mm f jL in mHP mm '■';■■•'.' ■■■ .' : .::..■'■•",'" : i fSffi PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY VOLUME XXXIV THfHrjF&SeijH mm M mmi <*° ct T % 1930 Gift of Richard H. Backus May, 1988 3>"-'/tr& o/c^. CyO^^ *-r i PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY, VOLUME XXXIV SYSTEMATIC CATALOGUE OF THE FISHES OF TORTUGAS, FLORIDA 'With Observations on Color, Habits, and Local Distribution BY WILLIAM H. LONGLEY, Late Professor of Biol- ogy, Goucher College, and Executive Officer, Tortugas Laboratory , Carnegie Institution of Washington EDITED AND COMPLETED BY SAMUEL F. HILDEBRAND, Senior Ichthyologist, United States Fish and Wildlife Service M^Otpjf cms no -". H o CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON PUBLICATION 535 WASHINGTON, D. C. 1941 o o 1 !# 1930 THE WILLIAM BYRD PRESS, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA THE MERIDEN GRAVURE COMPANY, MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT CONTENTS PAGE List of Plates v Introduction vii Acknowledgments viii Explanations viii The Tortugas Islands x New Genera and Species xi Bibliography of Publications by William H. Longley Based on His Studies at Tortugas xi Systematic Catalogue page Branchiostomidae i Scylliorhinidae i Ginglymostomidae i Carchariidae 2 Sphyrnidae 3 Squalidae 3 Rajidae 4 Dasyatidae 4 Myliobatidae 4 Elopidae 4 Albulidae 5 Clupeidae 5 Dussumieriidae 12 Engraulidae ■ 12 Alepocephalidae 14 Argentinidae 14 Melanostomiatidae 15 Gonostomidae 15 Sternoptichidae 16 Synaphobranchidae 16 Congridae 17 Echelidae 17 Ophichthyidae 18 Muraenidae 18 Synodontidae 20 Sudidae 24 Myctophidae 26 Belonidae 27 Hemiramphidae 30 Exocoetidae 31 Macrouridae 32 Bregmacerotidae 34 Gadidae 35 Merlucciidae 38 Bothidae 39 Pleuronectidae 48 Achiridae 48 Cynoglossidae 49 Zeidae 50 Polymixiidae 52 Trachichthyidae 53 Holocentridae 53 Syngnathidae 55 Aulostomidae 66 Fistularidae 67 Macrorhamphosidae 67 Atherinidae 68 Mugilidae 69 Sphyraenidae 69 Scombridae 71 Gempylidae 72 Trichuridae 73 Istiophoridae 74 Coryphaenidae 74 Nomeidae 74 Carangidae 75 Apogonidae 83 Centropomidae 92 Serranidae 92 Priacanthidae 112 Pempheridae 113 Lobotidae 115 Lutianidae 115 Haemulidae 122 Sparidae 130 Kyphosidae 134 111 IV CONTENTS PAGE PAGE Gerridae 135 Mullidae 141 Sciaenidae 143 Malacanthidae 145 Antigoniidae 146 Chaetodontidae 147 Acanthuridae 154 Scorpaenidae 157 Peristediidae 167 Triglidae 170 Dactylopteridae 174 Pomacentridae 175 Labridae 187 Scaridac 205 Eleotridae 222 Gobiidae 224 Echeneidae 234 Callionymidae 234 Pteropsaridae 237 Opisthognathidae 238 Index Uranoscopidae 244 Dactyloscopidae 245 Blenniidae 246 Microdesmidae 276 Brotulidae 276 Ophidiidae 281 Carapidae 282 Batrachoididae 283 Gobiesocidae 283 Triacanthidae 285 Balistidae 286 Monacanthidae 289 Ostraciidae 297 Tetraodontidae 299 Canthigasteridae 300 Diodontidae 301 Lophiidae 303 Antennariidae 303 Chaunacidae . .309 Ogcocephalidae 311 3*7 Plates LIST OF PLATES (All plates, except as otherwise indicated, are from under-sea photographs by William H. Longley) PLATE i. Fig. i. Aulostomus maculatus Fig. 2. Aulostomus maculatus 2. Fig. i. Holocentrus ascensionis Fig. 2. Sphyraena barracuda Fig. 3. Caranx ruber, Anisotremus virginicus, Acanthurus sp. 3. Fig. i. Apogon maculatus, details of markings on head (painting by Manson Valentine) Fig. 2. Epinephelus striatus 4. Fig. 1. Epinephelus striatus Fig. 2. Epinephelus morio 5. Fig. 1. Epinephelus morio Fig. 2. Epinephelus morio 6. Fig. 1. Mycteroperca venenosa Fig. 2. Mycteroperca venenosa 7. Fig. 1. Mycteroperca venenosa Fig. 2. Mycteroperca venenosa 8. Fig. 1. Mycteroperca tigris Fig. 2. Lobotes surinamensis, details of markings on head (painting by Manson Valentine) 9. Fig. 1. Lutianus griseus Fig. 2. Lutianus apodus 10. Fig. 1. Lutianus analis Fig. 2. Lutianus jocu 11. Fig. 1. Lutianus jocu Fig. 2. Ocyurus chrysurus 12. Fig. 1. Ocyurus chrysurus, Halichoeres bivittatus Fig. 2. Haemulon macrostomum 13. Fig. 1. Haemulon parra, Haemulon sciurus, Lutianus griseus Fig. 2. Haemulon parra, Haemulon sciurus Haemulon carbonarium, Haemulon parra Haemulon sciurus, Haemulon plumieri Haemulon plumieri, Haemulon sciurus Haemulon plumieri, Haemulon sciurus Brachygenys chrysargyreus Fig. 2. Anisotremus virginicus Calamus sp., probably calamus; Halichoeres bivittatus Diplodus holbrookii Mulloidichthys martinicus, Haemulon sciurus Mulloidichthys martinicus, Haemulon sciurus Pseudupeneus maculatus Pseudupeneus maculatus, Ocyurus chrysurus, Scarus sp., Halichoeres bivittatus 14. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. i5- Fig. 1. Fig. 2. 16. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. i7- Fig. 1. Fig. 2. 18. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. 19. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. vi LIST OF PLATES PLATE 20. Fig. i. Odontoscion dentex Fig. 2. Eques acuminatus (drawings by Manson Valentine) Fig. 3. Chaetodon capistratus, ocular band (drawings by Manson Valentine) 21. Fig. 1. Chaetodon ocellatus Fig. 2. Chaetodon ocellatus, Acanthurus sp. 22. Fig. 1. Pomacanthus aureus Fig. 2. Pomacanthus aureus 23. Fig. 1. Scorpaena plumieri, details of markings on head (painting by Manson Valentine) Fig. 2. Scorpaena plumieri, Lutianus sp. 24. Fig. 1. Abudefduf saxatilis Fig. 2. Abudefduf taurus, Lutianus apodus 25. Fig. 1. Lachnolaimus maximus Fig. 2. Lachnolaimus maximus, Halichoeres bivittatus 26. Fig. 1. Thalassoma bifasciatum (painting by Manson Valentine) Fig. 2. Xyrichthys psittacus 27. Fig. 1. Sparisoma abildgaardi Fig. 2. Sparisoma abildgaardi 28. Fig. 1. Sparisoma abildgaardi Fig. 2. Sparisoma pachycephalum 29. Fig. 1. Scarus croicensis Fig. 2. Coryphopterus glaucofraenum, details of markings on head (painting by Manson Valentine) 30. Fig. 1. Opisthognathus aurifrons Fig. 2. Labrisomus nuchipinnis, details of markings on head (painting by Manson Valentine) 31. Fig. 1. Hypleurochilus bermudensis, external genitalia (drawings by Manson Valentine) Fig. 2. Rupiscartes atlanticus, external genitalia (drawings by Manson Valen- tine) 32. Fig. 1. Lactophrys triqueter, Halichoeres bivittatus Fig. 2. Lactophrys triqueter, Ocyurus chrysurus, Halichoeres bivittatus 33. Fig. 1. Balistes vetula Fig. 2. Ogcocephalus cubifrons, details of markings on head (painting by Manson Valentine) 34. Histrio gibba (paintings by Manson Valentine) INTRODUCTION The observations in this book have been made at intervals during twenty-five years. Less clearly realized at first, more clearly later, always the guiding prin- ciple has been that light on the process of evolution should be obtainable from study of its product, that in the very texture of the color pattern of animals, in the complex web of relations binding species to species, the play of cause and effect by which they were made should be decipherable. So much ground has been covered in the course of the inquiry that it does not seem wise to attempt to present all the results in one volume. 1 Hence the hidden interest to which reference has been made seems even more obscure than it might otherwise have been. Its existence, however, and minor changes in front in serving it, explain an unevenness in the work, which before anyone else the ichthyologist will appreciate. There are so many kinds of fishes, and they do so many things in different ways, at different times and places, that it has proved quite impossible to find out all of interest about any one, or how all of them do a particular thing. But no reasonable effort has been spared to discover the truth with the same degree of accuracy for all. The faunas and floras of every region include names of species of doubtful or no validity. Each of the latter, of course, represents some misconception of fact. These misconceptions arise from different causes, often quite beyond the power of the taxonomist to control. But these species falsely conceived, when accepted at face value, tend to blur the conception we have of species as groups existing in fact. Unless some correction is applied on their account, they tend to invalidate inferences drawn from the statistics of taxonomy. I have endeavored to bring a field naturalist's experience to the aid of taxon- omy. It has proved necessary to refer many species to synonymy. The decision in every instance has been based, not on the ground that the nominal species so treated does not differ enough from some other to justify recognition under a distinct name, but on the ground that it does not differ at all. For the most part the changes introduced are based upon nothing more than recognition of un- suspected sexual dimorphism, or of the effects of age, transient color change, the accidents of imperfect preservation, and the like. They rectify previous judg- ments in a large enough number of instances to give some suggestion regarding the type of error the taxonomist is most likely to commit, and the genera and species whose relationships he is most likely to misconceive. In a few points comparisons of the record will show that my observations re- peat those of Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), 1 That Dr. Longley intended to write other treatises on his studies at Tortugas is brought out here. The other work or works would have dealt with his "hidden interest" (see next sentence in text), namely, the bearing his observations had on the process of evolution. The bibliography presented herewith contains subjects of papers dealing wholly or in part with evolution. — S. F. H. vii viii PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv pp. 229-256), and of Gudger (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 391, 1929, pp. 149-204), who have preceded me in the study of Tortugas fishes. The repetitions frequently concern matters of relatively little importance. No attempt has been made to correlate our several experiences in detail. W. H. L. The foregoing introduction by Dr. Longley may have been only a tentative draft. It sets forth his intention and purpose, however, as no one else could have done. It is fortunate, therefore, that he left this much. Acknowledgments The introduction was not completed; it ended with the unfinished statement, "It is a pleasure to acknowledge . . ." It is, of course, entirely impossible for me to make proper acknowledgments for Dr. Longley. I can only state that the per- sons named in the following sentences are mentioned in the body of the book as having been helpful. Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt, of the U. S. National Museum, is mentioned several times as having reported interesting observations, and as having furnished identifications of crustaceans. It was in the course of Dr. Schmitt's work at Tortugas that most of the deep-sea fishes were collected. He took a personal interest in this work which never abated. I take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to him for the help he has given me in continuing the study of the specimens, and in completing the manuscript. As he had worked at Tortugas, and is thoroughly familiar with local conditions, I appealed to him often for information and advice, which he always willingly supplied. Other persons mentioned in the book as having been helpful are Dr. Paul Bartsch, of the National Museum; Dr. Charles M. Breder, Jr., of the New York Aquarium; and Dr. Harold W. Manter, of the University of Nebraska. All these men carried on research at Tortugas, and I am sure that Dr. Longley would have included proper acknowledgment of the services they rendered. He would no doubt have expressed his gratitude to others of whom I have no knowledge. In addition to extending my personal thanks to Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt, in a foregoing paragraph, I wish to thank Dr. Leonard P. Schultz and Earl D. Reid, of the National Museum, who have been very helpful, and in whose laboratories the Tortugas collection was studied. Explanations The manuscripts, notes, and collection fell into my hands because Dr. Longley T during his illness, expressed the hope that I might see fit and be available to com- plete this monograph, in the event that he should not recover. I feel honored to have been chosen for this task, and although I was obliged to alter plans and to> lay aside temporarily work under way, it has afforded me pleasure to carry out this hope and wish of a friend and an esteemed scholar. Presumably because of Dr. Longley's unexpected and rather sudden with- drawal from the work, or possibly because of what happened after his with- drawal, the manuscript reached me in a rather disorganized state. I strongly suspect that small parts of it were lost, and that in some cases his latest or final 194 1 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS IX draft did not reach me. In such instances it was necessary to review the field data, and either to draw up new accounts or to revise and extend old ones. It was necessary, also, to consult his notebooks for the preparation of accounts of those species that had not been treated at all in the manuscript. Inasmuch as the six large ledgerlike notebooks, and several smaller ones, were not indexed, it was necessary to prepare an index. It is evident, then, that considerable preliminary work had to be done before the work of completing the manuscript could be undertaken. The collection also was received wholly unorganized. Unfortunately few of the specimens, probably less than 5 per cent, were labeled either as to locality or as to their identity. Sometimes it was possible to supply these data from field notes. More often it was necessary to identify the specimens anew and simply to label them as from "Tortugas, Florida." It is understood that Dr. Longley knew the local fish fauna so well that he did not need labels. However, with due respect to this honest and sincere worker, the desirability of providing adequate labels, because of the uncertainty of human life, is well illustrated here. Preachment of course is out of place, but I am sure that taxonomists in general would join me in admonishing biologists and col- lectors of scientific specimens in general to furnish adequate data. An effort was made throughout the work to identify the specimens, which are deposited in the National Museum, in accordance with Dr. Longley 's classifica- tion, as set forth in his manuscript, except in those few instances when he was obviously in error. It was not always easy to follow his classification, as some- times diagnostic characters were not given, or they were based too largely on color in life to be usable for preserved specimens. Difficulty in making identifica- tions was met because of faded colors, especially in the Pomacentridae and the Scaridae. In some instances I have supplied diagnostic characters. In others, if it seemed desirable because of new species or additional information discovered, keys were introduced. The rather frequent references to and comparisons with fishes from Key West, Florida, in sections added by me, result from my familiarity with the closely allied fish fauna of that vicinity, after more than a year spent there in study. As Dr. Longley, in the part of this introduction prepared by him, did not describe his method of work, which seems important, I may point out that he was a pioneer in using the diving helmet. Most of the observations reported in this book are based on what he actually saw while living, as it were, under water with the fish. He stated in his notes that many fishes are unafraid of the diver, and that it was possible to observe their behavior and details of color at close range. He used a wax-covered slate for taking notes under water, which later were transcribed on paper. The under-water photographs published herewith were taken with a camera enclosed in a watertight brass box, with a front and a rear window of plate glass. The box was built with external attachments for manipulating the mechanisms of the camera. The sequence of the families and usually of the genera is in agreement with X PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Jordan, Evermann, and Clark's Chec\ list of the fishes and fishlike vertebrates of North and Middle America north of the northern boundary of Venezuela and Colombia (Report, U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries, pt. 2, 1928 (1930), 670 pp.). This work is cited in the catalogue as the Chec\ list. The division therein of some of the families and genera, as formerly understood, into smaller groups, however, has not always been followed. Without doubt, Dr. Longley, after a quarter of a century of diving at Tortugas and elsewhere, knew the habits and haunts of tropical and subtropical reef fishes better than any other person of his day. Though his classifications on the whole are believed to be accurate, and useful to taxonomists, the most important part of this monograph consists in the under-water observations reported. These observations are the more important because of Dr. Longley 's accurate knowl- edge of species. It is evident from the great amount of time he spent in museums (having visited all the important ones in America and Europe) during the later years of his life in the study of types and other important specimens that he was more and more impressed, as his work progressed, with the supreme importance of the proper recognition of species. S. F. H. THE TORTUGAS ISLANDS The following account of the Tortugas Islands has been extracted and con- densed from a lecture (unpublished) by Dr. Longley: The Tortugas are a group of small sandy islands, the terminal members of the series of keys which fringe the southern Florida coast. They are really the outer- most exposed parts of a great sandspit, projecting in a southwesterly direction roughly two hundred miles into the Gulf of Mexico. The name, Tortugas, is the Spanish equivalent for Turtle Islands. This name was suggested by the many sea turtles that in years gone by came there to lay their eggs in the sand. It seems that as recently as fifty to sixty years ago as many as forty turtles came ashore to lay eggs in a single night. Now as few as four or five come ashore in the course of a whole season, which is perhaps six to eight weeks long. The islands are known as the Dry Tortugas because they contain no natural supply of fresh water. The only fresh water on the islands now is that obtained by storing rain water. The position of the islands, lying far from the mainland at the western en- trance of the Florida Strait, has determined their whole history. Their location necessitated the erection of a large lighthouse, on Loggerhead Key, where the laboratory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington was also situated. Their position without doubt also governed the decision to construct a fort, which was erected on Garden Key and is known as Fort Jefferson. During and after the Civil War Fort Jefferson served as a military prison. After that period little attention was paid to it from a military point of view, until the Spanish-American War broke out, when a coaling station was estab- i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS XI lished there. Some years later the coaling station was wrecked by a hurricane and the small garrison was removed. It so happened that shortly after the establishment of the coaling station on Garden Key, the Carnegie Institution of Washington was looking for a favor- able location for a marine biological laboratory. The Tortugas keys in many respects afforded an ideal site for such a station. The islands are far from the mainland and the water about them therefore is free from contamination and from sediment brought down by streams. The Gulf Stream passes by only a few miles to the south, and water-borne organisms drift to the shores. For these and perhaps other reasons the Tortugas Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution was established in 1904, on a site leased from the United States Government, and maintained until 1940 as a research center. A wide range of conditions, supplying various habitats for fishes, exists in the immediate vicinity: stretches of bare sand, areas overgrown with turtle grass and algae, coral reefs, channels of a depth of 10 to 20 fathoms between the keys, and deep water to the southward. The large drifts of sargassum that come in shore from time to time offer still another habitat for certain fishes. Further descriptions of the Tortugas archipelago appear in publications of the Department of Marine Biology (Tortugas Laboratory) of the Carnegie Institu- tion of Washington; many restricted areas are described in this catalogue; and a concise general description of the atoll by Dr. E. W. Gudger is found in Carnegie Institution of Washington Publication 391, 1929, pages 151 and 152. S. F. H. NEW GENERA AND SPECIES The investigation disclosed a few new genera and 29 new species. Some of these had been described briefly by Dr. Longley in various Year Books of the Carnegie Institution of Washington (see bibliography, p. xii). New descriptions of these, as well as of several species not previously described, are included in a preliminary paper entitled "New genera and species of fishes from Tortugas, Florida," by Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Institution of Washington Pub- lication 517, Papers from Tortugas Laboratory, volume 32, paper XIV, pages 223 to 285. In the present work, the new genera and species are not described, but references to the preliminary paper are given. S. F. H. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF PUBLICATIONS BY WILLIAM H. LONGLEY BASED ON HIS STUDIES AT TORTUGAS The papers by Dr. William H. Longley listed herewith are based wholly or in part on his work at Tortugas. Some of these will cast considerable light on phases of his studies not dealt with in the present volume, which he intended to write up more fully later in one or more separate volumes. Some, but not all, of the publications listed are referred to in the text. Xll PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Carnegie Institution of Washington Year Books a. Reports of Department of Marine Biology (Year Books Nos. 12-22); Reports of Tortugas Laboratory (Year Books Nos. 23-34) Report of investigation of color of gulf-weed fauna and of reef fishes. No. 12, 1 1913, pp. 177-178. Report upon color of fishes of the Tortugas reefs. No. 13, 19 14, pp. 207-208. Coloration of tropical reef fishes. No. 14, 1915, pp. 208-209. The significance of the colors of tropical reef fishes. No. 15, 1916, pp. 209-212. Report of observations and experiments upon the biological significance of ani- mal coloration and an extension of the field of color-photography. No. 16, 1917, pp. 182-185. Report of additional observations and experiments upon problems of animal coloration. No. 18, 1919, pp. 201-202. Habits and local distribution of Tortugas fishes. No. 20, 1921, pp. 204-205. The fishes of Tortugas and their habits. No. 21, 1922, pp. 171-173. Observations upon submarine color photography, the food and rate of digestion of fishes, and the power of discrimination and association in the gray snapper. No. 22, 1923, pp. 159-163. Observations upon Tortugas fishes. No. 23, 1924, pp. 191-193. Observations upon the powers of discrimination and association in the gray snapper, and upon the coloration of the eyes of fishes. No. 24, 1925, pp. 228- 230. Observations upon the food of certain Tortugas fishes (with W. L. Schmitt and W. R. Taylor). No. 24, 1925, pp. 230-232. Observations on Tortugas fishes. No. 25, 1926, pp. 241-242. Observations upon the ecology of Tortugas fishes with notes upon the taxonomy of species new or little known (definition of three new genera and two species). No. 26, 1927, pp. 222-224. Observations on Tortugas fishes, especially those on which the noddy and sooty terns of the Bird Key rookery feed. No. 28, 1929, pp. 288-290. Observations upon distribution and behavior of Tortugas fishes. No. 29, 1930, PP- 337-338. Observations on Tortugas fishes. No. 30, 1931, pp. 385-386. Observations upon Tortugas fishes. No. 31, 1932, pp. 286-287. Studies on West Indian fishes: description of six new species. No. 33, 1934, pp. 257-260. Osteological notes and descriptions of new species of fishes. No. 34, 1935, pp. 86- 89. b. Biology Preparation of a monograph on the Tortugas fishes. No. 31, 1932, pp. 299-301; No. 32, 1933, pp. 293-295; No. 33, 1934, pp. 270-272; No. 34, 1935, pp. 283- 284. Observations upon tropical fishes and inferences from their adaptive coloration. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., vol. 2, 1916, pp. 733-737. The selection problem. Amer. Naturalist, vol. 51, Apr. 191 7, pp. 250-256. 1 This number and subsequent ones in sections a and b are the serial numbers of the Year Books. i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS x iii Studies upon the biological significance of animal coloration. I: The colors and color changes of West Indian reef fishes. Jour. Exper. Zool., vol. 23, 1917, pp. 536-601. Studies upon the biological significance of animal coloration. II: A revisional working hypothesis of mimickery. Amer. Naturalist, vol. 51, May 1917, pp. 257-285. Haunts and habits of tropical fishes. Amer. Mus. Jour., vol. 18, Feb. 191 8, pp. 78-88, with figs. Marine camoufleurs and their camouflage: the present and prospective significance of facts regarding coloration of tropical fishes. Smithsonian Rept., 1918 (1920), pp. 475~4 8 5> witn 5 P ls -> 9 % s - Life on a coral reef. Nat. Geog. Mag., vol. 51, Jan. 1927, pp. 61-83, wrtn 22 figs. Species studies and the species problem. Amer. Naturalist, vol. 70, Mar.-Apr. 1936, pp. 97-109. Systematic Catalogue Family BRANCHIOSTOMIDAE. Lancelets Branchiostoma caribaeum Sundevall Dr. Longley listed 3 specimens in his notes: one taken in a dredge in about 10 fathoms, another in about 20 fathoms, and a third taken in a trawl, all from the channel southwest of Tortugas. Apparently previously recorded only from the West Indies. S. F. H. Family SCYLLIORHINIDAE. Cat Sharks Scylliorhinus retifer (Garman) Dr. Longley 's notes state that 10 or more small specimens were taken in one dredge haul in 180 to 220 fathoms. The Tortugas collection contains one specimen, 175 mm. long, which agrees fairly well with Goode and Bean's figure 6 (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, p. 16), based on a 150-mm. specimen, except in color. Instead of having separate and varied color markings, it has definite dark blotches, placed essentially like the reticula- tions shown for a larger specimen in figure 14 of Goode and Bean. The small shark in hand has even a somewhat longer and more sharply pointed caudal than the one illustrated in figure 6 of Goode and Bean, with an uninterrupted fin (subcaudal) underneath. In color the Tortugas specimen agrees with Miranda Ribeiro's figure of Catulus haeckelii (Arch. Mus. nac. Rio de Janeiro, vol. 14, 1907, p. 163, pi. 8), except for the black dots shown in that figure, which, however, also shows a shorter caudal, with an interrupted fin, wherein it agrees with Goode and Bean's figure 14. Garman (Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 36, 1913, p. 77) regarded Catulus haec\elii Ribeiro as synonymous with Scylliorhinus boa Goode and Bean, which he recognized as distinct from S. retijer, though Goode and Bean (see citation above) in their final decision expressed doubt whether S. boa is even a color variety. Further study of specimens seems necessary to determine the meaning of the differences in the shape of the caudal and in the color. An inhabitant of deep water in the Gulf Stream, and possibly southward to Brazil. S. F. H. Family GINGLYMOSTOMIDAE. Nurse Sharks Ginglymostoma cirratum (Gmelin) Dr. Longley stated in his field notes that nurse sharks were seen occasionally, sometimes in schools of as many as 20 or more, and occasionally singly. For further information the reader is referred to Gudger (Copeia, No. 98, 1921, 1 2 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv p. 58), who, reporting investigations made in the Florida Keys, gave a rather full life history of the nurse shark. Dr. Longley's collection contains 2 embryos: a male, 130 mm. long, with well developed barbels and many jet-black round spots, and a very immature one, 80 mm. long. The smaller embryo, with long, fringelike external gills, already has the characteristic barbels well developed. On the abdomen are prominent cross-grooves, which are visible, but much less prominent, on the larger embryo. The fins are all well developed and occupy the same relative positions as in the adult. The only color markings on the 80-mm. embryo are two or three obscure vertically elongated dusky spots on the lower part of the side. Of wide distribution; common in the West Indies and on the south Atlantic coast of the United States. S. F. H. Family CARCHARIIDAE. Gray Sharks Carcharias obscurus (LeSueur) Dr. Longley's field notes state that 2 specimens, both males, 75 and 135 cm. long, were taken with hooks and lines on a reef, at night. Inhabits the coast from the middle Atlantic states northward, apparently stray- ing southward. S. F. H. Galeocerdo tigrinus Miiller and Henle. Tiger shark; leopard shark Two tiger sharks were taken, one 3 m. and the other 2.4 m. long, both caught off the Laboratory dock. The larger shark was slaty above, whitish underneath, and the sides from pectoral to base of tail were marked with faint dark vertical bands. The smaller one, a female, had dark spots surrounded by light reticulations. The larger shark had fed on a man-of-war bird and two ham bones. Known from tropical seas, straying northward. S. F. H. Scoliodon terrae-novae (Richardson). Sharp-nosed shark This fish was reported from Tortugas by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 232) from a single fetal specimen. Common on the Atlantic coast of the United States. S. F. H. Hypoprion brevirostris Poey Dr. Longley's field notes state that 2 specimens were caught, one 195 cm. and the other 165 cm. long. The 195-cm. shark, after it had been out of the water about 2 hours, was generally ashy gray above and whitish beneath; pectorals white beneath, except for distal third of their length, which was ashy gradually passing into the ventral white; under faces of ventrals of same colors, with upper surface distinctly darker than sides of body above them. Known from the West Indies and the south Atlantic coast of the United States. S. F. H. i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 3 Family SPHYRNIDAE. Hammerhead Sharks Sphyrna tiburo (Linnaeus). Bonnetnose shark This shark apparently is not common at Tortugas, as only 1 specimen, 92.5 cm. long, was taken. The slits of its pupils, like those of the hammerhead, are hori- zontal, not vertical as in other sharks observed. One uterus contained 4 young and the other 5, each 137 mm. long. The walls of the uteri were thin, vascular, and wrinkled, with the delicate egg membrane enclosing each young fish simi- larly plaited, its folds fitting so closely within those of the uterus that a per- ceptible tension was necessary to separate the two. Long villi, close together, formed a fringe upon the entire length of the yolk stalk. The stomach contained an octopus. The foregoing information is from Dr. Longley's field notes. His collection contains 1 embryo, 220 mm. long. Reported from both coasts of the Americas and also from the Orient. S.F.H. Sphyrna zygaena (Linnaeus). Hammerhead shark This shark, according to Dr. Longley's notes, is rare at Tortugas, as only 2 were observed during many summers at the Laboratory. One specimen, 217 cm. long, taken in a gill net near shore, had a maximum depth of 262 mm.; width of hammer 500 mm.; width of mouth 125 mm. The pupils in this shark, as in the bonnetnose, were horizontal and not vertical as in other sharks observed. The stomach contained the mantle of a large squid, the plates of a trunkfish, and an 85-cm. houndfish. Reported from both coasts of America, and from the Orient. S. F. H. Family SQUALIDAE. Dogfishes Squalus acanthias Linnaeus The Tortugas collection contains 7 embryos, 5 each about 220 mm. in length, and 2 smaller ones, each about 135 mm. long. The characteristic spines in the dorsal fins, even in the smaller embryos, are already fairly well developed. No data or field notes pertaining to these specimens were found. Common on both coasts of the north Atlantic, ranging to the West Indies. S.F.H. Etmopterus hillianus (Poey) One specimen in rather bad condition, about 315 mm. long without caudal fin, taken south of Tortugas in 357 to 392 fathoms, was identified by Dr. Longley as this species. Head to first gill opening 64 mm.; depth 64 mm.; eye 13 mm.; snout 22 mm.; snout in advance of mouth 35 mm.; interorbital 20 mm.; width of mouth 22 mm.; length of base of first dorsal 16, second dorsal 23 mm.; length of 1st dorsal spine 10, 2d dorsal spine 20 mm. Snout, in advance of the nearly straight transverse mouth, broad and depressed; first dorsal inserted nearer a PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv pectorals than ventrals; second dorsal well behind ventrals; skin very rough, denticles forming definite longitudinal ridges along the side. Color dark brown to black. Previously recorded only from the West Indies. S. F. H. Family RAJIDAE. Skates and Rays Raja ornata Garman This species is not represented in the Tortugas collection. Dr. Longley listed in his field notes 3 specimens from 127 to 290 fathoms, 2 from about 283 fathoms, and 4 from about 200 fathoms. Known from the southern coast of the United States. S. F. H. Raja plutonia Garman Two specimens, 250 and 265 mm. long, taken in 220 to 237 fathoms, are re- ported in Dr. Longley's notes. His collection contains another 220 mm. long, which is in entire agreement with Garman's description and figure (Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 36, 1913, p. 335, pi- 18, fig. 1). Apparently previously reported only from oflf the coast of South Carolina. S. F. H. Family DASYATIDAE. Sting Rays Urobatis sloani (Blainville) The Tortugas collection contains 1 specimen 250 mm. long, having a disk 145 mm. wide and 138 mm. long, with a prominent caudal spine 30 mm. long. This specimen agrees well with Garman's description and figure (Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 36, 1913, p. 402, pi. 28). I have found no record of it in Dr. Longley's notes. Occurs in the West Indies and occasionally northward. S. F. H. Family MYLIOBATIDAE. Eagle Rays Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen). Spotted eagle ray A specimen with a total length of 142.5 cm., width from tip to tip of pectoral 82.5 cm., was observed; another individual was seen twice on Loggerhead reef. The foregoing is from Dr. Longley's notes. For a full account of the spotted eagle ray, see Gudger (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 183, 1914, p. 241). Tropical seas, northward on the Atlantic coast of America at least to North Carolina. S. F. H. Family ELOPIDAE. Ten-pounders; Tarpons Elops saurus Linnaeus. Ten-pounder This species is known from Tortugas from a specimen about 25 mm. long seined in turtle grass in about 3 feet of water on the south side of Garden Key, i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 5 recorded by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 232). The adults have not been observed at Tortugas. Tropical Atlantic, ranging northward to the middle Atlantic states. S. F. H. Tarpon atlanticus (Cuvier and Valenciennes). Tarpon Seen sometimes about the east lighthouse dock and the shoals south of it; not uncommon about Fort Jefferson. It forages among refuse from the galley, and large ones sometimes herd schooling Harengula or Anchoviella, taking toll from them at will. When the very oblique mouth is closed, the fore part of the lower jaw rises I nearly vertically in advance of the upper, and for its full width enters the dorsal contour. This triangular part of the tip of this jaw is of the full green color of the back, with which it is perfectly assimilated in the living fish, carrying the dorsal green forward in utter disregard of the oral cleft. Nothing could illustrate more perfectly the fact that fishes are colored as if they had been made first as blanks, and then, without reference to underlying structure, painted as units with adap- tive color and shading. The large eye falls below the level of the dorsal green and its iris blends with the silvery side. As seen by the diver this great fish appears unsubstantial, a gray ghost floating in gray water. Found from middle Atlantic states to Brazil. W. H. L. Family ALBULIDAE. Ladyfishes Albula vulpes (Linnaeus). Bonefish Twice young bonefish were seined on Long Key flats, and once leptocephaloid larvae were included. The smallest larva, which was 25 mm. long, was so trans- parent that the divisions of a ruler were visible through its body, yet the juvenile color pattern was clearly indicated. This pattern consisted of six dark spots along the lateral line; six median spots above them; five dark saddles dividing the interspaces equally; and other spots in series below the lateral line. The youngest larva was 50 mm. long and already had a little pigment along the outer rays of the caudal and along the side of the belly. Inhabiting tropical seas, ranging northward to middle Atlantic states. W. H. L. Family CLUPEIDAE. Herrings Sardinella Cuvier and Valenciennes Sardinella Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 20, 1847, p. 261 (S. aurita Cuvier and Valenciennes). Sardinia Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 311 (S. pseudohispanica Poey). Since 191 8 or earlier, when Alvin Seale thought he had discovered that the type of Sardinia pseudohispanica Poey preserved in the Museum of Comparative Zoology was a thoroughly representative specimen of Sardina Antipa, there has been confusion regarding the relations between that genus and the genera Sardinella Cuvier and Valenciennes and Sardinia Poey. Seale's basic observation 6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv that the alleged type belongs to a species of Sardina is correct, and Jordan (Copeia, No. 56, 1918, p. 46), basing his conclusions on Seale's supposed dis- covery, would have been entirely justified in referring that name to synonymy of Sardinia Poey, were it not for a fact to which Hubbs (Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 4, vol. 18, 1929, pp. 261-268) has since called attention, namely, that the fish in question cannot possibly be the type of Sardinia pseudohispanica, as it is only 85 mm. long, instead of no mm., the length originally given. Hubbs pointed out also that its 51 vertebrae exceed by so many the 46 recorded by Poey that it can- not be considered conspecific with the type of S. pseudohispanica. He is probably quite correct in assuming that it is not even a West Indian fish. Unfortunately Hubbs' note escaped the attention of the authors of the Cheeky list (1930), or failed to meet their approval, and Jordan's earlier error was repeated. W. H. L. Sardinella anchovia Cuvier and Valenciennes Sardinella anchovia Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 20, 1847, p. 269 — Rio de Janeiro; Martinique. Jordan and Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 429- Sardinia pseudohispanica Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 311 — Cuba. Chtpca pseudohispanica Kendall and Smith (part), Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 14, 1894, p. 17 — Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Clupanodon pseudohispanicus Jordan and Evermann (part), Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 423. Meek and Hildebrand (part), Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., vol. 15, pt. 1, 1923, p. 180. Beebe and Tee- Van (part), Zoologica, vol. 10, 1928, p. 39. Sardinella aurita Regan (part not of Cuvier and Valenciennes), Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 8, vol. 19, 1917, p. 378. Jordan, Evermann, and Clark (part not of Cuvier and Valenciennes), Check list, 1930, p. 43. Sardinia anchovia Jordan, Evermann, and Clark, Check list, 1930, p. 43. Fishes registered as U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 70086, collected at Woods Hole, Massa- chusetts, include two species, Sardinella pseudohispanica (Poey), = S. anchovia Cuvier and Valenciennes, represented by 10 specimens, and Clupea harengula by 2. The former at 100 mm. standard length has 79 gill rakers, the latter at the same length has 44. This is apparently the collection, or part of the collection, mentioned by Kendall and Smith in the publication cited above. The identifica- tion of all these specimens with Sardinia pseudohispanica Poey, together with the facts observed, perhaps explains Kendall and Smith's assignment of Poey's species to the genus Clupea as well as their statement that at a specified size it has a number of gill rakers very much smaller than has been noted by other students. What the relation may be between the Brazilian Sardinella anchovia and European S. aurita (both of Cuvier and Valenciennes), and between the first and Sardinia pseudohispanica Poey, are questions which have been considered repeatedly but are still open. Something may be gained, however, by pointing out that the "types" of anchovia, still in Paris in very good condition, are not all of one species. In table 1 are entered proportional measurements in millimeters and counts of gill rakers for Delalande's, d'Orbigny's, and Gay's specimens mentioned in the i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS original description of Sardinella anchovia; and, for comparison, those of an- other specimen in the Paris collection, presented by the Museum of Comparative Zoology as Clupea brasiliensis Steindachner. The first fish of table i, first mentioned in Valenciennes' description of S. anchovia, may be regarded as the type of that species. The other four are S. brasiliensis (Steindachner). Sardinella anchovia is much the thicker fish through the humeral region, and, at the only size (116 mm.) at which direct comparison is possible, has from 50 to 70 fewer gill rakers. Sardinella aurita was described originally from material collected by Bibron at Messina, and by the Commission Scientifique de Moree without precise specifica- tion of locality. Bibron's fish, mentioned first, may be regarded as typical, and TABLE 1 Measurements (in millimeters) and gill-raker counts of Sardinella anchovia C. & V. (first specimen measured) and Sardinella brasiliensis (Std.) (The numbers in parentheses under "Depth" and "Head" show the number of times those measurements are contained in the standard length. Those under "Thickness" show the number of times that measurement is contained in the head.) Standard length Depth Head Thickness No. 1 11 rakers Collector and locality 116 114 116 148 142 23 (5.0) 23 (5.0) 24 (4.8) 34 (4.4) 35 (4.0) 28.5 (4.0) 30 (3.8) 32 (3.6) 40 (3.7) 39.5 (3.6) 11 (2.6) 7 (4.3) 8 (4.0) 17 (2.4) 16 (2.5) 105 160 176 178 172 Delalande, Brazil D'Orbignv, Brazil D'Orbigny, Brazil Gay, Brazil Pres. by Mus. Comp. Zool. r Rio de Janeiro are in fact the same as the others. With these belong two obtained at Messina and two in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. The last two came, like the others, from Messina, and still another from Nice. Measurements in table 2 permit comparison of S. aurita with the two Brazilian species of table 1. The consistent difference in the number of gill rakers of S. brasiliensis and S. aurita shows specific difference. And aurita and anchovia might seem the same, were it not for the difficulty — evident in each table — that the number of gill rakers is not strictly correlated with standard length. That is, individual variation in number of gill rakers is sufficient to mask specific diversity when the number of specimens compared is small. This species comes to the surface very commonly to a night light in 10 to 20 fathoms at Tortugas. It is very clear dark blue above and silvery on the sides and ventral surface. Two specimens, respectively 120 and 140 mm. in length, 98 and 112 mm. to base of caudal, had the following proportions: Head 4.0 to 4.2; depth 4.0 to 4.3. Eye in head 4.0. D. 18 or 19; A. 17 to 19; scales about 77, those on sides with vertical striae not quite so strong as in Harengula maculosa and H. macroph- 8 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY VOL. XXXIV thalma; gill rakers 80; scutes 20 + 14 or 15; vertebrae 46; teeth on tongue and palatines similar to those in the other species, but weaker. Three fish, each about 75 mm. long, were included in refuse from the Bird Key tern rookery; 6, 50 to 63 mm. long, were seined at Long Key or at Garden Key, with Harengula, ]en\insia, and Anchoviella, and had scutes 18 to 20 + 14 or 15, gill rakers 48 to 53, vertebrae 45 to 47; and scores of colorless young, up to 32 mm. in length, with 22 or 23 gill rakers and 46 or 47 vertebrae, caught about a night light in Bird Key harbor, are believed to be of this species. Tropical Atlantic snores of America, straying northward to Cape Cod. TABLE 2 Measurements (in millimeters) and gill-raker counts of Sardinclla aurita C. & V. (The numbers in parentheses under "Depth" and "Head" show the number of times those measurements are contained in the standard length. Those under "Thickness" show the number of times that measurement is contained in the head.) Standard length 257. 205. 202. 179. 172. 164. 137. 101. 90. 84. 78. Depth 43 (4.8) 43 (4.7) 34 (5.3) 34 (5.1) 35± (4.1) 28 (4.9) 21 (4.8) 18 (5.0) Head 48 (4.3) 46 (4.4) 43 (4.2) 41 (4.2) 40 (4.1) 31 (4.4) 26 (3.9) 23 (3.9) Thickness 21 (2.3) 21 (2.2) 18 (2.2) 14 (2.2) 10.5 (2.5) 8 (2.9) No. gill rakers 137 140 130 120 127 130 116 95 94 82 ± 80 ± Collector and locality Nice Bibron, Messina Bibron, Messina Benoits, Messina Benoits, Messina Bibron, Messina Comm. Sci. de Moree Comm. Sci. de Moree Comm. Sci. de Moree Hackel, Messina Hackel, Messina W. H. L. Harengula Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1847 The West Indian species of this genus are two, though for nearly a century more have commonly been recognized. Key to the Species a. Compressed, greatest thickness contained 2.2 to 2.7 times in depth; scales adherent; eye moderate, in diameter not exceeding its vertical distance above ventral contour of head; gill rakers 29 to 36; ventral scutes usually 17 -f- 14; vertebrae 41 to 43 macrophthalma aa. Less compressed, greatest thickness contained about 2.2 times in greatest depth; scales only moderately adherent; eye large, its diam- eter exceeding its vertical distance above ventral outline of head; gill rakers 27 to 29; ventral scutes usually 17 + 10; vertebrae 40 . . . maculosa W. H. L. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS g Harengula maculosa Cuvier and Valenciennes Harengula maculosa Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 20, 1847, p. 292 — Martinique. Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 31, 1932, p. 299. Alosa apicalis Muller and Troschel, in Schomburgk, Hist. Barbados, 1848, p. 675 — Bar- bados. Harengula sardina Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 310 — Cuba. Harengula jaguana Poey, Repertorio, vol. 1, 1865, p. 189 — Bahia de Jagua, Cuba. Harengula callolepis Goode and Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 2, 1879, p. 152 — Ber- muda. Sardinella macrophthalmus Jordan and Evermann (part not of Ranzani), Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 430. Evermann and Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Coram., vol. 20, pt. 1, 1900 (1902), p. 85. Metzelaar, Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. 12. Sardinella apicalis Jordan and Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 429. Sardinella sardina Jordan and Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 430. Metzelaar, Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. n. Meek and Hildebrand, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., vol. 15, pt. 1, 1923, p. 183. Beebe and Tee- Van, Zoologica, vol. 10, 1928, p. 40 (figure apparently based on Harengula macrophthalma [Ranzani]). Harengula macrophthalmus Beebe and Tee- Van (not of Ranzani), Zoologica, vol. 13, 1933, p. 136 — Bermuda. Ranzani's name macrophthalma led to misunderstanding, because of the sub- sequent discovery of Harengula maculosa, a form with a still larger eye. Cuvier and Valenciennes' maculosa has often been registered incorrectly as macroph- thalma. The type of H. maculosa is not now to be found in Paris, but its 27 ventral scutes, scales with 8 or 9 vertical striae, large eye, and the color markings to which it owes its name identify it. The types or cotypes of other species in synonymy above, all of which I have seen, are representative specimens of this one. This species may be found in company with H. macrophthalma near shore in late June, nearing a breeding condition. A random sample of such fish consisted of 29 females 167 to 213 mm. long and 7 males 165 to 180 mm. long. The pro- portion of depth to standard length does not differ in the two sexes or within the size ranges represented. Besides large fish, young were taken with the seine at Garden and Long keys, and smaller young about a submerged light at night in the deep holes inside Bird Key reef and in Bird Key harbor. Over white sandy bottom the coloring is very delicate above in a pattern of mottled pale grays; tip of the lower jaw black, with orange following; some orange on dorsal surface of eye and behind upper margin of gill opening; a streak of bronze extending on row of scales behind gill opening to base of caudal, with paler streaks running on the two rows of scales next below; dorsal and caudal fins dusky. The vertical striae on the scales are more numerous in this species than in H. macrophthalma, there being about 7 on the scales at mid-level on the side below the dorsal fin, and 10 or 11 on those on the sides of the caudal peduncle. In a lot ranging from 165 to 213 mm. in length, the number of striae on the scales from these parts of the body varied little. Ranging from Bermuda and southern Florida to South America. W. H. L. I0 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Harengula macrophthalma (Ranzani) Clupea macrophthalma Ranzani, Nov. com. Acad. sci. inst. Bonon., vol. 5, 1842, p. 320 — Brazil. Gunther, Cat. fish. Brit. Mus., vol. 7, 1868, p. 421. Harengula clupeola Cuvier and Valenciennes. Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 20, 1847, p. 289 — Guadeloupe. Jordan, Evermann, and Clark, Check list, 1930, p. 43. Harengula humeralis Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 20, 1847, P- 2 93 — R'° de Janeiro; Bahia; Guadeloupe; Santo Domingo. Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 31, 1932, p. 299. Alaitsa striata Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 20, 1847, p. 429 — Guade- loupe; Bahia. Alosa hishopi Miiller and Troschel, in Schomburgk, Hist. Barbados, 1848, p. 675 — Bar- bados. Harengula dubia and H. clupcola Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1868, p. 418 — Havana. Clupea humeralis Gunther, Cat. fish. Brit. Mus., vol. 7, 1868, p. 422. Harengula pensacolae Goode and Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 2, 1879, p. 152 — Pensa- cola, Florida. Regan, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 8, vol. 19, 1917, p. 389. Jordan, Evermann, and Clark, Check list, 1930, p. 44. Sardinella clupeola Jordan and Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 429. Metzelaar, Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. n. Sardinella bishopi Jordan and Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 430. Sardinella macrophthalmus Jordan and Evermann (part), Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 430. Meek and Hildebrand, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., vol. 15, pt. i, 1923, p. 184. Breder, Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 1, art. 1, 1927, p. 12. Parr, Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art. 4, 1930, p. 3. Beebe and Tee- Van, Zoologica, vol. 10, 1928, p. 41 (figure apparently based on Harengula maculosa). Sardinella humeralis Jordan and Evermann, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 431. Metzelaar, Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. 11. Sardinella anchovia Metzelaar (part), Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. 10, fig. 2. Harengula macrophthalma Regan, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 8, vol. 19, 1917, p. 388. Longley (part), Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 31, 1932, p. 299. Jordan, Ever- mann, and Clark, Check list, 1930, p. 43. Fish taken near the Laboratory in late June had not quite attained sexual maturity. In a sample of 50, taken at random, were 21 males and 29 females, the former 155 to 175 mm. long, the latter 155 to 193 mm. The sexes differ in the ratio of depth to length : the females are deeper than the males, the depth of the adult females being contained about 2.8 times in the standard length, and that of the males about 3.0 times. After little practice it was possible to separate them with an error not over 10 per cent, the smaller fish creating the difficulty. Common along shore and about the wharves of Garden Key during summer, the larger ones schooling chiefly with their own kind, the young frequently with Jenl{insia and Anchoviella. Specimens have been identified also in the catch of terns breeding on Bird Key. In 20 specimens, 88 to 113 mm. long, the dorsal rays vary from 17 to 19; anal rays 16 to 19, the last ray in each fin being double; the commonest combination being D. 18, A. 18, which occurred in 11 of 20 specimens. Four specimens, 31 to 38 mm. long, had 17 + 14 scutes; 8 specimens, 88 to 11^ mm. long, had 17 + 13; of the larger specimens, 125 to 143 mm. long to base of caudal, 5 had 18 + 13 scutes and 1 had 17 + 12. Specimens 31 to 44 mm. long had about 28 to ^ gill rakers; and larger specimens, ranging upwards of 125 mm. in standard length, 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS Ir had about 29 to 36 gill rakers. Scales adherent, about 41 in a lateral series. In comparison with Harengula maculosa, the eye is smaller, the ventral outline is more convex, and the branches of the striae in the occipital, being about 7 in number, are fewer. W. H. L. Since Dr. Longley wrote the foregoing accounts of the species of the genus Harengula, a paper has been published by Margaret Storey, entitled "West Indian clupeids of the genus Harengula with notes on H. thrissina from the Pacific" (Stanford Ichthyol. Bull., vol. 1, no. 1, 1938, pp. 3-56, 17 figs.), wherein the author has brought forward the name Clupea clupeola Cuvier (Regne ani- mal, 2d ed., vol. 2, 1829, p. 318, n. 2), which she claims has priority over C. macrophthalma Ranzani. Miss Storey recognizes H. pensacolae Goode and Bean as a distinct species, whereas Dr. Longley considers it a synonym of his H. macrophthalma. For the species designated H. maculosa Cuvier and Valen- ciennes by Dr. Longley, Miss Storey again went back to the work of Cuvier cited above (p. 318, n. 2) for an older name, Clupea humeralis, which according to her is not H. humeralis Cuvier and Valenciennes. Miss Storey, furthermore, described a new species, H. majorina, to the synon- ymy of which she doubtfully assigned H. humeralis Cuvier and Valenciennes. This species, though occurring in the West Indies, seems to be of southern distri- bution, ranging to southern Brazil. Miss Storey refers to this species as "a deep- bellied, silvery fish, with a convex ventral outline, especially notable in larger specimens; short, deep head, and moderately large eye." Considerable overlap- ping with the other species recognized is evident, however, from the statistics furnished. Miss Storey apparently did not recognize a difference in the depth of the body between males and females of her H. clupeola, which in part at least is Dr. Longley's H. macrophthalma. The comparatively great difference in depth of the sexes, discovered by Dr. Longley, was verified by me from a rather large number of specimens from Tortugas. According to Dr. Longley's studies, how- ever, the proportion of depth to standard length does not differ in the sexes of his H. maculosa. It is well known that in clupeid fishes having a rather high number of gill rakers, the number increases with age. Thus, Dr. Longley has pointed out that specimens of H. macrophthalma 31 to 44 mm. long had about 28 to 33 rakers on the lower limb of the first arch, whereas larger specimens, ranging upwards of 125 mm. in length, had about 29 to 36, a difference which does not seem large in this species. Though Miss Storey did not use very small specimens, none under 42.3 mm. in standard length, except of H. pensacolae, it apparently would have been helpful if she had stated the differences, if any, in number of gill rakers in specimens of different lengths. In the account of Sardinella anchovia Dr. Longley has shown a great difference in the number of gill rakers between small and large specimens. Ranging from the southern shores of the United States probably to Brazil. S.F. H. I2 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Family DUSSUMIERIIDAE. Round Herrings Jenkinsia lamprotaenia (Gosse) Clupea lamprotaenia Gosse, A naturalist's sojourn in Jamaica, 1851, p. 291, pi. r, fig. 2 — Jamaica. Dussumieria stolifera Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 7, 1884 (1885), p. 25 — Key West, Florida. The nominal species stolifera was described by Jordan and Gilbert as differing principally in the number of dorsal and anal rays; as the authors stated, "We should identify our specimens with Clupea lamprotaenia Gosse, from Jamaica, were it not for the difference in the number of fin rays." Beebe and Tee-Van (Zoologica, vol. 10, 1928, p. 44) already have pointed out that in specimens from Haiti the fin-ray counts come within the range of either species, the range given by them being 11 to 13 rays for the dorsal and 14 to 17 for the anal. In 44 speci- mens from Tortugas the range is extended still farther, as 9 to 12 rays have been counted in the dorsal and 11 to 16 in the anal. In 3 specimens from Key West, the type locality, we count 12 and 13 rays in the dorsal, whereas the type was described as having 11 rays; and the anal has 14 or 15 rays instead of 17 in the type, which upon re-examination, however, appears to have only 15. The rays sometimes are difficult to enumerate, and therefore the wide range may result in part from errors in counting. The depth also is variable, as in 17 specimens from Tortugas the greatest depth is contained from 5.3 to 6.8 times in the standard length; diameter of eye equal to or more usually a little greater than length of snout, being contained 2.75 to 3.3 times in head; origin of dorsal sometimes equidistant from tip of snout and base of caudal, but oftener nearer the former; ventrals inserted somewhere under base of dorsal, usually under 4th to 8th ray. The range in the fin-ray counts and proportions, then, is such that the supposed differences between lamprotaenia and stolifera are blotted out. Therefore, we confirm Beebe and Tee-Van's (Zoologica, vol. 10, 1928, p. 43) finding, namely, that stolifera is a synonym of lamprotaenia, a decision arrived at also by Parr (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art. 4, 1930, p. 3). Dr. Longley's notes state: "Exceedingly common at Tortugas, particularly along shore, where predacious fishes often drive them too close for safety, and large numbers are cast upon the windward beaches to spring about until a wave rescues them, or until they perish. "The color is faintly greenish dorsally and the sides have a distinct lateral silvery band." Known from the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies. S. F. H. Family ENGRAULIDAE. Anchovies Anchoviella hepsetus (Linnaeus) Rarely more than a few fish were seen together, but once a great school 50 feet in diameter was observed west of Fort Jefferson. Several tarpon and a multi- 1 94 1 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS !^ tude of young barracudas were with them, and the former at least were feeding upon them. Females contained large eggs, and in a sample of unknown size the fin formulas were: D. 13 or 14; A. 22 or 23. In another sample of 13 the variation in anal rays was 23 to 28. In still another sample of 10, the counts were: D. 14V2 to 16V2 ; A. 22 x / 2 to 26%. All the following statements are based on the last- mentioned sample, which seems more like Anchoviella epsetus than any other described species. That the other records refer to the same species is not abso- lutely certain. Measurements of 2 84-mm. specimens agreed, as follows: Standard length 69 mm.; depth 15 mm.; head 19 mm.; eye 5 mm.; snout 4.5 to 5 mm.; maxillary obliquely truncate, pointed, extending almost to opercular border; gill rakers 17 to 20; scales 41 or 42; axillary scale of pectoral half the length of the fin; pectoral failing by half the orbital width to reach ventral insertion; ventrals inserted mid- way between pectoral base and anal origin; anal origin under end of dorsal; dorsal origin equidistant from anterior margin of orbit and caudal base. W. H. L. Dr. Longley has indicated that he was not satisfied with the identification of his material. Being engaged in a special taxonomic study of American anchovies, I believe Dr. Longley 's doubt well founded. Although only one species is in- cluded in the material preserved (and identified as A. epsetus by Dr. Longley), another related species occurs there; neither of these is A. hepsetus, and one may prove to be an unnamed species. Range extending from New England to somewhere in South America. S. F. H. Anchoviella perfasciata (Poey) Seined occasionally with Anchoviella epsetus, Harengula maculosa, H. macrophthalma, and }en\insia lamprotaenia, all of which are more common. Four specimens examined agreed in having 15V2 dorsal and 18% anal rays, except that one had an anal ray less. Poey's record (Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 313), stated comparably, is D. 14; A. 17. Jordan and Evermann's (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 441) is D. 12; A. 14 to 16. A specimen 75 mm. long, 65 mm. to base of caudal, has a depth of 11 mm.; thickness 6 mm.; head 16 mm.; eye 4 mm.; greatest breadth of lateral stripe 4 mm.; snout 3 mm. This is consistent with Poey's description. Scales about 46; gill rakers 25 to 27; posterior end of maxillary rounded, reaching only to pos- terior margin of preopercle. Pectoral short, about 1.5 times orbital diameter, little longer than axillary scale, reaching halfway to ventral insertion; ventral insertion a little in advance of dorsal origin; dorsal origin midway between snout and base of caudal; last dorsal ray reaching beyond vertical of anal origin. W. H. L. The number of gill rakers, 25 to 27, given by Dr. Longley is somewhat dis- turbing. In 5 specimens in his collection I have counted 22 to about 25 on the lower limb of the first arch, the highest count being doubtful because of the bad 14 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv condition of the specimen upon which it is based. Five others from Tortugas (U. S. Nat. Mus. nos. 61124 and 68600) have 20 to 24, and 4 from Key West (no. 35158) have 21 to 24. The number counted by me, with one exception, is lower than in 14 West Indian specimens examined, which have 25 to 28. Dr. Longley's counts, however (which may not be based on the specimens preserved), come within the range of the West Indian specimens. The wide range in the counts of Tortugas and Key West specimens (including Dr. Longley's counts) suggests more than one species, but the material at hand is not sufficient to make a definite determination. Range, probably Florida and the West Indies. S. F. H. Family ALEPOCEPHALIDAE Xenodermichthys copei (Gill) Two specimens, 125 and 130 mm. long, taken in 250 fathoms, apparently belong to this species. These specimens, which are not in good condition now, are listed in Dr. Longley's field notes as doubtfully of this species, but without further comment. The characters that can be checked seem mostly to be correct for Xenoder- michthys copei. That species, however, is said to have no lateral line, which seems to be present in the specimens from Tortugas, as a double row of short tubes is definitely present underneath the skin. Furthermore, the dorsal and anal fins have been described as of about equal length, whereas the latter in the speci- mens at hand appears to be the shorter, and with fewer rays. Because of the soft and somewhat torn condition, it is possible that part of the fin is missing. Caudal fin definitely forked; pectorals placed very low, and immediately behind gill opening; ventrals abdominal, inserted about an eye's diameter in advance of dorsal; gill rakers well developed, 16 on lower limb of first arch; teeth apparently present only on jaws, minute and pointed. The following proportions are based on the smaller and better specimen at hand: Head 4.3; depth 5.7. The large eye 2.8 in head; snout about 7; maxillary extending slightly beyond middle of eye, 2.5 in head. D. 32; A. 20. The color of the specimens at hand is uniform dark brown to nearly black. Few specimens have been reported. Besides the type, which is from the Gulf Stream, at 37 12' N., 69° 39' W., I have found records of only 3 others, all from the vicinity of Bermuda. The specimens heretofore reported were taken in much deeper water than the Tortugas material. S. F. H. Family ARGENTINIDAE Argentina striata Goode and Bean No specimens were found in Dr. Longley's collection. In his notes, however, he listed 15 specimens, taken in 160 to 197 fathoms, the largest one being 190 mm. long. General range, the Gulf of Mexico. S. F. H. 194 1 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS ^ Family MELANOSTOMIATIDAE Echiostoma barbatum Lowe Dr. Longley in his notebook listed a blackfish 87 mm. long, taken in 367 to 375 fathoms, described as having a barbel under chin, reaching slightly beyond base of pectoral, with a cylindrical stalk, its tip bulbous, 1.5 times as long as wide, and pale green; a flattened element with semicircular outline (flat distally) connected with its tip, bearing four lateral threadlike branches at base, each thread being rather larger than half the flat edge from which they spring, and bulbous at tip; this element and distal bulbs rosy. Pectoral divided; lower 3 rays short and united about two-fifths of their length to upper long part, composed of about 6 rays; ventrals abdominal, with 8 rays; D. about 11; A. 16; both dorsal and anal reaching almost to caudal. Dr. Longley was uncertain as to the identification. In his collection is a speci- men 80 mm. long, which may be the one described by him, though now 7 mm. shorter. I have compared the Tortugas specimen with others in the National Museum, as well as with the recent literature, and am confident that the Tor- tugas fish are identical with American specimens generally identified as this species. I follow Parr (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art 2, 1927, p. 53) in placing this genus and species in the family Melanostomiatidae. Recorded from Madeira and Massachusetts, and southward in the Gulf Stream. S.F.H. Family GONOSTOMIDAE Yarrella blackfordi Goode and Bean Dr. Longley listed in his notes 2 specimens, each about 220 mm. long, which were taken in 367 to 375 fathoms. A third specimen, 78 mm. long to base of caudal, in damaged condition, is in the Tortugas collection. The following pro- portions are based on this fish: Head 4.0; depth 6.1. Eye in head 4.25; snout 4.75; interorbital 6.75; maxillary 1.3; caudal peduncle 3.9. Body moderately strongly compressed, tapering rather sharply toward tail; pectorals placed low, under margin of opercle; ventrals very close together, inserted about an eye's diameter in advance of dorsal; anal beginning somewhat posterior to middle of base of dorsal. D. 13; A. about 25 (damaged); P. 8; V. 6; gill rakers 13. The photo- phores, which are confined to the ventral surface, essentially agree in position and number with the type, with which the Tortugas specimen was compared. The maxillary reaches far beyond the eye, and is much longer than the post- orbital part of the head, both in the type and in the Tortugas specimen, contrary to the statement in the original description. The lower jaw projects sharply, and is bent upward anteriorly. Inhabits deep water of the Gulf Stream. S. F. H. Cyclothone microdon (Giinther) I find no specimens among the Tortugas material, and only the following in Dr. Longley's notes: Two specimens, each about 50 mm. long, taken in 367 to j6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv 375 fathoms. D. 14; A. 15; P. 8. Body very delicate, translucent, covered with dusky chromatophores, larger on sides than on back or belly. Nine phosphores- cent organs on branchiostegal membrane, just within mandibular margin; a row of 32 on each side of mid-line, from throat to base of caudal; several before pectoral small and closer together; another row of 8, extending from pectoral region almost to vertical from anal. Body much compressed; ventrals abdominal, reach origin of anal; caudal forked. Widely distributed in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Antarctic oceans. S. F. H. Family STERNOPTICHIDAE Sternoptix diaphana Hermann The Tortugas collection contains a single specimen, 40 mm. long, which is without data. It probably was taken in one of the deep-water hauls made south of Tortugas. Although a few specimens have been taken at the surface, it is essentially a deep-water fish, having been reported from depths as great as 2500 fathoms. The specimen from Tortugas agrees well with the description and figures of Goode and Bean (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, p. 124, figs. 146, 146^). Gulf Stream, from New England southward. S. F. H. Argyropelecus amabilis (Ogilby) 1 The Tortugas collection contains 2 specimens, 44 and 58 mm. long to base of caudal, which are in rather poor condition and are without a locality label. I have found no reference in Dr. Longley's notes identifiable with these specimens. It may be assumed, however, that they were taken in deep water south of Tortugas. Widely distributed, occurring in the Atlantic and Indian oceans and else- where. S. F. H. Family SYNAPHOBRANCHIDAE Synaphobranchus kaupii Johnson This common deep-water eel is represented in the Tortugas collection by 2 specimens, 350 and 455 mm. long, both without specific data, though undoubt- edly taken in deep water south of Tortugas. The condition of the larger speci- men indicates that it may have been recovered from the stomach of another fish. Body compressed throughout; head and trunk proportionately short, about 4 in total length; snout long, pointed, ending in a fleshy tip; eye moderate, lateral, about half as long as snout; mouth very large, horizontal, gape reaching an eye's diameter beyond eye; teeth in jaws in bands, upper jaw anteriorly with small recurved canines; vomer with a single series of teeth; gill slits ventrally placed, just in advance of base of pectorals; origin of dorsal far behind vent, distance 1 This identification is by L. P. Schultz, of the U. S. National Museum, who has made a special study of the genus. For the synonymy and a key to the species of this genus, see his paper, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 86, 1938, pp. 145-147, 150. — S. F. H. i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS jy from tip of snout to its beginning 2.5 in total length; pectorals long, slender,, about equal to eye and snout. General color brownish; branchiostegal region blackish; peritoneum jet black, this black showing around vent. Widely distributed in the north Atlantic and western Pacific. S. F. H. Family CONGRIDAE. Conger Eels Promyllantor schmitti Hildebrand Promyllantor schmitti Hildebrand, in Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 226, fig. 1 — Tortugas, Florida, 350 fathoms. Family ECHELIDAE. Worm Eels Myrophis Lutken, 1851 We follow Parr (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art. 4, 1930, p. 8) in considering Ahlia Jordan and Davis a synonym of Myrophis. The discovery of some new species narrowed the distinction between the two genera to the pres- ence or absence of vomerine teeth (which Parr thought might prove to be related to age), Ahlia supposedly differing from Myrophis in the absence of vomerine teeth. It is exceedingly difficult to be certain of the presence of vomerine teeth in some of the specimens at hand, especially the juveniles. Apparently no useful purpose would be served by basing genera on such an uncertain character. S. F. H. Myrophis egmontis Jordan The data that follow were extracted from Dr. Longley's notes : One specimen, 382 mm. long, was taken in 10 to 12 fathoms, at the entrance of the southwest channel; 2 more were caught during night fishing under a light, drifting up channel next to Loggerhead Key; and 2 more near the Laboratory, one in about 20 fathoms and the other in about 15 fathoms. At another time during night fishing over "Middle Hole" a "number of myrids, 60 to 65 mm. long" were taken. These juveniles seemed transparent when caught, but on preservation they were finely punctulate with dark dots on the dorsal surface. Four of the small specimens mentioned were preserved and examined by me. They are more slender (wormlike) than larger ones, the greatest depth being only about 2 mm. in a specimen 60 mm. long, and the pectoral fin, though broad, seems proportionately shorter than in larger specimens. It seems probable, never- theless, that these specimens belong to this species. Three larger specimens, respectively 215, 255, and 270 mm. long, are included in the Tortugas collection. Pectoral fin short and broad, about as long as snout and broader than gill slit, inserted immediately behind the gill opening; origin of dorsal a little behind that of anal, which begins immediately behind vent; these fins very low and confluent with caudal. The following proportions are based on the 3 specimens mentioned: Distance from snout to dorsal 2.1 to 2.5 in jg PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv total length; distance from snout to vent 2.3 to 2.6; head to gill opening 11. 5 to 13. Depth 2.6 to 3.0 in head; eye about 10 to 12; snout 5.75 to 7.0; pectoral 6.0 to 9.0. Known from the Florida Keys. S. F. H. Family OPHICHTHYIDAE. Snake Eels Myrichthys acuminatus (Gronow) This eel is recorded from Tortugas (Garden Key) from a single specimen 450 mm. long, by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 233). It apparently was not taken by Dr. Longley. The species is recognized by its long, cylindrical shape, with pointed finless tail; by its blunt teeth; by the origin of the dorsal over the head in advance of the gill opening; and by the two series of round, whitish blotches (more or less yellowish in life) on the side of the body and on the head. West Indies, northward to Florida. S. F. H. Family MURAENIDAE. Morays Gymnothorax moringa (Cuvier). Common spotted moray This eel was seen and trapped from time to time around the coral heads. A specimen 925 mm. long was described by Dr. Longley (notes) as having power- ful jaws, with a structure permitting the mouth to be greatly extended; teeth sharp, those in posterior part of jaws compressed and directed backward. Ground color yellow, approaching citron yellow on dorsal part of body, and particularly on dorsal fin; this color laterally passing into a primrose yellow, continuous on belly; the lighter ground color with spots of brown like raw umber, these patches marked with lines of seal brown, more or less crosshatched on spots of anterior third of body except on head, parallel and vertical on rest of body except on posterior fifth, where distinction is less evident; brown spots largely of two sizes, smaller ones more or less confluent, and tending to reduce the ground color to mottling. Anterior third of dorsal fin margined with black, the black border posteriorly interrupted; margin of tail almost white. A juvenile, 95 mm. long, probably of this species, was described (field notes) by Dr. Longley as dark brown in life, marked obscurely with yellow, the most conspicuous marking being the white lower jaw; mouth pigmented within; teeth simple, sharply pointed, biserial in each jaw, though anteriorly only in lower jaw, those in inner row enlarged Mid depressible; vomer with several very large depressible teeth; eye nearer tip oi snout than angle of mouth, contained nearly 2 times in snout. Gudger (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 391, 1929, p. 154) reported on specimens taken at Tortugas, describing principally their breathing and feeding in aquaria. On the Atlantic coast of tropical America, ranging northward to Florida. S. F. H. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS I9 Gymnothorax funebris Ranzani. Black moray This moray was seen from time to time on the coral reefs, and one specimen was taken at night. The largest one captured was 157.5 cm - l° n g an< ^ weighed 27 pounds. The specimens taken disagree with Jordan and Evermann's description (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 396) in that the mouth is completely clos- ing, and furthermore in that they lack longitudinal dark lines on the dorsal and anal fins. Once small gobies (Elacatinus) were observed on a reef creeping across the oral cleft of Gymnothorax funebris, but not into it. W. H. L. Gudger (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 391, 1929, p. 154), working at Tortugas, gave a full description of the teeth, the structure of the mouth, and the action in breathing. He also described and figured some of the internal organs. Tropical America, occasionally northward to Florida. S. F. H. Gymnothorax vicinus (Castelnau). Purple-mouthed moray This eel apparently is rare at Tortugas, as only 1 or 2 are reported as seen and taken. Gudger (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 391, 1929, p. 153), who first reported this tropical moray from Tortugas, had 3 specimens. Dr. Longley described a specimen in his notes as follows: Tail about 1.5 times rest of body; head not quite half trunk; eye 2.0 in snout; cleft of mouth 2.5 in head; teeth entire, 5 large and 18 small on each side of lower jaw, 3 large depressible ones on vomer; mouth not quite capable of being closed in a specimen 60 cm. long. Dr. Longley described the color as nearly plain brown, with fine freckles of darker brown or purple, and with fine reticulations of yellow, most noticeable on upper half of dorsal fin; dorsal dark, with black longitudinal lines, and a conspicuous white margin; anal with submarginal black, followed distally by a white line; a dark spot, smaller than eye, along posterodorsal margin of gill opening; angle of mouth dusky. A single juvenile, no mm. long, was found in the collection. In this specimen, the head and trunk are contained 2.7 times in the tail; head 3.1 in length to vent; snout short, 8.5 in head; eye about 1.5 in snout; teeth apparently uniserial, with some large depressible ones on vomer; general color of this preserved specimen brownish, with indistinct darker markings. Tropical Atlantic, straying northward to the Florida Keys. S. F. H. Gymnothorax ocellatus Agassiz. Spotted moray A specimen 580 mm. long was taken south of Tortugas, in 45 to 60 fathoms. Pre- anal length 264 mm.; depth behind head 46 mm.; head 67 mm.; oral cleft 29 mm.; snout 14 mm.; eye 5.0 mm. Teeth in a single series in either jaw, none on vomer; lower teeth shorter and stouter, except 2 or 3 anteriorly, than upper ones; larger teeth in either jaw serrate, more strongly on posterior margin and toward base. 20 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Color very pale olive, except on dorsal and anal fins and posterior quarter of tail, where ground color is black; much spotted, spots on sides of trunk circular, about one-third of pupil in diameter, and exceedingly pale blue, spots much smaller on upper side of head, larger along base of dorsal fin, fewer and fainter on dorsal and toward lower part of side; largest and whitest on tail, where a series of half a dozen widely separated elliptical spots exceed long diameter of eye considerably. W. H. L. The species evidently is rare at Tortugas, whence it has not been reported previously. Tropical America, northward to Florida. S. F. H. Family SYNODONTIDAE. Lizard Fishes Trachinocephalus myops (Forster) Not taken commonly, but probably not rare. A small specimen was seined near Long Key; another, 202 mm. long, was caught in the n-fathom channel west of White Shoal; and larger ones were seen, and some speared, north of Loggerhead Key. As observed there with the diving hood, the species lies much the larger part of the time hidden in the sand, into which it sinks, and is lost to sight in the instant one glances away and turns in its direction again. In a specimen 202 mm. long, the standard length is 173 mm.; depth 31 mm. (5.5); head 45 mm. (3.84). Eye 7-0 mm. (6.43 in head); snout 5.0 mm., which equals interorbital space and is 9.0 in head. D. 14V2; A. i6 l / 2 ; scales 4-58-7. Teeth in 2 series above, 3 below, little if at all compressed, very slightly incurved at tip, outer for the most part firmly rooted, inner depressible; present on tongue, on ventral branchial elements, and in two very closely approximated series on pala- tines. Anal nearer to pectoral origin than to base of lower caudal rays. The basic pattern consists of longitudinal stripes of pale blue and yellow, in average width roughly equal to the diameter of the pupil; the most conspicuous blue one extending from upper margin of opercular cleft to upper base of caudal; five yellow and four blue lines, growing fainter ventrally, below it; upper two stripes and broadest yellow ones anteriorly divided by blue penciling; another blue line above these, more on arch of back and on side of mid-line, between two yellow stripes; these much broken and tending strongly to form merely a spotted and streaked pattern, separated on back and sides by hair lines of dusky pig- ment; basal half of dorsal fin faintly striped across rays with four or five lines of the two dominant body colors; twelve major bars, lighter and darker alternately, superimposed on design of stripes; a dark streak before eye across oral cleft to mandible; and a conspicuous black humeral spot, partly covered by opercular margin. The shade as a whole is decidedly changeable. W. H. L. This genus, including a single species, is readily recognized among Tortugas fishes by the very anterior position of the eyes, the snout being much shorter than the eye. Pectorals short, about 2.5 times in much larger ventrals; head somewhat i 94 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 21 compressed; interorbital concave; bony ridge over anterior part of eye serrate; lower jaw slightly shorter than upper; teeth not large. Tropical western Atlantic, northward off the south Atlantic coast states. S.F.H. Synodus poeyi Jordan One specimen from 13 to 15 fathoms, east of Bush Key, and a dozen from depths between 39 and 55% fathoms, south of Tortugas. The smallest (105 mm.) sexually mature in late August. In a specimen 123 mm. long, 104 mm. to base of caudal, the proportionate measurements are: Depth 16 mm. (6.5); head 27 mm. (3.9). Eye 6.0 mm. (4.5 in head); interorbital width 5.0 mm. (5.4); snout 7.0 mm. (4.4). Six specimens all have the fin formulas D. nV 2 ; A. 10%, except one which has 1 anal ray more. Second dorsal ray reaching beyond end of base of fin, almost as far as nth; scales 3 or 4-45-5, 3 rows between adipose fin and lateral line; teeth in 2 rows in upper jaw, 3 in lower, outer fixed, remainder depressible, slight, compressed, slightly barbed; 3 rows on tongue, the outer larger; teeth also present on basipharyn- geals; and 2 rows on palatines, the inner larger. Rather pale in color, almost translucent, silvery on the sides, faintly yellow above. The largest specimens with seven diamond-shaped spots with light centers on lateral line; spots of solid color below the diamond-shaped spots, and alter- nating with them; a dark saddle at dorsal origin, another at tips of dorsal rays, at adipose fin, and at base of caudal; dorsal and upper caudal lobe faintly cross- barred. West Indies to Florida. W. H. L. Synodus intermedius (Agassiz) This species was collected at depths as great as 60 fathoms; 14 specimens, 170 to 215 mm. long, in one haul at 40 fathoms. Large specimens are sometimes found also in shallow water. General color grayish above and silvery below; sides with a series of ten con- tiguous diamond-shaped spots from level of eye to base of caudal, the alternate ones being connected with blotches on back, carrying the color to the other side in a series of irregular bands; the first band being before the pectorals, and sug- gestions of fainter bands between the more outstanding ones; a dark shoulder spot, partly concealed by the opercle. W. H. L. Norman (Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1935, p. 104) expressed some doubt as to the distinctness of this species and Synodus poeyi, suggesting that the latter might prove to be the young of the former. There are now at hand specimens from Tortugas of nearly equal size for comparison, which show beyond reason- able doubt that the two are distinct. The scales in S. intermedius are firm and adherent, whereas they are largely lost in specimens of S. poeyi. The difference in the tip of the lower jaw, pointed out by Norman, holds for small specimens, the fleshy knob at the tip of the jaw in poeyi being missing in intermedius. Al- 22 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv though the shape of the dorsal fin is rather variable in poeyi, yet in every speci- men examined the anterior rays reach beyond some of the succeeding ones, but not always past the last ones if the fin is laid back; whereas in intermedins none of the rays reach beyond the tips of the succeeding ones. The eye is smaller in S. intermedins: in 2 specimens of each species of nearly equal length, it is contained in the head 5.3 (118-mm. specimen) and 5.2 (54-mm. one) times in intermedins, whereas in poeyi it is contained 4.4 (uo-mm. speci- men) and 3.6 (87-mm. one) times. Furthermore, a dark shoulder spot is always present even in the smallest intermedins (54 mm.), whereas it is missing in all specimens of poeyi. Ranging from Florida to Brazil. S. F. H. Synodus synodus (Linnaeus) A single specimen, 213 mm. long, from a depth of 13 to 15 fathoms, east of Bush Key and Bird Key reef. The proportionate measurements of this specimen are: Standard length 182 mm.; approximate depth 22 mm. (8.8); head 41 mm. (4.44). Eye 7.0 mm., equal to interorbital width (6.0 in head); snout 11 mm. (3.7); intermaxillary 26 mm. (1.6). D. 11; A. 12. Pectoral 3.4 in head, reaching origin of ventral; ventrals not reaching halfway to anal origin; distance from anal origin to base of lower caudal rays half the distance from vertical of anal origin to mid-point in length of pectoral; scales 5-57-7, firm, smooth, slightly elevated along lateral line, but forming no true keel, 6 rows on cheek, 4 rows in oblique series between adipose fin and lateral line. Teeth in 2 rows in upper jaw, 3 in lower, much compressed, slightly incurved at tip, distinctly barbed, lateral teeth in outer series largely fixed, others depressible, depressible teeth on tongue, lower pharyngeals, and palatines, the last in 4 series, the inner stoutest but much less so than in Synodus foetens. Dorsal surface finely mottled with gray on pale brown ground color; with indications of nine spots equally spaced on lateral line, alternating with as many vague saddles above. W. H. L. According to Norman (Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1935, p. 109), this species occurs on both sides of the Atlantic, as he gave as the habitat "Madeira and the Canary Islands; Atlantic coast of Tropical America from the West Indies to Bahia." S. F. H. Synodus foetens (Linnaeus) This species occurs in the deep channels within the lagoon, and may be taken commonly also, up to the length of about 125 mm., on the sandy flats about Long Key and Bird Key reef. In a specimen 212 mm. long, standard length 185 mm., the proportionate measurements are: Depth 22 mm. (8.4); head 45 mm. (4.1); snout 14 mm. (3.2 in head). Eye 7.0 mm. (6.5 in head); interorbital space 8.0 mm. (5.6); inter- maxillary length 33 mm. (1.34). Pectoral scarcely longer than dorsal base and equal to that of anal; ventrals reaching more than halfway to anal origin. D. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 23 11 /4 j A. n^4 ; scales 6-58-8, 7 rows on cheek, 5 in an oblique row between adi- pose fin and lateral line. Teeth in upper jaw in 2 series, 3 in lower, which is included, depressible teeth on tongue and lower pharyngeals, and in as many as 4 series on palatines. Ground color in a half-grown specimen creamy white to pale gray; dorsal sur- face crossed by eleven brownish bands or blotches equally spaced, the first between the eyes, all double except the last, at base of caudal; ten diamond- shaped spots with lighter centers along lateral line at distances from one an- other equal to their own breadth; a second series of lighter shade and solid color below these and alternating with them. Dorsal and caudal fins and proximal half of pectoral of same color as body; other fins transparent. The experiment of putting fish in black and in white dishes showed that they readily adjust their shade to that of their surroundings. Ranging from Cape Cod to Brazil. W. H. L. Saurida Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1849 This genus has not previously been recorded from United States waters. The two species herein discussed were taken south of Tortugas. The genus is recog- nized chiefly by the double band of teeth on each side of the palate, and by the even length of the ventral rays, the inner and outer ones being nearly equal. Many of the teeth in the jaws are exposed when the mouth is closed. S. F. H. Saurida brasiliensis Norman Saurida brasiliensis Norman, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1935, p. 125, fig. 14 — Cape Frio, Brazil, 40 fathoms. This small species, unreported before north of Trinidad, is common south of Tortugas at depths of 10 to 50 fathoms. It is sexually mature in late August at a length of 80 mm. In a series of 17 specimens none was more than 115 mm. long. The following data are in accord with Norman's description: Total length 92 mm.; standard length 70 mm.; depth 10 mm. (7.0); head 17 mm. (4.1). Eye and snout each 4 mm. (4.2 in head); interorbital width 3 mm. (3.7). D. io 1 /^; A. 1 1 V2 ; dorsal origin farther from end of snout than from tip of adipose fin; anal origin equally distant from lower base of caudal and anterior base of pec- toral; pectoral fin reaching 14th scale in lateral line and beyond dorsal origin; ventrals long, extending more than halfway to anal origin; scales 3-47-5, 3 rows between adipose fin and lateral line; 17 scales in median series before dorsal origin; teeth on tongue and basipharyngeals in a single series. Color rather pale, faintly barred across back, the most conspicuous of the slight dark saddles being at dorsal origin and at end of dorsal base. W. H. L. The Tortugas collection contains 11 specimens, ranging in length from 75 to 115 mm. The following proportions are based on 5 specimens, ranging in stand- ard length from 67 to 91 mm.; the fin-ray and scale counts on 8 specimens and the vertebra count on 1 specimen dissected to expose the spinal column. Head 24 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv 4.2 to 5.0; depth 6.5 to 7.5. Eye in head 4.1 to 4.8; snout 4.5 to 5.25; interorbital (bone) 7.0 to 9.0; maxillary 1.3 to 1.5; caudal peduncle 3.5 to 4.2; pectoral 4.8 to 6.0. D. 10; A. 10 or 11 (last double ray in each fin having been counted as one); P. 11 or 12; V. 9; scales 40 to 48, 3 complete rows between lateral line and origin of dorsal; vertebrae 26 + 18. Color of preserved specimens almost plain brown above and somewhat silvery below, with the faint bars mentioned by Dr. Longley (in fresh material) ob- scurely visible in only a few specimens. This species appears to differ from related ones in the small number of pec- toral rays, and the rather large scales. Florida Keys to Brazil. S. F. H. Saurida normani Longley Saurida normani Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 86 — Tortugas, Florida, 60 to 100 fathoms. Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 228, fig. 2. Family SUDIDAE Sudis coregonoides (Risso) Two specimens, about 65 mm. (damaged) and 180 mm. long, are included in the Tortugas collection. Both were taken south of Tortugas, the smaller one in 295 to 315 fathoms, and the larger in 392 to 430 fathoms. These specimens seem to be Sudis coregonoides, a species apparently not recorded from our south Atlantic states. This species generally has been placed in the genus Paralepis, but we follow Parr (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art. 3, 1928, p. 40) in con- sidering Paralepis a synonym of Sudis. The following data are based on the larger specimen, the condition of the smaller one being such that it is of little value: Body elongate, somewhat com- pressed; head 4.5; depth 14. Eye in head 5.4; snout long, moderately pointed, 1.9; mouth large, nearly horizontal; jaws of about equal length; maxillary 2.1 in head. Dorsal over ventrals, with 10 rays; adipose large, over posterior part of anal; anal rather long, with 31 rays; pectorals inserted low, just behind opercle, with 14 rays; ventrals inserted nearly equidistant from base of pectoral and base of caudal, with 8 rays. Teeth in the lower jaw large as in a barracuda, base of each large tooth anteriorly with a smaller one; premaxillaries with small close-set teeth; palatines each with a row of large teeth similar to those in lower jaw. Further study of specimens from various localities seems necessary to deter- mine definitely whether Parr, whom we follow, is correct in referring several previously recognized species to synonymy. If he is correct, much variation in the number of anal rays, for example, must exist (assuming that the numbers published are correct), as the counts coming to my notice vary from 23 to 32. Also, if illustrations and descriptions are correct there must be much variation in the thickness of the snout and the relative length of the jaws. Deep water on both sides of the Atlantic. S. F. H. i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 2 ^ Bathypterois quadrifilis Giinther Four specimens, 2 in fair condition, except for broken and frayed fins, are included in the Tortugas collection. Two were taken south of Tortugas in 250 fathoms, and the other 2 are without locality labels. They are respectively 50, 55, 70, and 70 mm. long to the base of the caudal. The following enumerations and proportions are based on the specimens listed: D. 12 or 13; A. 9 or 10; P. 12, 3 uppermost rays more or less separated from the others, 2 uppermost ones greatly produced, reaching base of caudal; V. 8, outer ray somewhat produced, reaching middle of base of anal, dilated at tip; scales 48 to 56; gill rakers about 20. Head 4.6; depth about 8.5 to 10. Eye very small, about 15 in head; snout 2.9 to 3.5; maxillary reaching far beyond eye, 1.7 to 1.8. Origin of anal well behind base of dorsal, and origin of dorsal nearer tip of snout than base of caudal by about two-thirds length of head. Lower jaw projects strongly and is curved upward at tip. General color of preserved specimens pale gray; each scale with a jet-black spot, making crosshatching stand out prominently; base of caudal black, fins otherwise largely pale. I find no notes on this species among Dr. Longley's field data. Deep water from United States to Brazil. S. F. H. Bathypterois viridensis (Roule) Two specimens, 75 and 144 mm. long to base of caudal, both without locality data, are in the Tortugas collection. These specimens agree in nearly every respect, except color, with Parr's description and figure (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art 3, 1928, p. 27, fig. 2). The following proportions and enumera- tions are based on the Tortugas specimens: Head 3.6; depth 5.75 to 6.8. Eye small, about 16 in head; snout 3.3 to 3.5; maxillary 1.55. D. 12 to 14; A. 11 or 12; P. in two parts, 9 + 5, the 2 uppermost rays rudimentary, the next 2 somewhat produced, reaching opposite base of dorsal; V. 7, with 1 (Parr says 2 inseparable rays) greatly produced ray, reaching nearly or quite to end of middle caudal rays; caudal forked, 2 lowermost rays produced, about 1.5 times as long as head; scales about 53; gill rakers 26 or 27. Origin of anal in larger specimen scarcely in advance of end of base of dorsal; in smaller specimen, nearly under middle of dorsal. General color of larger specimen very pale; head largely black; a broad black bar just behind base of dorsal and another at base of caudal. The smaller speci- men is rather darker in color, and the black head and bars are less distinct. Deep water on both sides of the Atlantic. S. F. H. Chlorophthalmus chalybeius (Goode) Common south of Tortugas between 180 and 280 fathoms, as many as 72 specimens having been taken in a single haul. Eleven specimens, 47 to 130 mm. long to base of caudal, are included in the 2 6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Longley collection. Three, 47, 49, and 130 mm. long, were measured and their fin rays counted, giving the results that follow: Head (to margin of opercle) 3.4 to 3.5; depth 6.5 to 7.0. Eye in head 2.7 to 3.0; snout 3.7 to 4.3; interorbital 11 to 14; maxillary 2.2 to 2.4; caudal peduncle 4.1 to 4.8; longest rays of pectoral 1.3 to 1.4. D. 11; A. 8; P. 15 or 16; V. 8 or 9; scales in lateral line about 52. The smaller specimens are barred and blotched above with dark gray, whereas the largest specimen is almost plain. The vent in each specimen is conspicuously sur- rounded with black. These specimens differ somewhat from the type in the position of the ventral fins, which are inserted well in advance of the middle of the base of the dorsal instead of under the middle, and in that of the adipose, which is situated over the anterior half of the anal instead of over the middle of it. Small differences also are evident in the proportions and counts given. All these differences, however, may constitute variations within the species. I follow Regan (Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 8, vol. 7, 1911, p. 126) in placing this genus and species in the family Sudidae. In rather deep water of the Gulf Stream. S. F. H. Chlorophthalmus truculentus Goode and Bean Eighteen specimens, 180 to 237 mm. long, were taken July 31, 1930, in one haul in 180 to 220 fathoms. Both males and females were in breeding condition. The fish were dusky dorsally and pale ventrally, having no pattern; caudal dusky; dorsal dusky at tip. In another haul 9 were taken in 220 to 237 fathoms. Eight specimens, 180 to 200 mm. long, were taken in still another haul in 205 to 221 fathoms. This species is distinguished from the preceding one by the more produced, sharper snout; smaller mouth, with maxillary failing to reach front of eye; scales cycloid instead of pectinate; shorter dorsal with only 9 rays; and plainer color. Four specimens are deposited in the U. S. National Museum, ranging in length from 152 to 163 mm. In 3 of these the dorsal consists of 10 rays, and in 1 of 9; in 3 the anal has 9 rays, and in 1 it has 10. Previously recorded from Barbados. The range is now extended to Florida. S. F. H. Family MYCTOPHIDAE. Lantern Fishes Neoscopelus macrolepidotus Johnson A specimen of this deep-sea fish was taken at a depth of 367 to 375 fathoms. Concerning the color of this specimen Dr. Longley wrote: "In posterior angle of each luminous organ a red spot. Bases of pectoral reddish. Red chromato- phores sparsely scattered on all the fins, and on head." Five specimens of this species, respectively 73, 80, 80, 98, and 135 mm. long to base of caudal, are included in the Tortugas collection, all without specific data. The specimens all have broken and frayed fins. The following enumerations and proportions are based on the two best specimens: Head 2.8 to 3.05; depth 4.1 to i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 27 4.6. Eye in head 4.0 to 4.7; snout 4.1 to 4.5; interorbital 5.2 to 6.0; maxillary 1.75 to 1.9; caudal peduncle 3.8 to 3.9. D. 13; A. 13; P. 17; V. 8 or 9. The abdominal ventrals are inserted under the origin of the dorsal, and the maxillary almost reaches the posterior margin of the eye. The luminescent organs are confined to the ventral surface of the body. This species is reported from all temperate and warm seas. S. F. H. Family BELONIDAE. Houndfishes; Needlefishes Strongylura Van Hasselt, 1824 As Strongylura has priority over Tylosurus, long used for most of the Ameri- can houndfishes, the former properly replaces the latter. I see no sound reason for separating into two genera the species formerly included in Tylosurus, as in Jordan, Evermann, and Clark (Check list, 1930, p. 195). Accordingly the Tor- tugas species herein are all listed under Strongylura. S. F. H. Strongylura notata (Poey) Young up to 175 mm. in length were taken commonly with Hepsetia stipes, west of Loggerhead Key and in brackish pools on Long Key. D. 13 or 14; A. 13 or 14. Distinguishable from other Tortugas species by stout body and absence of caudal keels. Color pale greenish. Faint trace of reddish color on tips of vertical fins. The eye is below the upper margin of the silver on the side and is like tinsel in appearance except for a dusky area just above the pupil. W. H. L. Breder (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 435, 1932, p. 3) listed this species from Tortugas and referred to it as "a shore-loving form." Florida to West Indies. S. F. H. Strongylura longleyi Breder Strongylura longleyi Breder, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 435, 1932, p. 12, text fig. 5, B; pi. 2, fig. 1; pi. 3, fig. 5; pi. 9 — Tortugas, Florida. No mention of this species was found among Dr. Longley's notes. The fol- lowing enumerations and proportions are given in the original description, based on the type, which had a length of 320 mm., standard length 300 mm.: Head 2.9. Depth in postorbital part of head 1.6; eye 1.8; width of head 1.3; interorbital 2.0; width of body 1.4; pectoral 0.9; ventral 1.6; lower caudal lobe 0.8. Snout in head 1.4; dorsal base 3.4; anal base 2.8. D. 13; A. 18; scales about 160, before dorsal about 130. The head was described as broad and flat above, its depth being con- tained in its width 1.1 times. The type was greenish above, silvery below, with an indistinct lateral stripe; keel of peduncle bluish black; fins slightly dusky; opercle with a suggestion of a dark bar. Breder also had 10 paratypes, 71 to 305 mm. long, and 2 young, 34 and 39 mm. long, questionably referred to this species. The fish apparently is distinguished 2 8 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv chiefly by its long, low, broad head, depressed peduncle with a broad, dark keel, and short dorsal and anal. Its nearest relative according to Breder is ardeola, which apparently is timucu as identified by Longley. Breder discussed and illustrated in part the development of the young. Known only from Tortugas, Florida. S. F. H. Strongylura timucu (Walbaum) Common at Tortugas, as many as 63, 225 to 350 mm. long, having been taken at one time. Dr. Longley 's notes, which are embodied in this account, are all under Tylo- surus marinus. In his copy of Jordan, Evermann, and Clark's Chec\ list, how- ever, he indicated that he had come to the conclusion that the specimens he had earlier identified as marinus were timucu. Two specimens available for examina- tion certainly are not Strongylura marina. On the basis of these data marina apparently does not occur at Tortugas. It seems significant that marina was not listed (field notes) from Key West during several years' intermittent collecting by Bureau of Fisheries investigators, whereas timucu seemingly was rather common. The 2 specimens from Tortugas examined by me have 14 and 15 rays in the dorsal and 14 and 16 in the anal, and the scales on the single specimen retaining them number about 255 in the lateral series, 24 series under base of dorsal, and 42 from origin of anal to base of caudal. In each specimen scales plainly are present on cheeks and opercles. Dr. Longley has the following fin-ray counts, based on 4 specimens: D. 12, 13, 13, and 14; A. 14, 15, 18, and 18. Strongylura timucu, according to the two specimens at hand, differs from S. marina principally in having larger scales {marina having about 325 in a lateral series, 38 under base of dorsal, and 66 from origin of anal to base of caudal), which are present on both cheek and opercle (missing on opercle in marina}. Furthermore, the ventral fins apparently are inserted farther back, being more than twice as far from base of pectorals as from origin of anal, whereas in marina they generally are exactly twice as far from base of pectorals as from origin of anal. Dr. Longley stated : "This is by far the slightest of the three Tortugas species recognized. The dermal keels on the sides of the caudal peduncle render the body, of the young at least, of more nearly uniform width throughout their length than the others. There is no marked inequality in the development of the lobes of the caudal as in raphidoma." In another entry he said that these two species may be distinguished readily in the water by the difference in the shape of the body and tail. Furthermore, timucu has a longer and thinner bill, and no spots on the sides, which sometimes are present in raphidoma. According to Breder (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 435, 1932, p. 7), the speci- mens from Tortugas, examined by me, probably are S. ardeola. As understood by Breder, timucu, which he also listed from Tortugas, has a longer dorsal fin (17 rays) and a lower, wider head, the width exceeding the depth, whereas in ardeola the depth exceeds the width. Breder stated also that the specimens listed 1 94 1 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 2 Q as Tylosurus marinus by Gudger (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 391, 1929, p. 157) were either timucu or longleyi. Florida Keys and southward, probably to Brazil. S. F. H. Strongylura raphidoma (Ranzani). Houndfish This species is referred to in Dr. Longley's notes as one of the two common ones (the other being marina = timucu) seen around the Laboratory dock. As many as 34 young ones were taken at one time. Fin-ray counts appearing in the notes, based on at least 8 specimens, are: D. 21 to 24; A. 19 to 22. Two specimens from Tortugas at hand have D. 21 and 22; A. 20 and 21. Dorsal fin posteriorly much higher in young than in adult, over- lapping caudal in small fish. Dorsal and anal opposite each other; lower lobe of caudal notably longer than upper. Scales very small, about 350 in a lateral series. The color of a dead specimen is described as greenish above, silvery on side; pectoral greenish; anal and ventrals with little or no pigment. Other fish, as seen in the water, were greenish above, with silvery sides. The young, about 125 mm. in length, have fifteen to eighteen brown blotches on the side, which are distinct from each other when such fish are placed in a white dish, but confluent in a lateral dark stripe in a black dish. Dr. Longley made the following interesting note: "At the dock I noticed raphidoma giving an exhibition of its interesting play. Five or six specimens were jumping over a piece of floating paper. Sometimes one would go back and forth quickly as many as three times. Sometimes one would put its snout slowly above the paper and then quickly glide across it; more usually they would make a clear leap. One caught its beak in water after leaping and turned somersault (appar- ently accidentally). This morning fish were jumping across a floating feather, and two larger fish were jumping across the floating body of a fish of their own species." A female, 446 mm. long, in spawning condition, was taken from the stomach of a shark on July 5, 1929. This species grows large. I have a record (field notes) of one 125 cm. long from Beaufort, North Carolina. From the middle Atlantic states southward probably to Brazil. S. F. H. Strongylura acus (Lacepede) No mention of this species was found in Dr. Longley's notes. Breder (Car- negie Inst. Wash. Pub. 435, 1932, p. 14) stated in part, "Mature specimens of this species are to be found at the Tortugas in early July as small as 650 mm. in standard length." The development of the beak and tail is illustrated, and the color of the young up to about 30 mm. in length is described by Breder. West Indies and occasionally northward. S. F. H. Ablennes hians (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Only the following was found in Dr. Longley's notes: "Took Athlennes hians in night fishing south of Tortugas." There are no specimens in the collection. This species, which is the only one in its genus, is readily recognized by the 30 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv compressed body, its sides being nearly vertical. The dorsal has about 24 rays, and the anal 25. North Carolina, probably to Brazil; also reported from the Pacific. S. F. H. Family HEMIRAMPHIDAE. Halfbeaks Hemiramphus brasiliensis (Linnaeus) One of the predominantly green and silver surface fishes of open water, often swimming in small schools. It may be identified at a distance by the reddish upper caudal lobe. Not rare among scraps from the tern rookery, where a packet of 2 and one of 3 were found all similarly oriented, closely adhering, and lying as they were dropped by birds feeding their young, reflecting the fish's gregarious habit. All fresh specimens were taken at the surface, about a submerged light at night, in the local 10-fathom channels and in 8 to 12 fathoms west or south of Loggerhead Key. Florida to Brazil. W. H. L. Hyporhamphus unifasciatus (Ranzani) This species apparently is not mentioned in Dr. Longley's notes. His collection contains a juvenile, however, 39 mm. long from tip of upper jaw to base of caudal. Because of its immaturity and faded condition the specific identification is somewhat uncertain. Those characters that can be checked are correct for this species. The dorsal, which begins slightly in advance of the anal, has 16 rays, the anal 15. These counts are rather too high for Hemiramphus brasiliensis, which has 13 rays in the dorsal and only 11 in the anal in the single specimen in the Tortugas collection. This juvenile, though greatly faded, has four dark bars on the side, the first being under the tip of the pectoral and the last at the origin of the anal. The bars are regarded as juvenile characters, which the adult does not possess. Breder (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 435, 1932, p. 20) stated, "A species nearly as common as the preceding [Hemiramphus brasiliensis}, along the Florida Keys." Both coasts of America, on the Atlantic from about Rhode Island to Brazil. S.F.H. Euleptorhamphus velox Poey Seen occasionally to spring up beneath a boat's bow and skitter over the water on its side with head elevated, body flexed, and tail fluttering. It is not uncom- mon about Tortugas, as 40 or more have been noticed in waste from the tern rookeries. In 12 specimens examined, the dorsal had twice 21, four times 22, and six times 23 rays; the anal, similarly, had once 20, six times 22, and twice 23 rays. The type examined in the Museum of Comparative Zoology (no. 8779) had 22 rays in the dorsal and the same number in the anal. West Indies and northward in the Gulf Stream. W. H. L. i 94 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS ^ Family EXOCOETIDAE. Flying Fishes A fairly full account, with key, of the flying fishes, based on a study made principally at Tortugas, is given by C. M. Breder (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 435, 1932, p. 24) for each of the three species known from that vicinity. Breder's nomenclature has been followed. S. F. H. Parexocoetus mesogaster (Bloch) 1 The commonest of Tortugas flying fishes, and the most abundantly repre- sented fish in the waste, and presumably in the food, of the Bird Key tern colony. Information concerning its habits and development may be found in Breder's paper to which reference is made above. W. H. L. Dr. Longley did not find the opportunity to prepare a color description which he evidently intended to add, as shown by a marginal note. Only the following appears among his field data: "Dorsal surface to line of level of lower pectoral base indigo blue. Iris, cheek, pectoral base, sides, and belly gleaming silver. Pec- torals transparent with only a suggestion of blue." Caribbean Sea, sometimes straying northward and southward. S. F. H. Halocypselus evolans (Linnaeus) 2 Dr. Longley mentions in his field notes "a single specimen found by C. M. Breder among several thousand of the common flying fishes (Parexocoetus mesogaster and Cypselurus jurcatus) from Bird Key, where they had been dropped by terns breeding there." Breder (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 435, 1932, p. 22) stated that this species was seen in flight occasionally between Key West and Tortugas, Florida, and con- tinued: "The only specimens from the latter locality were found as fragments left by the terns of Bird Key." This flying fish seems to be allied to Parexocoetus mesogaster, at least in that the ventral fins are not greatly enlarged, as in Cypselurus jurcatus. It differs from the former notably in having longer pectorals, which reach beyond the end of the dorsal base. It differs from both in having the ventrals inserted nearer the tip of the snout than the base of the caudal. A color plate is included in a publi- cation by Nichols and Breder (Zoologica, vol. 8, no. 7, 1928, p. 427, fig. 172). Caribbean Sea, sometimes straying northward and southward. S. F. H. Cypselurus furcatus (Mitchill) The young were found rather commonly within the lagoon singly or in schools among the drifting Sargassum and Cymodocea. Fragments of this species were abundant also in the waste of the Bird Key tern colony. 1 Recently it has been found that mesogaster is not available for any Parexocoetus. It accordingly becomes P. brachypterus Richardson (see Breder, Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 6, art. 5, 1938, pp. 16-28). — S. F. H. 2 Anton Bruun ("Flying Fishes [Exocoetidae] of the Atlantic," Dana Rept. No. 6, 1935, p. 28) referred this species to Exocoetus volitans Linnaeus, a procedure followed by Breder (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 6, art. 5, 1938, p. 30).— S. F. H. o 2 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv The habits and development of the species are discussed by C. M. Breder (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 435, 1932, p. 22). At something less than half adult length, when the pattern is sharpest, three bands are carried across both body and ventral fins. The sections of the bands on body and fins correspond perfectly, although there is no direct physical continuity between the body and fins, except in the first one. This is another example of the general truth that the pattern is spread upon the bodies of fishes as a whole, without reference to the relations of underlying structures. W. H. L. Color plates of a young and an adult are shown by Nichols and Breder (Nat. Hist., vol. 28, no. 1, 1928, pp. 64-77; Zoologica, vol. 8, no. 7, 1928, pp. 423-448). Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, sometimes straying northward. S. F. H. Family MACROURIDAE. Rattails Bathygadus favosus Goode and Bean A single specimen, about 215 mm. (caudal damaged) long, is contained in the Tortugas collection. Although there are no data with the specimen, a "Macrourus" is listed in Dr. Longley's field notes, taken in 200 to 253 fathoms, south of Tortugas, described as having "a large mouth" and being "at least 9 inches long," which seems to be the one in hand. This imperfect specimen agrees fairly well with 2 paratypes from the Gulf of Mexico, except that the eye in the Tortugas example seems to be larger, agreeing in that respect with Bathygadus vaillanti Roule and Angel (Resul. camp, sci., Poiss., vol. 86, 1933, p. 63, pi. 3, fig. 30). The pectoral fin obviously is longer than is indicated in Goode and Bean's figure (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, p. 420, fig. 352) , wherein, however, it agrees with one of the paratypes of B. favosus, which has an apparently unbroken fin. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the Tortugas speci- men: Head in total length about 5.0; depth 7.0. Eye in head 3.6; snout damaged,, about 3.6. First D. 11; P. 12; V. 8; gill rakers on lower limb of first arch, 20. Deep water off Martinique; now reported for the first time from Florida. S.F.H. Chalinura occidentalis (Goode and Bean) This macrourid is listed as the "common sort" by Dr. Longley, as many as 20 on one occasion and 15 on another having been taken in one haul, in 140 to 283 fathoms. The body is moderately deep and compressed, and differs from most other species of the family in the Tortugas collection in the position of the vent, which is close behind the base of the ventral fins, much nearer to this point than to the origin of the anal. The ventrals are inserted well in advance of the pectorals, and thus somewhat in advance of the opercular margin. Goode and Bean's statement (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 8, 1885, p. 597) that the ventrals are inserted under the middle of the first dorsal, which is where the anal begins, was probably a slip- of the pen. i 94 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 33 First D. 14, 2 specimens counted (Goode and Bean gave only 11) ; P. 17; V. 8. Gill rakers very short and thick, and beset with spinules, 7 on lower limb of first arch. Head in total length 6.0; depth 7.2 to 7.8; distance from snout to origin of first dorsal 5.1 to 5.3. Eye in head 3.3 to 3.5; snout 3.7 to 4.1; interorbital 4.1 to 4.5; pectoral 1.8. General color brownish; abdomen and branchiostegal membranes dusky to black; distal part of first dorsal and axil of pectoral dusky. In deep water off the south Atlantic states and in the Caribbean Sea. S. F. H. Macrourus holotrachys Giinther Five specimens, ranging in length from 170 to 190 mm., are in the Tortugas collection. Though without definite data, the specimens quite certainly were taken in the deep channel south of Tortugas at a depth somewhere between 140 and 393 fathoms. This material seems to fit Gunther's description and figures (Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 5, vol. 2, 1878, p. 24) fairly well, though the species apparently has not been recorded off the North American coast. This species is characterized chiefly by the high number of ventral rays (9), and by 3 spiny prominences on the margin of the snout, a large central one and a smaller one on each side. The vent is near the base of the ventrals, being much nearer to these fins than to the origin of the anal. A few discrepancies between Gunther's description and the specimens at hand are evident. Giinther stated that the snout was as long as the eye, whereas in the Tortugas material it is shorter than the eye. He also stated that the origin of the second dorsal was behind the first dorsal scarcely the length of the base of the first. I am unable to find any rays or stumps of rays nearer than about twice the length of the base of the first dorsal in the somewhat damaged specimens at hand. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the 4 specimens in the collection: Head in total length 5.75 to 6.25; depth 7.0 to 8.0. Eye in head 2.5 to 3.1; snout 3.4 to 3.7, its projection beyond tip of lower jaw 3.5 to 3.8; inter- orbital 4.6 to 5.2. D. about 124 to 150; A. about 100; P. 19 to 21 ; V. 9. Color mostly brownish; abdomen, opercle, and lower parts of head dusky; orbit margined with a black line; anterior rays of first dorsal distally black. Deep water off the mouth of the Rio Plata, now for the first time from Florida. S.F.H. Coelorhynchus carminatus (Goode) This species is listed as the "rough rattail" by Dr. Longley. It apparently is as common as Chalinura occidentalis, with which it often was taken. Many speci- mens were caught in 180 to 393 fathoms. It is recognized by the extremely rough scales, the free parts of which are covered with sharp spines; margin of snout and ridges of the head also rough, with spinules; snout depressed, projecting nearly its full length beyond mouth, flat or even slightly concave underneath; 2d dorsal spine perfectly smooth; 2d ray 34 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv (spine) of first dorsal fully as long as 3d and 4th, its length equal to eye and snout; ventral filament, attached to outer ray of fin, reaching a little beyond origin of anal. General color gray; first dorsal crossed by a black bar at about mid-length; black saddle on back, under and behind tips of rays of dorsal, the latter missing in the largest specimen (235 mm.); axil of pectoral black; inside of gill covers dusky; peritoneum black. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 2 specimens, 175 and 235 mm. long: Head in total length 4.1 to 4.6; depth 4.9 to 6.5. Eye in head 3.1 to 3.5; snout 3.0 to 3.9, its projection beyond lower jaw 3.5 to 3.8; interorbital 4.65; pectoral 1.9; ventral 2.8 to 3.2. D. 10-73 to 7^; A. 85 to 90; P. 17; V. 7. The rays in the second dorsal and in the anal become so short and indefinite pos- teriorly that the counts given should not be considered accurate. Gulf Stream, south to the Caribbean Sea. S. F. H. Hymenocephalus sp. A single damaged specimen, about 200 mm. long, and fragments of two others belonging to the genus Hymenocephalus are in the collection. One of these specimens was taken in 357 to 392 fathoms and the others in 430 fathoms. I am unable to identify this material with any known species. Because of the unsatis- factory condition of the specimens it does not seem advisable to attempt to found a new species on them. The specimens apparently are nearest to H. cavernosus, paratypes of which were compared with the Tortugas material. The caudal part of the body seems to be more robust in the Tortugas specimen; the 2d dorsal spine, though broken, seems to be longer; and the ventral rays are more numer- ous (13, whereas H. cavernosus has n). The skull is equally cavernous; the teeth in both jaws are in bands, the outer ones in the upper jaw being somewhat en- larged; and the position of the fins and the color apparently are identical. The following proportions and enumerations, exclusive of that of the ventral, are based on the single specimen in good enough condition to be measured. Even this specimen is in three pieces, with ventrals missing, and the second dorsal and anal so broken and mutilated that an enumeration of the rays is impossible: Head in total length 6.2; depth 6.6. Eye in head 2.7; snout 4.5; interorbital 4.6; pectoral 1.45. Distance from tip of snout to origin of first dorsal in total length 4.9; distance from tip of snout to origin of anal 3.35. First D. 12; P. 13 to 15; V. 13. Concerning one of these specimens Dr. Longley wrote: "Mouth undershot; first dorsal spine smooth; body iridescent." The large mouth is nearly horizontal; the maxillary reaches about opposite the posterior margin of the pupil; and the free part of the scales is covered with spines. S. F. H. Family BREGMACEROTIDAE Bregmaceros atlanticus Goode and Bean The collection contains 6 specimens, 42 to 58 mm. long, all from south of Bird Key, from muddy bottom: 4 from 20 fathoms, 1 from 30, and 1 from 40 fathoms. i 94 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 35 Concerning these specimens Dr. Longley wrote: "The species has an adipose eyelid, and it has a ventral groove, extending back from the ventral fins to the anal, into which the ventral fins fold with their tips continuing beyond the origin of the anal in grooves on either side of the fin. Their silvery lateral stripes with slight pigmentation over dorsal side suggest a pelagic habit. But the great (long, narrow, feeler-like) ventrals, and the fact that these fish are caught in dredges, seem to indicate life on the bottom." Dr. Longley described another specimen, 62 mm. long, as having the teeth in lower jaw biserial, inner ones enlarged; those in upper jaw also biserial, but outer ones enlarged; all depressible, close-set canines. The species is recognized by its hairlike ray at occiput, and by the long dorsal and anal (D. 46=!= ; A. 43±), with anterior lobes of each higher, and both in a scaly groove. Caudal emarginate; scales large, cycloid. Slight pigmentation above, and a suggestion of a silvery lateral stripe. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 3 specimens, respectively 43, 56, and 58 mm. long: Head 6.0, 5.9, 6.0; depth 6.3, 5.9, 6.0; dorsal filament 4.5, 4.9, 4.5; ventral filament 2.1, 1.9, 2.0. Eye in head 3.0, 3.4, 3.3; snout 6.0, 5.2, 5.2; interorbital 6.0, 4.9, 5.5; pectoral 1.4, 1.4, 1.25. D. 1-46, 1-49, 1-47; A. 47, 47, 46; P. 16, 14, 15; V. 1, 5 (1st or outer ray entirely separate from the others) ; scales 64, 64, 65. The dorsal and anal fins, though with short rays fol- lowing the moderately high anterior lobes, are continuous, in agreement with Goode and Bean's figure (Ocean. Ichthyol, 1S95, p. 388, fig. 331), and not divided as seems to be indicated in their description, an error apparently copied by other writers. West Indies; now recorded from Florida for the first time. S. F. H. Family GADIDAE. Codfishes, Hakes, etc. Gadella maraldi (Risso) Dr. Longley listed 13 specimens of this species, taken in 180 to 283 fathoms, of which 5, ranging in length from 95 to 170 mm., are at hand. He questioned the identity of the American specimens with the European ones. The fish agree fairly well with the descriptions of European material, except that the head and body seem to be more compressed, though proportionately not deeper. To settle the question, direct comparison of European and American specimens, which is not possible at this time, apparently would be necessary. This species was recorded from the island of Nevis in the West Indies by Goode and Bean (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, p. 367), from a single poor specimen which apparently is the only one of the species reported from American waters. It supposedly was deposited in the U. S. National Museum, but cannot be found at this time. Goode and Bean's figure 320 seems to represent another species, as the body is shown much too deep for maraldi, the dorsal fin as continuous in- stead of divided, and the ventral fins much too short and without filaments. Head and body considerably deeper than broad; mouth large, oblique, with lower jaw included but scarcely shorter than upper; maxillary reaching about opposite posterior margin of pupil; teeth moderately large and pointed, in a 36 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv single irregular series anteriorly in upper jaw, and in two indefinite series pos- teriorly; lower jaw with indication of more than one series anteriorly, but only one posteriorly; origin of first dorsal over or a little behind vertical from base of pectoral; the two dorsals scarcely separated, last rays of first fin notably shorter than first rays of second fin; dorsal and anal well separated from the round caudal; anal fin similar to dorsal, though not quite as high, its origin being only about an eye's diameter behind origin of first dorsal; pectoral fins inserted some- what below middle of side, rather long and pointed, the longest rays being equal to or in some specimens somewhat longer than head without snout; ventrals inserted about under posterior margin of preopercle, 2d ray longest, filamentous, reaching somewhat beyond origin of anal. The color of fresh specimens is described by Dr. Longley as bluish above and blue-black below. In preserved material the chest, the abdomen, and a stripe on each side of the anterior two-thirds of the anal are black; the rest of the fish brownish; tongue and roof of mouth each with a characteristic anchor-shaped black mark; anchor on tongue covering tip, with stalk directed backward; the one on roof of mouth involving vomer, with stalk of anchor running backward on median line; peritoneum black. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 3 specimens, re- spectively 115, 155, and 170 mm. long: Head 4.2, 4.3, 4.5; depth 6.0, 5.5, 5.9. Eye in head 4.0, 3.75, 3.8; snout 4.5, 4.2, 4.25; interorbital 5.0, 4.6, 4.7; maxillary 1.9, 2.0, 1.9; pectoral 1.4, 1.2, 1.3; ventral ?, 1.9, 1.8. D. 55, 60, 55; A. 54, 60, 55; P. 25, 23, 22; V. 5, 5, 5. Southern Europe, West Indies, and Florida, if European and American fish are identical. S. F. H. Laemonema Giinther, 1862 This genus differs from Phycis and Urophycis, to which it is closely related, in the short first dorsal, which is composed of only 5 or 6 rays. Contrary to the description of the genus, the narrow filamentous ventrals, at least in Laemonema barbatulum , are composed of 2 closely joined rays, instead of 1. S. F. H. Laemonema barbatulum Goode and Bean Apparently rather common in deep water south of Tortugas, as Dr. Longley listed 89 specimens, 130 to 275 mm. long, taken in 98 to 315 fathoms. Dr. Longley described the color of a fresh specimen as gray, and only slightly darker above than below; a faint dark line on side back from eye; filament of first dorsal, margin of second dorsal, posterior third of caudal, and border of anal black. Ten specimens, 130 to 178 mm. long, are in the collection. Little variation is evident. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 3 specimens, respectively 130, 165, and 178 mm. long: Head 4.6, 4.6, 4.6; depth 5.8, 4.6, 4.6; distance from tip of snout to dorsal 4.1, 4.4, 4.0; dorsal filament 3.3, 3.25, 3.4. Eye in head 3.1, 3.0, 3.3; snout 3.8, 3.9, 4.1; interorbital 6.6, 6.6, 7.0; maxillary 6.6, 6.6, i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 37 7.0; pectoral 1.3, 1.3, 1.5; ventral 1.3, 1.3, 1.5. D. 5-58, 5-54, 5-58; A. 52, 53, 57; P. 18, 18, 19; V. 2, 2, 2; scales about 150; gill rakers 12, 14, 13. Gulf Stream. S. F. H. Phycis Rose, 1793 Dr. Longley used the generic names Phycis and Urophycis in his notes, pre- sumably following the Chec\ list by Jordan, Evermann, and Clark (1930). I am letting Dr. Longley 's nomenclature stand, though I do not think that splitting the older genus, Phycis, is justifiable, as already stated by Hildebrand and Cable (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 48, no. 24, 1938, p. 612, footnote). For notes on the development and structure of the ventral fins see the paper just cited. S.F. H. Phycis cirratus Goode and Bean Dr. Longley listed 14 specimens, varying in length from 150 to 350 mm., taken south of Tortugas in 60 to 197 fathoms. He has the following note: "In color in all respects conforming to description of Goode and Bean (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, p. 358), except that the dusky stripe on snout (homologous with lower stripe in regius) is a little more pronounced. Peritoneum black." Two specimens from Tortugas are at hand. They seemingly agree almost per- fectly with the type, with which they have been compared. The rather long, low first dorsal, which is scarcely higher than the second dorsal and bears no fila- ment; the low anal, only about half as high as the dorsal; the narrow pectorals, which fail to reach the origin of the anal by more than an eye's diameter; and the small number of gill rakers are useful in distinguishing this species from related ones. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 2 specimens, 150 and 275 mm. long: Head 4.2, 3.9; depth 5.8, 4.9; ventral filament 2.25, 2.6. Eye in head 4.1, 4.8; snout 5.8, 4.5; interorbital (bone) 8.0, 7.9; pectoral 1.3, 1.6. D. 10-66, 11-60; A. 60, 51; P. 15, 14; scales lost, about 90 pockets; gill rakers 11, 10. Deep water of Gulf of Mexico. S. F. H. Urophycis regius (Walbaum) Dr. Longley listed 19 specimens, 168 to 350 mm. long, taken in 60 to 283 fathoms. No examples of this common northern form were found in the col- lection. It is recognized by the low and rather short first dorsal, which has no filament, is largely black margined with white, and has 8 or 9 rays; by the moderately large scales (89 to 97 in lateral series) ; by the rather numerous gill rakers (13 or 14 on lower limb of first arch) ; by the very short chin barbel, which does not exceed in length the pupil of the eye; and by the lateral line's being situated in a black streak, which is interrupted at intervals by white spots. This hake apparently does not occur in shallow water at Tortugas, though common along the shores in bays and estuaries from New York to North Carolina, where it also occurs in deep water. According to records at hand this ^g PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv species previously was recorded no farther south than off the coast of South Carolina, at 32 43' 25" N., 77° 20' 30" W., in 233 fathoms. S. F. H. Urophycis chesteri (Goode and Bean) Dr. Longley listed 29 specimens, 250 to 300 mm. long, taken in 135 to 315 fathoms. There is no representative of this species in his collection. The one so labeled is obviously Phycis cirratus, a very different species, indicating that labels became mixed. This species is recognized by the very long filament of the 3d ray of the first dorsal, which in the type reaches to the beginning of the last fourth of the second dorsal; by the very long ventral filament, which fails to reach the end of the anal by only a little more than an eye's diameter; by the moderate number of scales (about 90) in a lateral series; and by the rather numerous gill rakers (16 on lower limb of first arch). The occurrence of this common northern species at Tortugas is interesting, as it apparently had not previously been recorded farther south than off the coast of North Carolina, at 34° 35' 30" N., 75° 45' 30"' W., in 32 fathoms. S.F.H. Family MERLUCCIIDAE. Hakes Merluccius bilinearis (Mitchill) This common northern fish of both shallow and deep water occurs only in deep water southward. Dr. Longley listed many specimens, ranging from 120 to 535 mm. in length, taken in 140 to 392 fathoms. Dr. Longley was of the opinion that the Tortugas specimens might represent a southern subspecies, because of the fewer fin-rays. He listed the counts for 7 specimens, giving the following results: D. 12-37, I: "37' I2 ~3^> 13-37, I2 ~39> II_ 39> 11-37; A. 37, 37, 37, 36, 38, 37, 36. I counted rays in 7 specimens from Massachu- setts and Rhode Island, reaching the following results: D. 12-38, 12-41, 13-39, 13-38, 12-38, 12-39, 12-39; A- 39) 4°? 4°» 4 1 ' 4 1 ) 4°> 39- A somewhat lower count for the Tortugas fish is evident for these small samples. Many more specimens will have to be examined critically and many counts will have to be made, how- ever, to establish the exact relationship. The food found in the few stomachs that retained any consisted of squids and fish vertebrae. Newfoundland to the Bahamas and Tortugas, Florida. S. F. H. Order HETEROSOMATA. Flounders; Flatfishes It is evident from that part of the work more or less completed by Dr. Longley that he intended to use the nomenclature of Norman, Flatfishes {Heterosomata), vol. 1, 1934, at least in so far as the families and genera are concerned. This pro- cedure has been carried out by me. S. F. H. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 39 Family BOTHIDAE The flounders of this family normally have the eyes and color on the left side. It includes about 21 genera, mostly from tropical and temperate seas. S. F. H. Paralichthys squamilentus Jordan and Gilbert Six specimens, the largest 415 mm. long, were taken south of Tortugas in 45 to no fathoms. D. 75 to 79; A. 56 to 62; gill rakers on lower limb of first arch 9 or 10. South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of United States. W. H. L. Paralichthys oblongus (Mitchill) Fourteen specimens of this northern species up to the length of 290 mm. were taken south of Tortugas. Only 1 specimen was taken below 220 fathoms, and one doubtfully from within the no-fathom line. Apparently previously recorded only from the coast of the United States, from New York northward. W. H. L. Ancylopsetta dilecta (Goode and Bean) Six specimens 195 to 285 mm. in length were taken: 5 in 80 to 100 fathoms, and the 6th between 65 and 125 fathoms. One specimen had D. 70; A. 55; scales in lateral line 83, with 32 of these in the arch; gill rakers 3 + 8. Color light gray, finely and freely spotted with brown; with three large ocelli the size of the eye. Gulf Stream. W. H. L. Gastropsetta frontalis B. A. Bean Two specimens, 90 to 115 mm. long, were dredged in 10 fathoms west of White Shoal, and another, 145 mm. long, south of Tortugas in 50 fathoms. D. 60 to 63; A. 49 to 50. Gill rakers short and broad, longest scarcely one- quarter long diameter of pupil, only about 4 on lower limb of first arch; scales small, embedded, cycloid, about 120 with pores in lateral line to base of caudal; anterior rays of dorsal elongate and greatly exserted, but neither "singularly branched" nor failing in their basal connection with one another by the fin mem- brane. Ground color of a yellow cast, flecked with circular blue spots; somewhat smaller blue spots with dark blue centers scattered profusely on fins; three ocellated spots, two toward dorsal, one toward ventral side; the three incorpo- rated by enclosing blue lines in a figure mothlike in outline; head crossed by narrow transverse dashes of blue, five on the eyes, of which the anterior and posterior turn toward the anterior and posterior margins of the pupils. Florida. W. H. L. 40 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Syacium Ranzani, 1840 The two Tortugas species of Syacium apparently are not separable from a single feature, but on the basis of multiple characters they are distinguishable without difficulty. Syacium papillosum attains the larger size, generally is more slender, shows sexual dimorphism in color not shown by S. gunteri, has more accessory scales than S. gunteri at the same size, and usually has the larger number of scales in the lateral line, and a greater number of dorsal and anal rays. Of S. papillosum, in a sample of 99 from Tortugas, 1 specimen has fewer than 84 dorsal rays, but of S. gunteri, in a sample of 31, only 1 specimen has more than 84. Approximately 50 per cent of the species first named have 86 to 88 dorsal rays, and 50 per cent of the second have 78 to 80 dorsal rays (see tables). Depth of body in standard length 2.2 to 2.4 in S. papillosum, and 1.8 to 2.0 in S. gunteri; scales in lateral line about 50 to 56 in S. papillosum and 44 to 51 in S. gunteri. W. H. L. Syacium papillosum (Linnaeus) Very common in 10-fathom channels, also in slightly deeper water to the east of Bush Key and Bird Key reef; abounding at the depth of 40 fathoms, south of Tortugas, extending its range to 60 fathoms. Males (at Tortugas) are not white on the blind side but more or less cinereous, at about 150 mm. in length and upward. Half-grown males and older ones differ besides from females by having before the right eye two parallel lines of blue running toward the tip of the snout, though the one nearest the dorsal outline is blotted out anteriorly on the blind side. Much more confusing is the fact that both sexes vary greatly in appearance, as the surroundings vary from which they come. Off gray muddy bottom in 40 to 60 fathoms they are nearly plain gray, but from the more brilliantly illuminated bottom in 10 to 15 fathoms they vary in ground color from cream-buff to drab and are highly variegated.' The pattern, however, is rather constant, including three dusky areas along the lateral line (the foremost just before its point of inflection, the anterior margin of the next equidistant from tips of snout and tail, the last just before base of caudal peduncle; the first nearly circular, the second and third more extended respectively in the transverse and long axes); body also with many circular pale spots with dark centers; almost a score of pale spots on median fins; body and fins also with many minute dark dots; pectoral fin crossed by three bars. In the belief that the color of this species is "nearly plain brown, with darker dots or mottlings, no ringlike spots or ocelli," some students have assigned to Syacium micrurum specimens really belonging to S. papillosum. The food consists largely of small crustaceans. West Indies to Florida. W. H. L. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 41 TABLE 3 Range of variation of dorsal and anal rays in 99 specimens of Syacium papillosum (Column 1 gives number of dorsal rays; column 2, distribution of anal rays for number of dorsal rays shown in column 1; column 3, number of specimens having number of anal rays given in column 2. It is evident that in this species, as in S. gunteri, the specimens having the highest number of dorsal rays also tend to have a higher average number of anal rays.) 1 2 3 1 2 3 83 68 1 88 67 68 5 2 84 63 1 69 7 65 1 70 6 66 4 68 1 89 66 67 1 2 85 65 1 68 3 66 1 69 4 67 7 70 4 68 1 90 69 1 86 65 66 1 1 71 3 67 4 91 70 2 68 9 72 2 69 3 70 1 92 71 1 87 64 67 68 69 70 71 1 ■ 7 4 4 2 1 > Syacium gunteri Ginsbur Syacium gunteri Ginsburg, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 82, 1933, p. 7 — 12 miles SE. of Barataria Light, Louisiana. Syacium longleyi Norman, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 10, vol. 12, 1933, p. 201 — off Breton Island, Louisiana. Not uncommon in the 10-fathom channels; taken also in 13 to 14 fathoms east of Bush Key and Bird Key reef, and as many as 31 in a single haul in 40 fathoms. The largest observed was 165 mm. long. The female is distinguishable from the male at 68 mm. and upward in length by the postanal extension of the coelomic cavity. The pectoral rays of the ocular side in the male are somewhat prolonged and filamentous, and the width of the 4 2 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY VOL. XXXIV interorbital space at ioo mm. and upward in length exceeds by half that of the female of the same size. The range in number of fin rays overlaps that of Syacium papillosum, but the species are readily separable. (See tables 3 and 4.) They differ even to touch, S. gunteri being the harsher, because of a minute difference in the ciliation of its scales on the colored side. TABLE 4 Range of variation of dorsal and anal rays in 31 specimens of Syacium gunteri (Column 1 gives number of dorsal rays; column 2, distribution of anal rays for number of dorsal rays shown in column 1; and column 3, number of specimens having number of anal rays given in column 2. It is evident from the table that the specimens having the largest number of dorsal rays also have the largest average number of anal rays.) 1 2 3 1 2 3 75 62 1 81 60 62 76 62 1 63 77 61 1 82 64 62 3 65 78 60 1 83 65 62 1 66 63 2 84 61 79 60 62 1 1 67 63 2 85 66 1 80 61 62 63 64 65 1 1 3 1 1 There is considerable variation in shade in freshly caught specimens, and the color pattern is more distinctly defined in some than in others, but it is basically the same in all. When it is well defined, two-score ocellate and unocellate dark nuclei on body and fins may be easily picked out, which are clearly homologous with those of S. papillosum. Gulf of Mexico. W. H. L. Cyclopsetta fimbriata (Goode and Bean) Nine specimens, up to 280 mm. in length, were taken in four hauls at depths from 10 fathoms on the west side of White Shoal to 65 fathoms south of Tor- tugas. The fin-ray formulas of two examples are, D. 84, 86; A. 61, 65. The 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS *■> mottling on iris and sclerotic is of the same order as on the skin about the eye, and extends under the margin of the opaque skin a distance equal to long diameter of pupil. Gulf of Mexico. W. H. L. Citharichthys arctifrons Goode More than 200 specimens, up to about 100 mm., were taken in ten hauls in 54 to 246 fathoms. The range is undetermined, as the haul at the greatest depth mentioned ended in 144 fathoms. This fish lives at greater depths, however, than Citharichthys cornutus. D. 81 to 84; A. 65 to 68 in 2 specimens; depth 2.6 to 2.8; prominent spine at proximal end of maxillary of left side, of which no mention is made in the original description; knob at mandibular symphysis. The sexes are distinguishable by the presence in the female of a postanal ex- tension of the coelomic cavity containing the ovaries, which is distinctly visible through the translucent tissue. Gulf Stream. W. H. L. Citharichthys cornutus (Gunther) Rhomboidichthys cornutus Gunther, Challenger rept., Zool., vol. 1, 1880, p. 7, pi. 2, fig. B— Brazil. Citharichthys unicornis Goode, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 3, 1880, p. 342 — Gulf Stream SE. of New England. Rather common; sometimes 50 or more were taken together in 44 to some- what less than 100 fathoms; apparently most abundant near 65 fathoms. The largest obtained was only a little more than 90 mm. long. D. 75 to 79; A. 60 to 62 in 6 specimens; scales in lateral line 40 to 41 ; depth 2.1 to 2.2, not "slightly less than its length," as is stated by Goode and Bean (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, p. 444) and repeated by Jordan and Evermann (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 3, 1898, p. 2683). The sexes differ greatly in appearance. Mature males are slightly deeper, with eyes separated by a space equal to long diameter of pupil; with a short spine at mandibular symphysis, 2 before each eye, 1 on end of maxillary, and 1 projecting half diameter of eye beyond contour of body between bases of first and second dorsal rays. In the female the interorbital space is exceedingly narrow, the pre- orbital spines are not developed, and the others are evident only upon close inspection. At a length of about 55 mm. and upward the sexes are separable at a glance, for the postanal extension of the coelomic cavity, marking the female, is then visible externally. Gulf Stream. W. H. L. Citharichthys macrops Dresel A single specimen, 145 mm. long, was obtained in the 10-fathom channel east of Loggerhead bank. 44 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv D. 85; A. 66; scales large, thin, on the ocular side very weakly ciliate; scales in lateral line with tubes, about 43 to 45. The type has D. 79; A. 57; a specimen from Albatross station 7271 has D. 81 ; A. 62. The color pattern is a contrastive one of dark spots, some as large as the eye, scattered freely on a white ground. W. H. L. A second specimen, 58 mm. long (standard length 46 mm.), taken west of White Shoal in 7 to 11 fathoms, is doubtfully referred to this species, principally because of its small mouth (approaching therein the genus Etropus) and large head. The following enumerations and proportions are based on this specimen, and on 4 others, including the type, ranging in length to base of caudal from 74 to 135 mm. The ranges of the enumerations and proportions of the additional specimens are enclosed in parentheses. D. 82 (77 to 84) ; A. 63 (57 to 64) ; scales 40, counting oblique series (38 to 41) ; gill rakers 16 (13 to 15). Head 3.4 (3.8 to 4.5); depth 2.2 (1.9 to 2.1). Eye in head 3.4 (3.6 to 4.1); snout 5.8 (5.0 to 6.0); maxillary 3.4 (2.5 to 2.8); caudal peduncle 2.55 (1.75 to 2.2); pectoral of ocular side 1.93 (1.3101.7). It is evident from the foregoing that the small specimen from Tortugas under consideration deviates notably in the proportion of the head and maxillary (which scarcely reaches the pupil, whereas in the other specimens it reaches the middle of the eye), and that it is slightly beyond the limits of the range of the other specimens in several other respects. It also deviates somewhat in color, as the spots are smaller and more regularly placed, being more or less in rows, and the fins, except the caudal, are unspotted. However, much variation in spotting is evident among specimens examined, and may be of no significance. The type, and some specimens taken off the coast of North Carolina, agree with the Tortugas fish in having a fairly definitely pointed caudal fin, whereas the other Florida specimens have a rounded caudal. Norman (Flatfishes, vol. 1, 1934, p. 147, fig. 100) apparently erred in stating that the 1st ray of the dorsal is longer than the succeeding ones, as in all the specimens at hand the immediately succeeding ones are fully as long as the 1st. Because of the rather numerous differences that appear to exist among speci- mens commonly identified as Citharichthys macrops, it may be found, from a more comprehensive study, that more than one species is included. South Atlantic and Gulf coast of the United States. S. F. H. Etropus Jordan and Gilbert, 1881 Parr (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 4, art. 1, 1931) united this genus with Citharichthys, stating that, according to authors, Citharichthys differs from Etropus "only in the very small size of -the mouth and in the correspondingly weak dentition," and that his own observations showed it to be impracticable to base a generic subdivision upon that feature alone. Parr then showed by measure- ments that there is no clear division in the size of the mouth among the species commonly assigned to these two genera, though the differences in the extremes are comparatively great. Norman (Flatfishes, vol. 1, 1934), however, whose 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS ,5 nomenclature of genera has been adopted herein, did not see fit to follow Parr. It is evident from the present study that closely related species differ in the size of the mouth, and that there may be considerable variation within a species (see under C. macrops). S. F. H. Etropus rimosus Goode and Bean Two poorly preserved specimens, 90 and 92 mm. long, without definite data, belong here, as shown by comparison with the type (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 37332). Though the scales on the body are lost, strongly ctenoid ones remain on the snout. The pectoral on the ocular side is notably the larger and longer, a fact not stated in descriptions consulted. The color of preserved specimens is grayish. The only marking evident is an obscure dark blotch in lateral line about an eye's diameter in advance of end of bases of dorsal and anal, which is present also in the type. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the 2 Tortugas specimens: Head 4.35, 4.45; depth 2.0, 2.0; pectoral (ocular side) 4.5, 4.7. Eye in head 3.3, 3.4; snout 6.6, 6.8; maxillary 4.5, 4.6; caudal peduncle 1.85, 2.0. D. 77, 81; A. 61, 62; P. 10, 10 on occular side, 8, 8 on blind side; scales (pockets) 39, 41; gill rakers 6, 6 (only 5 in type). Gulf of Mexico. S. F. H. Trichopsetta ventralis (Goode and Bean) Thirty-three specimens, 89 to 228 mm. long, were taken in nine hauls in 40 to 100 fathoms. D. 89 to 93; A. 70 to 74 in 4 specimens. P. 8 or 9 on blind side, 12 on other side; scales 66 or 67 in 3 specimens. Very delicately colored with palest of gray, faintly tinged with yellow; body and fins dotted sparsely with darker gray, the markings commonly consisting of circles varying from less than size of pupil to size of eye; a larger, darker, and more irregular spot at anterior end of straight part of lateral line. The male is distinguished by the elongated right ventral, and a dark spot on the anterior part of the anal fin. Deep water in Gulf of Mexico. W. H. L. Engyophrys sentus Ginsburg Engyophrys n. sp. Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 30, 1931, p. 386 — Tor- tugas, Florida (listed without description). Engyophrys sentus Ginsburg, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 82, art. 20, 1933, p. 6 — off Dry Tortugas, Florida, in 50 fathoms. About 24 specimens, 75 to 100 mm. long, were taken in 43 to 65 fathoms. In 5 examined the fin formulas are, D. 73 to 82; A. 60 to 64. In a specimen 100 mm. long, 88 mm. standard length, the head measures 18 mm. (4.9), depth 48 mm. (1.8), and eye 5.0 mm. (3.6 in head). Maxillary short, not reaching eye; teeth in both jaws on blind side only, in single series, small and close-set, inclined inward; none on vomer or palatines; gill rakers very small, 4 to 6 on lower limb of first arch; 3 preorbital spines on left, 2 on right; interorbital ridge narrow, 46 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv with 3 or 4 retrorse spines above and 1 terminating it posteriorly; lateral line on blind side obscure or obsolete, on colored side strongly arched above pectoral, base of arch about one-quarter length of straight part; scales on colored side ctenoid, 51 or 52 in lateral line with pores, cycloid on blind side; pectorals with 11 rays each, tip of the fin on eyed side reaching beyond arch in lateral line. Six males, 80 to 100 mm. in length, have each six black bars on the blind side, the ground color of this side being ashy gray. The eyed side is gray with three dark spots almost equally spaced along the straight part of the lateral line, three smaller ones at bases of dorsal and ventral fins, and an imperfect bar at base of caudal. Two females, 75 to 80 mm. long, show no trace of bars on the under side. Known only from Tortugas. W. H. L. Monolene antillarum Norman Monolene antillarum Norman, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 10, vol. 12, 1933, p. 204 — off Barbados; Flatfishes, vol. 1, 1934, p. 166, fig. 118. Specimens 75 to 170 mm. long were taken very commonly in 85 to 180 fathoms south of Tortugas. W. H. L. The southern specimens were considered identical with the more northern ones, Monolene sessilicauda Goode, until Norman (see citations above) recog- nized them as distinct. The relation seems so close, however, that the southern form probably should be considered only a subspecies. Norman has stated that the body in M. antillarum usually is a little more slender, the head apparently longer, eye larger, and scales fewer. That the differences in all these respects are small is evident from the proportions and counts given by Norman, as well as from those that follow. The following enumerations and proportions are based on Florida specimens, and on a paratype of M. sessilicauda from 40 02' 26" N., 70 22' 58" W. (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 26002). The proportions and enumerations based on the paratype, which is 74 mm. long to base of caudal, are enclosed in parentheses. The other specimens are 97 and 109 mm. long to base of caudal. Head 5.5, 4.6 (4.9) ; depth 2.9, 3.3 (2.8). Eye in head 3.5, 2.8 (3.75) ; snout 5.0, 5.5 (5.3); maxillary 4.0, 3.7 (3.25). D. 96, 97, 100, 102 (103); A. 79, 80, 81, 82 (79); scales 80, 80, 85 (about 90, many scales lost; 92 in original description). The longer maxillary, which reaches the anterior margin of the eye in Florida specimens, whereas it reaches to the pupil in the northern one, is the most evident difference. It is noteworthy also that although the northern specimen is the smallest, its eye is proportionately the smallest. The scales cannot be counted accurately in the paratype of M. sessilicauda, but they appear to be rather smaller, and more numerous on the rays of the dorsal and anal, as well as in the longi- tudinal series. The paratype has approximately 19 rows above the lateral line and approximately 21 below it, whereas the Florida specimens have about 16 above and about 18 below. It is evident that more specimens must be studied to determine the exact rela- tionship. West Indies to Florida. S. F. H. iq 4 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 47 Bothus ocellatus (Agassiz) Rhombus ocellatus Agassiz, in Spix, Pise, brasil., 1831, p. 85, pi. 46 — Brazil. Rhomboidichthys spinosus Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1868, p. 409 — Cuba. Platophrys nebularis Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 7, 1884 (1885), pp. 31, 143 — Key West, Florida. Small specimens were taken in shallow water along sandy shores, and larger ones in 10-fathom channels. Outside the lagoon specimens were taken at depths apparently not exceeding 60 fathoms. TABLE 5 Range of variation of dorsal and anal rays in 86 specimens of Bothus ocellatus (Column 1 gives number of dorsal rays; column 2, distribution of anal rays for number of dorsal rays shown in column 1; column 3, number of specimens having number of anal rays given in column 2. It will be seen that the specimens having the largest number of dorsal rays also tend to have the largest average number of anal rays.) 1 2 3 1 2 3 78 62 1 85 63 64 2 3 79 58 1 65 66 2 1 80 62 4 64 1 86 59 62 1 1 81 60 1 63 2 61 1 64 4 63 2 65 3 64 1 87 63 2 82 60 1 64 3 61 2 65 3 62 3 66 4 63 1 88 65 2 83 61 2 66 2 62 8 67 2 63 2 64 2 89 65 3 65 1 67 1 84 62 63 64 65 2 5 2 2 The range in dorsal rays in 86 specimens from Tortugas is 78 to 89, and in anal rays 58 to 67, as shown in table 5. P. 9 or 10 in a sample of 6. In large males the upper ray of the pectoral is greatly elongated, being twice as long as the second. Males are distinguished, furthermore, by the greater inter- 4 g PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv orbital width, by details of coloration mentioned below, and at about 85 mm. and upward in length, by the nasal spine. The color is readily changeable. Changes occur when the fish are handled, and also in adaptation to the bottom. If transferred from slabs of slate to white sand, or vice versa, readjustment may be completed in 10 to 15 seconds. In dark phases the eyed side is clouded with dark gray, with darker nuclei, including four submarginal ones following the dorsal contour, three similarly following the ventral, and three equally spaced along the straight part of the lateral line. In intermediate phases the ground color is drab with scattered cir- cular and elliptical spots of cream. The light areas are commonly lightest, and the dark ones irregularly darker, at their periphery. In the male the preocular region is streaked with blue lines with dashes of yellow between. If wave motion does not speedily bed the fish by sweeping grains of sand upon it and effacing its outline, the creature does it by a shivering motion. In the bedded fish the eyes may sink within the orbits until they are flush with the general level, or rise till they project to the extent of their full diameter and are all of the fish that remains exposed. Tropical America; Brazil northward to New York. W. H. L. Familv PLEURONECTIDAE The Pleuronectidae normally have the eyes and color on the right side. S. F. H. Poecilopsetta beanii (Goode) This species is common at depths of no to 285 fathoms, but occurs also in 65 fathoms. The fish collected range in length from 73 to 160 mm. The back is freckled with yellow, and has nine white blotches near base of dorsal and eight at base of anal, giving the fish a checkered appearance along the borders; caudal fin with a pair of black spots, each larger than eye; blind side with four longitudinal rows of black spots, half diameter of pupil, most con- spicuous in the transparent young 75 mm. or less in length, but sometimes still recognizable in the largest fish taken. Deep water, from New England to Florida. W. H. L. Family ACHIRIDAE. Broad Soles Nodogymnus williamsoni Gunter Nodogymnus williamsoni Gunter, Copeia, No. 4, 1936, p. 203, figs. 1, 4, 5 — West Pass of Apalachicola Bay, Florida. One specimen 130 mm. long, taken in 50 to 58 fathoms, belongs to this species, as was determined by comparing it with the type. • Dr. Longley has the following data: D. 65; A. 46; P. on ocular side with 2 filamentous rays; lips, tips of rays, margin of operculum, and under side of head fringed; lines of cirri on the latter forming a netted pattern; eyes close together; 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 4 q nostrils at preorbital border, left one opening upward, right one downward. Ground color faintly olivaceous, crossed by brown bands of an average width a little less than long diameter of eye, not quite as wide as the interspaces, and curved backward dorsally and ventrally; seventeen dark bands across mid-line of fish, and three more darker ones on caudal fin; most of the interspaces divided wholly or partly by bars of lighter brown than the main bands; outer face of each eye with horizontal line of brown of width of pupil crossing iris, which has a pattern of radial streaks about it. Little change has taken place in color, which agrees except in minor details with the type. So far as I am able to judge from descriptions, the color con- stitutes the chief diagnostic character. As the fins are enveloped in skin, the rays are rather difficult to count, and the enumerations given in descriptions cannot be relied upon too confidently. In the Tortugas specimen, however, the rays can be counted fairly accurately. It seems significant that, in counts made independently, Dr. Longley enumerated only one more ray in each median fin than I did. I have recounted as carefully as possible, without dissection, the dorsal and anal rays in the type. The anal ray count seems to be correctly given as 47 in the original description, but the dorsal count of "about 70" rays seems too high, as I am able to count only about 60. 1 The following measurements and enumerations are based on the Tortugas specimen and the type. The proportions and counts of the type are enclosed in parentheses. Head 4.8 (5.25); depth 1.7 (1.5). Eye in head 3.8 (4.2); snout 3.2 (3.0); maxillary 3.0 (2.9). D. 64 (about 60); A. 45 (47); P. 2 rudimentary rays on ocular side (represented only by a papilla) ; V. 5 (5). Gulf of Mexico. S. F. H. Family CYNOGLOSSIDAE. Tonguefishes Symphurus diomedeanus (Goode and Bean) One specimen with injured head, 115 mm. long, taken in 80 to 100 fathoms, is at hand. The Tortugas fish was compared with the type, with which it seems to agree fairly well except in color. The differences may be ascribed to age, as the type is a larger specimen, being 150 mm. long. The smaller Tortugas specimen has in- definite dark spots, arranged more or less in longitudinal rows; also indications of dark spots on the posterior fourth or so of the dorsal and anal fins. The type is plain in color, except for several black spots on the posterior parts of the dorsal and anal, which are notably more prominent than in the Tortugas fish. The following enumerations are based on the Tortugas specimen and the type. Those of the type are enclosed in parentheses. D. 91 (96) ; A. 82 (79) ; scales about 100 (about 85). Gulf of Mexico. S. F. H. 1 Since this account was prepared, Gunter (Copeia, No. 4, 1939, p. 188) has described 4 additional specimens. He found that the number of dorsal rays given in the original descrip- tion was too high. Comparisons with related species are made. 50 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Symphurus pusillus (Goode and Bean) Three specimens, 113, 131, and 133 mm. long, taken in 140 to 197 fathoms, and a fourth one, 112 mm. long, without data, are included in the collection. It is not evident, either from descriptions or from the few specimens examined, wherein Symphurus pusillus and S. plagiusa differ. The chief reasons for placing the Tortugas specimens with S. pusillus are, first, that they are from deep water (S. plagiusa supposedly being a shallow-water form), and, second, that the color is in agreement with Goode and Bean's figure (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, p. 461, fig. 379), being very definitely more distinctly barred (having seven or eight black bars) than shallow-water specimens (5. plagiusa) from Beaufort, North Carolina. Depth 3.0 in all 4 specimens. D. 78; A. 67; about 75 oblique series of scales along middle of ocular side in one specimen counted. Of? Atlantic coast of the United States in deep water. S. F. H. Family ZEIDAE. John Dories Zenopsis ocellata (Storer) Dr. Longley listed 1 specimen taken in 80 fathoms, and 3 in 80 to 100 fathoms, but he has the note "Probably pelagic." As the net was not closed when lifted, it is possible that the fish entered at or near the surface. At any rate, the species of this genus generally have been listed as pelagic. The collection includes 4 specimens, 65, 100, 112, and 122 mm. long, which presumably are the same ones listed by Dr. Longley in his field data. As few specimens have been taken of this species, for which no detailed description has been published, and as the European species, Zenopsis conchifer (Lowe), is a rather close relative, it seems advisable to offer a description of the Tortugas material. Fowler (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 86, 1934, p. 358) indeed has placed ocellata in the synonymy of conchifer. Body deep, very strongly compressed; head narrow, with slightly concave upper outline; a ridge over each eye, with a few spines behind eye, and a pair at occiput; spines largest in smallest specimen; mouth rather large, strongly oblique; a pair of spines present on dentary bones near tip of lower jaw, and a prominent one, slightly curved at tip, at base of each dentary bone; gill rakers very short, 9 or 10 somewhat developed on lower limb of first arch; lateral line with high arch anteriorly, longer than straight part; scales wanting; bony plates or bucklers on median line of chest and abdomen and along bases of dorsal and anal fins; small plate with 2 sharp spines situated on isthmus; a second very large one just in front of ventrals, with a very low single median spine, and with a pair of prominent spines posteriorly, directed backward; another single plate between ventrals, and 7 double ones, each with a backward-projecting spine, be- tween ventrals and anal; 4 or 5 more on each side of base of anal, each with a recurved spine; and 6 or 7 similar ones, each with a hooked spine, along base of dorsal. i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS ,-j Spiny and soft-rayed parts of dorsal not entirely separate; soft rays, as well as posterior spines, rather low, anterior spines high, ist to 4th highest, with fila- ments reaching far beyond tip of caudal in smallest specimen, only about opposite beginning of posterior fourth of soft dorsal in one of the larger specimens; margin of caudal straight to slightly concave, not "rounded" as stated in current descriptions; anal spines short and strong, soft part of anal similar to that of dorsal; ventrals large and long, reaching scarcely to origin of anal in the 100- mm. specimen, and opposite 3d anal spine in the 65-mm. one, indicating that these fins decrease in length with age; first 2 rays of ventrals closely adjoined, not readily separable, though apparently counted as 2, a spine and a soft ray, by ichthyologists, and so given in the counts presented below; pectoral fins short and broad, only about as long as snout. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the 4 specimens at hand: Head 2.4 to 2.6; depth 1.3 to 1.5. Eye in head 3.3 to 4.1; snout 2.4 to 2.6; maxillary 2.2 to 2.4; interorbital 5.2 to 5.35; caudal peduncle 7.2 to 8.4; pectoral 2.4 to 2.9; first anal spine 2.8 to 3.8. D. VIII or IX,25 to 28; A. 111,24 to 26 5 P - I2 or 13; V. 1,5 or 6; gill rakers 9 or 10. Dr. Longley noted that the color of fresh specimens was "silvery, spotted." This color has been retained in the preserved specimens. Black to dusky spots, scattered all over body, remain distinct, rather more prominent on smallest speci- men than the others; largest and most distinct spot about an eye's diameter behind upper blunt point on margin of opercle, with a smaller spot a little in advance of it and a little higher on the body scarcely less distinct; each spine surmounting a bony plate along bases of dorsal and anal surrounded at base with black; median line of head with black spots, more or less united to form a streak in one of the larger specimens; lower jaw mostly dusky; the spinous dorsal and the ventrals profusely spotted with black; soft part of dorsal, and anal and pectorals plain; caudal with a more or less distinct bar (two spots, one above and one below, in smallest specimen) at base, then pale, and distally dusky. This species was recorded from the offshore waters of New England, where the type was taken, in 1858. Thereafter no new specimens seem to have been reported until 1913, when J. T. Nichols (Amer. Mus, Jour., vol. 13, p. 44) men- tioned a half-dozen specimens taken on the outer continental shelf at 39° 39' N., 72 07' W. In 1934 Fowler (see reference above) recorded three specimens off Cape May, New Jersey, under the name Zenopsis conchifer. S. F. H. Zenion hololepis (Goode and Bean) Two specimens are listed in Dr. Longley 's field data, presumably the smaller one at hand, about 52 mm. long, having been taken in 220 to 237 fathoms, and the larger one, about 80 mm. long, in 200 to 253 fathoms. These fish, which were described as red when taken, have become pale in spirits. They are in such poor condition now that accurate enumerations and proportional measurements of most parts cannot be made. The dorsal in one specimen definitely has VII,27 rays; its ist spine short, 2d long and strong, a 52 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv little longer than the very large eye; its anterior edge definitely rough; ventral spine fully as long as 2d dorsal, equally rough on outer margin; premaxillaries exceedingly protractile; scales distinct, rather deep, and without free margins. West Indies to Florida in deep water. S. F. H. Family POLYMIXIIDAE. Barbudos Polymixia lowei Giinther The collection contains 3 specimens, each about 80 mm. Two are without definite data, and the third was removed from the stomach of a flounder, Para- lichthys oblongus, taken in 168 fathoms. Dr. Longley listed 7 specimens, 2 from 45 to 60 fathoms, and 5 from 140 to 197 fathoms. An error concerning the structure of the scales appears in the literature. This error apparently originated with Giinther's description of Polymixia lowei (Cat. fish. Brit. Mus., vol. 1, 1859, p. 17), wherein the scales were described as having "distinct concentric layers on the free part and [being] without serrature." The scales are strongly serrate in the Tortugas specimens, which not only bear spines along the distal margins, but have in most cases two rows of spines on the ex- posed surface in advance of the margin. Poey (Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 161) described the scales as definitely ciliate ("a bord fortement cilie") in his Dinemus venustus, he^e regarded as a synonym of P. lowei. Giinther's figure of P. nobilis (here regarded as a synonym of P. lowei) in his Deep-sea fishes (1887, p. 34, pi. I, fig. B), however, showed serrated scales. Gill (Johnson's Universal Cyclo- paedia, vol. 3, 1878, p. 1323) in his description of the family Polymixiidae fol- lowed Giinther's description of P. lowei, stating, "the scales are not serrated." This error, apparently a mere "slip of the pen" on Giinther's part, has been re- peated several times by other authors. Most descriptions state that the anal has only 3 spines. All 6 specimens from Tortugas examined by Dr. Longley, however, 2 of which I also examined, had 4. It has been stated that the ventral rays are all articulated, also that a spine is present. Actually the so-called spine and the 1st ray are almost fused and can be separated only with a sharp instrument. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the 2 specimens in hand, with the exception of the dorsal, anal, and pectoral counts, which in- clude 4 additional specimens examined by Dr. Longley. Head 3.1, 3.1; depth 2.6, 2.8. Eye in head 3.2, 3.2; snout 5.0, 5.0; interorbital ^.^ 3.4; maxillary 1.8, 1.8; caudal peduncle 2.8, 2.8; pectoral 1.55, 1.65; ventral 2.2, 2.4. D. V,26 to 28; A. IV,i5; P. 14 to 16; V. 7, 7 (counting the 1st fused "spine" and soft ray as one) ; oblique series of scales between upper angle of opercle and base of caudal 59, 61; gill rakers 10, 11. Dr. Longley described the color as "bluish over black; sides silvery." This color has been retained in the preserved specimens. The species apparently was previously recorded only from Cuba. It seems to live in moderately deep water. S. F. H. 194 1 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 53 Family TRACHICHTHYIDAE Hoplostethus mediterraneus Cuvier and Valenciennes The collection contains i specimen, 46 mm. long to base of caudal, in poor condition. Depth in standard length 2.4. D. VI,i3; A. III,io; V. 1,6; scales lost, except the modified ones on the abdomen, which bear spines. This species has been reported in the western Atlantic from the Gulf Stream and once from Chesapeake Bay, generally at depths exceeding 150 fathoms. Although the Tortugas specimen is without a definite locality label, it very probably was taken south of Tortugas, where hauls were made in depths as great as about 390 fathoms. S. F. H. Family HOLOCENTRIDAE. Squirrelfishes Holocentrus ascensionis (Osbeck) (Plate 2, figure 1) This, largest and most brightly colored of the three Tortugas squirrelfishes, is far more abundant than the casual observer would suppose, as it is most active by night and generally remains hidden by day. Single specimens are exposed to view now and then, but more characteristic are the fleeting glimpses one catches of fish moving in the thick shadow of Acropora or in the semidarkness of deep crevices in massive Orbicella. Sometimes on cloudy days a dozen or so may come out into the open, or a strong ground swell may tug them out. In the dusk of evening they usually leave their retreats, and remain abroad till morning. In a hollow Orbicella on White Shoal, where other shelter was almost completely wanting and where more than a single squirrelfish was never seen at once, one specimen was observed repeatedly during a month, suggesting that these fish, like many others, have places to which they return regularly after a night's foraging. In the dead fish the fins, except the spinous dorsal, which is yellowish, are transparent and more or less suffused with red. Head red; body countershaded, with longitudinal stripes of red between rows of scales and separated by pale interspaces. The living fish is not always so red, nor does it always show the simple pattern of the dead, as it may be blotched or clouded with red and silver. This species occurs in association with others with which it shares some of its peculiarities of color and structure. For example, a single blast, which probably was not effective beyond a radius of 2 meters, yielded 2 specimens of Holocentrus ascensionis, 2 H. coruscus, and 1 Priacanthus cruentatus. W. H. L. This species is most readily distinguished from the other local forms by the smaller scales (about 48 to 52 in lateral series, whereas the others have only about 40 to 42). It also has a larger number of gill rakers (13 to 15 on lower limb of first arch, compared with 10 or 11 in the others). Furthermore, the ventrals are longer, extending far beyond the pectorals and reaching the vent. West Indies to Florida, also from St. Helena and Ascension Island. S. F. H. 54 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Holocentrus coruscus (Poey) Holocentrum coruscum Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 158 — Cuba. Holocentrus tortngae Jordan and Thompson, Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 236, fig. 1 — Garden Key, Tortugas, Florida. Holocentrus puncticiilatus Barbour, Bull. Mus. Comp. Z06L, vol. 46, 1905, p. 117 — Ber- muda. This species is not rare in reef patches or in isolated hollow coral heads. Like Holocentrus ascensionis and H. vexillarius, it is nocturnal. Holocentrus coruscus, at least when mature, is very readily distinguished from H. vexillarius by its slighter build (depth 3.5 vs. 2.9 in standard length), by its black spot on the dorsal fin, its lack of yellow on the soft dorsal and caudal fins, its generally redder color, and the more glistening silver streaks on the rows of scales, much narrower dorsally than in H. vexillarius. The spines between the border of the premaxillary groove and the nostrils are longer and stronger in H. coruscus, and include a particularly strong one above the posterior aperture, where the other species has none, but there is no spine between the posterior narial border and the eye, where one appears in H. vexillarius. The supraorbital ridge in H. coruscus is almost smooth, but strongly serrate in the other and much more spinose mesially. Three specimens, taken in the morning, had fed on small shrimps and crabs. Head with a red line below and behind eye extending to below posterior angle of preopercle; a fainter line parallel with the first extending back from tip of mandible to anterior end of interopercle; cheek otherwise brilliant white; lower jaw and its membranes below scarcely different. Body with alternating red and silvery lines; membranes between dorsal spines tipped with white outwardly, the remainder of the outer half or two-thirds of fin with a longitudinal red band, replaced by black nearly to 3d spine, and white ventrally to this; spines red; soft dorsal and caudal reddish; pectorals and ventrals almost colorless and trans- parent; anal reddish from 3d spine to 2d soft ray. West Indies, and northward to Florida. W. H. L. Holocentrus vexillarius (Poey) Holocentrum vexillarium Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 158 — Cuba. Holocentrum sicciferum Cope, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc, vol. 14, 1871, p. 465 — New Providence, Bahamas. Holocentrus sicafer Jordan and Thompson, Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 236. Gudger, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 391, 1929, p. 160. Holocentrus coruscus Beebe and Tee- Van (at least in part not of Poey), Zoologica, vol. 10, 1928, p. 80 — Port-au-Prince Bay, Haiti. Holocentrus coruscus Metzelaar (not of Poey), Trop. atl. Vissch., 19 19, p. 43, fig. 15. This species is intermediate in size between Holocentrus ascensionis and H. coruscus. Its habits are very much like theirs, and like them it feeds by night and lies hidden by day. A specimen 41 mm. long was included in collections from Bird Key rookery. It has the alternating lines displayed by fish of this genus, but its general cast is brown rather than red. Its cheek is dusky except for a red dash from below i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 55 eye to above preopercular spine, and the lower jaw and membrane between its rami are dark-pigmented. Beebe and Tee-Van's specimen (see citation above), with depth equal to head and contained 2.83 times in standard length, has the proportions of H. vexillarius rather than H. coruscus. The two opercular spines equal or with the lower slightly larger, as is indicated in their diagrammatic sketch, characterize the former species. W. H. L. The vertical black bars on the interradial membranes of the spinous dorsal, in contrast with the large black spot involving the first 3 spines in H. coruscus, are very useful in separating preserved specimens. Also, the pectoral fins are longer, reaching nearly to tips of ventrals, and are contained in head 1.3 times, whereas in H. coruscus they fall far short of reaching tips of ventrals, and are contained in head 1.7 times. A rather constant difference appears to exist also in the num- ber of anal rays, H. vexillarius having 9 soft rays, and H. coruscus only 7. West Indies and northward at least to Florida. S. F. H. Myripristis jacobus Cuvier and Valenciennes A specimen 87 mm. long, without data, is included in the collection. No men- tion of this specimen or species was found among Dr. Longley's notes. The genus Myripristis differs from Holocentrus in the absence of a spine at the angle of the preopercle. The specimen in hand differs from other holocentrids from Tortugas also in the more numerous anal rays and gill rakers. The eye is very large, the snout short and broad, and the serrated suborbital very narrow, being scarcely half as wide as the pupil. The preserved specimen is rather plain, the only color remaining being a dark brown margin on the opercle and the axil of the pectoral. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the specimen at hand: Head 3.3; depth 3.3. Eye in head 2.25; snout 6.5; interorbital 4.4; maxil- lary 1.8; caudal peduncle 4.3; longest anal spine 2.7; pectoral 1.5; ventral 1.6. D. X-1,15; A. IVJ3; scales 36; gill rakers 25. This species apparently has not previously been recorded from Florida, its earlier known range being West Indies, Panama, and Brazil. S. F. H. Family SYNGNATHIDAE. Pipefishes; Sea Horses The pipefishes are not very well defined, and from present knowledge are difficult to identify. As an aid to the student who may use this work, a key em- bodying some diagnostic characters is offered. Dr. Longley has pointed out one or more instances, in the following accounts, of abnormally few caudal rings. Besides the instances mentioned by him, some additional specimens with abnormally short tails, yet having caudal fins, are in- cluded in the Tortugas collection. I have seen cases of this also among pipefishes from other localities. It does not seem very unusual for a pipefish to lose by accident a part of its tail, whereupon it develops a new caudal fin on the remain- ing part. S. F. H. 56 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Key to the Species a. Tail not prehensile; head not shaped like that of a horse, and not at right angle to axis of body b. Body strongly angulate, quadrate in cross section c. Snout of moderate length, about 2.4 in head; rings about 18 -j- 30; keels on snout and head distinctly serrate; body with grayish crossbands; snout abruptly white . Hippichthys albtrostris cc. Snout very short, about 3.0 in head; rings 17 -f- 26 or 27; keels on snout and head not serrate (in adults); body with- out crossbands; snout not white H. brachycephalus bb. Body not very strongly angulate, usually not quadrate in cross section d. Median lateral keel (lateral line) bent downward on last two body segments and continuous with inferior lateral keel of tail; D. 18 to 21, on 1 or i l / 2 -f- 4 or 5 rings; snout very short, 3.4 to 4.0 in head Syngnathus jonesi dd. Median lateral keel ending abruptly, generally on last body ring, not continuous with inferior lateral caudal keel e. Dorsal fin short, with 20 to 25 rays /. Snout curved upward slightly, short, 3.0 to 3.5 in head; a light triangular spot behind eye; radiating lines on eye S. dunckfri if. Snout not curved upward, longer, about 2.0 in head; light spot behind eye missing g. Snout moderately long, 2.0 to 2.1 in head; eye 3.6 to 3.8 in snout; lower part of opercle with pale oblique lines S. robertsi gg. Snout rather longer, 1.8 to 2.0 in head; eye 4.0 to 4.3 in snout; opercle plain, without pale lines . S. elucens ee. Dorsal fin longer, with 27 or more rays h. Dorsal fin moderately long, with 27 to 33 rays, over 1 to 2 , / 2 -f- 4 to 6 rings; body rings 16 to 18 /. Keels of head and body rather prominent, dis- tinctly beaded; rings 16 to 18 -j- 32 to 35; D. 27 to 29, over 1 Y 2 or 2 -f- 4 or 5 rings; female with a narrow silvery half-bar on lower half of each ring of trunk, male with silvery spots on in- ferior lateral keel of trunk S. rousseau ii. Keels of head and body less prominent, smooth (not beaded); rings 17 or 18 -j- 34 to 37; D. 27 to 33, over 1 to 2% + 5V2 to 6 rings; silvery half-bars or spots on lower part of trunk miss- ing S. fioridae hh. Dorsal fin very long, with 34 to 37 rays, over 3 or 4 -\- 4 or 5 rings; rings 19 to 22 -j- 33 to 37 . . S. louisianae aa. Tail prehensile; head shaped like that of a horse, at right angle to axis of body Hippocampus punctulatus 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 57 Hippichthys albirostris (Heckel) One male, 182 mm. long, carrying young, was dredged in the 10-fathom channel east of Loggerhead bank. D. 22 on 1 + 4 rings; rings 18 + 30, brood pouch covering 19. Median keel on snout in two sections; this keel, the supraorbital keels, and the nuchal and occipital keels all of moderate height, and very distinctly serrate; the short and slightly oblique ridge on side of rostrum, the suprabranchial and opercular ridges, and two on base of pectoral all less strongly toothed. Short, mostly simple cirri, generally less than half diameter of eye, on some keels of head, and on throat, trunk, and tail. General color brown; snout sharply white; oblique streaks of white under throat and on gill covers; fine pattern of radiating light and dark lines on en- velope of eye and on iris; ground color crossed by faint and diffuse gray bands, the first on postorbital part of head, three on trunk, and seven on tail. W. H. L. Two additional specimens, females, 105 and 145 mm. long, are included in the Tortugas collection. Comparing the larger female with the large male described by Dr. Longley, it is evident that the female is much more distinctly marked with light gray crossbands, and that the cirri on the head are much longer. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the female: Head 9.2. Depth in head 2.4; eye 6.5; snout 2.4; interorbital 7.2; length of dorsal base 1.1; pectoral 5. D. 22, over % ~~r~ 5 rings; P. 14; rings 17 + 29. The sharply angular, quadrate body, which is scarcely deeper than wide, the abruptly white snout, the grayish crossbands, the oblique pale lines under the head, and the radiating lines on the eye are good recognition marks. Florida to Brazil. S. F. H. Hippichthys brachycephalus (Poey) Syngnathus brachycephalus Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1868, p. 444 — Havana. Corythroichthys cayorum Evermann and Kendall, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 17, 1897 (1898), p. 128, pi. 7, fig. 7 — Key West, Florida. This fish is common on grassy flats about Long Key and Bird Key reef. It is not difficult to secure at Tortugas specimens of Corythoichthys cayorum which agree closely with the precise account of Syngnathus brachycephalus by Poey. In a male of the same length as the type of S. brachycephalus, the number of rings in trunk and tail, the number of dorsal rays, and the ratio of preanal to postanal length, of thickness to segmental width, and of eye to preorbital and postorbital length of head are all as stated in the original description. The dimen- sions or enumerations as observed (for comparison, Poey's corresponding records are placed in parentheses), are as follows: Head 4.0 (4.3); depth equals width of 3.5 (4.0) segments; dorsal fin over i l /i -f- 4 (i 1 /* 4~ 3) rings. The range of variation in specimens examined is as follows: D. 21 to 24, on i 1 /? to 2 -+- 4 or 5 rings; P. 13 to 14; C. 10; rings 17 + 26 to 27; brood pouch on 18 to 20 rings. 58 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Small cirri, including some that are pinnate, on keels of head and body and under throat. Median crest of snout may be continuous with occipital crest, or interrupted in interorbital space. In the Museum of Comparative Zoology are still 2 specimens, received from Poey in 1868, which fairly represent either nominal species in everything but color, and are quite unlike any other species mentioned by Poey. This species may be taken in breeding condition from at least June to August inclusive. About 100 young are carried at once in the brood pouch of the male, where through the greater part of its length they lie in four rows. In ground color individuals differ considerably. Some are rather dark brown; in others the head, roughly the area occupied by the brood pouch, and several segments before the caudal are paler and tend distinctly toward olive; snout, throat, and gill covers obliquely banded with white laterally and ventrally. A fine speckling of light spots spreads a faint grayish bloom over the back and sides of the trunk and tail. The strongly angulate body and the excessively short snout, which is contained about 3.0 times in the head, help to distinguish this species. Comparing it with Hippichthys albirostris, it apparently attains a smaller size (usual length under 100 mm.), and has fewer caudal rings, a shorter snout, keels on head not serrate in adults, and no crossbands on body. West Indies to Florida. . W. H. L. Syngnathus jonesi Giinther Two specimens are mentioned in Dr. Longley's notes, taken on grassy bottom at Bush and Long keys. In the manuscript is a preliminary account of 2 speci- mens, 67 and 80 mm. long, taken at Bush and Long keys, listed as Syngnathus cnnigeriim. Two specimens of the lengths mentioned, questionably identified as S. crinigerum Bean and Dresel, indeed are included in the collection, as well as 6 others, ranging in length from 50 to 102 mm. The specimens from Tortugas were compared with the 2 type specimens of S. crinigerum in the U. S. National Museum. The types differ in the length and position of the dorsal fin, which has only 16 or 17 rays, and is situated over + 4 rings, and the rings in the types are 16 -f- 35 in one and 16 + 36 in the other. These counts agree essentially with the original description of S. crinigerum, and not with the description of S. jonesi, nor with the counts listed subsequently, based on Tortugas specimens. In view of these facts I refer the Tortugas speci- mens to S. jonesi. The median lateral keel is bent downward on the last two body rings, and is continuous with the inferior lateral keel of the tail. Therein S. jonesi and S. crinigerum agree, and differ from other local species. Duncker (Hamburg, wis- sensch. Anst., vol. 32, no. 2, 1915, p. 77) considered this character of generic im- portance, founding on it his genus Micrognathias, to which he referred S. jonesi, with several exotic species, though he did not deal with S. crinigerum} 1 Since the foregoing was written, a paper by Carl L. Hubbs (Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich., No. 20, 1935) has come to my attention, wherein he made Siphostoma crinigerum Bean and Dresel the type of a new genus, Anachopterus. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS ^ The color was described by Dr. Longley as dark olive green in a living animal, with a comparatively large number of faint vertical series of white spots forming crosslines at the segments of the body and tail; some of the white bars more distinct than others; three on trunk, eleven on tail, the latter not all equally dis- tinct. The color of preserved specimens varies from grayish to brownish, irregularly spotted with darker spots. Upper half of trunk with three and tail with eight to ten white crossbands in adults, wanting in the smaller specimens; snout with a dark lateral band, extending on cornea; two dark diverging bands behind eye, extending forward on cornea. Body keels low, not carinate; snout shorter than postorbital part of head. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 4 specimens varying from 68 to 102 mm. in length: Head 11 to 12; depth 18 to 24; dorsal base 12 to 13. Eye in head 6.5 to 7.5; snout 3.4 to 4.0; depth 2.0 to 2.1; dorsal base 1.05 to 1.1. D. 18 to 21, on 1 + 4 or l / 2 + 5 rings; rings 17 or 18 + 32 to 34; egg pouch on 18 rings in the single male at hand. Dr. Longley counted D. 18 or 19, on 1 + 4 rings; rings 17 + 32. In the 2 specimens questionably identified by Dr. Longley as S. crinigerum, the counts are, D. 18 and 19, on 1 + 4 rings; rings 17 + 33 an< ^ 17 + 34- A small size seems to be attained, as a male 100 mm. long is sexually fully mature. Bermuda to Florida and Puerto Rico. S. F. H. Syngnathus dunckeri Metzelaar Syngnathus dnnc\eri Metzelaar, Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. 28, fig. 9 — Curacao. Corythotchthys bermudensis Beebe and Tee-Van, Zoologica, vol. 13, 1932, p. 113 — Ber- muda. This species is not rare about Long Key and inside Bird Key reef. The type of Corythoichthys bermudensis, with 2 others like it, has 26 caudal rings. But the caudal keels in none of the 3 are symmetrically and fully formed, and the unusual number of 8 or 9 caudal rays is present, indicating abnormality. Comparing these 3 with specimens in which the caudal keels are fully formed and which have the customary 10 caudal rays, one finds in the latter the more usual number of rings, namely, 16 or 17 -f- 33 or 34. Available specimens in the New York Zoological Society collection, with the type, show that the dorsal rays may vary from 23 to 25, that the fin may be on 6 to 7 caudal rings, and that the brood pouch may occupy 15 to 19 caudal rings. A specimen 80 mm. long, standard length 77 mm., may be described as fol- lows: Depth 4.0 mm.; tip of rostrum to anus 28 mm.; head 7.0 mm.; snout 2.25 mm.; eye 1.2 mm. Rings 17 + 32, brood pouch on 17 caudal rings; D. 23 on o + 6 rings. Lateral keel of trunk ending on last body ring; superior caudal keel beginning on first caudal ring, above and behind end of lateral keel of trunk; rostral keel very low, without beading; supraorbital ridges and occipital and nuchal keels exceedingly low; keels on trunk not strong; body distinctly angulate in cross section. 60 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Color brown, with a light bar on each segment, every second to fourth more distinct; five of the broader light lines before dorsal, two under, and eight or ten behind it; a cuneiform light mark behind eye, with apex forward; eye with alter- nating and radiating dark and pale lines. Breeding takes place at least in late June and July at Tortugas. W. H. L. Three specimens, 80, 88, and 94 mm. long, are included in the collection. The short, slightly upturned snout, contained 3.0 to 3.5 times in head; the abruptly ending lateral keel on the last body ring or on the first caudal ring, and the origin of the superior caudal keel above or slightly in advance of the end of the lateral keel; the moderately short dorsal, with 22 to 25 rays, situated over 1 +6 or + 6 or 7 rings; the light crossbars; the light spot behind the eye; and the radiating lines on the eye appear to characterize this species. The Lesser Antilles, Bermuda, and southern Florida. S. F. H. Syngnathus robertsi (Jordan and Rutter) Siphostoma robertsi Jordan and Rutter, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 49, 1897, p. 97 — Jamaica. Siphostoma elucens Evermann and Marsh (not of Poey), Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 20, pt. 1, 1900 (1902), p. 108 — Puerto Rico. Syngnathus brachycephalus Jordan and Thompson (not of Poey), Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 235 — Tortugas, Florida. Corythoichthys brederi Parr, Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art. 4, 1930, p. 30 — Cat Island, Bahamas. Syngnathus pipulus Beebe and Tee- Van, Zoologica, vol. 13, 1932, p. 115 — Bermuda. Syngnathus elucens Longley (not of Poey), Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 31, 1932, p. 299; No. 32, 1933, p. 294. This pipefish was common, to the length of 150 mm., in turtle grass about Long Key and Bird Key reef. Syngnathus floridae and Hippichthys brachy- cephalus are its close associates. During the summer the males frequently have eggs or embryos in their brood pouches, sometimes as many as 325, which are arranged in as many as eight rows and are completely covered by the flaps of the pouch, which overlap broadly. D. 20 to 24, on 1+4, rarely on l /i + 5 rings; body and caudal rings 16 to 18 -f- 31 to 34, most usually 17 -f- 32; brood pouch on 16 to 19 rings, usually 18 or 19. Keels well developed, and beaded; one on median line of snout, ending abruptly between anterior margins of eyes, a median keel in three sections on occiput and nape, one over each eye, one on anterior part of operculum, and one on base of pectoral. Body ridges, exclusive of the mid-ventral one, sharp and slightly rough. The following proportions are based on 6 specimens ranging in length from 115 to 140 mm.: Head 7.5 to 7.9; distance from tip of snout to vent 2.25 to 2.4; depth 20 to 23; base of dorsal 11.3 to 12.3. Eye in head 6.5 to 8.5; snout 2.0 to 2.1 ; depth 2.6 to 3.1 ; base of dorsal 1.4 to 1.55. Eye in snout 3.6 to 3.8. To permit comparison with the description of S. elucens by Poey, as which this species has passed with some students, including myself, measurements in 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 6 1 the form Poey adopted are given. In a large female the depth is scarcely greater than the thickness and equal to the width of 2. l / 2 ring s > instead of 3, as in S. elucens. The eye enters 3, not 4, times into the snout; the head 3%, instead of 3 times, into the preanal length; and the anus is midway between the tip of the rostrum and the 23d, not the 25th, caudal ring. Scarcely two specimens are quite alike in color, the ground color varying from pale olive to dark brown; sides and back everywhere finely spotted and dusted with gray; stronger or weaker lines of gray crossing trunk and tail at intervals of 3 to 5 segments; the small accessory scutes on back and sides frequently out- lined in gray, forming small diamond-shaped markings in regular series; snout faintly and irregularly barred, the markings stronger and more regular below; conjunctiva and iris marked with gray and olive; lower part of operculum with narrow white lines running downward and backward. In the male the ventral surface is marked, more conspicuously than in the female, with alternate bars of bluish gray and olive, the bluish bars sometimes being replaced by a transverse row of spots on the trunk segments. West Indies to Florida and Bermuda. W. H. L. Syngnathus elucens Poey Extensive notes are included among Dr. Longley's papers, and his collection contains 6 specimens identified as this species. Three other specimens seem to belong to it. The relation between this species and Syngnathus robertsi, if the identifica- tions are correct, is extremely close. The type of neither species is available for examination. Therefore, the identifications are based wholly on descriptions. As the description of S. elucens presumably was based on the type, which was 170 mm. long, and as S. robertsi was described from a specimen 112 mm. long, allow- ance must be made for age or size, and the comparison is by no means satis- factory. Dr. Longley has pointed out some differences in the account of S. robertsi. From the comparison of 9 specimens identified as S. elucens with numerous specimens regarded as S. robertsi, I find that if extremes are chosen, the differ- ences are striking, but some specimens are bothersome. There is variation in depth, and there also is overlapping with respect to depth of body if compared with body rings. In fact, the depth in none of the specimens identified as S. elucens is fully equal to the length of 3 body rings, as stated in the original description. On the other hand, some specimens referred to S. robertsi are nearly as deep, the depth being equal to 2 1 /, to 2% body rings, and I have found no actual difference in the width of the body if compared with body rings. The proportion of the eye to the snout is variable enough to result in a trivial difference if several specimens are measured, as is shown by the proportions given. The proportionate length of the head in preanal length seems to be at most only an average difference, and the same seems true of the position of the vent with respect to the snout and caudal segments. Among the preserved material there is one difference in color, namely, S. 62 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv robertsi has pale lines on the opercle, running downward and backward, which are missing in the specimens of S. elucens. In general, S. elucens is rather paler in color and has fewer dark markings, and the pale bands at the segment of the rings on the ventral surface of the body and tail are more distinct, whereas the more widely spaced narrower white bands placed dorsally are visible in only one specimen. In all respects except the vertical pale lines on the opercles, some speci- mens approach each other closely. The following enumerations and proportions are based on 5 specimens, rang- ing in length from 128 to 146 mm.: D. 22 or 23, on 1 + 4 or x / 2 -\- 4V2 rings; body and caudal rings 17 + 31 to 33; brood pouch on 17 to 19 rings. Head 7.2 to 8.2; distance from snout to vent 2.3 to 2.4; depth 22 to 24; base of dorsal 11 to 12. Eye in head 7.6 to 8.5; snout 1.8 to 2.0; depth 2.9 to 3.4; base of dorsal 1.4 to 1.7. Eye in snout 4.0 to 4.3. If the present identification is correct, this species ranges from the Florida Keys to the West Indies. S. F. H. Syngnathus rousseau Kaup Specimens here listed apparently were identified either as Syngnathus rousseau Kaup or as S. pelagicus Linnaeus by Dr. Longley, who did not decide definitely to which one of the species named he would refer them. Neither do I know where they belong, if the two actually are distinct. Kaup's original description of S. rousseau is inadequate, but there is nothing in it inconsistent with the speci- mens in hand unless it be the "short marginal spine at interruption of each ring." Syngnathus pelagicus, as described in current works, agrees in color, but has rather too high a dorsal ray count, and the fin is placed too far back and covers too many rings (29 to 32, on 1 + 9 rings) . Two specimens of S. pelagicus from Genoa, in the U. S. National Museum, have the dorsal over l / 2 + 6 and + 7 rings, and have 36 or 37 caudal rings. Dr. Longley stated that this species is common in the Tortugas in floating Sargassum. Dr. Longley found a male, 154 mm. long, that had 225 eggs in its brood pouch, which extended over 12^2 caudal rings. The flaps of the pouch did not overlap, but were turned in at the margin, covering the eggs. In a female, 157 mm. long, the right ovary contained 150 large eggs, 50 of a more or less intermediate size, and smaller ones. He added, "Clearly then there are several broods in one season." The ridges on the head were described by Dr. Longley as a little stronger than in S. floridae, those on the dorsal surface, exclusive of the supraorbital ridges, being noticeably beaded; keels on body moderate, except the ventral one, beaded, and also somewhat stronger than in S. floridae; dorsal surface slightly concave; ventral little convex; lateral keel (lateral line) interrupted on last body ring, and reappearing at a little higher level, running upward from there to form the superior lateral keel of the tail. The color is described as varying with age and sex. A female had the back finely streaked with broken pencilings, with back darker than sides, which were tawny olive; above lateral keels on sides of tail yellow; below lateral keel of trunk more yellow or orange with a silvery half-bar up to lateral keel; a dark bar 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS fa on side of snout, through eye, to opercle. Another female had five light bands before dorsal, one under dorsal, and nine behind it; dorsal fin with nine oblique dark bars, diffuse and irregular across the rays. The male differed in color in having silvery spots on the inferior lateral keel which did not extend up on the sides; also in having rather sharp dark bars of the width of light bands imme- diately behind them; ventral surface of trunk rather regularly banded. The color of fresh specimens remains for the most part in the preserved material. The silvery half-bars in the female and the silvery spots along the in- ferior lateral keel in the male are good recognition marks, though S. pelagicus, according to current descriptions, has them too. The young, under about 90 to 100 mm. in length, do not have the silvery bars or spots and generally are plainer than the adults. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 7 specimens, unless otherwise stated, ranging in length from no to 160 mm.: Head 6.9 to 7.6; depth 21 to 29; distance from snout to vent 2.2 to 2.4; base of dorsal 9 to 10. Eye in head 7.6 to 10 (4.0 to 5.25 in snout); snout 1.8 to 1.9; depth 3.0 to 4.25; base of dorsal 1.2 to 1.4. D. 27 to 29 (14 specimens counted), over iV 2 or 2 + 4 or 5 rings; 16 to 18 + 32 to 35 rings (14 specimens counted); brood pouch on 12V2 or 13 rings (5 specimens counted). This species has been recorded from the West Indies and now presumably for the first time from the Florida Keys. S. F. H. Syngnathus floridae (Jordan and Gilbert) Siphostoma floridae, Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 5, 1882 (1883), p. 263 — Pensacola, Florida. Siphostoma mackayi Swain and Meek, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 7, 1884 (1885), P- -39 — Key West, Florida. Common in turtle grass on Long Key and Bird Key flats. May exceed 200 mm. in length. Males in June and July very often carrying eggs or young to the number of 150 or more, arranged for the most part in four rows, or in six at the widest part, and completely covered by the fleshy folds of the brood pouch, which are turned in smoothly and deeply along the line of contact. Keels on the head moderate, the superior rostral and supraorbital smooth; a weak and smooth riclge on anterior part of opercle, two very' slight ones, the lower stronger, on base of pectoral; the weak nuchal crest and the superior carinae of trunk and tail slightly beaded; minute pits on opercle in linear series, giving rise to a less evident appearance of striation than in S. robertsi. D. 28 to 34, usually on i l / 2 + 6 or 2 + 5 rings; rings 17 to 18 + 33 to 37; brood pouch on 13 to 16 rings, or rarely more, as in one of the types. Until the length of about 165 mm. is attained the sexes differ little in form except in the region of the brood pouch. The female, however, begins to increase in depth soon thereafter, and by the time she has attained a length of 200 mm. her greatest height equals a width of 4 instead of 2 rings in the same region. Color commonly light gray over dorsal surface and greenish on sides, both back and sides much spotted with dashes and streaks of gray running length- wise. On this ground are narrow light bands or rings at irregular intervals, 64 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv usually five or so before the dorsal, one under it, and five to seven behind it. The under side of belly and tail in both sexes is much speckled with light on a dark ground until about the time the female begins to change form, when the under surface of her body and the sides below the lateral keels become almost lemon yellow. On this ground two vertical streaks of white are present on each ring, and above the lateral keels are light spots less distinct than the white streaks. W. H. L. Many specimens are in the collection, including i abnormal specimen with only 14 caudal rings. I have also compared the specimens with the types of S. floridae and S. mac\ayi. In the types the dorsal is over 1+6 rings in floridae, and over 2 + 6 or 2 + 5 rings in mac\ayi. In the Tortugas specimens, however, the following combinations occur: 1 + 6, i l / 2 + 5%, \ x /z + 6, 2 + 5, 2 + 5%, and 2 + 6, indicating individual variation. The supposedly longer snout in floridae apparently cannot be demonstrated by measurements. Of 15 specimens measured, the snout is contained in the head 1.6 or 1.65 times in 8, 1.7 or 1.75 times in 6, and 2.0 times in 1 specimen. In the 2 type specimens of mac\ayi the snout is contained in the head 1.75 and 1.8 times, and in a type specimen of S. floridae 1.7 times. The type specimens (2) of S. mackayi are large females with deep bodies. Considerable variation in the length at which the body becomes notably deeper is evident. For example, a female 180 mm. long remains slender, whereas another 165 mm. long shows a considerable increase in depth. I have not correlated this difference with other characters, and therefore assume that it is individual varia- tion. More specimens of the proper length are needed to determine this matter definitely. The comparatively great range in the number of dorsal rays is rather disturb- ing. Yet in 29 specimens counted no "break" is evident in the counts, as 3 have 27 rays, 3 have 28, 3 have 29, 3 have 30, 11 have 31, 5 have 32, and 1 has 33. In the 2 type specimens of S. mackayi the dorsal has 29 and 30 rays, and a type speci- men of S. floridae examined has 27. In general, then, the evidence gained from this study confirms Dr. Longley's at least tentative conclusion that S. mac\ayi is a synonym of S. floridae. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 14 specimens un- less otherwise stated, ranging in length from 120 to 200 mm.: Head 5.75 to 7.2; depth 22 (large female) to 30; distance from snout to vent 2.2 to 2.3; base of dorsal 7.8 to 10. Eye in head 8 to 10 (4.8 to 6.5 in snout) ; snout 1.65 to 2.0; depth 2.85 (large female) to 4.8; base of dorsal 1.3 to 1.5; D. 27 to 33 (29 specimens counted), on 1 to 2 1 / 2 + 5V2 to 6 rings; rings 17 or 18 + 34 to 37 (16 specimens counted) ; brood pouch on 13 to 15 rings (8 specimens counted). Bermuda, Florida, West Indies to Panama. S. F. H. Syngnathus louisianae Giinther The collection contains 4 specimens, ranging in length from about 170 (caudal damaged) to 277 mm. Two specimens, a male and a female, respectively 200 and 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 65 185 mm. long, are commented upon by Dr. Longley as follows: "Believed to have come from floating Sargassum. In the female a keel on dorsal surface of snout from tip to level of posterior nostril, where it bifurcates and continues into the interorbital space, finely serrate throughout its length. In the male the keel is simple throughout its length from tip of snout to interorbital space, and is ser- rated only from the anterior end to nostrils. Supraorbital keels similarly serrulate and converge posteriorly on crown. A very slight unserrated keel upon the opercle, with ventral and posterior radiating striae. A nuchal serrated keel. Rings in female 20 + 36; D. 34, on 3 + 5 rings. Rings in male 19 + 37; D. 37, on 4 + 5 rings; brood pouch on 19 rings." Two additional specimens, one of them a very large male, 277 mm. long, have the following proportions and counts: Head 7.7 to 8.5; depth 27 to 32; base of dorsal 8.5 to 9.2. Eye in head 8.6 to 9.1 ; snout 1.7 to 1.8; depth 3.7 to 4.5; base of dorsal 1.0 to 1.2. D. 33, 34, on 2% ~\~ 5, 3/4 +4 rings ; rings 20 + 33, 22 + 34; brood pouch on 17 rings. This species of the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts is now recorded from Tortugas for the first time. S. F. H. Hippocampus punctulatus Guichenot Hippocampus punctulatus Guichenot, in Ramon de la Sagra, Hist. lie Cuba, Poiss., 1853, p. 239, pi. 5, fig. 2— Cuba. Hippocampus stylijer Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 5, 1882 (1883), p. 265 — Snapper Banks off Pensacola, Florida. Hippocampus hudsonius Jordan and Thompson, Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 235. Hippocampus brunneus Bean, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, vol. 19, 1906, p. 32 — Long Bird Island, Bermuda. Hippocampus kjncaidi Townsend and Barbour, Bull. New York Zool. Soc, vol. 23, 1906, p. 304, with fig. — Bermuda. Hippocampus hudsonius punctulatus Ginsburg, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 83, 1937, p. 561, figs. 63, 64. The synonymy as given is mostly from Dr. Longley 's report in Carnegie Insti- tution of Washington Year Boo\ No. 32, 1933, page 293. With much of it Gins- burg, who recently revised the genus (see citation above), is in agreement. Ginsburg, however, recognized punctulatus as only a subspecies of hudsonius. He similarly recognized kjncaidi, but considers brunneus synonymous with kjncaidi. The 32 specimens in the collection all appear to be Hippocampus punctulatus, according to Dr. Longley, or H. hudsonius punctulatus according to Ginsburg. Much individual variation with respect to depth of body, prominence of tubercles, presence or absence and length of fleshy filaments, and color is evident. Accord- ing to Ginsburg this subspecies in general is rather deeper, has a rather longer snout, and has more numerous white dots than the other subspecies, hudsonius and \incaidi. Dr. Longley mentioned 21 catches in his notes, indicating that the sea horse is fairly common at Tortugas. Specimens were taken in turtle grass and with an 66 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv otter trawl in shallow water, some of the hauls being listed as "weedy" ones. Color of fresh specimens from turtle grass gray, the lighter ones marbled with dark shades; body profusely speckled with fine white dots, least numerous on trunk, and in many radiating series around eye. In the stomach of a remora, Echeneis nancrates, 73.5 cm. long were 20 sea horses which are much spinier than H. punctulatus , probably stylijer (see syn- onymy above). Specimens very dark brown, barred with white on tail, slightly and irregularly mottled with white elsewhere; skin near eye with radiating light lines; narrow radiating light lines on iris. D. 19, on about 2 + 2 rings. Concerning another lot Dr. Longley noted that the specimens were very "weedy," and the dermal processes very long and repeatedly branched; that the shade was variable, the white outlined in white, and the blotches much sub- divided; bars across iris as wide as pupil; 3 specimens each with D. 19. Among 3 specimens taken in the southwest channel on August 1, 1931 was a male, 145 mm. long from coronet to tip of tail, with eggs. Ground color dark brick red, with a few irregular white marks on head, including radiating white lines of white dots about the eye, and a few white punctulations on posterior half of body and tail. Dorsal with a yellow margin and a black submarginal band as wide as pupil. No cirri except a few small ones under snout. D. 20, on 2 + 2 rings; P. 17; rings 11 + 37. These and other data in Dr. Longley's notes show that much variation in color, height of spines, and development of cirri exists among individuals. According to Ginsburg (see citation above), this sea horse is of southern dis- tribution, ranging at least from Florida to Cuba. S. F. H. Family AULOSTOMIDAE. Trumpet Fishes Aulostomus maculatus Valenciennes (Plate 1, figures 1,2) Two large specimens were found among gorgonians, beside the vertical branches of which they commonly rested head downward. In one of these a banded pattern replaced the more usual one of stripes or self color. Bands, how- ever, were not shown by the other. The general shade is variable, being notice- ably lighter over bare bottom than elsewhere. A specimen of 125 mm., taken in turtle grass, was olivaceous in coloration dorsally and ventrally, distinctly countershaded. It had three main dark stripes, dorsal, lateral, and ventral, running from snout to caudal, separated by very narrow light lines. The body was crossed by many faint vertical light lines, pro- ducing a pattern of about ten broad dark bars before the eye, fifteen between eye and dorsal fin, and ten from origin of dorsal to caudal. The dorsal and anal fins each had one dark line parallel to the base, and the caudal fin was dusky with clear angles. W. H. L. A preserved specimen, about 330 mm. long, has the color essentially as in the specimen described by Dr. Longley. It also has rather distinct round black spots 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 67 within the dark stripes that unite anteriorly and pass through the eye as one stripe. The snout has light spots laterally, some of which are elongate and oblique; and the broad maxillary has a black longitudinal stripe. The body is elongate, compressed, and decidedly more robust than in Fistularia. Prolonged snout heavier and proportionately shorter, 1.47 in head; a small slender barbel, not quite as long as eye, at chin; D. X-24, spines separate; A. 26; P. 14; V. 6; caudal somewhat pointed, without filament; scales small, strongly ctenoid, in about 215 oblique series above lateral line. Caribbean Sea to southern Florida. S. F. H. Family FISTULARIDAE. Cornet Fishes Fistularia tabacaria Linnaeus Young fish of this species were occasionally taken at Tortugas. The largest one available is 388 mm. in length; 266 mm. to base of caudal; caudal filament 112 mm.; greatest depth 8.0 mm.; greatest breadth 14 mm.; head 102 mm.; eye 11 mm.; interorbital width 4.0 mm.; postorbital length of head 22 mm. D. 18; A. 17; anterior rays in each very short, probably not all included in published record, which gives D. 14; A. 13. Lateral-line pores 100, the line protected by as many ossicles, of which the last 40 project visibly as so many scutes; posterior third of body with "minute asperities," with projecting spinules. A single specimen, perhaps 200 mm. long, filament included, floating above a sparse growth of Thalassia, was greenish, crossed by a number of light lines. In larger ones the body, including snout, was crossed by brownish olive bands; a median, a dorsolateral, and a ventrolateral bluish line with lighter spots present; each darker bar, between the spots of blue, with longitudinal dashes darker than the ground color. W. H. L. A specimen of cornet fish was recorded from Tortugas by Jordan and Thomp- son (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 235) as Fistularia serrata Cuvier. That a second species of cornet fish actually exists at Tortugas cannot now be confirmed. Caribbean Sea to Florida and sometimes northward. S. F. H. Family MACRORHAMPHOSIDAE. Snipefishes Macrorhamphosus scolopax (Linnaeus) Three specimens 100 to 120 mm. in length were taken in one haul with the otter trawl between no and 150 fathoms. These fish were re.d when fresh. The foregoing note is all I can find on this species among Dr. Longley's data. The specimens do not seem to be included in the collection. Fowler (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 86, 1934, p. 353, with figs. 1, 2 on p. 355) has shown that a specimen taken oft* Cape May, New Jersey, dif- fered from European ones in having a notably deeper body (depth about 3.66 in the American specimen, 4.5 to 6 in European ones), and in the more advanced 68 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv position of the spinous dorsal, which has its origin well in advance o£ the anal in the American specimen, instead of over or slightly behind the origin of the anal as in European ones. This last character was checked in 5 specimens taken off Key West, Florida (U. S. Nat. Mus. nos. 73103, 73104, 73106), and found to agree with Fowler's specimen. On the basis of the differences discovered, Fowler named his specimen Macro- rhamphosus otteri. It seems highly probable that Dr. Longley's material should have been referred to this recently described species, especially as specimens from the vicinity of Key West apparently are of that species. Both sides of the Atlantic, if identification given herein is accepted. S. F. H. Family ATHERINIDAE. Silversides Hepsetia stipes (Miiller and Troschel). Hardhead Common along shore during the summer, but decreasing in abundance as the season advances. With males, at least, in full breeding condition, with sperm streaming from urogenital papillae upon the least pressure, the sexes occur to- gether in sizes varying not less than from 63 to 90 mm. A dark transverse line between anal and excretory openings marks the genital orifice, which may be forcibly opened by slight abdominal compression. In all of many specimens examined the eggs were of many sizes, and showed no tendency to mature at once. From an early stage of development the chorion is sparsely covered by 75 or more long filaments swollen at the base. Until the egg is well grown they lie close against its surface. In length they may exceed considerably the egg's diameter, and they form efficient holdfasts. 1 The schooling hardheads are sometimes attacked by needlefish or gray snap- pers and by passing schools of runners. The hardheads' own food is highly varied. The fish are apparently nocturnal feeders. The pellets they drop if held in con- finement sometimes contain very many copepods, carapaces of crustaceans larger than copepods, or cuticula, setae, and jaws of annelids, and one contained the shells of small gastropods. Miscellaneous crustaceans and crustacean larvae, lamellibranchs and molluscan larvae, and foraminifera were also present. In design this species shows a feature common to many surface fishes, the head being approximately triangular in cross section, with eyes looking down and out, scarcely visible from above, both fully visible from below. The fish is greenish above, with a narrow line of darker green from opercular margin to base of caudal; rest of the side, including the iris, silvery. W. H. L. This species is characterized by its short, thick body (depth 4.6 to 5.2 in standard length) ; low, broad head, as wide as deep; short, blunt snout (4.2 to 4.7 in head) ; and large scales (36 to 39 in lateral series). D. IV or V-8 to 10; A. 12 or 13. West Indies to Florida. S. F. H. 1 For information concerning adhesive filaments attached to the eggs of other species of Atherinidae, see Kuntz and Radcliffe (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 35, 1915-1916 (1917), pp. 127-130), and Hildebrand (ibid., vol. 38, 1 921-1922 (1922), pp. 1 13-120). — S. F. H. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 6o Family MUGILIDAE. Mullets Mugil curema Cuvier and Valenciennes Not common. A school of two dozen of much the same size, up to 350 mm., were seen at the Laboratory dock; a smaller number with several score of young of different sizes in the moat at Fort Jefferson; and others in brackish landlocked pools on Long Key. D. rV-C) 1 /'.; A. III^ 1 /^; dorsal and anal scaly; scales about 38; pectoral failing by one-third its own length to reach dorsal. A 65-mm. fish was ashen or slaty over the slate bottom of an aquarium, but gray only over sand in a tank and elsewhere. W. H. L. Young mullets, under about 50 mm. in length, have only 2 anal spines, whereas adults always have 3. Furthermore, the color of the young is bright silvery. Be- cause of these differences the young were not associated with the adults for a long time, and were thought to belong to a distinct genus and species. It seems probable that Querimana gyrans recorded from Tortugas, under this misappre- hension, by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 235) were the young of this species. This mullet is numerous at Key West, where it is of some commercial im- portance. Widely distributed on both coasts of the Americas. S. F. H. Mugil cephalus Linnaeus Dr. Longley apparently did not take this species. Jordan and Thompson, how- ever (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 235), stated, "Fairly common in the winter months, at times congregating in uncountable numbers on the shoal north of Garden Key, where they spend hours swimming around a huge vortex." This species is distinguished from Mugil curema by the fewer anal rays, the adults having only 8 soft rays, whereas those of M. curema have 9. Furthermore, the second dorsal and anal have few or no scales, whereas in the adults of M. curema these fins are densely covered with scales. M. cephalus usually has rather definite dark stripes along the rows of scales, which are missing in M. curema. Cosmopolitan in distribution. S. F. H. Family SPHYRAENIDAE. Barracudas Sphyraena barracuda (Walbaum). Great barracuda (Plate 2, figure 2) This sea wolf occurs wherever other fishes gather, whether at the shore or about the reefs, banks, or bars. The larger ones, 3 to 5 feet in length, were com- monly seen singly, but as many as a dozen or even 20 smaller ones sometimes were seen together, and once about a thousand young up to 150 mm. in length were observed in one school. yo PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv The food of the barracuda consists chiefly of fishes, although squids occa- sionally are taken. Large fish are cut into great lumps of several pounds' weight by the shearing palatine teeth before being swallowed. This barracuda was com- monly seen lying near schooling fishes, which warily avoided it and seemed usually to escape its sudden dashes. It is readily caught by trolling. The color is changeable in high degree. The young from one to several inches in length have a lateral dark stripe. The larger fish show a banded pattern that appears also in the young, as well as a plain one, countershaded and marked only by a number of black spots along the lateral line. The plain pattern is that in which the fish usually swims or rests high above the bottom. In this phase the green above passes gradually to silver on the side, and this more abruptly to plain white upon the belly. In this phase the fish is readily seen from above, but if viewed at even a short distance by a diver working at its own or lower level it seems gray, and is readily lost in the blue-gray haze of the water. In the banded phase the body is crossed by seven distinct bars. This pattern is displayed when the fish rests over dark or variegated bottom. For ex- ample, of two 375-mm. fish seen at once at a dock at Fort Jefferson, one lay in the shadow of a cluster of piles, and the other was in bright sunlight over light- colored sand. The first was dark and conspicuously banded; the second, pale and uniform in coloration except for its countershading. Another observation was made upon a group of young barracudas, about 125 mm. long, at the Laboratory dock. Some were over light-colored sandy bottom, and were light and uniform in color. Others were over bottom littered with brown algae, black sea-urchin spines, and dark-colored waste, and these were darker and plainly banded. W. H. L. Gudger has written an extensive account entitled "Sphyraena barracuda; its morphology, habits, and history" (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 252, 1918, pp. 53- 108, 5 figs, 7 pis.), in which he discusses, among other matters, the ferocity of this fish. That it will attack man occasionally is a well-established fact. West Indies, Brazil, and northward on the Atlantic coast of the United States. S.F.H. Sphyraena picudilla Poey Not rare. One specimen, 150 mm. long, had the body scarcely compressed; pectorals not reaching ventrals; 132 to 134 scales with pores; 17 in series keeled, these chiefly on caudal peduncle. Color olivaceous above, silvery on sides and belly; a median dark stripe from interorbital space to insertion of second dorsal; paired dorsolateral and ocular stripes from snout to caudal, the former tangent to the eye above and reaching upper margin of caudal base, the latter passing through pupil; both paired dark lines, especially the ocular, breaking up to form spots on trunk. W. H. L. This barracuda, besides being smaller, is distinguished from the greater one by the position of the ventral fins, which are inserted under the origin of the spinous dorsal in the smaller one and well in advance of that fin in the greater 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS jj_ one. Furthermore, the scales are much smaller in the smaller species, which has about 123 to 134 in a lateral series, whereas the larger one has only about 79 to 85. West Indies to Brazil and Florida. S. F. H. Family SCOMBRIDAE. Mackerels; Tunas Scomberomorus regalis (Bloch) A single specimen was seen in shallow water, where it is apparently rare in summer. Numbers were caught while trolling outside the lagoon. W. H. L. This fish is not numerous at Key West during the summer, but it is abundant enough there during the winter to be a food fish of importance. A similar seasonal range in abundance may prevail at Tortugas, where the investigations were not carried through the winter. It is rather close to Scomberomorus maculatus. Presumably it grows somewhat larger, as a maximum weight of 35 pounds is reported. Adults may be distin- guished by the small scales on the pectoral fins, by the dark longitudinal line or lines on the side, and by the black on the anterior part of the spinous dorsal, which does not involve the base of the fin. Massachusetts to Brazil. S. F. H. Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitchill). Spanish mackerel Taken occasionally in summer trolling. Several young, 33 to 35 mm. long, dipped up under a light at boat's side at night are believed to be this species. Three had fin rays as follows: D. XIX-24 to 26; A. 11,25; for what are eventually to be free finlets (9 in the dorsal and 8 in the anal) are at this stage of develop- ment merely rays stronger than the others, and still united by membrane. Body slightly pigmented above; the rest silvery. A black spot covering the first three dorsal webs. W. H. L. This species is abundant in the vicinity of Key West only from about Novem- ber to April, when large quantities are marketed. This seasonal change in abundance probably extends to Tortugas. This is the smallest of the three local species of the genus, rarely exceeding 20 pounds. Adults have roundish yellow spots on the upper part of the sides, and the spinous dorsal anteriorly (involving about 3 to 6 spines) is black to the base. There are no scales on the pectoral fins as in Scomberomorus regalis. Middle Atlantic states to Brazil, also on the Pacific coast of tropical America. S. F. H. Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvier). Kingfish Not common in summer. Only 2 seen off the Laboratory wharf. W. H. L. Gudger (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 391, 1929, p. 164) reported a single speci- men from Tortugas, 652 mm. long, caught by trolling. Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 237) stated, "Often taken by • 72 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv trolling in the deep water southeast of Loggerhead Key." This species, like the others of the genus, is abundant at Key West only during the winter. A similar seasonal abundance probably prevails at Tortugas. This fish reaches a weight as great as 75 pounds. Aside from the larger size attained, it differs from the other local species of the genus in the more posterior position of the anal, which has its origin well behind that of the dorsal, whereas in the other two species its origin is directly under that of the dorsal. Further- more, in this fish the lateral line is abruptly decurved under the second dorsal, instead of being gently decurved as in the other species. Cape Cod to Brazil; also Africa. S. F. H. Euthynnus alletteratus (Rafinesque). Little tunny Common and taken from time to time by trolling. Measurements of one speci- men were as follows: Total length 740 mm.; to base of caudal 655 mm.; depth 170 mm.; head 165 mm.; eye 28 mm.; pectoral 112 mm., extending nearly to vertical of nth dorsal spine; dorsal origin above middle of pectoral base and over ventral origin; D. XVI, 12 (or XV-I,i2)-IX; A. 15-VII; teeth on palatines 10 or 12, in single series, relatively weaker in adult than in young; gill rakers 28. The young to the length of about 150 mm. are caught rather commonly by noddy and sooty terns, and collections of waste from their rookeries usually include fragments, readily recognizable by the peculiar structure of the back- bone. This is composed of 39 vertebrae, and in the subvertebral trellis, which sup- ports the hemapophyses, are 14 closed loculi under vertebrae 17 to 31 inclusive. The stomach of a single specimen contained 4 halfbeaks, Hemiramphus, each about 125 mm. long; 1 needlefish, Strongylura raphidoma, about 150 mm. long; and the bones of another. The spinous dorsal, though high and strong anteriorly, is depressible in a groove; the pectoral fins, strong and rigid when outstretched, at rest are received in triangular depressions; the ventral fins at rest, too, fit in shallow depressions; and about the jaws and opercular elements no free border projects by a hair's breadth to mar the smoothness of contour and to hinder swift swimming. The body is countershaded from dark blue above through lustrous silver to flat white upon the belly. On the posterior half of the body above the lateral line is a ripple pattern in darker shades. The pectoral on its posterior surface is deep blue like the back, on its anterior surface full silver; the ventrals are also blue on their horizontal upper face but flat white below; and on side below pectoral in re-entrant angle of corselet are several round dark spots half size of pupil. Warm seas, northward to the middle Atlantic states. W. H. L. Family GEMPYLIDAE. Snake Mackerels Gempylus serpens Cuvier and Valenciennes I have had this fish at Tortugas only in the collection of scraps from the Bird Key tern colony, whence pieces of 4 were obtained in poor condition. To deter- 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS j? mine the fin formulas in detail was not possible, but the long spinous dorsal, elevated lobes of dorsal and anal, and number of soft rays, together with the well developed, widely forked caudal fin, marked the species rather well. W. H. L. The fin formulas as given in a published account are, D. XXX or XXXI, 12 or 13-VI; A. III,i2-VI. Body very elongate, depth contained about 15 to 17 times in standard length; head about 5 to 5.5; scales missing; ventrals reduced to a pair of very small spines. This species, as understood by most ichthyologists, occurs in various parts of the Atlantic. It has generally been assumed that it inhabited deep water, but the occurrence of the young in the waste of the bird rookery indicates that at least part of the time the fish must be pelagic. S. F. H. Family TRICHURIDAE. Cutlass Fishes Benthodesmus atlanticus Goode and Bean Two specimens, 475 and 530 mm. long, are included in the collection. The smaller one was taken in 205 to 283 fathoms, and the larger one in about 250 fathoms. The specimens, which are not in very good condition, were identified as Ben- thodesmus atlanticus by Dr. Longley, which probably is correct, though the fin- ray counts are lower than those given in the original description. It is difficult to find the beginning of the anal in the specimens at hand, and that enumeration may not be accurate, though the one for the dorsal should be correct. As the type was taken from the stomach of a halibut, it probably was not in good con- dition, and the counts based on it may not be very accurate. Dr. Longley counted 126 rays in the dorsal and 76 in the anal in the smaller specimen, and the larger one according to my enumeration has 115 rays in the dorsal and about 70 in the anal. As the counts given for the type are 154 for the dorsal and 100 for the anal, it is necessary to make considerable allowance for errors and for variation to identify the specimens in hand with the type. Caudal fin damaged in Tortugas specimens; peduncle very slender; head rather broad and flat above, with a slight bony ridge at nape; lower jaw project- ing strongly; mouth rather larger and jaws stronger than in the cutlass fish, Trichiurus lepturus; teeth in anterior part of upper jaw very large, fanglike, the lateral ones and those of the lower jaw smaller, yet fairly large; gill rakers small, with minute points between the somewhat larger ones, about 5 + 7 of the larger ones on first arch. The color of preserved specimens is silvery. The following proportions are based on the 2 specimens in the Tortugas col- lection: Head 6.8, 7.1; depth in head 3.5, 3.4; snout (to tip of upper jaw) 2.4, 2.5; eye 6.75, 6.9. Deep water of the Atlantic. S. F. H. ~m PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Family ISTIOPHORIDAE. Sailfishes Istiophorus sp. One juvenile sailfish, 9 mm. long, taken off West Buoy, June 6, 1929, is in- cluded in the collection. This specimen agrees well with Liitken's illustration (Spolia atlantica, 1880, p. 441, pi. II, fig. 11). Both jaws somewhat produced, upper scarcely longer than lower; mouth very large, slightly oblique, provided with rather large teeth; angle of preopercle with a very large spine, about as long as the part of the head an- terior to it; another spine at shoulder, about half as long, being a continuation of a ridge extending backward from over the eye; dorsal fin low and single, the rays not sufficiently developed to be counted; caudal fin slightly damaged, but apparently round. Color above very dark, somewhat paler underneath, the caudal peduncle be- coming abruptly pale just before base of caudal; fins all colorless. The specimen is too immature to attempt a specific identification, especially in view of the comparatively recent effort to recognize three species of sailfishes in the Florida fauna. S. F. H. Family CORYPHAENIDAE. Dolphins Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus These fish are rarely seen in the shallows, for they live chiefly outside. Four large ones were seen, however, within the lagoon, and Thompson (Jordan and Thompson, Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 238) collected the young from floating Sargassum inshore. Dolphins are enemies of flying fishes, which they flush like quail, and some- times follow and catch as they fall after a fumbling start or full flight. Young dolphins suffer greatly from the attack of terns, and are easily one of the six species most commonly collected on the Bird Key breeding ground. W. H. L. The dolphin is recognized by its elongate, compressed body, highest at nape, especially in adult males; by its small cycloid scales; and by its long dorsal and anal fins, the former beginning over the nape and being composed of about 55 to 60 rays (no definite spines), the latter shorter with about 25 to 30 rays. Reported from both sides of the Atlantic and also from the western Pacific. S. F. H. Family NOMEIDAE. Man-of-war Fishes Nomeus gronovii (Gmelin) Pelagic; commonly associated with the Portuguese man-of-war, beneath each of which several may usually be found. Paris blue above, solid or in patches; this color continued ventrally in bands or blotches, through which gleaming silver shimmers; a bar of blue across each caudal lobe at base, and spots of blue at base of anal, extending upon its web; 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS y^ dorsal fins bluish; pectorals also bluish basally or throughout their dorsal two- thirds; blue, in diffuse lines, following the rays of the great ventrals and spread- ing over their posterior margins; eye blue above, with a pigmented sector un- exposed in its normal position; iris silvery, crossed by an oblique line extending to angle of mouth. W. H. L. This fish is characterized by its oblong compressed body; depth in standard length 3.0 to 3.8; D. IX to XI-1,25 to 27; A. 111,25 to 27; ventrals much larger than pectorals in young, becoming proportionately shorter with age, fan-shaped, and inserted under base of pectorals. Widely distributed, straying northward to Cape Cod. S. F. H. Psenes cyanophrys Cuvier and Valenciennes Observed only in collections of fishes dropped by terns in their rookery on Bird Key. Nearly 150, up to 120 mm. in length, were picked up at different times. Twice 2 were adhering to one another, having been regurgitated together. One each was found similarly with Monacanthus hispidus and Trachitrops crtimen- ophthalma, and 2 with Caranx ruber. The combination indicates a pelagic fish, possibly occurring about the Sargassum, where young M. hispidus is common. D. X-1,25%; A. 111,27. Color, as far as determinable, brownish yellow, with longitudinal rows of brown dots on side; caudal yellow. W. H. L. This species differs strikingly from the preceding one in having much smaller ventral fins, which are not larger than the pectorals. Furthermore, the body is deeper, the depth generally being contained in the length less than 2.0 times. Widely distributed in tropical seas, straying northward at least to Florida. S. F. H. Family CARANGIDAE. Pompanos, etc. Decapterus punctatus (Agassiz) These fish were taken about a submerged light at night, and also in water 11 to 22 fathoms deep. In life over bare bottom they did not show the greens and yellows of the dead fish. Instead, they were faintly gray, countershaded, silvery below, with a narrow brown or black line of width of pupil from snout to caudal. The stomachs of specimens examined contained copepods. Fifteen to 20 specimens, about 90 to 100 mm. long, were picked up among the refuse of the Bird Key rookery. W. H. L. The elongate, roundish body, with depth 4.3 to 5.3 in standard length, the very prominent scutes in the straight part of the lateral line, and a single detached finlet following both dorsal and anal characterize the species. The fin formulas are: D. VII or VIII-29 to 31-1; A. 11-1,25 to 27-1. Lateral scutes 35 to 42; gill rakers about 35. Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes northward to Cape Cod. S. F. H. 7 6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Trachurops crumenophthalma (Bloch) The young, 65 to 210 mm. long, were common in the refuse of the rookery on Bird Key. The adults largely escaped observation, but were seen occasionally in shallow water. Four taken in a gill net at Garden Key, June 29, 1929, included males and females in breeding condition, the largest 270 mm. long. A specimen 120 mm. long showed a.well defined lateral stripe of yellow, run- ning from margin of opercular to middle of base of caudal. In larger fish there were indications of the same stripe. The stomach of one contained a large shrimp and a partly digested fish, prob- ably a Harengula. W. H. L. This fish is characterized by the elongate, little-compressed body; the very large eye, about 2.75 to 3.2 in head; the peculiar deep furrow in the shoulder girdle at its juncture with the isthmus, with a fleshy projection above it; and the large, oblique mouth, with projecting lower jaw. D. VIII-1,23 to 26; A. 11-1,20 to 23. Atlantic coast of the United States to Brazil; also Africa. S. F. H. Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Linnaeus) Four specimens 10 to 17 mm. in length were found swimming with the jelly- fish Amelia. D. VIII-1,26 to 28; A. 11-1,26 or 27. W. H. L. The rather large number of fin rays, the strongly rounded ventral profile in contrast with the much less strongly convex dorsal one, the deeply forked caudal, and the numerous close-set gill rakers (about 28 to ^) distinguish this species. Atlantic coast of tropical America, straying northward to Cape Cod. S.F.H. Seriola dumerili (Risso). Amber jack Caranx dumerili Risso, Ichthyol. Nice, 1810, p. 175, pi. 6, fig. 20 — Nice. Seriola dumerili Risso, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 3, 1827, p. 424. Meek and Hildebrand, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., vol. 15, pt. 2, 1925, p. 397. Seriola lalandi Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 9, 1833, p. 208 — Brazil. Seriola jasciata Jordan and Thompson, Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 237. With Seriola my acquaintance is slight. It is possible that my observations refer to more than one species. I note, however, that large individuals mentioned below display in combination characteristics which have been said to distinguish S. dumerili and S. lalandi, and follow Meek and Hildebrand (see citation above) in uniting the two. Two specimens 785 and 880 mm. long, taken by trolling between Loggerhead and Bird keys, measured respectively 610 and 690 mm. to base of caudal. Depth in each 3.4, and head 3.3; D. VII-I^ 1 ^; A. II-I,2o!/ 2 ; and D. VII-I^; A. II-I,2i l / 2 . Each with a broad diffuse streak of yellow from snout through eye to base of caudal, and a more indistinct and incomplete one from eye toward origin of dorsal. i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 77 Fish that I believe to be the young of this species accompany floating Sar- gassum. At 115 mm. their color is olivaceous above, golden below; a line of dark brown of width of pupil extending through eye from snout to dorsal origin; body with six crossbands of about the width of the paler interspaces; a yellow line above pectoral base and extending to base of caudal represents the brassy stripe of the adult. Fragments of fish, of a length of 100 mm. or a little more, have not been rare in the refuse of the tern colony on Bird Key, and its successor on Long Key. W.H.L. This fish, which reaches a weight of about 100 pounds, is most readily recog- nized by its elongate body, depth about 3.4 in standard length; by the low anterior lobes of the soft dorsal and anal, which are scarcely elevated except in large examples; and by the small number of gill rakers (10 to 14 on lower limb of first arch). Middle Atlantic states to Brazil, also Mediterranean Sea. S. F. H. Caranx ruber (Bloch). Runner (Plate 2, figure 3) A fish of the open water, swift and restless. At Tortugas the commonest of the carangids in summer. Schools of small or medium-sized ones may then be found over any bottom, but large adults are comparatively rare. Small ones are taken by the terns in great numbers, several hundred, up to 215 mm. in length, having been gathered in the Bird Key rookery. This species is a terror to smaller fishes. Young or small scarids and labrids fly from its approach. Schools of the lesser surface fishes, madly dashing and leap- ing, may often be seen between the upper and nether millstones of its and the terns' attack. As seen by the diver, it is usually bluish gray, with a median dark blue or black line from the nape becoming visible laterally in advance of the soft dorsal and continuing at its base to the caudal peduncle and thence to the tip of the lower lobe of the fin; a light blue line of half its width runs above it throughout its length. But this pattern is changeable. By day the fish may be more ashen or even slaty in hue. At dusk over clear sand the darker blue stripe may fade out com- pletely. In contrast with its usual haste is its leisurely approach where Thalassoma or Anisotremus waits to ease, it seems, each parasite-infested passer-by of its unrest. In slow circles the wheeling school revolves, while here and there individuals with premaxillaries protruded and perhaps with gill covers raised solicit atten- tion. Those that do not receive attention resume their swimming, and offer them- selves again while the group remains or after it makes a brief excursion, vanishes in the gray haze, and returns to gyrate anew. While undergoing inspection the fish wriggle and at last break away and rejoin their fellows, but on the whole seem pleasurably embarrassed by the treatment they received. W. H. L. j$ PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv The numerous gill rakers, the long dorsal and anal, and the color characterize this species. The following counts are from Dr. Longley's notes: D. VII or VIII- 1,27 or 28; A. H-1,24 or 25; gill rakers 32 to 34. West Indies, northward on the southern shores of the United States. S. F. H. Caranx bartholomaei Cuvier and Valenciennes. Yellow jack During the summer this species was seen more commonly than any other carangid except Caranx ruber. It is rather more a bottom fish than that species, and less shy. A dozen or more almost in single file sometimes were seen swim- ming only 6 to 8 inches from the bottom while small fishes scurried from their line of march. Particularly after death this fish has a yellowish cast to which it owes its name; fins chiefly yellow; dorsal rising from within a median yellow stripe; sides crossed by five faint blue and wavy transverse lines giving it a pattern something like that of watered silk. The young at 165 mm. with a vertical dark line of width of pupil passing through eye; five or six narrow bluish lines, strongly inclined forward and downward, visible above lateral line, and oblong silver spots on a yellow ground below it. A few, up to 185 mm. in length, were collected in the Bird Key rookery. This species is readily distinguishable by the depth, which is considerably greater than that of C. crysos and C. ruber; by the rather small number of gill rakers; and by the smaller number of anal rays, about 2 less than in C. ruber. West Indies, northward to the southern shores of the United States. W. H. L. Caranx lugubris Poey A single specimen, about 80 mm. long, obtained in waste from the tern colony on Long Key. At this size it is very unlike species of Caranx locally common. It is distinguished, in part, by its larger head; shorter snout; stronger teeth; one strong median tooth on vomer; none visible on palatines; scutes much stronger than in other local species; and spines of posterior half of series strongly antrorse. In color it is almost uniformly leaden, except that the pectoral and caudal fins are sharply dark at the base only, and the rest seems to have been yellowish. Tropical Atlantic, northward to Florida. W. H. L. Caranx latus Agassiz Occasionally large schools gather about the Laboratory and east lighthouse dock; the young, 50 to 125 mm. in length, are not uncommon during the sum- mer; and the smaller sizes are common in the waste from the Bird Key rookery. This fish is changeable in color. The young often, and the half-grown occa- sionally, are banded with an oblique dark line as wide as pupil, running from occiput through eye nearly to angle of mouth; body barred with alternate dark and light vertical bands, of approximately equal width in the young, but with the dark bars broader in the larger individuals. In the adult fish, as seen in the water, the color commonly is blue-gray, countershaded to silver below, self- 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS jg colored except for a dark spot at the upper angle of the opercular cleft, the dark tip of the falcate dorsal fin, and the yellow caudal. W. H. L. Aside from color, this species is recognizable by the very moderately elevated anterior lobes of the second dorsal and the anal; the somewhat enlarged teeth on the lower jaw; and the low number of gill rakers, 14 or 15 on the lower limb of the first arch. Other enumerations and proportions are: D. VIII-1,20 to 22; A. II-I,i7 or 18; lateral scutes 35 to 38. Head 2.9 to 3.2; depth 2.5 to 2.6 (enumera- tions and proportions based on 3 specimens in the Tortugas collections, 95, in, and 140 mm. long). Tropical Atlantic, northward on the coast of the United States to or beyond Virginia. S. F. H. Caranx crysos (Mitchill). Hardtail The young are apparently common about the Tortugas, though taken rarely by us. Only a few adults were noticed. Some may have been mistaken, however, for Caranx ruber, with which they may school. In collections of refuse from the tern rookery, to the length of about 100 mm., they were less numerous than the two common flying fishes, Parexocoetus mesogaster and Cypselurus furcatus, and the filefish, Monacanthus hispid its. Usually Caranx ruber was better repre- sented, and often one or all .of the following were more numerous: Psenes cyanophrys, Coryphaena hippiirus, and Trachurops crnmenopthalma. The many scutes of the lateral line identify this fish readily in the rookery waste, even when, having been swallowed headforemost, the anterior half of the body is largely digested. The opercular spot, more falcate second dorsal, rounder snout, and absence of a definite dark dorsal stripe continuing into the lower lobe of the caudal fin distinguish it further. It is not more yellow than C. ruber, except when quite young. A large specimen, 550 mm. in total length, was 430 mm. long to base of caudal; depth 140 mm.; head 115 mm.; eye 22 mm.; straight portion of lateral line 180 mm. D. VIII-1,23; A. IL21; gill rakers on lower limb of first arch 25; lateral-line scutes with spines, about 40. Tropical Atlantic, straying northward to Cape Cod. W. H. L. Caranx hippos (Linnaeus) No mention of this species was found in Dr. Longley's notes, indicating he did not take it. The only record of its capture at Tortugas, known to me, is by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 237). It may be assumed that the species is rare at Tortugas as it is at Key West, where Bureau of Fisheries collectors took only one specimen during several years of intermittent collecting. This species differs from the others of the genus in having the chest naked, except for a small triangular patch of scales in front of the ventrals. Adults have a steeper, more strongly convex anterior profile, a rather broader head and nape, and a more prominent black opercular spot than related species. Tropical Atlantic, and northward on the coast of the United States. S. F. H. 80 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Trachinotus falcatus (Linnaeus). Pompano A specimen 15 mm. long was taken in floating Sargassum. Others, 60 mm. long, were seined along the shore. The smallest fish was rich dark brown with soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins clear. At the preopercular angle it had a strong spine equaling three-quarters the ocular diameter. About the base of this were smaller spines, with 2 others, grad- uated, on the posterior, 2 on the inferior preopercular margin. The larger fish were pale grayish, silvery on the sides and below. Dorsal fin black along anterior margin and lobe; ventrals and anterior margin and lobe of anal orange. Pre- opercular spine not evident; form that of the adult, save that the contour is straight from eyes to origin of dorsal. Occasionally large fish were seen during the summer at the shore of Logger- head Key and about the Bird Key flats. A female 82.5 cm. long, taken on July 1, 1933, measured 63.7 cm. to base of caudal, and was 28.7 cm. deep. D. VI-I,io/, A. II-L18. The dorsal lobe depressed reached to the base of the 15th ray, the anal lobe to the base of the 10th ray. The ventrals were 87 mm. long, the distance from ventral origin to anus 87 mm. The size of the ovaries indicated the breeding season. In the mouth of this fish was a specimen of Strom bus biberculatus , and in the stomach were the foot and operculum, but not the shell, of another, with the chelae of the great hermit crab, Petrochirus baha'mensis, and fragments of other crustaceans. Another fish, a male, 75 cm. long, had the same fin formulas and the same proportions. In its alimentary tract were sea-urchin spines and pieces of their tests, and fragments of a small Pitho. This large fish showed a healed wound involving the region from the 3d anal spine to the nth ray, a linear distance of 100 mm. along the base of the fin. There had been no regeneration of fins or scales. W. H. L. This pompano is recognized by its deep body (depth generally less than 2 in length) ; the greatly elevated anterior lobes of the soft dorsal and anal in the adult; the rather small number of dorsal and anal rays (D. VI or VII-I,io. to 21; A. II-I,i7 or 18) ; and by the plain color, no crossbars being present. The collection contains 6 juveniles, ranging from 9 to n mm. in length, taken off West Buoy. The dorsal and anal rays are already well enough developed to permit a fairly accurate count, the spines being especially well developed. In 3 specimens the formulas are, D. VII,2o; VII, 19; VII, 18; A. IIL18; III, 17; III,i7, the first 2 spines not being separated from the 3d. The preopercle is provided with 3 very large spines, which are lost later in life. The caudal already is forked. These young vary among themselves in color from nearly black to brownish with dark punctulations. The soft parts of the dorsal and anal and the caudal fin are abruptly colorless. Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes as far northward as Cape Cod. S. F. H. i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 8 1 Trachinotus palometa Regan Chaetodon glaucus Bloch, Naturgesch. ausland. Fische, vol. 3, 1787, p. 112, pi. 210 — Martinique (on a drawing by Plumier). Trachynotus palometa Regan, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 7, vol. 12, 1903, p. 349 (sub- stitute for C. glaucus Bloch, regarded as preoccupied). Sometimes appears in large schools about the Laboratory and lighthouse docks, and in smaller numbers about beach rocks east of the Laboratory. Lobes of soft dorsal and anal elongated and black, as are lobes of caudal; four narrow vertical dark bars on side. The stomach of one specimen, 175 mm. long, was filled with annelid frag- ments, and one ]en\insia lamprotaenia. W. H. L. Gudger (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 391, 1929, p. 165) described a specimen 122 mm. long from Tortugas, giving the fin-ray formulas D. I-VI-1,19; A. II-L.17. Depth in standard length 2.2. Longley's and Gudger's specimens had only four dark crossbars, though five sometimes are present. This pompano is more elongate than Trachinotus falcatits (depth generally more than 2 in standard length) ; the anterior lobes of the soft dorsal and anal are higher, sometimes reaching nearly to tips of caudal in adults; and it differs in color, having dark vertical bars on the side. Caribbean Sea and northward to Virginia. S. F. H. l &* Trachinotus carolinus (Linnaeus) Dr. Longley did not list this pompano in his notes. It is included in the fauna of Tortugas on the basis of a record by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 238), who stated that it was rather common. Schroeder (Rept. U. S. Comm. Fish., app. 12, 1923 (1924), p. 12), reporting on the commercial fishes of Key West, said that it is taken there in small numbers during the winter. Dr. Longley may not have found it at Tortugas because his work was confined to summer. This pompano is recognized by the rather numerous dorsal and anal rays (D. V or VI-I,22 to 25; A. 11-1,20 to 23); by the low anterior lobes of the dorsal and anal; and by the plain color, which in adults is bluish green above, shading into the silvery on the belly, without crossbars. On the coast of tropical America, sometimes as far north as Cape Cod. S.F.H. Trachinotus goodei Jordan and Evermann. Permit This pompano seems to be mentioned only once in Dr. Longley's notes: "A large carangid of the sort in which I have lost grains. ... It is the 'permit,' T. goodei." This fish was seen off Long Key while diving, and also south of Long Key. Aside from the large size attained, this pompano is recognized by the rather elongate body (depth about 2.5 in standard length) ; by the short dorsal and anal fins (D. VI-L19; A. H-1,17), with anterior lobes only moderately elevated, not 8 2 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv extending beyond base of posterior rays if deflexed; and by the plain color, no dark bars being present. Southern Florida, and presumably the West Indies. S. F. H. Vomer setapinnis (Mitchill). Horsefish Waste from the tern rookery on Long Key provided the single specimen ob- tained locally. This is 35 mm. long (standard length 27 mm.), depth 25 mm. D. VII-I,2i; A. II-I,i8; P. 19. The first 4 dorsal spines more or less elongated, the 2d and 3d much the longest, the former depressed attaining base of 7th ray; re- maining spines of anterior dorsal short, strong, compressed, sharp-pointed; ventrals extending almost to the 2 anterior anal spines. Color dusky above; sides silvery; a distinct black line from dorsal origin to pupil; a vertical dash of black as broad as the pupil and as high as the eye's diameter intersecting lateral line just behind its curved portion. W. H. L. This fish is rather rare also at Key West, especially during the summer. It is recognized by the deep, very strongly compressed body; very steep, nearly vertical, anterior profile; prominently arched lateral line, with weak bony scutes in straight part; none of the rays of second dorsal or anal produced in adult, these fins being very low. Atlantic coast of tropical America, straying northward to or beyond Cape Cod. S.F.H. Selene vomer (Linnaeus). Moonfish A single observation was recorded in Dr. Longley's notes, as follows: "Speci- men of Selene vomer at surface in channel off south dock, Fort Jefferson — about 175 mm. long." This species is not rare at Key West. It is rather surprising, therefore, that it was not seen oftener at Tortugas. The deep ovate (depth about 1.2 to 1.5 in standard length), very strongly com- pressed body, with very steep anterior profile; the absence of bony scutes in the lateral line; and the greatly produced anterior lobes of the second dorsal and the anal in the adult distinguish the moonfish from other local species. Atlantic coast of tropical America, straying northward to or beyond Cape Cod. S. F. H. Alectis ciliaris (Bloch). Threadfin Dr. Longley has only the note: "A single school of perhaps 12 at outer edge of reef off Laboratory dock. Anterior dorsal and anal rays produced and trailing filaments, twice as long as whole body, and extending behind it for half its length." I may add that the dorsal and anal filaments are much longer in the young than in adults. I have seen young about 25 mm. long (at Beaufort, North Caro- lina) in which the filaments were four or five times as long as the body. Simi- larly, the ventral fins are very long in the young (about as long as the fish in specimens about 15 mm. long), becoming much shorter with age. On the other i 94 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 83 hand, the pectorals are short in the young, and become proportionately much longer and falcate with age. The ovate, strongly compressed body, the filamentous rays of the second dorsal and anal, and other fin developments already discussed distinguish this species. Both coasts of tropical America, straying northward to Cape Cod. S. F. H. Oligoplites saurus (Bloch and Schneider). Leatherjacket This species is included in the fauna of Tortugas on the basis of a record by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 237), who stated, "Taken at Garden Key. . . ." Dr. Longley presumably did not see it. The species apparently is rare also at Key West. It is recognized by its long, thin body (depth about 3.3 to 4.0 in standard length), which is plain bluish and silvery in life, covered with small linear scales embedded at various angles to each other; gill membranes separate; rakers in moderate number, about 13 to 15 on lower limb of first arch; D. V-1,19 to 21; A. H-1,19 to 21. Both coasts of tropical America, straying northward to or beyond New York. S. F. H. Family APOGONIDAE. Cardinal Fishes The species, in part, are closely related, and not well understood. Three re- cently described ones are included. For the convenience of those who may use this book, the principal differentiating characters of the species found at Tortugas are set forth in a key. S. F. H. Key to the Genera and Species a. Dorsal spines normally 6; anal spines 2 b. Preopercle with posterior margin weakly to strongly serrate . . Apogon c. Color chiefly brownish, with few to many chromatophores on sides, at least some of them with silvery centers d. Scales on caudal peduncle, counting close behind base of dorsal, in 6 rows from one lateral line to the oppo- site one; small canines in anterior part of upper jaw, and laterally in lower jaw; chromatophores on sides below lateral line, mostly 1 to a scale pigmentarius dd. Scales on caudal peduncle in 5 rows from one lateral line to the opposite one; no canines, the teeth being small and of nearly uniform size; chromatophores on sides below lateral line more numerous con\lim cc. Color chiefly red in life, pale in spirits; no large chromato- phores; with or without dark points, or a few large black spots, or a few black crossbars e. No definite black markings; with or without dark points; no black spots or bands /. Scales in median series before dorsal 5; pre- opercular margin weakly serrate .... aurohneatus 8 4 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv //. Scales in median series before dorsal 4; pre- opercular margin strongly serrate . . quadrisquamatus ee. A black blotch under opercular spine; a black spot on upper part of side below base of posterior rays of second dorsal; a black spot or saddle on upper part of caudal peduncle at base of caudal g. Black spot below base of second dorsal fully half as large as eye; a black saddle on caudal peduncle; tips of second dorsal, anal, and caudal not perceptibly black; 3 rows of scales above and 3 below lateral line on caudal peduncle maculatus gg. Black spot below base of second dorsal smaller and better defined; a definite round spot on upper half of caudal peduncle at base of caudal, no saddle; tips of second dorsal, anal, and caudal black; 5 rows of scales above and 6 below lateral line on caudal peduncle . pseiidomaculatus eee. Black bar between bases of posterior rays of second dorsal and anal; another at base of caudal h. Body comparatively short and deep, depth 2.8 to 3.2 in standard length; caudal peduncle 2.3 to 2.5 in head; head short, deep, not espe- cially depressed above, 2.5 to 2.75 in standard length; gill rakers 12 or 13; pectoral with 10 rays binotatus hh. Body elongate, depth 3.5 to 3.9 in standard length; caudal peduncle 2.9 in head; head long, low, depressed above, 2.5 to 3.1 in standard length; gill rakers 17 or 18; pectoral with 12 rays planijrons bb. Preopercular margin entire Apogomchthys i. Ventral fins short, failing to reach origin of anal, usually only to vent alutus /'/'. Ventral fins longer, reaching beyond origin of anal, usually to or past middle of anal base stellatus aa. Dorsal spines normally 9; anal spines 2 Synagrops j. Body elongate, depth 4.0 to 4.6 in standard length; eye large, 2.9 to 3.0 in head; second dorsal and anal scaleless bellus Apogon pigmentarius (Poey) In Poey's description (Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 123) of this species few dif- ferential characters are mentioned. He does write, however, "Toutes les dents en velours." It is surprising, therefore, that the specimen, 43 mm. long to base of caudal (Mus. Comp. Zool. no. 9753), which Poey's memoranda make the type has not all villiform teeth. The teeth in the upper jaw are in a villiform band posteriorly, anteriorly in two rows with 5 or 6 weak canines in the inner row; a band in lower jaw with several at side above tip of articular, somewhat enlarged 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS g~ and canine-like; vomer with several strong teeth on either side and a number of much smaller ones before them; palatine teeth moderately strong, chiefly in a single series. This is so unexpected one suspects that this specimen is not the type. A careful analysis of the evidence found in the records of the Museum of Comparative Zoology and of the data with this and other specimens sent by Poey, however, supports the assumption that this fish actually is the type. Its squamation and pigmentation, as well as its dentition, usually distinguish Apogon pigmentarius. Scales ctenoid except on nape; 6 scales in median series before dorsal; caudal peduncle, in addition to median dorsal and ventral series, with 3 rows of scales above and 3 below lateral line. Chromatophores below lateral line chiefly 1 to each scale; a narrow dark bar at base of dorsal, and a broader, more diffuse one at base of caudal. W. H. L. Though Dr. Longley does not mention the occurrence of this species at Tor- tugas in the foregoing account, it was taken there, as is shown by the presence of 2 specimens, 56 and 61 mm. long, in the collection. It is listed as observed or taken four times in Dr. Longley's notes, but these observations possibly are referable to A. conklini, as the two species seem to have been considered one for a long time. It may be assumed, however, that this fish is not numerous at Tortugas. West Indies to southern Florida. S. F. H. Apogon conklini (Silvester) Amia conklini Silvester, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 14, 1915, p. 215 — Guanica Harbor, Puerto Rico; Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 252, 1918, p. 21, pi. 3, fig. 1. Amia gloverensis Mowbray, in Breder, Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 1, art. 1, 1927, p. 37, fig. 19 — Washerwoman Cut, Bahamas. The type of this species is lost; no trace of it is to be found in the museum of Princeton University, or in any other museum. Its picture in color, however, identifies it. In hue it is much like Apogon pigmentarius, which is brownish rather than red. Some of its chromatophores are very large, as in that species, and in pre- served specimens at least they also have silvery centers, which are most distinct on the gill cover and just behind and below the gill opening. The chromato- phores, however, are more numerous in conklini, particularly on the sides below the lateral line. The dark bands on base of dorsal and anal fins are also charac- teristic marks, but do not persist indefinitely in museum specimens. The slight variation in size of the teeth in conklini, in which none stand out distinctly above the others as in pigmentarius, distinguishes the two. In well grown specimens of conklini the scales are all ctenoid, and are larger than in pigmentarius. The last difference is especially noticeable on the caudal peduncle, where A. conklini has two rows of scales above and two below the lateral-line series, besides a median dorsal and ventral series, or two rows less in the complete circuit than in pigmentarius. 86 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv This species is rare in collections. At Tortugas, in shallow water at least, it is very rare; I have recognized only 4 specimens. The only specimen for which the place of collection is known came from Southwest Key. One was found in waste from the tern rookery. W. H. L. Dr. Longley's collection contains 5 specimens, ranging in length from about 40 (caudal fin broken) to 72 mm. Bahamas, Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, and Atlantic coast of Panama. S.F.H. Apogon aurolineatus (Mowbray) Apogon pigmentarius Metzelaar (not of Poey), Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. 60 — Curasao. Amia aurolincatum Mowbray, in Breder, Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 1, art. 1, 1927, p. 35, fig. 18 — Siguanea Bay, Isle of Pines. I have had a single small specimen at Tortugas, found lurking in a crevice in coral at a depth of 10 to 12 feet. Poey sent an unnamed specimen of this species to the Museum of Comparative Zoology from Havana. Two specimens, from Key West, Florida, are registered in the American Museum of Natural History (no. 2554) as Apogon maculatus. At least the larger of 2 specimens from Curasao, identified by Metzelaar as A. pigmentarius , is in the Zoological Museum in Amsterdam. These and the type (Bingham Oceanog. Coll. no. 461) are all I have discovered in museum collections. Median predorsal series of scales, five; two rows between them and lateral line; at least some in the median and submedian series cycloid; caudal peduncle with three rows above and below the lateral line besides a median dorsal and ventral row. In squamation alone, then, there are differences setting this species quite apart from quadrisqiiamatus with its four predorsal scales, from pseudo- maculatus with ctenoid scales only, from maculatus with more scales on the caudal peduncle, and from binotatus and conklini with fewer, as well as from townsendi, if that is separable from binotatus. Pectoral fins distinctively short, extending at most a very short distance beyond anal origin; teeth in villiform bands, none projecting sharply beyond the others; eye very small, with half or less than half the superficial area of that of A. quadri- sqiiamatus; serration of preopercular margin sparse and weak; caudal fin very slightly emarginate. The color pattern lacks the sharp, dark markings of maculatus, pseudomaculatus, and binotatus. Breder is of the opinion that the ventrals of the type have been lost and the wound healed over. No irregularity in squamation, however, indicates that the fish ever possessed them. W. H. L. I did not recognize this species among the specimens of Dr. Longley's collec- tion now in the National Museum. Dutch West Indies to southern Florida. S. F. H. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS $y Apogon quadrisquamatus Longley Apogon quadrisquamatus Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 33, 1934, p. 257 — Tortugas, Florida. Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 229, fig- 3- Apogon maculatus (Poey) (Plate 3, figure 1) ? Apogon americanum Castelnau, Anim. Amer. Sud, Poiss., 1855, p. 3, pi. 3, fig. 2 — Bahia. Monoprion maculatus Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 123 — Cuba. Apogon sellicauda Evermann and Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 20, pt. 1, 1900 (1902), p. 143, fig. 40 — Culebra Island, Puerto Rico. Apogon brasilianus Gilbert, Proc. Washington Acad. Sci., vol. 2, 1900, p. 168, pi. 9, fig. 3 — Mamanguape, Brazil. This species, perhaps not distinct from Apogon americanum Castelnau, is the most common of its genus at Tortugas. It is indeed far commoner than one might suppose if observation were limited to daylight hours, as the fish avoid the light. On the reef flats east of Bird Key, or off Loggerhead Key, any greatly cor- roded skeleton of the larger corals may have 10 or more young lurking beneath it. Full-grown individuals are commonest in the coral stacks, although with dynamite they may be taken on bottom only moderately rocky. By day only an occasional glimpse of one deep down in the crevices between the heads may be seen, but at dusk as many as 4 have been observed together fully exposed, where none was seen earlier. How far afield they wander at night is not known. Ground color red, paler at night: in life with a short black longitudinal stripe through eye, slightly less than width of pupil, sharply defined by white lines on iris, and by pale streaks on side of snout and head; details of these markings dis- appearing at death. A black spot usually fully half as large as eye under dorsal; a dark saddle of variable extent and intensity on caudal peduncle; no color in mouth; peritoneum white. A small shrimp was taken from the stomach of one specimen, and it itself was twice recognized in the stomach contents of Lutianus griseus and L. analis. The species practices oral gestation. A male (sex determined by dissection) carrying eggs with embryos in its mouth was obtained on June 5, and a female dredged in 40 fathoms on July 15 had eggs exuding from her body, indicating the time of breeding. D. Y\-l,g l / 2 ; A. 11,8%; gill rakers 5 or 6 4- 14; scales in two rows above lateral line, or three if the small scales at base of dorsal are included; 24 scales in lateral line to base of caudal; 12 in series up and forward between anus and lateral line; five rows above lateral line on anterior part of caudal peduncle, six below (median rows excluded). Identification of the Tortugas specimens with Poey's maculatus rests upon their almost perfect agreement with the original description, and upon compari- son of specimens in museums. The size of the type, 90 mm. long, is almost con- clusive, since other species of the genus in the vicinity of Havana do not seem to grow that large. The type was female, and there is in the Museum of Compara- 88 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv tive Zoology (no. 9745) a female, 88 mm. long, with a slightly frayed caudal, which is marked "Poey's original." In the U. S. National Museum (no. 8804) are 2 specimens in poor condition but clearly referable to this species. They came from Poey under the number 436, which is the number assigned to maculatus in his private collection and in all his publications relating to it. There can be no doubt, then, as to the identity of the Tortugas specimens with Apogon maculatus. W. H. L. The collection contains 28 specimens, ranging in length from 30 to 102 mm. The dark or dusky blotch below the opercular spine, another more definite one under the soft dorsal, and a dark saddle on the peduncle at base of caudal, which are larger (especially the two posterior ones) than in A. pseudomaculatus, serve as recognition marks. The absence of black on the lobes of the second dorsal and the anal also aids in separating this species from A. pseudomaculatus, and judg- ing from the specimens preserved, A. maculatus attains a larger size. Atlantic coast of tropical America, northward to southern Florida. S. F. H. Apogon pseudomaculatus Longley Apogoii pseudomaculatus Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 31, 1932, p. 301 — Tortugas, Florida (notes, but no description; no type designated). Longley and Hilde- brand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 231, fig. 4. Apogon binotatus (Poey) Jordan and Evermann (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 1109) have adequately summarized the original description, except that the term "sub- bifurcada," applied to the form of the caudal, is rendered "lunate," which is in- accurate. Poey mentioned no point, save color, in which this species differs from Apogon pigmentarius. The two, however, as appears from examination of the type (no. 9750) and other specimens (nos. 9747, 9755) in the Museum of Com- parative Zoology, are sharply distinct. The 2d dorsal spine in A. binotatus is much stouter than the 3d, and usually extends as far as its tip; the posterior margin of the preopercle is more strongly serrate; the scales on the caudal peduncle are in two rows above and two below the lateral line, in addition to the median dorsal and ventral series. Three specimens were found in waste of the tern rookery. The range of this species includes the shallow water of Bird Key flats. Specimens were occasionally taken by breaking up clumps of the fragile, branching coral, Pontes pontes, lifted bodily from the water, and with the diving hood others were seen lurking in the shelter of massive corals in the 15-foot holes near by. Ground color variable, sometimes changing in a moment from vermilion to flesh color; pale phases shown at night, or amid light-colored surroundings; dark markings never disappearing wholly. The narrowness of the bars crossing body between posterior ends of bases of dorsal and anal, and at base of caudal, is dis- tinctive. There are no white lines on the eye, as in A. maculatus; and the lobes of the vertical fins are not black-tipped, as in A. pseudomaculatus. W. H. L. 194 1 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 89 Because of the close relation between this species and A. planijrons, re- cently described as new, it seems desirable to furnish additional data. The fol- lowing proportions, enumerations, and remarks are based on 3 specimens from Tortugas, ranging in length from 32 to 43 mm., and 1 larger one, 95 mm. long, from Cuba (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 37529): Head 2.5 to 2.75; depth 2.8 to 3.2. Caudal peduncle in head 2.3 to 2.5; eye 2.9 to 3.5; snout 4.0 to 4.8; interorbital 4.5 to 5.3; maxillary 1.8 to 1.9; pectoral 1.7 to 1.9. D. VI-1,9; A. 11,8 or 9; scales before dorsal 5 or 6, in lateral line 25, on caudal peduncle 2 or 3 above and below lateral line in addition to a median dorsal and ventral series; gill rakers 12 or 13, including rudiments, on lower limb of first arch; pectoral with 10 rays; pre- opercular margin moderately serrate; 2d dorsal spine much stronger than 3d; ventrals reaching vent; pectorals reaching origin of anal; body rather deep; head not notably flattened above, the anterior dorsal profile being rather evenly rounded. West Indies to southern Florida. S. F. H. Apogon planifrons Longley and Hildebrand Apogoti planifrons Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 232, fig. 5 — Tortugas, Florida. Apogonichthys alutus (Jordan and Gilbert) No specimens were found in the collection, and nothing in Dr. Longley 's field notes is identifiable with this species. However, in his copy of Jordan, Evermann, and Clark's Cheeky list, this species is definitely checked and numbered, as his custom was with species belonging to the Tortugas fauna. In his unfinished manuscript is the following: "Jordan and Thompson's suggestion [Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 239] that A. alutus is identical with A. puncticulatus [= A. stellatus] I believe incorrect. The possibility of the two being growth stages of one species is eliminated because the many small specimens of A. puncticulatus examined, like the large ones, have long ventral fins. Sexual dimorphism also fails to explain the difference, for specimens with well developed ovaries and others with as evident spermaries are like one another in the same way. Besides the type (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 30874), and a specimen from Puerto Rico, the U. S. National Museum has a Cuban specimen, 51 mm. (no. 37477), presented by Professor Poey." Although Dr. Longley fails to state that this species was taken at Tortugas, it surely may be expected in that vicinity, especially as there is at hand, in addition to the specimens already mentioned, another one, 44 mm. long, taken oflf Beau- fort (North Carolina) Inlet, in 13 to 14 fathoms. The Beaufort specimen agrees closely with the type. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the type and the Beaufort specimen, the ones based on the latter being enclosed in parentheses: Head 2.6 (2.6) ; depth 2.9 (2.6, a gravid female). Caudal peduncle in head 2.5 (2.6); eye 2.7 (2.9); snout 5.0 (5.2); maxillary 1.7 (1.6); interorbital 9 o PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv 3.8 (3.3). D. VI-I,8 (VI-I,8); A. 11,8 (11,8) ; scales largely lost in both specimens, about 20 pockets in lateral line; gill rakers on lower limb of first arch 9 (10). This species, as already indicated, differs conspicuously from A. stellatus in the much shorter ventral fins, which in 3 specimens before me reach only to the vent, whereas in A. stellatus, in a dozen or more specimens examined, they reach well beyond the origin of the anal, usually about opposite the middle of the base, and sometimes to the end of the anal base. West Indies to North Carolina. S. F. H. Apogonichthys stellatus Cope Apogonichthys stellatus Cope, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc, vol. 13, 1869 (1866?), p. 400 — Nassau, Bahamas. Apogonichthys puncticulatus Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1867, p. 233 — Cuba. Apogonichthys strombi Plate, Zool. Anz., vol. 33, 1908, p. 393 — Bahamas. Apogonichthys melampodus Blosser, Ann. Carnegie Mus., vol. 6, 1909, p. 296 — St. Croix. Apogonichthys practices oral gestation, as is demonstrated by a specimen of A. puncticulatus (= stellatus) in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. My lone observation on the time of breeding at Tortugas is that the abdomen of a female taken on August 6 was greatly distended with roe. Living Pinna shells on the flats inside Bird Key reef often contain this fish. On one occasion 23 of the mollusks were harboring 8 guests, lodging them, so to speak, in the attic, that space between the broad upper ends of the valves that the soft parts do not continually reach. Others came from a dead shell of the same sort. I have gathered "Spanish oysters" in other places, however, and obtained no inquilines, so it appears that the association is not everywhere equally inti- mate. One fish was taken from the shell of a living Strombus gigas, and from dead shells of the same species numbers of others were removed. One was found hidden in the frail empty test of a great and rare spatangoid, and others were secured in the mixed catches of seine or trawl. This species is found during the day under such shelter as has been mentioned. From its behavior in the aquarium it seems that it is a nocturnal creature, as are most of its near relatives, for it hides all day under stones or other shelter pro- vided, but at night it swims about freely. Its color is highly changeable. At night in an enameled bucket it may be so pale as to be scarcely visible against the white background, but by day it is usually dark brown with one line still darker, among others, running obliquely down and back across the cheek. The borders of the soft dorsal and caudal fins are narrowly white-margined. There is a phase, too, in which, in addition to the oblique line from the eye, a dark bar crosses the nape and two broad bands are present under the dorsal fins. This changeability in color explains in part the multiplicity of names the species has. The scales in the lateral line of the type of A. puncticulatus (Mus. Comp. Zool. no. 9695) are not 30, but 24 to the base of the caudal. The caudal fin is rounded neither in the type of A. puncticulatus nor in that of A. stellatus, but emarginate in both. W. H. L. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS o r The synonymy given remains as prepared by Dr. Longley, except that I have changed the order, having found that A. stellatus Cope has priority over A. punc- ticulatus. This cannot be otherwise, as Poey (see citation) compared his puncticu- latus with Cope's description of stellatus, which he stated had been described in "Journal Acad. Phil., 1866, p. 400." I supposed that Poey intended to refer to the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and accordingly searched that series, but without success. Next, I checked the reference given in current publications, namely, Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, volume 13, 1869, page 400. A volume in the Library of Congress contains a title page giving the contents of part 3 of the volume cited, wherein Cope's original description appears under article 13, bearing the date 1869, which is in agreement with citations in most recent books. Poey, however, knew of Cope's A. stellatus certainly as early as 1867 (Repertorio, vol. 2, pp. 217-240, published in November of that year), when he made a partly erroneous reference to Cope's description. It is certain, therefore, that Cope's name is the older one, and was published prior to 1869, possibly as early as 1866, as shown by Poey, and therefore clearly has priority over Poey's puncticulatus , which it must replace. West Indies, Bahamas, and southern Florida. S. F. H. Synagrops Gtinther, 1887 We follow Norman (Discovery Rept., vol. 12, 1935, p. 11) in considering Hypoclydonia Goode and Bean a synonym of Synagrops Giinther. S. F. H. Synagrops bellus (Goode and Bean) Dr. Longley did not prepare an account of this species, of which he listed in his notes 18 specimens, 40 to 175 mm., taken southeast of Tortugas, in 85 to 250 fathoms. An error in the number of anal spines appears in the original description, where it was given as 4, whereas only 2 spines are present, as correctly shown in the illustration accompanying the description. Four specimens, 40, 42, 92, and 107 mm. long, in the collection have the follow- ing proportions and counts: Head 2.9 to 3.25; depth 4.2 to 4.6. Eye in head 2.9 to 3.2; snout 4.75 to 5.1; interorbital 3.7 to 4.1; maxillary 2.2 to 2.5; caudal peduncle 3.7 to 4.0; pectoral 1.45 to 1.5. D. IX-1,9; A. 11,7 or 8; scales lost, about 30 pockets; gill rakers on lower limb of first arch 14. Teeth in upper jaw minute, except for 2 enlarged curved ones anteriorly; lower jaw with 2 somewhat enlarged teeth in front, and 3 to 9 enlarged ones laterally. The rather elongate body, the large eye, the large, oblique mouth with max- illary reaching about opposite middle of eye, the large, loosely attached scales, and the short, apparently scaleless soft dorsal and anal fins seem to characterize this species. The more numerous spines in the first dorsal separate this species from the others of the family known from Tortugas, all of which normally have 6 spines in the first dorsal. Gulf Stream in moderately deep water. S. F. H. g 2 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Family CENTROPOMIDAE. Snooks Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch) One female, 825 mm. long, was taken at the west shore of Loggerhead Key. The green of the dorsal side of the head extended to the tip of the strongly pro- jecting lower jaw. W. H. L. Though Dr. Longley reported this fish as new to the fauna of Tortugas (Car- negie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 25, 1926, p. 241), there is an earlier record by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 239) under the name Oxylabrax undecimalis. Atlantic coast of tropical America, northward to Florida. S. F. H. Family SERRANIDAE. Sea Basses Petrometopon cruentatus (Lacepede). Coney Not uncommon on caverned bottom east of East Key; occurs also among coral heads in the reef patches on Loggerhead bank. Where observed in the field, this fish usually remained under cover in a phase uniformly dark, except as small brown spots might be seen through the dark ground color. Sometimes it was lighter when exposed for a short or long time. In the aquarium it appeared in a banded phase; soft dorsal and caudal with narrow white margins, and a submarginal dark band slightly less than diameter of pupil; entire body covered with small brown spots, darker at center, and smaller on head, smallest of all on dorsal surface of eye; alternating dark and light lines on head; two dark bands under spinous dorsal, two under soft dorsal, and one imperfectly defined on caudal peduncle; the four under dorsal showing a tendency toward doubling. Petrometopon cruentatus coronatus (Cuvier and Valenciennes) seems no more than a transitory color phase of this species. Atlantic coast of tropical America, northward to Florida. W. H. L. Cephalopholis fulvus (Linnaeus). Guativere or niggerfish Labrus fulvus Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 10th ed., 1758, p. 287 — Bahamas (after Catesby). Perca punctata Linnaeus, ibid., p. 291 — Bahamas (based on Catesby). Gymnocephalus ruber Bloch and Schneider, Syst. ichth., 1801, p. 346, pi. 67. Cephalopholis fulvus ruber and Cephalopholis fulvus punctatus Jordan, Evermann, and Clark, Check list, 1930, p. 309. This fish is rare at Tortugas, where only one specimen, 130 mm. long, taken at 10 fathoms, was secured. The commonly accepted varieties are color phases. The 130-mm. specimen taken at Tortugas was in a bright yellow phase. In life the coloration, as observed in Puerto Rico, is highly changeable, the fish often appearing brown above the level of the tip of the snout and the posterior part of the soft dorsal, an area including the eye; the color below and behind this being light cream, with blue i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS go spots plainly showing; anal and ventral fins bluish; two small dark spots on caudal peduncle. When dead it is essentially black, with spots i or 2 mm. in diameter, which may be light with dark margins and dark centers, dark with light centers, or wholly light blue, and extend on the dorsal fin, but are few or lacking in the pectoral axil, into which the spots of Petrometopon cruentatus extend. West Indies to Florida. W. H. L. Epinephelus adscensionis (Osbeck). Rock hind Rock hinds 175 to 225 mm. long, and occasionally 450 mm. or more, were seen about coral stacks in 1.6 to 2.2 fathoms of water, from which they do not seem to venture far during the day. The resting fish often supports itself on its pectoral fins so that an observer is able to see its lower surface as far back as its ventral fins. The elements of a color pattern common among the species of its genus are visible in this one. An oblique line from snout through eye to posterior margin of the preopercle; dark blotches on dorsal fin from 4th to 6th and from 10th to 12th spines inclusive, continued ventrally by more or less definite bands slightly inclined forward; two others under soft dorsal, with an additional one on caudal peduncle, and another at base of caudal; irregular lighter areas between the bands. The body, including ventral side, membranes between bones of jaws, branchiostegal membranes, and fins covered with reddish-brown spots from 1 to 5 mm. in diameter; dorsal surface of eye spotted, just like adjacent surface of head, spots not confined to the field exposed when eyes are in resting position, but appearing on an additional area that permits the eye to be rolled out widely before the apparent continuity of pattern on head and eye is interrupted. In coloration the fish is very changeable, being much lighter on white sandy bottom away from the shadow of coral heads than if under or among them. In tanks at night, or when hiding, or even when driven out over the sand in the daytime, it shows the dark banded phase. W. H. L. This species is of minor importance as a market fish at Key West, where it is taken chiefly with hook and line in rather deep water. Southern Florida to Brazil. S. F. H. Epinephelus niveatus (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Serranus niveatus Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 2, 1828, p. 380 — Brazil. Serranus margaritifer Gunther, Cat. fish. Brit. Mus., vol. 1, 1859, p. 131 — South America. Serranus conspersus Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 139 — Havana. Hyporthodus ftavicaada Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 13, 1861, p. 98 — Newport, Rhode Island (young). Epinephelus flavolimbatus Poey, Repertorio, vol. 1, 1865, p. 183 — Cuba. Poey's Epinephelus flavolimbatus has more than once been reduced to syn- onymy under E. niveatus, only to be restored by later authors. I think, however, it has no claim to recognition. The differences in color which persuaded Jordan 94 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv and Evermann (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 1156) to accept it in 1896, after rejecting it ten years earlier, seem not to be permanent. I have had 6 fresh specimens, ranging in length from 55 to 180 mm., obtained in 30 to 58 fathoms. The ground color of the smallest one was dark brown verging toward black; dorsal fin the same, its spinous part with a yellow border, its lobe pale; pectoral and caudal fins colorless; ventral and anal fins black; a faint mustache; a blue streak reaching from eye to a point above preopercular angle; three blue spots at base of dorsal, four or five on lateral line, about three each in two rows below line, and several on side of head behind eye. A specimen 135 mm. in length combines in its color pattern the elements which have been held to distinguish E. niveatus and E. flavolimbatus. Its ground color is olive green above, lighter below; membrane of outer two-fifths of dorsal bright yellow, except toward end of soft dorsal lobe; pectoral and most of caudal colorless or nearly so; ventral and anal almost black; a narrow blue line extend- ing from below eye to preopercular- angle; upper part of opercle and preopercle with several blue spots about 1.5 mm. in diameter; five similar spots at base of dorsal, six along lateral line, and four others below it in vertical of the anterior four of the other two series; a black mustache; a black saddle on caudal peduncle; and a faint suggestion of a dark bar at base of caudal fin. The same specimen has the fin formulas D. X.\,i^V z ; A. 111,9%. Scales about 25-112 to 115-45 to 5° '■> 7° with pores. Outer teeth in upper jaw fixed, those in inner row and all in lower jaw depressible, posterior ones in both series above rather strong canines; teeth on vomer and palatines; gill rakers above angle of anterior arch 7 including 3 rudiments, 15 below, the lower 2 very short; posterior margin of preopercle weakly serrate, with 4 rather strong divergent spines at its angle; opercle with 3 spines; ventrals as long as pectorals, and reaching slightly beyond anal origin; pyloric caeca 5 on one side, 3 on the other. A specimen 180 mm. long had a yellow-margined dorsal, a streak from the eye, and blue spots on dorsal at spines 4 to 7, 10 to 11, and rays 4 to 6; pyloric caeca 5 and 3 respectively on the two sides. W. H. L. The collection contains 4 specimens, ranging in length from 52 to 165 mm., which retain the color markings essentially as described. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida, sometimes straying northward. S.F. H. Epinephelus mystacinus (Poey) I have had a single specimen, 320 mm. long, taken between 83 and 94 fathoms. This fish has the same fin formulas as Epinephelus niveatus. Its lateral-line scales with pores, its teeth, and spines on the head are the same, except that those at the preopercular angle are not so sharp. Gill rakers 9 on upper, 16 on lower limb of first arch; mouth only faintly bluish within; ventrals as long as pectorals, and not reaching vent; pectorals brownish; ventrals dusky, particularly between rays; blue spots on dorsal fin, and more on body than in specimens of E. niveatus 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 05 with which it was compared. The blue streak across the cheek of niveatus is missing, but every one of the nineteen spots which may be made out in the smaller specimens of niveatus is represented in this larger specimen of mystacinus. The mustache and the dusky bar on the caudal peduncle are the same in the two. Pyloric caeca 6, compound, with many terminal branches, doubtless making the 150 to 200 with which mystacinus is credited. I am not sure that this specimen is distinct from E. niveatus. If distinct, it is possible that a second specimen was incorrectly assigned to that species. This second one was 165 mm. long, and was taken between 47 and 54 fathoms. It lacked the yellow border on the dorsal fin, as well as the blue streak on the side of the head. Its blue spots on dorsal fin and body were more numerous than in other specimens of niveatus. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida. W. H. L. Epinephelus striatus (Bloch). Hamlet or Nassau grouper (Plate 3, figure 2; plate 4, figure 1) Common in the coral-gorgonian belt, but infrequent outside of it about the keys. Appears always ready to feed by day. Some may be induced readily to take food from a diver's hand; others are shier. One that I fed frequently usually appeared promptly upon my approach from under the coral heads and got under foot or picked at my pockets, in which I had carried crawfish tails for it. It could scarcely be driven far enough away to photograph, and might easily have been captured with bare hands if it had not been so strong, hard, and slippery. The commonest color phase, which is a resting one, is too clearly shown in the photographs (pi. 3, fig. 2; pi. 4, fig. 1) to require description. The chief of the dark elements in its pattern are the tuning-fork stripe on the frontal and occipital regions, the ocular stripes, the dark reticulations on cheek and opercle, the trans- verse bands on the body, and the dark rectangle on the upper surface of the caudal peduncle. Its shade varies, being much lighter over white bottom than dark. In the lighter shades the fish displays bands which do not then extend ventrally as far as in the darker shades. The black spot on the upper surface of the caudal peduncle is the only permanent marking. A dark triangle, continuing the base of the tuning-fork stripe on the upper lip, fits perfectly with the greater piece, although the two parts are separated by the considerable extent of inturned skin between the premaxillary and nasal bones. The ocular stripes are continued forward across the mouth to the lower jaw as if there were no interruption of continuity. The markings on the cheek and opercle are continued under the head, which is unusual in most bottom fishes. But the Nassau grouper often "stands" at so high an angle that the markings underneath are visible. When the fish swims, its banding becomes fainter, and may be very faint if the bottom below it is light, flat, and bare. Change in coloration has been noticed that is unrelated to change in color or shade of the environment, or to change from rest to active motion. One indi- vidual was observed repeatedly displaying, when a red grouper came near it, a p6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv phase never seen in any other Nassau grouper. This distinctive phase appeared five or six times and passed in perhaps a minute at each showing. The stripe through the eye, instead of being one of the darkest, became one of the lightest on the body, and the color on the side above the level of the pectoral was abruptly replaced by white, in which were only a few scattered dark marks. Atlantic coast of tropical America, common in the West Indies and the Florida Keys. W. H. L. Epinephelus morio (Cuvier and Valenciennes). Red grouper (Plate 4, figure 2; plate 5, figures 1, 2) By far the commonest of its genus, and the commonest representative of its family, Hypoplectrus probably excepted, in shallow water at Tortugas. It is strictly an individualist like its relatives, however, never schooling like the Lutianidae and Haemulidae. The young are common where they can find shelter under scattered pieces of dead coral on the Bird Key flats, and on rocky patches in the Thalassia belt west of Loggerhead Key. The larger fish are found in some- what deeper water, their distribution on the reef, too, being governed largely by the occurrence of suitable cover. This species feeds indifferently by day or night, for individuals taken both by day and by night contained recently captured prey. Other fish, octopuses, crus- taceans, shrimps, small stomatopods, and crawfish are eaten. It almost always appears hungry, hence is easily caught. Sometimes individuals will feed from a diver's hand on first meeting him, and may later permit themselves to be touched though nothing is offered them. In color it is one of the most changeable of fishes. In its most common phase, except for a few inconspicuous light spots it is of a uniform dark reddish brown above and lighter below. While in this plain phase it may lighten until it is pale gray. It also has a very common banded pattern, shown in plate 4, figure 2, which is subject to essentially the same variability in shade as the plain pattern. The banded phase is associated with rest, and the shade in which it is developed is correlated with that of the surroundings. The plain phase is less perfectly cor- related with activity. Most red groupers resting on bottom variegated with light and shade, or with patches of algae and gorgonians and bare sand or stone, are banded. Some, how- ever, under these conditions, particularly if more or less completely withdrawn under cover, are uniformly dark; but none are uniformly light. When the resting fish starts up it almost immediately puts off the bands and usually assumes a relatively dark self-color. Over bare bottom, however, it may be very pale, and under certain conditions of illumination it may appear most unsubstantial. Only rarely the banding lingers during swimming. The return to the resting phase is usually prompt if the fish definitely settles to the bottom, but if it merely makes a temporary halt, the plain color may persist. The fish may be gray, with the ocular stripe almost the only mark shown. Two ocular stripes, in the banded light phase, cross the mouth to the tip of the lower jaw, on which a white spot separates them. Small individuals may show a greenish cast in turtle grass. i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS gj There are several modifications of the banded phase. First, the young, up to 150 or 200 mm. in length, may have the ocular stripe produced backward to inter- sect the dorsal fin, the general color of the fish then being wholly olive above the lower margin of the stripe and creamy below and behind it. Or the ocular stripe may terminate abruptly opposite the nape, and the V of the upper part of the first body stripe may be visible as an independent marking, the ventral and pos- terior parts of the body being light and plain as before. Sometimes in the first- mentioned phase the young may be active, but they may also show it at rest. Again, there is a phase, rarely shown, in which the ocular stripe instead of being the darkest may be the lightest on the body. Finally, there is a phase observed only once, in two well grown individuals. These approached each other snout to snout and finally lay with their heads overlapped, and rubbing their bodies to- gether. They showed intensely dark ocular stripes, and the V of the first body stripe, but the bodies below these were very white, and exactly alike in the two. Judging from the behavior of the fish, this particular showing of color is largely dependent on an internal factor, and seems to typify changes observed by Dr. Townsend in the New York Aquarium, and ascribed by him, perhaps correctly, to the psychic state of the fish displaying them. Atlantic coast of tropical America, common in the West Indies and the Florida Keys, sometimes straying northward. W. H. L. Epinephelus guttatus (Linnaeus). Red hind Reported by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 239) as Epinephelus maculosus, but certainly rare in shallow water. I have not seen it. W. H. L. At Key West this grouper is fairly common in the market, being taken with hook and line at moderate depths. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida, sometimes straying northward. S.F.H. Promicrops itaiara (Lichtenstein). Jewfish Usually found on the bottom about the greater coral stacks, under ledges of the old shore line, and about sunken wrecks. Food includes the spiny lobster, or crawfish. One fish was seen with the craw- fish's antennae still protruding from its mouth as digestion of the hinder part proceeded. The pattern is a blotched one, the shade being variable, but whether there are adaptive changes in color was not determined. W. H. L. This is a food fish of some importance at Key West, where large individuals often are "hitched" to stakes in shallow water with shark hooks in their mouths, awaiting disposal in the market. Atlantic coast of tropical America, northward to Florida. S. F. H. 98 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Alphestes afer (Bloch) Epinephelus afer Bloch, Naturgesch. ausland. Fische, vol. 7, 1793, p. 12, pi. 327 — Acara, Guinea. Plectropoma chloropterum Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 2, 1828, p. 398 — Santo Domingo; Martinique. Epinephelus lightjooti Fowler, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 59, 1907, p. 258, fig. 3 — Santo Domingo. Two only were seen in the field, under a small coral head. Four more were taken with dynamite, when similarly hidden. The ground color is yellow-olive, thickly covered with brassy spots, smallest over the snout and interorbital region, and becoming larger posteriorly and ventrally. When the fish is at rest three lines of brown radiate downward or backward from the eye, the upper one reaching a vertical one beneath the first spines of the dorsal; two rectangular blocks, darker than ground color, on occiput and nape; five interrupted or blotched bands of still darker color on the body. Of these dark markings, all but the ocular system disappear when the fish swims. The color at night is very different from that shown by day. Two dark bands then cross the body, being more definite, and less a mere series of blotches, than by day; the first under first 5 dorsal spines, the second under junction of dorsal fins; interspace between the two bands and the region behind the second much lighter in color than by day, and almost free from traces of the bands which are then shown. Between the type of Alphestes lightjooti (Fowler) and a Puerto Rican speci- men of A. afer of the same size (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 50202), no more than Fowler have I succeeded in finding significant structural difference. Even the color markings the first retains after several years in alcohol differ relatively little from those of the specimen more recently collected, and in forms so changeable in appearance their peculiarity conveys to me no trustworthy suggestion of specific difference. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida, W. H. L. Mycteroperca Gill Mycteroperca Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 15, 1863, p. 80 (Serranus olfax Jenyns). Trisotropis Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 17, 1865, p. 104 Qohnius guttatus Bloch and Schneider = Perca vcnenosa Linnaeus). Jordan, Evermann, and Clark (Check list, 1930, p. 313) segregated Trisotropis anew from Mycteroperca, with generic rank. This seems premature in the light of the fact that one species, listed as M. venenosa in subsequent pages, is listed in the Chec\ list as T . venenosus, and a synonym as M. howersi. Again, M. inter- stitialis is listed twice under Trisotropis and three times under Mycteroperca, as follows: T. inter stitialis, T . dimidiatus, M. falcata, M. calliura, and M. phenax. W. H. L. i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS gg Mycteroperca vencnosa (Linnaeus). Yellow-fin grouper (Plate 6, figures i, 2; plate 7, figures 1, 2) Perca venenosa Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 10th ed., 1758, p. 292 — Bahamas (after Catesby). Bodianus apua Bloch, Naturgesch. ausland. Fische, vol. 4, 1790, p. 50, pi. 229 — Brazil. Johnius guttatus Bloch and Schneider, Syst. ichth., 1801, p. 77. Serranus cardinalis Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 2, 1828, p. 378 (after Parra). Serranus rupestris Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 9, 1833, p. 437 — Santo Domingo. Serranus petrosus Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 136 — Havana. Mycteroperca venenosa apua Jordan and Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish. Comm., vol. 8, 1888 (1890), p. 370. Mycteroperca bowersi Evermann and Marsh, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 20, pt. 1, 1900 (1902), p. 158, fig. 45 — Culebra Island, Puerto Rico. Epinephelus (Mycteroperca) bonaci Metzelaar (not of Poey), Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. 50, figs. 17, 18 — Curasao. This common species appears to attain a larger size at Tortugas than any other grouper except the jewfish. In appearance it varies greatly with age and with the circumstances in which it is found. In the young the contrast between light and dark areas is sharper than in adults. At least, the dorsal dark areas are encroached upon by the intervening light ones till the fish has only a few dark spots dorsally on creamy ground, much more commonly in the young than in the adult. But at all ages the fish is highly changeable. A large specimen on rough bottom appeared in a moderately dark phase, but as it swam five times its own length across bare sand it became pale, and as it came to rest under coral heads it turned almost black. Again, as it swam with leisurely motion three or four times its length over pale sand, its pallor returned. In the pale phase the rounded dark areas, with light reticulum between, are largely suppressed toward the ventral side. Color changes, however, are not always adaptive. A fish at the Laboratory wharf rushed so far into the shallows in pursuit of a snapper as to become stranded for a moment, when its color be- came very dark over white sand. These fish are among those commonly inspected, supposedly for parasites, by Elacatinus oceanops, of which I have seen half a dozen examining them at once, while a pair of small Anisotremus virginicus conducted an independent survey. By checking the material in Amsterdam I found that 2 specimens, 175 and 310 mm. in length, from St. Eustatius and Curasao, regarded as Myctoperca bonaci by Metzelaar (see citation above), belong to this species. Without having actually had in hand specimens of M. venenosa apua Jordan and Eigenmann (possibly not of Bloch; see citations above), I venture to place it in synonymy. It is said to differ from the normal form only in color. Numbers of fish from deep water in a red phase became like those from shallow water when they were confined with them. The type of M. bowersi is a normal specimen of M. venenosa, preserved in a dark phase such as often passes in a moment. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida and the Bahamas. W. H. L. I00 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Mycteroperca interstitialis (Poey) Serranus interstitialis Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 127 — Cuba. Serranus dimidiatus Poey, ibid., p. 129. Serranus jalcatus Poey, ibid., p. 138. Mycteroperca calliura Poey, Repertorio, vol. 1, 1865, p. 181 — Cuba. Trisotropis chlorostomus Poey, ibid., vol. 2, 1867, p. 231 — Cuba. Mycteroperca falcata phenax Jordan and Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 7, 1884, p. 363 — Key West, Florida. Mycteroperca interstitialis Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 283. A single individual about a foot long was observed and captured on rocky bottom at East Key. It is notable for its changeable coloration. It appeared in a striped pattern, with a median light line on back, originating on tip of projecting lower jaw, lying wholly between and touching nostrils, a little narrower than interorbital, becom- ing narrower toward origin of dorsal, and continuing to base of caudal; upper part of side dark above level of lower margin of eye and horizontally to base of caudal, forming a dark lateral band, separated at tip of snout by the end of the pale median stripe; spinous dorsal largely yellow, particularly toward margin; pectorals yellow toward anterior margins; all other fins dusky, except upper and lower dark margins of caudal. After this fish was captured, and somewhat hurt in the process, and as it was taken to the laboratory in a tub, it changed its appearance almost completely. Although the stripes did not disappear entirely, the fish acquired dark bands, consisting of a pair on interorbital, two on nape, two under spinous dorsal, one under soft dorsal, and one narrower than the others on caudal peduncle. The foregoing, exclusive of the synonymy, was compiled from Dr. Longley's field notes. The synonymy is based on a published record by Dr. Longley (see citation above), who prepared a statement explaining how he reached the con- clusions pertaining to the synonymy. The original is lost, however, and I have only a carbon copy, which is so indistinct that it can be read only in part. All that can be learned from it is that Dr. Longley reached his conclusions after examin- ing specimens in various museums. West Indies and Florida, sometimes straying northward. S. F. H. Mycteroperca microlepis (Goode and Bean). Gag This species apparently is mentioned only four times in Dr. Longley's notes. These entries were all made in 1921, an indication that the species does not occur regularly in shallow water about Tortugas. Twice he observed it near the Labora- tory dock, once south of Loggerhead Key, and once on Bird Key reef flats. Both young and adults, up to about 20 inches in length, were seen among gorgonians. One fish was seen swallowing Bathystoma rimator about a third its own length. The following is based on a small specimen: D. XL17; A. IIL11; gill rakers about 14; nostrils subequal; angle of preopercle salient; teeth partly depressible. Dr. Longley noted concerning color: "Saw a small gag with many spots in vertical bands. Posterior margin of caudal dark." This is the fish on which the i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS I0I data already given are based. Concerning another fish Dr. Longley wrote, "Noted that M. microlepis has large power of change of shade." Then, concern- ing 2 large fish, each about 20 inches long, "The markings are scarcely sharper in adults than in young." South Atlantic and Gulf coast of the United States, chiefly Florida. S. F. H. Mycteroperca tigris (Cuvier and Valenciennes) (Plate 8, figure 1) Serranus tigris Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 9, 1833, p. 440 — Santo Domingo. Serranus camelopardalis Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 132 — Havana. Serranus felinus Poey, ibid., p. 134 — Havana. Serranus rivulatus Poey, ibid., p. 135 — Havana. Trisotropis reticulatus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 17, 1865, p. 105 — Barbados. Twice I saw a specimen of this species and studied and photographed it in the great reef patch at the northern end of Loggerhead bank. The fish was changeable in shade, but showed always the same pattern. Entire side of head covered by netted light lines, surrounding darker spots of the aver- age size of the pupil; nine light bars, narrower than the brown interspaces, cross- ing dorsal surface between orbital region and posterior end of soft dorsal, becom- ing lost about halfway down side in a ventrolateral system of mottling. West Indies to Florida and Bermuda. W. H. L. Liopropoma aberrans (Poey) Several specimens were taken south of Tortugas, between 40 and 60 fathoms. D. VIII,i4 1 / 4; A. 111,8%; P- 15; scales 3-48-15; gill rakers 3 and 2 rudiments above, 12 and 2 rudiments below angle on first arch. Head, in a specimen 55 mm. in standard length, 2.75; depth 3.66. Eye in head 5.0. Teeth in villiform bands in both jaws, inner ones larger in fore part of upper, and outer ones in lower jaw; all depressible; vomerine and palatine teeth present; pseudobranchiae well de- veloped; lower jaw projecting; maxillary scaly, with a supplemental bone, reach- ing somewhat past posterior margin of pupil; preopercle weakly serrate; opercle ending in 3 points, the middle one terminating a distinct ridge; lateral line rising sharply anteriorly and descending steeply immediately behind end of dorsal; caudal slightly emarginate at the length of 70 mm. Ground color yellowish, faintly flushed with rose dorsally; center of each scale with pale bluish spot; dorsal and caudal distinctly yellow; anal rather yellow; dorsal and ventral margins and caudal angles pale; pectorals transparent; ventrals white. W. H. L. « Six specimens, 40 to 120 mm. in length, in the collection apparently are of this species. In some respects the published accounts do not agree with the specimens in hand. The large pores which are said to be present on the head are not very evident, and the preopercular margin is finely serrate instead of smooth as de- I02 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv scribed by Poey, though apparently indicated as very slightly denticulate in his drawing. The specimens are in agreement with descriptions, however, as to the long, falcate pectoral, which reaches opposite the vent, and as to the lateral line, which is sharply elevated anteriorly, running so near the back that only two rows of scales are between it and the base of the last dorsal ray, whence it drops rather abruptly to the middle of the caudal peduncle. In number of fin rays and of scales in lateral line, and in many other respects there also is agreement. The following enumerations and proportions are based on a specimen 120 mm. long, 95 mm. to base of caudal: D. VIII, 14; A. 111,8; P. 15; scales 3-43-14; gill rakers 3 and 2 rudiments above, 13 and 2 rudiments below angle on first arch. Head 3.15; depth 3.95; pectoral 3.6; ventral 5.6. Eye in head 4.1; snout 3.2; inter- orbital 6.65; maxillary 2.0; caudal peduncle 2.8. West Indies to the Florida Keys. S. F. H. Rypticus Cuvier, 1829. Soapfishes Representatives of this genus were observed several times by Dr. Longley while diving on the reefs, but they generally were not recognizable as to species. Specimens also were taken at depths of 10 to 25 fathoms. S. F. H. Rypticus saponaceus (Bloch and Schneider) This species was recorded from Tortugas by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 241). Dr. Longley did not identify any fish observed by him as this species, and there are no specimens in his collection. Atlantic coast of tropical America to southern Florida. S. F. H. Rypticus arenatus Cuvier and Valenciennes Two specimens, without specific data, 53 and 61 mm. long, were identified as this species by Dr. Leonard P. Schultz, of the U. S. National Museum. These specimens are now without spots. The upper surface from snout to origin of dorsal, occupying the entire width of the interorbital, is pale. Below this, from snout through eye to gill opening, is a dark brown band. The lower parts of head, chest, and abdomen nearly to vent are pale, and the rest of the body is light brownish. Atlantic coast of tropical America to southern Florida. S. F. H. Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill) Dr. Longley listed a single specimen, 62 mm. long, taken in about 25 fathoms south of Tortugas. The color is described in his notes as yellowish below a line passing from snout tangent to lower margin of orbit, thence to upper margin of pectoral base, bend- ing down beyond tip of pectoral, forming a convex curve to ventral surface near anus; head above this dark brown; remainder olivaceous; from head nearly to end of dorsal freckled with fine brown spots; pectorals yellow; vertical fins colored like body and with white margins. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 103 There is no specimen in the collection identifiable with the foregoing descrip- tion. West Indies and south Atlantic coast of the United States, sometimes straying northward. S. r. H. Centropristes philadelphicus (Linnaeus) Perca philadelphica Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 10th ed., 1758, p. 291 — America. Serranus ocyurus Jordan and Evermann, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 9, 1886, p. 468 — Snapper Banks off Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Longley did not prepare an account of this species, which he listed in his notes as Centropristes ocyurus. It apparently is not rare, as 24 specimens, 150 to 240 mm. long, were taken in five hauls, south of Tortugas, in 40 to 60 fathoms. A. C. Weed in a recent paper stated that the specimen selected as type of Serranus ocyurus Jordan and Evermann is C. philadelphicus (Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., vol. 20, 1937, p. 297). He found that another species of this genus, which he named springeri, exists in the Gulf of Mexico, where the type of ocyurus was taken. Some of Dr. Longley's specimens (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 92060) were identified with philadelphicus. Centropristes philadelphicus usually is distinguishable from C. striatus, with which its range overlaps, by its 19 to 21 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first arch instead of 21 to 23, by the doubly concave caudal, by the lighter color, and by the blotched or barred pattern. The following notes are based on 3 specimens, 120 to 162 mm. long, taken in 40 fathoms: "Sometimes with a pattern as described by Jordan and Evermann [see citation above]. More often with seven bars, that is, the several series of spots united vertically. Caudal fin doubly concave, the 4th ray from the dorsal margin exserted. The filament twice the length of the fin." This species, though taken only in deep water at Tortugas, is found also in shallow water at Beaufort, North Carolina, and elsewhere. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, northward to or beyond North Carolina. S.F.H. Diplectrum formosum (Linnaeus) This is at once distinguishable from other Atlantic species by the outline of the dorsal fin, which is not emarginate between the spinous and soft parts. Speci- mens up to 75 mm. long may be found on a sandy strip which more or less clearly separates the Thalassia on Loggerhead bank from coral and alga-covered bottom to the west, and also along the sandy west shore. Larger ones, up to 150 mm. in length, may be found in small numbers on the sloping banks or parts of the bottom of the deep holes in Bird Key flats, but it is really common only in the 10-fathom channels within the lagoon, and on similar smooth sandy or muddy bottoms east of Bush Key and Bird Key reef. The coloration is variable. In a phase in which it may be active, it is grayish, countershaded, and with longitudinal stripes of brown; two stripes from inter- orbital space to origin of soft dorsal; another extending from superior orbital I04 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv margin to end of dorsal base; ocular stripe most prominent, extending from snout to caudal base, and there followed by a conspicuous spot. These fish may rest on the bottom, perched on their ventral fins. So resting, they may display bands, which may appear less distinctly in those resting out of contact with the bottom. Individuals may have hiding places they hold as their own. Some they dig by lying down beside stones, vibrating their bodies rapidly, and throwing sand out in clouds; some they find ready made. Once they possess a shelter, day after day they may be seen beside it, darting in when approached by such fishes as the swift carangids. Refuse from the Bird Key rookery examined included i specimen of no mm. They themselves feed largely on crabs and shrimps. The species does not breed at Tortugas during the summer, as even in late August the gonads are still small, but all of one type, having the appearance of ovaries. In view of the normal hermaphroditism of Diplectrum bivittatum , this is sufficient indication that the same condition prevails here. I may note that D. formosum (Mus. Comp. Zool. no. 21767), 175 mm. long, has on the ventral side of its gonad, between the ovarian lobes and behind the point of bifurcation, just such a specialized part as yields spermatozoa in related species. Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes ranging northward on the south Atlantic coast of the United States. W. H. L. Diplectrum bivittatum (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Serranus bivittatus Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 2, 1828, p. 241 — Mar- tinique. Diplectrum radiale Jordan and Evermann (part not of Quoy and Gaimard), Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 1204. Meek and Hildebrand, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., vol. 15, pt. 2, 1925, p. 475, pi. 46, fig. 1. This species has been regarded recently as the same as Diplectrum radiale (Quoy and Gaimard). Since it is so considered by Meek and Hildebrand, and is manifestly different from the Pacific form, which has long been considered the same as Quoy and Gaimard's Brazilian species, the authors mentioned have ele- vated the west coast form to specific rank. It may be distinct, but if so the fact must be established by comparison with Brazilian, not with West Indian material. Twenty-five specimens up to 150 mm. in length were taken between 40 and 55 fathoms. In one, 155 mm. in length (standard length 115 mm.), the proportionate measurements are: Depth 3.8; head 2.9. Eye equal to snout, 4.0 in head; inter- orbital width 6.7. Scales 6-52 to 54-17, about 8 in series between eye and angle of preopercle, instead of 10 or n as in radiale. This species may be readily distinguished from formosum by the form of the dorsal fin, the margin of which is very distinctly notched between the spinous and soft parts as it is not in formosum; also the 3d dorsal spine in radiale is twice as long as the 2d, whereas in bivittatum it is little longer than the 2d. The scales on the cheek are larger and in only 7 oblique rows in radiale, in strong contrast with the much smaller ones of formosum, which are in 1 1 or 12 rows. The usual color pattern consists of rather faint dark stripes on a light ground, i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS IO r the dorsalmost stripes consisting of a pair running from interorbital to base of spinous dorsal; the next running from upper margin of orbit to end of dorsal base; another passing from snout through eye to base of caudal, sometimes end- ing in a dark spot near base of that fin; dorsal straw-colored with submarginal and basal rows of blue spots, replaced posteriorly by blue lines crossing rays on the faintly yellow ground of soft dorsal; about six narrow blue lines across caudal. West Indies to Florida and probably southward to or beyond the Atlantic coast of Panama. W. H. L. Prionodes fusculus (Poey) One specimen, 41 mm. long, was dredged in 40 fathoms off the entrance to Southwest Channel. Its fin formulas are: D. X,i2; A. 111,7, tne ^ ast ra Y being double in each fin; P. 18; scales in lateral line about 48; 2d anal spine much stronger than 3d, and nearly as long. Known for many years only from the type. This fish apparently is new to the United States fauna. In basic coloration this species agrees very closely with Diplectrum formosum, the ground color being gray with faint lines of brown from the vertex along the dorsal base to the 4th or 5th spine; at a distance below, equal to diameter of the pupil, other lines similarly reaching the 3d ray; a dark line behind eye, passing to angle of opercle, becoming a diffuse stripe on body, where it is broken into a number of sections forming part of a series of transverse bands, of which five are recognizable, lying, respectively, before the dorsal, under spines 5 to 8, under spine 9 to soft ray 2, under rays 5 to 8, and at base of caudal. W. H. L. The specimen described by Dr. Longley was not found in the collection. West Indies, and now recorded from Florida for the first time. S. F. H. Prionodes notospilus (Longley) Scrranus notospilus Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 86 — Tor- tugas, Florida. Prionodes notospilus Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, P- 235, %• 6. Prionodes phoebe (Poey) No account of this species was found among Dr. Longley 's manuscripts. According to his notes, 39 specimens, ranging in length from 72 to 160 mm., were taken in four hauls at 35 to 40 fathoms. One of the larger specimens, when fresh, was described as having a broad band of brown extending from 3d to 6th dorsal spine; a narrow line of the same color extending backward from posterior margin of this band, on fourth row of scales below dorsal, and lost in a blotch at base of 6th to 10th rays of dorsal; a broader parallel band on middle of side extending to base of caudal; a distinctive silver-white bar, extending upward on side from just in front of vent, bordered posteriorly by a ruddy mark. The following notes are based on a specimen 72 mm. long: Body with stripes and bands together; interorbital band present; the band under spinous dorsal I0 6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv sweeping downward from middle of ist spine, intersecting back at bases of 4th to 6th spines, and crossing body just in advance of the silvery-white bar on side; another under middle of soft dorsal; with indications of stripes on nape and along base of soft dorsal; one stripe extending from level of upper margin of eye to end of dorsal base, and another from opercular lobe to base of caudal. The characteristic silvery band on the side from just in advance of the vent seems always present. Dr. Longley also had the interesting note: "A specimen 160 mm. long had the ventral side of the gonad white. Though the eggs were immature, a few motile sperms were found in the whitish portion. Hermaphroditism, therefore, is indi- cated, as in several related species." West Indies and Florida. S. F. H. Prionodes baldwini Evermann and Marsh In the summer of 1921 a species of Prionodes was rather common on dead Acropora bottom, beside one of the great coral shoals far up the Loggerhead bank. In coloration the Tortugas specimens, except in being less red, differ little from the type material, which came from 15 or 16 fathoms. Therefore, with slight probability of error these Tortugas fish belong to P. baldwini. This is then an- other of the rather common serranids which display a much redder phase in deep than in shallow water. A specimen taken with dynamite had the iris vermilion; a dark line or row of spots through the eye, almost to base of caudal; a second line tangent to eye above; a third at base of dorsal uniting with its fellow and running as one on dorsal side of caudal peduncle; three narrow brown lines on cheek, and two under jaw almost at right angles to those on cheek; an orange -yellow spot on opercle continued posteriorly as a yellow line as far as vent; base of pectoral orange; three to five bars and two spots brownish above and orange below behind pectoral, and below level of yellow line just mentioned; a brown spot above lateral line corresponding to last one on caudal peduncle; base of caudal with four brown spots of size of pupil; base of fin itself with two narrow reddish bars. W. H. L. A single specimen, 57 mm. long, is in the collection. The following proportions and enumerations are based on this example: Head 2.6; depth 3.0. Eye in head 4.5; snout 4.0; interorbital 8.5; maxillary 2.3; caudal peduncle 2.7; pectoral 1.3; ventral 1.3. D. X,i2; A. 111,7; P- J 45 scales 4-43-12, seven oblique rows on cheek; gill rakers 7 and 3 rudiments; branchiostegals 6. West Indies, here recorded from Florida for the first time. S. F. H. Prionodes atrobranchus (Cuvier and Valenciennes) At 40 to 80 fathoms, south of Tortugas, as many as 30 specimens were taken at once. It apparently attains a length of only about 125 mm., and differs from the type of Prionodes atrobranchus in little besides color. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS IO y Its fin formulas are: D. X,i2l4; A. 111,7%; P. 16. Branchiostegal rays 7. Scales 4-46-12, with five oblique rows on the cheek. Proportional measurements of a representative specimen are: Total length 118 mm.; standard length 94 mm.; depth 2.8; head 3.1. Eye in head 3.0; preorbital width 7.5; interorbital 10. The type of P. atrobranchus, as measured by me, has a total length of 124 mm.; standard length 95 mm.; depth 2.7; head 3.05. Eye in head 3.25; interorbital 7.7. The Tortugas fish is very lightly pigmented; merely dusky above, paler below; trunk to vertical of anal origin shimmering with metallic reflections; black lining of operculum, visible through opercle, giving the appearance of a distinct black opercular spot. The Brazilian specimen (type) is much darker and ob- scurely banded, and has a corresponding black opercular spot of like origin. Florida to Brazil. W. H. L. Prionodes nigropunctatus Hildebrand Prionodes nigropunctatus Hildebrand, in Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 236, fig. 7 — Tortugas, Florida. Serranus Cuvier, 1817 Dr. Longley described two new species from Tortugas under this generic name. One of these is listed herein as Prionodes notospilus in accordance with the manuscript prepared by him, where it undoubtedly belongs if Prionodes de- serves recognition. It is different, however, with his Serranus tortugarum, which has the margin of the sub- and interopercle serrate, and the gill rakers long and numerous. A second species, represented by a single specimen, agrees in these respects with S. tortugarum. This species I have named Serranus beta. As these species are of uncertain generic affinities, it seems desirable to leave them in Serranus until further study is made, and the genera become more accurately defined. S. F. H. Serranus tortugarum Longley Serranus tortugarum Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 87 — Tortugas, Florida. Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 238, fig. 8. Serranus beta Hildebrand Serranus beta Hildebrand, in Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 239, fig. 9 — Tortugas, Florida. Dules subligarius (Cope) Only one specimen, 31 mm. long, caught on "Emblemaria grounds," seems to be listed by Dr. Longley. Though this specimen was not found, the collection contains one 45 mm. long. The following counts were made: Branchiostegals 6; D. X,i3; A. 111,7; scales 6-42-14. Concerning the color, Dr. Longley noted: Head before the scaled area with brown stripes on a gray ground, a pattern common in the young; a spot of brown on conjunctiva above; the dark line through pupil bordered above and below I0 8 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv by light lines on iris; body with a series of seven brown bands on a gray ground; these bands wider than the light interspaces, except the last two; the first three more or less divided by narrow light lines throughout the greater part of their length; the fourth much narrowed below; the third and fifth following it closely throughout its length; a conspicuous, subocellate black spot as large as eye in the fourth dark band, lying in part on back, and in part on soft dorsal; the last of the dark bars at base of caudal nearly black; all fins, except ventrals, more or less distinctly banded; bands on pectoral and caudal narrow, and indicated chiefly as series of spots on rays; those on dorsal and anal in part directly continuous with body markings; the last three on dorsal and last two on anal aligned with bands on caudal peduncle; ventrals light along their anterior margin, then dusky, becoming colorless posteriorly. This species as here understood ranges from Beaufort, North Carolina, to the Gulf coast of Florida, S. F. H. Ocyanthias martinicensis (Guichenot) A mutilated specimen, 80 mm. in length to base of caudal, was found in waste from the tern colony on Long Key. Premaxillaries and maxillaries are missing, the tips of all fins broken, and many scales lost; the following details, however, are still determinable: D. X,i5; A. 111,7; P. 17. Third dorsal spine longest, 4th and later ones of about one length; anal spines strong, 2d and 3d subequal; teeth in lower jaw in a single series except near the symphysis, none depressible; either side of lower jaw with a strong anterior canine directed outward and forward, 2 strong retrorse canines close together and much stronger than any adjacent ones just before the tip of the angular ones; vomer, palatines, and tongue covered, or almost completely covered, by villiform teeth; preopercle serrate; opercle end- ing in 3 spines, the median one much the strongest; gill rakers 26; scales strongly ciliate, 37 in longitudinal series. The wide tooth-bearing areas on vomer, palatines, and tongue, the long 3d dorsal spine, and the strong median opercular spine seem diagnostic. West Indies to Florida. W. H. L. Hypoplectrus Gill, 1862. Vacas The West Indian species of this genus have given systematists much trouble, and their relations even today are imperfectly understood. Jordan, Evermann, and Clark (Check list, 1930, p. 321) listed them in their varied color phases as no less than fifteen varieties of Hypoplectrus unicolor (Walbaum). This is a situa- tion so intolerable that I venture to set down a few observations tending to clarify it, although some are based on material Tortugas does not afford. Of species of Hypoplectrus there are at least three, puella, gemma, and indigo, in Florida and the West Indies which are clearly distinct. The first two are Tor- tugas species, but the third was not taken there. It lacks the blue head markings of puella. It is less compressed through the humeral region than the other species and has the profile scarcely excavated above, and in proportion to the height of the dorsal fin the lateral line is farther from its base. Hypoplectrus bo fin us does not differ from H. indigo structurally. It is a color phase in which the dark bar 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS l0 g through the eye is especially sharply defined. Hypoplectrus indigo is represented in the Museum of Comparative Zoology by 3 specimens, and in the U. S. National Museum by 2, all from Cuba. In Poey's paper on the genus, in which seven new species are described (Memorias, vol. 1, 1852, pp. 60-76), the sex of the specimens he examined is repeatedly mentioned. The outward differences were so many, the fundamental structural differences so few, he seems to have suspected sexual dimorphism. Actually he found no evidence of it. Indeed, he seems to have discovered no males at all, although as many as 7 females in five of his species are mentioned. The Museum of Comparative Zoology has some of the specimens, I have no doubt, on which Poey's record is based. There are probably others in the U. S. National Museum which received attention by him also. There are in these insti- tutions 20 or 21 specimens, partially dissected, in all but 2 of which ovaries may be readily demonstrated. The other 2 are not demonstrably females, but are no more surely males. No males, but numbers of apparent females have been noticed in my own collections at Tortugas. It seems just to conclude, then, that in this genus functional hermaphroditism occurs, as it does in a number of other genera of the lesser Serranidae. W. H. L. Hypoplectrus puella (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Plectropoma puella Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 2, 1828, p. 405, pi. 37 — Martinique. Plectropoma ephippium Cuvier and Valenciennes, ibid., p. 408 — locality unknown. Plectropoma crocota Cope, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc, vol. 14, 1871, p. 466 — St.-Martin, West Indies. Hypoplectrus maculijerus Poey, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York, vol. 10, 1871, p. 78 — Havana. ^Plectropoma guttavarium Poey, Memorias, vol. 1, 1852, p. 70 — Cuba. ^Plectropoma gummigutta Pbey, ibid. ^Hypoplectrus pinnavarius Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1868, p. 291 — Havana. }}Plectropoma chlorurum Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 2, 1828, p. 306 — Martinique. }}Plectropoma nigricans Poey, Memorias, vol. 1, 1852, p. 71 — Cuba. ? ^Plectropoma accensum Poey, ibid., p. 72 — Cuba. }}Plectropoma affine Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, 1861, p. 427 — Cuba. }}Pristipomoides vanderbilti Borodin, Bull. Vanderbilt Marine Mus., vol. 1, art. 4, 1934, p. 113, pi. 1, fig. 2 — Sombrero Light, Florida. In the extended synonymy above are three groups of names. The first (un- questioned names) embraces forms which seem identical with Hypoplectrus puella. Nothing appears to distinguish them but fleeting changes in color and pattern such as any individual may show. Since H. ephippium is a name introduced as a substitute for H. unicolor Wal- baum, regarded as inappropriate, it would seem that a further reduction might be effected by relegating H. puella itself to synonymy. But the type of Plectro- poma ephippium was not Walbaum's specimen, but another merely assumed to be the same, hence judgment is reserved for the time being. Hypoplectrus puella shows a characteristic pattern of light blue markings on the head, including several spots on the preorbital margin, more or less elon- II0 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv gated dashes below and above the nostrils, and a crozi'er-like stripe with the eye in its crook and the straight stem running obliquely down and back on the cheek; vertical lines of the same color on the preopercle and opercle, two of them extending on the breast before the pectoral; body with many faint vertical lines of light blue; and soft dorsal and caudal barred with them. Hypoplectnts vitulinus (Poey), of which I have seen no specimens, seems to differ from typical H. puella only in the absence of blue markings on the head and breast. Fish with the elaborate pattern of H. puella may be seen on the reef at Tor- tugas in different shades. These vary from pale amber to dark red-brown, and each is itself variable. Broad bands, most distinct in the darker individuals, may appear in any individual in an instant, and vanish as quickly. One band in this phase passes through the eye and down across the cheek, being bordered an- teriorly by a subocular blue streak; a second band at the nape, extending on the pectoral base, broad above and narrow below; a very broad band extending from 4th spine to 7th soft ray, sometimes interrupted at mid-level of side; two other bands, one before end of dorsal base, and the other at base of caudal; the upper part of the last darker and frequently persisting as a distinct saddle when all other traces of bands are lost; snout, interorbital occipital region, and web of dorsal from 3d spine backward sometimes nearly white, interrupting the con- tinuity of the ocular, humeral, and first subdorsal dark bars. Referring to group two of the names in synonymy (those with a single inter- rogation point), a slight difference in the color markings on the side of the snout is all that obviously separates H. guttavarius from H. gum mi gutta. Faint band- ing of the dorsal, as opposed to none, distinguishes H. pinnavarius from H. gutta- varius. In fishes so variable in coloration as the vacas, the difference last men- tioned seems quite unsubstantial. I anticipate that these three will be found to be one, which for the present may be called H. gummigutta. Hypoplectrus chlorurus, H. nigricans, H. accensus, and H. affinis, of group three (designated with two interrogation points), agree in having no blue mark- ings of the puella type. Their differences are chiefly in shade. Hypoplectrus aberrans differs from them only as the banded phases of H. puella or H. gemma differ from the nonbanded phases. They seem surely one, which until further reduction may be made should stand as H. chlorurus. This discussion is intended to supplement that on the genus as a whole. With what has gone before, it indicates an irreducible minimum of three species, or four if H. puella proves to be distinct from H. unicolor. Hypoplectrus gummi- gutta seems a very doubtful species, likely to be merged with H. puella, and H. chlorurus more probably good, though in danger of being merged with H. uni- color, even if it proves distinct from H. puella. West Indies to Florida. W. H. L. Hypoplectrus gemma Goode and Bean This exquisitely colored species was hitherto known from only 1 specimen, recorded as from Garden Key. It has now been observed at various places within 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS IIX the Tortugas group. All these specimens were small as compared with the type (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 3422), which is 130 mm. long. In their common color phase they are azure, with the upper and lower margins of the caudal dark blue or black. Resting in an aquarium tank, the same pattern of bands as in Hypoplectrus puella is often displayed. The crescent-shaped caudal is distinctive. Fish of the same size in the other species show nothing like it. Known only from Tortugas, Florida. W. H. L. Hemianthias vivanus (Jordan and Swain) Four specimens, 55 to 95 mm. long, no two together, were taken in 40 to 60 fathoms. The fresh fish were straw color, faintly rosy above; dorsal inclined toward orange, this color more distinct as it becomes more concentrated when the fin is deflexed; caudal and anal slightly yellow; lower jaw yellow at tip; a clear-cut yellow line from maxillary to eye, reappearing behind it; eye blue above and below, with both red and brassy shades between. W. H. L. At least 4 more specimens, 68 to 107 mm. long, appear to have been taken in 40 to 60 fathoms after Dr. Longley prepared the foregoing account. I find the following concerning 3 specimens taken together: "At all sizes dorsal spines with cirri. The yellow line from tip of snout is tangent to eye below and thence to edge of operculum opposite lower base of pectoral. Another yellow stripe from behind eye to upper base of pectoral. Ventral, caudal, and anal slightly yellow." The collection contains still another specimen, 177 mm. to tips of produced caudal rays, 123 mm. to base of caudal, which is larger than those listed by Dr. Longley. Pronotogrammus aureorubens and this species are similar in appearance. They are most readily distinguished by the smaller eye in Hemianthias vivanus, which also has filamentous ventral rays in adults; a serrated subopercle and interopercle in part; and a single enlarged flat spine at the angle of the preopercle with only a few spines below it, the rest of the lower margin being smooth. The following proportions and enumerations are based on a specimen 125 mm. long: Head 3.2; depth 3.15; pectoral 3.4; ventral to tip of longest filament 3.6. Eye in head 3.8; snout 4.15; interorbital 4.6; maxillary 2.25; caudal peduncle 2.5. D. X,i4; A. 111,8; P. 18; V. 1,5; scales 6-47-16, seven oblique rows on cheek, two complete rows between lateral line and middle of dorsal base, and four at base of the last dorsal ray; gill rakers on lower limb of the first arch 28; branchi- ostegals 6. Gulf of Mexico off coast of Florida. S. F. H. Pronotogrammus aureorubens Longley Pronotogrammus aureorubens Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 87 — Tortugas, Florida. Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 242, fig. 10. 112 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Rhegma brederi Hildebrand 1 Rhegma brederi Hildebrand, in Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 244, fig. 11 — Tortugas, Florida. Family PRIACANTHIDAE. Bigeyes Priacanthus cruentatus (Lacepede). Glass-eyed snapper Specimens were occasionally seen in crevices of the beach rock, usually deep down in the fissures, sometimes using their fins to brace themselves and hold their place in narrow crevices. I observed this species only once fully exposed in broad daylight. On this occasion it appeared to have been driven from hiding in Acropora by the alternate thrust and tug of a ground swell. Yet, retiring as it is, it is not easily frightened, as one once permitted me to work beside it with hammer and chisel to cut a window through the coral that hid it from the camera. It comes out of retirement soon after sunset, and at dawn it may be seen once more, appearing by fours and fives, but shortly afterward it disappears again in the fastnesses of the reef. More than two score young, 45 to 75 mm. in length, were included in a few pailfuls of waste from the Bird Key tern rookery. D. X,i2'/2 to i4 1 / 4 ; A. III,i3 1 /2 to 1414 ; gill rakers about 16. Feeding occurs chiefly at night. The food includes annelids, crustaceans of many kinds, and small fishes. It is red or red-brown, with eleven silvery bands, unevenly spaced; lower half of body dotted with spots of silver a little less than pupil in diameter; soft dorsal, anal, and caudal with rows of dark spots between the rays. Only once a normal change in coloration was noticed, as the fish in the morn- ing before sunrise were far from their reddest, though their silver bands were very evident. Actually their color is very changeable. One struck with the grains became at once almost colorless, and another, shocked by dynamite, showed irregular red blotches on a silvery background. A striking feature of this fish is its great lustrous eye, which in specimens 200 to 225 mm. in length may be 25 mm. in diameter, and amply justifies the popular name, glass-eyed snapper. Tropical Atlantic, northward to Florida; probably also in the Pacific. W. H. L. Priacanthus arenatus Cuvier and Valenciennes The habitats of Priacanthus arenatus and P. cruentatus seem quite distinct. The former was not taken in the shallows with P. cruentatus, but exclusively in the 12-fathom channels within the Tortugas group, and outside down to about 45 fathoms. The largest specimen secured was 310 mm. long. W. H. L. 1 Since the publication of the description of Rhegma brederi, my attention has been called to the fact that George S. Myers (Smithsonian Misc. Coll., vol. 91, no. 23, 1935, p. 2) has stated that Rhegma is a synonym of Pscudogramnms, a genus based on an East Indian species. No data are offered in support of the statement. — S. F. H. i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS H3 This species is quite distinct from P. cruentatus. Its fin formulas generally are D. X,i4 or 14V2 ; A. HI, 14/2 or 15%- It has about eight fewer rows of scales be- tween the anal origin and the lateral line, counting the series in the usual way. Gill rakers 22 or 23 on lower limb of first arch. Tropical Atlantic, occasionally drifting northward to Cape Cod. S. F. H. Pseudopriacanthus altus (Gill) One specimen, 22 mm. long, was taken in 12 to 15 fathoms. Color reddish, with three clear-cut dark bars fading in alcohol; spinous dorsal and anal black, this color extending also on base of soft fins; distal parts of these fins and entire pectoral and caudal colorless; ventrals black, their inner margins attached to belly almost to anus, not free as shown in Goode and Bean's figures (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, pi. 46, figs. 239, 240). W. H. L. A second specimen is listed in Dr. Longley's notes, taken in 45 to 50 fathoms. The collection contains a specimen 50 mm. long, without definite locality label, which may be that fish. This species, then, seems to be rare in the vicinity of Tortugas. The following enumerations and proportions are based on the 50-mm. speci- men from Tortugas: D. X,n; A. Ill, 10; scales 47; gill rakers 20. Head 3.4; depth 1.65. Eye in head 2.0; snout 5.45; interorbital 4.3; maxillary 1.6; pectoral 2.0; ventral 1.1. The narrow preorbital and the preopercle are serrate; the spine at the angle of the latter is scarcely enlarged. The pectoral fins are short and rounded, but the ventrals are long, reaching base of first soft ray of anal. Dr. Longley has the following on the larger specimen taken by him: "Red- brown, iris redder than body." West Indies, and northward in the Gulf Stream. S. F. H. Family PEMPHERIDAE. Deep-Water Catalufas Pempheris schomburgkii MiAller and Troschel Pempheris schomburgkii Miiller and Troschel, in Schomburgk, Hist. Barbados, 1848, p. 669 — Barbados. Pempheris mulleri Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 203. No account of this species was found in Dr. Longley's manuscript, and it appears to be mentioned only a few times in his field notes. In his copy of Jordan, Evermann, and Clark's Cheeky list (1930, p. 323) he definitely assigned Pem- pheris mulleri Poey to the synonymy of P. schomburgkii, as shown above. Dr. Longley stated in one entry that he noticed these fish in small schools among coral heads three days in succession. They were markedly transparent, the whole axial skeleton back of the abdominal region being visible; body cop- pery; distinct red line at base of anal. On account of the method of operation of the pectoral fins, which vibrated quickly, the fish moved with peculiar starts in H^ PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv perfect rhythm as if dancing to music. In another entry he gave another descrip- tion of the color, having at least 2 specimens before him, respectively 105 and 130 mm. long: "Color coppery, lighter below; peritoneum very slightly pigmented — mere scattered points." The Tortugas collection contains 4 specimens, 44 to 101 mm. in standard length, which have been compared with some specimens from Cuba in the U. S. National Museum collection, identified as P. miilleri. The Tortugas material does not agree entirely with the Cuban specimens. It is not possible, however, to arrive at a definite conclusion concerning the relationship, as the Cuban material especially is not in good condition, and not enough specimens are available. Furthermore, the matter is complicated by some evident variation among the Tortugas specimens. The specimens from Tortugas seem to be rather deeper and have a rather larger eye than Cuban ones of about equal size. The principal difference, how- ever, is in the scales; those covering a large area on the anterior part of the side, especially the ones behind the pectoral fin, are prominently enlarged and very distinctly cycloid and have concentric rings on their margins, whereas in the Cuban specimens, though most of the scales are lost, enough remain to show that they are not prominently enlarged on the anterior part of the side and that their margins are definitely crenulate. In having cycloid scales on the sides the Tortugas specimens are related to P. polio Breder (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 1, art. 1, 1927, p. 32, fig. 15). Prominently enlarged scales are not mentioned in the description of that species, nor shown in the illustration. Furthermore, all the scales are not cycloid in the Tortugas specimens, those in the lateral line and those on the back behind the dorsal fin being distinctly ctenoid. In the 2 specimens of intermediate size the scales in advance of the dorsal also are ctenoid, though not in the other 2, and all except the smallest specimen have very strongly ctenoid scales on the chest and on the dentary bones. In the smallest specimen scales are missing on these parts, probably having been lost. The smallest Tortugas specimen agrees with the Cuban ones in having the chest compressed to a more or less sharp edge, whereas in the larger specimens from Tortugas the chest is round and covered with scales. It seems evident, then, that more specimens must be studied before the species of this genus can be accurately defined. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the 4 specimens from Tortugas: Head 3.1 to 3.3; depth 1.9 to 2.2; anal base 2.0 to 2.15. Eye in head 2.0 to 2.2; snout 4.6 to 5.0; interorbital 3.5 to 3.9; maxillary 1.75 to 1.9; pec- toral 1.1 to 1.2; ventral 2.25 to 2.5. D. Ill or IV,9 to 11; A. 111,3 1 to 345 P- l 5> scales in lateral line to base of caudal 56 to 62, about 10 or 12 more on caudal fin; gill rakers 17 to 19. The color of the preserved specimens is uniform brownish, with a darker streak along the base of the anal. West Indies to Florida, and presumably to Brazil. Not reported previously from United States waters. S. F. H. i 94 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS H5 Family LOBOTIDAE. Tripletails Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch) (Plate 8, figure 2) Only four observations of this species seem to be recorded in Dr. Longley's notes. Twice it was observed while diving; one specimen, 155 mm. long, was taken from underneath a floating box; and a young one, 40 mm. long, was taken from floating Sargassum. There are in the collection 3 specimens, respectively 30, 36, and 154 mm. long. The tripletail, then, seems to be rather rare at Tortugas. The largest specimen in the collection has the fin formulas D. XII,i6; A. III,i2. The serrations at the angle of the preopercle are quite large, the longest spine being rather more than half as long as the eye. Concerning the color of a fish 40 mm. long, Dr. Longley stated, "Shade highly changeable. Nearly black in aquarium; much lighter in porcelain dish." In the preserved specimens prominent dark spots are present on the base of the soft dorsal. Atlantic coast of America from Uruguay, sometimes northward to Massachu- setts. S. F. H. Family LUTIANIDAE. Snappers Lutianus griseus (Linnaeus). Gray snapper; mangrove snapper (Plate 9, figure 1; plate 13, figure 1) This is the commonest of Tortugas snappers and in many respects the dom- inant fish in the local fauna. It gathers about all local wharves, along all sub- merged ledges of beach rock, about all the greater aggregated coral heads off- shore, and in some isolated gorgonian patches. Though the colonies on the reefs seek food only at night, at the Laboratory wharf the fish are always ready to feed. They eat bread, boiled potatoes, and beans as readily as fish or meat. They even rush out to intercept slowly falling paper napkins, showing that they see out of the water. Floating Sargassum they scrutinize intently, and they join carangids at the beach in a whirling, splashing, and confused pursuit of schooling round herrings and hardheads, but seem to catch few or none. Of 26 specimens taken on the reef with dynamite at 5:00 p.m., i had in its stomach the two terminal joints of the large claw of a crab, Portunus sebae, the others nothing identifiable. Of 27, 215 to 415 mm. long, taken between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., 6 had empty stomachs, 2 contained little, and the others had recently fed well. They had eaten at least 15 fishes up to 125 mm. in length, 10 crabs of the average size of a quarter-dollar, many small shrimps, a squid, and a large annelid. The foregoing are representative observations, to which may be added the re- sults of a few experiments and observations on the rate of digestion of food. A n6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv colony of this snapper was fed with fish and crustaceans, which were marked by drawing a black thread through them. This marked food was offered between 2 -.2^ and 2:35 p.m., and 5 of the fish were killed with dynamite 2 l / 4 hours after the feeding. The stomachs contained the marked food listed: Monacanthus sp., 4 specimens, 45 to 63 mm. long; Scants croicensis, 2, 35 and 40 mm. long; Hali- choeres bivittatus, 4, 50 to 63 mm. long; Haemulon sciitrits, 2, 45 and 55 mm. long; Malacoctenus macropus, 1, 32 mm. long; Mithrax hispid us, 3, 11 mm. across carapace; and Portunus sp., 1, 21 mm. across carapace. Digestion had pro- ceeded far enough in the fishes to destroy the color pattern, and in most instances to erode the abdominal walls. The crabs, however, remained virtually unchanged. In a similar experiment 26 snappers were killed 3V2 hours after feeding. The stomachs, however, were not examined until an hour later. Only 5 of the fish contained marked food, consisting of the species listed as follows: }enhjnsina lamprotaenia, 5 specimens, 2 reduced to fragments, 3, 40 to 50 mm. long; Hali- choeres bivittatus, 6, 37 to 82 mm. long; Pomacentrus sp., 1, 55 mm. long; Poma- centrus leucostictus , 1, 55 mm. long; Monacanthus sp., 1 fragment, and 1, 30 mm. long; Malacoctenus macropus, 2, 30 and 33 mm. long; Harengula sardina, 1, 55 mm. long; Syngnathus sp., a fragment; Sphoeroides spengleri, 1, 50 mm. long; Haemulon sciurus, 1, 40 mm. long; Sphyraena barracuda, 1, 50 mm. long; Sparisoma sp., 1, 82 mm. long; Portunus sp., 1, 20 mm. across carapace; Mithrax sp., 1, 12 mm. across carapace; Mithrax hispidus, 3, 13 to 22 mm. across carapace; and a shrimp fragment. As already indicated, some of the food had been reduced to fragments, and in all the species of fish the bodies had more or less disinte- grated, but in the crabs digestion had scarcely begun. Sometimes at the Laboratory wharf the snapper colony exhibited the species' power of adaptive color change. Usually the fish there were in an intermediate gray phase, with or without an oblique dark line through the eye. Toward eve- ning, however, over clear white sand I have seen them very pale, but over adjacent bottom covered with dark brown, dead turtle grass and algae they invariably and almost immediately turned quite dark. Along the beach rock, in the brown zone between the intertidal strip and stirred sand, I found gray snappers browner than in the other two places. Close beside or beneath Orbicella heads or in the thickets of Acropora they sometimes appeared in a blotched pattern, in which on a dark background there were light gray spots on the back at the base of the dorsal fin. About a shoal cutting off a lateral pocket from the upper blue hole inside Bird Key reef they sometimes floated high in ghostly gray; toward the eastern side of the main Loggerhead bank, in deep water, I have seen them high up, floating by hundreds in the same gray without even showing the ocular stripe. W. H. L. Dr. Longley reported some interesting observations in his article entitled "Life on a coral reef" (Nat. Geog. Mag., vol. 51, 1927, pp. 61-83, w i tn &g s -)> showing that this snapper and the schoolmaster (and presumably others) mostly idle the days away in schools on the reefs, but when dusk comes the schools break up and the search for food begins. Dr. Longley also gave some interesting facts about the i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 1T y food obtained, which seemed to show that the schools from different places have different feeding grounds. He pointed out, furthermore, that the food of the gray snapper and the schoolmaster is sufficiently different to show that they frequent entirely different feeding grounds. In Carnegie Institution of Washington Year Boo\ No. 24 (1925, p. 232), Longley, Schmitt, and Taylor reported at greater length on the conspicuous dif- ferences that appeared in the stomach contents of fish from the different colonies of gray snappers studied. The claim is made that it would be possible to deter- mine, from an average sample of 10, from which of seven different sites the fish in question had come. The differences in the food of the gray snapper and the schoolmaster, also, are discussed in detail. Dr. Longley carried on extensive experiments designed to provide further information 1 concerning the gray snapper's ability to discriminate colors. These experiments were reported upon in Carnegie Institution of Washington Year Boot{ Nos. 22 (1923, pp. 161-163), 23 (1924, p. 193), 24 (1925, p. 228), and 29 (1930, p. 337). A brief review follows: The plain-colored hardhead, Hepsetia stipes (listed as Atherina laticeps in the reports cited), was used as the food by means of which the color discrimination of the snappers was tested. The minnows, preserved in a weak solution of for- malin in the earlier experiments, were painted in two color patterns with silver nitrate. One pattern consisted of a dark lateral stripe, extending from snout to tail, and the other consisted of two dark crossbars. The snappers (colonies under near-by piers) preferred the striped minnows, but did eat the barred ones too. Then an attempt was made to make those of one pattern distasteful to the snappers by sewing into the mouth pieces of the tentacles of the medusa, Cassionea. After a time the colony of fish that had been fed with striped fish (for which they originally had shown preference) made distasteful with the medusa tentacles came to show a marked preference for banded fish. This prefer- ence was maintained afterward even though the medusa tentacles were omitted. Another colony of snappers similarly was taught to avoid banded fish. The experiments were continued through three summers. No doubt remained that the gray snapper can distinguish color patterns, and that it can be taught to avoid certain ones, though the rate of learning seemed rather slow. Dr. Longley was not satisfied, however, with the results of the experiments performed. Accordingly he made further investigations during the summer of 1929, in which he used fresh as well as preserved Hepsetia stipes. The earlier experiments were made with colonies of snappers living under one or another of the wharves of Loggerhead and Garden keys. The membership of these groups, it was learned, varied from day to day. In the new experiments 25 gray snappers of an average length of about 10 inches were confined alone in a land- locked part of the moat about Fort Jefferson. These fish soon learned to dis- tinguish formalin-preserved from fresh minnows. Dr. Longley concluded: "The snappers' power of readjustment is great, and fresh fishes, even when they bear 1 The ability of the gray snapper to distinguish colors had already been investigated to some extent by Jacob Reighard (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 103, 190(8, p. 257). n8 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv the mark which has long distinguished the unpalatable ones, are usually eaten. But the effect of experience appears in the fact that striped fresh fishes [the mark that had been used for preserved fish] in my tests were rejected with twice the frequency of banded fresh ones. Striped fresh fishes, when taken, were taken too with greater hesitation than banded ones, and preserved striped fishes were re- jected to the end very much more commonly than banded preserved ones. As a matter of fact, the latter are almost always seized before being rejected, whereas a large part of the former are allowed to sink to the bottom untouched. There seems, therefore, no reason to doubt that the gray snapper can discriminate be- tween such simple patterns as those mentioned, and is able to form associations between either and the palatability or unpalatability of the food-fish display- ing it." Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes straying northward as far as Cape Cod. S. F. H. Lutianus apodus (Walbaum). Schoolmaster (Plate 9, figure 2; plate 24, figure 2) No account of this species was found among Dr. Longley's manuscripts. It is evident from his field notes that, next to Lutianus griseus, it is the most abundant snapper in the vicinity. Evidently it occupies about the same ground as L. griseus during daylight, as Dr. Longley's notes show that it was taken several times with that species in a single dynamite blast. At night, when feeding occurs, the fish seem to separate. Records of the examination of 241 stomachs for food were found in Dr. Longley's notes. The three principal foods consisted of crabs, shrimps, and small fish, named in the order of their apparent importance, the fish being notably less numerous than crabs and shrimps. Among these foods, as far as they were recog- nizable, Dr. Longley listed most frequently the following: spider crabs (Mithrax), porcelain crabs (Porcellana and Petrolisthes), snapping shrimps {Crangon and Alpheus), and parrot fishes (Labridae and Scaridae). Foods of other groups were comparatively unimportant, except palolo 1 (a segmented worm) for a few days. Fragments of octopus appeared six times, worms (other than palolo) twice, clam once, isopod once, amphipod once, and Dictyota frag- ments three times (the last possibly taken incidentally in the capture of crabs and shrimps). Though this species and the gray snapper occupy about the same grounds dur- ing the day, as already stated, they seem to feed separately on different grounds at night. For a comparison of the food of the two see the papers cited in the account of the gray snapper. Schoolmasters seem to occur in nature in two color phases, designated as "pale yellow" and "banded." On a specimen 30 mm. long Dr. Longley has the follow- 1 The reason for the occurrence of palolo worms for only a few days is explained in Dr. Longley's article entitled "Life on a coral reef" (Nat. Geog. Mag., vol. 51, 1927, p. 69); also in Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 22 (1923), pp. 159-160; and by Caswell Grave in Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 24 (1925), p. 227. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS HO ing: "Body in banded phase grayish yellow. Each scale seems to have a yellow spot on grayish background, thus showing under lens a series of longitudinal yellow lines. In banded phase narrow lighter lines separate the dark bands, of which the first passes from anterior base of spinous dorsal through the pectoral base." A brown line, slightly wider than the pupil, extending from snout through eye to above posterior margin of opercle, and two narrow pale ones on the cheek seem to occur in both color phases mentioned. An adult as observed in nature is described as dull brownish, this color being broken by bands; fins yellowish. Concerning a specimen between 125 and 150 mm. in length Dr. Longley observed, "In banded phase, lightens very distinctly in shade in passing from algae to bare sand." Brazil, West Indies, northward to Florida, sometimes straying northward in the Gulf Stream. S. F. H. Lutianus analis (Cuvier and Valenciennes). Muttonfish (Plate 10, figure 1) Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 241) re- ported that the muttonfish was caught in Bird Key channel in 8 fathoms. Dr. Longley listed it from reefs at Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Bird Key, and "inner lighthouse reef," and from White Shoal. This snapper evidently is common in the vicinity. At Key West it is perhaps a little less numerous than Lutianus griseus, which it outranks, however, in importance as a food fish. Records of the examination of 29 stomachs were found among Dr. Longley 's notes. Fish, largely small grunts, predominated as food. The only other food of any importance consisted of shrimps. Dr. Longley noted that this species, like the gray snapper and the schoolmaster, is a nocturnal feeder. This snapper has a barred and a "self-color" phase, as indicated by Dr. Long- ley's statement in a field note: "On a bit of broken bottom near boat's moorings found half a dozen L. analis, 12 to 14 inches long. They were invariably banded when resting on bottom, whether with or without cover, and invariably changed to a self-color, except for minor reticulations and vermiculations, when swim- ming." A second observation confirms the first: "Resting muttonfish, 12 to 14 inches long, barred; not so when swimming." A third observation reads: "Large L. analis, 18 inches long, resting on bottom on shady side of coral head, dark and conspicuously barred. It swam off slowly as I approached, becoming much lighter with bands showing faintly." Brazil, West Indies, to Florida, straying northward in the Gulf Stream. S.F.H. Lutianus jocu (Bloch and Schneider). Dog snapper (Plate 10, figure 2; plate n, figure 1) Lutianus jocu is much less abundant than L. griseus and L. apodus, but may always be found without great difficulty. It tends to collect near Orbicella stacks, the jagged Palythoa-covered reefs, submerged wreckage, and like places. I2 o PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv The color of this species is more olivaceous than that of the gray snapper in any of its phases. It is less inclined to orange than the schoolmaster. It lacks the dark lateral spot of the lane snapper and the muttonfish, and has a longer snout than the latter. The most distinctive mark, when displayed, is the light-colored triangular blaze on the cheek with its vertex reaching the eye, though in this detail the fish varies from moment to moment. Brazil to Florida, straying northward to Cape Cod. W. H. L. Lutianus synagris (Linnaeus). Lane snapper This species was reported by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 241) from "Isolated individuals, largely in eel grass." Dr. Longley also took it on grass flats and observed it on the different reefs, especially on "inner lighthouse reef." From the number of observations reported it may be concluded that it is less numerous than the gray snapper and schoolmaster, and about as common as the muttonfish and the dog snapper. The feeding habits are not reported, but it probably may be assumed that this fish, like the gray snapper and the schoolmaster, feeds at night. At least Dr. Longley found it "resting" among the coral heads during the day. A record of the examination of the stomach contents of only one individual, 200 mm. long, was found. This fish was taken early in the morning and had fed on 7 or 8 small Jen kin sia la m protaen ia . This snapper, like some of the others, appears in two color phases, described in part as follows in Dr. Longley's notes from a specimen 65 mm. long kept in confinement : Banded phase: Broad dark bands, and eight narrow light ones. In this phase there is a light brown line running from the mouth, through the eye, becoming vague behind it. The dark spot of the unhanded phase falls within the fourth dark band from the posterior end of the series. Unhanded phase: Grayish above, silvery below, with black spot above lateral line and beneath anterior part of soft dorsal. Same oblique dark line through eye as in banded phase. Narrow longitudinal stripes on body, three above lateral line and five below it. The banded phase appeared whenever this particular specimen was placed in a small dish and left to itself. The light phase appeared whenever it was disturbed and set to swimming. Brazil to Florida. S. F. H. Lutianus vivanus (Cuvier and Valenciennes) A single specimen, 200 mm. long, was taken in 40 fathoms, south of Tortugas. W.H.L. According to Ginsburg (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 46, 1930, p. 265, fig. 1), this species, though related to Lutianus blackjordii, has only 8 soft rays in the anal, and the scales are smaller, 72 to 73 oblique rows above the lateral line and 62 to 65 below it. Gill rakers are somewhat more numerous, there being 17 and 5 rudi- ments on the lower limb of the first arch, and the iris is described as bright yellow i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS I2I in life, an observation confirmed by Dr. Longley in his notes, whereas the red snapper has a red iris. West Indies, Gulf of Mexico. S. F. H. Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch). Yellowtail (Plate n, figure 2; plate 12, figure 1; plate 19, figure 2; plate 32, figure 2) Few Tortugas fishes are more numerous than this species, which is found by hundreds among gorgonian thickets and Orbicella heads. In small numbers it has a very wide distribution throughout the group. Throughout the summer the young may be seined in abundance among turtle grass. The yellowtail's range extends from bottom to surface. It is, nevertheless, principally a fish of the middle depths, where it swims, when not feeding, usually 4 to 6 feet from the bottom in 12 to 15 feet of water. Its time of feeding is not as closely restricted to the night hours as in other species of its family. Many do feed at night, but individuals may be seen by day following the red goatfish, for example, and competing with Halichoeres Hvittatus for shrimps. Still others may be seen feeding at the surface in the deep water of the lagoon. }en\insia lamprotaenia and other small fishes, shrimps, crabs, stomatopods, and annelids make up its food. The trim body of the adult is delicately countershaded. In color it is blue-gray, marked with spots and lines of brassy yellow. Chief among these is the ocular stripe, which widens posteriorly, becomes confluent with others on the caudal peduncle, and spreads finally over the entire surface of the deeply forked caudal fin. The spots are confined to the upper half of the body before the mid-point of the base of the soft dorsal. Below the broad ocular stripe the series of yellow lines become fainter ventrally, and the lower also diminish in intensity as they pass from a comparatively exposed position on the side to the more shaded one be- neath the caudal peduncle. In coloration the yellowtail is changeable. Over clean sand fish are lighter in shade than in darker surroundings. Some over light bottom about the Laboratory dock at sunset reduced their yellow to pale straw color. The pattern varies, too, for a blotched phase is sometimes displayed on the reef by individuals at rest close to the bottom. The young show it regularly at night in aquarium tanks, or when hovering near the bottom in shallow dishes by day. Brazil to Florida. W. H. L. Rhomboplites aurorubens (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Three specimens, 140, 150, and 170 mm. long, are included in the collection. The 2 larger ones are without definite locality data. The smallest one was taken south of Tortugas in about 50 fathoms. As this is a rather deep-water species, it is probable that the others were taken in the same general vicinity. The 3 specimens are all females with large roe. The smallest, the only one for which the date of capture is known, was caught July 2, 1932. The indication, then, is that spawning takes place during midsummer. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the 3 Tortugas specimens, given in order of their size beginning with the smallest one: Head I2 2 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv 3.0, 3.1, 3.15; depth 2.9, 3.25, 2.9, Eye in head 3.0, 3.4, 3.5; snout 3.6, 3.8, 3.8; inter- orbital 4.0, 4.2, 4.2; maxillary 2.7, 2.7, 2.6; caudal peduncle 3.1, 3.0, 3.1; pectoral 1.2, 1.2, 1.2; ventral 1.5, 1.6, 1.7. D. XII,n, XII,n, XII,n; A. 111,8, 111,8, III, 8; P. 18, 17, 17; scales (longitudinal series counted above lateral line) 8-73-17, 8-74-16, 9-74-16; gill rakers on lower limb of first arch 19, 18, 19. The color of the smallest specimen when fresh was described by Dr. Longley as brilliantly scarlet, with faint stripes of yellow, those below lateral line extend- ing from above pectoral base to above middle of anal, and those above lateral line oblique, following the rows of scales; pectoral rosy; caudal and iris scarlet. This species is most readily recognized by its rather elongate body, projecting lower jaw, presence of teeth on the tongue, small scales in oblique rows above lateral line, and the deeply lunate caudal. Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes northward to South Carolina. S.F.H. Pristipomoides macrophthalmus (Miiller and Troschel) This fish apparently is not rare in rather deep water south of Tortugas. Records of the capture of ^ specimens, ranging in length from 75 to 230 mm., taken in 40 to 94 fathoms, were found in Dr. Longley 's notes. Three females taken August 14, 1934 were reported as having eggs, indicating that spawning occurs during midsummer. The following proportions and enumerations are based on a specimen 147 mm. long: Head 2.75; depth 2.7. Eye in head 3.1; snout 3".8; interorbital 4.2; maxillary 2.3; caudal peduncle 3.25; pectoral 1.15; ventral 1.45. D. X,io; A. 111,8; P. 15; scales (longitudinal series counted above lateral line) 7-52-13; gill rakers 17. The following descriptions of color are from Dr. Longley's notes: "A silvery fish, faintly rosy over back; base of pectoral and margin of dorsal yellowish; caudal rosy, upper lobe rather yellow, with white margin above and below." An- other specimen was, "Silvery, rosy over back. Fins, except ventrals and anal, faintly yellow. Base of pectoral and iris yellow." A 147-mm. specimen was de- scribed as "Rosy above, with suffusing of yellow; sides silver; iris yellow; pectoral yellow at base, the fin itself pale." In alcohol the specimens are pale silvery. This species superficially resembles Rhomboplites aurorubens, from which it differs, however, in the deeply forked caudal and the larger scales, which are in series parallel with the lateral line on upper part of sides, whereas those of R. aurorubens run obliquely upward above the lateral line. Furthermore, the present species has no teeth on the tongue. West Indies, apparently now recorded for the first time from Florida. S.F.H. Family HAEMULIDAE. Grunts Haemulon album Cuvier and Valenciennes. Margate fish Fish 250 to 300 mm. long have been seen at several points along the west shore of Loggerhead Key. Some were near the Laboratory dock, others far down the island around blocks of coquina. Large adults appear occasionally about coral stacks or on rocky bottoms offshore. In an isolated gorgonian patch on rocky i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS I2 ? bottom in a bare sandy area east of the first shallow bank south of Loggerhead Key a dozen or two medium-sized ones could always be found. Sometimes a few young school about a ballast heap marking the site of a wreck. This species has notable power of color change. In a common phase the head and body are pearl gray, delicately countershaded by dark spots on the center of the exposed part of each scale on back and sides, and the highly contrasting black on dorsal and caudal fins begins abruptly. Black and gray alike are dimmed if the fish sinks to the bottom and rests in the shadow of even the most sparsely branched gorgonian. A specimen confined in an aquarium appeared usually as last described, but sometimes displayed a mottled phase like that of other species of grunt similarly placed. Whenever any attempt was made to capture it, or when it was otherwise disturbed, it responded by showing on a greenish-gray background a pattern of seven major stripes. Brazil to Florida. W. H. L. Haemulon macrostomum Giinther. Spanish grunt; gray grunt (Plate 12, figure 2) Haemulon macrostomum Giinther, Cat. fish. Brit. Mus., vol. 1, 1859, p. 308 — Jamaica. Haemulon chrysopterum Mowbray (not of Cuvier and Valenciennes), Bull. New York Zool. Soc, vol. 18, 1915, p. 1298, with fig. — Key West, Florida. Haemulon mowbrayi Jordan and Evermann, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 4, vol. 16, 1927, p. 505 — Key West, Florida. One of the least common of the Haemulidae, living in water from 6 to 18 feet deep. Still, it is always to be found about some of the reef patches. Like the other grunts, it is a nocturnal feeder. Four examples examined early in the morning contained recognizable food, in which none observed had shown any interest during the day. The recognizable food of the 4 examined, ranging in length from 275 to 325 mm., consisted of small crabs, fish, gastropods, sea urchins, starfish, amphipods, and an isopod. In coloration this grunt is one of the most strongly marked species. It retains its juvenile pattern of stripes throughout life. Ground color muddy gray; stripes brownish black, with a conspicuous wash of yellow between the upper one and base of dorsal fin; a conspicuous spot of light yellow on dorsal surface of caudal peduncle; entire pectoral except scaly base, margin of dorsal (particularly the soft part), inner margin of anal, and a broad terminal band on caudal golden. In the field even the adult fish differ greatly in the amount of yellow shown. An aquarium specimen, 100 mm. long, was banded. One dark bar appeared before the dorsal fin, a second beneath the middle of its spinous part, becoming united with the first ventrally, and a third beneath the spinous and soft parts of the dorsal. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida. W. H. L. Haemulon bonariense Cuvier and Valenciennes. Black grunt Of the grunts, Haemulon melanurum alone is about as rare as this species. Usually it is seen singly. As many as 3 or 4 were seen only once with hundreds of common and yellow grunts. 124 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv This species is variable in appearance. Lurking in crevices among the corals it may be dusky gray or darker, with brassy spots. In the open it is lighter. The brassy pattern on its head is one of coarse blotches rather than clear-cut stripes. The mouth is wholly light red within. W. H. L. This species was first reported from United States waters (Tortugas) by Dr. Longley (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 21, 1922, p. 171). It ranges from Argentina to the Florida Keys. S. F. H. Haemulon parra (Desmarest). Sailor's choice (Plate 13, figures 1, 2; plate 14, figure 1) Common, though not as abundant as Haemulon sciurus and H. plumieri. Single individuals or small groups are widely distributed, but great numbers have been observed at only a few places. The preferred schooling grounds appear to be the bare bottoms about the greater masses of coral on the reefs. This grunt, like the others of its genus, feeds almost wholly at night. The stomachs of specimens taken in the early morning were well filled, containing much sand, with algae, mollusks, and annelids. These fish are more greedy, more stupid, or less sensitive than gray snappers to the sting of the medusa, Cassiopea. Before beginning to refuse them they will eat many small fishes made unpalatable by sewing bits of the jellyfish tentacles in their mouths. The sailor's choice is usually seen in a plain gray phase with countershading. It is darker near heads of coral, or low down above gorgonians, than it is out over bare bottom away from them. It may occasionally be seen swimming high above the bottom, when it may be very gray, retaining only a faint touch of yellow above the eye. At dusk it may also be seen in its palest phase over the sand near shore. It also has a striped phase, in which stripes and a caudal spot are well developed on a gray ground. This is shown most often by the younger fish, and infrequently by full-grown ones. Some, about 350 mm. long, on leaving dark beach rock and swimming over clear sand, not only at once reduced the size and intensity of the dark spots on their scales, but put off the dark lines of this striped pattern. The peritoneum is black; the mouth orange within. Brazil to Florida. W. H. L. Haemulon carbonarium Poey. Caesar grunt (Plate 14, figure 1) This species occurs not uncommonly in small schools about the coral stacks. It feeds at night like the other grunts. Of 5 taken at 5:30 a.m., 3 contained no food; 2 had fed on small crabs, gastropods, starfish, and annelid worms. No feeding was noticed by day. Marked changes in shade occur when the fish leaves the shelter of the coral heads to rest over the bare bottom. In the duskiest phase the fins and ventral side of the body, well up to the level of the dorsal margin of the pectoral base, 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS I2 e may be all black. In another the fins may be all light except the caudal, which may show a dark band like that of Haemulon sciurus. In color the two species are somewhat alike, but are distinguishable at a glance because the lines of yellow are much more regular in H. carbonarium . The mouth is pale salmon within and dark at the angles. W. H. L. Dr. Longley first reported this species from United States waters (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 21, 1922, p. 171). It has also been taken by Bureau of Fisheries investigators at Key West (unpublished), where it seems to be rare. It ranges from Brazil to Florida and Bermuda. S. F. H. Haemulon melanurum (Linnaeus). French Margate fish A single specimen on one occasion, 2 on another, a few young on a third, and a larger number of partly grown fish on a fourth, are all that have been seen in a dozen summers. Three times they were found over clean white sand, or bare white coral skeletons about a small or larger group of massive corals. In the fourth instance they were gathered about a ballast heap marking the site of a vanished wreck. In its pattern of black and white it sufficiently resembles one or the other of two phases of Haemulon album to justify its common name. But close compari- son of the patterns of the two serves to distinguish them. In each, in one phase a conspicuous black area lies above the line joining the base of the first dorsal spine and the tip of the lower lobe of the caudal fin. But in H. melanurum this black is broadly and sharply white-margined dorsally and posteriorly, whereas in the other it is very narrowly white, if white at all. In addition, stripes appear in H. melanurum at all times in more or less dusky yellow on a pearly gray back- ground. The line through the eye to the base of the caudal is darkest, and both it and the others may be distinctly enhanced in fishes among algae and gor- gonians, as compared with those over bare sand. There is a distinct black spot under the posterior margin of the preopercle, and the roof of the mouth pos- teriorly and the lower jaw laterally are orange-red within. W. H. L. This grunt was first recorded from United States waters by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 242). It has been taken also at Key West (unpublished) by Bureau of Fisheries investigators. It ranges from Florida to the West Indies and presumably southward. S. F. H. Haemulon sciurus (Shaw). Yellow grunt (Plate 13, figures 1, 2; plate 14, figure 2; plate 15, figures 1, 2; plate 18, figures 1, 2) One of the commonest of Tortugas fishes. It feeds by night, and by day is found gathered in small or great groups. The preferred schooling grounds are about the larger coral stacks or in the denser growth of gorgonians. Most of the fish that come into very shallow water are very small. At their various schooling places the behavior of the fish varies to a certain I2 6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv extent with the nature of their surroundings. When they are about the coral stacks they often retire within them, but the great majority stay outside. About the stacks or on comparatively bare ground on the Bird Key flats they usually lie rather close to the bottom, or more rarely float a yard or so above it. In the dense patches of gorgonians they seem to lie by preference near bottom, in the deep undergrowth, although some float at mid-level and some even rise above the gorgonian tops. At dusk the schools break up and scatter over the reefs. The food they gather consists mostly of crustaceans, mollusks, and annelids. On the clay of the annual palolo swarm 1 these worms are eaten in very large numbers. Small ophiurans occur not uncommonly in the stomach contents. The yellow grunt is very changeable in coloration. It appears most commonly in what may be called the black-finned phase. It is then marked by a number of longitudinal stripes of blue and yellow in alternation, which by comparison are much more regular than similar markings on other species of the genus. The yellow lines are more brassy on the lower parts of the body, gradually becoming browner the higher they fall in the series. Pale bluish lines on side and head; soft dorsal, and a broad bar covering most of caudal fin, black. In this phase it is very clear that the fish has considerable ability to change its shade in adaptation to that of the substratum. Half-grown fish seen over white-silted turtle grass were very light in color. Sometimes when schooling about bare banks in or near deep holes the fish rise and float a yard up in the open water with Lutianus griseus, and are almost as inconspicuous. Their entire bodies then are gray, and the fins faintly straw color, except the caudal, which is very faintly dusky. When they lie on bare bottom which is not smooth, they sometimes show a mottled or clouded phase. A pattern of stripes sometimes appears in fish one-third grown when they are over alga-covered beach rock, and it may appear in full-grown fish over similarly covered bottom among the gorgonians. The mouth is red within. Individuals may engage in pushing with open mouths with others of their species, or with other species of the genus. Sometimes the pose is assumed with wide-open mouth without contact being established. The display sometimes seems to occur without particular cause. At other times it seems to result from intrusion of one upon the privacy or preserve of another. One fish may so meet, one after another, all other fish that approach it. Brazil to Florida. W. H. L. Haemulon plumieri (Lacepede). Common grunt (Plate 14, figure 2; plate 15, figures 1, 2) A very common nocturnal feeder that schools by day about coral stacks and among gorgonians. It feeds on worms, gastropods, lamellibranchs, and crustaceans. In coloration this species is changeable. In its commonest phase about the coral stacks it shows a pattern of longitudinal brassy lines, somewhat wavy, and tend- 1 Palolo worms are available to the fish only while they spawn, as explained by Dr. Longley (Nat. Geog. Mag., vol. 51, 1927, p. 69; also in Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 22, 1923, p. 159).— S. F. H. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 12 J ing to be divided throughout their length by thinner lines of the same blue that separates them. Posteriorly the dark stripes are lost in the checkered pattern of dark and light which covers the body. The whole appears in a shade that matches the surroundings. Over sand near coral heads, even the darkest brassy spots may fade until they are little deeper than straw color. But in and over the corals, duskiness suffuses them until the fish's brassy olive cast repeats that of the corals themselves. Browns that are nearly uniform, except for countershading, match the dark Plexauras when the resting fish is hidden among their branches. In a less common phase this fish is marked broadly with three dark lines which are not as sharply delimited from the light background as they are in other species of the genus. In still another phase appearing sometimes in fish in tanks, which is hinted at rather than clearly developed in resting fish on the reefs, a blotchy pattern of dark and light is shown. Two fish gaping at and pushing each other gave, in contrastive brown and silver, the most perfect exhibition of this phase observed. In passing I note that the common grunt indulges in these dis- plays of pugnacity toward yellow grunts as well as others of its own kind. Brazil to Florida, sometimes straying northward. W. H. L. Haemulon flavolineatum (Desmarest). French grunt This fish may be found along ledges of beach rock, among gorgonians on rocky bottom, and most commonly about patches of massive or branching coral. Although the French grunt will feed by day, n specimens taken at 5:00 p.m. were empty, suggesting that little feeding is done except at night. Sometimes it is scarcely darker than straw color, but changes in shade occur when it passes from sandy bottom into the immediate neighborhood of corals. The fish sometimes displays alternating bluish and brassy lines, those on the side above and behind the pectoral fin running up and backward at an angle of nearly 45°. At other times the dominant elements in its coloration are dark lines, its ocular stripe of the width of the pupil contrasting sharply with the lighter color of the iris above and below. At other times, as when the fish rests near bottom in tanks, its pattern is one of blotches or irregular bands; but no fish so marked has been seen in the field. Grunts of this species, like some of the others, are accustomed to face and push one another with open mouths. It was noticed that in one instance a pair so engaged were in the common light unstriped phase. Brazil to Florida. W. H. L. Bathystoma aurolineatum (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Eighteen specimens, with many other fishes, were taken with the otter trawl in 40 fathoms, south of Tortugas. Atlantic coast of tropical America, northward to Florida. W. H. L. Bathystoma rimator (Jordan and Swain). Tomtate Tomtates school by day about the coral stacks and elsewhere. The relations of this species with the coral are, however, less intimate than those of some other Haemulidae. I2 8 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv A vernal breeding season is indicated by the fact that in the early summer the very young are far more abundant than fish of larger sizes. Copepods provide much of the food. A thousand by estimate were taken from the stomach of a 50-mm. fish. The young are very much like the grunts of the genus Haemulon in appear- ance. They occur commonly in a gray phase with the various dark stripes of the typical haemulid pattern well developed. The caudal spot is imperfectly double or dumbbell-shaped, with its long axis horizontal. Large fish may be similarly marked, or may lack the dark lines and caudal spot, in which case, except for their countershading, they are uniform faint green-gray. Schools of young, up to perhaps 100 mm. in length, have been seen in the gray phase high above the corals in open water. They lacked the dark line, but not the caudal spot, and when they returned to the coral heads they displayed again their common striped pattern. On being transferred from a black to a white dish in the laboratory, within 5 seconds the fish changed from its darkest color to its palest pearl gray. Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes straying northward at least as far as North Carolina. W. H. L. Bathystoma striatum (Linnaeus) This species was reported from Tortugas by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 242). Dr. Longley apparently did not find it there. It is easily distinguished from the other species of the genus by the smaller scales, there being from 65 to 72 in a longitudinal series above the lateral line, whereas the other two local species have only 50 to 60. From Bathystoma rimator it differs prominently also in the much more elongate fusiform body, the depth being contained about 3.4 to 3.8 times in the standard length. Brazil to Florida and Bermuda. S. F. H. Brachygenys chrysargyreus (Gunther) (Plate 16, figure 1) This species abounds about the corals, to which it holds more closely than do some of its associates, notably Bathystoma rimator. It is particularly common in the branching and tangled Acropora beds. Its widest excursions from such cover by day are not often more than a very few yards. Some, however, have been seen swimming high up in the water, feeding on the tideward side of the coral heads. The stomach of a fish feeding as described contained 21 copepods, an am- phipod, an ostracod, and a crab zoea. It usually feeds by night, when it may be taken in abundance at the shore, hundreds of yards from its nearest schooling places. Stomachs of individuals so taken contained shrimps. The color pattern is a simple one of longitudinal bluish and bronze stripes. They are lightest where most shaded by the rounded side of the body, and darkest where most exposed. There are several minor stripes between the major ones on the dorsal side, carrying out the scheme of countershading. A caudal spot is sometimes visible; mouth with red lines; peritoneum black. This fish has 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS I2g distinct power to change shade, as is apparent when it passes from over corals to lighter bare bottom. Brazil to Florida. W. H. L. Anisotremus virginicus (Linnaeus). Porkfish (Plate 2, figure 3; plate 16, figure 2) Spams virginicus Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 10th ed., 1758, p. 281 — South America. Pristipoma spleniatum Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 187 — Havana. Rather uncommon. Found particularly about the coral stacks or other offshore haunts. Stomachs of 6 individuals, taken at daybreak, were filled with ophiurans, mol- lusk shells, annelids, and fragments of crustaceans. Another taken before 9:00 a.m. contained a small fish and an annelid. On the contrary, 2 taken at 5:00 p.m. were empty, and no adults have been observed feeding by day, so it may be inferred that feeding occurs at night. In an apparent feeding habit the young up to an estimated length of 150 mm. differ from adults. The smaller ones in particular are often seen nibbling and pecking at the surfaces of larger fishes, such as Sphyraena barracuda, Kyphosus incisor. Lutianits griseus, and Caranx ruber, presumably removing ectoparasites from the skins of their hosts, but the stomach of an individual examined yielded nothing I recognized as belonging to parasitic species. Young fish show a color pattern different from that of the adult. They are yellow over the head and back and grow grayer below. On the side are two dark longitudinal stripes, the upper at a level higher than eye and running concur- rently with base of dorsal, the lower passing through eye to base of caudal, end- ing in a black dumbbell-shaped spot. It was to such young fish as these that Poey gave the name Pristipoma spleniatum. In fish 75 mm. long, the adult coloration is sometimes developed. The pattern is shown in plate 16, figure 2. The longitudinal dark stripes have become rather vivid yellow; fins yellow; the light interspaces between yellow lines blue; two bands on the head black; ocular bar of the width of pupil, the part of the iris before and behind it being yellow like the rest of the head. This is one of the species illustrated in reproductions from autochrome photo- graphs in the National Geographic Magazine, volume 51, January 1927. The plate (XIII) showing it has been retouched, by someone who clearly did not know this fish in the flesh. The ocular black stripe so effectively concealed the eye that the plate was regarded as defective, and the little yellow, which is all that really shows in advance of the black band through the eye, has been ex- tended slightly and a supernumerary eye painted in. Brazil to Florida. W. H. L. Anisotremus surinamensis (Bloch) Only a few very large individuals and a single smaller one were seen. The large ones were observed about the greatest coral heads. The smaller fish was at the rocky shore north of the east lighthouse dock. ^0 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv All these were gray with dark fins and a broad dark band about the fore part of the body. But the species is changeable, as its dark girdle may be wholly sup- pressed, leaving it gray in color. Brazil to Florida. W. H. L. Family SPARIDAE. Porgies Calamus Swainson, 1839 The species of this genus are closely related and imperfectly known. Dr. Longley found great difficulty in identifying the specimens observed at Tortugas, and accordingly undertook a study of the genus by examining many specimens in American and European museums. Although he did not complete the study, he apparently reached certain more or less definite conclusions, which it seems desirable to report even though some of them do not apply directly to species found at Tortugas. So far as I am able to judge from his notes and manuscript, Dr. Longley came to the conclusion that he took only two species at Tortugas. One he certainly identified as Calamus calamus. Concerning the other one I am less certain. According to notations made in his copy of Jordan, Evermann, and Clark's Chec\ list (1930), however, and a pencil note over the account prepared for this species, I judge he intended to call it C. bajonado. For the recognition of these species certain differences in color, profile, and relative size of dorsal and anal spines seem important. The collection contains specimens of various sizes. Though they differ con- siderably in color, I am unable to separate the preserved material on the basis of the differences given by Dr. Longley. The adults certainly appear to be C. calamus, and at least some of the younger ones also seem to be of that species. The synonymy given under C. calamus includes C. macrops (Poey, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York, vol. 10, 1872, p. 181 — Havana, Cuba) and C. \endalli Ever- mann and Marsh (Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., pt. 25, 1899 (1900), p. 354— Puerto Rico), which have been considered good species in some recent works. On the other hand, Dr. Longley extracted Pagellus orbitarius Poey (Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 201 — Cuba) from this synonymy, as often given, and assigned it to the synonymy of Pargus quadrituberculatus Ranzani (Nov. com. Acad. sci. inst. Bonon., vol. 5, 1842, p. 348, pi. 32— Brazil). To the synonymy of this last- mentioned species he referred also C. pennatula Guichenot (Mem. Soc. sci. nat. Cherbourg, vol. 14, 1868, p. 116 — Martinique). Concerning C. quadrituberculatus Dr. Longley said: "In museum collections this is confused often with Calamus calamus, often with Calamus penna. Once recognized, C. quadrituberculatus is readily distinguishable. Calamus proridens is the only sort from which its segregation should offer difficulty except when the fishes are very small. "Except from the species last mentioned its dentition sets it apart. A pair of superior canines, which in the adult become distinctly larger than the others and are then obliquely antrorse, from a very early stage are slightly enlarged and project downward beyond the rest in the outer series. These others with which 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS I ^ >1 they are here contrasted are characteristically slight, scarcely enlarged basally before relatively advanced growth stages. "Scales in lateral line to base of the caudal 54 or 55; pectoral rays almost in- variably 14; width between tips of preorbital processes of frontal bone moderate, much less than in C. calamus of the same length, the processes themselves rather sharp distally, not vertically expanded and blunt as in that species; cheek streaked with horizontal lines, enclosing no rounded spots of the light ground color; the lines often wanting in preserved specimens." In the Musee d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, Dr. Longley examined the type speci- mens (no. 5564) of Pagellus penna Cuvier and Valenciennes (Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 6, 1830, p. 209 — Brazil). Concerning these Dr. Longley noted: "They are the types of Pagellus penna and include two species. Two are those upon which the description of P. penna is largely or exclusively based. The third specimen be- longs to a species for which the earliest name available appears to be Pargus quadrituberculatus." The proportions and enumerations given, copied from Dr. Longley's notes, are based on the 2 type specimens of C. penna, having a total length of 137 and 147 mm. and a standard length of 106 and 116 mm.: Head 3.2, 3.4; depth 2.35, 2.4; snout to preopercular border 4.3, 4.5. Eye in head 3.3, 3.1; interorbital 3.9, 3.6; preopercular width 3.9, 3.6. Scales about 47, about 46; pectoral rays 15, 15. From the synonymy of C. penna, as given in some current works, Dr. Longley extracted Pagellus microps Guichenot (in Ramon de la Sagra, Hist. lie Cuba, 1853, p. 188, pi. 3, fig. 1 — Havana). To the synonymy of C. microps he assigned Gramrnateus medius Poey (Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York, vol. 10, 1872, p. 183, pi. 7, fig. 4 — Havana), and C. arctijrons Goode and Bean (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 5, 1882 (1883), p. 425 — Pensacola, Florida). That Dr. Longley's findings, as set forth, were intended to be final I cannot be positive. They seem well worthy of consideration, however, when further studies are made. S. F. H. Calamus calamus (Cuvier and Valenciennes). Saucer-eye porgy (Plate 17, figure 1) Pagellus calamus Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 6, 1830, p. 206, pi. 152— Martinique; Santo Domingo. Calamus megacephalus Swainson, Nat. hist, classn. fishes, vol. 2, 1839, P- 222 (after Cuvier and Valenciennes). Calamus macrops Poey, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York, vol. 10, 1872, p. 181, pi. 7, fig. 3 — Havana (juvenile). Calamus hendalli Evermann and Marsh, Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., pt. 25, 1899 (1900), p. 354 — Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 20, pt. 1, 1900 (1902), p. 201, fig. 59. ^Calamus arctijrons Jordan and Thompson (not of Goode and Bean), Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 243 — Tortugas, Florida. The young of 55 mm. and over may be seined in Thalassia in shallow water, and larger young of 70 to 160 mm. occur in the n-fathom channels. The adults are generally distributed over the open reef. I 3 2 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv They feed by day. Crabs and many other forms are included in their dietary. They are always interested in the possibilities that arise with the overturning of a stone, and hence, within limits, may be enticed into any desired surroundings. The species is very changeable in coloration. It usually was seen on the reef in a gray phase with a yellow wash, from the snout to the fore part of the dorsal. The eye is wholly yellow except for a black bar of the width of the pupil extend- ing vertically across it. Over bare sand or white rocky bottom the yellow may be almost entirely suppressed. Over bottom covered with brown algae the fish is olivaceous. It was occasionally seen in a banded phase, sometimes on the bottom, sometimes above gorgonians. Fish which had stopped to feed and fish resting in tanks sometimes showed it too. It includes an ocular stripe and six or seven others crossing the body behind it. The young differ sufficiently from older fish to make it necessary to have a series of graded sizes before it is possible at first to associate the two. The young lack the net of blue about golden spots on the cheek, which readily identifies them later. The yellow wash they display in some phases is not so definitely anterodorsal as it becomes with age, and their profile is not steep enough to betray them. Blue markings on the head include a suborbital line, a horizontal preorbital line, two rows of blue spots crossing the interorbital, a narrow blue line crossing nape, and sometimes a blue line along base of dorsal fin. All these may be sup- pressed. The smallest fish have three definite dark crossbars on ventral fin, later becoming irregularly marked, and the body may be much speckled with small dark dots. Without the young of other species for comparison it is impossible to know which juvenile characters are specific, but the proportionate lengths of ist dorsal and 3d anal spines seem to remain fairly constant and to resemble those of the adult Calamus calamus rather than those of C. bajonado. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida and sometimes to North Carolina. W. H. L. Calamus bajonado (Bloch and Schneider). Grass porgy This fish may be seen not infrequently in schools of up to a dozen in the neighborhood of the greater coral patches far up Loggerhead reef, also halfway to the reef off the Laboratory dock, as much over sandy bottom as over grass. I also observed a small school feeding by day on sand near a grassy bank off the west shore of Loggerhead Key. In feeding, it takes much sand in its mouth and rejects the greater part of what has been taken. Its profile is much more evenly rounded than that of Calamus calamus, and it reaches a larger size. Its coloration is changeable. I recognize three phases. The commonest is a com- bination of gray and yellow about like that of C. calamus, but differently dis- tributed. In the latter the yellow is anterodorsal, fading out posteriorly and ventrally. In C. bajonado it is dorsal, fading out ventrally. The second phase is clear gray, and is shown over clear sand, certainly if the fish is near bottom. The i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS j^ third is a banded phase displayed when the fish were feeding near a grassy bank or other dark object, but it is not to be associated with the act of feeding pri- marily, for members of the same school feeding over clear sand showed it very faintly or not at all. West Indies to Florida. W. H. L. Lagodon rhomboides (Linnaeus). Pinfish A floating fish, 250 mm. long, nearly dead, which frigate birds were attempting to pick up is the only mature specimen seen, though the young to 75 mm. were not rare on the grass flats. The fish have a relatively uniform as well as a strongly banded phase. In the former the body is striped with alternating bluish and brassy lines. The transition to the latter, so far as I know it as shown in aquarium tanks at night, is accom- plished by contracting the chromatophores in corresponding parts of the darker series and so interrupting them, while at the same time the dark nuclei so formed are knit together in vertical series by the expansion of others in the pale areas between. The chief dark bars so originating are an interorbital, occipital, and humeral, with five others. W. H. L. That the adults, at least, are comparatively rare at Tortugas is surprising, as it is a very numerous fish about the wharves and along the shores at Key West. Massachusetts to Texas. S. F. H. Diplodus holbrookii (Bean). Spot-tail pinfish (Plate 17, figure 2) Neither common nor widely distributed. One or more small schools may usually be found along the rocky shore on the east side of Loggerhead Key, and on a bank in the upper of the deep holes in the flats within Bird Key reef. The fish are found rarely in small numbers about coral stacks on the reef. The alimentary tract of one specimen examined contained much Thalassia. The almost universal color phase is a gray one, countershaded, with a circular black spot covering the anterior half of the caudal peduncle. The coloration is changeable, however, as fish feeding on algae over dark bottom were darker than when over clear sand. At night a pattern of vertical lines is shown. W. H. L. To the foregoing preliminary account by Dr. Longley, a later field note may be added : "Young coming to feed about broken sea urchin showed a pattern of transverse dark lines, which has been referred to as a night color. This color flashed on and ofr; a transient phase, which most of the fish did not show." Concerning its habitat Dr. Longley noted: "Found on reef in company with Anisotremus virginicus, Littianus griseus, Haemulon sciurus, H. parra, and an occasional school of large Sparisoma radians." Again he observed, "Moving freely among snappers." Another time he wrote, "One with many snappers and other fish about coral head, East Key." Florida Keys to Virginia. S. F. H. I ^ PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum). Sheepshead This species is not mentioned in Dr. Longley's notes as occurring in the Tor- tugas. Therefore, he evidently did not observe it there, and Jordan and Thomp- son (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 243) apparently did not have specimens from Tortugas, as they merely stated, "Reported to occur." As this sheepshead is taken at Key West, though not common there, it might be expected at Tortugas. Its relative Archosargus unimaculatus (Bloch) is more commonly taken at Key West. Therefore, this species, too, may be expected in the Tortugas. Texas to Cape Cod, rarely straying as far as Bay of Fundy. S. F. H. Family KYPHOSIDAE. Rudder Fishes Kyphosus Lacepede, 1802 The distinguishing characters of the two local species of rudder fish may be most conveniently set forth in a key. S. F. H. Key to the Species a. Depth 2.1 to 2.3; scales 55 to 57 (counted below lateral line); D. XL12V2, sometimes Xl,i^Y 2 \ A. III,nJ4, sometimes III,i2 1 / 2 ; gill rakers 16 to 18; yellow streaks along rows of scales, if present, scarcely darker than straw yellow sectatrix aa. Depth 2.3 to 2.6; scales 62 to 65 (counted below lateral line); D. XI,i4 L 2, sometimes XL13V2; A. Ill, 13V2, occasionally 111,12%; gill rakers about 22; yellow streaks along rows of scales brassy yellow . . . incisor Kyphosus sectatrix (Linnaeus). White chub Perca sectatrix Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 12th ed., 1766, p. 486 — Carolinas (a correction, mis- printed soltatrix in 10th ed.). Kyphosus metzelaari Jordan and Evermann, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 4, vol. 16, 1927,, p. 506 — Curacao; Venezuela. Only an evidently unfinished account has been found. The following is com- piled from it and from field notes and a table of measurements and counts. The schooling places of this fish differ from those of Kyphosus incisor, being found along ledges of beach rock off Loggerhead Key, about the Laboratory wharf, in and about the large coral stacks off Bird Key, and around the Palythoa- covered ledges off Bush Key. It is chiefly if not wholly herbivorous, feeding on the bottom and on floating Sargassum. In shade it is changeable, being darker under corals and gorgonians than when resting in the open. It sometimes displays a checkered pattern like the yellow chub. A fresh specimen 143 mm. long is described in field notes as follows: "Coloration paler than incisor, with a yellow horizontal line from upper tip of maxillary nearly to margin of preopercle; yellow lines on sides between rows of scales not quite as wide as interspaces; a white line across nape; a yellow spot i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS ^5 behind eye, and other minor yellow markings on head; basal half of pectoral more or less silvery; opercular border black." The following measurements and enumerations are based on 11 specimens, ranging in length from 134 to 255 mm., standard length no to 205 mm.: Head 3.3 to 3.5; depth 2.1 to 2.3. Eye in head 3.0 to 3.3; snout 2.9 to 3.3; interorbital 2.4 to 2.9. D. XI,i2 J /2 or 13/4; A. III,nJ4 or 12% 5 scales below lateral line 55 to 57. That Dr. Longley regarded K. metzelaari as a synonym of this species was indicated in his copy of Jordan, Evermann, and Clark's ChecJ{ list. Atlantic coast of tropical America, straying northward to Cape Cod; sup- posedly occurring also in the eastern Atlantic. S. F. H. Kyphosus incisor (Cuvier and Valenciennes). Yellow chub Pimelepterns incisor Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 7, 1831, p. 198 — Brazil. Pimelepterus flavolineattis Poey, Repertorio, vol. 1, 1866, p. 319 — Havana. This fish schools year after year at the same spots, such as the coral stacks off Loggerhead bank, other great heads in 2.5 fathoms, a rugged bit of ancient sub- merged shore line off the Laboratory wharf, and an old wreck off Loggerhead Key. It feeds chiefly on algae, including much Sargassum. Its pattern is one of alternately blue and brassy yellow streaks, with the former occupying the median position on the scale rows; head with a subocular pale streak half the width of pupil, bounded by yellow; a dash of yellow above, before, and behind eye; a firm line from angle of mouth almost to preopercular border; pectoral basally faintly tinged with the yellow. In an alternative pattern conspicuous light spots appear on a dark ground, commonly shown by fish that are chasing others. A figure drawn for Jordan and Evermann (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 4, 1900, fig. 559) and published by error as Kyphosus sectatrix has been republished under the same name by Evermann and Marsh (Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 20, pt. 1, 1900 (1902), p. 212, fig. 63). The specimen drawn (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 20635) 1S clearly K. incisor. Its measurements and proportions are as follows: Standard length 157 mm., depth 64 mm. (2.45), head 40 mm. (3.92), eye 11 mm. (3.63 in head), interorbital width 16 mm. (2.5). D. Xll,i^y 2 ; A. IIL12V2; gill rakers 22. W. H. L. The following proportions and enumerations are from a table found among Dr. Longley's papers, based on 12 specimens, 150 to 285 mm. long: Head 3.6 to 4.2; depth 2.3 to 2.6. Eye in head 3.3 to 3.9; snout 3.0 to 3.5; interorbital 2.3 to 2.7. D. Xl,i^y 2 or 14V2; A. IU,12Y 2 or 13%; scales 62 to 65 (counted below lateral line). Atlantic coast of tropical America. S. F. H. Family GERRIDAE. Mojarras In the west Atlantic Gerridae, at least, the first two interhemal bones are fused to form a single support for the corresponding anal spines. What part is played !^6 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv by each of the united elements may be made out by noting the relation the ridges on its sides bear to the articular surfaces, and by examining interhemals next in series. It becomes clear then that although one might say that in some of these fishes the second interhemal is long and spear-shaped, it is never correct to state that that bone is "expanded into a hollow cylinder into which the air bladder enters." In Gcrres cinereus, for example, the morphological first interhemal is essen- tially a flat plate, which is united along its posterior margin to the laterally ex- panded, long, tapering second interhemal. Its free anterior border is more or less thickened, without trace of excavation, and in cross section at mid-length is simply rounded. 1 Species here referred to Eucinostomus agree in having the anterior border of the first interhemal broad and concave in cross section at mid-length. Besides differing in details later mentioned, they are unlike in the extent to which, toward the articular end, the borders of this hollow element grow toward one another to enclose the tip of the air bladder. W. H. L. Eucinostomus Baird and Girard Eucinostomus Baird and Girard, Smithsonian Inst. 9th Rept., 1854, p. 344 (E. argenteus Baird and Girard). Ulaema Jordan and Evermann, in Jordan, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 2, vol. 5, 1895, p. 471 {Diapterus lefroyi Goode). An incorrect idea regarding the structure of the falsely called "second inter- hemal" furnished Jordan and Evermann (see citation above), as Parr (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art. 4, 1930, pp. 61-66) observed, with a generic difference in Eucinostomus lefroyi which is fancied only. At first glance the simplest of these interhemal structures might seem to be that of E. havctna, for in it the hollow bone, receiving the tip of the air bladder, is widest open an- teriorly. But in its sculpturing toward the articular extremity it is more complex than in E. lefroyi. It shows two pairs of ridges, an anterior and a lateral pair, whereas the species last named has only one pair of ridges. This single pair con- tinues dorsally close together but not in real union, and forms the conical re- ceptacle, slit open on the anterior side, in which the tip of the air bladder rests. Though narrow, the anterior fissure is evident in the other species of Eucinostomus here considered. In two of the three species available for dissec- tion, however, greater complexity of structure is attained; in these both anterior and lateral ridges appear to have grown forward to enclose the bladder tip, for the investing bone has an outer and a delicate inner lamina on either side of the median fissure. W. H. L. 1 Gerres is characterized, furthermore, by the peculiar swim bladder, which is bifurcate both anteriorly and posteriorly (Meek and Hildebrand, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., vol. 15, 1925, pt. 2, p. 590; Parr, Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art. 4, 1930, p. 64). In Eucinostomus, at least in calif orniensis, the air bladder tapers posteriorly and ends in a sharp point. Anteriorly it has two small appendages (Meek and Hildebrand, op. cit., p. 585). — S. F. H. i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS jyj Dr. Longley described a new species, which he named E. poeyi (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 88). This species, the type of which is from Cuba and is deposited in the Museum of Comparative Zoology (no. 22014), was not taken at Tortugas, and for that reason is not included here, except for the present mention. Dr. Longley reported its range as extending from Texas to Panama, Cuba, Haiti, Curacao, and Trinidad. He reported it to differ from E. gula and E. argenteus in having 8 instead of 7 gill rakers, and in having a definitely white subterminal bar below the black tip of the dorsal instead of a mere pigmentless area; from E. argenteus in the decidedly deeper body; and from E. gula in having the premaxillary groove open. S. F. H. Key to the Species 1 a. Anal fin with only 2 spines; interhemal bone with compressed funnel, with more or less of 3 slit anteriorly, enclosing tip of swim bladder . . lejroyi aa. Anal fin with 3 spines b. Interhemal bone with a large funnel, enclosing the swim blad- der for a comparatively long distance c. Premaxillary groove closed anteriorly by scales; body usually rather deep, depth often 2.2 to 2.4 gula cc. Premaxillary groove open and linear, not crossed by scales in front; body usually more elongate, depth about 2.6 to 3.1; pectoral fin not covered with scales argenteus bb. Interhemal bone broad, expanded into a pair of lateral ridges, forming a spoon-shaped depression in front, entered by tip of swim bladder; body rather slender, depth about 2.7 to 3.0; pre- maxillary groove narrow, sometimes nearly closed in front; pec- toral fin densely covered with scales havana Eucinostomus lefroyi (Goode) Diapterus lejroyi Goode, Amer. Jour. Sci. and Arts, ser. 3, vol. 8, 1874, p. 123 — Bermuda. Eucinostomus productus Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, p. 55 — Havana. Eucinostomus meehj Eigenmann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 22, 1902 (1904), p. 229, fig. 10 — San Juan River, West Cuba. Examples 125 to 150 mm. long occurred along sandy beaches, and the young were common in the shallows about Long Key and inside Bird Key reef. An annelid skin, copepods, and perhaps remains of other crustaceans com- prised the contents of one stomach examined. Two fish were noticed pushing each other with open mouths, as species of Haemulon commonly do. West Indies to Florida and Bermuda. W. H. L. 1 The key is adapted from Dr. Longley's discussion, from my own studies, and from Parr (Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 3, art. 4, 1930, pp. 61-66, fig. 13). Too much reliance should not be placed on the statements concerning the preorbital groove and the depth of the body. Having studied many specimens, especially of the group with the large funnel- shaped interhemal bone, here referred to E. gula and E. argenteus, collected in Panama, Key West (Florida), and Beaufort (North Carolina), I know that great variation exists and that some specimens are extremely difficult to identify by these characters. — S. F. H. i 3 8 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY VOL. XXXIV Eucinostomus gula (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Genres gula Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 6, 1830, p. 464 — Martinique. Diapterus (species dubia) Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1868, p. 324 — Havana. Eucinostomus gulula Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, P- 54> P^ - — Havana. Diapterus hornonymus Goode and Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 2, 1879, p. 340 — Clear- water Harbor, Florida. The types of Gerres gula, collected by Plee in Martinique, are 2 fish of which the proportional measurements are given (first) in table 6. They are representa- tives of a species usually distinguishable by having a scaleless pit over the tips of TABLE 6 Measurements (in millimeters) of 7 specimens of Eucinostomus gula, the first 2 being THE TYPE SPECIMENS (The figures in parentheses in the third and fourth columns show the number of times the depth and head, respectively, are contained in the standard length. Those in the last column show how many times the eye is contained in the head.) Total length Standard le - igth Depth Head Eye 123 96 42 (2.3) 31 (3.1) 11.0 (2.8) 121 94 39 (2.4) 29 (3.2) 10.0 (2.9) 95 70 32 (2.2) 23 (3.0) 8.0 (2.9) 95 69 31 (2.2) 22 (3.1) 7.5 (2.9) 96 67 30 (2.2) 22 (3.1) 7.5 (2.9) 91 67 31 (2.2) 22 (3.1) 7.5 (2.9) 83 62 28 (2.2) 21 (3.0) 7.5 (2.8) the premaxillary processes, rather than a scaleless premaxillary groove open an- teriorly, as in Eucinostomus argenteus and some if not all the other species of the genus. In the museums it is not uncommon to find "Eucinostomus gula and E. ar- genteus confused. But even if scales in the critical region are lost, or if individual variation produces intermediates as to squamation, as it possibly does, the two (quite independently of differences in proportions) are still separable by slight but constant differences in the structure of the functional first interhemal. For example, in proportion to its length the diameter of the interhemal cavity is much greater in E. gula than in E. argenteus, and, furthermore, the ridge from the articular extremity of the second interhemal (morphologically speaking) runs laterally in the former, rather than posterolateral^ as in the latter species, on the composite first and second, and does not continue so far from its origin as an evident ridge. Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes straying northward to Cape Cod. W.H.L. i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 139 Eucinostomus argenteus Baird and Girard Eucinostomus argenteus Baird and Girard, Smithsonian Inst. 9th Rept., 1854, p. 345 — Beesley's Point, New Jersey. Eucinostomus pseudogula Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, p. 53, pi. 1 — Cuba. Gerres jonesii Gunther, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 5, vol. 3, 1879, P- I 5° — Bermuda. The young were commonly caught with the seine about Long Key and the flats inside Bush Key reef, and a few were found in the moat at Fort Jefferson. In a common color phase Eucinostomus argenteus is olive -buff dorsally with four half-bands of smoke gray on upper part of side. Except for very vague blotches and a few interrupted dusky lines along the scale rows, there is no pattern on the silver side below the lateral line. At times the bars disappear and the fish is merely freckled with small spots of the darker color. The margin of the dorsal fin is dusky, particularly anteriorly. With change in only minute detail this description applies to the other Tortugas species of the genus. Table 7 gives the comparative measurements of 15 specimens of E. argenteus. TABLE 7 Measurements (in millimeters) of 15 specimens of Eucinostomus argenteus (The figures in parentheses in the third and fourth columns show the number of times the depth and head, respectively, are contained in the standard length. Those in the last column show how many times the eye is contained in the head.) Total length Standard length Depth Head Eye 165 127 47 (2.7) 39 (3.3) 14 (2.8) 147 113 43 (2.6) 35 (3.2) 13 (2.7) 145 109 40 (2.7) 33 (3.3) 13 (2.5) 141 108 41 (2.6) 34 (3.2) 13 (2.6) 137 104 40 (2 . 6) 33 (3.2) 12 (2.8) 112 83 28 (3.0) 28 (3.0) 9.0 (3.1) 100 73 25 (2.9) 25 (3.0) 8.0 (3.2) 93 68 23 (3.0) 23 (3.0) 8.5 (2.7) 90 62 22 (2.8) 22 (2.8) 8.0 (2.8) 83 65 21 (3.1) 21 (3.1) 8.0 (2.6) 80 60 20 (3.0) 20 (3.0) 7.0 (2.9) 80 59 21 (2.8) 20 (3.0) 7.5 (2.7) 69 51 19 (2.7) 18 (2.8) 6.0 (3.0) 53 40 15 (2.7) 14 (2.9) 5.0 (2.8) 51 36 14 (2.6) 14 (2.6) 5.0 (2.8) The table shows that this is a slighter fish than E. gula, one in which the depth equals the head instead of materially exceeding it. The last dorsal spine is shorter than in E. gula, entering about twice, rather than one and one -third times, into the length of the 1st soft ray. The dorsal fin, as a result, is much more deeply notched in E. argenteus than in E. gula. Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes straying northward to North Carolina. W. H. L. jaq PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Eucinostomus havana (Nichols) Xystaema havana Nichols, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., vol. 31, 1912, p. 189, fig. 2 — Havana. Eucinostomus mowbrayi Beebe and Tee- Van, Zoologica, vol. 13, 1932, p. 115 — Bermuda. At least a few may often be found off the eastern side of the Laboratory in the partial shelter of a ledge of coquina. Nothing more is required to bring together such as are near than to wade out into the water a little more than waist deep and stir up sand, which calls them to feed. With them comes Eucinostomus lejroyi. The young were taken sometimes with those of E. lefroyi and E. gula in shallow water about Long Key and inside Bird Key reef. This species is very rare in museums, and in only one instance were specimens discovered under false labels. The type of E. mowbrayi, from Bermuda, appears to differ only in the proportions of its 2d and 3d anal spines, and probably repre- sents no more than an individual variation. W. H. L. Measurements and counts of 4 specimens, ranging in length from 135 to 165 mm. (standard length 105 to 126 mm.), are summarized as follows: Depth 2.7; head 3.2 to 3.3. Eye in head 2.8 to 5.0. D. IX^o 1 /^; A. 111,7*4; scales 46 to 48, in four complete rows between lateral line and base of 1st dorsal spine. As this species and E. argenteus are very similar in external appearance, and as the color of preserved specimens appears to be identical, it seems desirable to mention a difference that does not seem to have been published, namely, that in E. havana the pectoral fins are densely covered with scales (at least in adults), whereas in E. argenteus they have at most only a few scales at the base. No ex- ceptions were found among a dozen or more specimens of each species examined. Apparently a rather rare species, recorded from Brazil, Cuba, Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. S. F. H. Gerres cinereus (Walbaum). Mojarra blanca Mugil cinereus Walbaum, Artedi pise, pt. 3, 1792, p. 228 — Bahamas (after Catesby). Gerres aprion Cuvier, Regne animal, 2d ed., vol. 2, 1829, p. 188 (based on Catesby). Gerres zebra Miiller and Troschel, in Schomburgk, Hist. Barbados, 1848, p. 668 — Barbados. Gerres squamipinnis Giinther, Cat. fish. Brit. Mus., vol. 1, 1859, p. 349 — Jamaica; Guate- mala. This fish haunts sandy beaches, and may frequently be seen resting a few inches above the bottom. From the stomach of one fish were obtained the remains of a large worm, and much sand and debris. Except for the dusky or dark-tipped caudal and the yellow ventrals, the color pattern of this species presents, on a countershaded body, a combination of tones of gray such as appear on the bottoms it frequents. It is faintly or irregularly banded, more distinctly in young than in older fish. Both coasts of tropical America, ranging northward on the Atlantic to Florida. W. H. L. i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS Iz ,! Family MULLIDAE. Surmullets or Goatfishes Dr. Longley (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 283) stated: "Species Jordan, Evermann and Clark (Chec/{ List, 1930, 343) refer to as Upeneus maculatus, U . martinicus and U . parvus are no two of them conge- neric." In the accounts that follow Longley placed the first species mentioned in the genus Pseudupeneus, the second in Muttoidichthys, and the third in Upeneus. This generic classification clearly was based on differences in dentition, which Dr. Longley described in detail for two of the local genera (and species), but not for the third one. In the key to the genera the description of the teeth of Muttoidichthys was inserted by me with only a few specimens in hand. These descriptions of the other genera are Dr. Longley's accounts, which were checked, however, against specimens from Tortugas. S. F. H. Key to the Genera a. No teeth on vomer or palatines b. Teeth in jaws anteriorly in three series, reduced to two laterally and to one posteriorly, all small and bluntish Mulloidichthys bb. Teeth in jaws uniserial in young, in adults (200 mm. or more in length) with extra projecting anterolateral canines above main row Pseudupeneus aa. Teeth on vomer and palatines; a single row laterally on upper jaw, two or three rows anteriorly, and three or four posteriorly on lower jaw Upeneus Mulloidichthys martinicus (Cuvier and Valenciennes). Yellow goatfish (Plate 18, figures 1, 2) Upeneus martinicus Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist nat. poiss., vol. 3, 1829, p. 483 — Martinique. Upeneus flavo-vittatus Poey, Memorias, vol. 1, 1853, p. 224 — Cuba. Mulloidichthys martinicus Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 283. In marked contrast with the red goatfish, the yellow one is usually found about coral stacks passing the day in idle schools. True, an occasional fish may be seen during daylight searching desultorily in the sand for food with its barbels, or even plowing in it with snout buried almost to the eyes. This activity, however, nets next to nothing, as appears from examination and comparison of stomach contents. Examples taken early in the morning almost invariably have their stomachs well filled with annelids, both sedentary and free living, together with crabs, small ophiurans, and an occasional small fish. In contrast with these, examples secured at 5:00 p.m. had no identifiable food in the alimentary tract. Color yellow-olive, countershaded, with yellow dorsal fins and a yellow stripe narrowly margined with lighter color running from the pupil to the dorsal lobe of the caudal, where it expands to cover the entire fin. The pattern is permanent, but its shade is changeable, being much paler over sandy bottom near coral heads than among the heads themselves. Known from Panama, West Indies, and Florida. W. H. L. I42 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch). Red goatfish (Plate 19, figures 1, 2) This fish is diurnal and appears to eat almost exclusively small animals it dis- covers by probing in loose sand with its sensitive barbels, in the smaller patches between coral stacks and Thalassia, and on alga- and gorgonian-covered bottom. Shallow water is its preferred habitat, but it goes down into the 10-fathom chan- nels at Tortugas, and Poey reported it (Memorias, vol. 1, 1853, p. 224) from a depth of almost 30 fathoms. It normally occurs singly, or in small groups of 4 or 5, and is commonly trailed by Halichoeres bivittatus, Thalassemia adolescents, and Ocyurus, which follow to secure darting crustaceans routed out but lost by the goatfish. The young, 50 mm. or so in length, are abundant in June. To the length of 125 mm. they are found occasionally in the waste of the tern rookeries. Its popular name conveys a false impression, for it is markedly red only in death or as it comes from deep water. Living and moving about, as far down as it may be seen in shallow diving, it is usually in a sandy-gray phase with three squarish dark brown or black spots on the side. In Thalassia it is decidedly greenish. Its pattern is very changeable, however, and is altered almost imme- diately if the fish comes to rest on the bottom, when in extreme cases it may be strongly banded. Another phase frequently observed in the swimming young of about 75 mm. in dishes in the laboratory has not been observed on the reef; in this a sharply defined brown line runs from the snout through the pupil to the base of the caudal. The stripe tends to break or does break up into spots when the fish rests, and may become diffuse bands, as has been stated. The stomach is little specialized in the direction so marked in Mulloidichthys mariinicus. Its ascending limb is expanded a little, its walls are slightly thick- ened, and it bears 10 pyloric caeca on either side. Jordan and Evermann (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt. 1, 1896, p. 858) stated that the teeth in the upper jaw are "uniserial, or occasionally irregularly biserial, with the outer teeth turned outward." It may be said more adequately, however, that at lengths exceeding 200 mm. P. maculatus regularly develops projecting, anterolateral curved canines above the main tooth row. Atlantic coast of tropical America northward to Florida. W. H. L. Upeneus parvus Poey South of Tortugas this fish was taken repeatedly in 40 to 60 fathoms. One haul yielded 11 specimens, the largest individual obtained being 220 mm. long. The ground color of fresh specimens is reddish, spotted with yellow, and a yellow streak as wide as the pupil extends from upper margin of the gill cleft to base of caudal. In more than 80 years, since its description by Poey, this species has been known only from his record, emended only by implication. Its teeth are small, and are present in both jaws. In the upper they are in a single row laterally, in the lower irregularly in two or three rows toward the symphysis and three or four i 9 4 r CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS j^ posteriorly; present also on vomer and palatines, on the former in a weak and sometimes incomplete series along the anterior border, and more aggregated toward the inferior margin on the latter. This dentition is thoroughly repre- sentative of the genus Upeneus, in the sense in which it seems that name must be accepted. Known from Cuba and Tortugas, Florida. W. H. L. Family SCIAENIDAE. Croakers, Drums, etc. Odontoscion dentex (Cuvier and Valenciennes) (Plate 20, figure i) Occasionally seen skulking under corals. Nowhere else as commonly found as in a patch of Acropora growing in 12 to 16 feet of water off the Laboratory dock. Gray above, silvery below, with base of pectoral black. Known from Trinidad, Panama, West Indies, and Tortugas. W. H. L. Menticirrhus americanus (Linnaeus) Dr. Longley evidently did not find this species. It is included in the fauna of Tortugas on the authority of Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 244), who stated, "Taken by Dr. Henshall at Garden Key in 1889." It was not seen at Key West during several years of intermittent collecting by Bureau of Fisheries investigators. Texas to New York. S. F. H. Menticirrhus littoralis (Holbrook) This species is included here solely on the record by Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 244), who reported one small specimen. Dr. Longley evidently did not see it there. South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. S. F. H. Eques lanceolatus (Linnaeus) Taken at a number of points in the 10-fathom channels within the group, and at 40 fathoms south of Tortugas. Five specimens 125 to 175 mm. long, taken from June to August, were females in breeding condition. Ground color pale gray, slightly duskier along base of dorsal fin; vertical dark bar through eye as wide as pupil; other dark bands in pattern white-margined. W. H. L. The "other dark bands" mentioned consist of one passing downward from nape, curving backward, crossing opercle to base of ventral, then continuing on that fin and across chest; and a second one extending from tip of spinous dorsal to its base, then curving downward and backward on body and extending to tip of caudal, becoming horizontal posteriorly. A juvenile, 31 mm. long, 15 mm. to base of caudal, was taken on July 20, 1938, Iz m PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv by Dr. Hugh H. Darby. This specimen apparently is the smallest on record. As is evident from the measurements given, the caudal fin slightly exceeds in length the rest of the fish, the produced part consisting principally of 3 median rays; first dorsal very high, and expanded distally, reaching mid-length of the pro- duced caudal fin if laid back; ventrals also rather long, reaching a little past end of anal base; body behind base of first dorsal decreasing even more rapidly in depth and more slender than in adult. The pattern of dark stripes is about the same as in adults. The first dorsal, however, is largely black, as it is pale only on basal three-fourth or four-fifths, the distal expanded part being wholly black. The ventrals, too, are largely black, and the black lateral band extends to tip of longest ray of caudal. West Indies to Florida. S. F. H. Eques acuminatus (Bloch and Schneider) (Plate 20, figure 2) Though this species moves out at dusk, it usually ventures little beyond the shadow of its overhanging shelter by day. A diver finds it not uncommonly under the beach rock at Loggerhead, in the standing dead Acropora east of Bird Key harbor, and among shelves of stone in gorgonian thickets, or in caverned rocks at many points about the keys. The faintly countershaded gray body is marked with a pattern of dark longi- tudinal stripes, variable in intensity. The fins of mature fish are largely dusky, but the spinous dorsal of the young is almost evenly divided between vertical bars of black and white. This species, according to Townsend (13th Ann. Rept. New York Zool. Soc, 1909, reprint, p. 28), has a dark phase, "uniformly dusky brown on body and fins." This seems to account for Eques acuminatus umbrosus Jordan and Eigen- mann (Rept. U. S. Fish Comm., pt. 14, 1886 (1887), p. 440), which is "essentially similar in form to the typical acuminatus , but with the color marks obscure." Townsend also stated that in the dark phase two or three dark blotches occa- sionally appear. Atlantic coast of tropical America northward to the south Atlantic states. W. H. L. Eques pulcher Steindachner This fish occurs in perhaps variable numbers from year to year. The young up to 50 mm. in length were rather common at times near the shadow beneath over- hanging rocks along shore or in bare tracts in turtle grass offshore at Loggerhead Key and on Bird Key flats. They were not rarely seen about groups of the long- spined black sea urchin. Under all observed conditions the ground color is pearl gray with three longi- tudinal stripes of dark brown or black on side. From the occiput, where it meets its fellow, the dorsalmost runs almost to end of soft dorsal, the next proceeds from anterior margin of eye across pupil, approximating its width, and thence to tip of caudal. The line last mentioned usually divides before the eye, its dorsal branch meeting its fellow across interorbital space, while the ventral converges i 94 i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS T ^ with the corresponding one of opposite side toward tip of the included lower jaw, which bears a dark spot. The third of the main longitudinal stripes is tan- gent to the eye below, and passes back below pectoral and above anal to lower face of caudal peduncle, lying close to but not fused with the stripe of the oppo- site side. The pectoral, ventral, anal, and caudal are black with white margins, and the dorsal is dark-margined and has a dark line below base in its anterior half. There are also several more or less distinct dusky vertical bars. The most definite is between base of spinous dorsal and ventral; another runs from a point before middle of soft dorsal to anal; and a third, narrower and fainter (some- times wanting), is parallel with it from posterior point of trisection of soft dorsal. A definite line also passes down from eye to margin of gill cover. W. H. L. This species was first recorded from Tortugas by Jordan (Jordan and Thomp- son, Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 244). It ranges from the West Indies to Florida. S. F. H. Family MALACANTHIDAE. Blanquillos Malacanthus plumieri (Bloch) A small fish from a deep hole inside Bird Key reef is believed to represent this species. Its color was faint olive green above, pale bluish white below; dorsal and anal faintly olive; a black spot a little larger than pupil at base of upper caudal lobe, and in either lobe a dark streak. In the water the fish, except for its caudal spot and lines, was almost colorless. It swims with a sinuous motion. W. H. L. A specimen 65 mm. long is included in the collection. In color it seems to agree with Dr. Longley's description, the black caudal spot and the dark streaks on the caudal fin remaining evident. If this specimen belongs here, considerable variation must exist. I have ob- tained the following proportions and enumerations: Head 4.2; depth 6.8. Eye in head 3.2; snout 2.8; interorbital 3.75; maxillary 2.6; caudal peduncle 3.1; ventral 2.25; pectoral 1.6. D. 58 (the anterior 5 rays separate, which possibly may have resulted from an injury in life); A. 50; V. 1,5; P. 16 or 17; scales too small to enumerate accurately, about 185, ciliate, none on top of head, though present on cheeks and opercles. The gill membranes are somewhat connected across the isthmus; the opercular spine reaches the margin; no canine teeth developed. West Indies, and now for the first time recorded from Florida. S. F. H. Caulolatilus cyanops Poey Two specimens, 120 and 225 mm. long, are included in the collection. Though there is no definite locality label with these fish, the smaller one probably is the specimen listed in Dr. Longley's notes, total length 125 mm., taken south of Tortugas in 30 fathoms. I have compared the two fish from Tortugas with one, 380 mm. long, from Cuba, the type locality, and presumably identified by Poey. The specimens agree I4fi PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv well, except for such differences as might be expected between small and large examples within a species. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the 3 specimens examined, and are given in the order of size, beginning with the smallest. The numbers based on the Cuban example are enclosed in parentheses: D. VII,24, VII,23 (VII,24); A. 1,22, 1,23 (1,22); P. 17 (17); scales 12-105-26, 9-93-19? (n-108-24), counting longitudinal series above lateral line; gill rakers 12, 11 (11). Head 3.3, 3.5 (3.4); depth 3.5, 3.6 (4.1). Eye in head 3.1, 3.7 (3.8); snout 3.5, 2.6 (2.6); interorbital 4.2, 4.35 (3.5); maxillary 2.7 (2.75); caudal peduncle 3.3, 3.15 (3.8); pectoral 1.3, 1.1 (1.1); ventral 1.65, 1.4 (1.7). The body is rather compressed; head deep; profile steep from tip of snout to interorbital, and only gently convex thence to dorsal; gill membranes connected across isthmus; vertical margin of preopercle distinctly serrate; opercle with a single flat spine; teeth in jaws anteriorly in bands, mostly in a single series later- ally; a row of recurved canines in front on upper jaw and a smaller enlarged tooth directed somewhat forward posteriorly; a row of canines laterally in lower jaw; no teeth on vomer or palatines; scales small, strongly ctenoid, extending forward to interorbital space; none on fins except basal two-thirds of caudal; dorsal fin continuous, not notched; caudal distinctly lunate; anal long and co- terminal with dorsal; ventrals inserted very slightly posterior to base of pectorals, scarcely reaching vent; pectorals falcate, reaching vertical from origin of anal. Color in spirits plain, slightly grayish above, pale below, the larger specimen with a black line from interorbital to origin of dorsal; fins plain straw color, except for a dark blotch on lower lobe of caudal in the smaller fish from Tor- tugas, wanting in the other specimens; a slight dusky spot in and above upper part of axil of pectoral. Dr. Longley has the following on the color of a fresh specimen, presumably based on the smaller one : "A yellow median streak from interorbital space down mid-line of back, the dorsal fin rising out of its midst. The fin itself mainly yellow at base, more broadly yellow at margin. Intermediate part of fin colorless except for faint duskiness toward the yellow above and below. The median yellow of back bounded by bright blue lines on side a little wider than row of scales, becoming median on caudal peduncle. Yellow and blue follow next in alternation, but so faint as to be scarcely discernible as lines. Interstitial region and eye above and below are bluish, with some yellow at intermediate level. Cheek slightly bluish, and caudal yellow, with dark posterior margin. A small black spot above axil of pectoral." This species has been recorded only from Cuba and Puerto Rico, though a related species, Caulolatilus microps, is reported from off Pensacola, Florida. S.F. H. Family ANTIGONIIDAE Antigonia capros Lowe Five specimens, 75 to 177 mm. long, were taken between 90 and 140 fathoms. Reddish, with three crossbars of deeper red, the first as wide as pupil, running 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS T ^y from nape vertically through eye, across cheek, and thence just above ventral outline to base of and on ventral fin; the second wider, crossing body between first 3 dorsal spines and space between ventral axil and pectoral origin; the third just before base of caudal. W. H. L. In addition to the specimens listed, another one, 35 mm. long, is mentioned in Dr. Longley's notes. This small specimen was taken at a depth of 40 fathoms. Fowler (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 86, 1934, p. 356, fig. 8) recog- nized a new species, which he named Antigonia browni, based on a specimen 68 mm. long, taken off the coast of New Jersey in 70 fathoms. The 4 small speci- mens (40 to 67 mm. long) in Dr. Longley's collection agree well with Fowler's description and figure of A. browni. If A. browni actually is distinct from the cosmopolitan A. capros (which would seem to require the study of more and larger specimens for positive determination), the Tortugas material apparently should be referred to A. browni. The body is quite as deep in the Tortugas specimen as in the fish from New Jersey described by Fowler, but the pectoral is scarcely as long as represented in Fowler's figure. Fowler described and figured two dark crossbands, whereas Longley described three (in a specimen 75 mm. long), the one at the base of the caudal being missing in Fowler's specimen, as it is now in Longley's preserved specimens. It is possible, then, that in long- preserved material the other bands may fade also, which would remove one of the supposed differences. In the Tortugas specimens, as in the New Jersey fish, the 2d dorsal spine is proportionately much longer and stronger than shown in Goode and Bean's figure (Ocean. Ichthyol., 1895, p. 229, fig. 235), and scales are present on the interradial membranes. The following proportions and enumerations are based on the specimen that furnished the basis for Dr. Longley's color description: Head 2.6; depth 0.82; pectoral 2.4. Eye in head 2.85; snout 4.3; interorbital 3.9; longest dorsal spine 1.05. D. VIII,32; A. III,3i; scales about 58, 4 rows on cheek. Antigonia capros has been reported from deep water from many parts of the world. S. F. H. Family CHAETODONTIDAE. Butterfly Fishes Chaetodon capistratus Linnaeus (Plate 20, figure 3) Chaetodon capistratus Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 10th ed., 1758, p. 275 — "India." Chaetodon bricei Smith, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 17, 1897, p. 102, fig. — Woods Hole, Massachusetts (young). Occasional; singly, in pairs, and rarely more. Less common than Chaetodon ocellatus, more common than C. striatus. The young, of 25 mm., once were taken on the grass flats near Long Key or Bird Key reef. The adults are reef fishes; very frequently found about the greater coral heads. Usually seen in a very pale olivaceous ground-color phase, with black ocular band, and ocellated black spot larger than the eye under the soft dorsal, occa- ja$ PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv sionally showing in addition a distinct humeral band, which appears regularly in the young. I have seen adults display it in a pail of water, and under natural conditions over dark, muddy bottom. The same mark appears at night in asso- ciation with two dark stripes running back from it horizontally above and below the ocellus to meet a third stripe on the dorsal fin. The ocular stripe is sometimes almost black; sometimes pale olive of the exact shade of the head. It is darkest when the fish is feeding low down or in a shadow; lightest when highest up, or swimming rapidly over comparatively long distances. The ocular band is an interesting marking illustrated in detail in plate 20, figure 3. It differs in no significant respect from the corresponding marking of C. ocellatus, to which reference is made at length below. As is suggested above, the young differ decidedly in appearance from the adults. Indeed, before the life history was known, the young were named C. bricei. They have a supernumerary humeral band, and a broad dusky area covering the soft dorsal and the body below, which includes the persistent ocellus of the adult and a smaller ephemeral one on the fin above it. W. H. L. The collection contains 2 specimens, 39 and 68 mm. long. The rows of scales are arranged as in striatus, that is, those on upper half of side run upward and backward and those on lower half run downward and backward. However, capistratus has 13 dorsal spines, whereas striatus has only 12. Furthermore, the first-mentioned species has a persistent ocellus on the body under the posterior part of the dorsal fin, which is missing in striatus. The last-mentioned species, when young, also has an ocellus, but it is situated on the anterior rays of the soft dorsal. Atlantic coast of Panama, Trinidad, West Indies, and sometimes northward to Cape Cod. S. F. H. Chaetodon striatus Linnaeus Chaetodon striatus Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 10th ed., 1758, p. 275 — "India." Chaetodon consuelae Mowbray, in Borodin, Bull. Vanderbilt Ocean. Mus., vol. 1, art. 1, 1928, p. 23, pi. 4, fig. 2 — Cay Sal Banks, Bahamas, in 8 fathoms. With the exception of Chaetodon sedentarius, this is the least common species of the genus in shallow water. Its preferred habitat seems to be bottom strewn with eroded corals only sparsely covered with algae. Like many other Chaetodons, it has a dark ocular band, faintly margined with light color, not continued ventrally below opercular cleft; two broad brown bands, convex anteriorly, crossing body and vertical fins, the foremost meeting its fellow before vent, which is unusual, as such bands generally fade out before reaching the mid-line below; a third band, concave anteriorly, crossing base of caudal peduncle, fusing on dorsal and anal fins with preceding band. Young about 50 mm. in length with a well-developed ocellus on dorsal fin in the third band, disappearing in the adult; soft dorsal, anal, and caudal with a series of brown, blue, and yellow lines within their transparent margins. Atlantic coast of tropical America, ranging northward to Florida and the Bahamas. W. H. L. 194 1 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS l ,g Chaetodon ocellatus Bloch (Plate 21, figures 1,2) Chaetodon ocellatus Bloch, Naturgesch. ausland. Fische, vol. 3, 1787, p. 105, pi. 211, fig. 2 — "East Indies." Chaetodon bimaculatus 1 Bloch, ibid., vol. 4, 1790, p. 9, pi. 209, fig. 1 — "East Indies." Sarothrodus macitlocinctus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1861, p. 99 — Newport, Rhode Island (young). The commonest species of the genus at Tortugas, frequently occurring in pairs, and sometimes in fours or fives. More apt to swim and feed over compara- tively bare and sandy areas than the other species. Young with black vertical band from soft dorsal to anal, not shown in mature ones, the band disappearing before the fish greatly exceeds 40 mm. in length. Adults with faint dusky spot beneath soft dorsal usually remaining; black ocular stripe, narrowly margined with yellow and of width of pupil, persisting and running from anterior base of dorsal fin to opercular cleft; ground color of body very light; soft dorsal, anal, and caudal yellowish with a submarginal blue line on anal and caudal; a black spot at angle of dorsal; ventrals yellow. At night the dusky dorsal spot in both unconfined and confined fish stands out distinctly and a dark humeral band makes its appearance. This band varies from moment to moment, if a flashlight is turned on the fish. It appears some- times broad and diffuse, sometimes clearly defined. The young also change at night, losing the posterior black bar and retaining only the spot which dimly or distinctly persists through life, and also showing white spots on the side. W. H. L. The Tortugas collection contains 5 specimens, ranging in length from 30 to 125 mm. In this species the rows of scales run obliquely upward and backward on the side, except below the level of the base of the pectoral, where they become horizontal. Panama and Trinidad northward, sometimes to Cape Cod. S. F. H. Chaetodon sedentarius Poey Chaetodon sedentarius Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 203 — Cuba. Chaetodon gracilis Giinther, Cat. fish. Brit. Mus., vol. 2, i860, p. 20 — Caribbean Sea; West Indies. No account of this species was found among Dr. Longley's papers. The col- lection contains 4 specimens, 75 to 99 mm. long, and 6 are listed in his notes, the largest of which was 115 mm. long. One of the latter was taken in 2 1 / 4 fathoms and the others in 40 fathoms. A preserved specimen, 75 mm. long, is brownish silvery above lateral line, 1 Dr. Longley followed Jordan, Evermann, and Clark (Check list, 1930, p. 360) in using bimaculatus. Those authors stated (footnote), "Poey seems to have been the first to recognize the identity of ocellatus (which has page priority) with bimaculatus. He chose to use bimaculatus, which should therefore stand." However, ocellatus clearly has absolute priority, as is shown above. Accordingly I have taken the liberty of inserting ocellatus for bimaculatus. — S. F. H. j^o PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv shading into pale silvery on lower part of side; a black vertical ocular band about three-fourths diameter of eye above and scarcely wider than pupil below eye, with a pale border both anteriorly and posteriorly above eye; a broad dark band across body at and behind end of dorsal and anal bases, broadly expanded on dorsal, but narrow on anal; soft dorsal with a submarginal dark line, and about six or seven lines a little darker than ground color, on upper part of side under spinous dorsal; dorsal and anal brownish at base and paler distally; caudal, ven- trals, and pectorals pale straw color. A note on the color of a fresh specimen by Dr. Longley states that the borders of the ocular band were sulphur yellow, and the dorsal and anal, exclusive of narrow white margins, were yellow distally. The following enumerations are based on 2 specimens: D. XIII,2^, XIII,23; A. 111,19, HI,i9; P- : 4> T 5' sca l e s along middle of side 40, 40. Depth about 1.6 to 1.9. Apparently previously reported only from the West Indies. S. F. H. Chaetodon aya Jordan Two records of its capture were found among Dr. Longley's notes, 2 speci- mens, 90 and 102 mm. long, having been taken in 39 fathoms, and 5 more, 41 to 85 mm. long, in 40 fathoms. There are 8 specimens, however, 27 to 98 mm. long, in the collection, showing that it probably was taken a third time, of which no record seems to have been made in the field notes. The specimens were compared with one in the U. S. National Museum (no. 37747), supposedly the type, with which they seem to agree perfectly. General color of preserved specimens slightly brownish above lateral line, this color shading into silvery below lateral line; two conspicuous black bars present, the first extending from origin of dorsal (sometimes encroaching on the anterior sp'nes), through eye, to end of maxillary, being much wider above eye than below it, this band now, as in life, with a pale margin on both sides; second bar running obliquely downward and backward from under middle of spinous dorsal to middle of base of anal, also with pale borders; bases of dorsal and anal brownish, the rest of these fins, as well as the other fins, plain translucent. In the fresh material Dr. Longley described some of the fins as follows: "There is con- siderable yellow on the outer parts of the spinous dorsal, which becomes a sharp line along the outer margin of the scaly sheath, which extends only halfway up. Remainder transparent. Ventrals are yellow, except spine, which is white. Pos- terior half of anal yellow. Caudal same, tending toward transparency distally." This species has a rather produced snout, and a concave anterior dorsal profile, wherein it differs from the other local species of the genus. This species seems rather intermediate of Chaetodon and Prognathodes, but may remain with Chaetodon until further revisional studies are made. The following enumerations and measurements are based on Tortugas speci- mens: D. XIII(once XIV in 8 specimens counted), 18 to 20; A. Ill, 15 to 17; P. 13 or 14. Head (2 specimens, 32 and 89 mm., measured) 2.7 to 3.0; depth 1.6 to 1.8; longest dorsal spine 2.4 to 2.6. Eye in head 2.9 to 3.0; snout 2.4 to 3.0 (apparently i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS j^j increasing in length with age) ; interorbital 3.8 to 4.0; pectoral 1.35 to 1 .45; longest anal spine 1.4. Scales difficult to count accurately, about 40 to 44 oblique rows along middle of side. The number given for the type in the original description is 36, but if oblique rows are counted about 40 may be seen. The anal and pec- toral rays cannot be counted accurately in the type, but the dorsal definitely has XIII, 18, though the original description gave XII, 18. The anal formula was given as III,i7, which comes within the range of Tortugas specimens. Gulf of Mexico, apparently not entering shallow shore waters. S. F. H. Pomacanthus arcuatus (Linnaeus). Black angelfish Chaetodon arcuatus Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 10th ed., 1758, p. 273 — "India." Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1868, p. 351. Chaetodon paru Bloch, Naturgesch. ausland. Fische, vol. 3, 1787, p. 57, pi. 197, fig. 1 — Brazil. Chaetodon lutescens Bonnaterre, Tab. encyc, Ichth., vol. 6, 1788, p. 82 — Jamaica. Pomacanthus cingulatus Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 7, 1831, p. 209, pi. 185 — West Indies. Pomacanthus quinquecinctus Cuvier and Valenciennes, ibid., p. 210 — West Indies. Chaetodon littoricola Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1868, p. 351 — Cuba. Pomacanthus arcuatus Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 283. The synonymy given was indicated by Dr. Longley (see last reference above). To this may be added virtually all references to Pomacanthus para in recent books. Dr. Longley's reason for using arcuatus instead of paru, a name long accepted, is stated in the first paragraphs of his discussion of P. aureus. Nothing on this species was found among Dr. Longley's manuscripts, and I strongly suspect that part of the discussions pertaining to this genus, and perhaps family, has been lost. If it is correct to assume that Dr. Longley always listed this species in his field notes under P. paru, then observations and records of capture are limited to eight instances. It is reported from an old wreck, from oflf beach rocks, from Bird Key reef, from among coral heads, and from a channel oflf Bird Key reef. The num- ber of individuals seen evidently was not great, and that it is less common than P. aureus is stated in the discussion of that species. The color pattern is not fully described in Dr. Longley's field notes. It is stated only that the young have dark crossbars separated by "narrow yellow lines." In published accounts the "yellow lines" generally are called bars and the dark be- tween them the ground color. In any event the yellow bars are lost with age, and the fish become almost black, except for yellow margins on some of the scales. This species, as understood by Longley, is distinguished by the convex caudal fin and its rather rounded lobes, in contrast with a straight or slightly concave margin with angulate lobes in aureus. Furthermore, arcuatus generally has 10 spines in the dorsal, whereas aureus usually has only 9. A rather convenient dif- ference in separating preserved adults is the very narrow white margin of the caudal fin in arcuatus, in contrast with the rather broad one in aureus. Minor differences in the color of the young are pointed out under aureus. Atlantic coast of tropical America, northward to Florida. S. F. H. 152 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Pomacanthus aureus (Bloch). Black angelfish (Plate 22, figures 1,2) Chactodon aureus Bloch, Naturgesch. ausland. Fische, vol. 3, 1787, p. 49, pi. 193, fig. 1 — Martinique (on a drawing by Plumier). Chaetodon luteus Bonnaterre, Tab. encyc, Ichth., vol. 6, 1788, p. 88, pi. 92, fig. 381 (after Bloch). Pomacanthus baltcatus Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 7, 1831, p. 156 — Puerto Rico. Pomacanthus rathbuni Miranda Ribeiro. Arch. Mus. nac. Rio de Janeiro, vol. 17, 1915 (Chaetodontidae, p. 7), with fig. — Bahia, Brazil. Bloch's figure of Chaetodon aureus poorly represents a species of Pomacanthus, as is shown by the armature of the preopercle and contours of the posterior borders of dorsal and anal fins. The form of the caudal more closely approaches that of P. arcuatus than that of this species, but the dorsal spines are too many for either. From examination of the plate alone, one might hesitate to say which of the two had been drawn. Cuvier and Valenciennes, however, stated that this figure is a poor copy of Plumier's first sketch, of which they had seen a better one by Aubriet representing one of Parra's Chirivitas (Desc. dif. Piezas hist, nat., 1787, pi. 6, fig. 2). If they are in error in their identification, aureus is a synonym of arcuatus and the species here discussed is P. balteatus. This species is much more common than P. arcuatus, and possibly most com- mon of Tortugas angelfishes. It may be seen singly or in pairs in shallow water on the open reef throughout the group. The largest individuals that still display the juvenile coloration are the most numerous. Young to perhaps the length of 175 mm. show a pattern of five or six narrow yellow bars on a dark brown or blackish ground. The first cuts off a rostral dark spot about the mouth; the second meets its fellow on the nape and before the pectorals; the third defines posteriorly a humeral bar and extends on dorsal, and ventrally ends just before anal origin; the fourth bar crosses body between 18th dorsal and 12th anal rays, extending on dorsal and anal; and the fifth bar covers basal third of caudal and its borders above and below. Posterior margin of the caudal, transparent at first, may develop into a sixth bar, enclosing with the fifth one a dark lenticular spot. Posterior face of the pectoral citron yellow; posterior border of dorsal narrowly yellow, anal narrowly blue. As the fish grow, the yellow bar on the base of the caudal becomes gray and eventually disappears, but the one bordering the truncate caudal remains. The bar behind the pectoral is last to disappear. Transformation is effected at no con- stant size, for specimens in full adult coloration may be seen with others an inch or two longer, still showing their last gray bar or bars. The diet includes algae and a great variety of sedentary animals. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida, sometimes straying northward. W. H. L. Holacanthus tricolor (Bloch) Chaetodon tricolor Bloch, Naturgesch. ausland. Fische, vol. 9, 1795, p. 103, pi. 426 — Cuba. Sarothrodus ataeniatus Poey, Repertorio, vol. 2, 1868, p. 353 — Cuba. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS j^ I have seen a single adult and no young. Jordan and Thompson (Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish., vol. 24, 1904 (1905), p. 248) also reported 1 specimen. Metzelaar's figure (Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. 93, fig. 28) of the young of Holacanthus tricolor at 39 mm., and examination of Poey's 22-mm. type of Sarothrodus ataeniatus (Mus. Comp. Zool. no. 16251), make it possible to assign Poey's species to the synonymy here, for it is, except for size, the same as Metze- laar's specimen. The spine at its preopercular angle and its ocellus are both very clear. Atlantic coast of tropical America, northward to Florida and Bermuda. W. H. L. Holacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus). Queen angelfish Chaetodon ciliaris Linnaeus (part), Syst. nat., 10th ed., 1758, p. 276 — Indies. Bloch, Natur- gesch. ausland. Fische, vol. 3, 1787, pi. 214. Chaetodon squamulosus Shaw, Naturalist's miscellany, vol. 8, 1796, p. 275 (after Catesby). Chaetodon parrae Bloch and Schneider, Syst. ichth., 1801, p. 235 — Cuba (after Parra). Holacanthus cornutus Desmarest, Mem. Soc. Linn. Paris., vol. 2, 1823, pi. 3, fig. 3 — Cuba. Holacanthus jonnosus Castelnau, Anim. Amer. Sud, Poiss., 1855, p. 19, pi. 11, fig. 2 — Bahia. Giinther, Cat. fish. Brit. Mus., vol. 2, i860, p. 47. Pomacanthus ciliaris Jordan and Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 16, 1883, p. 615. Only 1 fully grown specimen and 2 young were seen in the course of much work on the reefs. The ocellus with dark blue center on the nape, the general richness of colora- tion, to which the submarginal dark blue of the vertical borders of dorsal and anal fins contributes much, and the completely yellow caudal fin are distinguish- ing marks of the species in the field. Holacanthus lunatus Blosser (Ann. Carnegie Mus., vol. 6, 1909, p. 299) has been placed by me in the synonymy of Angelichthys isabelita, but incorrectly (Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 31, 1932, p. 300). Blosser's plate indicates that his 19-mm. fish is the young either of that species or of H. ciliaris, and the fin formulas he gave (D. XIV,i8; A. III,i8) fit the former. His count, however, is inaccurate, as the formulas actually are, D. XIV,2i; A. IIL21; P. 17 or 18, or the dorsal spines may be 1 less and -the soft rays 1 more, as the last spine or first ray is broken. There is then little doubt that H. lunatus is a synonym of H. ciliaris. W. H. L. The following is from Dr. Longley's notes: "The queen angel has a distinct ocellus at nape, entire tail yellow, dark blue on anterior base of pectoral and on inner webs of dorsal and anal fins, same color as in the ocellated spot on nape. Much the yellowest of the local species, and its rich color is heightened by an orange stripe at the base of the dorsal beginning at the nape." The Tortugas collection contains 3 specimens, respectively 30, 34, and 83 mm. long. The largest one is in the transition stage, with respect to color, from the young to the adult as described by Dr. Longley. The 2 smaller ones retain the dark bars and much of the other color of the juveniles. West Indies to Florida. S. F. H. !54 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Holacanthus isabelita (Jordan and Rutter) No discussion was found among Dr. Longley's manuscripts, and it is very difficult to decide which of his notes apply to this species. For a long time Dr. Longley was unable to determine definitely to which species to assign the fishes observed. He expected four species of Holacanthus until 1922, when he seems to have concluded that Angelichthys toicnsendi Nichols and Mowbray (Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., vol. 33, 1914, p. 581) probably was a cross between H. ciliaris and H. isabelita. Furthermore, he seems to have concluded that the fish he had tentatively identified as townsendi actually were ciliaris, of which he had seen only ^ individuals. All notes, other than the few referring to the 3 fish finally identified as ciliaris, and those concerning tricolor (a species which never was in doubt), must then apply to isabelita or townsendi (the latter a hybrid). I find it impossible, however, to untangle the two. It can only be stated here that this species seems to be fairly common on the reefs at Tortugas. I find the following significant note among Dr. Longley 's papers: "Angelich- thys isabelita has no ocellus at nape. Border only of caudal is yellow. These two characters are enough to identify it." The young seem to have two or three pale blue vertical bars on the posterior part of the body, in addition to a "vertical dark bar through eye, meeting its fellow on occiput and at throat. Throat and breast to base of pectorals washed with blue. Posterior margins of preopercle and opercle blue, giving two vertical stripes." No notes on the color of the adult were found. The crossbars, however, seem to disappear with age. Concerning townsendi, recognized as a hybrid, I find the following note, apparently based on a verbal statement by Louis L. Mowbray : "The caudal is all yellow. There is a blue blotch on the nape, but not the well defined ocellus of ciliaris. The sides and dorsal fin are more bluish than in isabelita!' West Indies to Florida. S. F. H. Family ACANTHURIDAE. Surgeonfishes Acanthurus Forskal, 1775 Key to the Species a. Body deep, ovate, depth about 1.5; anterior profile very steep, straight to slightly concave over snout; D. IX,27; A. 111,25 or 26; caudal lancelet always pale caeruleus aa. Body more elongate, depth about 1.75 to 2.0; anterior profile less steep, more or less convex; D. lX,2^ l / 2 or 25%; A. III^oH to 24 x /i\ caudal lancelet dark b. Caudal fin lunate, upper lobe not much longer than lower one; sides with a series of narrow vertical dark lines (sometimes missing in preserved material); caudal fin without pale margin . hepatus bb. Caudal fin deeply lunate, upper lobe notably longer than lower one; no vertical bars on sides; caudal fin with a white margin posteriorly bahianus S. F. H. i 9 4i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS j^ Acanthurus caeruleus Bloch and Schneider. Blue tang Although Dr. Longley referred to the blue tang many times in his field notes, no discussion of it was found among his manuscripts. To the synonymy in Jordan, Evermann, and Clark's Cheeky list (1930, p. 362) should be added Teuthis helioides Barbour (Bull. Mus. Comp. Z06L, vol. 46, 1905, p. 127, pi. 3) in accord- ance with Dr. Longley 's list in Carnegie Institution of Washington Year Boof{ No. 31 (1932, p. 300). This species evidently is common, as it was often observed. Generally it was seen in company with hepatits. Its habits are slightly different, however, as it is less of a bottom fish, and was often seen swimming high. It was commonly ob- served on alga-covered bottom near shore, as well as some distance offshore among coral heads and gorgonians, in water 10 to 12 feet deep. Once it was listed from white sandy bottom. Its food, like that of hepatus and bahianus, consists wholly of vegetable matter, but mixed with less sand and debris. Its digestive organs are typical of a vege- table feeder, its stomach being large and rather thick-walled, and the intestine very long. A specimen 122 mm. long had an intestine 475 mm. long. In color it is variable. Some large ones seen in about 9 or 10 feet of water, swimming 4 or 5 feet above bottom, were very deep blue. Some individuals over pale sandy bottom were described as "very light." A small individual, about 60 mm. long, was seen in two color phases. In one phase it was "yellow with three narrow dark stripes on the body, angulated with apex forward; these about width of pupil." In the other phase the body was "olivaceous, and apparently what had previously been the dark stripes were now light: essentially a reversal of the former pattern." A large one with white bands also was observed. The following notes appear in Dr. Longley's field data: "The young are clear yellow, and this may appear as an alternative phase to the typical blue in speci- mens up to 100 or 125 mm. in length. Have not seen it in larger ones. In the yellow phase the iris and the margin of dorsal are blue, and the caudal yellow with a blue margin. In the full blue phase the margin of the caudal is often more blue than the remainder of the fin. The blue of the adult is sometimes so dark as to be almost black, but the caudal lancelets are white in all phases." Another observation reads: "I noticed the yellow replaced by blue in a specimen 62 mm. long." The collection contains 7 specimens, 60 to 150 mm. long. They are now uni- form light brown to dark brown, with dorsal, caudal, and anal margined with black. One small specimen retains dark stripes on the dorsal and anal fins that run parallel with the contour of the body at the base of these fins. A short, deep fish, with a steep anterior profile; caudal fin deeply lunate, with acute lobes, the upper one slightly the longer. The following proportions are based on 2 specimens, 86 and 150 mm. long, and the enumerations on 5 speci- mens: Head 3.1 to 3.25; depth 1.4 to 1.5. Eye in head 2.6 to 3.3; snout 1.3 to 1.4; interorbital 2.9 to 3.1; caudal peduncle 2.8 to 3.0; pectoral 1.0. D. IX,27; A. 111,25 or 26; P. 16 or 17. Atlantic coast of tropical America northward to Florida, sometimes straying to Cape Cod. S. F. H. 156 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Acanthurus hepatus (Linnaeus) Teuthis hepatus Linnaeus, Syst. nat., 12th ed., 1766, p. 507 — Carolina. Hepatus pawnee Breder, Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 1, art. 1, 1927, p. 73, fig. 32 — Glover Reef, off British Honduras. Common, very frequently in mixed schools with Acanthurus bahianus, from the shore out. It is almost entirely herbivorous. With its food, however, it swallows much foreign material, only one-quarter to one-third being the algae usually found in its stomach. The stomach is large, rounded, laterally compressed, thick-walled, and muscular. This species is changeable in coloration; often pale, rather bluish, then show- ing eight or ten narrow vertical dark bands on the side. Where the bottom is pale but rough, light fish and dark brown ones may be seen together; but on the reef, commonly brown ones only are present. The caudal fin in the brown phase may be bluish, more white toward the lancelet, at the base of which this color ceases abruptly; or it may be brown like the body. Brassy and blue streaks of equal width slope down from above gill opening to eye, and from eye to nostril; five postocular yellow streaks and three anteocular ones present in a specimen before me; often another yellow one below the eye. The teeth in each jaw are uniserial, flattened, elongate, spatulate, with their distal borders denticulate. They are not rooted in the premaxillaries or dentary, or even ankylosed with them. The tough membrane, however, in which they are set on the dentigerous surfaces allows them relatively little movement. Dorsal normally with 9 spines; anal with 3. Soft rays in a sample of 30 collected at Tortugas are D. 24V2 to 25 1 / 2 ; A. 20 1 / /> to 24 V?- Hepatus pawnee Breder (see reference above) is the young of A. hepatus. In 10 cotypes examined, the fin supports were D. IX^ 1 /. to 25 1 / 4; A. ll\,22 l / 1 to 24 Vz- In a sample of 10 from Nassau harbor, in size and appearance quite like Breder's material, the comparable counts were D. IX,24 I / 4 to 25%; A. III,22 1 / 4 to 24 1 /?. Three specimens from Bermuda, in addition to the normal count for fin spines, have respectively 26V2, 25^4, and 24*4 dorsal rays; and 23J4, 22^, and 23V2 anal rays. In the specimen last indicated, which is 40 mm. in length, the posterior margin of caudal fin is bordered by white, which with its rounded profile distinguishes it readily from A. bahianus. A specimen of the latter, 43 mm. in length, has a relatively straight profile, and a white marginal crescent on caudal fin, which where broadest covers the distal quarter of the central rays and the web between. Atlantic coast of tropical America northward to Florida and sometimes to Cape Cod. W. H. L. Acanthurus bahianus Castelnau Common everywhere in shallow water, except in the great sand wastes and in Thalassia. Found about coral stacks, into and under which it ventures, though it is really a fish of the open. Its distribution is essentially that of the algae which 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS jgm it may be seen cropping all day long, and which seem to constitute by far the greater part of its food, though it goes readily into traps baited with spiny lobster. This is a bottom fish. It usually slips between gorgonians or other ob- structions in going from place to place, whereas Acanthurus caeruleus commonly goes over them. The golden brown, on the open reef, matches very well the dominant color of the algae. It is readily able, too, to display a very pale phase. It is a more grace- fully shaped and delicately colored species than A. hepatus, and the striping on its dorsal fin is finer by half, but soon disappears after death. The pectoral fins are much more broadly covered by chestnut brown on their posterior faces, and the ventrals are so colored that when they are pressed close to the body the ex- posed faces match perfectly the pale ventral surface. The pale ring on the caudal is of a yellow cast. The soft rays in a sample of 10 are: D. 24^/2 to 26 1 /,; A. 22^ to 23^2 • W. H. L. The collection contains 4 adults, 163 to 223 mm. long. The color is uniformly brown. Only 1 specimen retains fine longitudinal dark stripes on the dorsal fin. The caudal is pale-margined, lunate, both lobes acute, the upper the longer. The following proportions and enumerations are based on 2 specimens, 160 and 163 mm. long: Head 3.4 to 3.6; depth 2.0 to 2.1. Eye in head 3.6 to 3.9; snout 1.4; interorbital 3.5 to 3.8; caudal peduncle 2.6 to 2.8; pectoral 1.0. D. IX,24, IX,25; A. 111,22, 111,22; P. 16, 16. Atlantic coast of tropical America, northward to Florida. S. F. H. Family SCORPAENIDAE. Scorpion Fishes The following key seems desirable, as some of the species are not well known, and as a few new ones were described recently. S. F. H. Key to the Genera and Species a. Bones of head scarcely cavernous; occiput generally with 2 spines; dorsal fin slightly or at least not very deeply notched, never in two parts, with 12 or 13 spines b. Palatines with bands of villiform teeth; dorsal spines normally 12 c. Pectoral with some of the median rays branched d. Scales on top of head cycloid or wanting; cranium with many spines; occiput with a more or less distinct square pit Scorpaena e. Occipital pit deep /. A deep pit below and before eye; axil of pec- toral with large white spots on a black ground . plumieri ff. No suborbital pit; axil of pectoral not with white spots on a black ground g. Eye very large, about 2.5 in head; pec- torals long, reaching nearly or quite to end of base of anal agassizii 1= ;8 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv gg. Eye much smaller, about 3.3 to 4.0 in head; pectorals much shorter h. Second anal spine about equal to or shorter than 3d; a single humeral spine ;. Preorbital with 2 spines; scales in lateral series about 55 to 60; axil of pectoral and lower part of side behind base of pectoral with small brown spots or specks . . brasiliensis ii. Preorbital with 3 spines; about 40 scales in lateral series; no dark spots in axil of pectoral or on side . . dispar hh. Second anal spine notably longer than ;. Suborbital keel with 1 spine; coronal spine present; pectoral rays 16 or 17; supraorbital cirrus large or small and occasionally missing; axil of pectoral pale (yellow in life), with small dark spots bergii jj. Suborbital keel with 2 or 3 spines; coronal spine missing; supraocular cirrus exceedingly long, fringed; pectoral rays 17 or 18; axil of pec- toral gray, with very small bluish spots enclosed in black rings . grandicornis ee. Occipital pit very shallow, or almost missing f{. Second preopercular spine reaching only about halfway to margin of opercle; upper part of eye with peculiar club-shaped dermal append- ages, extending down over the cornea, to which they adhere inermis ^. Second preopercular spine very long, extending nearly or quite to margin of opercle; eye with- out dermal structures described in ^ .... calcarata dd. Scales on top of head ctenoid; armature of head mod- erate; no occipital pit /. Suborbital keel smooth, or at most with a single small spine anteriorly; gill rakers slender, 16 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch Helicolenus maderensis II. Suborbital keel with 4 well developed spines; gill rakers very short, spiny, 9 more or less developed on lower limb of first arch Neomerinthe tortugae cc. Pectoral rays all simple; preorbital margin with 2 strong, divergent spines; suborbital keel with 4 spines; 2d anal spine much larger and stronger than 3d; 3d dorsal spine much produced in large specimens Pontinus longispinis i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 159 bb. Palatines without teeth; 13 dorsal spines; suborbital keel with a single spine placed at its terminal end; 17 pectoral rays; dorsal fin rather deeply notched; about 38 scales in lateral series Scorpaenodcs floridae aa. Bones of head cavernous; surface of head with many mucus pores; dorsal fin deeply notched, nearly or quite separate; dorsal with 11 or 12 spines and 10 soft rays Setarches par mat us Scorpaena plumieri Bloch (Plate 23, figures 1, 2) Occasional on mud, sand, gravel, or rock bottom, and among coral heads. Very sluggish; often remaining motionless for long periods, except for respiratory movements, which are irregular and sometimes cease for a comparatively long time. Yet once aroused, it is a powerful swimmer. I have seen it dash up from the bottom and, in the twinkling of an eye, swallow a blenny that ventured too near. I have taken 2 such fishes, a portunid crab, and fragments of several other small crustaceans from the stomach of one specimen. The body is hoary with dermal appendages like rags and tatters of weed. Among algae, combinations of green and yellow occur. I have sometimes found it almost necessary to brush the fish to convince myself that its color and covering were its own. The obliterative effect of its coloration is so pronounced that one may gaze almost directly at it without seeing it. On light sand its dorsal and lateral dark markings are faint, and its shade resembles that of its surroundings. In a slate-bottomed tank the body had four dark bands, the first through eyes, across head; a broad one under first 6 dorsal spines; another very dark one under anterior half of soft dorsal; and still another at base of caudal rays; two very black bars on caudal fin; axil of pectoral conspicuously spotted with white spots on black ground. The general body color extends to the margin of the pupil, itself obscured by flecks of color visible in certain lights. The overlap of conjunctival and iridial patterns is sufficient to reduce to a minimum the con- spicuousness of the eye movements. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida, sometimes straying to Cape Cod. W. H. L. Scorpaena agassizii Goode and Bean Rather common at depths of 40 to 60 fathoms. About 40 specimens were secured, measuring 65 to 170 mm. in length. This is one of few species from deep waters that reach the surface alive and live on in the aquarium after the rough treatment in the otter trawl. Repeated counts show D. XII^'/l; A. 111,5 V?. The species is distinguishable from others known locally by its strong cephalic spines (:> only on suborbital ridge); an accessory one at base of upper preopercular spine; the large eye, 3.0 in head in a specimen 170 mm. long; and the greatly elongated pectoral fin, reach- ing very nearly to vertical of end of anal base; pectoral with 19 or 20 rays, the uppermost and lower 12 simple, the remainder divided, the rays increasing so rapidly from below as to make the under border seem almost excavated; dorsal j6o PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv fin deeply notched, the 5th web being the first to rise as much as halfway to tip of spine behind it. General color scarlet in life, somewhat speckled with white; two diffuse white bars across caudal; pectorals slightly white-spotted above; ventrals dark in the young, later uniform red, like anal; mouth white within. W. H. L. The collection contains 9 specimens, 87 to 170 mm. long. This species is well marked by its very large eye and long pectoral fins. Rather deep water, West Indies to Florida. S. F. H. Scorpaena brasiliensis Cuvier and Valenciennes Common in the deep channels within the atoll, and on similar bottom in slightly deeper water between East Key and Bird Key reef. The maximum size of scores taken is roughly 150 mm. As it comes up from 10 or 12 fathoms, it is prevailingly red, with the lower part of the side from cheek to caudal showing many spots of brown. In concrete tanks it soon loses its ruddiness and its colors are practically black and gray. The pattern is changeable, but not as notably as the color. Generally a darker bar extends from the cheek through the eye. Four dark bands may appear on the body, the first broadest, and approximately under dorsal origin; center of the second near base of 9th spine; the next beneath middle of soft dorsal; and the last on caudal peduncle. Pectorals crossed by many alternating checkered bars of red and cream, or black and gray; dorsal and anal much mottled; ventrals plain reddish, growing dusky toward tips; caudal with two pale bars, widest dorsally. The body color is carried more or less to the boundary of the pupil, making the eye appear deceptively small, and, thanks to the overlap of the dermal and iridial color, it may roll for some distance without the fact's being betrayed by the out- turning of any unpatterned surface. D. XII^ 1 /? or 10; A. 111,5/4 or 6, the spines graded from 1st to 3d; pectoral with 18 or 19 rays, extending to vertical of 1st anal ray; a small postorbital spine before and below the tympanic, commonly double; humeral spine single; sub- orbital ridge with a spine below eye and another at its tip; chief preopercular spine with a small supernumerary one at its base; several spines on preopercular border below and sometimes a marginal tooth or teeth above it; ridges in inter- orbital space strong. W. H. L. The collection contains 12 specimens, 95 to 150 mm. long. The very deep occip- ital pit, and the rather sharp brown specks on the lower part of the side, which extend into the axil of the pectoral, seem to be good recognition marks. Atlantic coast of tropical America, sometimes northward to North Carolina. S. F. H. Scorpaena dispar Longley and Hildebrand Scorpaena dispar Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 246, fig. 12 — Tortugas, Florida. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS 1 ^ 1 Scorpaena bergii Evermann and Marsh Many specimens, 50 to 85 mm. long, were seined inside Bird Key reef or taken with the otter trawl in the 10-fathom channels between Loggerhead and Garden keys. Sexual maturity is already attained at the length of 70 mm. Females were spawning in July. Five specimens examined all had D. XII, 10; A. 111,6; P. 17, the 4 rays follow- ing the uppermost branched, 1 the fin rather small, barely extending past ventrals; 2d anal spine decidedly longer and rather stronger than 3d; dorsal surface of head with nasal, preocular, supraocular, postocular, coronal, parietal, nuchal, and 2 humeral spines; a stout postorbital spine before the occipital one; preorbital with 2 spines at its anterior margin; suborbital keel with a terminal spine only; opercle with 2 flattened spines; preopercle with 4, the uppermost strongest, a supplementary one at its base; the stout, pinnately branched, or flattened leaflike supraorbital cirrus sometimes longer than eye, often missing; other cephalic cirri moderate; some along lateral line larger than others on trunk. Variation in color is great. Two observed were respectively reddish and greenish and maintained the difference for weeks, though each within limits was capable of change. The living fish often show a dark band crossing inter- orbital, descending through eye and continuing on cheek; sometimes with a vague dark area above and behind pectoral, varying much in size and sharpness of definition; an irregular bar of ochraceous orange sometimes present beneath middle of soft dorsal; the humeral bar extending on dorsal, the bar between dorsal and anal, and the usually darker pigmented bands on caudal ranging in color between olive and apple green. For identification in life, the pale yellow on the posterior face of the pectoral perhaps provides the best mark, though it does not last. In the yellow of the axil of pectoral are small dark spots; anal irreg- ularly barred; ventrals rosy, with dark spots. W. H. L. The collection contains 28 specimens, ranging in length from 47 to 85 mm. These were compared with the type, with which they agree. In 2 specimens (66 and 74 mm. long) and the type (75 mm. long) the scale formulas were 3-37-10, 3-43-1 1, and 3-39-12 in the type; P. 16, 17, and 17 in the type; gill rakers 8 or 9, including 2 rudiments. The following proportions are based on the same speci- mens, those for the type being enclosed in parentheses. Head 2.4, 2.5 (2.25); depth 2.65, 2.85 (2.7). Eye in head 3.5, 3.8 (3.25); snout 4.2, 3.8 (3.7); maxillary 1.9, 1.75 (2.0); interorbital 9.5, 7.2 (8.6); caudal peduncle 4.2, 4.0 (4.3); 4th dorsal spine 2.0, 2.2 (2.55); 2d anal spine 1.75, 1.9 (2.1); pectoral 1.3, 1.25 (1.4). West Indies to Florida. S. F. H. Scorpaena grandicornis Cuvier and Valenciennes This species occasionally was taken on the flats about Long Key and Bird Key ree f. 1 Evermann and Marsh's figure (Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., vol. 20, pt. 1, 1900 (1902), p. 276, fig. 83) shows no branched rays, an oversight which perhaps explains the transfer of the species to Pontinus by Jordan, Evermann, and Clark (Check list, 1930, p. 372). 162 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv It sometimes is gray, with clouds of dark color forming irregular bands of clove brown or raw umber, which may include a vertical bar extending through eye and on cheek; another under anterior half of spinous and a third one under soft dorsal; pectorals, anal, and caudal all barred, ventrals largely brown; ventral surface of jaws and throat, and pectoral base anteriorly and in axil with much permanent and characteristic white spotting. It is very variable, however, and in a moment it may change so that brown shades are dominant, and gray secondary. In nature the fish rapidly adjusts itself to its surroundings. Four dermal cirri at snout, preorbital, and nuchal long and thin; supraorbital cirrus reaching base of 3d dorsal spine, finely fringed on its posterior margin; other cirri of head well developed; about 9 flattened, pinnate cirri, as long as eye's diameter, along lateral-line scales at nearly equal intervals; body with many more. Coronal spines missing; 2 pairs of humeral spines; each tympanic preceded by a small divided postorbital spine; 2 or 3 spines on suborbital ridge, and an acces- sory one at base of chief preopercular spine. Second anal spine about as long as 3d, and much stronger; pectoral rays usually 17 or 18, occasionally 15, the upper one and all but the following 6 usually simple. Atlantic coast of tropical America to Florida, sometimes straying northward to Cape Cod. W. H. L. Scorpaena inermis Cuvier and Valenciennes Scorpaena inermis Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 4, 1829, p. 311 — Mar- tinique. Scorpaena occipitalis Poey, Memorias, vol. 2, i860, p. 171 — Havana. Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 284. Scorpaena albifimbria Metzelaar (not of Evermann and Marsh), Trop. atl. Vissch., 1919, p. 144 — Curacao; Aruba. Scorpaena grandicornis Breder (not of Cuvier and Valenciennes), Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 1, art. 1, 1927, p. 82 — Royal Island, Bahamas, in 18 fathoms. The type 1 is 67 mm. in length (standard length 55 mm.); depth at dorsal origin 18 mm. (3.1), thickness above pectorals 12 mm., head 28 mm. (2.0); eye 8.0 mm. (3.25 in head), interorbital width 2.0 mm.; the uppermost and lower 14 pectoral rays simple, the remaining 5 branched. Three spines on suborbital keel, including spine at preopercular angle with no supplementary one at its base, extending halfway to opercular margin; 2 spines at lower margin of preorbital; 4 on margin of preopercle, below the strong spine - at its angle; preocular, supraocular, postocular, and a pair of coronal spines at anterior border of the shallow occipital pit; another pair at posterior part of the pit laterally, followed almost immediately by a 3d, and then by a 4th slightly farther from mid-line; another spine lateral to the 4th; a pair of minute spines behind eye, close together and before the fairly strong temporal spine; inter- orbital groove deep, with an almost imperceptible pair of submedian ridges. A pair of cirri at anterior nostrils; another cirrus on posterior spine of pre- 1 The type was examined by Dr. Longley in the Musee d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris. — S. F. H. i94i CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS ^ orbital; one or more on lower preopercular spines; several moderate ones along lateral line; and a few inconspicuous ones along side below lateral line. Very characteristic of the species are the leaflike cirri along the upper border of the opaque skin enclosing the eye. From the bases of several, dermal structures extend on the surface of the cornea, resembling a series of flat cirri with narrow stalks and rounded, expanded tips closely adherent to the eye's face. These dermal structures on the eye are diagnostic. The short, flat, and simple cirri of the sides, and the disproportion between these and the larger, crenulate or toothed units of the lateral-line series, also are characteristic. From lack of material authoritatively named, Scorpaena occipitalis has been known only through Poey's record. Scorpaena occipitalis, however, is a synonym of inermis, or is the same as calcarata, or is a species still known only from Poey's description. The shallowness of the pit excludes other possibilities. However, the 2 parallel suprascapular spines, the elevation of the orbital margins to form a deep interorbital groove, and the 2d anal spine approximately equal to the diameter of the eye, which is contained 3.5 times in the head, appear to remove calcarata from need of further consideration. Its color would seem to do so too, for from Tortugas specimens of calcarata one might infer almost certainly that that species never shows a phase marbled with yellowish. One may note also that calcarata appears so far to have been collected nowhere south of the Florida Strait. In the respects mentioned, and in others, inermis corresponds very closely to Poey's description of occipitalis. From the known occurrence of inermis at Havana, from the agreement of occipitalis with inermis in rarity, size, and gen- eral type of coloration, from the possession by both of a narrow, deep interorbital groove, 2 parallel suprascapular spines, a 2d anal spine equal in length to the diameter of the eye, and an eye of equal size, it seems right to refer Poey's species at least tentatively to the synonymy of inermis. Scorpaena inermis is rather rare, appearing occasionally among fishes seined on grass flats about Long Key and inside Bird Key reef. It is a small species, sexually mature at a length of 80 mm. or less. In coloration this is perhaps the most readily changeable of local species of Scorpaena. In some phases its color is rich and variegated. In others it is almost white, or pale over the head only, with diffuse duskiness on the body and more evident pattern on the fins. It has power to show in an instant blotched browns and olive, with red or maroon on the fins, but in all phases its breast, axilla, and belly remain plain white. W. H. L. The collection contains 9 specimens, 55 to 95 mm. long. This species is rather close to S. calcarata. The chief preopercular spine, however, is much shorter in inermis, wherein it does not reach more than halfway to opercular margin; the peculiar dermal structures on the opaque skin on upper part of eye, extending down over the cornea, to which they adhere, as already stated, are diagnostic. In color, the preserved specimens of this species are darker, having more brown, which is in blotches and often in crossbars. West Indies to southern Florida. S. F. H. 164 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Scorpaena calcarata Goode and Bean Scorpaena calcarata Goode and Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 5, 1882 (1883), p. 422 — Clearwater Harbor, Florida. Longley, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Year Book No. 34, 1935, p. 284. Scorpaena russula atlantica Nichols and Breder, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, vol. 37, 1924, p. 21, pi. 7 — off Galveston, Texas. The type of calcarata, 55 mm. in length, is no longer perfectly preserved, but deterioration has not masked its identity, as is evident from the shallow occipital pit, 2 distinct longitudinal ridges in interorbital space, a short spine on ascend- ing border of preopercle above long spine at angle, which extends nearly to oper- cular border, and the eye lacking opaque extensions on the cornea above as in inermis. It is clear that the original description is incorrect in stating that the pectoral rays are simple in the type, as 1 or 2 simple rays above are followed by 4 or 5 branched ones. From comparison with better-preserved specimens there is little doubt that originally the type had 6 branched rays following a single simple ray above, and followed by 14 unbranched ones below. Neither this species nor inermis, with which it has generally been united, is in the structure of its pectoral fin transitional between normal Scorpaena and Pontinus, as is suggested by Jordan and Evermann (Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 47, pt.2, 1898, p. 1854). Taken rather commonly at Tortugas in 10-fathom channels within the lagoon, and at depths of 12 to 15 fathoms east of Bush Key and Bird Key reefs. Speci- mens 45 to 135 mm. long have been included in the catch; none were in breed- ing condition. The proportional measurements of a specimen from Tortugas, 67 mm. long, are as follows: Depth 3.1; head 2.1. Eye in head 3.0; interorbital width 2.66. In 1 of 6 specimens examined, the dorsal spines are n, in the others 12; the soft rays are once 11, otherwise 10. The anal formula is 111,5 ' n 5 specimens, and 111,6 in the other one; pectoral rays 19 in 1 fish, and 20 in the others. Five times the upper ray is simple, once branched, the next 5 to 7 branched, the lower 12 to 14 simple, fin reaching anal origin; 2d anal spine twice in depth, slightly shorter and stouter than 3d, which is only a little longer than diameter of orbit; occipital pit shallow, becoming almost obliterated with age; maxillary reaching vertical of posterior border of pupil; teeth villiform in jaws, and in a narrow band on vomer and palatines; spines on head weak; nasal, preocular, supraocular, post- ocular, coronal, parietal, nuchal, tympanic, and a single humeral spine present; also 2 small postorbital spines; 2 on lower border of preorbital; 2 on suborbital keel; a long spine at angle of the preopercle without a supplementary one at its base, extending nearly to subopercular border; below this 4 spines; several teeth on preopercular border above angle, inclined upward and appearing first at the length of about 65 mm.; scales cycloid; none on snout, jaws, or top of head; about 48 rows between upper margin of opercular cleft and base of caudal; 25 with pores. The fish are largely red when taken. They are changeable in color, however, 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TORTUGAS ^ and in aquariums replace much of their red with brown. In all color phases the breast, pectoral axil, and belly are plain white; ventrals rosy, unspotted, dusky distally; preserved specimens with vaguely defined dusky blotch below lateral line under spinous dorsal; mouth white within. W. H. L. The collection contains 20 specimens, 63 to 145 mm. long. The very shallow occipital pit and the long preopercular spine seem to characterize the species. The high number of pectoral rays (19 or 20) also separates this species from many others of the genus. Florida to Texas. S. F. H. Helicolenus maderensis Goode and Bean Taken at Tortugas in 100 to nearly 300 fathoms. D. XII, ii l / 2 or 12V2; A. 111,5^4; P. 19. Web of soft dorsal and anal fins very delicate, often destroyed in the trawl; scales ctenoid, extending on cheeks and maxillaries, and somewhat in interorbital space; pores in the lateral line about 30; scales along middle of side about 60. Head 3.0 to 3.25; depth 3.0 to 4.0. Eye very large, longer than snout, 2.8 to 3.0 in head; interorbital width 2.75 to 3.0, in 2 specimens 180 and 210 mm. in length; gill rakers slender, 16 more or less de- veloped on lower limb of first arch. Ground flesh color, at 100 mm. still fairly irregularly banded with five bands; base of dorsal between spines 8 and 10 with a dark spot half as large as eye. At a length of 220 mm. the body is still flesh-colored, but the bands have nearly dis- appeared; head reddish above, inclining to orange about jaws; soft dorsal and caudal of about same color; outer border of spinous dorsal maroon; pectoral orange above, rosy below; ventrals and anal rosy; mouth posteriorly, pharynx, and operculum slaty within. This species has been synonymized with Helicolenus dactylopterns by Jordan, Evermann, and Clark (Check list, 1930, p. 370), but seems distinct. West Atlantic specimens have a slightly smaller eye than 2 from the Azores (U. S. Nat. Mus. nos 23302, 94491), and have almost uniformly a well developed spine on the suborbital ridge, whereas the others have none. W. H. L. The collection contains 1 1 specimens, 62 to 235 mm. long. As the character of pectoral rays, whether simple or branched, often is given as of generic import- ance, it is interesting that specimens under about no mm. long have the rays all simple, somewhat larger ones have a few divided ones, and adults have several. One specimen 200 mm. long, for example, has the upper 2 rays simple, the next 9 branched, and the lower 8 simple. Norman in his revision of the genera of Scorpaenidae (Discovery rept., vol. 12, 1935, p. 21) pointed out the absence of divided rays in the young. This species is listed from several hauls in Dr. Longley's notes, as many as 41 specimens having been taken in one haul, and 22 in another. Deep water off the Atlantic coast of the United States from southern New England southward. S. F. H. l66 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv Neomerinthe tortugae Hildebrand Neomerinthe tortugae Hildebrand, in Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 247, fig. 13 — Tortugas, Florida. Pontinus longispinis Goode and Bean Dr. Longley listed it in his field data from 10 hauls at depths of 60 to 140 fathoms. As many as 21 specimens were taken in a single haul, indicating that the species is common in moderately deep water. Fish up to 220 mm. in length were caught. The color of fresh specimens is described as faintly rosy above, deeper red on head, and white below; ten small brassy spots along lateral line; pectoral faintly barred with half a dozen rows of small orange points on the rays; soft dorsal similarly marked; caudal very distinctly brown, spotted with white vertical streaks on a transparent ground ; posterior part of roof of mouth yellow. Preserved specimens are pale, with a more or less quadrate dusky blotch on occipital. Large specimens have small scattered dark spots on the upper part of the body, and on the soft dorsal and caudal; these are missing in specimens under about 120 mm. in length. In large individuals the 3d dorsal spine is much longer than the others, but this difference is not very evident in specimens under about 120 mm. The 2d anal spine is greatly enlarged at all sizes, being much longer and stronger than the 3d; suborbital keel with 4 spines; preorbital margin with 2 strong divergent spines; subopercle with 2 retrorse spines; pectoral rays all simple; scales extend- ing forward on interorbital and snout, where they become very small. The specimens were compared with the type, with which they agree. The following proportions and counts are based on 4 specimens from Tortugas,, 93 to 220 mm. long, and the type (U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 39325), which is 153 mm. long. The proportions and enumerations for the type are enclosed in parentheses. Head 2.4 to 2.6 (2.5); depth 3.0 to 3.33 (3.2). Eye in head 3.75 to 4.2 (3.5); snout 2.9 to 3.2 (2.75); maxillary 2.0 to 2.2 (2.05); interorbital 8 to 10 (9.3); caudal peduncle 3.9 to 4.3 (4.4); 3d dorsal spine 1.7 to 2.2 (2.0); 2d anal spine 1.8 to 2.1 (2.0); pectoral 1.3 to 1.4 (1.5); ventral 1.5 to 1.7 (1.75). D. XIL10 (XII,io); A. 111,5 (HI»5) ; P. 17 (16); scales 6-52 or 53-8 to 10 (7-47-10); gill rakers 9 or 10 and about 4 rudiments (9 -f- 4). Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Keys. S. F. H. Scorpaenodes floridae Hildebrand Scorpaenodes floridae Hildebrand, in Longley and Hildebrand, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub. 517, 1940, p. 251, fig. 14 — Tortugas, Florida. Setarches parmatus Goode Setarches parmatus Goode, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 3, 1880, p. 480 — off coast of Rhode Island. Scorpaena colesi Breder (not of Nichols), Bull. Bingham Oceanog. Coll., vol. 1, art. i,. 1927, p. 83 — off coast of British Honduras, 366 fathoms. Nineteen specimens, the largest 120 mm. long, taken at depths of 150 to 250 fathoms, are listed in Dr. Longley's notes. 1941 CATALOGUE OF FISHES OF TOR1TJGAS rfj This species is readily recognized by the deeply notched dorsal fin, the spinous and soft parts being nearly or quite separate, and by the reduced number of dorsal spines, the formula being X-I,io and XI-I,io in 2 Tortugas specimens. The head is cavernous, with large pores, and the preopercle has 5 prominent spines. In deep water from southern New England to Florida. S. F. H. Family PERISTEDIIDAE Peristedion Lacepede Peristedion Lacepede, Hist. nat. poiss., vol. 3, 1802, p. 368 (P. malarmat Lacepede = Trigla cataphracta Linnaeus). Vidsictdus Jordan and Evermann, Check list, 1896, p. 489 {Peristedion imberbe Poey). Members of this genus are notably specialized. They are also so true to their several types that multiple differences in proportions, in length, shape, and degree of divergence of their rostral processes, in the arrangement of their barbels, the number and form of their cephalic keels and spines, sculpturing of their scutes, and form and proportions of the terminal spines of the three series ending on either side of the caudal fin readily distinguish them. W. H. L. The following key will aid in showing the relations of the local species. S. F. H. Key to the Species a. Rostral processes very long and thin, much longer than eye, about 2.6 to 3.0 in head (head measured from base of rostral processes to tip of opercular spine); head quite to moderately narrow, its width about 1.7 to 2.7 in its length b. Head very narrow, preopercular ridge scarcely expanded, its width about 2.5 to 2.8 in its length; last scute (on base of caudal) in lateral-line series very small, much smaller than those in dorsal and ventral series; principal mandibular barbel short, about reaching angle of mouth; lower part of side with a silvery band imberbe bb. Head broader, the preopercular ridge much more prominently expanded; last scute in lateral line not much if any smaller than those in dorsal and ventral series; mandibular barbel longer, reaching nearly to base of ventral; no silvery band on side . longispathum aa. Rostral processes notably shorter and thicker, equal to or shorter than eye, about 4.4 to 8.0 in head; head very broad, expanded pos- teriorly, its width about 1.4 to 1.5 in its length c. Spines on head very strong; supraorbital ridge with 3 prin- cipal spines and some smaller ones; rostral processes very short, about 8.5 to 9.5 in head; principal mandibular barbel very long and thick, reaching base of pectoral miniatum cc. Spines on head notably smaller; supraorbital ridge with only 1 small spine, placed over posterior part of eye; rostral processes somewhat longer, about 4.2 to 5.5 in head; principal mandibular barbel shorter and much more slender d. Spines on scutes in arch of lateral line obsolete; eye large, 168 PAPERS FROM TORTUGAS LABORATORY vol. xxxiv its diameter greater than interorbital space, about 3.5 to 3.8 in head; principal mandibular barbel scarcely reaching angle of mouth; lower part of side with a silvery band . platycephalum dd. Scutes in arch of lateral line with definite spines; eye notably smaller,