemulon steindachneri (Jordan & Gilbert). Hcemulon caudimacula Steindachner, (Sitzb. k. Ak. Wiss. Wein, LXXII) Ichth. Beitr., Ill, 1875, 15 (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Diabasis steindachneri Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., I, 1881 (1882), 322 (Panama; Mazatlan). 538 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. XV. Hcemulon steindachneri Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 299; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1301 ; Gilbert & Starks, Memoir. Cal. Ac. Sci., IV, 1904, 105 (Panama Bay) ; Kendall & Radcliffe, Memoir. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXXV, 1912, 115 (Acapulco; Perico Island, Panama Bay). H&mulon schranki Evermann & Jenkins, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1891, 153 (not of Agassiz) ; Jordan & Fesler, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1889-91 (1893), 473 (not of Agassiz). Head 2.75 to 2.95; depth 2.7 to 2.85; D. XII, 15 to 17; A. Ill, 8 or 9 ; scales 53 to 62. Body elongate, compressed ; the back not greatly elevated ; anterior profile evenly convex; head rather long; snout pointed, 2.55 to 2.8 in head ; eye 3.6 to 4 ; mouth rather large, terminal, nearly horizontal ; maxillary reaching slightly past anterior margin of eye, 2 to 2.1 in head; teeth in the jaws in narrow villiform bands, the outer ones slightly enlarged ; preopercle rather strongly serrate ; gill-rakers small, 12 or 13 on lower limb of first arch; scales moderate, the series above lateral line very oblique, the row beginning at scapular scale ending in advance of middle of spinous dorsal, 5 or 6 oblique rows between the lateral line and the origin of the dorsal; pectorals with a few scales at base, the other fins mostly covered with scales ; dorsal fin long, moderately notched, the fourth spine longest, equal to length of snout and one-third the eye, the soft part with convex margin; caudal fin forked, both lobes acute; anal fin with 3 spines, the second en- larged, reaching past the tip of the third when deflexed, as long as the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins inserted about midway be- tween tip of lower jaw and origin of anal or slightly nearer the latter ; pectoral fins rather long, 1.05 to 1.27 in head. Color in spirits grayish above, silvery below; scales on sides with pearly gray centers, forming distinct lines along the rows of scales ; base of caudal black at all ages ; fins otherwise plain. Seven specimens, ranging in length from 170 to 235 mm., were secured on the Pacific coast, but the species was not seen on the Atlantic coast. We have compared our specimens with 3 specimens from Brazil and find them identical. Known on the Pacific coast from Guaymas to Panama and on the Atlantic coast from St. Lucia to Rio de Janeiro. Our specimens were all purchased in the Panama City market where the species is only occasionally seen. APRIL 15, 1925. FISHES OF PANAMA MEEK AND HILDEBRAND. 539 392. Haemulon parra (Desmarest). Diabasis parra Desmarest, Prem. Dec. Ichth., 1823, 30, PI. II, fig. 2 (Havana). Hamilton caudimacula Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. II, II, 1829, 176 (Brazil; Havana). Hcemulon chromis Broussonet, MS., in Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., V, 1830, 242 (Jamaica). Hcemulon canna Agassiz, in Spix, Pise. Brasil., 1831, 130, PI. LXIX (not of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Diabasis chromis Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XVI, 1883, 924. Hcemulon parra Jordan & Fesler, Kept. U. S. Fish Comm., XVII, 1889-91 (1893), 471; Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., XLVII, 1898, 1297, PI. CCIV, fig. 530; Fowler, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1916, 402 (Colon), and 1917, 132 (Colon). Head 2.8 to 2.9; depth 2.5 to 2.7; D. XII, 17; A. Ill, 8; scales 50 to 52. Body moderately deep, compressed ; anterior profile gently convex ; head rather deep ; snout moderate, 2.4 to 2.75 in head ; eye 3.2 to 3.85 ; mouth moderate, terminal, nearly horizontal; maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of eye in adult and to pupil in young, 2.3 to 2.6 in head; teeth in narrow villiform bands, the outer ones scarcely enlarged; preopercle serrate; gill-rakers short, 13 or 14 on the lower limb of the first arch ; scales moderate, the series above the lateral line very oblique and wavy, 5 or $y 2 rows between the lateral line and the origin of dorsal; fins all very densely scaled; dorsal fin long, the third spine longest, equal to length of snout in adult, proportionately longer in young, the soft dorsal with a convex outline; caudal fin deeply emarginate; anal fin with 3 spines, the second somewhat en- larged, scarcely as long as the longest dorsal spine; ventral fins inserted a little nearer origin of anal than tip of lower jaw; .pectoral fins rather short, 1.45 to 1.55 in head. Color grayish brown ; rows of scales on sides marked by indistinct dark lines. Young with 3 or 4 dark longitudin