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Title: The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, [vol. 4 of 5]
Fish
Author: Leonard Jenyns
Editor: Charles Darwin
Illustrator: B. Waterhouse Hawkins
Release date: April 27, 2026 [eBook #78558]
Language: English
Original publication: London: Smith, Elder & Co, 1839
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78558
Credits: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by Biodiversity Heritage Library.)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. BEAGLE, [VOL. 4 OF 5] ***
THE
ZOOLOGY
OF
THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. BEAGLE,
UNDER THE COMMAND OF CAPTAIN FITZROY, R.N.
DURING THE YEARS
1832 TO 1836.
_PUBLISHED WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF HER
MAJESTY’S TREASURY._
=Edited and Superintended by=
CHARLES DARWIN, ESQ. M.A. F.R.S. F.G.S., ETC.
NATURALIST TO THE EXPEDITION.
PART IV.
FISH,
BY
THE REV. LEONARD JENYNS, M.A., F.L.S., &c.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY SMITH, ELDER, AND CO. 65, CORNHILL.
MDCCCXLII.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY STEWART AND MURRAY,
OLD BAILEY.
FISH,
=Described by=
THE REV. LEONARD JENYNS, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., F.Z.S.
FELLOW OF THE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, AND OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF
NATURAL HISTORY.
ILLUSTRATED BY NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS.
INTRODUCTION.
The number of species of Fish described or noticed in the following Part
of the Zoology of the Beagle, amount to 137. It is right to observe
that, judging from Mr. Darwin’s manuscript notes, relating to what he
obtained in this department, this is probably not more than half the
entire number which he collected. Unfortunately a large portion of the
valuable collection sent home by him arrived in this country in too bad
condition for examination, and was necessarily rejected.
The localities visited by Mr. Darwin, and at every one of which more or
fewer species of fish were obtained, were the Cape Verde Islands,—the
coast of Brazil, including the mouth of the Plata, together with several
inland rivers and streams in that district,—the coasts of Patagonia, and
the Santa Cruz river,—Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands,—the
Archipelago of Chiloe,—the coasts of Chile and Peru,—the Galapagos
Archipelago,—Tahiti,—New Zealand, King George’s Sound in Australia,—and,
lastly, the Keeling Islands in the Indian Ocean. The great bulk of the
species, however, are from the coasts, east and west, of South America.
The particular locality assigned to each species respectively in the
following work may be relied upon as correct; pains having been taken by
Mr. Darwin to affix a small ticket of tin, with a number stamped upon
it, to each specimen, and to enter a note immediately in the manuscript
catalogue, having the same number attached. In only three or four
instances these tickets were found wanting, on the arrival of the
collection in this country.
A considerable portion of the species examined and described are new to
science, especially of those collected in South America, and the
adjoining Islands and Archipelagos. The new ones are supposed to amount
to seventy-five at least, constituting more than half the entire number;
and amongst these are apparently seven new genera.
It may be interesting to state more particularly from what localities
the new species principally come, and what proportion they bear to the
_entire_ number brought from each of those localities. Thus from Brazil
_about half_ are considered new;—from Patagonia _at least half_;—from
Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, and the Galapagos Archipelago,
_all are new_, without exception; and _nearly all_ from Chiloe, and the
coasts of Chile and Peru. Of the species brought from Tahiti, New
Holland, and the Indian Ocean, not above _one-fourth_ are new. This
might have been anticipated from the better knowledge which we have of
the Ichthyology of that quarter of the globe, than of South America.
It is much to be regretted that the portion of the collection which has
been lost to science, was obtained in localities most abounding in
novelties, judging from that portion of it which has been saved. Thus,
not above five or six species will be found noticed in the following
work, from Tierra del Fuego, where Mr. Darwin took especial pains to
collect all he could, and, judging from his manuscript catalogue, he
must probably have obtained between thirty and forty. From the Falkland
Islands again, there have been only saved two out of fifteen or
sixteen,—from the coasts of Chile and Peru, not half the entire number
obtained, and not above half from the coasts of Patagonia.
There is also described not above half the species brought from King
George’s Sound, and the Keeling Islands; but as the Indian and
Australian species, or at least the former, have been more frequently
brought to Europe than the South American, they are less to be regretted
than these last.
It is fortunate that _the whole_ of the species obtained by Mr. Darwin
in the Galapagos Archipelago, amounting to fifteen, have been preserved,
and are described in the following pages.
It may now be useful to mention, to what groups principally—first, the
entire number of described species belong, and, secondly, that portion
of them which are considered new. Both these points will be best judged
of from the following table, in which the whole collection is parcelled
out according to the families.
ACANTHOPTERYGII.
PERCIDÆ Entire No. of species 18 whereof new 11
MULLIDÆ 3
TRIGLIDÆ 3 1
COTTIDÆ 2 2
SCORPÆNIDÆ 4 2
SCIÆNIDÆ 10 5
SPARIDÆ 1 1
MÆNIDÆ 2
CHÆTODONTIDÆ 2
SCOMBRIDÆ 7 3
TEUTHYDIDÆ 2
ATHERINIDÆ 3 2
MUGILIDÆ 3
BLENNIDÆ 11 7
GOBIDÆ 3 2
LABRIDÆ 7 5
LOPHIDÆ 1
—— ——
TOTAL 82 TOTAL, NEW 41
MALACOPTERYGII.
SILURIDÆ Entire No. of species 3 whereof new 2
CYPRINIDÆ 7 6
ESOCIDÆ 1
SALMONIDÆ 8 7
CLUPEIDÆ 5 5
PLEURONECTIDÆ 6 1
[probably more.]
CYCLOPTERIDÆ 2 2
ECHENEIDIDÆ 1
ANGUILLIDÆ 6 2
[perhaps more.]
—— ——
TOTAL 39 TOTAL, NEW 25
LOPHOBRANCHII.
SYNGNATHIDÆ Entire No. of species 3 whereof new 3
PLECTOGNATHI.
TETRODONTIDÆ Entire No. of species 7 whereof new 4
BALISTIDÆ 5 1
—— ——
TOTAL 12 TOTAL, NEW 5
CYCLOSTOMI.
PETROMYZONIDÆ Entire No. of species 1 whereof new 1
TOTAL IN THE SEVERAL ORDERS.
ACANTHOPTERYGII Entire No. of species 82 whereof new 41
MALACOPTERYGII 39 25
LOPHOBRANCHII 3 3
PLECTOGNATHI 12 5
CYCLOSTOMI 1 1
—— ——
GRAND TOTAL 137 GRAND TOTAL, NEW 75
It appears from the above table that of the entire number of species,
three-fifths belong to the Acanthopterygian fishes,—rather more than
one-fourth to the Malacopterygian,—and about one-eighth to the remaining
orders united.
In the Acanthopterygians, the _new_ species amount to one-half; in the
Malacopterygians, to about two-thirds; in the remaining orders together,
to rather more than one-half.
Looking, therefore, to the entire number of species described, the
Acanthopterygians prevail; and it is in the same order that there are
most new ones: but looking to the proportion, which in each order the
new ones bear to the entire number, it is among the Malacopterygians
that this proportion will be found highest.
Restricting our view, it will be also seen, in the Malacopterygians,
that the new species are relatively most numerous in the fresh-water
groups, such as the _Siluridæ_, the _Cyprinidæ_, and _Salmonidæ_, in
which three families taken together, they amount to five-sixths of the
whole. The _Clupeidæ_ are an exception, in which all the species are
apparently new.
All the species described, belonging to the three families above
mentioned, in which there are so many new, viz. the _Siluridæ_, the
_Cyprinidæ_, and _Salmonidæ_, are from South America, and the Falkland
Islands, excepting one from New Zealand.
Of the remaining fresh-water fishes in the collection, three out of five
are presumed to be new. One of these is a species of _Perca_, from the
Santa Cruz river, in South Patagonia; the second is a species of
_Dules_, from the river Matavai, in Tahiti; the third a species of
_Atherina_, from Valparaiso. Perhaps, however, this last is not strictly
an inland species.
The entire number of fresh-water species in the collection is
twenty-three, and the entire number of new ones amongst these is
eighteen. The large proportion of these latter is a circumstance in
confirmation of a remark which Cuvier has somewhere made, that the
fresh-water fishes of foreign countries are much less known and
understood than those found on the coasts. It may serve also as a hint
to future travellers.
The seven new genera in the collection belong—one to the _Sciænidæ_,
from the Galapagos Archipelago;—one to the _Scombridæ_, from North
Patagonia;—three to the _Blennidæ_, whereof one is from the Archipelago
of Chiloe, the second from the Falkland Islands, and the third from New
Zealand;—one to the _Cyprinidæ_, embracing three species, from South
Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and New Zealand; and, lastly, one to the
_Salmonidæ_, embracing two species from the Falkland Islands and Tierra
del Fuego respectively.
It has been already mentioned, that all the species obtained by Mr.
Darwin in the Galapagos Archipelago have been preserved. As they are
likewise all new, and those islands appear to have been scarcely visited
by any naturalist previously, it may be interesting to enumerate the
several genera to which they belong, and the number of species in each
genus respectively.
SERRANUS 3 species Fam. PERCIDÆ. ACANTHOPTERYGII.
PRIONOTUS 1 „ —— TRIGLIDÆ. „
SCORPÆNA 1 „ —— SCORPÆNIDÆ. „
PRIONODES _N.G._ 1 „ —— SCIÆNIDÆ. „
PRISTIPOMA 1 „ „ „ „
LATILUS 1 „ „ „ „
CHRYSOPHRYS 1 „ —— SPARIDÆ. „
GOBIUS 1 „ —— GOBIDÆ. „
COSSYPHUS 1 „ —— LABRIDÆ. „
GOBIESOX 1 „ —— CYCLOPTERIDÆ. MALACOPTERYGII.
MURÆNA 1 „ —— ANGUILLIDÆ. „
TETRODON 2 „ —— TETRODONTIDÆ. PLECTOGNATHI.
——
15
In making the foregoing estimates, as regards the number of new species
brought home by Mr. Darwin, I have been guided almost entirely by my own
judgment. The difficulty, however, of ascertaining, in a miscellaneous
collection of this nature, brought from various localities, what _are_
really new to science, is very great; and this difficulty is much
increased, where an author is situate apart from large public museums to
which he might have recourse for comparison. Possibly, therefore, some
of those described as new in the following work, may not be so in
reality; and, in one instance, as mentioned in the Appendix, this is
known to be the case. My excuse, however, must rest upon what has been
just stated. It is hoped that caution has been generally shown, at least
in regard to specimens not in a good state of preservation; and, in
several such cases, in which an accurate description was hardly
practicable,—though they could not be referred to any known
species,—they are not positively declared new, nor any names imposed
upon them whatever.
I have, of course, consulted throughout the invaluable volumes of Cuvier
and Valenciennes, so far as they have yet advanced in the subject; and
in them it will be found that a few species, brought by Mr. Darwin from
South America, and still but little known, had nevertheless been
previously obtained from the same country by M. Gay. The zoological
atlasses of the three great French voyages by Freycinet, Duperrey and
D’Urville have been also carefully looked through; and, in regard
particularly to the fish of South America, the works of Humboldt, Spix
and Agassiz, and the more recent one, now in course of publication, by
M. D’Orbigny.
There is an equal difficulty felt by every naturalist at the present
day, in distinguishing species from varieties. And in the case of Fish,
residing in a peculiar element, and so much removed from our
observation,—we are almost at a loss to know, at present, to what extent
their characters may be modified by local and accidental causes, or how
far we may trust a different geographical position for giving permanence
and value to a slight modification of form different from what occurs in
the species of our own seas. Still less easy is it to determine the true
importance of characters, in instances in which it is only permitted to
see a single specimen of the kind, or, at most, very few individuals.
Many mistakes, therefore, are liable to occur, in a work of this nature,
arising from the above sources. The only way to prevent their creating
any permanent confusion in the science, is to describe all species of
which the least doubt is entertained, in such detail, and with such
accuracy, that they may not fail of being recognized by any observer, to
whom they may occur a second time. They will not then _continue to hold
a false position_ in the system, as _spurious_ species. They may not be
new, or they may not be species at all,—but they will be _known_; and
any mistake which has been committed will be at once rectified,—any new
name which has been wrongly imposed, immediately degraded to a synonym.
Accordingly I have been careful in this respect; and I have in some
instances, given full descriptions, even of species which are certainly
not new, but which I did not find described by previous authors with all
the detail that was requisite for completely identifying them; or,
leaving out what they have noticed, I have added such characters as they
have omitted. My main object has been to render all the species, whether
rightly named or not, easily recognizable; and, however little the
science may be advanced by what is brought forward, to make that
advance, so far as it goes, sure.
The method of description, and the mode of computing the fin-ray
formula, will be found conformable to the plan adopted in the “Histoire
des Poissons” of Cuvier and Valenciennes; a work which, in so many
respects, must always serve as a model to labourers in this department
of zoology.
The colours, in the great majority of instances, were, fortunately,
noticed by Mr. Darwin in the recent state. The nomenclature employed by
him for the purpose is that of Patrick Syme; and he informs me, that a
comparison was always made with the book in hand, previous to the exact
colour in any case being noted. Where I have observed any markings left
unnoticed by Mr. Darwin, I have added them myself; and, in most
instances, I have given the general disposition of the colours as they
appear in spirits, from the circumstance of their being often so much
altered by the liquor, and liable to mislead those, who have only the
opportunity of seeing them in preserved specimens. This is what Cuvier
and Valenciennes have frequently done in their work; and from them I
have borrowed the practice.
In a work of this nature, it has not been thought desirable to enter
into any discussion of the principles of scientific arrangement, or to
effect any change in systems already received; its main object being the
description of species. For this reason, I have taken the groups almost
exactly as they stand in the “Histoire des Poissons” of Cuvier and
Valenciennes, or in the “Regne Animal” of the former: yet there is
reason to believe that many parts of their system will be found
hereafter to require some modification, especially in regard to families
and genera which have for their distinctive character the presence or
absence of vomerine or palatine teeth. The small value which is to be
attached to such character is pointed out in some instances in the
following work, and much dwelt upon.
In conclusion, it may be stated, that the whole of the species in the
collection of fish brought home by Mr. Darwin, described in the
following pages, have been deposited by him in the Museum of the
Philosophical Society of Cambridge. They are mostly in spirit, and,
generally speaking, in a good state of preservation; some few, however,
are in the state of skins only, and have been mounted.
L. JENYNS.
_Swaffham Bulbeck,
Jan. 8, 1842._
SYSTEMATIC TABLE OF SPECIES,
WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE HABITATS.
ACANTHOPTERYGII.
PERCIDÆ.
Perca lævis, _Jen._ South Patagonia.
Serranus albo-maculatus, _Jen._ Galapagos Archipelago.
—— Goreensis, _Val._? Cape Verde Islands.
—— aspersus, _Jen._ Ditto.
—— labriformis, _Jen._ Galapagos.
—— olfax, _Jen._ Ditto.
Plectropoma Patachonica, _Jen._ North Patagonia.
Diacope marginata, _Cuv._ Keeling Islands.
Arripis Georgianus King George’s Sound.
Aplodactylus punctatus, _Val._
Dules Auriga, _Cuv. et Val._ Maldonado.
—— Leuciscus, _Jen._ Tahiti.
Helotes octolineatus, _Jen._ King George’s Sound.
Aphritis undulatus, _Jen._ Archipelago of Chiloe.
—— porosus, _Jen._ Central Patagonia.
Pinguipes fasciatus, _Jen._ North Patagonia.
—— Chilensis, _Val._ Valparaiso.
Percophis Brasilianus, _Cuv._ North Patagonia.
MULLIDÆ.
Upeneus flavolineatus, _Cuv. et Val._ Keeling Islands.
—— trifasciatus, _Cuv._ Tahiti.
—— Prayensis, _Cuv. et Val._? Cape Verde Islands.
TRIGLIDÆ.
Trigla Kumu, _Less. et Garn._ New Zealand.
Prionotus punctatus, _Cuv._ Rio de Janeiro.
—— Miles, _Jen._ Galapagos.
COTTIDÆ.
Aspidophorus Chiloensis, _Jen._ Chiloe.
Platycephalus inops, _Jen._ King George’s Sound.
SCORPÆNIDÆ.
Scorpæna Histrio, _Jen._ Galapagos.
Sebastes oculata, _Val._? Valparaiso.
Agriopus hispidus, _Jen._ Archipelago of Chiloe.
Apistus ——? King George’s Sound.
SCLÆNIDÆ.
Otolithus Guatucupa, _Cuv. et Val._ Maldonado.
—— analis, _Jen._ Coast of Peru.
Corvina adusta, _Agass._ Maldonado.
Umbrina arenata, _Cuv. et Val._ North Patagonia.
—— ophicephala, _Jen._ Coquimbo.
Prionodes fasciatus, _Jen._ Galapagos.
Pristipoma cantharinum, _Jen._ Ditto.
Latilus jugularis, _Val._ Valparaiso.
—— princeps, _Jen._ Galapagos.
Heliases Crusma, _Val._ Valparaiso.
SPARIDÆ.
Chrysophrys taurina, _Jen._ Galapagos.
MÆNIDÆ.
Gerres Gula, _Cuv. et Val._? Rio de Janeiro.
—— Oyena, _Cuv. et Val._? Keeling Islands.
CHÆTODONTIDÆ.
Chætodon setifer, _Bl._ Keeling Islands.
Stegastes imbricatus, _Jen._ Cape Verde Islands.
SCOMBRIDÆ.
Paropsis signata, _Jen._ North Patagonia.
Caranx declivis, _Jen._ King George’s Sound.
—— torvus, _Jen._ Tahiti.
Caranx Georgianus, _Cuv. et Val._ King George’s Sound.
Seriola bipinnulata, _Quoy et Gaim._ Keeling Islands.
Psenes ——? South Atlantic Ocean.
Stromateus maculatus, _Cuv. et Val._? Chiloe.
TEUTHYDIDÆ.
Acanthurus triostegus, _Bl. Schn._ Keeling Islands.
—— humeralis, _Cuv. et Val._ Tahiti.
ATHERINIDÆ.
Atherina argentinensis, _Cuv. et Val._? Maldonado.
—— microlepidota, _Jen._ Valparaiso.
—— incisa, _Jen._ North Patagonia.
MUGILIDÆ.
Mugil Liza, _Cuv. et Val._? North Patagonia.
——? Keeling Islands.
Dajaus Diemensis, _Richards_ King George’s Sound.
BLENNIDÆ.
Blennius palmicornis, _Cuv. et Val._ Cape Verde Islands.
Blennechis fasciatus, _Jen._ Concepcion.
—— ornatus, _Jen._ Coquimbo.
Salarias atlanticus, _Cuv. et Val._ Cape Verde Islands.
Salarias quadricornis, _Cuv. et Val._? Keeling Islands
—— vomerinus, _Cuv. et Val._? Cape Verde Islands.
Clinus crinitus, _Jen._ Coquimbo.
Acanthoclinus fuscus, _Jen._ New Zealand.
Tripterygion Capito, _Jen._ New Zealand.
Iluocœtes fimbriatus, _Jen._ Archipelago of Chiloe.
Phucocœtes latitans, _Jen._ Falkland Islands.
GOBIDÆ.
Gobius lineatus, _Jen._ Galapagos.
Gobius ophicephalus, _Jen._ Archipelago of Chiloe.
Eleotris Gobioides, _Val._ New Zealand.
LOPHIDÆ.
Batrachus porosissimus, _Cuv. et Val._? Bahia Blanca.
LABRIDÆ.
Cossyphus Darwini, _Jen._ Galapagos.
Cheilio ramosus, _Jen._ Japan?
Chromis facetus, _Jen._ Maldonado.
Scarus chlorodon, _Jen._ Keeling Islands.
—— globiceps, _Cuv. et Val._ Tahiti.
—— lepidus, _Jen._ Tahiti.
——? Keeling Islands.
MALACOPTERYGII.
SILURIDÆ.
Pimelodus gracilis, _Val._? Rio de Janeiro.
—— exsudans, _Jen._ Ditto.?
Callichthys paleatus, _Jen._
CYPRINIDÆ.
Pœcilia unimaculata, _Val._ Rio de Janeiro.
—— decem-maculata, _Jen._ Maldonado.
Lebias lineata, _Jen._ Ditto.
—— multidentata, _Jen._ Monte Video.
Mesites maculatus, _Jen._ South Patagonia.
—— alpinus, _Jen._ Tierra del Fuego.
—— attenuatus, _Jen._ New Zealand.
ESOCIDÆ
Exocœtus exsiliens, _Bl._? Pacific Ocean.
SALMONIDÆ.
Tetragonopterus Abramis, _Jen._ Rio Parana, S. America.
—— rutilus, _Jen._ Ditto.
—— scabripinnis, _Jen._ Rio de Janeiro.
—— tœniatus, _Jen._ Ditto.
—— interruptus, _Jen._ Maldonado.
Hydrocyon Hepsetus, _Cuv._ Maldonado.
Aplochiton Zebra, _Jen._ Falkland Islands.
—— tæniatus, _Jen._ Tierra del Fuego.
CLUPEIDÆ.
Clupea Fuegensis, _Jen._ Tierra del Fuego.
—— arcuata, _Jen._ Bahia Blanca.
—— sagax, _Jen._ Lima.
Alosa pectinata, _Jen._ North Patagonia.
Engraulis ringens, _Jen._ Coast of Peru.
PLEURONECTIDÆ.
Platessa Orbignyana, _Val._? Bahia Blanca.
—— ——? King George’s Sound.
Hippoglossus Kingii, _Jen._ Valparaiso.
Rhombus ——? Bahia Blanca.
Achirus lineatus, _D’Orb._ Coast of Brazil.
Plagusia ——? Coast of Patagonia.
CYCLOPTERIDÆ.
Gobiesox marmoratus, _Jen._ Archipelago of Chiloe.
—— pœcilophthalmos, _Jen._ Galapagos.
ECHENEIDIDÆ.
Echeneis Remora, _Linn._ Atlantic Ocean.
ANGUILLIDÆ.
Anguilla australis, _Richards._ New Zealand.
Conger punctus, _Jen._ Tierra del Fuego.
Muræma lentiginosa, _Jen._ Galapagos.
—— ocellata, _Agass._ Rio de Janeiro.
——? Cape Verde Islands.
——? Tahiti.
LOPHOBRANCHII.
SYNGNATHIDÆ.
Syngnathus acicularis, _Jen._ Valparaiso.
—— conspicillatus, _Jen._ Tahiti.
—— crinitus, _Jen._ Bahia Blanca.
PLECTOGNATHI.
TETRODONTIDÆ.
Diodon nycthemerus, _Cuv._
—— rivulatus, _Cuv._ Maldonado.
—— antennatus, _Cuv._? Bahia Blanca.
Tetrodon aerostaticus, _Jen._
—— implutus, _Jen._ Keeling Islands.
—— annulatus, _Jen._ Galapagos.
—— angusticeps, _Jen._ Ditto.
BALISTIDÆ.
Balistes Vetula, _Bl._ South Atlantic Ocean.
—— aculeatus, _Bl._ Tahiti.
Aleuteres maculosus, _Richards._ King George’s Sound.
—— velutinus, _Jen._ Ditto.
Ostracion punctatus, _Schn._ Tahiti.
CYCLOSTOMI.
PETHOMYZONIDÆ.
Myxine australis, _Jen._ Tierra del Fuego.
LIST OF PLATES.
Plate I. Perca lævis.
II. Serranus albo-maculatus.
III. —— labriformis.
IV. —— olfax.
V. Pinguipes fasciatus.
VI. Prionotus Miles.
VII. Fig. 1. Aspidophorus Chiloensis. _Twice Nat. size._
„ — 1_a_. Ditto. _Nat. size. Dorsal view._
„ — 1_b_. Ditto. _Ditto. Side view._
„ — 2. Agriopus hispidus. _Twice Nat. size._
„ — 2_a_. Ditto. _Nat. size._
„ — 2_b_. Ditto. _Portion of the hispid cuticle magnified._
VIII. Scorpæna Histrio.
IX. Fig. 1. Prionodes fasciatus.
„ — 2. Stegastes imbricatus.
X. Pristipoma cantharinum.
XI. Latilus princeps.
XII. Chrysophrys taurina.
XIII. Paropsis signata.
XIV. Caranx declivis.
XV. —— torvus.
XVI. Fig. 1. Atherina microlepidota.
„ — 1_a_. Ditto _Magnified scales._
„ — 1_b_. „
„ — 2. Atherina incisa. _Nat. size._
„ — 2_a_. Ditto. _Magnified scale._
„ — 2_b_. Ditto. _Twice Nat. size._
XVII. Fig. 1. Blennechis fasciatus.
„ — 1_a_. Ditto. _Teeth magnified._
„ — 2. Blennechis ornatus.
„ — 3. Salarias vomerinus.
XVIII. Fig. 1. Clinus crinitus.
„ — 2. Acanthoclinus fuscus.
XIX. Fig. 1. Tripterygion Capito.
„ — 2. Gobius lineatus.
„ — 2_a_. Ditto. _Dorsal view._
„ — 3. Gobius ophicephalus.
„ — 3_a_. Ditto. _Dorsal view._
XX. Cossyphus Darwini.
XXI. Scarus chlorodon.
XXII. Fig. 1. Pœcilia decem-maculata. _Twice nat. size._
„ — 1_a_. Ditto. _Nat. size._
„ — 2. Lebias lineata.
„ — 2_a_. Ditto. _Teeth magnified._
„ — 3. Lebias multidentata.
„ — 3_a_. Ditto. _Teeth magnified._
„ — 4. Mesites maculatus.
„ — 5. —— attenuatus.
XXIII. — 1. Tetragonopterus Abramis.
„ — 1_a_. Ditto. _Mouth magnified, to show form of maxillary._
„ — 2. Tetragonopterus rutilus.
„ — 2_a_. Ditto. _Mouth magnified._
„ — 3. Tetragonopterus scabripinnis.
„ — 3_a_. Ditto. _Mouth magnified._
„ — 4. Tetragonopterus interruptus.
„ — 4_a_. Ditto. _Mouth magnified._
XXIV. — 1. Aplochiton Zebra.
„ — 1_a_. Ditto. _Magnified view of anal and generative
orifices._
„ — 2. Aplochiton tæniatus.
XXV. Alosa pectinata.
„ _a._ —— _Magnified scale from nape._
XXVI. Hippoglossus Kingii.
XXVII. — 1. Gobiesox marmoratus.
„ — 1_a_. Ditto. _Dorsal view._
„ — _b_. Ditto. _Under side._
„ — 2. Gobiesox pœcilophthalmos.
„ — 2_a_. Ditto. _Lateral view._
„ — 2_b_. Ditto. _Magnified view of teeth._
„ — 3. Syngnathus acicularis.
„ — 4. —— conspicillatus.
„ — 5. —— crinitus.
XXVIII. Tetrodon angusticeps.
„ _a._ —— _Dorsal view of head._
XXIX. — 1. Aphritis undulatus.
Append.
„ — 2. Iluocœtes fimbriatus.
„ — 2_a_. Ditto. _Magnified view of teeth._
„ — 3. Phucocœtes latitans.
„ — 3_a_. Ditto. _Teeth._
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 1._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
_Perca lævis. ¾ Nat. Size_
]
FISH.
ACANTHOPTERYGII.
FAMILY—PERCIDÆ.
PERCA LÆVIS. _Jen._
PLATE I.
_P. nigricanti-fusco undique punctata; vertice, fronte, rostro usque
ad nares, et infraorbitalium parte posteriori, squamatis; squamis,
in capite ciliatis scabris, in corpore sublævibus._
B. 7; D. 9—1/11; A. 3/9; C. 17; P. 15; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 11; lin. 5.
FORM.—Much more elongated than the _common Perch_, with the back less
elevated. Depth, beneath the commencement of the first dorsal, not
quite equalling one-fifth of the entire length. Thickness, in the
region of the pectorals, about two-thirds of the depth. Head not
quite one-fourth of the entire length. Profile falling gently from
the nape in nearly a straight line at an angle of about 45°: at the
nape the dorsal line rises so as to interrupt its continuity with
the slope of the profile, but it is nearly horizontal along the base
of the dorsal fins. The jaws are nearly equal, but when the mouth is
closed, the upper one appears somewhat the longer. A band of
velutine teeth in each jaw, as well as on the vomer and palatines.
Maxillaries when at rest nearly concealed beneath the suborbital
bones: these last with their lower margin distinctly denticulated;
their surface presenting several small hollows. Eyes rather above
the middle of the cheeks, and about equidistant from the extremity
of the snout and the posterior margin of the preopercle; their
diameter is one-sixth of the length of the head; the distance from
one to the other equals one diameter and a half. Nostrils double, a
little in advance of the eyes; the first orifice oval, the second
round. Preopercle rectangular, with the angle rounded; the ascending
margin finely denticulated, the teeth almost disappearing at the
top; towards the angle the teeth become stronger and point
downwards; they are also stronger and more scattered along the basal
margin, inclining here a little forwards. Opercle with two flat
sharp points, one a little below the upper angle, the other about
the middle and terminating the gill-cover. Both the subopercle and
interopercle have their margins obscurely denticulated: the margin
of the former is rather sinuous, and passes obliquely forwards and
downwards to form a continuous curve with that of the latter. Crown,
forehead, upper part of the snout as far as the connecting line of
the nostrils, posterior half of the suborbitals, cheeks, and all the
pieces of the gill-cover, excepting the lower limb of the
preopercle, covered with small scales, which are in most instances
ciliated with a varying number of denticles, and feel rough to the
touch: the extremity of the snout, anterior portion of the
suborbitals, maxillaries, and lower jaw are naked. Above each orbit
is a small semicircular granulated plate, with the granulations
disposed in striæ. The suprascapulars terminate in an obtuse
projecting point. The humeral bone forms a large osseous triangular
plate above the pectorals, the salient angle terminating in three
small teeth. Course of the lateral line a little above one-third of
the depth till it arrives beneath the second dorsal, where it bends
down to half the depth. Scales on the body larger than those on the
head, of an oblong form, rounded at their free edges, which are
scarcely at all ciliated, and for the most part quite smooth to the
touch; their concealed portion not wider than the free, with a fan
of fourteen striæ; the rest of their surface more finely striated.
The first dorsal commences a little beyond a vertical line from the
termination of the humeral plate, and is almost continuous with the
second, being only separated by a deep notch; the space occupied by
the two dorsals together is exactly one-third of the entire length:
spines strong; the first scarcely more than one-third the length of
the second, which is very little shorter than the third; this last
longest, equalling rather more than half the depth; rest of the
spines gradually decreasing to the last, which is of the same length
as the first. The second dorsal commences with a slender spine, not
half the length of the first soft ray, which last is simple, the
others being branched; third and fourth soft rays longest; the
succeeding ones slowly decreasing to the last, which is rather more
than half the longest. Anal preceded by three spines, the first of
which is very short; second much longer and very stout; third of
about the same length as the second, but much slenderer; the first
and second separated by a wide membrane from the third, which is
closely united to the first soft ray; these last longer than those
of the second dorsal, but in other respects similar. The anal and
second dorsal terminate in the same vertical line; and the last ray
is double in both fins. Between them and the caudal is a space
equalling one-fifth of the entire length. The caudal is slightly
notched. The pectorals are rather pointed, their length equalling
two-thirds that of the head. Ventrals immediately beneath them, and
of about the same length; the first soft ray longest, and more than
twice the length of the spine which precedes it.
COLOUR.—In spirits this fish appears yellowish brown, deepening on the
back but becoming paler on the belly, and covered all over with
small dusky spots, one occupying the base of each scale.
Habitat, Santa Cruz River, Patagonia.
[Illustration:
_Fish Pl. 2._
_Drawn from Nature on stone by Waterhouse Hawkins._
_Serranus albo-maculatus, ½ Nat. Size._
]
No true perch had been obtained from South America until M. D’Orbigny
discovered one in the Rio-Negro, in North Patagonia, which has been
since described by Valenciennes, under the name of _P. trucha_.[1] The
present species was found dead by Mr. Darwin, high up the river of Santa
Cruz, in South Patagonia. It is evidently very closely allied to the _P.
trucha_, and is spotted in a similar manner; but it appears to differ in
the scales not advancing on the snout beyond the nostrils, or covering
more than the posterior half of the suborbitals. Those on the body are
also particularly characterized by being so smooth, as hardly to
communicate any sensation of roughness when the hand is passed from the
tail towards the head, though the head itself is rough. This
circumstance has suggested the specific name. This species further
disagrees with the one above alluded to in having the caudal slightly
forked, not rounded; and in having two soft rays less in the second
dorsal, and one less in the anal. Valenciennes’s description, however,
of the _P. trucha_ is very brief; on which account I have been the more
minute in that of the _P. lævis_.
This perch, with _P. trucha_, would almost seem to form a subordinate
division in the genus, distinguished from that embracing all the other
described species, by the character of the scales covering a large
portion of the head which gives it a remarkable sciænoid appearance.
Both species may be known from all the North American perches, by their
having the body spotted instead of banded, and by the smaller number of
rays in the first dorsal. In this last character they agree with the _P.
ciliata_, and _P. marginata_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes.
1. SERRANUS ALBO-MACULATUS. _Jen._
PLATE II.
_S. lateribus maculis albis serie longitudinali dispositis; dentibus
velutinis; paucis, hic et illic sparsis, fortioribus,
aculeiformibus, vel subconicis; preoperculo margine adscendenti
convexiusculo, denticulato; denticulis ad et infrà angulum paulò
majoribus; operculo mucronibus duobus parvis, et spinâ intermediâ
forti, armato; rostro et maxillis nudis; squamis corporis leviter
ciliatis; pinnâ caudali æquali._
B. 7; D. 10/13; A. 3/7; C. 17, &c.—P. 17; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 16; lin. 9.
FORM.—Of an oblong-oval form, with the greatest depth about one-fourth
of the entire length. The dorsal and ventral lines are of nearly
equal curvature. The profile is nearly rectilineal, falling very
gradually from the commencement of the dorsal to the end of the
snout, without any elevation at the nape. The head is one-third of
the entire length. The lower jaw projects beyond the upper. The
maxillary, which is broad, and cut quite square at its extremity,
reaches to beneath the middle of the orbit. The suborbital has the
margin entire and nearly straight. The upper jaw has a band of
velutine teeth, broadish in front, but narrowing (the teeth at the
same time becoming smaller and finer) posteriorly; with an outer row
of not much longer, but considerably stronger, subconic teeth,
placed at rather wide intervals; besides these, there are three or
four teeth on each side of the anterior portion of the jaw, equally
strong as those last mentioned, but more curved, the points
reclining backwards, and set within the velutine band. In the lower
jaw, there is the same band as above, but narrower, and with the
teeth more in fine card than velutine, with stronger ones
anteriorly, and along the posterior half of each side, where there
are six or eight, standing nearly in a single row, very stout and
curved, though scarcely longer than the others; outside the band,
and on each side of the symphysis, there are three or four
moderately strong subconic teeth, at short distances from each
other, which may be considered as small canines. On the vomer and
palatines, the teeth are velutine. The eyes are rather large, and
placed high in the cheeks; their diameter is about one-sixth the
length of the head: the distance between them equals one diameter
and a quarter. The nostrils consist of two orifices, placed one
before the other, a little in advance of the eyes, roundish-oval,
the posterior one largest. The preopercle has the ascending margin
not quite rectilineal, being slightly convex, and the angle at
bottom rounded; the denticulations on the former are fine, but very
perceptible; they become rather stronger and more distant at the
angle, and a few of this character are continued along the posterior
half of the basal margin. The opercle is armed with three points;
the upper one is triangular, small, and not very obvious; the middle
one is a moderately strong spine, about a quarter of an inch in
length; the third is a little below this last, and resembles it in
form, but is much smaller. The membrane of the opercle terminates in
a sharp angle, and is produced considerably beyond the middle spine.
The line of separation between the opercle and subopercle is not
visible. The gill-opening is large, and has seven rays. There are no
scales on the snout or jaws, or between the eyes, or on the anterior
portion of the suborbital; but they are present on the cranium
behind the eyes, cheeks, (where they are numerous), and pieces of
the gill-cover; the limb of the preopercle, and the lower margin of
the interopercle, however, are nearly free from them. Those on the
opercle are larger than those on the cheeks. All these scales, as
well as those on the body, are finely ciliated, communicating a
slight roughness to the touch. The suprascapular is represented by a
larger and harder scale than the rest, of a semi-elliptic form,
striated on its surface, and obsoletely denticulated on the margin.
The lateral line is parallel to the back, at between one-third and
one-fourth of the depth. The pectorals are attached below the
middle, of a rounded form, the middle rays being longest, and about
half the length of the head. The dorsal commences exactly above
them, and occupies a space equalling half the entire length,
excluding the caudal. The spines are sharp, and moderately strong:
the first is rather more than half the length of the second, but
scarcely more than one-fifth of the length of the third, which is
longest, equalling more than half the depth of the body: from the
third they decrease very gradually to the ninth, which is of the
same length as the second; the tenth is again a little higher; this
is followed by the soft rays, which are nearly even, and about
one-third higher than the last spine; the last two or three,
however, are a little shorter than the others. The anal commences in
a line with the fifth soft ray of the dorsal, and ends a little
before that fin: the second spine is strongest, and twice the length
of the first: the soft rays are longer than those of the dorsal.
There are a few minute scales between the soft rays of both dorsal
and anal, to about one quarter of their height. The caudal is even,
but may possibly have been worn so by use. The ventrals are directly
under the pectorals, a little shorter than them, and pointed.
COLOUR.—“Varies much. Above pale blackish-green; belly white; fins,
gill-covers, and part of the sides, dirty reddish orange: on the
side of the back, six or seven good-sized snow white spots, with not
a very regular outline.—In some specimens, the blackish-green above
becomes dark, and is separated by a straight line from the paler
under parts.—Again, other specimens are coloured dirty ‘reddish
orange,’ and ‘gallstone yellow,’[2] the upper parts only rather
darker. But in all, the white spots are clear; five or six in one
row, and one placed above. Sometimes the fins are banded
longitudinally with orange and black-green.”—D.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
This species, which is undoubtedly new, was obtained by Mr. Darwin at
Charles Island, in the Galapagos Archipelago. As many specimens were
seen, it is probably not uncommon there. It appears to be a _Serranus_,
but its canines, if they can be so called, are very small and
inconspicuous. Its naked jaws require it to be placed in Cuvier’s first
section of that genus, though much larger than most of the species
contained in it, and rather differing from them in general form. In some
of its characters, it would seem to make a near approach to
_Centropristes_, between which and _Serranus_, there is undoubtedly a
very close affinity.
2. SERRANUS GOREENSIS. _Val._?
Serranus Goreensis, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. vi. p. 384.
FORM.—The general form approaching very closely that of the _S.
Gigas_. Greatest depth one-fourth of the entire length. Head rather
less than one-third of the same. The diameter of the eye is
one-fifth of the length of the head; and the distance from the eye
to the extremity of the snout is about one diameter and a quarter.
The lower jaw is covered with small scales, but not the maxillary.
The nostrils consist of two round apertures, the anterior one rather
larger than the posterior, and covered by a membranous flap. The
teeth in the upper jaw form a velutine band, with the outer row in
fine card, and two stronger and longer ones near the middle of the
jaw on each side: below there is a narrow band of fine card, with
stronger ones situated as above. The denticulations at the angle of
the preopercle are well developed, especially two teeth which are
much stronger than any on the ascending margin. The opercle has
three flat spines, the middle one longest and projecting further
than the others; but the terminating angle of the membrane projects
beyond this spine to a distance equalling the length of the spine
itself. The dorsal has the fourth spine longest, and equalling just
half the entire length of the spinous portion of the fin. Both the
spinous and soft portions have minute scales between the rays,
covering rather more than the basal half of the fin; they rise
highest just at the commencement of the soft portion. The caudal is
square at the extremity, or with rather more tendency to notched
than rounded; the basal half scaly. The anal commences in a line
with the third soft ray of the dorsal, and has the basal half of the
soft portion finely scaled: the second spine is strongest, but the
third somewhat the longest. The pectorals are rounded, with the
seventh and eighth rays longest; finely scaled on the upper side for
one-fourth of their length from the base, but without any scales
beneath. The ventrals are a little shorter than the pectorals, with
a spine of about the same length and stoutness as the third anal
spine, and rather more than equalling half the length of the soft
rays: they are obsoletely scaled on the upper side between the rays.
D. 11/16; A. 3/8; C. 15, &c.—P. 17; V. 1/5.
Length 7 inches.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Of a nearly uniform bister brown, stained and
mottled here and there, particularly on the sides below the lateral
line, with patches of a much paler tint.
Habitat, St. Jago, Cape Verde Islands.
The Serran above described, was procured by Mr. Darwin at Porto Praya. I
am not sure that I am right in referring it to the _S. Goreensis_ of
Valenciennes, as in so extensive a genus, and one in which the species
are so extremely similar, it is very difficult to identify any one in
particular, without the opportunity of comparing it with a large number.
But it seems to agree with that species better than with any other I can
find noticed by authors; and the island of Goree is sufficiently near
the Cape Verde Islands, to render it probable that the same species may
occur in both localities. It has the same square tail, which, according
to Valenciennes, so particularly characterizes the _S. Goreensis_; but
it has one soft ray more in the dorsal. I see no appearance of the deep
violet said to border the dorsal and anal fins, but possibly it may have
been effaced by the action of the spirit.
3. SERRANUS ASPERSUS. _Jen._
_S. suprà viridi-niger, subtùs pallidior; lateribus smaragdino pallido
aspersis; pinnis anali, caudali, dorsalique posticè, apicibus
croceis; dentibus velutinis, caninis in maxillâ superiore utrinque
apicem versus duobus sub-fortibus; preoperculo margine prope recto
denticulato; denticulis ad angulum paulò majoribus; operculo
mucronibus tribus planis, intermedio maximo; rostro toto, et maxillâ
inferiore, squamatis._
B. 7; D. 11/15; A. 3/8; C. 17, &c.; P. 17; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 4¼.
FORM.—Back very little elevated; the greatest depth rather less than
one-fourth of the entire length. Nape slightly depressed, with which
exception, the dorsal line from the commencement of the dorsal fin
to the crown of the head, is nearly horizontal: from between the
eyes to the end of the snout, the profile is considerably convex.
Head rather more than one-third of the entire length. Eyes large,
their diameter about one-fourth the length of the head, high in the
cheeks, and distant rather less than a diameter from the end of the
snout. Lower jaw longer than the upper. The teeth above consist of a
narrow velutine band, with a few, a little behind the anterior
extremity, longer than the others, but slender and curving
backwards; in front, and on each side of the extremity are two
moderate canines: beneath there is a narrow band of velutine and
fine card mixed, but no canines. The lower jaw, and the snout quite
to the extremity, as well as the suborbitals, are covered with
minute scales, but not the maxillary. The preopercle has the
ascending margin nearly rectilineal, and finely denticulated; the
angle at bottom rather sharp, and the denticles at this part, as
well as immediately above it, rather more developed than the others.
Opercle with three flat points; the upper and lower ones equal, the
middle one larger, but not projecting so far as the membrane. Dorsal
spines invested with membranous tags at their tips; of nearly equal
lengths, with the exception of the first two; the third and fourth a
little the longest: the soft portion of the fin higher than the
spinous. Anal rounded, terminating sooner than the dorsal; the
second spine a trifle longer than the third, as well as stouter. The
caudal is injured, but appears to have been square, or perhaps
slightly rounded. Rows of minute scales between the rays of all the
vertical fins.
COLOUR.—“Dark greenish, black above, beneath lighter; sides marked
with light emerald green: tips of the anal, caudal, and hinder part
of the dorsal, saffron yellow; tips of the pectorals orpiment
orange.”—D. These colours have been much altered by the action of
the spirit. The general ground is now dusky lead, mottled and
sprinkled on the sides with dirty white. There is an appearance of
four oblong black spots on the upper part of the back beneath the
base of the dorsal, not noticed by Mr. Darwin. The tips of the fins
have entirely lost their bright colours.
Habitat, Porto Praya, St. Jago, Cape Verde Islands.
This species was also obtained at Porto Praya, off Quail Island. It
belongs to that division of the genus which Cuvier has distinguished by
the name of _Mérou_, and to his section of _Mérous piquetés_; but it
will not accord with any of those described in the “Histoire des
Poissons.” There is only one specimen of it in the collection, which is
small, and probably not full-sized.
4. SERRANUS LABRIFORMIS. _Jen._
PLATE III.
_S. fusco-flavo, nigro, alboque variatus; dorsali rubro-marginatâ;
spinis fortibus, subæqualibus, ad apices laciniis membranaceis
investitis; dentibus aculeiformibus,[3] valdè retroflexis, seriebus
internis majoribus; caninis, in maxillâ superiore duobus, in
inferiore quatuor, mediocribus; preoperculo margine arcuato, vix
denticulato; operculo mucrone unico plano, modico, armato; squamis
infra lineam lateralem ciliatis, supra et in ventre lævibus._
B. 7; D. 11/17; A. 3/8; C. 15, &c.; P. 18; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 17.
FORM.—Oblong-oval, with very much the aspect of a _Labrus_. The
greatest depth, which is beneath the commencement of the dorsal, is
rather less than one-fourth of the entire length. The head is large,
and nearly one-third of the same. The profile, from the dorsal to
the end of the snout, curves gradually downwards in one continuous
bend. The lower jaw projects a little beyond the upper. The teeth
form a broadish band of fine card in both jaws, with the inner rows
longer and more curved than the outer; in the upper jaw, a little
behind the anterior extremity, are three or four longer than the
others, and curving so much backwards as almost to be laid flat; at
the posterior part of this jaw on each side they pass into velutine.
The canines are strong, but not very long; in number two above and
four below, not exactly in front, but a little on each side of the
middle. The teeth on the vomer and palatines are velutine. The eyes
are moderately large, high in the cheeks, equidistant from the upper
angle of the preopercle and the end of the snout, with a diameter
rather less than one-sixth the length of the head: the distance
between them about equals their diameter. The margin of the
suborbital is entire, but a little sinuous. The maxillary is large,
and cut nearly square at its posterior extremity: it is nearly all
exposed, and reaches to beneath the posterior part of the orbit. The
nostrils are a little in advance of the eyes, and consist of two
round openings, one before the other, the posterior one being the
largest. The whole head, including the lower jaw, is covered with
small scales, which become more minute towards the extremity of the
snout, but are very visible even there: there are none, however,
apparent on the maxillary. The preopercle has the basal angle
rounded, and the ascending margin a little convex outwards, and
denticulated, but the denticles are minute and not very obvious. The
opercle and subopercle together (the line of separation between
which is scarcely apparent) form a triangle. The former terminates
posteriorly in one flat spine, moderately developed, not reaching to
the extremity of the membranous angle by twice its own length. The
lateral line, which is rather indistinct, is nearly parallel to the
back at a little below one-fourth of the depth. The scales on the
body below the lateral line are rough, but those above it, as well
as those on the belly, nearly smooth: one taken from the middle of
the side is of an oblong form, rounded at the free extremity, which
is finely dotted and ciliated; its whole surface finely striated,
with nine or ten deeper striæ at the base. The pectorals are
attached low down, rounded at the extremity, and about half the
length of the head. The dorsal commences immediately above them, and
is tolerably even throughout its course, extending nearly to the
caudal. The membrane is rather deeply notched between the spines,
which are very stout and invested at their tips with membranaceous
tags, as in the _Labridæ_. The first spine is only half the length
of the second and third; the fourth is a little the longest,
equalling two-fifths of the depth of the body; the fifth and
succeeding ones decrease very gradually to the tenth, which is
rather more than half the length of the fourth; the eleventh is a
little longer, and is followed by the soft rays, the longest of
which is about equal to the longest of the spinous. The anal
commences about in a line with the second soft ray in the dorsal,
and terminates before that fin, leaving double the distance between
it and the caudal; first spine not half the length of the second and
third, which are about equal, and much stouter; soft portion of the
fin of a rounded form, with the middle rays nearly double the length
of the second and third spines. Caudal even, or very slightly
rounded, without any rows of scales between the rays. Ventrals a
little shorter than the pectorals, immediately beneath them,
pointed.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 3._
_Drawn from Nature on stone by Waterhouse Hawkins._
_Serranus labriformis. ½ Nat. Size._
]
[Illustration:
_Fish Pl. 4._
_W. Hawkins del._
_Serranus olfax. ½ Nat. Size._
]
COLOUR.—“Mottled with brown-yellow, black and white: upper and lower
edges of the caudal, edges of the dorsal and anal, ‘arterial’ and
purplish red.”—D.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
Obtained off Chatham Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. There can be
little doubt of its being an undescribed species, well characterized by
its _labriform_ appearance, as regards the fins, rounded and nearly
entire margin of the preopercle, and scales smooth _above_, but rough
_beneath_ the lateral line.
5. SERRANUS OLFAX. _Jen._
PLATE IV.
_S. fusco-variatus; spinis dorsalibus ad apices laciniis investitis;
naribus orbiculatis, aperturâ unica magnâ, duas minores includenti;
dentibus aculeiformibus, retroflexis, seriebus paucis; caninis, in
maxillâ superiore duobus, in inferiore quatuor, cæteris vix
fortioribus; preoperculo margine adscendenti prope recto, angulum
versus paulum sinuato, vix denticulato; operculo mucronibus duobus,
parvis, subæqualibus, armato; squamis ubique lævibus._
B. 7; D. 11/18; A. 3/11; C. 17, &c.; P. 17; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 23½.
FORM.—Rather elongated, with the dorsal and ventral lines equally
curved, and neither departing much from a straight line. Depth, in
the region of the pectorals, equalling rather more than one-fifth of
the entire length. Head contained three and a half times in the
same. Profile sloping gradually from the commencement of the dorsal
to the end of the snout in one continuous very gentle curve. The
lower jaw a little the longest. The teeth are in strong card in both
jaws, their points curving inwards and backwards: those above
longest anteriorly, where they form about three rows; posteriorly
they become velutine, as in the last species, and consist of not
more than two rows: in the lower jaw the teeth are equally large at
the sides as in front, and, excepting quite at the anterior
extremity, in only two rows, the inner of which is stronger than the
outer. The canines are small, and scarcely stronger than the other
teeth; in number[4] and situation, the same as in the _S.
labriformis_. The vomerine and palatine teeth are very fine
velutine. Eyes rather large, and high in the cheeks, equidistant
from the upper angle of the preopercle and the intermaxillary, with
a diameter about one-seventh the length of the head: the distance
between them equals one diameter and one-third. The margin of the
suborbital is entire, and nearly straight. The maxillary, when the
mouth is closed, reaches to beneath the middle of the orbit. The
nostrils are a little in advance of the eyes, and consist of one
large, nearly circular, aperture, enclosing two smaller ones, which
are also circular and placed equally in advance. The crown, and
space between the eyes, and entire cheeks, are covered with small
scales; there are also some minute ones on the lower jaw, and on the
extremity of the snout before the eyes; but they are scarcely
obvious, if present, on the first suborbital, and not at all
perceptible on the maxillary. The preopercle is rather more than
rectangular; the basal margin nearly straight and horizontal; the
angle rather sharp; the ascending margin with a slight sinuosity
just above the angle, afterwards straight and nearly vertical, very
obsoletely denticulated throughout its course. The osseous portion
of the opercle terminates posteriorly in two flat points, nearly
equal, but the lower one rather the more developed, between which it
is emarginate. The angle of the membrane is considerably produced
beyond the lower point. The line of separation between the opercle
and subopercle is tolerably obvious. Gill-opening large. All the
pieces of the gill-cover are covered with scales scarcely smaller
than those on the body. The scales on the body are not large, of an
oblong form, with their free edges scarcely at all ciliated, not
enough to feel rough to the touch; their whole surface very finely
striated, with twelve deeper striæ on the basal half, and the basal
margin crenated. Lateral line not very conspicuous, parallel to the
back at about one-fourth of the depth. The dorsal commences in a
line with the posterior angle of the opercle, and occupies a space
equalling half the entire length, caudal excluded: spines strong,
and tagged at their extremities; the second longest, equalling not
quite half the depth; third and succeeding ones gradually decreasing
to the tenth, which is about half the length of the second; the
eleventh again longer; then follow the soft rays, which are nearly
even, but all higher than the last spinous. The anal commences in a
line with the third soft ray in the dorsal, and terminates a little
before that fin: first spine very short; the third longest, but the
second stoutest: of the soft rays the third and fourth are longest,
and nearly twice the length of the third spine, being longer than
the soft rays in the dorsal; from the fourth they gradually
decrease, giving this portion of the fin a rounded form. The caudal
is nearly even, but the central rays are a little shorter than the
outer ones. There are no rows of scales between the soft rays of the
dorsal and anal, and scarcely any trace of them between those of the
caudal. The pectorals are rounded, attached low down, and about half
the length of the head. Ventrals directly beneath them, shorter, and
more pointed.
COLOUR.—“Mottled brown.”—D. The dried skin appears nearly of a uniform
brown, simply a little paler beneath. There is some indication of a
whitish band along the base of the anal and soft dorsal, which may
be the remains of a brighter colour. The base of the pectorals and
ventrals is also paler than the extremity of those fins.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
This species was also obtained at Chatham Island, in the Galapagos,
where Mr. Darwin states that it is common. In some of its characters it
approaches the _S. labriformis_, but in others it is essentially
different. It rather departs from most of the _Serrani_ in the teeth,
and in the small development of the canines. The nostrils also are
rather peculiar. Perhaps it may one day be found to constitute the type
of a distinct genus.
PLECTROPOMA PATACHONICA. _Jen._
P. operculo spinis tribus, intermediâ maximâ; preoperculo margine
adscendenti denticulato; ad angulum dente unico, et ad marginem
basalem dentibus duobus, fortibus; pinnâ dorsali spinis quartâ et
quintâ longissimis; pectoralibus radiorum apicibus e membranâ paulo
exeuntibus; caudali leviter rotundatâ.
B. 7; D. 13/15 vel 16; A. 3/8 vel 9; C. 172/2; P. 17; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 15.
FORM.—Greatest depth about one-third of the entire length, excluding
caudal. Head rather exceeding one-third. Profile descending
obliquely in nearly a straight line from the commencement of the
dorsal to the end of the snout. Eyes large, high in the cheeks;
their diameter nearly one-fourth of the length of the head. The
lower jaw a little the longest: both it and the maxillary without
scales. A band of velutine teeth in each jaw; the outer row in card,
with some, stronger than the others, which may be considered
canines: above, the principal canines are about six in number on
each side near the extremity; below, there are three or four larger
than the others similarly situated. The preopercle has the ascending
margin distinctly denticulated; on the basal margin are two strong
teeth directed forwards, and a third at the angle. The opercle has
three strong flattened spines; the middle one most developed. At the
lower angle of the subopercle is a small flat moderately sharp
point. Fourth and fifth dorsal spines longest; the succeeding ones
gradually diminishing to half the height of the soft portion of the
fin which follows. Second anal spine very stout. Pectorals with the
tips of the rays slightly projecting beyond the membrane, giving it
a festooned appearance. Caudal slightly rounded.
COLOUR.—The specimen above described appears, in its present state,
greyish brown, with zig-zag lines in different directions of a
darker tint. A second individual is stated by Mr. Darwin to have
been, when alive, “above salmon-coloured.” A third is described as
“above aureous-coppery, with wave-like lines of dark brown, which
often collect into four or five transverse bands; fins lead-colour;
beneath obscure; pupil dark blue.” Both these last specimens appear
now, like the first, greyish brown. The wave-like lines extend over
a portion of the dorsal and anal fins.
Habitat, coast of Northern Patagonia, and the mouth of the Plata.
This species is evidently very closely allied to the _P. Brasilianum_ of
Cuvier and Valenciennes, and possibly may not be distinct. It differs,
however, in having only two, instead of three, teeth on the basal margin
of the preopercle, which character prevails in all the specimens. It has
also one or two more soft rays in the anal. It likewise approaches the
_P. aculeatum_ of the same authors, but this last species is said to be
particularly characterized by three very sharp points on the subopercle
towards the lower angle, in the room of which, in the species here
described, there is only one small triangular flattened point, rather
sharp in two individuals, but in the third blunt, with the margin
slightly crenated. The colours too appear to be different.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains three specimens, which do not
materially differ from each other. The largest, measuring fifteen inches
in length, was taken in forty fathoms water off the mouth of the Rio
Plata. The two others, smaller, and not exceeding nine, and seven and a
half inches respectively, were got on the coast of Patagonia in lat. 38°
20′: where it is stated that great numbers were obtained, many exceeding
a foot in length. In these smaller specimens the canines are not so
numerous or well developed as in the larger one.
“One specimen when caught, vomited up small fish and a _Pilumnus_. Was
tough for eating, but good.”—D.
DIACOPE MARGINATA. _Cuv._
Diacope marginata, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. ii. p. 320.
FORM.—Greatest depth of the body and length of the head equal, each
being not quite one-third of the entire length. Nape somewhat
elevated, whence the profile falls very regularly in a slightly
convex line. The jaws appear equal when open, but when closed the
upper one is a little the longest. Teeth velutine, with four
well-marked canines in the upper jaw, two on each side of the
anterior extremity, the outer one of which is longer than the inner.
Opercle with two flat blunt points. Denticulations of the
preopercle, particularly those at the angle below the notch,
moderately well developed. Tubercle of the interopercle prominent.
There are scales on the cheeks and pieces of the gill-cover, but
none on the crown, snout, jaws, or suborbitals. The scales on the
body are moderately large. There are rows of small scales between
the rays of the vertical fins, but they are more developed between
the soft rays than between the spinous. The dorsal has the first
spine half the length of the second, which itself is a little
shorter than the third; fourth, fifth, and sixth equal and longest;
there is very little difference in the lengths of the remaining
rays, nor is there much between the spinous and soft portions of the
fin, which, taken as a whole, appears nearly even throughout. Anal
short, commencing in a line with the fourth soft ray of the dorsal,
and terminating at the same distance from the caudal as that fin:
second and third spines very stout. Pectorals narrow and pointed, a
little shorter than the head. Ventrals a little shorter than the
pectorals.
B. 7; D. 10/14, the last double; A. 3/8, the last double; C. 17, and
some short ones; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 6 inches.
COLOUR.—“Upper part pale lead-colour: pectorals yellow; ventrals and
anal orange: sides very pale yellow.”—D. In spirits, the colour
appears almost uniform greyish-white. The dorsal and anal fins have
an edging of black, which is not noticed by Mr. Darwin, and which is
characteristic of the species. The caudal is entirely dusky. There
are no traces of spots on any part of the body.
Habitat, Keeling Island, Indian Ocean.
All the known species of _Diacope_ are stated by Cuvier and
Valenciennes, as coming from the Indian seas. The _D. marginata_ was
first brought from thence by Commerson. It was afterwards received by
the authors above mentioned from Pondicherry. The expedition under
Captain Duperrey, met with it at the Island of Oualan. Mr. Darwin’s
specimen was obtained at the Keeling or Cocos Islands: I believe it to
be referrible to this species, as it possesses the characteristic black
edging on the dorsal and anal fins; but as the description in the
“Histoire des Poissons” is very brief, containing a mere notice of the
colours, I have thought it advisable to annex that of the present
individual.
GENUS—ARRIPIS. _Jen._
_Membrana branchialis septem-radiata; aperturâ amplâ. Pinna dorsalis
unica; spinis gracilibus. Dentes aculeiformes, tenues; serie
maxillari externâ cæteris fortiori. Operculum mucronibus duobus
parvis posticè armatum. Preoperculum marginibus basali et
adscendenti denticulatis; spinis nullis. Ossa infraorbitalia leviter
denticulata. Os maxillare squamosum. Squamæ corporis levissimè
ciliatæ, posticè striis levissimis, transversis, parallelis,
flabelli locum occupantibus._
I propose to establish this new genus for the reception of the
_Centropristes Georgianus_ of Valenciennes, which appears to offer
sufficient peculiarities to warrant such a step. Its herring-like form,
denticulated suborbital, scaly maxillary, small pectorals, backward
position of the ventrals, and deeply forked caudal, sufficiently
distinguish it from _Centropristes_, with which it hardly agrees in any
of its characters, beyond that of wanting canines, and having the
preopercle denticulated, and the opercle armed with small sharp points.
Its teeth, however, are not exactly velutine, as in the typical species
of that genus, but rather in fine card, with the outer row in both jaws
stronger than the others. But, perhaps, one of the most marked
peculiarities in this proposed genus resides in the scales, which have,
instead of the usual fan of diverging striæ on their basal portions, a
triangular space filled up by a number of extremely fine, closely
approximating striæ, parallel to each other, and also parallel to the
basal margin, which is cut quite square and entire.[5]
Although this genus is thus separated from _Centropristes_, there is no
doubt of its having a near affinity with it; and also with _Grystes_,
from which last, however, it is at once known by its denticulated
preopercle. It is still more closely allied to _Apsilus_, which it very
much resembles in its general form, as well as in some of its particular
characters. Amongst other points of resemblance with this last genus,
may be noticed the similarity of the teeth; the very large gill-opening;
the small and inconspicuous points on the opercle; the weak spines of
the dorsal and anal, both which fins also terminate in a point behind;
the small pectorals, and the deeply forked caudal.
It is probable that the _Centropristes truttaceus_ of Cuvier and
Valenciennes also belongs to this new genus, which, as well as the _C.
Georgianus_, comes from New Holland, and which those authors seem, not
without much hesitation, to have placed provisionally in the group in
which it now stands. It is not stated, however, whether the peculiar
character of the scales in the _C. Georgianus_, above pointed out,
exists also in this species.
ARRIPIS GEORGIANUS.
Centropristes Georgianus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. vii. p.
338.
FORM.—As M. Valenciennes has given an accurate and detailed
description of this fish; and as I have already stated above some of
its leading characters, it is not necessary to say much further on
this head in reference to the specimen in Mr. Darwin’s collection. I
need only point out wherein it differs from the description in the
“Histoire des Poissons,” the greater part of which applies exactly.
M. Valenciennes states that the ventral profile is more curved than
the dorsal, but there is not much difference in their respective
degrees of curvature in this specimen. The thickness of the body,
which he fixes at one-third of the depth, is here nearly half the
depth. The following characters may be also given, in addition to
his. Above each orbit are two short crests or ridges which meet at
an angle anteriorly, and the interocular space between these pairs
of ridges is rather depressed; beyond, or immediately above the
upper lip, the snout is a little protuberant. The band of teeth in
each jaw is narrow, with the outer row longer than the others; and
at the sides of the jaw, this outer row is all that is obvious. The
intermaxillary is slightly protractile. The eye is hardly removed so
much as one diameter from the end of the snout. The limb of the
preopercle is striated; the angle at bottom rounded, and much
dilated, so that the ascending margin falls in advance of a
vertical. The contour of the membrane of the opercle is rounded. The
cheeks, and all the pieces of the gill-cover, with the exception of
the broad limb of the preopercle, are scaly: there are also a few
scales on the maxillary, but none on the crown between the eyes, or
on the snout, or lower jaw. The dorsal and anal terminate nearly in
the same vertical line, but the latter reaches a trifle the
farthest. Both fins are invested at their base with a scaly
membrane, the scales of which are of a long lanceolate form. The
length of the caudal equals the depth of the body. That of the
pectorals equals half the depth: these fins are attached a little
behind the opercle, and a little below the middle. The point of
attachment of the ventrals is in a vertical line which passes
through the middle of the pectorals, and coincides with the
commencement of the dorsal. They are longer than the pectorals; and
in their axillæ is a lanceolate membranaceous scale half their own
length. There is a similar, but shorter scale in the axilla of the
pectorals also.
B. 7; D. 9/16; A. 3/10; C. 17–6/6; P. 15; V. 1/5.
Length 9 inches 10 lines.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits, the whole fish
appears of a nearly uniform dull metallic yellowish white, tinged
with olive on the back and upper part of the sides.
Mr. Darwin obtained this species in King George’s Sound, in New Holland,
the same place in which it was discovered by MM. Quoy and Gaimard.
APLODACTYLUS PUNCTATUS. _Val._
Aplodactylus punctatus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. viii. p.
352. pl. 242.
This very remarkable fish was first sent from Valparaiso, by M.
D’Orbigny, where it was also observed by M. Gay. Mr. Darwin’s collection
contains a specimen, which has unfortunately lost the number attached to
it; but as he made a collection on that coast, it was probably obtained
in the same locality. The description given of it in the “Histoire des
Poissons,” is so detailed as well as accurate, and the figure so exact,
that it is quite unnecessary to annex that of the present individual. I
may merely observe that the number of simple rays at the bottom of the
pectorals, which appears to be a character of some importance, and which
has led to the generic name of _Aplodactylus_, amounts in this specimen
to six, being two more than was observed by M. Valenciennes in his,
though the total number of rays in this fin is the same. I may also
allude to the circumstance of the dorsal being invested at the base with
a thickened membrane on each side, closely covered with small scales,
which extends over nearly its whole length, but is most conspicuous
along the spinous portion. This character is not mentioned by M.
Valenciennes. Neither does he mention the rows of minute scales, which
occur between the rays of all the fins, except the ventrals.
Mr. Darwin’s specimen of this fish is eleven inches in length. The
following is the fin-ray formula:
B. 6; D. 15—1/21; A. 3/8; C. 17. &c.; P. 9—vi; V. 1/5.
1. DULES AURIGA. _Cuv. et Val._
Dules Auriga, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. iii. p. 83. pl. 51.
FORM.—This species is remarkable for the prolongation of the third
dorsal spine, which, in the present specimen, is not quite equal to
half the entire length of the head and body; a small portion,
however, appears to have been broken off. The greatest depth is
contained three and a half times in the entire length. The head,
measured to the extremity of the opercular membrane, exactly equals
the depth. The line of the profile is not quite straight, there
being a slight depression at the nape, above which is a convexity in
immediate advance of the dorsal fin. The lower jaw is a very little
the longest. The eyes are large; and the distance between them
barely equals their diameter. The other characters are exactly as
stated in the “Histoire des Poissons.”
B. 6; D. 10/13; A. 3/7; C. 17; P. 17; V. 1/5.
Length 5 inches 3 lines.
COLOUR.—The recent colours are given by Mr. Darwin in his notes as
follows: “Sides with numerous waving longitudinal lines of brownish
red; the intermediate spaces greenish-silvery, so figured as to look
mottled. Head marked with lines of dull red and green. Ventral and
anal fins dark greenish blue.”—He does not notice the vertical bands
alluded to by Cuvier and Valenciennes, which are sufficiently
obvious, and which accord with the figure and description of the
authors just mentioned.
Habitat, Maldonado Bay, Rio Plata.
2. DULES LEUCISCUS. _Jen._
Dules malo, _Val.?_ Hist. des Poiss. tom. vii. p. 360.
_D. pinnis caudali, anali, dorsalique molli, nigro-marginatis; dorsali
profundè emarginatá, spiná ultimá radiis articulatis breviore;
operculo mucronibus duobus, inferiore maximo, armato; preoperculo
margine adscendenti levissimè denticulato, basali denticulis
fortioribus._
B. 6; D. 10/11; A. 3/12; C. 16, &c.; P. 13; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 4. lin. 5.
FORM.—General form resembling that of a small _Dace_. Greatest depth
about one-third of the entire length, caudal excluded. Length of the
head rather less. Dorsal line falling with the profile in one
continuous gentle curve. Eyes large; their diameter contained two
and a half times in the length of the head: the distance between
them less than one diameter. Suborbitals finely but very
conspicuously denticulated. Jaws nearly equal; the lower one a
little the longest. In each, a band of velutine teeth, with the
outer row rather longer than the others. Opercle with two points,
the lower one most developed. Preopercle with the limb striated: the
ascending margin with the denticulations so fine as to be hardly
sensible to the naked eye; those on the basal margin larger and more
obvious. Scales of a moderate size; about forty-three in a
longitudinal row; their free portions finely striated. Cheeks and
opercle scaly; crown naked, with a shallow groove above each eye.
Lateral line at first slightly descending, but afterwards straight;
its course, until past the dorsal and anal fins, a little above the
middle of the depth. Dorsal deeply notched: the anterior portion
consisting of nine spines; the first very short, and scarcely more
than half the length of the second; third and fourth longer,
increasing gradually; fifth and sixth equal and longest, equalling
half the depth of the body; seventh, eighth, and ninth, shorter, and
gradually decreasing; the tenth spine, with which the second portion
of the fin commences, is of the same length as the fifth, but not
quite so long as the soft rays which follow; these soft rays,
however, gradually become shorter, the last two not more than
equalling the second spinous. The whole space occupied by the dorsal
is more than one-third of the entire length. Anal commencing in a
line with the ninth dorsal spine; its own three spines gradually
increasing in length, but the second the strongest; soft portion of
this fin longer than the corresponding portion of the dorsal, and
terminating a little nearer the caudal. Vent in a line with the
seventh dorsal spine. Pectorals small, reaching to the vent.
Ventrals attached a little further back, and reaching a very little
beyond it. Caudal forked.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Silvery, tinged on the back, and above the
lateral line, with bluish grey, and somewhat mottled in places with
darker spots. Fins yellowish grey, tinged with dusky. The caudal,
anal, and soft portion of the dorsal, are a little mottled with
dusky, besides having a black edging; there is also a conspicuous
black spot at the anterior angle of this last fin.
A second specimen is only three inches and a quarter in length; but
differs in no respect from the above, except in having one soft ray less
in the anal fin.
Habitat, River Matavai, Tahiti.
Several of the species in this genus are extremely similar as well in
form as in colours. Possibly that which I have here characterized as new
may not be distinct from the _D. malo_ of Valenciennes, which comes from
the same country; but the description in the “Histoire des Poissons” is
so brief, that it is hardly possible to determine this point with
certainty. It has, however, two, and one specimen three, soft rays less
in the anal fin. It is also closely allied to the _D. marginatus_, from
which it hardly differs, excepting in having the denticulations of the
preopercle rather stronger, and the tenth dorsal spine shorter in
relation to the soft rays which follow. The _D. marginatus_, however,
comes from Java. The species here described was found by Mr. Darwin in
Tahiti, in the river of Matavai.
HELOTES OCTOLINEATUS. _Jen._
_H. corpore lineis longitudinalibus nigricantibus octo; pinnis
dorsali, anali, caudalique, maculis fuscis; vertice striis elevatis
duabus subparallelis; preoperculo distinctè denticulato, et ad
marginem limbi internum subcristato; operculo mucronibus duobus,
superiore minimo; squamis ubique lævissimis._
B. 6; D. 12/9; A. 3/7; C. 17, &c.; P. 15; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 9. lin. 9.
FORM.—Body oblong. Greatest depth exactly four and a half times in the
entire length. Length of the head rather less than the depth of the
body. Snout short and obtuse. Jaws exactly equal: each with a
broadish band of velutine teeth, which are all, apparently even the
most minute, three-pointed, although this character is not very
obvious except in the outer row, which are longer than the others.
No vomerine teeth appear externally, but they may be felt through
the skin of the palate, and on dissecting this off, there is brought
to view a small hard disk rough with minute asperities. Mouth very
little cleft, the commissure not extending more than half-way
between the end of the snout and the anterior margin of the orbit.
Eyes rather large; their diameter one-fourth the length of the head.
Maxillary, when the mouth is closed, concealed in part beneath the
suborbital, the lower margin of which is somewhat sinuous and
obscurely denticulated, the denticulations being concealed by the
membrane and more easily felt than seen. The denticulations on the
preopercle very manifest. The principal spine on the opercle slender
and very sharp, not exactly straight, but slightly curved, the
convexity of the bend being downwards; above is a second spine, but
very small and easily overlooked. The crown of the head has two
nearly parallel elevated lines, which take their origin between the
nostrils, and terminate at the occiput, but do not meet as in the
_H. sexlineatus_;[6] a third line commences there exactly between
them, and runs singly in a backward direction down the middle of the
nape; this last is scarcely more than half the length of the two
former. The cheeks and pieces of the gill-cover are scaly; but not
the cranium, snout, jaws, or limb of the preopercle, which last is
margined internally by a slightly elevated ridge. The scales on the
body are thin and small, and without any trace of denticulations on
their free edges, even under a magnifier, and the body of the fish
is quite smooth to the touch rubbed either way. Lateral line as in
_H. sexlineatus_. Dorsal also nearly similar, but more deeply
notched, the membrane beyond the eleventh spine falling nearly to
the base of the twelfth, which precedes the soft portion: sixth
spine longest, equalling very nearly, but not quite, half the depth;
the eleventh equals the second; the twelfth is about one-third
longer than the eleventh, but is itself scarcely half the first soft
ray. The anal has three soft rays less than the _H. sexlineatus_,
and there are apparently but two spines, the first being (at least
in this specimen, where, however, there may have been a portion
broken off) quite short and rudimentary; the second and third spines
are both slender, the former being rather more than half the length
of the latter, and this last rather more than half the first soft
ray. All the fins take their origin as in _H. sexlineatus_. The
pectorals are about two-thirds the length of the head. The ventrals,
which are very near together, are longer than the pectorals, but do
not equal the head: they have no elongated scale between them, or in
their axillæ.
COLOUR.—For the most part similar to that of the _H. sexlineatus_; but
the longitudinal dark lines are more numerous, amounting to eight,
with faint traces of a ninth: the additional ones are on the upper
half of the sides, or above the lateral line, there being four
(instead of two) above that one which passes through the eyes; the
sixth extends the whole length of the fish from the end of the
maxillary to the base of the caudal; the seventh passes immediately
below the pectoral, and terminates in advance of it, without quite
reaching to the edge of the gill-cover; the eighth is exactly
equidistant from the pectoral and ventral; this last is a very
narrow pale line, but the others, with the exception of the first
two, are broader and well marked. The soft portion of the dorsal, as
well as the anal and caudal are spotted; the spots on this last
unite to form transverse fasciæ; those on the anal are not very
well-defined. The pectorals and ventrals are without spots, and
pale.
Habitat, S. W. coast of Australia.
This species was procured in King George’s Sound, New Holland. It
closely approaches the _H. sexlineatus_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes, the
only species of the genus hitherto described, and obtained in the same
seas by MM. Quoy and Gaimard. I have little hesitation, however, in
pronouncing it to be distinct. Independently of the additional
longitudinal lines on the body, and the spots on the fins, which, it is
expressly stated by the above authors, are not present in the _H.
sexlineatus_, it is distinguished by the striæ on the crown not meeting
behind, the dorsal being rather more deeply notched, and the fin-ray
formula different. There is one soft ray less in the dorsal, and three
less in the anal; also the first spine in this last fin, if it be not
broken off in this specimen, is quite rudimentary. The scales present no
trace of cilia on their free edges.
1. PINGUIPES FASCIATUS. _Jen._
PLATE V.
_P. corpore fasciis transversis duodecim castaneo-fuscis, alternis
latioribus; dentibus palatinis paucis, conicis, subaggregatis, vix
seriem formantibus; pharyngalibus aculeiformibus; membranâ
branchiali mediocriter emarginatá; operculo spinâ unicâ forti,
alterâ superiore obsoletâ; pinnis ventralibus accuratè thoracicis._
B. 6; D. 7/27; A. 1/24; C. 15, &c.; P. 18; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 12. lin. 9.
FORM.—Body thickest, as well as deepest, in the region of the
pectorals, compressed behind, and becoming more so as it approaches
the tail; depth also gradually diminishing from that point. The
greatest depth is rather less than five and a half times in the
entire length: head contained four times and a quarter in the same.
The thickness at the pectorals is at least three-fourths of the
depth: and the thickness of the head is quite equal to it. Dorsal
line nearly straight from behind the eyes, in front of which the
profile descends obliquely. Eyes high, nearly reaching to the line
of the profile; a little behind the middle point of the length of
the head; their diameter rather less than one-fifth of this last;
the distance between them one diameter and a half. The commissure of
the lips does not reach to the eyes by a space equalling half the
diameter of the eye. Jaws equal. Lips very thick and fleshy, and
partially reflexed, like those of a _Labrus_. Teeth very similar to
those of that genus. In the upper jaw, an outer row (extending all
round) of strong, sharp, slightly curved teeth, regularly set, and
nearly even, but with the anterior ones a little the longest; in all
about forty, twenty on each side; behind these a velutine band,
broadest in front, but also extending the whole way round. In the
lower jaw, a row of curved strong teeth, similar to those above, but
extending only half-way along the sides of the jaws (about nine on
each side), and followed by about seven or eight short blunt conical
ones; a broad velutine band behind the longer curved teeth, but not
behind the others. On the front of the vomer are four or five large
blunt conical teeth, mixed with smaller ones of the same form: there
is also a small group of these little conical teeth at the
commencement of each palatine, but they are not carried on further
in a single row.[7] Tongue small and inconspicuous, fastened down
except just at the tip, smooth. Pharyngeal teeth in strong card; but
no conical ones behind that are visible. Branchial membrane united
to its fellow, and free all round at the margin, with a moderately
deep notch underneath. Preopercle rounded at the angle; the
ascending margin oblique. Opercle with a strong sharp spine at its
upper angle, but not extending beyond the membrane; a second
rudimentary one above it obtusely rounded. Small scales on the
cheeks, preopercle, and opercle, but not on the snout, or between
the eyes, or on the suborbital, or jaws, or branchial membrane, or
interopercle. The scales on the body are rather small, finely
ciliated on their edges, thin, and of an oblong form, cut square at
the basal margin, with a fan of twelve or fifteen striæ. Lateral
line not very strongly marked, taking nearly a straight course from
the upper part of the scapular to the caudal. No particular lines,
markings, or pores, about the head, jaws, or between the eyes.
Pectorals rounded; two-thirds the length of the head. Ventrals
exactly beneath them, a very little shorter, thick and fleshy, so
that the rays can hardly be distinguished. Dorsal and anal similar
to those of the _P. Brasilianus_; the former has the spinous rays at
first low, but the rest of the fin is of one uniform height,
equalling a little less than half the depth: the latter commences
under the sixth soft ray of the dorsal, and terminates in the same
line. Caudal square, with rows of small scales between the rays for
half their length: also a few minute scales at the base of the
pectoral rays, but none on the other fins.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 5._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
_Pinguipes fasciatus. ¾ Nat. Size._
]
COLOUR.—“Above pale ‘chestnut brown,’ so arranged as to form
transverse bands on the sides; sides, head, fins, with a black
tinge; beneath irregularly white: under lip pink: eyes with pupil
black, and iris yellow.”—D. _In spirits_; the back and upper half of
the sides are brown, the lower half of the sides and belly pale,
with twelve transverse dark fasciæ, the alternate ones broader than
the others. The dorsal and anal appear to have been bluish, the tint
increasing in intensity from the base upwards; but the former is
edged above with a narrow white line just beneath the tips of the
rays, which extends the whole length of the soft portion of the fin.
The inside of the ventrals appears also to have been bluish; but the
pectorals are pale, or yellowish. Caudal brown like the back.
Habitat, coast of Northern Patagonia.
From the east coast of Patagonia, in Lat. 37° 26′. There can be no doubt
of its belonging to the genus _Pinguipes_, with which it agrees in its
very strong resemblance to the _Labridæ_, as regards the head, lips, and
teeth, and in its fleshy ventrals; but there are very few teeth on the
palatines, seeming to show that there is not much ground for separating
this genus from _Percis_. In many of its characters, it resembles the
_P. Brasilianus_ of Cuvier, but it is decidedly distinct in others. It
differs slightly in its proportions; in the palatine and pharyngeal
teeth; in the position of the ventrals, which are not at all jugular,
but immediately beneath the pectorals; in the branchial membrane being
more notched; and in having two soft rays less in the anal. The colours
also are different.
This fish is so like a _Labrus_, that at first sight it might easily
deceive a student. Nevertheless its vomerine teeth, spines on the
opercle, and ciliated scales, point out its right family. At the same
time no system can be considered natural, which does not admit
_Pinguipes_ as one of the connecting links between the _Percidæ_ and
_Labridæ_.
2. PINGUIPES CHILENSIS. _Val._
Pinguipes Chilensis, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. ix. p. 338.
FORM.—More slender and elongated than the last species. Depth nearly
six and a half times in the entire length. Head four times and a
quarter in the same. Eyes high, a little before the middle, or with
the distance in front to the end of the snout not equalling that
behind measured to the posterior part of the opercle; their diameter
nearly six times in the length of the head; the interval between
them nearly two diameters. When the mouth is closed, a vertical from
the posterior part of the maxillary forms a tangent to the anterior
part of the orbit. Lips not so thick and fleshy as in the _P.
fasciatus_; but the teeth almost exactly similar. Tongue much
larger, occupying nearly the entire platform of the mouth. Branchial
membrane much more deeply notched, the notch reaching as far as the
anterior extremity of the interopercle. Preopercle with the
ascending margin nearly vertical. Opercle with two small flat
spines, the lower one rather more developed then the upper. Scales
and lateral line as in the _P. fasciatus_. Pectorals similar.
Ventrals attached entirely in front of the pectorals, though not
much in advance; fleshy, but perhaps rather less so than in the _P.
fasciatus_: in neither species do they pass beyond the pectorals, or
indeed reach quite so far. The other fins exactly similar. The
dorsal, however, has one spine less, and one soft ray more. The
anal, also, has one soft ray more.
B. 6; D. 6/28; A. 1/25; C. 17, &c.; P. 19; V. 1/5.
Length 11 inches.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Back and sides deep brown, with the exception
of two rows of pale spots along the sides, very faint and
ill-defined. Underneath altogether paler. The dorsal and anal appear
to have been bluish, with the basal portion of each fin pale, but
without any edging of white above. Inside of the ventrals blue;
pectorals the same, but paler. The caudal shows some trace of a dark
round spot on the base of the upper lobe. Mr. Darwin’s notes, with
respect to the colour in the living fish, only state “fins dark.”
Habitat, Valparaiso, Chile.
This species, which was procured by Mr. Darwin at Valparaiso, is
probably the same as the _P. Chilensis_ of Valenciennes, obtained by M.
Gay on the same coast. But the description in the “Histoire des
Poissons” is brief, and notices very little besides the colours, which
accord tolerably well. Mention, however, is made of a second spine in
the anal fin, which certainly does not exist in the above specimen,
though a very careful examination was made in search of it. There is
also one soft ray more in this fin, as well as in the dorsal, in the
fin-ray formula in that work.
This species is very distinct from the _P. fasciatus_ last described,
and does not show so strong a resemblance to the _Labridæ_; but it
approaches very closely the _P. Brasilianus_.
PERCOPHIS BRASILIANUS. _Cuv._
Percophis Brasilianus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. iii. p. 209.
pl. 64.
———— Brasiliensis, _Freycinet_, (Voyage) Zoologie, p. 351, pl. 53. fig.
1.
FORM.—Depth and breadth in the region of the pectorals about equal,
each being contained ten and a half, or nearly eleven times in the
entire length. Head not quite four and a half times in the same. In
the upper jaw, three strong, curved, sharp-pointed canine teeth on
each side; besides a velutine band extending the whole way, with the
outer row longer and more developed than the others: in the lower
jaw a velutine band, with long sharp canines, similar to those
above, arising amongst them at nearly regular intervals, to the
number of ten or eleven on each side; none exactly in front, and not
all of the same size, but passing here and there into card.
Membranous margin of the preopercle very finely, almost obsoletely
denticulated. Branchial membrane with seven rays, the seventh being
not much smaller than the sixth.[8] The whole head covered with
scales, including the lower jaw, and the upper half of the
maxillary. Lateral line nearly straight, a little above the middle.
First dorsal commencing at about one-third of the entire length,
excluding caudal; of a triangular form, with its length a little
exceeding its height; second spine longest, about equalling the
depth of the body. Distance between the two dorsals equalling half
the length of the first. Second dorsal with the first ray longest,
equalling the longest of the spines in the first dorsal; second and
succeeding rays slightly decreasing to the sixth, beyond which they
are nearly even, with the exception of the last three or four, which
are shorter; all these rays very much branched, with the intervening
membrane deeply notched. Anal commencing a little before the end of
the first dorsal, and terminating nearly in a line with, but in
strictness a very little beyond, the second dorsal; rays and
membrane much as in that fin, to which it answers in general height.
Distance between the second dorsal and caudal, only
one-twenty-eighth of the entire length. Caudal appears obliquely
square, the upper rays being slightly longer than the lower, but
perhaps worn so. Pectorals one-eighth of the entire length. Ventrals
about three-fourths of their length, attached in front of them, as
described by Cuvier. In the axillæ of the pectorals is a falcated
membranaceous appendage covered with scales (not noticed by Cuvier),
a very little less than one-fourth the length of the fins
themselves.
B. 7; D. 10—32; A. 41; C. 15. &c.; P. 18; V. 1/5.
Length 21 inches.
COLOUR.—“Above pale, regularly and symmetrically marked with brownish
red, the tip of each scale being so coloured. Beneath silvery white.
Sides with a faint coppery tinge. Ventral fins yellowish. Pupil of
the eye intense black.”—D.
SECOND SPECIMEN.—Breadth or thickness at the pectorals about ten and a
half times in the entire length. Depth at that point less than the
breadth. Canine teeth in the lower jaw smaller than those above, and
not set at such regular intervals as in the first specimen.[9]
Scarcely any appearance of denticulations on the membranous border
of the preopercle. Distance between the two dorsals a little less
than the length of the first. Pectorals contained eight and a half
times in the entire length. Fin-ray formula as follows:—
D. 9–32; A. 42; C. 15, &c.; P. 17; V. 1/5.
Length 14 inches.
In all other respects exactly similar to the specimen first described.
Habitat, coast of Northern Patagonia, and Maldonado.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains two specimens of this fish, which was
first discovered by MM. Quoy and Gaimard at Rio Janeiro. The larger one
was caught by hook and line in fourteen fathoms water on the coast of
Patagonia, in lat. 38° 20′. The second was taken at Maldonado, where he
states it to be common. They differ in several respects from the
description and figure in the “Histoire des Poissons,” of Cuvier and
Valenciennes; but as they also differ a little from each other, the
species is perhaps subject to variation. Amongst other points, I may
mention the scales on the jaws, which are expressly stated by Cuvier to
be _without_ scales; and also the emargination of the membrane between
the rays of the second dorsal and anal, which is not represented in his
figure, nor alluded to in his description, though very striking. This
last character appears, however, in the figure given in the Zoological
Atlas of Freycinet’s voyage, which is on the whole a more correct
representation. “When cooked, was good eating.”—D.
FAMILY.—MULLIDÆ.
1. UPENEUS FLAVOLINEATUS. _Cuv. et Val._
Upeneus flavolineatus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. iii. p.
336.
FORM.—Considerably elongated. Greatest depth contained five times in
the entire length, caudal excluded. Head three and a half times in
the same. Dorsal line nearly straight. Profile very convex. Crown
between the eyes broad and somewhat depressed, forming a slight
hollow. Eyes large; their diameter more than one-fourth that of the
head. Suborbitals marked on their surface near the lower margin with
six or eight diverging salient lines, each terminating at bottom in
a mucous pore. Teeth forming a narrow velutine band, hardly visible
to the naked eye, but sensible to the touch: none on the vomer or
palatines. Opercle with one short flat spine projecting beyond the
posterior margin rather more than half a line. Barbules reaching to
a little beyond the angle of the preopercle. Mucous tubes of the
lateral line with five or six branches; the branches not always
simple,[10] but consisting sometimes of two or three main ones which
are subdivided. First dorsal of a triangular form, with the spines
rather slender; the first two equalling more than three-fourths of
the depth of the body. Space between the dorsals about equalling the
length of the first. Second dorsal with the first ray (or spine)
scarcely more than half the length of the second, which is longest;
the third and succeeding rays gradually decreasing to the last,
which is shortest. Length of the second dorsal just equalling its
greatest height. Anal answering to this last fin. Caudal deeply
forked; the central rays not being one-fourth the length of the
outermost ones. Ventrals and pectorals exactly of the same length;
both reaching to a vertical line from the extremity of the first
dorsal. Vent in a line with the commencement of the second dorsal.
D. 7–1/8; A. 1/6; C. 15, &c.; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 6 inches 9 lines.
COLOUR.—“Dull silvery, with a yellow stripe on the side.”—D.
There can be but little doubt of this species being the _U.
flavolineatus_, which appears to have a wide range over the Indian
Ocean, and also to occur in the South Pacific. Mr. Darwin’s specimen was
taken at the Keeling Islands.
2. UPENEUS TRIFASCIATUS. _Cuv. et Val._
Upeneus trifasciatus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. iii. p. 344.
FORM.—General form resembling that of the _Mullus Surmuletus_, but the
snout more elongated. Greatest depth contained about four times and
a half in the entire length. Head exactly one-fourth of the same.
Eyes small, distant three diameters from the end of the snout.
Suborbitals with a moderate number of pores on their disk, but
without any salient lines. Posterior extremity of the maxillary
broad. A single row of conical teeth in each jaw, very uniform in
size, not very large or very close; about twenty-two above and
twenty below. Spine of the opercle about a line in length. Barbules
reaching to, or a little beyond, the posterior margin of the
opercle. Lateral line not much ramified. Height of the first dorsal
equalling more than half the depth. Space between the two dorsals
equalling one-third the length of the second dorsal. Both this last
fin and the anal terminating in a considerable point behind.
Ventrals large, reaching very nearly to the anal.
D. 8—9; A. 7; C. 15, &c.; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 7 inches 9 lines.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Dark brownish yellow, with faint indications
of three dusky patches or abbreviated transverse fasciæ, one beneath
each dorsal, and the third on each side of the upper part of the
tail. Second dorsal and anal crossed by several whitish longitudinal
lines; the posterior point of each fin nearly black.
This species was obtained by Mr. Darwin at Tahiti. It is probably the
_U. trifasciatus_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes, who received their
specimens from the Carolinas and Sandwich Islands. But it does not so
well accord with the _Mulle multibande_ of Quoy and Gaimard, which is
supposed by the authors of the “Histoire des Poissons,” to be the same
as their species. If the figure in the Zoology of “Freycinet’s Voyage”
be correct, the _Mulle multibande_ has the nostrils much smaller, and
the spines of the first dorsal much stronger; the ventrals also are
relatively much shorter, so as to reach very little more than half-way
to the anal. Future observation must determine whether the two fish are
distinct or not.
3. UPENEUS PRAYENSIS. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Upeneus Prayensis, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. iii. p. 357.
FORM.—Very much resembling that of the _U. trifasciatus_, but with the
following differences. The eyes rather larger, distant from the end
of the snout rather more than two diameters and a half. Suborbitals
traversed towards their lower margins by a number of lines, each
terminating in a pore, and with their whole disks studded besides
with pores without lines: the lower margin itself presents four
distinct deeply-cut notches, the first of which receives the end of
the maxillary when the mouth is closed. A single row of small
conical teeth in each jaw; in addition to which, in the upper, there
are some stronger ones in front, exterior to the others, amounting
to eight in number, the central pair of which bends inwards or
towards each other, and the three on each side, which are the
strongest of all, backwards and outwards. No teeth on the vomer or
palatines. The posterior extremity of the maxillary is much narrower
than in the last species. Spine of the opercle sharp and well
developed, about two lines and a quarter in length. Barbules
reaching very nearly to the posterior margin of the opercle.
Ramifications of the mucous tubes on the lateral line very numerous.
Height of the first dorsal equalling rather more than half the
depth. Space between the two dorsals equalling half the length of
the second dorsal. This last fin pointed behind, as well as the
anal, but not so much so as in the _U. trifasciatus_. Pectorals when
laid back reaching to a vertical line from the extremity of the
first dorsal. Ventrals reaching a little beyond the pectorals, but
falling short of the anal by a space equalling half their own
length.
D. 8–9; A. 7; C. 15, &c.; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 8 inches.
COLOUR.—“Vermilion, with streaks of iridescent blue.”—D. In spirits,
the colour appears of a uniform dull reddish yellow, without any
indication of spots or other markings on the fins or body.
Habitat, Porto Praya, Cape Verde Islands.
I suppose this to be the _U. Prayensis_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes, the
description of which, so far as given in the “Histoire des Poissons,” is
tolerably applicable. Those authors, however, mention a spot in the
middle of each scale of a deeper red than the ground colour, which is
not alluded to by Mr. Darwin in his notes, and of which I see no trace
on the fish in its present state. On the other hand they are silent with
regard to the blue streaks. In some of its characters, especially as
regards the teeth, this species seems to approach the _U. maculatus_;
but the colours are different in this last also, which is moreover found
on the opposite side of the Atlantic.
FAMILY.—TRIGLIDÆ.
TRIGLA KUMU. _Less. et Garn._
Trigla kumu, _Less. et Garn._ Zoologie de la Coquille, (Poissons) Pl.
19.
———— _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. iv. p. 36.
FORM.—In general appearance very much resembling the _T. Hirundo_, but
more elongated. Depth contained about five times and a half in the
entire length. Head rather more than four times and a quarter in the
same. The obliquity of the profile about the same as that of the _T.
Hirundo_, but the concavity of the interocular space less. The
granulations on the head not so coarse, or so strongly marked, the
lines in which they are arranged being closer and more numerous:
those on the suborbitals radiate from a point nearer the extremity
of the snout: no crest or ridge at the bottom of the suborbital, and
only a very indistinct one at the bottom of the preopercle: as
Cuvier has well noted, the grains on the border of the preopercle
are divided into little isles, or collected in clusters, by
irregular lines which undulate amongst them; and in this specimen,
the same character presents itself on the posterior and upper
portion of the suborbital: some of the first lines on the opercle
are plain, or without granulations. Snout emarginated, with three or
four denticulations on each side rather sharper and more developed
than in the _T. Hirundo_. Two spines at the anterior angle of the
eye; but none at the posterior angle, or on the temples.
Suprascapular, opercular, and clavicular spines much as in the _T.
Hirundo_. Lateral line and whole body smooth, excepting the dorsal
ridges, which are strongly serrated. Dorsal spines as in the _T.
Hirundo_; second longest; the first with a series of obsolete
granulations on its anterior edge. Pectorals not quite one-third of
the entire length: free rays incrassated in the middle, tapering
towards the ends, but with the extreme tips slightly dilated.
D. 10—16; A. 16; C. 11, &c.; P. 11, and 3 free; V. 1/5.
Length 16 inches 6 lines.
COLOUR.—“Whole body bright red.”—D. The pectorals, of which no note
was taken in the recent state, appear, in the dried skin,
externally, of a dusky colour, approaching to black, with white
rays; the lower margin, however, is paler, and was probably
originally red like the body: inside, the colour is much the same,
but variegated with a few white spots; there are also portions of a
paler tint, probably the remains of a fine blue. I see no distinct
trace of the large deep black spot, said by Cuvier to occupy the
seventh and eighth rays on the posterior face of the fin.
Taken in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The only respect in which it
differs from the description of the _T. kumu_ by Cuvier and
Valenciennes, is its having one more spine in the first dorsal.
1. PRIONOTUS PUNCTATUS. _Cuv. et Val._
Prionotus punctatus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. iv. p. 68.
FORM.—Well characterized by the form of the snout, which is very
obtuse, and as it were truncated, with scarcely any notch in the
middle; the margins of the lobes are crenated with minute denticles,
immediately beyond which is a small sharp spine directed backwards;
further on, almost immediately above the corners of the mouth, is a
second similar, but somewhat larger spine. There are also some
minute spines on the temples, as well as on the ridge of the
preopercle, besides the ordinary spines, common to other species,
which in this are all well developed and very sharp. Dorsal spines
smooth, or only the first with a faintly marked line of
granulations; third longest. Pectorals long, contained exactly two
and a half times in the entire length; when laid back, they reach to
within two rays of the extremity of the second dorsal. Free rays
rather slender and tapering, with the extreme tips pointed; not
above half the length of the pectorals. Ventrals rather longer than
the free rays.
D. 10—12; A. 11; C. 11, &c.; P. 13 and 3; V. 1/5.
Length 8 inches 9 lines.
COLOUR.—“Above and sides olive brown, with red spots and marks;
beneath silvery white; edges of the pectoral fins Prussian blue.”—D.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 6._
_W. Hawkins. del._
_Prionotus Miles. Nat. Size._
]
This species is said by Cuvier and Valenciennes to be common all along
the Brazilian coast as far as the mouth of the Plata. Mr. Darwin’s
specimen was taken swimming on the surface in the Bay of Rio de Janeiro,
and agrees well with the description by those authors. “When first taken
made a croaking noise.”—D.
2. PRIONOTUS MILES. _Jen._
PLATE VI.
_P. splendidè rubro variatus; rostro emarginato, utrinque distinctè
denticulato; buccis levissimè granulosis; fossulâ dorsali lateribus
inermibus; squamis corporis parvis, ubique ciliatis; pinnis
pectoralibus modicis, corpore certè triplò brevioribus; radiis
liberis subincrassatis, apicibus dilatatis._
B. 7; D. 10–12; A. 11; C. 12, &c.; P. 13 et 3; V. 1/5.
Long. unc. 10. lin. 3.
FORM.—In general form, that of the head especially, very similar to
the _Trigla Hirundo_ of the British seas. Compared with the _P.
punctatus_ last described, it is rather more elongated, the depth
and thickness being less. Profile falling less obliquely. Space
between the eyes broader, but equally concave. Snout not so obtuse,
and more deeply notched; with six short but well developed teeth on
each side, followed by some minuter denticles. The lines of
granulations on the snout and cheeks are very fine, and not so
strongly marked, or spread over so large a portion of the face. One
principal spine, preceded by two or three small denticles, at the
anterior angle of each orbit; at the posterior angle, a well marked
notch with a small denticle, (in this specimen the denticle on the
left side of the head only,) but no regular spine: these notches are
connected by a transverse line on the cranium, but not by a groove
(as in _P. Carolinus_, Cuv. et Val.). No spines on the temples, or
on the crest at the bottom of the preopercle; but the ordinary spine
of the preopercle, as well as the opercular, suprascapular, and
clavicular spines, appear as usual, though not quite so long as in
the _P. punctatus_; the clavicular spine has one line of points
along its ridge, but the granulations are not very obvious. Band of
palatine teeth much as in _P. punctatus_. First dorsal spine with a
row of granulated points in front; the second spine with a row on
the left side of the fin; the third spine with a very rudimentary
row on the right side; but none of these granulations very obvious:
third spine longest, equalling about three-fourths of the depth of
the body; the fourth and succeeding spines gradually decreasing to
the tenth, which is barely visible, and so reclined as to be easily
overlooked. Dorsal groove shallow, with the sides unarmed. Scales on
the body small, broader than long; their free edges finely ciliated,
communicating a decided roughness to the touch; their concealed
portions crenated at the hinder margin, and marked with a fan of
five or six striæ. Lateral line not distinguished by any particular
scales, but forming a whitish streak from the upper part of the
gill-opening to the caudal. Pectorals relatively shorter than in _P.
punctatus_, contained a little more than three times in the entire
length; when laid back they reach to a vertical line from the fourth
ray of the second dorsal. Free rays rather stout, with their tips
somewhat dilated and approaching to spatuliform; in length about
two-thirds that of the pectorals. Ventrals a trifle longer than the
first or longest of the free rays.
COLOUR.—“Above mottled brilliant tile red; beneath silvery white.”—D.
Mr. Darwin is rather doubtful whether by the above description, he
meant that the entire fish was brilliant red, or only mottled with
red upon some obscure ground.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
Taken at Chatham Island, in the Galapagos Archipelago, and decidedly
distinct from all the species described by Cuvier and Valenciennes. From
_P. strigatus_ it differs in the finer granulations of the cheeks, less
obtuse and more deeply notched snout, smooth scales, and absence of a
second lateral line; from _P. Carolinus_ in the want of a transverse
groove on the cranium, and in the fin-ray formula, but it resembles this
species in the dilated tips of the free rays; from _P. punctatus_ as
pointed out in the description; from _P. tribulus_ in the want of the
spine on the suborbital, and in its much shorter pectorals. These fins
indeed are shorter than in any of the above mentioned.
As all the species described in the “Histoire des Poissons,” are found
on the Atlantic side of America, the geographical range of this genus is
extended to the Pacific by the discovery of the present one.
FAMILY—COTTIDÆ.
ASPIDOPHORUS CHILOENSIS. _Jen._
PLATE VII. FIG. 1. Lateral view twice nat. size.
FIG. 1_a_. Dorsal view nat. size.
FIG. 1_b_. Lateral view nat. size.
_A. corpore elongato, anticè octagono, posticè hexagono; vomere et
ossibus palatinis dentibus distinctis instructis; maxillis
subæqualibus; rostro ultrà fauces haud producto; mento et membranâ
branchiali cirratis: pinnis dorsalibus discretis; primâ radiis
gracilibus._
B. 6; D. 8–7; A. 8; C. 112/2; P. 14; V. ½.
Long. unc. 2. lin. 7.
[Illustration:
_Fish Pl. 7._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
]
_1. Aspidophorus Chiloensis._ _Twice Nat. Size._
_1a. 1b. „_ _Nat. Size._
_2. Agriopus hispidus._ _Twice Nat. Size._
_2a. „ „_ _Nat. Size._
_2b. „ „_ _Magnified Scales._
FORM.—More elongated than the _A. cataphractus_, which it somewhat
resembles in general appearance. Anterior portion of the body
octagonal, and the posterior, or all beyond the second dorsal and
anal, hexagonal. Head equally depressed as in that species; but its
breadth less, being only one-fifth of the entire length, caudal
excluded. Length of the head rather less than one-fourth of the
entire length. Depth at the nape rather less than one-seventh of the
same. Eyes relatively a little larger than in _A. cataphractus_;
their diameter one-fourth the length of the head; placed high in the
cheeks, and distant one diameter from the end of the snout. Upper
part of the orbit elevated into an osseous ridge on each side of the
crown of the head, with a spine at its anterior angle, and the ridge
itself terminating in a sharp, rather stronger, spine at the
posterior angle; both spines directed backwards. Space between the
eyes concave, equalling in breadth not quite one diameter of the
eye, with two longitudinal sharp ridges running respectively
parallel to the ridges of the orbits, but not nearly so much
elevated as these last; these ridges terminate posteriorly at a
groove, which runs transversely behind the eyes, separating the
vertex from the occiput. The snout presents the same four spines,
which are to be seen in the _A. cataphractus_, but it does not
project beyond the mouth. The lower margin of the suborbital
presents a somewhat irregular ridge formed by a series of bluntish
tubercles, the last of which terminates in a very minute spine
directed backwards. Limb of the preopercle with three diverging
smooth ridges, dilating at their extremities into three flattened
blunt points, which project a little beyond the membrane, but can
scarcely be called spines. Opercle with one ridge not so strongly
marked as those of the preopercle, and not terminating in any
distinct point, nor even reaching quite to the edge of the membrane.
Jaws nearly equal; but the upper one a very little the longest; each
with a narrow band of minute velutine teeth: a distinct chevron of
similar teeth on the front of the vomer, and a short imperfect row
on each palatine. Tongue smooth. Gill-opening large: the branchial
membrane not notched, but passing transversely over the isthmus, to
the edge of which it is nevertheless attached on each side. Chin
clothed with short fleshy cirri; also a few on the lower jaw and
branchial membrane; but they are much shorter, and less conspicuous
than in the _A. cataphractus_, especially on the branchial membrane,
where they are very sparingly scattered. The occiput presents the
four usual ridges formed of granulated tubercles; and between the
innermost pair there is also a much less conspicuous, but slightly
raised line running longitudinally down the middle: the two
innermost of the above ridges are nearly in a line respectively with
the two ridges of the orbit, behind which they commence, and they
would pass on to unite with the two dorsal carinæ were they not
separated from the latter by a deep transverse depression at the
nape: the two outermost of the occipital ridges commence behind the
eyes themselves, and terminate at the suprascapulars, each in a
sharp point directed backwards, but not prolonged into a spine. The
carinated scales which arm the body of this species, are more
sharply serrated than those of the _A. cataphractus_, the keels
terminating behind in hooked points; and the elevated lines which
form the striæ on each side of the keel are fewer in number and more
raised. The ridges which they form are also more marked, and the
second ridge on each side commences immediately behind the angle of
the opercle, instead of opposite the vent as in that species; so
that the whole body is perfectly octagonal from the gills to the
termination of the dorsal and anal fins:[11] at that point, the two
dorsal ridges and the two ventral unite respectively to form one, or
rather approximate so closely as to form but one in appearance; for,
if closely examined, there will still be found two parallel rows of
serratures. In each of the two uppermost or dorsal ridges, there are
twenty-seven scales, reckoning from the hollow at the nape to the
point where the ridges unite. In the second ridge (which extends, as
before observed, from the gills to the caudal) there are
thirty-eight. In the third, which commences behind the pectoral, and
extends in like manner to the caudal, there are thirty-five. In the
fourth, which commences on the breast, immediately behind the point
of attachment of the branchial membrane to the isthmus, there are
thirty, reckoning to behind the anal, where it unites with its
fellow to form one; between this point and the caudal there are ten,
the serratures of which are rather obsolete. The fourth pair of
ridges are throughout their course less sharply serrated than the
second and third pairs, and these last again rather less so than the
first or dorsal pair. Between the two ventral ridges, near their
commencement in front of the ventral fins, are six slightly serrated
scales (similar to those in the ridges) forming on the breast a
somewhat triangular patch, two single ones standing first, then four
others in pairs. The lateral line, which is catenulated as in _A.
cataphractus_, commences at the upper angle of the opercle, then
bends downwards to take a middle course between the second and third
ridges, which it preserves to the caudal. The first dorsal commences
behind the seventh scale in the dorsal ridges, or at about one-third
of the entire length; it is of the same form as in the _A.
cataphractus_, but contains more rays; its membrane terminates at
the fifteenth scale, and there are rather more than two scales
between it and the second dorsal, which last is rather shorter and
higher than the first. The rays of the first dorsal are not stouter
than those of the second, nor relatively stouter than those of the
_A. cataphractus_. The rays of the second dorsal are simple, with
the second and third rather longer than the first. The anal answers
to the second dorsal. The pectorals are rounded, and one-fifth of
the entire length. Ventrals very narrow, and scarcely more than half
the length of the pectorals. Position of the vent a little anterior
to a line connecting the extremities of the ventrals.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Dusky grey above and on the sides, paler
beneath; with four broad transverse blackish fasciæ passing across
the back and down the sides as far as the third longitudinal ridge
of scales. The first fascia is in the region of the first half of
the first dorsal; the second at the commencement of the second
dorsal; the third near the end of the second dorsal; the fourth
half-way between the end of the second dorsal and the caudal; and a
little beyond this there is a faint trace of a fifth fascia. The
body is a little mottled in places with spots of the same dark
colour as the fasciæ, and the fins, with the exception of the
ventrals, are of the same hue.
Habitat, Chiloe, (West coast of S. America).
The absence of vomerine teeth has been considered by Cuvier as one of
the characters serving to distinguish _Aspidophorus_ from _Cottus_; but
as these teeth are very distinctly developed in the present species, we
must rather dwell upon the large keeled sharp-pointed scales, which
envelope the body in a kind of mail, and, as Dr. Richardson
observes,[12] “give the _Aspidophori_ a totally different aspect from
the _Cotti_.” Indeed on equally strong grounds as those on which Cuvier
has separated _Pinguipes_ from _Percis_ and _Prionotus_ from _Trigla_,
the present species, which possesses both vomerine and palatine
teeth,[13] might be made a distinct genus from _Aspidophorus_, or at
least considered as one of its subgenera. But in the present uncertain
state of our knowledge with respect to the exact value of this
character,[14] and from the general resemblance of the _A. Chiloensis_
in all its principal characters to the other species of this genus,[15]
I have not thought this step necessary.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin at Chiloe. There are two specimens
in the collection. The second differs from the one above described, only
in having one ray less in the first dorsal, and two more carinated
scales in each of the dorsal ridges. Independently of its having
vomerine and palatine teeth as above noticed, this species will not
enter into any of Cuvier’s sections of the genus _Aspidophorus_, but
combines in itself the characters of his first and third; the dorsals
being separated by nearly three scales, the jaws being very nearly
equal, the rays of the first dorsal not stouter than those of the
second, and the throat being bearded.
PLATYCEPHALUS INOPS. _Jen._
_P. capite longo, lævi, ubique inermi, spinis duâbus ad angulum
preoperculi brevissimis æqualibus exceptis; oculis magnis, arctè
propinquantibus: dorso et lateribus fuscis; abdomine albido; pinnâ
dorsali primâ liturâ magnâ irregulari nigro-fuscâ posticè maculatâ;
dorsali secundâ, caudali, et pectoralibus, maculis fuscis parvis;
anali et ventralibus ferè omnino nigricantibus._
B. 7; D. 8–12; A. 12; C. 13, &c.; P. 19; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 16.
FORM.—Head very much depressed, and rather longer than in most of the
species of this genus; its length being nearly twice its own
breadth, and nearly one-third of the entire length. Breadth of the
body at the pectorals one-seventh of the entire length: depth at
that point half the breadth. Snout rounded horizontally. Lower jaw
longest. Gape reaching to beneath the anterior margin of the orbit.
A band of sharp velutine teeth in each jaw broadest above; a double
semicircular patch of similar teeth on the front of the vomer, and a
band all along each palatine as broad as that in the lower jaw.
Branchial arches and pharyngeans rough with similar teeth. Tongue
free, thin, flat, truncated at the apex with a double emargination
in the middle, of equal breadth throughout, without teeth, the
central portion cartilaginous with a broad membranous border all
round. Eyes large, their diameter one-sixth the length of the head,
approximating, with not half a diameter between, distant two
diameters from the extremity of the lower jaw. The spines of the
preopercle (which in some species are long and very unequal) very
short and inconspicuous, of equal length, the lower one rounded off
almost to nothing. Head smooth all over; presenting the usual
ridges, which however are not very salient, but with hardly anything
deserving the name of spines, excepting only a small flat spine
terminating the opercle, and a minute but sharp one on the upper
ridge of the scapula: none at the anterior angle of the first
suborbital, or on the ridge of the orbit. Gill-opening very large;
the branchial membrane notched underneath for its whole length.
Pectorals broad and oval but short, contained nearly eight times in
the entire length; the first two rays simple, the next ten branched,
the last seven, which are rather stout, again simple. Ventrals
separate by nearly the whole breadth of the body, attached beneath
the middle of the pectorals, longer than these last fins by nearly
one-third, and reaching very nearly but not quite to the vent, which
is a little posterior to the middle of the entire length: the spine
of the ventrals is one-third of the longest of the articulated rays
which are the last or innermost. The first dorsal commences above
the middle of the pectorals, and occupies between one-sixth and
one-seventh of the entire length; its greatest height is about
two-thirds of its own length; the first spine is very short, and
detached, as in the other species; the second a little shorter than
the third which is longest; the rest gradually decrease to the last,
which is one-third the length of the second; this fin therefore is
not so triangular as in many of this genus. A small space between
the first and second dorsals. This last longer and rather lower than
the former, contained four and a half times in the entire length;
all the rays nearly even, with the exception of the first only,
which is a little shorter than the second. Caudal square. The anal
answers to the second dorsal, but begins, as well as terminates, a
little backwarder.
The lateral line commences at the suprascapular, and gradually bends
down till it reaches the middle of the depth which it keeps for the
remainder of its course; it is perfectly smooth throughout. The
scales cover all the body and a part of the head, but are not
present between the eyes, or on the front of the snout, or on the
jaws. They are small, oblong-oval, finely striated, with a fan of
eleven or twelve deeper striæ posteriorly, their free edges cut
square, not ciliated.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._)—Back and sides nearly uniform deep brown;
beneath white; the two colours separated by a well-defined line.
First dorsal transparent, with a deep brown stain or blotch on the
membrane, of an irregular form, and occupying more than the
posterior half of the fin. Second dorsal uniformly, but rather
obscurely, spotted throughout. Caudal with transverse rows of
similar spots. Anal nearly uniform pale dusky, the spots hardly
distinguishable from the ground. Ventrals the same. Pectorals with
spots on the rays, but with the intervening membrane nearly
transparent.
Habitat, King George’s Sound, New Holland.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 8._
_Scorpæna Histrio. Nat. Size._
]
This species very closely approaches the _P. lævigatus_ of Cuvier and
Valenciennes, with which it particularly agrees in the smoothness of its
head, and large approximating eyes. The two spines, however, at the
angle of the preopercle appear to be still smaller than in that
species;[16] the fin-ray formula is a little different; and so also are
the colours; the first dorsal being particularly characterized by a
large irregular dark-coloured stain on its posterior portion, and the
anal and ventrals being almost wholly dusky, instead of pale with spots
on the rays only, as in the _P. lævigatus_. Possibly it may be a mere
variety. Mr. Darwin’s specimen was obtained at King George’s Sound.
FAMILY—SCORPÆNIDÆ.
SCORPÆNA HISTRIO. _Jen._
PLATE VIII.
_S. toto corpore coccineo, pinnis pallidioribus, maculis parvis
irregularibus nigricantibus: capite magnâ ex parte alepidoto, lineis
spinosis solitis armato: pinnâ dorsali spinis inæqualibus, tertiâ
paulo longissimâ: capite et lateribus cirris cutaneis parvis ubique
adornatis; quatuor palpebralibus, præsertim duobus posterioribus,
majoribus, palmatis._
B. 7; D. 12/9; A. 3/5; C. 13, &c.; P. 20; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 9.
FORM.—General form resembling that of the _S. Scrofa_. Depth at the
pectorals just one-fourth of the entire length. Thickness a trifle
more than two-thirds of the depth. Head more than one-third of the
entire length. Eyes large and elevated, distant from the end of the
snout rather more than one diameter; the space between very concave,
twice as long as broad, with two whitish lines in the central
furrow, diverging as they recede backwards towards the nape, but
scarcely elevated into salient ridges. Mouth oblique, with the gape
large and the lower jaw a little the longest; when closed, the end
of the maxillary, which is broad and much dilated, reaches to a
vertical line from the posterior part of the orbit. A broadish band
of velutine teeth in each jaw as well as on the vomer and palatines.
Tongue smooth. A small sharp triangular spine on each of the nasal
bones, (in this specimen that on the left side is double or forked):
upper margin of the orbit, which is much elevated, with three
spines, one strong one at the anterior angle, and two, nearly as
large, further back; beyond which, on the left orbit only, is a
fourth smaller one. Space between the eyes bounded posteriorly by a
raised arc having the curvature inwards, with a spine on each side;
this is followed by the depressed occiput, which forms a hollow; and
on each side of this, at its posterior margin, or at the
commencement of the nape, are two other strong spines: there are
likewise two spines at the suprascapulars, and between these and the
posterior margin of the orbit of the eye, on what may be called the
temples, are two more; of these last, the first, which is small and
close to the orbit, is double; the second, which is larger and
situate a little above the upper angle of the preopercle, is, in
this specimen, double on the right side and single on the left. The
first suborbital has two spines on its anterior margin, the first
directed forwards, and the second downwards; on its disk are two
salient ridges, which are unarmed, and not very conspicuous. The
second suborbital is entirely without spines, but elevated in the
middle into a double smooth ridge or crest. Margin of the preopercle
with six spines; the second longest; the first, as well as the two
lowermost, small and inconspicuous. Opercle with two osseous
diverging ridges terminating in spines: the scapular and clavicular
bones likewise terminate each in a flattened spine. Lateral line and
scales much as in _S. Scrofa_; the latter with their free edges
perfectly smooth.
The cutaneous filaments and appendages on this species are as follows:
three small ones at the extremity of the snout; one small but broad
one at the upper margin of the anterior orifice of the nostril; two
very conspicuous palmated ones on each orbit, especially the
posterior one, which is largest, and very broad; two on the margin
of the first suborbital; some small ones on the cheeks and
maxillaries; six beneath the lower jaw, two being near the
symphysis, and two on each ramus; a row on the margin of the
preopercle, and very numerous small ones scattered about the nape
and sides of the body, of which a row along the lateral line are
rather more conspicuous than the others.
The spines of the dorsal fin are moderately strong, and unequal; the
first is rather more than half the length of the second, which
itself is two-thirds of the third; this last is less than half, but
more than two-fifths, of the depth of the body; from the third, the
spines decrease very gradually to the eleventh, which is a little
longer than the first; the twelfth is higher than the eleventh by
one-third: soft portion of the fin rounded, and where most elevated
just equalling in height the third or longest spine. Anal spines
very unequal; the first not very stout, and less than half the
length of the second, which is very strong indeed, as well as the
longest of the three; the third is stouter than the first, but not
nearly so stout as the second, though nearly equalling that spine in
length: soft portion of this fin with its greatest elevation rather
exceeding the second spine. Caudal slightly rounded. Pectorals
rather more than one-fifth of the entire length; the ten lowermost
rays simple; the nine immediately above these branched; the
uppermost of all simple like the bottom ones, but slenderer as well
as shorter than the others. Ventrals not above two-thirds the length
of the pectorals; in other respects as in _S. Scrofa_.
_A second specimen._—Smaller than the one above described, measuring
seven inches and a half in length. The two diverging lines on the
cranium between the eyes are rather more salient, and the left orbit
is without the fourth spine; but in all other respects, including
the fin-ray formula, the two specimens are exactly similar.
COLOUR.—“Whole body scarlet red, fins rather paler; with small
irregularly-shaped light black spots.”—D.
Habitat, Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago.
This species differs more or less in the details of form, as well as
colours, from all those which I can find described by authors. Most of
the foreign species of this genus noticed by Cuvier and Valenciennes,
come either from the eastern coast of America or the East Indies; and
they do not appear to have received any from that part of the Pacific,
whence the present one was obtained.
SEBASTES OCULATA. _Val.?_
Sebastes oculata, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. ix. p. 344.
FORM.—Greatest depth contained about three times and three quarters in
the entire length. Head about one-third of the same. Eyes large; the
interocular space, equalling rather more than half their diameter,
concave, with two longitudinal ridges running respectively parallel
to the two superciliary ridges. Two spines on the upper part of the
snout, in a line with the nostrils; one at the anterior part of the
orbit; three at the posterior, passing off in a line towards the
occiput, where there are two other moderately strong ones
terminating the lateral occipital ridges; five very strong spines or
teeth edging the rounded angle of the preopercle; two sharp ones at
the posterior angle of the opercle, the upper one most developed;
one at the scapula, and two at the suprascapular. There are either
three orifices to each nostril, or else, adjoining the two usual
openings, a large pore so manifest (at least in this specimen in its
dried state) as easily to be mistaken for a third: this additional
one is close to the nasal spine. Dorsal spines of only moderate
strength: anal stronger, especially the second, which is very stout,
as well as the longest of the three; the third, however, is more
than half the length of the soft rays. Pectorals broad and rounded;
their length contained about four times and a half in the entire
length; first ray simple, the next eight branched, the nine
lowermost simple again, and rather stouter than the others. The
caudal appears to have been square. Scales small and ciliated,
covering nearly the entire head, as well as body, but very thinly
scattered on the extremity of the snout in advance of the nostrils.
D. 13/14; A. 3/6; C. 14, and 3 shorter ones; P. 18; V. 1/5.
Length 10 inches.
COLOUR.—“Under surface, sides, branchial covering, and part of the
fins, ‘tile and carmine red;’ dorsal scales pale yellowish dirty
brown.”—D. In its present dried state, the colour is of a uniform
brown.
Habitat, Valparaiso.
This species is probably the _S. oculata_ of Valenciennes; but the depth
rather exceeds, and in its recent state it must have still more
exceeded, one-fourth of the entire length, the proportion given in the
“Histoire des Poissons.” The spines on the opercle and suprascapular
also can hardly be called “smaller,” as there stated, than those on the
orbit and occiput, at least the upper one on the opercle. There are also
two soft rays less in the anal. It may be added further, that Mr.
Darwin’s notes make no mention of the four brilliant rose-coloured spots
along the base of the dorsal fin, spoken of by Valenciennes.
The _S. oculata_ was discovered by M. Gay at Valparaiso, where Mr.
Darwin’s specimen also was obtained. It is the only species of this
genus on record brought hitherto from South America. It may be stated,
however, that Mr. Darwin has a drawing of another species, made by Mr.
P. King, found also at Valparaiso, differing from the above in having
the spines on the head less developed, and apparently, in some of its
characters, approaching the _S. variabilis_. This last is a species
inhabiting the sea which separates N. America from Kamtschatka.
AGRIOPUS HISPIDUS. _Jen._
PLATE VII. FIG. 2. Twice nat. size.
Fig. 2 _a_. Nat. size.
Fig. 2 _b_. Portion of the hispid cuticle magnified.[17]
_A. pallidè rubro-aurantius, dorso nigricante, pinnis nigro-maculatis:
corpore hispido, altitudine tertiam partem longitudinis æquante;
spirits nasalibus duâbus parvis recurvis; vomere dentibus velutinis
minutissimis instructo: pinnâ dorsali inæquali, anticè allevatâ,
spinis quartâ et quintâ paulo longissimis, succedentibus gradatim
diminutis, ultimâ radiis articulatis multò breviori._
D. 17/13; A. 1/8; C. 13, &c.; P. 9; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 1. lin. 9.
FORM.—General form resembling that of the _A. torvus_, but the depth
much greater, equalling one-third of the entire length, or very
nearly. Length of the head somewhat less than the depth of the body.
The line of greatest depth passes through the insertion of the
pectorals. The profile viewed apart from the superciliary ridges,
which are sharp and prominent, falls in a straight but very oblique
line from the commencement of the dorsal to the mouth. On each side
of the median line of the snout, in advance of the eyes, is a small
but sharp spine, directed upwards and backwards. There are also two
minute spines on the first suborbital immediately above and behind
the end of the maxillary; these are placed one over the other, the
uppermost, which is the sharpest and most conspicuous, taking an
upward direction like the nasal spines, the lowermost, which is
blunt and not so obvious, a downward one. Mouth small, without any
teeth that can be discerned even with a lens; but a decided
roughness can be felt on the vomer, seeming to indicate the presence
of minute teeth on that part. The superciliary ridges, already
alluded to, are slightly granulated, and terminate behind in two
sharp triangular points. The occipital ridges, a ridge on the
posterior suborbital immediately beneath the eye, and an interrupted
ridge on the temples and suprascapulars, are in like manner
granulated, or rather obscurely crenated. The opercle and preopercle
are marked with a few striæ, but show neither granulations nor
spines. Gill-opening very small. No scales on any part of the head
and body; but the whole surface of the latter is hispid with minute
bristly appendages to the cuticle, each springing from a minute
papilla. There are also a number of fine lines traversing the
cuticle in two directions, and forming a kind of network. The
lateral line commences at the suprascapular, and terminates a little
beyond the end of the dorsal, not reaching quite to the caudal; its
course is nearly, but not exactly, parallel to the dorsal line, the
distance between them being at first one-third, but towards the
caudal between one-third and one-fourth of the depth.
Dorsal very much elevated anteriorly, but its height by no means
uniform throughout; the first spine one-fourth shorter than the
second; this again a little shorter than the third; and this last a
very little shorter than the fourth and fifth, which are longest,
and which equal three-fourths of the depth of the body; sixth and
succeeding ones gradually decreasing, the ninth being about equal to
the first, the twelfth about one-third shorter; the next four are
scarcely shorter than the twelfth, and the seventeenth or last is a
little higher than the sixteenth; then follows the soft portion of
the fin, which is here again elevated, the soft rays being nearly
double the length of the last spinous.[18] The anal answers in
position to the first two-thirds of the soft dorsal, terminating
before that fin, as in _A. torvus_: the fourth, fifth, and sixth
soft rays are longest, and much longer than the soft rays of the
dorsal; the spine is short and slender, and not much more than half
the length of the first soft ray. The last ray of both dorsal and
anal is divided quite to the root so as to appear as two. The caudal
appears to have been rounded, but the ends of the rays are worn and
broken. Pectorals long, equalling one-third of the entire length:
they consist of nine rays, the three middle ones of which are
longest; the three upper and the three lower ones are respectively
equal; all the rays simple. Ventrals much shorter than the
pectorals, and, though attached rather more behind, not reaching so
far; their spine is rather stout, much more so than that of the
anal, and about three-fourths the length of the first two soft rays,
which are the longest in the fin.
COLOUR.—“Pale reddish orange, with black spots on the fins, and a
dusky shade on the back.”—D.
_A second specimen_ only differs from the above in having the teeth in
the jaws more sensible to the touch, though still scarcely to be
seen; and in the superciliary and occipital ridges being less
granulated or crenated at the edges. The colours also are a little
darker. The fin-ray formula is exactly the same in both specimens.
Habitat, Peninsula of Tres Montes, Archipelago of Chiloe.
This species approaches most nearly the _A. Peruvianus_ of Cuvier and
Valenciennes, with which it agrees in the great depth of the body, and
in the presence of two nasal spines; but it differs in the roughness of
the skin (that species being described as smooth), and in the greater
inequality of the dorsal fin. Perhaps it may be the same as the species
brought from the coast of Chili by Mr. Cuming, and briefly noticed by
Mr. Bennett in the “Proceedings of the Zoological Society” (1832, p.
5.), but which this last gentleman did not venture to describe as new,
from the circumstance of its general agreement with the _A. Peruvianus_.
The principal deviation in Mr. Cuming’s fish from the species just
mentioned is stated to have occurred in the number of the fin-rays;
those of the spinous portion of the dorsal fin being seventeen (one less
than in the _A. Peruvianus_), while of the soft rays of the anal there
were ten (three more than in the species referred to). Mr. Darwin’s fish
agrees with Mr. Cuming’s in the number of the dorsal spines, but not in
that of the soft rays of the anal, which is eight, being one more than
in the _A. Peruvianus_ and two less than in Mr. Cuming’s; and it is
observable that both the specimens obtained by Mr. Darwin agree in this
particular. Mr. Bennett has not noticed any of the other characters of
Mr. Cuming’s fish.[19]
One of the most distinguishing peculiarities in the species here
described is the existence of vomerine teeth, which though extremely
minute are quite sensible to the touch. As these teeth are denied by
Cuvier to the whole genus, we have here another instance, similar to
that of the _Aspidophorus Chiloensis_ already mentioned, of the slight
value of the character which their presence or absence affords.
Possibly, however, they may disappear in the adult state. Both Mr.
Darwin’s specimens are small, neither equalling two inches; and if they
are immature, which is probably the case, some of the other characters
mentioned in the description, perhaps even the hispidity of the skin,
may result from this circumstance. They must therefore be received with
caution until larger specimens shall have been obtained.
FAMILY.-SCIÆNIDÆ.
OTOLITHUS GUATUCUPA. _Cuv. et Val._
Otolithus guatucupa, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. v. p. 56. pl.
104.
FORM.—Elongated, with the back only very slightly elevated beneath the
first dorsal: in advance of that fin the dorsal line is nearly
straight, and continuous with the profile. Greatest depth contained
exactly four times and a half in the entire length. Head long,
contained three and a half times in the same. Lower jaw projecting
considerably beyond the upper, and ascending to meet it. Two
strongly developed curved canines at the extremity of the upper jaw;
the rest of the teeth in this jaw consist of a single row of fine
card, nearly equal throughout: in the lower jaw there are no
canines, but one similar row of card, rather stronger than those
above, and not equal, the smallest being in front, and those at the
sides becoming gradually larger as they extend backwards. No vestige
of scales on the lower jaw, lips or maxillary; but the suborbital is
covered with bright silvery scales. Eye full, and moderately sized;
its diameter one-fifth the length of the head; its distance from the
end of the upper jaw equalling the diameter. Margin of the
preopercle with a few indistinct striæ and obsolete denticulations.
Opercle with two flat points not much developed. Lateral line very
distinct, commencing at rather less than one-third of the depth, but
curving gradually downwards to one-half; continued to nearly the
extremity of the caudal; each scale marked with an elevated line,
from which there proceed one or two small ramifications on each
side.
First dorsal triangular, with the first spine very short, the fourth
longest, the fifth and succeeding ones gradually decreasing, the
last or tenth being shorter than the first. Second dorsal almost
contiguous, its spine or first ray about equalling the first ray of
the first dorsal: this fin is more than half as long again as the
first, and the rays are nearly even. The anal commences further back
than a point opposite the middle of the second dorsal; there are in
reality two spines in this fin, but the first is so extremely minute
as to be almost microscopic, and not seen, unless very carefully
sought for; the second or principal spine is weak, and rather more
than one-third the length of the soft rays. Caudal apparently
square, but the rays being worn at the tips, its exact form cannot
be determined. The second dorsal, as well as the anal and caudal,
are partially covered with small scales, which, however, are not
very obvious. Pectorals narrow and rather small, being scarcely more
than half the length of the head. Ventrals placed a little further
back, and rather shorter than the pectorals.
B. 7; D. 10—1/20; A. 1/8; C. 17; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 9 inc. 9 lines.
COLOUR.—“Silvery white, above iridescent with violet purple and
blue.”—D. Mr. Darwin has not noticed the dark transverse lines,
which descend from the back obliquely forwards, as represented in
the ‘Histoire des Poissons,’ and of which there are evident traces,
though apparently much effaced by the action of the spirit.
Habitat, Maldonado Bay, Rio Plata.
This species, which Cuvier and Valenciennes consider as the _Guatucupa_
of Margrave, was obtained by Mr. Darwin at Maldonado. M. D’Orbigny had
previously taken it at Monte Video. The only respects in which Mr.
Darwin’s specimen differs from D’Orbigny’s, is in its having two more
rays in the soft dorsal, and a slightly longer anal spine, judging from
the figure in the ‘Histoire des Poissons;’ but I cannot imagine that
they are distinct on these grounds only, so exactly do they agree in all
their other characters.
CORVINA ADUSTA. _Agassiz._
Corvina adusta, _Spix et Agass._ Pisces Brazil. p. 126. tab. 70.
FORM.—Greatest depth beneath the commencement of the first dorsal fin,
and equalling one-fourth of the entire length. Back somewhat
carinated, and moderately arched, forming one continuous curve with
the profile, which falls with considerable obliquity. Ventral line
nearly straight, and the abdomen much flattened in front of, and
between the ventrals. Length of the head just equalling the depth of
the body. Snout obtuse, with two small lobes at bottom, one on each
side of the extremity, as in several other species of this genus.
Mouth horizontal, at the bottom of the snout; when closed, the
maxillary reaching a little beyond a vertical from the anterior
margin of the orbit. Four pores beneath the symphysis; and seven, in
two rows, round the extremity of the snout; those in the lower row
large. Jaws nearly equal; the upper one perhaps a little the
longest. Teeth forming a velutine band above and below; those above
with an outer row of somewhat longer and stronger ones. Eyes rather
small; their diameter about one-fifth the length of the head.
Nostrils consisting of two round apertures in advance of the eye,
the posterior one largest; the anterior with a raised margin.
Preopercle a little less than rectangular, with the angle at bottom
somewhat rounded: the ascending margin rectilineal, sloping rather
in advance of a vertical, and distinctly toothed, the teeth becoming
smaller upwards: at the angle are two stronger teeth or spines, the
uppermost directed backwards and a little downwards, the lowermost
downwards and a little backwards; between these two teeth there is
an interval; the basal margin of the preopercle is quite smooth.
Opercle terminating in two flat inconspicuous points.
Snout, cheeks, and gill-covers, covered with scales of very unequal
sizes: those serving as a boundary between the cheek and the
preopercle, also a row above each orbit, a few at the upper angle of
the opercle, some on the suprascapular lamina, and a row extending
thence upwards and forwards to the occiput, much smaller than the
others. Scales on the body of moderate size, arranged in oblique
rows; about fifty-five in a longitudinal line, and nineteen or
twenty in a vertical. One taken from above the lateral line, and
nearly in the middle of the length, is oblong, approaching to
circular, its surface marked with a number of concentric, much
crowded, curved lines, somewhat undulating behind, with a fan of
about twelve deeper striæ converging to a point considerably in
advance of the centre of the scale; the free portion is also marked
with several well-marked nearly parallel lines which terminate in
denticles at the anterior margin. Those on the lateral line have the
mucous tubes somewhat ramified, and are accompanied throughout its
course by some minuter scales, similar to those on the head above
pointed out. The lateral line is at one-third of the depth, till it
arrives beneath the middle of the soft dorsal, where it falls to
one-half.
First dorsal of a triangular form, separated from the soft portion by
a deep notch; the first spine very small and inconspicuous; the
second somewhat shorter than the third; fourth longest, nearly
equalling half the depth; all the spines in this fin rather slender.
The second dorsal commences with a spine somewhat longer than the
last spine in the first dorsal, and not quite half the length of the
first soft ray; soft rays nearly even throughout, and not equalling
the highest point of the first dorsal. Anal short and somewhat
rounded, commencing beneath the middle of the second dorsal, and
double the height of that fin; its first spine very short and
inconspicuous; second long and moderately stout, but shorter than
the first soft ray by one-third; second soft ray the longest; third
and succeeding ones gradually decreasing. Pectorals narrow and
pointed, shorter than the head; first ray simple, the rest branched;
third, fourth and fifth longest. Ventrals attached a trifle
backwarder than the pectorals, which they do not equal in length;
the spine much slenderer than that of the anal, and rather more than
half the length of the first soft ray. Caudal squarish, but with the
margin a little sinuous.
B. 7; D. 10—1/28; A. 2/8; C. 17; P. 17; V. 1/5.
Length 8 inches 6 lines.
COLOUR.—“Above inclining to coppery, with irregular transverse bars of
brown; beautifully iridescent with violet.”—D. The bars alluded to
by Mr. Darwin are some dark lines which, commencing at the upper
part of the back, pass forwards and downwards in an oblique
direction; they bend more and more downwards as they advance, and
disappear a little below the middle. The whole fish has a metallic
gloss, particularly about the cheeks and gill-covers, and very
visible even in its present state.
_A second specimen_, exactly similar to the above, is nearly twelve
inches in length.
Habitat, Maldonado and Monte Video.
I entertain no doubt of this species being the _C. adusta_ of Agassiz,
figured in Spix’s Fishes of Brazil. It is not described by Cuvier and
Valenciennes, but belongs to their second section of the genus,
characterized by the small spines on the ascending margin, and
especially at the angle, of the preopercle. It seems to be particularly
distinguished by the small scales on some parts of the head, and along
the lateral line where they accompany the larger ones. These characters
have not been overlooked by Agassiz. There are two specimens in the
collection, the larger one taken at Monte Video, the smaller at
Maldonado.
1. UMBRINA ARENATA. _Cuv. et Val._
Umbrina arenata, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. v. p. 141.
FORM.—Rather elongated, with the back very little arched; the greatest
depth contained about five times and a quarter in the entire length.
Length of the head about equal to the depth of the body. Profile
falling very gradually, and nearly in a straight line, in front of
the dorsal. Snout very much projecting; the margin at bottom, above
the upper jaw, divided into four lobes which are cut square at their
extremities. Round the end of the snout, and immediately above the
lobes, is a double row of pores, the lower ones large. Also four
pores beneath the symphysis of the lower jaw. Barbule at the chin
scarcely exceeding a line or a line and a half in length. A band of
velutine teeth in each jaw, with an outer row in card; these last
moderately strong, sharp, and rather wide apart, not above fourteen
or sixteen in the row. Preopercle very obsoletely denticulated.
Opercle with two flat points not much developed.
First dorsal triangular; the first spine very small; the second, third
and fourth elevated rather in a point, the third equalling
two-thirds of the depth of the body or more. Second dorsal nearly
twice the length of the first. Anal commencing opposite the sixth
soft ray of that fin, short, and terminating considerably before it;
the anal spine weak, and very little more than half the length of
the soft rays. Caudal with the posterior margin sinuous, the upper
part being slightly crescent-shaped, the lower portion rounded, and
broader than the upper. Pectorals a very little shorter than the
head. Ventrals attached a little behind the pectorals, and not
passing beyond them. In the axilla of the pectorals is a small
triangular membranous lamina: there is also a narrow pointed one in
the axilla of the ventrals covered with scales. The scales on the
body are thin, rather small, somewhat rhomboidal, with their free
margins ciliated, and with a fan of twelve striæ behind.
B. 7; D. 10—1/25; A. 1/8; C. 17; P. 21; V. 1/5.
Length 9 inches 6 lines.
COLOUR.—“Body mottled with silver and green: dorsal and caudal fins
lead-colour.”—D. _In spirits_, the colour appears dusky brown, with
darker mottlings and silvery reflections; paler beneath. The fins
are dusky, but the basal half of the dorsal is darker than the
upper. The pectorals are darker than the other fins, especially the
inside; on the left pectoral, the dark colour is restricted to three
broad transverse fasciæ. There are also on the pectorals and anal,
and on most of the scales on the body, small blackish dots, as
mentioned in the ‘Histoire des Poissons.’
_A second specimen_, smaller than the above, has the back rather more
arched, the greatest depth being only five times in the length. The
outer row of teeth in the upper jaw is not quite so conspicuous, the
teeth being smaller and closer-set, and consequently more numerous.
The soft dorsal and anal have fewer rays.
D. 10–1/22; A. 1/7; &c.
Length 7 inches 3 lines.
In all other respects similar to the specimen first described.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca, and Maldonado.
As Cuvier and Valenciennes have mentioned individuals of this species,
which varied in the number of rays in the soft dorsal from twenty-two to
twenty-four, I cannot but consider the two above described as
specifically the same, though in the first these rays amount to as many
as twenty-five. This, which is the larger specimen, was taken by Mr.
Darwin at Bahia Blanca, where it is said to have been common. The other
was obtained at Maldonado.
2. UMBRINA OPHICEPHALA. _Jen._
_U. elongata; rostro obtusissimo, tumido, haud ultrà fauces producto,
margine inferiore quadrilobato, lobis intermediis rotundatis;
fossulá longitudinali inter nares, profundè exaratâ; poris quatuor
infrà symphysin; dentibus velutinis, serie externâ in maxillâ
superiore aculeiformi; preoperculo obsoletè denticulato; operculo
mucronibus duobus parvis instructo; spinis dorsalibus tertiâ et
quartâ longissimis, corporis altitudinem æquantibus; spinâ anali
gracili, radiis articulatis dimidio breviori._
D. 12—1/22; A. 1/9; C. 17; P. 20; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 6. lin. 5.
FORM.—Very much elongated; the greatest depth just one-sixth of the
entire length; the head one-fifth. Dorsal line nearly straight.
Profile falling very slightly till it reaches the nostrils, when it
suddenly becomes vertical. Snout in consequence short, and very
blunt, and not projecting beyond the jaws; with a deep broad channel
down the middle, extending from between the nostrils to near the
mouth: on each side of this channel, the snout is very protuberant.
The lower margin of the snout is divided into four lobes, the
central pair of which are rounded: above each of the exterior lobes
is one large pore, and an odd one in the middle. There are also four
pores beneath the symphysis, and a short barbule, as in the last
species. The eye has a diameter about one-fifth the length of the
head, and is distant one diameter from the end of the snout. The
nostrils, which are immediately in advance of the eye, consist of
two round apertures, one before the other, the posterior one double
the size of the anterior. Upper jaw a very little longer than the
lower. A band of velutine teeth in each jaw; with an outer row above
of moderately strong card, rather curving inwards and backwards, and
closer-set than those of the _U. arenata_, amounting to twenty-eight
or thirty in number: there are also some smaller card teeth behind
this outer row passing insensibly into the velutine. Preopercle very
obsoletely denticulated. Opercle with two flat points not very
obvious.
First dorsal triangular, and moderately high in the point; third and
fourth spines longest, about equalling the depth of the body; first
spine very small: all the spines rather slender. Second dorsal about
half as long again as the first, but the rays are too much broken to
judge of their relative lengths. Anal spine very slender, and about
half the length of the soft rays. The caudal is injured, but appears
to have been of nearly the same form as in the _U. arenata_. The
pectorals are about three-fourths the length of the head, but the
ends of the rays are worn. The ventrals are of the same length as
the pectorals in their present state: they are placed rather
backwarder than in the _U. arenata_, being attached beneath the
first third of the pectorals: there is a pointed scale in their
axilla, of about the same relative size as in that species. The
scales on the body are rather smaller, ciliated on their free edges,
with a fan of eleven or twelve striæ behind. There are rows of small
scales on the caudal, but none apparent on the other fins.
COLOUR.—Mr. Darwin did not notice the colours of this species in its
recent state. _In spirits_, it appears of a nearly uniform dusky
brown, but paler on the abdomen, with traces of silvery reflections
about the head. The fins are dark, but the anal paler at the base
than at the tips of the rays.
Habitat, Coquimbo, Chile.
This species may be at once distinguished from all those described in
the ‘Histoire des Poissons,’ by its very elongated form. The head also
has a peculiar character about it, and is not unlike that of some
serpents. It appears to be the first species of this genus brought from
the Pacific, the other foreign ones being all found either in the Indian
seas, or on the Atlantic side of America. There are two specimens in the
collection, exactly similar, and both obtained by Mr. Darwin at
Coquimbo. They are, however, both in very bad condition; so much so,
indeed, that I should have hesitated about describing them as new, had
they not presented several obvious peculiarities.
GENUS—PRIONODES.[20] _Jen._
_Serrani formam quam maximè gerens. Pinna dorsalis unica, per totam
longitudinem subæqualis. Membrana branchialis septem-radiata. Nec
fovea, nec pori, infrà symphysin. Dentes maxillares velutini, serie
externâ cæteris fortiori, paucis, hic illic sparsis, subcaninis;
palatini nulli. Preoperculum denticulatum. Operculum mucronibus
tribus posticè armatum. Spina analis secunda fortis. Squamæ corporis
ciliatæ; minutissimæ inter radios pinnarum verticalium, in seriebus
dispositæ._
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 9._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
]
_Fig. 1._ _Prionodes fasciatus._
_2._ _Stegastes imbricatus._ _Nat. Size._
I am called upon either to establish this new genus among the
_Sciænidæ_, or to break down one of the essential distinctions set by
Cuvier between this family and the _Percidæ_. The form is so completely
that of a _Serranus_,—which it resembles especially in its dorsal fin,
head, maxillary teeth, form and armature of the pieces of the
gill-cover, and in the arrangement of the scales on the body,—that at
first sight no one would hesitate to refer it to that group; but _the
vomer and palatines are without teeth_.[21] In this respect, indeed, I
consider it an important discovery; as it affords another striking
instance of the uncertainty of this character, in cases in which others,
which have been generally made subordinate to it, remain constant. It is
probable that the time will come, when it will be found necessary to
revise some portion of the _Percidæ_ and _Sciænidæ_ with reference to a
more correct valuation of this character. For the present, however, I
refrain from interfering with the Cuvierian arrangement; and the only
alternative is to consider this as a new form among the _Sciænidæ_,
where it must be placed along with those genera possessing one dorsal
fin, and having seven rays in the branchiostegous membrane. Such are
_Hæmulon_, _Pristipoma_, and _Diagramma_; from all which, however, it is
at once distinguished by the absence of pores at the symphysis and on
the lower jaw, and by the much more developed spines on the opercle, and
from _Pristipoma_ by its having, further, scales on the vertical fins.
On the whole, it seems to approach nearest to _Hæmulon_; but the crown
and snout are more free from scales than in that genus, and the scales
on the body are not set in oblique rows, as is the case in so many of
the true _Sciænidæ_. The head also has no cavernous appearance about it.
This new form is from the Galapagos Archipelago.
PRIONODES FASCIATUS. _Jen._
PLATE IX. Fig. 1.
_P. pallidè flavescenti-fuscus, fasciis transversis plurimis suprà
rubescenti-nigris infrà miniatis; pinnis verticalibus maculis parvis
ocellatis: vertice, rostro, et maxillis, nudis; preoperculo margine
adscendenti denticulato, basali lævi; operculo mucrone intermedio
forti; spinis dorsalibus ad apices laciniis investitis; pinná
caudali subæquali._
B. 7; D. 10/12; A. 3/7; C. 17; P. 18; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 7. lin. 3.
FORM.—Oval, compressed; the back not much arched, forming one
continuous curve with the profile, which falls gently from the nape;
ventral line less convex than the dorsal. Greatest depth equalling
one-fourth of the entire length; head about one-third; thickness
rather less than two-thirds of the depth. Mouth rather wide, with
the lower jaw longest. The maxillary dilates at its posterior
extremity; it reaches to nearly beneath the middle of the orbit, and
does not retire beneath the suborbital. In each jaw a band of
velutine teeth; above there is an outer row of longer ones in card,
and one or two in front on each side still longer resembling small
canines; in the lower jaw there are also a few longer ones, of the
same character as these last, interspersed at intervals. Tongue free
at its extremity, and, as well as the vomer and palatines, without
teeth. Eyes rather high in the cheek; their diameter about one-sixth
that of the head. The nostrils consist of two small round orifices a
little in advance of the eyes, the anterior one covered by a
membranous flap. Margin of the suborbital entire. Preopercle finely
denticulated on its ascending margin, which is vertical and slightly
convex; but the denticulations almost disappear at the angle, and
are not visible at all on the basal margin. Opercle triangular, with
three flat spines, the middle one longest, beyond which the membrane
projects in the form of an angular process to the distance of three
lines. Small scales on the cheeks and preopercle; but none on the
crown, snout, first suborbital, maxillary, or lower jaw; scales on
the opercle larger, equalling those of the body in size.
Gill-opening large, with the branchial membrane deeply notched in
the middle.
Lateral line following the curvature of the back at one-fourth of the
depth. Scales on the body moderately large: one taken from the
middle of the side above the lateral line is of a somewhat oblong
form, with the free edge rounded and finely ciliated; the basal
portion with fourteen slightly converging striæ, which form at the
hinder margin as many, but not very distinct, crenations.
The dorsal commences above the terminating lobe of the opercle, and
reaches to within a short space of the caudal: height of the spinous
portion, which, with the exception of the first two spines, is
nearly even throughout, about one-third of the depth; soft portion
rather higher, with the last two rays but one longest, and forming a
point backwards; all the soft rays branched. Anal commencing in a
line with the soft portion of the dorsal, and terminating a little
before that fin; three spines, the second one-third longer than the
first, and a little longer than the third, and much the strongest of
all; the soft portion of the anal is similar to that of the dorsal,
and terminates in like manner in a point behind. Space between the
anal and caudal a little less than one-sixth of the entire length.
The caudal appears to have been nearly even, or perhaps slightly
rounded, but the rays are worn. Rows of very minute scales, not very
obvious, between the rays of all the vertical fins. Pectorals
slightly rounded; more than half the length of the head; all the
rays with the exception of the first two and the last, branched.
Ventrals attached beneath, or perhaps a very little in advance of
the pectorals; pointed, with the second soft ray longest. No
lengthened scale or process of any kind in the axilla of either
ventrals or pectorals; neither are the former fastened to the
abdomen by a membrane half their own length, as is the case in many
of the _Serrani_.
COLOUR.—“Pale yellowish brown, with numerous transverse bars, of which
the upper part is reddish black, the lower vermilion red;
gill-covers, head, and fins, tinted with the same.”—D. Mr. Darwin
has not noticed some small round black spots surrounded by a white
border, and having an ocellated appearance, which are very evident
on the upper half of the soft portion of the dorsal: there is a
faint indication of similar spots on the anal and caudal.
Habitat, Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 10._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
_Pristipoma cantharinum. Nat. Size._
]
Mr. Darwin obtained one specimen only of this new genus at Chatham
Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. It is probably not full-sized.
PRISTIPOMA CANTHARINUM. _Jen._
PLATE X.
_P. cæruleo-argenteum, operculo nigro-marginato: pinnâ, dorsali
subæquali, spinis ultimis radiis articulatis paulo brevioribus;
anali spinâ, secundâ forti, longitudinaliter striatâ, radiis
articulatis duodecim: preoperculo rectangulato, margine adscendenti,
leviter denticulato, basali integro: vertice, buccis, et ossibus
opercularibus, squamatis; rostro ultrà nares, suborbitalibus, et
maxillis, nudis; squamis corporis ciliatis: pinna caudali furcatâ._
B. 7; D. 12/15; A. 3/12; C. 17, et 4 breviores; P. 20; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 10. lin. 11.
FORM.—Form oblong-oval, much resembling that of the _Cantharus
griseus_. Body compressed, with the dorsal line slightly curved; the
profile descending from the nape more obliquely, and in a very
regular manner. Greatest depth beneath the commencement of the first
dorsal, contained not quite three times and three quarters in the
entire length: head rather less than one-fourth of the length. Mouth
protractile, but not wide, the commissure not extending to a
vertical from the anterior angle of the eye; when closed, the
maxillary retires beneath the suborbital, and only just the
extremity remains visible. Jaws equal; in each a narrow band of
velutine teeth, the outer row somewhat longer than the others,
particularly above, where they approach to card. Tongue, palatines,
and vomer smooth. Eyes moderate; their diameter rather less than
one-fifth of the length of the head; rather nearer the extremity of
the snout than the posterior margin of the opercle; the distance
between them equalling twice their diameter. Two small pores and a
fossule beneath the symphysis of the lower jaw, the latter very
distinct. Preopercle rectangular, the angle somewhat rounded; the
ascending margin nearly straight and finely denticulated, but the
denticulations hardly continued to the angle, and not appearing at
all on the basal margin. Opercle with two small flat points, but
very indistinct and almost lost in the membrane. Suborbitals large,
with their lower margins entire. Crown, cheeks, and pieces of the
gill-cover, covered with small scales; but not the snout in advance
of the nostrils and eyes, nor suborbitals, nor lower jaw.
Suprascapulars marked by a large scale, the margin of which is
nearly entire.
Lateral line following the curvature of the back at one-third of the
depth; each scale marked with an elevated line without
ramifications. A scale taken from above the lateral line is of a
somewhat rhomboidal form; the free portion very finely striated,
with the margin finely ciliated; the concealed portion with eight or
nine deeper and more distinct striæ, not meeting in the centre to
form a fan, and with the basal margin crenated. The scales on the
cheeks and opercle are smaller than those on the body, and almost
smooth.
The dorsal fin commences in a line with the posterior margin of the
opercle, and extends nearly the whole length of the back, rising
from a groove as in the _Sparidæ_: its height on the whole tolerably
uniform throughout: spinous portion occupying more than half the
fin; the anterior spines gradually increasing in length to the
fourth,[22] which equals rather more than one-third of the depth;
the succeeding ones nearly even, very gradually decreasing to the
last, which is about two-thirds the length of the fourth; all the
spines moderately stout: soft portion of the fin even, and rather
higher than the last spine. Anal commencing in a line with the third
soft ray of the dorsal, and terminating opposite to that fin: the
first spine short, but strong; second and third spines equal in
length, being about two-thirds the length of the soft rays, but the
second much stouter than the third; the second spine is also
distinguished from the others by having its surface longitudinally
striated: soft rays nearly even, and resembling those of the dorsal.
Caudal forked, with the upper lobe a trifle longer than the lower;
the basal half covered with minute scales. Pectorals narrow and
pointed, about two-thirds the length of the head, with a small fold
of loose skin in their axillæ. Ventrals placed a little further back
than the pectorals, and somewhat shorter; a long pointed scale in
their axillæ, nearly one-third their length.
COLOUR.—“Bluish silvery.”—D.—The colour, as it appears in spirit, is
nearly uniform bluish gray, and very similar to that of the
_Cantharus griseus_. The gill-cover has a dusky edging posteriorly.
_Second specimen._—Smaller than the above, and not quite so deep in
the body; the greatest depth contained a trifle more than four times
in the entire length; the nape in consequence less elevated, and the
profile less oblique. Eyes relatively a little larger, their
diameter rather more than one-fifth the length of the head.
Preopercle with the posterior margin not so rectilineal, approaching
to concave; the angle at bottom projecting in consequence a little
backwards; the denticulations not quite so distinct and regular. One
ray more in the soft dorsal.
D. 12/16; A. 3/12; C. 17, &c.; P. 19; V. 1/5.=
LONG. unc. 9. lin. 2.
COLOUR.—“Silvery; above, shaded with brown and iridescent with blue;
fins and iris sometimes edged with blackish brown. Flap of the
gill-cover edged with black.”—D.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
This species, which is undoubtedly new, may be known from most of those
described by Cuvier and Valenciennes by its greater number of soft rays
in the anal fin. The only ones which equal it in this respect are the
_P. Conceptionis_ and the _P. fasciatum_; from the former of which it
may be distinguished by its greater depth and nearly even dorsal, from
the latter by its plain colour free from all conspicuous bands and
markings. The dorsal notch is scarcely observable, the eleventh and
twelfth spines being nearly equal, and but little shorter than the first
soft ray. Its analogy to the genus _Cantharus_ among the _Sparidæ_,
which it resembles as well in colour as in general form, is very
striking. There are two specimens in the collection; the one described
first above having been taken at Chatham Island, the other at Charles
Island, in the Galapagos Archipelago.
1. LATILUS JUGULARIS. _Val._
Latilus jugularis, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. ix. p. 369. pl.
279.
FORM.—Elongated, with the dorsal line slightly curved, the ventral
nearly straight. Greatest depth contained five times and one-third
in the entire length. Head, which much exceeds the depth, four times
in the same. Profile very convex above the eyes, whence it falls
obliquely to the lips. Snout thick and rounded, resembling that of
the _Red Mullet_: mouth protractile, horizontal, placed at the
bottom of the snout, the commissure just reaching to a vertical from
the anterior part of the orbit. Jaws equal or very nearly so; the
lower one perhaps a very little the longest. Maxillary not widening
at its posterior extremity. A band of velutine teeth in each jaw,
narrowing at the sides as it extends backwards; with an outer row of
longer and stronger ones: in the lower jaw, the velutine band does
not extend beyond the middle of the sides, the carding teeth being
all that are visible. Tongue and palate smooth. Eyes high in the
cheeks; large, and of an oval form; their vertical diameter
three-fourths of their longitudinal; this last equalling one-fourth
the length of the head. Nostrils consisting of two round apertures,
the posterior one largest, the anterior covered by a membranous
flap. Preopercle with the denticles far apart, and not very obvious,
unless the skin be dissected off; the ascending margin rectilineal
and vertical; the angle rounded. Bony part of the opercle
terminating in a flat point, above which are two other smaller
points not so well developed; all the points concealed in the
membrane, and scarcely visible from without: beneath the principal
point, the membrane is prolonged backwards in the form of a broad
flattened bristly point three lines in length. Crown, gill-covers
and cheeks, scaly, but not the jaws; snout scaly, except very near
the lips. Gill-opening large.
Lateral line at first at one-third of the depth, but falling gradually
to one-half. Scales rather small; one taken from immediately above
the lateral line of an oblong form, the length being twice the
breadth, with its free margin finely ciliated, crenated behind with
a fan of nine striæ; on scales taken from other parts the number of
striæ in the fan are more numerous.
One long dorsal fin of nearly uniform height throughout, equalling
about half the depth; only four slender spines, gradually increasing
in length from the first which is very short; the fourth about
three-fourths the length of the first soft ray; soft rays increasing
likewise very gradually to the fourth, which with the next five or
six are highest; the membrane of the fin very delicate; all the soft
rays branched. Vent in a vertical line with the ninth soft ray of
the dorsal. Anal commencing immediately behind it, and answering to
that portion of the dorsal to which it is opposite, terminating at
the same distance from the caudal; only two slender spines, the
first very short; the first soft ray simple, the rest branched.
Space between these two fins and the caudal barely one-eighth of the
entire length. Caudal nearly even. Pectorals moderately long and
narrow, equalling nearly the length of the head; rays branched;
fourth, fifth, and sixth longest. Ventrals a little in advance of
the pectorals, nearly equalling them in length; of a pointed form,
with the third and fourth soft rays longest. In the axilla of the
pectorals a vertical scaly membranaceous lamina.
B. 6; D. 4/28; A. 2/22; C. 17; P. 20; V. 1/5.
Length 11 inc. 5 lines.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Dusky olive on the back and upper part of the
sides, yellowish (probably silvery in the recent state) beneath,
with faint indications of five or six dark transverse bands, similar
to those in the _common perch_. Inside of the ventrals blue.
_Second specimen._—Smaller than the above, measuring six inches and a
half in length, but differing from it in no respect, as regards
form, excepting in having the profile not so oblique, and the snout
in consequence not so obtuse; the jaws also are exactly equal.
Fin-ray formula the same.
COLOUR.—“Beneath brilliant white; head and back clouded with purplish
and carmine red; longitudinal and transverse irregular bands of the
same.”—D. The bands in this specimen amount to eight in number, and
are much more conspicuous than in the larger one above described.
Habitat, Valparaiso, Chile.
The smaller of the two specimens above described was taken by Mr. Darwin
at Valparaiso. The number attached to the larger one has been lost, but
it was probably taken at the same place, where it had been previously
discovered both by M. D’Orbigny and M. Gay. The specimen described by
Valenciennes has one soft ray more in the dorsal, and one less in the
anal, than either of the above; but in all other respects they tally
exactly. As observed in the “Histoire des Poissons,” this species has
many points of resemblance to _Percis_ and _Pinguipes_.
2. LATILUS PRINCEPS. _Jen._
PLATE XI.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 11._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
_Latilus princeps. ½ Nat. Size._
]
_L. elongatus; corporis altitudine capitis longitudinem æquanti;
dentibus velutinis, serie externâ fortiori, aculeiformi; preoperculo
margine adscendenti recto, leviter denticulato, basali lævi;
operculo mucrone unico; rostro, ossibus suborbitalibus, maxillis,
limbo preoperculi, et interoperculo, nudis; buccis et cranio
squamatis, squamis in vertice spatium angulatum inter oculos
occupantibus; pinnis dorsali analique prælongis; spinis analibus
parvis, gracilibus, primâ minutissimâ; ventralibus accuratè
thoracicis; caudali emarginatâ._
B. 5?; D. 8/26; A. 2/26; C. 15, &c.; P. 18 vel 19; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 20. lin. 6.
FORM.—Elongated; the greatest depth equalling the length of the head,
and each contained rather more than four times and a half in the
entire length. Snout short and rather obtuse, the profile bending
downwards in a curve before the eyes. Mouth nearly horizontal, at
the bottom of the snout; when closed, the maxillary, which is not
widened at its posterior extremity, and which is very similar in
form to that of the last species, reaches nearly, but not quite, to
a vertical from the anterior part of the orbit. Lower margin of the
suborbital entire. Teeth forming a velutine band in each jaw, widest
in front, with a row of stronger ones externally: none on the
tongue, vomer, or palatines. Eyes large, and high in the cheeks;
their diameter one-fifth the length of the head. Preopercle with the
angle at bottom rounded; the ascending margin straight, and nearly
but not quite vertical, forming with the basal rather more than a
right angle; the former finely denticulated, but not the latter.
Opercle terminating in one flat point, not projecting beyond the
membrane. The branchiostegous rays appear to be but five in number,
but, the skin being dry, there may possibly be a sixth overlooked.
Cranium, cheeks, and opercle scaly; but not the snout or jaws, or
limb of the preopercle, or interopercle: the scales on the crown are
separated from the naked skin of the snout by a well-defined line,
which forms an advancing angle between the eyes.
Lateral line straight, and continued to the base of the caudal; its
course parallel to the back at between one-fourth and one-third of
the depth. Scales on the body rather small, oblong, longer than
broad, with their free extremities dotted and finely ciliated; the
concealed portion striated finely at the sides, and more deeply at
the base; but all the central portion, including an oblong area of
the same form as the entire scale, without striæ, being only very
minutely roughened or punctured.
One long dorsal, low, and of nearly uniform height throughout,
commencing about in a line with the insertion of the pectorals, and
reaching very nearly to the caudal: eight spines, rather slender,
and very gradually increasing in length, the last being just twice
the length of the first and equalling the distance from the base of
the fin to the lateral line: the soft rays which follow are nearly
even with the last of the spinous till the twenty-fourth, which is
slightly prolonged in a point, and which is followed by two others
shorter than the rest; the ends of the rays are rather worn, but
they appear to have been all branched. Anal also long, commencing at
about the middle of the entire length, or in a line with the sixth
soft ray of the dorsal, and terminating opposite to that fin, to the
last half of which, or rather more than half, it exactly answers;
only two spines, which are so slender and minute, especially the
first, and so closely united to each other as well as to the first
soft ray, as to be scarcely obvious except upon dissection; all the
soft rays, except the first, branched. Space between the anal and
caudal not a tenth part of the whole length. Caudal slightly
notched, or hollowed out, with rows of scales between the rays.
Pectorals pointed, about three-fourths the length of the head, with
the seventh and eighth rays longest; rows of scales at the base
between the rays: in their axillæ a somewhat projecting vertical
scale or lamina, as in the last species. Ventrals immediately
beneath the pectorals, also pointed, but shorter.
COLOUR.—“Above, and the fins, obscure greenish; sides obscure coppery,
passing on the belly into salmon-colour. Pectorals edged with dull
blue. Iris yellowish brown: pupil black-blue.”—D.—The skin has dried
to a nearly uniform brown.
Habitat, Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago.
I feel but little hesitation in referring this species, which is one of
the many new ones obtained by Mr. Darwin in the Galapagos Archipelago,
to the genus _Latilus_. The absence of vomerine and palatine teeth
requires it to be placed, according to Cuvier’s views, among the
_Sciænidæ_; in which family, there is no other group besides _Latilus_,
to which it makes any approach. It agrees with that genus in its general
form, and in many of its particularities; it has the same form of snout,
mouth, maxillary, and dentition; the same scaly lamina in the axilla of
the pectorals; the same long undivided dorsal and anal fins, with only
two very small anal spines, so closely united to the first soft ray as
to be easily overlooked. But it may be at once distinguished from the
_L. argentatus_ and the _L. doliatus_, the only two species described by
Cuvier and Valenciennes in the body of their work, by its much more
numerous soft rays in the dorsal and anal fins. From the _L. jugularis_
last described, which resembles it in this respect, it differs in its
thoracic ventrals, shorter head, naked snout and suborbital, and notched
caudal: the profile also falls less obliquely. There is only one
specimen in the collection, a dried skin and rather injured.
HELIASES CRUSMA. _Val._
Heliases Crusma, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. ix. p. 377.
FORM.—Oval, very much compressed. Back considerably elevated,
particularly at the nape, whence the profile descends very
obliquely, and, with the exception of a slight concavity before the
eyes, in nearly a straight line. Greatest depth at the commencement
of the dorsal, equalling nearly half the entire length, caudal
excluded. Head contained four and a half times in the same. Snout
short: mouth small, a little protractile: lower jaw rather the
longest. A narrow band of velutine teeth in each jaw, with the outer
row in fine card; these last longest and strongest in front. Eyes
large; their diameter nearly one-third the length of the head.
Suborbitals forming a narrow curved band beneath the eyes, and
covered by a row of scales. Nostrils with only a single, small,
round aperture. Preopercle with the ascending margin vertical, not
quite rectilineal, inclining slightly inwards towards the angle,
which is rounded. Opercle, taken together with the subopercle, very
regularly curved, the margin describing nearly a semicircle, with
one flat point to terminate the osseous portion; its height double
its length.
The whole of this fish, including every part of the head, except the
lips and maxillary, is covered with scales, which extend on to the
vertical fins as in _Glyphisodon_: those on the fins and upper part
of the head and snout are very small, but those on the gill-covers
and body very large: about twenty-six or twenty-seven in a
longitudinal line from the gill to the base of the caudal, and
fourteen or fifteen in a vertical line: one taken from about the
middle of the side is oblong, the breadth exceeding the length, with
the anterior margin rounded, and the free portion finely dotted and
very minutely ciliated, the concealed portion cut square, with a fan
of eight or ten striæ not meeting at the centre, and terminating at
the basal margin in as many crenations. The lateral line commences
at one-fourth of the depth, but, from the fall of the dorsal line
posteriorly, the distance between these two lines diminishes as the
former advances: the lateral line terminates beneath the soft
portion of the dorsal fin altogether.
Fins almost exactly similar to those of the _Glyphisodon saxatilis_
and _Heliases insolatus_, as described and figured in the “Histoire
des Poissons.” The fourth and fifth spines in the dorsal longest,
equalling one-fourth of the depth; of the soft rays the third,
fourth, and fifth are longest. First anal spine only one-third the
length of the second, which is itself rather shorter than the soft
rays; and these last appear longer than in the _H. insolatus_.
Caudal more forked than crescent-shaped, the depth of the fork
equalling nearly half the length of the fin, which is itself
one-fourth the entire length of the fish. Axillary scales of the
pectorals and ventrals as in _H. insolatus_.
B. 6; D. 13/12; A. 2/12; C. 15, & 4 short; P. 21; V. 1/5.
Length 8 inches.
COLOUR.—“Above lead-colour, beneath paler.”—D. In spirits, it appears
of a deep brownish olive on the back and upper part of the sides,
passing into dull golden yellow on the lower part of the sides and
abdomen, where, however, the scales are still faintly edged with the
former colour. Fins dark.
Habitat, Valparaiso, Chile.
This species, as M. Valenciennes observes, is so extremely similar to
the _H. insolatus_, that at first sight, it would hardly be
distinguished from it. The only differences appear to consist in the
form of the caudal, which is forked, not crescent-shaped as in the
species just mentioned, and in the greater length of the soft rays of
the anal. In the figure of _H. insolatus_ in the “Histoire des
Poissons,” these rays are represented of the same length as the second
spine, whereas in the present species they rather exceed it, giving a
greater depth to the entire fin. The teeth also would seem to be more
developed in the _H. Crusma_, especially those in front, which are
longer than the others. According to Valenciennes, the outer row hardly
exceeds the inner ones in the _H. insolatus_. The geographical position
of the two species is however widely different. The _H. insolatus_ is a
native of the Caribbean Seas; whereas the _H. Crusma_ has only been
obtained on the coast of Chile and off the island of Juan Fernandez. M.
Gay first obtained it at Valparaiso, where also Mr. Darwin’s specimen
was procured; in whose notes it is stated, that it gets to a much larger
size than the one here described.
FAMILY—SPARIDÆ.
CHRYSOPHRYS TAURINA. _Jen._
PLATE XII.
_C. albida, quatuor fasciis interruptis nigro-fuscis; pinnis dorsali,
caudali, et ventralibus, clarè cæruleo-marginatis: dentibus anticis
conicis, in maxillâ superiore octo, in inferiore decem minoribus;
molaribus suprà seriebus tribus, intermediâ minori, infrà duâbus
dispositis; preoperculo et operculo, utroque quatuor squamarum
seriebus tecto; limbo preoperculi nudo._
D. 12/12; A. 3/10; C. 17, &c.; P. 15; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 14.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 12._
_W. Hawkins del._
_Chrysophrys taurina. ¾ Nat. Size._
]
FORM.—General form not very dissimilar to that of the _C. Aurata_.
Greatest depth contained about three times and a half in the entire
length. Depth and length of the head equal, each about one-fourth of
the entire length. Profile very oblique. Eyes high, and moderately
large, distant two diameters from the end of the snout. Preopercle
with the angle at bottom very much in advance, giving an obliquity
to the ascending margin; the limb not very broad, and naked; in
front of the limb are about four rows of scales smaller than those
on the body: the same number of rows of scales on the opercle. Jaws
equal, with eight conical incisors in front of the upper one, and
ten in front of the lower;[23] those above longer than those below,
and more regularly and closely set: behind the incisors above and
below is a patch of fine card: then follow the molars, which are in
three very regular rows above and two below; of the three rows above
the inner and outer ones are much the strongest, containing each
about eight teeth; those in the outer row are slightly pointed, and
not very unequal in size, but the inner series enlarge very rapidly
as they extend backwards, the last two or three being of
considerable size; all round or nearly so, there being no large oval
one at the back, as in the _C. Aurata_ and some other species; the
middle series above consists of teeth much smaller than the others,
and more numerous: the two rows below are not very dissimilar to the
inner and outer rows above. Suborbital broad, and naked, covering a
large portion of the cheek.
Scales on the body of a moderate size; too much injured and displaced
in this specimen to admit of the exact number being counted in a
longitudinal row; those on the lateral line, however, are all
perfect and present to within five rays of the end of the dorsal,
and up to that point they amount to thirty-one. The fins, so far as
can be judged from their present state, are on the whole very
similar to those of the other species; but the dorsal and anal
spines, especially the second anal spine, appear rather stronger
than those of the _C. Aurata_. Pectorals long and narrow, contained
about three times and three quarters in the entire length.
COLOUR.—“White, with four dark brown much interrupted bands, giving a
mottled appearance; head coloured with the same; top of the head,
ridge of the back, edges of the dorsal, caudal and ventral fins,
tinted with fine azure blue.”—D.
Habitat, Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains a single specimen of a species of
_Chrysophrys_ from the Galapagos Archipelago, not in a sufficiently good
state of preservation to admit of a very detailed description being
given of it, but, nevertheless, evidently distinct from any that I can
find recorded by authors. It appears to belong to Cuvier’s second
section of this genus characterized by the absence of any large _oval_
molar behind the others, though the last two or three in the inner
series above are of considerable size. It differs, however, from all
those described in the “Histoire des Poissons,” in having the conical
incisors more numerous, and but three rows of molars in the upper jaw.
The specimen also is of sufficient size to lead to the belief, that it
would not have acquired any additional ones by further growth. The _C.
aculeata_ resembles it, indeed, in this last character, but
independently of other differences, this species is said to have a
reclined spine before the dorsal fin which is not present in the one
here described.
Out of twenty-two species of this genus described in the “Histoire des
Poissons,” only one is from the Pacific Ocean, whence the present
species was brought. The greater number are from the Atlantic and Indian
Oceans.
FAMILY—MÆNIDÆ.
1. GERRES GULA. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Gerres Gula, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. vi. p. 349.
FORM.—Greatest depth one-fourth of the entire length. Back but little
elevated. Space between the eyes flat, with a fovea in the middle,
which is prolonged in a channel nearly to the extremity of the
snout. Length of the head exceeding its depth by one-fourth, and
contained about three times and three quarters in the entire length.
So much of the maxillary as is visible is of an oval form, its
length being twice its breadth at its posterior extremity.
Suborbital with the lower margin very indistinctly notched, and not
denticulated. Eyes very large, their diameter contained twice and
three quarters in the length of the head. The two orifices of the
nostrils of nearly equal size. No denticulations on any of the
pieces of the gill-cover. A narrow band of very minute velutine
teeth in each jaw, those above hardly visible to the eye, but
sensible to the touch: none on the vomer, palatines, or tongue.
Dorsal with the first spine extremely short; the second has a small
piece broken off at the tip, but appears to have been about the same
length as the third, which last equals two-thirds of the depth of
the body; the fourth and fifth are a little shorter than the third;
the succeeding ones gradually decreasing, as in the other species of
this genus: all the spines are moderately slender, the anterior ones
slightly arcuate, with scarcely any appreciable difference in the
degree of stoutness in the first four. Anal with the first spine
extremely short; the second obviously stouter than any of the dorsal
spines, but much shorter, being only half the length of the second
dorsal spine, or one-third the depth of the body; the third spine is
a trifle longer than the second, but much slenderer. Caudal deeply
forked; the lobes worn at the tips in this specimen, but their
length, when perfect, probably about one-fourth, or somewhat less,
of the entire length of the fish. Pectorals narrow and pointed, a
little shorter than the head, and contained four and a half times in
the entire length; fifth ray longest. Ventrals a little behind the
pectorals, and not more than two-thirds their length, or scarcely so
much; the spine a little shorter than the soft rays, and of about
the same degree of stoutness as the dorsal spines. Elongated scale
in the axillæ of the ventrals about three-fourths the length of the
spine, of a narrow lanceolate form, ending in a very fine point.
D. 9/10; A. 3/7; C. 17, &c.; P. 14; V. 1/5.
Length 3 inc. 6 lines.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits, it appears of a
uniform silvery, with the back and upper part of the sides inclining
to dusky olive: no bands or any particular markings: fins pale.
Habitat, Rio de Janeiro.
The species of this genus are numerous, and extremely similar to each
other. Many of them appear to rest on characters taken simply from the
relative lengths and degrees of stoutness of the dorsal and anal spines.
This renders it extremely difficult to identify single specimens.
Perhaps I am wrong in referring the one described above to the _G. Gula_
of Cuvier and Valenciennes; but it makes so near an approach to that
species, that I hardly dare characterize it as distinct. It cannot be
the _G. Aprion_ of those authors, which is closely allied to the _G.
Gula_, and is found on the same coasts, since its teeth are so very much
finer: the caudal also is not scaled. It is small, but Cuvier and
Valenciennes state that none of their specimens of the _G. Gula_ exceed
five inches. Mr. Darwin took it in a salt-water lake, Lagoa de Boacica,
at Rio de Janeiro.
2. GERRES OYENA. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Gerres Oyena, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. vi. p. 355.
Smaris Oyena, _Rüppell_, Atlas zu der Reise im Nörd. Afr. Zoologie; p.
11. tab. 3. fig. 2.
FORM.—Greatest depth contained rather more than three and a half times
in the entire length: the dorsal curve very regular. Profile above
the eyes a little concave. Length of the head exceeding its depth.
Maxillary as in the species last described. Suborbital with its
lower margin distinctly but not very deeply notched; not
denticulated. Diameter of the eye less than one-third the length of
the head. Posterior orifice of the nostrils twice the size of the
anterior one. No denticulations on any part of the head or
gill-cover. A narrow band of velutine teeth in each jaw, of about
the same length and degree of fineness above and below; but none on
the palate or tongue.
The dorsal commences in an exact vertical line with the insertion of
the ventrals: the anterior spines are a little arcuate; the first,
as in the other species of this genus, is extremely short; the
second and third in this specimen are broken at their extremities so
that their exact length cannot be ascertained, but the portion of
the second remaining (and of this spine apparently only a very small
piece is gone) nearly equals half the depth of the body; length of
the fourth spine which is perfect not quite equalling two-fifths of
the depth; fifth, sixth, and seventh spines gradually decreasing;
eighth and ninth scarcely shorter than the seventh: the second spine
is much compressed, and though obviously stronger than any of those
which follow, not nearly so stout as in many other species; its
breadth is not more than one-twelfth of its length. Anal commencing
in a line with the fourth soft ray of the dorsal; the second spine
compressed similarly to the second dorsal spine, and of about the
same degree of stoutness, but its length one-third less, being just
equal to one-third the depth of the body; the third spine scarcely
shorter than the second, but much slenderer; the soft rays gradually
decreasing from the first, which is a little shorter than the third
spine, to the last but one, the last itself slightly prolonged to
form a point backwards. Caudal forked nearly to its base; the lobes
much elongated; the upper one, which is a trifle longer than the
lower, contained rather more than three times and a half in the
entire length. Pectorals narrow and pointed, a little shorter than
the head, and contained not quite four times and a half in the
entire length; fifth and sixth rays longest. Ventrals attached a
little behind the pectorals, and not much more than half their
length; the spine about three-fourths the length of the soft rays,
and scarcely stouter than the third spine in the anal: the axillary
elongated scale three-fourths the length of the spine. The scales on
the body of this species are not materially different from those of
the _G. Plumieri_ described in the “Histoire des Poissons.”
B. 6; D. 9/10; A. 3/7; C. 17, &c.; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 7 inches.
COLOUR.—“White, silvery.”—D. The fins are yellowish; the membranes
here and there dotted with black: the lobes of the caudal are
bordered internally with dusky. I see no trace of the interrupted
longitudinal bands spoken of by Cuvier and Valenciennes, neither is
there any allusion to them in Mr. Darwin’s notes taken from the
recent fish.
Habitat, Keeling Island, Indian Ocean.
I do not feel confident as to this species being, any more than the
last, identical with that to which I have referred it. It requires an
inspection of a large number of specimens in order to ascertain the true
value of characters. The present one agrees with what is stated of the
_G. Oyena_ by Cuvier and Valenciennes, excepting that the second anal
spine, which they represent as shorter than the second dorsal spine by
one-half, is here shorter by one-third only: also, as mentioned above,
there is no appearance of any longitudinal bands. There is no other
species in the “Histoire des Poissons,” to which it approaches more
closely. But comparing it with Rüppell’s figure, if this last be
scrupulously exact, there are a few other differences besides those
already alluded to. Thus the first anal spine in Mr. Darwin’s specimen
appears shorter in relation to the second, and this last stouter as well
as longer. Also the soft rays of this fin gradually decrease, giving a
sloping direction to the margin, whereas in Rüppell’s figure, all the
rays are nearly of the same length, and made equal to the second and
third spines. The caudal lobes, likewise, appear longer in Mr. Darwin’s
specimen. It must be left for others to determine whether these
discrepancies are indicative of a specific difference or not. As regards
the geographic range of the _G. Oyena_, I know not that there is any
thing in this respect to render its identity with the species here
described improbable. It inhabits the Red Sea; and is also said to be
common at the Mauritius;—whence it may very possibly extend as far
eastward as the Keeling Islands, where Mr. Darwin’s specimen was
obtained.
The _Sparus erythrurus_ of Bloch (pl. 261) is so extremely unlike the
present species both in form and colours, that, except on the authority
of MM. Cuvier and Valenciennes, who state that they had seen Bloch’s
original specimen, no one could have suspected that the figure had been
intended for it.
FAMILY—CHÆTODONTIDÆ.
CHÆTODON SETIFER. _Bloch._
Chætodon setifer, _Bloch_, Ichth. pl. 425. fig. 1.
———— _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. vii. p. 58.
FORM.—This species is one of those characterized by a prolongation of
a portion of the soft dorsal fin. In the present specimen it is the
sixth soft ray which is thus prolonged. The total length of this
ray, measured from the root, is half the entire length of the fish;
and that portion of it which exceeds the adjoining rays is rather
more than half. Although the preopercle can hardly be called
denticulated, yet there are some faint traces of rudimentary
denticulations at the lower angle. The general form, in all other
respects, agrees with the descriptions of Cuvier and other authors.
D. 13/24; A. 3/21; C. 17, and 6 short; P. 16, the first short; V. 1/5.
Length 6 inc. 3 lines.
COLOUR.—“Body pale, with narrow dark straight lines which form
network: across the eye a black band: posterior half of the body
bright orange: upper part of the prolongation of the dorsal fin
edged with black, and a round patch of the same.”—D. The black
ocellus extends from the fifth to the thirteenth ray of the soft
dorsal. There is no trace of the four red or yellow streaks said by
Cuvier and Valenciennes to cross the forehead from eye to eye; but
probably they are effaced by the action of the spirit.
_A second specimen_ only differs from the above in being smaller,
measuring in length not quite five inches; in having the fifth
(instead of sixth) ray in the soft dorsal prolonged; and in the
ocellus extending from the fifth to the tenth ray only. In the last
two respects it agrees better with the description in the ‘Histoire
des Poissons.’ The filamentous ray terminates in an extremely fine
hair, which leads me to think that the extreme portion of this ray
in the first specimen has been broken off.
Habitat, Keeling Island, Indian Ocean.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains two individuals of this species
procured on coral reefs at the Keeling Islands. As according to his
notes made from the recent fish, the posterior half of the body is
bright orange, Bloch’s figure may not be so much overcoloured as is
supposed by Cuvier and Valenciennes, who state that he has represented
of a bright red, what ought to be silvery grey and yellow ochre. Perhaps
the colours may depend in some measure on the season. Mr. Darwin’s
specimens were obtained in the month of April.
GENUS—STEGASTES.[24]. _Jen._
_Corpus oblongo-ovale, compressum. Caput obtusum. Os parvum, haud
protractile. Dentes maxillares omnes incisores, parvi, æquales,
contigui, uniseriati; palatini velutini, minuti. Ossa suborbitalia
denticulata. Preoperculum margine adscendenti levissimè denticulato.
Operculum inerme. Membrana branchialis quatuorradiata. Pinnæ
verticales squamis confertis ferè omnino obtectæ: dorsalis unica,
subæqualis, membranâ ad apices spinarum parum laciniatâ: ventrales
radio primo molli elongato. Linea lateralis sub terminationem
dorsalis interrupta. Squamæ rostri et verticis parvæ; operculi et
corporis magnæ, obliquè dispositæ; omnes levissimè ciliatæ._
This apparently new form will enter into none of the genera established
by Cuvier and Valenciennes. The palatine teeth serve to detach it from
the _Sciænidæ_, while this character, taken in connexion with the
compressed body, and the extreme scaliness of the vertical fins, require
that it should be arranged with the _Chætodontidæ_, or at least have a
place in that large group to which Cuvier has given the name of
_Squammipennes_. It belongs to the second tribe in that family
characterized by cutting teeth; and it would seem most nearly allied to
_Pimelepterus_, but it does not approach that genus very closely, and
may at once be distinguished from it, by the teeth being without spurs
behind, and the dorsal and anal fins being more scaly. From
_Dipterodon_, the only other genus in that tribe, it may be known by its
undivided dorsal, independently of other marked differences.
But though this genus requires to be arranged with the _Chætodontidæ_ on
the grounds above mentioned, in all its other characters it comes much
nearer that portion of the _Sciænidæ_ which have the lateral line
terminating beneath the end of the dorsal fin; especially _Pomacentrus_,
which it resembles in the general form of the head and body,
denticulated suborbital and preopercle, unarmed opercle, four-rayed
branchiostegous membrane, and in the size and mode of arrangement of the
scales on the body. I am not aware that any species of _Pomacentrus_
have the dorsal and anal fins so completely covered with scales: but,
according to Cuvier and Valenciennes, there is a species of
_Glyphisodon_,[25] to which genus _Pomacentrus_ is closely allied, which
has these fins almost as entirely scaled, as in the true
_Squamipinnati_; and if so, there is nothing but the palatine teeth
which of necessity demands the separation of this new genus from the
_Sciænidæ_. These teeth can be distinctly felt upon the vomer, but I am
not quite sure from the small size of the fish, and its mouth also being
small, whether they exist on the palatines as well. It may be added that
this genus shews further itself an affinity to _Glyphisodon_, in the
filamentous prolongation of the first soft ray in the ventrals. This
character is not, I believe, found in _Pomacentrus_.
In which ever family it is placed, it forms a beautiful connecting link
between the two. It is from the Cape Verde Islands.
STEGASTES IMBRICATUS. _Jen._
PLATE IX. fig. 2.
FORM.—Oblong-oval; the body much compressed. Greatest depth rather
more than one-third of the entire length: head one-fourth of the
same. Snout short and obtuse; the profile rising very obliquely, and
forming with the dorsal line one continuous curve. The back is
sharp, and appears more elevated than it really is, in consequence
of the dorsal fin being thickly coated with scales, and scarcely
distinguishable from the body. Ventral line less convex than the
dorsal; the edge of the abdomen somewhat carinated between the
ventral and anal fins, but in advance of the former rounded. The
upper and under profile meet at the mouth at a right angle. Mouth
small, and scarcely at all protractile. Jaws equal; each with a
single row of cutting teeth, which are small, though rather larger
below than above, even and closely set, forming a compact series: no
secondary teeth behind: vomer rough with minute velutine teeth. When
the mouth is closed, no portion of the maxillary is concealed by the
suborbital. Eyes round, moderately large, their diameter rather less
than one-third the length of the head, placed high in the cheeks,
and nearer the end of the snout than the posterior angle of the
opercle, the distance from the former being rather less than one
diameter. The nostrils consist of a single minute round aperture,
about half-way between the eye and the anterior margin of the
suborbital. The suborbital has its margin entire as far as the end
of the maxillary, at which point it curves backwards and upwards to
form a narrow band beneath the eye, and the lower margin of this
band is denticulated. The preopercle is likewise denticulated; but
the denticulations, which are principally confined to the ascending
margin, are not very obvious, and more readily felt than seen: the
angle at bottom is rounded, and rather exceeds a right angle; a
vertical from the angle would form a tangent to the posterior edge
of the orbit: the ascending margin is not quite straight, bending
slightly inwards a little below the middle. The opercle terminates
posteriorly in a very obtuse angle, and shows some indication of two
very minute flattened points, which, however, do not project beyond
the membrane: from the lowermost of these points the margin of the
subopercle passes obliquely forwards to form a continuous curve with
that of the interopercle, which is tolerably well developed.
Gill-opening of moderate size: the branchial membrane, which
apparently has only four rays, has a shallow notch in front, and
passes continuously from one side to the other, without being
attached to the isthmus.
The lateral line commences at the upper angle of the opercle, and,
inclining upwards, runs parallel, not to the dorsal line which can
hardly be distinguished, but to the upper edge of the dorsal fin,
its distance from which is contained about three times and a half in
the entire depth; it terminates a little before the termination of
that fin. Cranium, snout, cheeks, pieces of the opercle, the body,
and all the vertical fins, covered with finely ciliated scales;
those on the crown and snout small, but those on the opercle and
body large; the latter arranged in oblique rows; about twenty-seven
in a longitudinal line from the gill to the caudal, and about
fourteen in a vertical one from the dorsal to the ventral line: a
scale taken from the row beneath the lateral line, and about the
middle of the body, is of an oblong form, its breadth exceeding its
length, with the free edge dotted and finely ciliated, the basal
margin rather deeply crenated, the crenations separated by seven
striæ, which are carried on for only a short way, and do not
converge to a fan. The scales on the dorsal and anal fins are small
and closely compacted; those on the former arranged obliquely, but
the line of obliquity is in the opposite direction to what it is on
the body.
The dorsal fin commences in a line with the posterior angle of the
opercle, and occupies a space equalling half the entire length: the
height of the spinous portion is nearly uniform, but slightly
increases backwards; between the tips of the spines, the membrane is
a little jagged: the soft portion is scarcely more than one-third
the spinous in length, but is somewhat higher, terminating upwards
in an acute angle; the longest of the soft rays is about half the
depth of the body, the dorsal fin itself not included. The anal
answers to the soft portion of the dorsal, which it exactly
resembles; it has two spines in front, the first of which is very
short, and scarcely more than one-third the length of the second,
which itself is shorter than the soft rays; the second spine is
stouter than any of the dorsal spines. These two fins terminate in
the same vertical line. The caudal appears to have been square, but
the rays are worn at the tips, so that its exact form cannot be
ascertained; it is coated with scales for four-fifths of its length
from the base. Between the dorsal and the caudal fins is a space
equalling not quite one-third the depth of the body. Pectorals
attached a little behind the opercle, and a little below the middle;
slightly pointed; about the length of the head or rather shorter;
the first ray only half the length of the second; fourth and fifth
longest; all the rays, with the exception of the first two and the
last two or three, branched. Ventrals attached a little further back
than the pectorals; the first soft ray prolonged into a filament
reaching to the commencement of the anal; the spine is about half
the length of the filamentous ray, and about two-thirds that of the
second soft ray. Between these fins is an oval lanceolate scale
about one-third their length; and in their axillæ another elongated
one, narrower and more pointed than the former, and rather exceeding
it in length.
B. 4; D. 12/16; A. 2/12; C. 15, and 4 short; P. 21; V. 1/5.
Length 3 inches.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. _In spirits_, the whole fish,
fins included, appears of a uniform dark brown.
Habitat, Porto Praya, Cape Verde Islands.
The only specimen of this new genus which exists in the collection was
taken by Mr. Darwin off Quail Island, in the bay of Porto Praya. It is
small, but probably full-sized, or nearly so; since the greater part of
the species of _Pomacentrus_, to which genus it is so strongly allied,
average about the same dimensions. Possibly some of the generic
characters, which I have given above, may prove hereafter to be merely
specific; but till other species shall have been discovered, their exact
value cannot be ascertained.
FAMILY.—SCOMBRIDÆ.
GENUS—PAROPSIS. _Jen._
_Corpus altum, rhomboideum, valdè compressum, squamis minutissimis
obtectum. Linea lateralis anticè sursum paulò arcuata, per totam
longitudinem inermis. Cauda lateribus haud carinatis. Dentes in
utrâque maxillâ uniseriati, tenuissimi, acuti; in linguâ, vomere, et
palatinis, velutini brevissimi. Apertura branchialis amplissima,
membranâ decem-radiatâ. Spinæ quinque liberæ loco pinnæ dorsalis
primæ; spinâ minutâ, præeunte reclinatâ antrorsum flexâ. Dorsalis
secunda, æquè ac analis, continua, sine pinnulis falsis: ante analem
spinæ duæ liberæ. Pectorales parvæ. Ventrales nullæ. Caudalis
profundè furcata, lobis acuminatis, subelongatis._
This new genus belongs to that section of the _Scombridæ_ characterized
by having a number of short free spines, instead of a first dorsal fin.
It is most nearly allied to _Lichia_, especially to the _L. glaucus_,
which it resembles in general form, as well as in many of its particular
characters. It has the same reclined spine in front of those which
represent the first dorsal, and the same two free spines in front of the
anal; also the same form of opercle; the same deeply forked caudal, and
small pectorals. But it may be at once distinguished from that genus by
the absence of ventrals, of which there is not the least trace: the body
is also deeper, rhomboidal rather than oval, and more compressed. In all
these respects it agrees better with _Stromateus_, which would seem
particularly to meet it in those species, such as the _S. candidus_ and
_S. securifer_, which are represented by Cuvier and Valenciennes as
having a number of minute truncated spines before the dorsal and anal
fins, and which, by virtue of this character, though in the case of the
former the spines are not apparent externally, serve manifestly to
re-conduct to the section to which _Lichia_ belongs. The discovery of
the present genus, therefore, furnishes a more completely connecting
link between these two groups.
_Rhynchobdella_ and _Mastacemblus_ agree with _Paropsis_, both in
wanting ventrals and in having the first dorsal represented by free
spines; but the form of these two genera is so totally different in all
other respects, that it is impossible they can be confounded with it.
This new genus is from the east coast of South America.
PAROPSIS SIGNATA. _Jen._
PLATE XIII.
_P. argentea, nitens, summo dorso cærulescente; operculo ad angulum
superiorem maculâ nigrâ signato; pinnis pectoralibus maculis duabus
in axillis et ad radices radiorum, minoribus._
B. 10; D. 5—1/33; A. 2—1/35; C. 17, et circa 5/5— accessar.; P. 21; V.
0.
LONG. unc. 9.
FORM.—Body very much compressed, of a rhomboidal form, the dorsal and
ventral lines rising to an angle at the commencement of the dorsal
and anal fins respectively. Head a laterally compressed cone: tail
becoming suddenly attenuated before the setting on of the caudal
fin, without any keel at the sides. Back sharp and elevated; the
greatest depth contained not more than two and a half times in the
entire length: thickness only one-fifth of the depth. The length and
depth of the head are equal, each being half the depth of the body.
The upper and under profile meet at the extremity of the snout at
nearly a right angle, the former falling in a very regular curve
from the commencement of the dorsal fin. Mouth moderately large, the
commissure reaching to beneath the eye, with the lower jaw
projecting and of considerable strength and thickness. In each jaw a
single row of very fine sharp teeth. The tongue, which is of a
triangular form, free at the tip, and pointed, is rough, with some
extremely fine closely shorn velutine teeth: a small triangular
patch of these last teeth on the front of the vomer, and a narrow
row on each palatine: pharyngeans with rather stronger teeth. The
intermaxillary is very slightly protractile. The maxillary reaches,
when the mouth is closed, to a vertical from the posterior part of
the orbit: it is very visible from without, having only its anterior
portion concealed by the suborbital, and being much dilated at its
posterior extremity, which is in shape somewhat securiform. Eyes
above the middle of the cheek, and nearer the end of the snout than
the posterior margin of the opercle; their diameter rather more than
one-fifth the length of the head: the suborbital forms a narrow band
beneath each. Nostrils half-way between the eyes and the end of the
snout; the anterior orifice round; the posterior, which is the
larger one, oval. Preopercle with the ascending margin nearly
vertical; the angle at bottom rounded. The opercle and subopercle
together present a rounded margin posteriorly, though at the upper
portion there are two small blunt points distinguishable by the
finger, between which there is a very shallow notch: the line of
separation between these two bones descends obliquely forwards to a
little above the rounded angle of the preopercle, where it meets the
line of the interopercle, which descends obliquely backwards:[26]
all the margins of the opercular pieces entire. Gill-opening very
large, the aperture reaching to beneath the anterior margin of the
eye: the membranes, each of which has as many as ten rays,[27] cross
a little over each other, and are not united to the isthmus.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 13._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
_Paropsis signata. Nat. Size._
]
Snout, jaws, and cheeks, as well as the several pieces of the
gill-cover, without scales:[28] body covered with extremely minute
ones, of an oval form, longer than broad, marked with concentric
circles, and entire on the margin. The lateral line is slightly
arched above the pectoral, and its course a little undulating, but
it descends gradually to near the middle of the body, whence it runs
straight to the caudal.
The first dorsal is represented by five short free spines, each
capable of separate motion, and each furnished with its own
membrane; in advance of them is a somewhat smaller reclined spine
with its point directed forwards: the first erect spine is above the
middle of the pectoral, and distant from the end of the snout nearly
one-third of the entire length. Beyond the five free spines, and
immediately before the commencement of the second dorsal is another
small spine closely pressed down, and almost concealed beneath the
skin, pointing backwards. The second dorsal, which has also at its
anterior edge a small spine one-third the length of the first soft
ray, commences at the middle point of the entire length, caudal
excluded. The general form of this fin is similar to that of the
genus _Lichia_, long, with the anterior portion elevated; the
greatest height about one-fourth of the depth, or hardly so much.
The anal answers exactly to the second dorsal in form and extent,
and is preceded by two free spines, separated from it by a small
space, besides a longer one at its anterior edge. Caudal forked
nearly to the base, where there are a number of minute scales; the
lobes equal, pointed, and moderately elongated, each contained about
four times and one-third in the entire length. Pectorals attached at
about the middle of the depth, a little behind the opercle; of a
somewhat triangular form, small, their length not much exceeding
half that of the head. No trace of ventrals whatever.
COLOUR.—“Uniform bright silvery, the ridge of the back bluish: a black
patch on the gill-cover, and another under the pectoral fin.”—D.—The
first of the patches alluded to by Mr. Darwin is very conspicuous,
and is situate at the upper angle of the opercle, immediately in
advance of the commencement of the lateral line. The second may be
described as consisting of two distinct spots; one at the root of
the upper rays, and completely in the axilla; the other, a small one
of an elongated form, immediately beneath the lowest ray, and partly
visible without raising the fin. The elevated portion of the second
dorsal is also dusky, and a faint edging of this colour runs for a
short way along the margin of this fin. The anal is pale.
Habitat, Northern coast of Patagonia.
I have termed this species _signata_, in reference to the black patch on
the opercle, which is a conspicuous character. The only specimen in the
collection was obtained by Mr. Darwin at Bahia Blanca, on the coast of
North Patagonia.
1. CARANX DECLIVIS. _Jen._
PLATE XIV.
_C. corpore elongato, altitudine quintam, capite quartam partem
longitudinis æquante; maxillâ inferiore longiore; lineâ laterali
infra quintum radium dorsalis secundæ subito declivi, per totam
longitudinem armatâ, laminis 82 altioribus quam longis, ubique
æqualibus; spinâ reclinatà ante pinnam dorsalem parvâ, mucrone tamen
nudato; pectoralibus ultra pinnulam analem, et prope ad analem
ipsam, pertingentibus._
B. 7; D. 8—1/35; A. 2—1/30; C. 17, &c.; P.21; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 7. lin. 10.
FORM.—Rather more elongated than the _C. trachurus_ of the British
seas. Greatest depth one-fifth of the entire length: head one-fourth
of the same: thickness about half the depth. Diameter of the eyes a
little less than one-third the length of the head. Lateral line
bending downwards more suddenly, and at a more backward point than
in that species. The bend commences in a line with the fifth ray of
the second dorsal, and is entirely comprised within a space equal to
that occupied by four fin-rays,[29] so that opposite the ninth ray
it again advances in a horizontal line. The posterior portion about
equals in length the anterior, the bend being included in this last.
The laminæ which protect the lateral line, and which extend
throughout its whole length, are well developed, and everywhere of
the same breadth; this breadth equalling nearly, but not quite,
one-third the depth of the body. In number they are eighty-one or
eighty-two; of which the last thirty-eight or forty, forming the
posterior portion of the line, have keels terminating backwards in
sharp spines: these spines are at first small and inconspicuous, but
gradually increase in size as they advance towards the thinnest part
of the tail, where they are sharpest and most developed.
In most of its other characters this species so closely resembles the
_C. trachurus_, as to render a detailed description unnecessary. The
reclined spine before the first dorsal, however, is smaller, though
the point is sharp and exposed: also the number of rays in the
second dorsal and anal is greater by five in each fin. The length of
the second dorsal is two and a half times that of the first. The
pectorals are long, narrow, and pointed; a little shorter than the
head, or rather less than one-fourth of the entire length; when laid
back, they reach beyond the anal finlet, and very nearly to the
commencement of the true anal itself.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. So far as can be judged from
a specimen in spirits, the colours appear to have been similar to
those of the _C. trachurus_; and there is the same black spot on the
upper part of the opercle.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 14._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
_Caranx declivis. Nat. Size._
]
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 15._
_W. Hawkins del^t._
_Caranx torvus. Nat. Size._
]
Habitat, King George’s Sound, New Holland.
Cuvier and Valenciennes have noticed several variations of form
occurring in different specimens of the _C. trachurus_, from different
seas, which they have not ventured to raise to the rank of species. That
the one here described is entitled, however, to this distinction, I can
hardly entertain a doubt. The suddenness of the bend in the lateral
line, and the more backward point at which the bend commences; the
larger number of laminæ which protect it; and also the larger number of
rays in the second dorsal and anal; all seem to indicate a specific
difference. Whether it be identical with any of the varieties noticed by
them is uncertain; but it seems to be distinct from the only one they
speak of as having been received from New Holland, in which the number
of laminæ did not exceed seventy-three. I have called it _declivis_, in
reference to the character of the lateral line above alluded to. It was
obtained by Mr. Darwin in Princess Royal Harbour, in King George’s
Sound.
2. CARANX TORVUS. _Jen._
PLATE XV.
_C. corpore crassiusculo, subelongato; altitudine vix quartam partem,
longitudinis æquante, capite quartam superante; maxillâ inferiore
longiori; oculis magnis; suborbitalibus venis nonnullis
subparallelis obscuris notatis; lineâ laterali parum deflexâ, anticè
squamis parvis inermibus, posticè laminis carinatis 35 vel 36 tectâ;
spinâ reclinatâ ante pinnam dorsalem sub cute occultâ; pectoralibus
longis, falcatis, ad initium pinnæ analis prope pertingentibus._
D. 8—1/26; A. 2—1/22; C. 17, &c.; P. 21; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 11. lin. 9.
FORM.—Thicker and deeper in the body than the _C. trachurus_. The
greatest depth a little less than one-fourth of the entire length;
the thickness exceeding (but by a very little) half the depth. Head
large; its length a little more than one-fourth of the entire
length; its height or depth, taken in a line forming a tangent to
the posterior part of the orbit, less than its own length by
two-sevenths. Eyes large; their diameter very nearly one-third the
length of the head; partially covered at the sides by two fatty
membranous veils, as in several other species. The ventral line of
the body is rather more curved than the dorsal, and the upper
profile in like manner a little more approaching to rectilineal than
the lower. The lower jaw a little the longer, and ascending to meet
the upper. Maxillary reaching not quite to beneath the middle of the
eye; its extremity truncated in the form of an arc, with the
curvature inwards. In each jaw a single row of very fine, minute,
closely set teeth; two small patches on the anterior extremity of
the vomer, a band on each palatine, and one on the tongue, all
closely shorn velutine. Suborbital, on each side of the extremity of
the snout, marked with several nearly parallel dark-coloured veins.
Preopercle with the angle very much rounded; the limb broad,
slightly striated or veined, and not separated from the cheek by any
salient ridge. The other pieces of the gill-cover taken together are
bounded posteriorly by a sinuous and very irregular margin, the
notch in the bone at the upper part of the opercle being nearly
semicircular, beneath which is an obtuse point, whence the obliquely
descending margin first slopes slightly inwards, then passes
outwards to form another blunt point lower down, then slopes inwards
again. The course taken by the margin of the membrane in some
measure follows that of the bone, but the sinuosities and salient
angles are more rounded. Cheeks and opercle scaly, as well as the
cranium and forehead between the eyes.
The lateral line does not deviate very much from rectilineal. The
deflection, such as it is, may be said to commence in a line with
the termination of the first dorsal, and to end beneath the first
third of the second dorsal. Up to this point, the scales which
cover it are small and round; but they then begin gradually to
enlarge, and to assume a keel terminating posteriorly in a short
spine: these scaly laminæ continue increasing in size till they
arrive beneath the last quarter of the fin, where they are most
developed; none of them, however, are very large, and even here
they do not extend over the whole breadth of this part of the
tail, nor their own breadth exceed one-eighth of the greatest
depth of the body. After passing the dorsal and anal fins, they
rapidly diminish as they approach the caudal. The entire number of
laminæ may be set at thirty-five or thirty-six; but as it is
difficult to fix the exact point where they commence, it will vary
according as the computation is made more or less in advance. The
anterior portion of the lateral line, bend included, is a little
longer than the posterior.
The reclined spine in this species is entirely concealed beneath the
skin. The pectorals are long and falcate, terminating in a sharp
point: their length nearly equals that of the head, or about
one-fourth of the entire length: when laid back, they reach over
the anal finlet, and very nearly to the commencement of the true
anal. The ventrals are attached a little behind the pectorals, and
are only half as long. The other fins are much as in the other
species of this genus. The height of the anterior part of the
first dorsal equals exactly half the depth. The lobes of the
caudal are one-fifth of the entire length.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. _In spirits_; silvery on the
abdomen and lower half of the sides, passing above the middle, and
on the back, into pale lead blue, tinged with gray and brownish:
fins pale greyish brown. No conspicuous markings, except the usual
spot on the notch of the opercle, which, however, is small, and
confined entirely to the membrane.
Habitat, Tahiti.
This species belongs to the second section adopted by Cuvier and
Valenciennes in this genus; or that in which the form of the body
resembles that of the _C. trachurus_, but in which the laminæ on the
lateral line only extend over the posterior portion, the anterior being
smooth and simply covered with small scales. But it will not exactly
accord with any of the species described by those authors. It seems to
approach most nearly the _C. Plumieri_; but though the eyes are of
considerable size, they are not quite so large as they are represented
to be in that. There seem, in fact, to be several species characterized
by large eyes. Spix and Agassiz have figured one from America under the
name of _C. macrophthalmus_; and under the same name Ruppell has figured
another from the Red Sea. Both these, however, appear likewise different
from the one here described, at the same time that their different
geographic range renders their identity _à priori_ improbable. The
present one was taken by Mr. Darwin at Tahiti.
3. CARANX GEORGIANUS. _Cuv. et Val._
Caranx Georgianus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. ix. p. 64.
FORM.—Of an oval compressed form, with the back elevated. Greatest
depth one-third of the entire length, caudal excluded: thickness not
half the depth: head one-fourth of the entire length, caudal
included. Profile ascending obliquely, and in nearly a straight
line, to meet the dorsal curve. Upper jaw a little the longer. The
maxillary, which is truncated and cut nearly square at its posterior
extremity, not quite reaches to beneath the anterior margin of the
orbit. In each jaw a row of about thirty-five teeth, which are
small, somewhat cylindrical, set regularly, nearly equal, and rather
blunt at the point; very little trace of any secondary row, simply
four or six smaller ones behind those in the middle of the upper
jaw, and perhaps in the lower also, but they are not very obvious. A
triangular patch of velutine teeth on the vomer, and a narrow band
of the same on each palatine; also on the tongue: these last,
however, very closely shorn. Eyes a little above the middle of the
cheek, but exactly half-way between the end of the snout and the
posterior margin of the opercle; their diameter one-fourth the
length of the head. Preopercle rounded at the angle; its limb
separated from the cheek by a slight but not very salient ridge.
Opercle with the notch at the upper part not very deep; the
obliquely descending margin straight.
The lateral line follows the curvature of the back until it arrives
beneath the middle of the second dorsal, at which point it becomes
straight, and the scales gradually pass into carinated spinous
laminæ. These laminæ, however, are very little developed
anteriorly to the last quarter of that fin; and even beneath the
end of it, where they are largest, they do not extend over more
than half the breadth of the tail, nor does their own breadth
exceed one-seventeenth of the greatest depth of the body. The
number of them is from twenty to twenty-five, according to the
point at which the reckoning commences, the transition from the
scales to the laminæ being very gradual. The pectorals are falcate
and sharp-pointed, and one-fourth of the entire length, caudal
included. The height of the anterior part of the dorsal is
contained two and a half times in the depth. The lobes of the
caudal are contained four times and three quarters in the entire
length.
D. 8—1/27; A. 2—1/24; C. 17, &c.; P. 20; V. 1/5.
Length 7 inches 6 lines.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. The colour of the back and
upper part of the sides appears to have been bluish grey, with steel
and other reflections, and was probably very brilliant in the living
fish: belly silvery. No markings, except a conspicuous black spot on
the upper part of the opercle.
_A second specimen._—Differs in no respect from the above, excepting
in having one ray less in the second dorsal and anal fins.
Habitat, King George’s Sound, New Holland.
I entertain not the least doubt of this species being the _C.
Georgianus_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes; but as the notice of it in the
“Histoire des Poissons” is extremely brief, I have deemed it advisable
to annex a detailed description. Both Mr. Darwin’s specimens are from
King George’s Sound, where the species was first discovered by MM. Quoy
and Gaimard.
SERIOLA BIPINNULATA. _Quoy et Gaim._
Seriola bipinnulata, _Quoy et Gaim._ Voyage de l’Uranie (Zool.) p. 363,
pl. 61. f. 3.
—— —— _Cuv._ Regne An. (2d Edit.) tom. ii. p. 206.
FORM.—Elongated, and fusiform. Greatest depth contained four times and
a half in the length, measuring this last to the base of the caudal
fork. Head four times and a quarter in the same: depth of the head
not quite once and three quarters in its own length; the cheeks
nearly vertical. Snout pointed: profile straight, and but slightly
falling. Lower jaw a little longer than the upper, the commissure
reaching to beneath the orifices of the nostrils: maxillary very
conspicuous, and greatly dilated at its posterior extremity. A band
of minute velutine teeth in each jaw, broadest in front; a disk of
similar teeth on the vomer, and a band on each palatine. Eyes large;
their diameter one-fifth the length of the head; situated a little
above the middle of the cheek, and a little nearer the end of the
snout than the posterior margin of the opercle; exactly two
diameters between the eye and the end of the lower jaw. The nostrils
consist of two small, round, closely approximating orifices, the
anterior one partially covered by a membrane; situated rather nearer
the eye than the extremity of the snout. Preopercle with the
ascending margin vertical, and the angle at bottom rounded; the limb
very broad, and marked with veins, and between the veins, along the
basal margin, with fine striæ. The rest of the pieces of the
gill-cover, taken together, present a rounded and regularly curved
outline posteriorly; the line of separation between the opercle and
subopercle ascends obliquely backwards from a point about two-thirds
down the posterior margin of the preopercle; that between the
subopercle and the interopercle (which last is well developed)
passes downwards and backwards, forming an angle of about 45° with
the axis of the body. Branchial aperture large; the membrane deeply
cleft. Snout, jaws, and pieces of the opercle, smooth and naked;
cheeks scaly, the scales on the upper part of the cheek, between the
eye and the upper angle of the preopercle, being of a narrow pointed
form. The scales on the body are of a moderate size, oval, marked
with fine concentric circular striæ, with a fan of coarser diverging
striæ on their concealed portion. The lateral line is smooth
throughout its length, and runs nearly straight from the upper angle
of the opercle to the caudal, its course being a little above the
middle.
The first dorsal commences at about one-third of the entire length,
measuring this last as before: it is low and inconspicuous,
consisting of only six weak spines, of which the third and fourth
are somewhat the longest, but whose length is less than one-fifth
of the depth of the body. The length of the fin itself is rather
less than half the depth. Second dorsal closely following, and
much longer; of the form usual in this family, with the anterior
portion elevated and somewhat triangular, but beyond the ninth ray
low and even: its spine half the length of the first soft ray: its
greatest elevation contained about two and a half times in the
depth. The last two rays of this fin are broke away from the rest,
with an intervening space, to form a spurious finlet, and are
rather longer, the last especially, than those which precede. The
anal commences opposite the fourteenth ray of the second dorsal,
and is similar in form to that fin, but of course shorter, and
also less elevated at its anterior extremity: finlet and the
intervening space exactly corresponding. Caudal deeply forked; the
lobes very long and pointed, each equalling nearly one-fourth of
the entire length; the middle rays not one-fourth the length of
the lateral ones. Pectorals attached a little below the middle; in
length a little exceeding half that of the head. Ventrals about
the same size as the pectorals, but attached a little further
back. A slight elevation at the sides of the tail, but no distinct
keel, properly so called.
D. 6—1/24—I; A. 1/16—I; C. 17, &c.; P. 20; V. 1/5.
Length 18 inc. 3 lines.
COLOUR.—“Band on the side azure blue; above a duller greenish blue;
beneath two greenish metallic stripes: lower half of the body snow
white.”—D. No trace of the longitudinal stripes remains in the dried
skin.
Habitat, Keeling Island, Indian Ocean.
A tolerably exact figure of this species occurs in the Zoological Atlas
of Freycinet’s Voyage, but I can find no notice of it in the “Histoire
des Poissons” of Cuvier and Valenciennes. Although referred by Cuvier in
his “Regne Animal” to _Seriola_, it rather departs from that genus in
some of its characters. Independently of the spurious finlets in the
dorsal and anal fins, which separate it from all the other species, I
see no trace of any reclined spine before the first dorsal, nor of two
free spines before the anal; in both which respects _Seriola_ is said to
resemble _Lichia_. Possibly, however, as Mr. Darwin’s specimen is a
dried skin, these characters may have been destroyed in the process of
preparation. And to the same cause, perhaps, is to be attributed the
circumstance of my not being able to observe more than one spine in the
true anal, Quoy and Gaimard mentioning two. On the other hand, these
naturalists appear to have overlooked the narrow pointed scales on the
upper part of the cheeks, which are of a different character from the
scales on the body.
Mr. Darwin’s specimen of this species was obtained at the Keeling
Islands. The one figured in Freycinet’s Voyage was procured at Papua or
New Guinea. It probably, therefore, has a considerable range over the
Indian Ocean.
PSENES ——?
Psenes leucurus, _Cuv. et Val._? Hist. des Poiss. tom. ix. p. 197.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains two individuals of a species of
_Psenes_, in reference to which his notes state that they were taken in
Lat. 17° 12′ S., Long. 36° 33′ W., a hundred and twenty miles from the
nearest land above water, though shoals were considerably nearer. They
do not measure more than one inch eight lines in length; and from their
small size, and their not being in a very firm state of preservation, it
is hardly possible to say whether they are new or not. In form, they
differ but little from the _P. cyanophrys_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes:
still they are evidently not that species, and one point of difference
consists in the lateral line, which terminates beneath the end of the
second dorsal, and is not carried on to the caudal, as represented in
the figure of the above species in the “Histoire des Poissons:” the eye
too appears rather larger; the forehead is hardly so much elevated, and
the pectorals are shorter than the head. Perhaps it may be the _P.
leucurus_ of the above authors; though this species is from the Indian
seas, so that its range must be considerable if the same. The
description of the _P. leucurus_ in the “Histoire des Poissons” is too
short to determine this point. It is said to have been so named on
account of its whitish tail, all the other fins being black. In the
present species, the fins are likewise black, or at least dusky, except
the caudal, which Mr. Darwin’s notes, taken from the recent fish, state
to have had “a pink tinge.” In the same notes it is added,—“belly
silvery white mottled with brownish black; sides bluish with dusky
greenish markings; iris yellow, with dark blue pupil.” The fin-ray
formula is as follows:
D. 10—1/27; A. 3/27; C. 17, &c.; P. 17 or 18; V. 1/5.
Though these specimens are small, they have the appearance of being
nearly full-sized. Cuvier and Valenciennes state that their specimens of
the _P. leucurus_ do not exceed two inches in length.
STROMATEUS MACULATUS. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Stromateus maculatus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. ix. p. 296.
FORM.—General form so extremely similar to that of the _S. Fiatola_ of
the Mediterranean as to preclude the necessity of a detailed
description. Greatest depth one-third of the length: head one-fifth
of the same. Number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins somewhat
greater than in the _S. Fiatola_. The height of the dorsal also a
little greater, being contained about three times and a half in the
depth: the fifth and sixth soft rays longest. Fleshy part of the
tail more slender. Pectorals about the length of the head.
B. 6; D. 7/41; A. 5/40; C. 17, besides several short; P.23; V. 0.
Length 8 inches 6 lines.
COLOUR.—“Silvery blue above, with regular circular leaden spots.”—D.
The spots are small, and of nearly equal size: they prevail from the
back downwards to about the middle of the depth, and advance a
little on the base of the dorsal fin. The arrangement of them is
much as described in the “Histoire des Poissons.”
Habitat, Chiloe, West Coast of S. America.
It is just possible that this may not be specifically the same as the
_S. maculatus_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes, but it comes so extremely
near that species that I do not feel authorised in describing it as
distinct without seeing more specimens. It is stated by the authors
above mentioned, that the fin-ray formula of the _S. maculatus_ is the
same as that of the _S. Fiatola_: in the specimen here described, the
number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins appear to me somewhat
greater; but as the spines of these fins are very minute at their
commencement, and not readily counted, nor very distinguishable from the
soft rays, perhaps the discrepancy may arise from a difference in the
mode of computation. What is more to be noted is, that the spots,
although they agree in form and mode of arrangement, are said by Mr.
Darwin, in his notes taken from the recent fish, to have been “leaden;”
whereas it is stated in the “Histoire des Poissons” that they are
“yellow.” Perhaps they may vary in colour according to the period of the
year. There is likewise a difference in locality as regards latitude.
The _S. maculatus_ is said to be common in the market at Lima, and to
have been brought also, both by M. D’Orbigny and M. Gay, from
Valparaiso. Mr. Darwin’s specimen, however, was taken as far south on
the western coast of S. America as Chiloe.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains another specimen, either of the same
species as that described above, or one so extremely similar to it as
not to be distinguishable in the case of this specimen, which is in too
bad preservation to admit of an accurate description of it being given.
The following, however, are Mr. Darwin’s notes taken from the recent
fish:—
COLOUR.—“Whole body silvery; upper part of the back iridescent blue,
lower greenish; spotted with coppery-lead circular patches.”—D.
This specimen measures ten inches and a half in length. It will be
observed that the colour of the spots is still said to have been “lead,”
though inclining to coppery. It was not taken at the same place as the
other, but at Port St. Julian, in central Patagonia; if therefore they
are both referable to the _S. maculatus_, this species will have been
proved to have a wide range in point of latitude, and also to occur on
both sides of the S. American Continent, which is remarkable,
considering that it is found so high up the western side as Lima.
FAMILY.—TEUTHYDIDÆ.
1. ACANTHURUS TRIOSTEGUS. _Bl. Schn._
Acanthurus triostegus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. x. p. 144.
—— Hirudo, _Benn._ Fish of Ceyl. pl. xi.
This species, which appears to be well known, and to have been described
by several authors, was found by Mr. Darwin on coral reefs at the
Keeling Islands. Cuvier and Valenciennes observe that it has a wide
range through the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Mr. Darwin’s specimen
agrees in every respect with the description in the “Histoire des
Poissons,” except in having one ray more in the anal fin: its length is
not quite five inches.
2. ACANTHURUS HUMERALIS. _Cuv. et Val._
Acanthurus humeralis, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. x. p. 170.
FORM.—General form oblong-oval. Greatest depth just behind the
insertions of the pectorals; contained exactly twice in the length
of the oval of the body (measuring this last from the end of the
snout to the base of the caudal spine), and three times in the
entire length (measuring this last to the extremities of the lobes
of the caudal fin.) Profile convex before the eyes, whence it
descends nearly vertically to the mouth. Height of the head a little
exceeding its own length. Eyes very high in the cheeks, and in front
of each a grooved line passing horizontally forwards towards the
nostrils; which last consist of two small round orifices, the
anterior one larger than the other, and partially covered by a
membranous flap. There are seventeen teeth in the upper jaw, and
sixteen in the lower: those above have the cutting edges crenated,
and likewise the lateral edges for nearly half-way down; this most
observable in the middle ones, in which the crenations amount to
eight or ten in number: those below similar, but with the crenations
not quite so numerous, and in some of the teeth at the sides of the
jaw almost confined to the cutting edges. Scales minute; those taken
from the middle of the body appear of an oblong form, their apical
portions dotted, and ciliated with from twelve to eighteen very
minute denticles, their surface marked with extremely fine delicate
striæ, not distinguishable without a strong lens.
The lateral line follows the curvature of the back; at about
one-fifth of the depth. The spine on the sides of the tail is
strong, and sharp-pointed, and very slightly bent. No reclined
spine before the dorsal. Both the fin just mentioned and the anal
have their soft portions terminating posteriorly in rather an
acute angle: also both have a scaly membrane at the base, and rows
of minute scales between the soft rays extending for about
one-third or more of their length. The first ray of the anal is
very minute, and so much concealed in the skin as to be easily
overlooked. The filaments of the caudal are sharp-pointed, and
extend as far again as the middle rays: the upper one rather
longer than the other. The pectorals are contained three times in
the length of the oval of the body. Ventrals attached a little
further back, sharp-pointed, and terminating in the same vertical
line with the pectorals, both being laid back.
D. 9/23; A. 3/23; C. 16, &c.; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length, to the end of the caudal lobes, 7 inches.
COLOUR.—The colours appear to have been exactly as described in the
“Histoire des Poissons.” Mr. Darwin’s notes taken from the recent
fish state, “splendid verditer blue and green;” but do not enter
into the details of the markings.
Habitat, Tahiti.
Obtained at Tahiti, where it had been previously found by MM. Lesson and
Garnot. Mr. Darwin’s specimen accords with the characters given by
Cuvier and Valenciennes, except in having two soft rays less in the
dorsal, and one less in the anal. Their description, however, is not
very detailed.
FAMILY.—ATHERINIDÆ.
1. ATHERINA ARGENTINENSIS. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Atherina argentinensis, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. x. p. 350.
FORM.—Depth exactly one-sixth of the length, measuring this last to
the end of the middle caudal rays. The length of the head is five
and a half times in the same, measuring this last to the end of the
caudal lobes. Thickness of the body at least half the depth. Head
broad and flat, its breadth across the crown behind the eyes
equalling three-fourths of its depth. Snout rounded horizontally,
but sharp vertically. The profile is perfectly horizontal; and one
uniform straight line extends from the extremity of the upper jaw to
the commencement of the second dorsal. Ventral line swelling a
little outwards, with its greatest curvature about the middle. Upper
jaw a very little longer than the lower, which ascends to meet it at
an angle of 45°: gape not reaching more than half-way to the eye, at
first horizontal, afterwards deflexed. In each jaw two rows of
teeth, stronger and more developed than usual in this genus, widely
asunder, and at irregular intervals: in the upper jaw these two rows
are equal; in the lower the outer row is stronger than the inner:
the outer row above contains about thirty-two or thirty-three teeth;
that below twenty-six or twenty-eight: no teeth on the tongue, and
scarcely any that can be seen on the vomer or palatines, though a
slight roughness can be felt on the last two. Eyes moderately large;
their diameter a very little less than one-fourth the length of the
head; situate a little in advance of the middle point, and also a
little above the middle of the depth. Cheeks and gill-covers scaly.
Form of the scales of the body, as well as the number of
longitudinal rows, exactly as stated by Cuvier and Valenciennes. The
same may be said of the lateral line, and the situation of the
dorsal fins. The second dorsal and anal terminate in the same
vertical line. Pectorals exactly the length of the head. Ventrals
attached immediately below the tips of the pectorals. Breadth of the
silver band, which runs straight along the middle of the sides,
exactly one-fifth of the greatest depth of the body.
D. 5—1/9; A. 1/19; C. 17, &c.; P. 15; V. 1/5.
Length 8 inches.
COLOUR.—“Silvery, with a silver lateral band: above bluish grey.”—D.
In spirits, it appears greenish brown, becoming deeper above the
silver band and on the ridge of the back: the free margins of the
scales are finely dotted with black: the rays of the caudal have
been worn at the tips, but there is a trace of the dusky edging
noticed by Cuvier: the pectorals are also stained with dusky.
Habitat Maldonado.
I conceive there is but little doubt of this being the _A.
Argentinensis_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes; but as the description in the
“Histoire des Poissons” is short, I have thought it advisable to give a
more detailed one of the above specimen. Mr. Darwin took it at
Maldonado, where he states that it is very common, adding that it is
sometimes found in brackish water. M. D’Orbigny had also found it
previously at the mouth of the Rio Plata.
2. ATHERINA MICROLEPIDOTA. _Jen._
PLATE XVI. Fig. 1. Nat. size.
Fig. 2. _a_, _b_. Magnified scales.
_A. gracilis; corporis altitudine partem octavam, capite quintam,
longitudinis æquante: oculis mediocribus: maxillis subæqualibus, parum
protractilibus; commissurâ primum horizontali, deinde paulo deflexâ,
haud oculos attingente: dentibus velutinis, serie externâ supra
subtusque fortiori: dorsali primâ omnino pone ventrales reclinatas
locatâ: squamis parvis, seriebus longitudinalibus octodecim ad minimum
dispositis._
D. 5—1/11; A. 1/17; C. 17, &c. P. 15; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 4.
FORM.—More slender and elongated than the generality of the species in
this genus. Greatest depth not more than one-eighth of the entire
length. Head one-fifth of the same. Greatest thickness (in the
region of the gills) equalling two-thirds of the depth, or rather
more. Ventral line of the body scarcely more curved than the dorsal.
The upper profile falls, though very slightly, from the nape to the
mouth, and the lower profile inclines upwards to meet it at about
the same degree of curvature. Head broad, its breadth across the
crown nearly equalling its depth. Snout horizontally rounded. Jaws
nearly equal; not so protractile as in some other species: the
commissure of the lips at first horizontal, but posteriorly
inclining a little downward, and scarcely reaching more than
half-way to the eye. In each jaw two rows of slender very distinct
teeth, with traces of a third or even fourth row above, towards the
middle: outer row longest and most conspicuous, consisting, in the
upper jaw, of from forty-five to fifty teeth; in the lower of
scarcely more than twenty-five. No teeth that can be seen on the
vomer or palatines, though a slight roughness can be felt on both.
Eyes of moderate size; their diameter rather more than one-fourth
the length of the head; almost entirely before the middle, as well
as above it: space between the eyes flat, and exceeding the diameter
by about one-third: a slightly elevated line on each side of this
space, but no other conspicuous sculpture. Opercle with the
descending margin sloping obliquely forwards.
Crown, cheeks, and gill-covers scaly, the scales on the crown
extending as far as the eyes. Scales on the body small, the number
of longitudinal rows amounting to eighteen or twenty: in form
nearly square, the length a little exceeding the breadth, the
superficies marked with numerous very distinct concentric lines,
the basal half with a fan of from four to six deeper-cut striæ,
the basal margin rather sinuous, and obsoletely crenate where the
striæ meet it. No lateral line very distinguishable.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 16._
_Drawn from Nature on Stone by Waterhouse Hawkins._
]
_1. Atherina microlepidota._ _Nat. Size._
_1a._ _1b._ „ „ _magnified Scales._
_2 Atherina incisa._ _Nat. Size._
_2a._ „ „ _magnified Scale._
_2b._ „ „ _Twice Nat. Size._
First dorsal small and delicate, commencing exactly at the middle
point of the entire length, measuring this last to the bottom of
the caudal fork, and in a line with the tips of the ventrals,
these last fins being laid back. Space between the first and
second dorsals a little exceeding two-thirds of the depth of the
body. Length and height of the second dorsal equal to each other,
and also to the space just alluded to. From the end of the second
dorsal to the commencement of the caudal is exactly one-sixth of
the entire length. The posterior half of the anal nearly answers
to the second dorsal, but the two fins do not terminate exactly in
the same line, the dorsal extending a little the furthest. Caudal
forked for about half its length. Pectorals about two-thirds the
length of the head. Ventrals attached at a point beyond the
extremity of the pectorals. Breadth of the silver band about
one-fifth the depth of the body.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits, the back and
sides above the silver band are brownish, with the contour of each
scale marked out by black dots. All below the band appears to have
been silvery. The band itself is not very brilliant. Both the
dorsals, as well as the caudal, are dusky: anal and ventrals pale.
A _second specimen_ does not differ from the above, excepting
slightly in the fin-ray formula, which is as follows:
D. 5—1/10; A. 1/15; &c.
Habitat, Valparaiso.
This species was found by Mr. Darwin at Valparaiso in fresh water, in
the month of August. It would seem to be nearly allied to the _A.
laticlavia_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes, brought from the same locality
by M. D’Orbigny; but, judging from the short description in the
“Histoire des Poissons,” it is more elongated, and has the head longer
in relation to the depth of the body; also has the silver band narrower.
In the _A. laticlavia_, the head is said to be equal to the depth, and
to be contained six times in the entire length; the breadth of the
silver band to be greater than in any other species. In the _A.
microlepidota_, the depth is one-eighth and the head one-sixth of the
length: the silver band not broader than in the _A. argentinensis_ and
some others. The colouring also of the fins appears different in the two
species.
3. ATHERINA INCISA. _Jen._
PLATE XVI. Fig. 2. Nat. size.
Fig. 2. _b._ Twice nat. size.
Fig. 2. _a._ Magnified scale.
_A. gracillima; corporis altitudine partem vix nonam, capite sextam,
longitudinis æquante: oculis mediocribus: maxillis æqualibas, valde
protractilibus; commissurâ primum horizontali, posterius deflexâ:
dentibus velutinis, in maxillâ inferiore minutissimis: dorsali primâ
omnino pone ventrales reclinatas locatâ: squamis mediocribus, seriebus
longitudinalibus duodecim ad maximum dispositis, marginibus liberis
inciso-crenatis; vittâ laterali nitidè argenteâ._
D. 5—1/8; A. 1/17; C. 17; P. 12; V. 1/5.
D. 5—1/9; A. 1/19; &c.—
D. 6—1/10; A. 1/19; &c.—
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 6.
FORM.—Still more slender and elongated than the last species. Greatest
depth scarcely one-ninth of the entire length: head one-sixth.
Dorsal and ventral lines very little curved. General characters of
the head, snout and mouth, as in the _A. microlepidota_, but the
jaws more protractile. A row of minute velutine teeth in each jaw
most developed above. Eyes moderately large; their diameter nearly
one-third the length of the head; the space between them just equal
to their diameter. Opercle with the posterior margin nearly
vertical. Scales larger than in the _A. microlepidota_; the number
of longitudinal rows not exceeding twelve: their form different, and
rather peculiar, the anterior or free edge of each scale in some
instances presenting two or three processes, separated by deep
incisions; in others being irregularly notched or jagged, according
to the spot whence taken: the surface is marked with concentric
lines, but there is no fan of striæ on the basal half: the breadth
of the scale a little exceeds its length, and the basal margin is
irregularly sinuous.
First dorsal answering to the space between the tips of the reclined
ventrals and the anal. Length of the second dorsal exceeding the
intermediate space between it and the first. From the end of the
second dorsal to the caudal is rather more than one-fifth of the
entire length. Depth of the caudal fork not exceeding one-third
the length of the fin. The anal commences in an exact line with
the termination of the first dorsal: rather less than its
posterior half answers to the second dorsal. Pectorals rather
long, measuring nearly one-sixth of the entire length. Breadth of
the silver band one-fourth the depth of the body.
COLOUR.—“Body semitransparent, colourless; with a bright silver band
on each side; also marked with silvery about the head.”—D. The band
is remarkably bright, and well-defined, much more so than in the
last species.
I have ventured to consider this as a new species, though none of the
specimens in the collection, amounting to three in number, exceed two
inches and a half in length, and are probably not full-sized. The form
of the scales is so peculiar, that if it were only the young of some
described species, it could hardly fail to be identified by such a
character, which is not likely to be affected by age, nor to have
escaped the notice of an observer. Yet I can find none answering to it
in the “Histoire des Poissons.” The silvery band also is remarkably
bright; though the slenderness of the body, another of its
peculiarities, is perhaps due to immaturity. The fin-ray formula is
somewhat different in the three specimens, as shown above, but in other
respects they are similar.
Mr. Darwin’s notes state that this species was taken in the month of
September, in 39° S. Lat., 61° W. Long., several miles from the land.
This last circumstance, indeed, would seem to indicate that the
specimens were not so very young, as the fry of most fish keep close in
shore.
FAMILY.—MUGILIDÆ.
1. MUGIL LIZA. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Mugil liza, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xi. p. 61.
FORM.—Elongated: the depth contained about five and a half times in
the entire length: the head exactly five times: height of the head
at the nape two-thirds its own length. Mouth chevron-formed, with a
tubercle at the extremity of the lower jaw: lips thin. Some
extremely minute teeth in the jaws, but none on the palate or
tongue. Suborbital obliquely truncated at the posterior angle, but
not dilated towards the extremity; the lower or anterior margin
straight, and scarcely if at all denticulated: the maxillary
slender, not longer than the suborbital, and concealed beneath it
when the mouth is closed. The eye has an adipose veil covering a
large portion of the iris: diameter of the orbit one-fourth the
length of the head: distance from the eye to the end of the snout,
equalling only three-fourths of the diameter. Orifices of the
nostrils widely separate. Number of scales in a longitudinal row
about thirty-five; perhaps one or two more: in the depth about
twelve. Fourth dorsal spine very weak. A large triangular scale
above the pectorals; the same also above the ventrals; this last,
which is the longer of the two, equalling one-fourth the length of
the fin.
D. 4—1/8; A. 3/8; C. 14, &c. P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 11 inches 3 lines.
COLOUR.—“Back coloured like Labrador felspar: iris coppery.”—D. The
dried specimen shows traces of about twelve longitudinal lines
similar to those of many other species.
_A second specimen_ exactly resembles the above, except in being
smaller, measuring barely eight inches, and in shewing rather more
trace of denticulations on the suborbital.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca and Monte Video.
This species, which has the general characters of the _M. Cephalus_ of
the European seas, is probably the _M. liza_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes;
but the specimens are in a bad state of preservation, and some of the
characters cannot be accurately ascertained. The depth of the body
appears to have been rather greater than what is mentioned in the
“Histoire des Poissons:” there is also some appearance of small scales
on the second dorsal and anal, which, according to Cuvier and
Valenciennes, is the distinguishing characteristic of their next
species, the _M. curema_; but it will not agree with this last in its
other details.
The larger of the above specimens was taken at Bahia Blanca, where Mr.
Darwin’s notes state that it is plentiful; the smaller one at Monte
Video.
2. MUGIL ——?
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains a second species of this genus from the
Keeling Islands, which does not appear to be identical with any of those
described by Cuvier and Valenciennes; but as there is but one specimen,
in a very bad state of preservation, and the species inhabiting the
Indian Ocean are very numerous, as well as extremely similar to each
other, I refrain from describing and naming it as certainly new. I shall
therefore merely point out some of its leading characters, so far as
they can be ascertained; in the hope that they may prove of use in
leading others to identify it who may visit the above Islands hereafter.
Form and appearance of the mouth similar to that of the _M. labeo_ of
the Mediterranean. Lips fleshy, and very much developed, with the
borders fringed; the lower one partially reflexed. Apparently no trace
of teeth anywhere. Suborbital with a shallow notch on its anterior
margin, obliquely truncated at its posterior angle, and obsoletely
denticulated. Maxillary slender and slightly bent, nearly concealed
beneath the suborbital, but showing a little beneath it, from its
being a trifle longer. The head is a little less than one-fifth of the
entire length: the snout short, and rather obtuse. Longitudinal
diameter of the eye contained three and a half times in the length of
the head: no appearance of any adipose veil. Orifices of the nostril
approximating. The depth of the body cannot be accurately ascertained,
but it appears to have been about one-fifth of the entire length. The
commencement of the anal is but very little in advance of that of the
second dorsal; both fins appear to have been covered with small
scales. Pectorals not quite so long as the head: apparently no
elongated scale above them: one, however, above the ventrals, half the
length of those fins. The fin-ray formula is as follows:—
D. 4—1/8; A. 3/9; C. 14; P. 16; V. 1/5.
The length of this fish is eight inches.
DAJAUS DIEMENSIS. _Richards._
Dajaus Diemensis, _Richards._ in Proceed. of Zool. Soc. 1840, p. 25.
This genus, which was established by Cuvier and Valenciennes, differs
from _Mugil_ principally in having vomerine and palatine teeth: the
snout also is rather more produced, and the mouth less chevron-formed.
There is but one species described in the “Histoire des Poisssons,”
which is found in fresh water in the Caribbee Islands. Dr. Richardson
has briefly noticed a second from Van Diemen’s Land, in his recent
description of a collection of fishes from that country, in the
“Proceedings of the Zoological Society.” Mr. Darwin’s collection
contains a specimen of this genus from King George’s Sound, which,
having reason to think it might be the same as that described by Dr.
Richardson, I sent to this latter gentleman, requesting him to compare
them. This he obligingly did, and informed me in his answer that he
could detect no differences between them, beyond what might be the
result of the different manner in which they were preserved, his own
specimens being in spirits, and Mr. Darwin’s dried.
I forbear giving a detailed description of this species, as one by Dr.
Richardson will appear shortly in the Transactions of the Zoological
Society; and Mr. Darwin’s specimen is in such a bad state of
preservation, as hardly to admit of an accurate description of it being
taken. I may just allude, however, to some of its more striking
peculiarities.
It appears to differ from the _D. monticola_ of Cuvier and
Valenciennes in having the teeth in the lower jaw, if they really
exist, so minute and thinly scattered as to be scarcely perceptible;
those in the upper jaw, however, are very distinct; so likewise are
the vomerine and palatine bands. There are also some very obvious
teeth on the tip, and at the sides of the tongue, though few in the
middle: this part is said to be without any asperities in the _D.
monticola_. The suborbital is more rounded off at the lower angle
anteriorly, and the denticulations thereon rather more numerous and
better developed. The scales on the body, those especially above the
lateral line, have a few minute teeth on their free edges,
communicating a roughness to the touch; a character not alluded to in
the description of the _D. monticola_, and which therefore may be
presumed absent. There are also three more rays in the anal, and one
in the second dorsal.
The depth of the body in this specimen, from its bad state of
preservation, cannot be ascertained; but the head is contained about
four and a half times in the entire length. The diameter of the
orbit is one-fourth the length of the head; and there is nearly one
diameter between it and the end of the snout. The jaws are nearly
equal, but when the mouth is closed, the upper one projects a
trifle; this last is also moderately protractile. The maxillary
retires beneath the suborbital. The fin-ray formula is as follows:—
D. 4—1/9; A. 3/12; C. 14, &c.; P. 15; V. 1/5.
There is but one individual of this species in the collection, which
measures seven inches in length. The colours do not appear to have been
noticed.
FAMILY.—BLENNIDÆ.
BLENNIUS PALMICORNIS. _Cuv. et Val._
Blennius palmicornis, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xi. p. 159.
The Blenny, which I have referred above to the _B. palmicornis_ of
Cuvier and Valenciennes, seems somewhat intermediate in its characters
between that species and the _B. parvicornis_ of the same authors. This
inclines me to suspect that the two species are not really distinct, as
those authors themselves seem to have thought possible, though they
state that they never received the _B. palmicornis_, except from the
Mediterranean.[30]
In this specimen the head is one-fifth of the entire length, and the
ventrals one-eighth, which is worth noticing, because it is stated
that in the _B. palmicornis_ the head is contained nearly five and a
half times, and sometimes nearly six times in the total length; and
the ventrals nearly ten times in the same. The filaments above the
eyes, however, are similar to those of the species just mentioned;
quite as much developed, and each divided nearly to the base into five
or six flattened bristles. There are about forty teeth in the upper
jaw, and twenty-eight or thirty in the lower: the canine below is very
distinct, but above it is almost, if not quite wanting. The fin-ray
formula is as follows:—
D. 11/21; A. 21; C. 11, &c.; P. 13; V. 2.
The length of the specimen is nearly five inches. The anal is marked and
coloured exactly as described to be the case in the _B. palmicornis_.
This species was obtained by Mr. Darwin at the Cape Verde Islands.
1. BLENNECHIS FASCIATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XVII. Fig. 1.
_B. flavescens, fusco-variatus; maculis tribus infra pinnam dorsalem,
et unâ in pinnæ ipsius anticam partem, nigris, subocellatis:
dentibus maxillaribus supra circiter viginti quatuor, subtus
triginta; caninis nullis: tentaculis palpebralibus duobus, parvis,
subpalmatis: pinnâ anali haud ultrà dorsalem extensâ._
D. 13/16; A. 20; C. 13, &c.; P. 14; V. 2.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 4.
FORM.—Body much compressed behind: the depth one-fifth of the entire
length: head rather less than one-fourth of the same. Snout blunt
and truncated; the profile nearly vertical; the eye placed just
within the angle formed by this last with the line of the crown.
Diameter of the eye one-fourth the length of the head; distance
between the eyes half a diameter; the interocular space very
slightly concave, with a double row of mucous pores rather widely
separate, but without any lines or sculpture. Similar mucous pores
are thinly scattered over the occiput and the front of the snout, as
well as beneath each eye. Above each eye is a short slightly
palmated filament not exceeding in length the diameter of the eye:
also an extremely minute one at each nostril. Mouth reaching to
beneath the eyes. Teeth not extending the whole length of the jaws;
fine and close-set, with the points of those at the sides, more
especially in the lower jaw, reclining backwards; the number above
twenty-four, below thirty: no canines. Gill membrane fastened at
bottom, the slit at the sides not descending below the pectorals.
The dorsal commences at the nape, and extends nearly to the caudal,
with which, however, it is not connected: it is slightly depressed
or notched above the twelfth and thirteenth rays, beyond which it
is again elevated to the height of the anterior portion. The anal
does not approach quite so near the caudal as the dorsal, but the
difference is trifling: the last ray in both fins is united by the
membrane to the fleshy part of the tail. Caudal rounded, with the
greater part of the principal rays slightly divided at the tips.
Pectorals broad, and not quite equal to the head in length.
Ventrals short, not more than half the length of the head, or a
little less than one-eighth of the entire length: they appear to
consist of only two rays, but on dissection there will be found
three soft rays with a short spine closely adhering to the first
of them; the third soft ray is slender, and also adheres to the
second.
The anterior portion of the lateral line takes a sweep over the
pectoral, and is very distinctly marked by a close series of short
elevated mucous tubes between two rows of pores; but the rest of
the line is only faintly traced out by nine or ten slender
depressed tubes at long intervals, without any accompanying pores.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Yellowish ground; the upper half of the sides
very much mottled, and clouded with fuscous; three spots darker than
the rest, arranged longitudinally beneath the posterior half of the
dorsal, and having a subocellated appearance, the last the largest,
and also the most distinct of the three: from the median line there
are eight or nine descending fasciæ, alternating with the same
number of oblong lanceolate spots: the throat is marked with three
angulated transverse dark fasciæ: cheeks and gill-covers with small
spots. A large black spot on the first three rays of the dorsal fin,
which is covered all over with smaller spots, as are also the
pectorals and caudal: anal with a dusky edging. In the living state
there were probably some bright colours, as in the _B. biocellatus_
of Cuvier and Valenciennes.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 17._
_Waterhouse Hawkins del^t._
]
_1. Blennechis fasciatus._ _Nat. Size._
_1a._ „ „ _Teeth magnified._
_2. Blennechis ornatus._ _Nat. Size._
_3. Salarias vomerinus._ _Nat. Size._
_A second specimen_ has the fin-ray formula as follows:—
D. 13/18; A. 21, &c.
This specimen also differs from the one above in having the teeth in
the lower jaw not quite so numerous, and the ventrals longer,
equalling one-seventh of the entire length. The colours are on the
whole similar, but more of the yellow ground is visible above the
median line, and the descending fasciæ beneath it are not so
distinctly traced out.
Habitat, Concepcion, Chile.
This species is very closely allied to the _B. biocellatus_ of Cuvier
and Valenciennes, from the same coasts. It agrees with it in all its
essential characters, and in the general disposition of the markings. It
appears to differ, however, in having fewer teeth; in the anal reaching
hardly so far as, certainly not beyond, the dorsal, as described to be
the case in that species; in the fin-ray formula; and slightly in the
colours. The _B. biocellatus_ derives its name from two ocellated spots,
one _beneath_ the last rays of the dorsal, the other _upon_ the first
three rays of that fin. In the _B. fasciatus_ here described, there
appear to be three subocellated spots beneath the dorsal, though the
last is the most distinct, besides the one upon the fin itself. The _B.
biocellatus_ was observed by M. Gay at Valparaiso. The present species
was taken by Mr. Darwin at Concepcion. Possibly it may be a mere
variety.
2. BLENNECHIS ORNATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XVII. Fig. 2.
_B. cinereo-griseus; maculis, vel lituris paucis, infrà pinnam
dorsalem obsoletis, pallidè nigricantibus: dentibus caninis nullis:
tentaculis palpebralibus duobus, parvis, subfurcatis: pinnâ anali
haud ultrâ dorsalem extensâ._
D. 12/17; A. 20; &c.—
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 2.
FORM.—Closely resembling the last species, but rather deeper in
proportion to its length, less compressed in front, with the head
more inflated about the throat and gills. Snout, profile, and
position of the eye, similar. Superciliary filaments scarcely
longer, but rather broader and more conspicuous, and cleft at the
extremity. Filaments at the nostrils a little longer, but very
slender and delicate. Teeth similar, both in number and form. Fins
and lateral line exactly similar. Behind the vent a papilla not
present in the last species.
COLOUR.—Different from that of the _B. fasciatus_, but with traces of
the same markings. The ground colour is cinereous grey, which almost
every where prevails: there are faint traces of the angulated fasciæ
beneath the chin, as well as of three dark stains beneath the
dorsal, but these last no longer deserve the name of ocellated
spots. Fins, cheeks, and gill-covers, dotted in like manner: also
some indication of the larger spot on the first three rays of the
dorsal: anal with the same dusky edging.
_Obs._ Of this species there are five specimens in the collection. The
next in size to the one described above, measures one inch seven
lines in length, and resembles it in every respect, excepting that
the superciliary filaments are broader and longer, equalling at
least one diameter and a half of the eye. The colours and markings
are exactly the same, only the fasciæ on the throat can hardly be
discerned.
_No. 3_ is exactly similar in size, as well as in all its other
characters, to No. 2. Has the superciliary filaments equally
developed.
_No. 4_ resembles Nos. 2 and 3, but is smaller, measuring one inch
five lines in length.
_No. 5_, the smallest of all the specimens, and measuring only one
inch three lines, has the dark markings more developed, especially
the angulated fasciæ on the throat, which are almost as distinct as
in the _B. fasciatus_: the spots beneath the dorsal assume the
appearance of abbreviated transverse fasciæ reaching from the base
of the fin to the median line; and besides the three faintly
indicated in the other specimens, there are two others nearer the
head, forming altogether a series of five. In this specimen the
superciliary filaments are shorter, not exceeding the diameter of
the eye.
Habitat, Coquimbo, Chile.
This species differs but slightly from the last, and both may hereafter
prove to be mere varieties of the _B. biocellatus_; but it is desirable
for the present to keep them distinct, as, though all found on the same
coast, they are from distinct localities on that coast. Also the above
five specimens, though varying in the intensity of the markings, have
all a ground colour quite different from that of the _B. fasciatus_, and
a peculiarity of aspect immediately noticeable to the eye. Had they been
found mixed with that species, the presence of the anal papilla might
lead to the suspicion of their being the other sex; but, under the
circumstances, this seems hardly probable. They were all taken at
Coquimbo.
7. SALARIAS ATLANTICUS. _Cuv. et Val._
Salarias atlanticus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xi. p. 238.
Two individuals of this species were obtained by Mr. Darwin at Porto
Praya. They accord in all respects with the descriptions in the
“Histoire des Poissons,” excepting as regards the fin-ray formula, in
which there is a slight difference observable; and in this respect they
are also different from each other.
The larger specimen, measuring three inches seven and a half lines in
length, has the fin-ray formula as follows:
D. 13/21; A. 24; C. 13; P. 15; V. 2.
The other, two inches eleven lines in length, has one ray less in the
spinous portion of the dorsal, and two more in the soft:
D. 12/23; A. 24; &c.—
It may be mentioned that in this species, as in some others, the last
spinous ray in the dorsal is entirely invested by the membrane, and does
not attain to the margin, so that in counting, it may be very easily
overlooked.
In Mr. Darwin’s notes, it is stated that this species bites very
severely, having driven its teeth through the finger of one of the
officers in the ship’s company. Its two very long sharp canine teeth at
the back of the lower jaw are well calculated to inflict such a wound.
2. SALARIAS QUADRICORNIS. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Salarias quadricornis, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xi. p. 243.
pl. 329.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains a species of _Salarias_ so closely
resembling the _S. quadricornis_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes, that I dare
not describe it as distinct. Yet it offers some slight differences as
follows:
The profile, instead of being merely vertical, presents a rounded and
projecting front between the eyes, advancing further than the mouth
(as in the _S. gibbifrons_, Cuv. et Val.) The filamentous appendages
are similar, but the superciliary ones are shorter than the diameter
of the eye: the palmated ones at the nostrils consist of six or seven
bristles. The occipital crest is hardly so much elevated; its height
being not more than one-sixth or one-seventh the height of the head,
and only one-third its own length. The height of the dorsal equals at
least half the depth of the body; the depth of the notch above the
thirteenth spinous ray is rather more than half its height. The
fin-ray formula is—
D. 13/21; A. 25; C. 13, &c.; P. 14; V. 2.
The _colour_, as it appears in spirits, is nearly of a uniform
olivaceous brown, with scarce any indication of vertical bands; paler
on the abdomen. There are four or five oblique narrow whitish lines on
the dorsal, but not very distinct; also two on the anal, more decided:
these lines appear to have been bluish, and there are traces of the
same colour about the head and gill-covers.
In all other respects it accords exactly with the description in the
“Histoire des Poissons,” where it is added, in reference to colour, that
this species is subject to much variation. Mr. Darwin’s specimen
measures five inches two lines in length. The number attached to it has
been lost, so that there is nothing to shew where it was taken. It is
probably, however, from the Keeling Islands, as there is in the
collection, from that locality, another specimen, which I have little
doubt of being the female of the one above noticed.
This _second specimen_ wants the nuchal crest, as is stated to be the
case in the female of _S. quadricornis_. It is not full-sized,
measuring only three inches four lines in length, which may account
for the proportions being a little different from those of the adult.
The depth is one-sixth of the entire length, or rather less. The
filamentous appendages resemble those of the first specimen, but the
nasal ones have rather fewer bristles. In the form of the head, fins,
and all its other characters, it is exactly similar. The fin-ray
formula is a little different;
D. 13/20; A. 23; &c.—
The _colours_, also, as they appear in spirits, are rather different.
The general ground of the body is olivaceous grey, but paler than in
the male specimen, and inclining to yellowish, with faint indications
of vertical bands, and also a few dark spots towards the tail end.
Dorsal and anal spotted, the former more so than the latter. Mr.
Darwin’s notes, taken from the recent fish, merely state,—“with dull
red transverse lines.”
The _S. quadricornis_ is stated by Cuvier and Valenciennes to be very
common at the Mauritius, whence it may not improbably range as far
eastward as the Keeling Islands.
3. SALARIAS VOMERINUS. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Salarias vomerinus? _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xi. p. 258.
PLATE XVII. Fig. 3.
FORM.—Elongated and compressed, the thickest part being in the region
of the gills. Greatest depth contained about six and a half times in
the entire length: thickness at the pectorals about two-thirds of
the depth, or rather more. Length of the head rather exceeding the
depth of the body, and exceeding its own depth by about one-fourth.
Snout obtuse; broad and rounded when viewed from above. Lips
crenated at the sides of the mouth, but not in the middle. Teeth in
the jaws moveable, extremely fine and numerous: two long canines at
the bottom of the lower jaw, curving backwards, and fitting into two
corresponding holes in the palate: also a transverse row of minute
teeth on the front of the vomer. Profile nearly vertical; the eyes
placed just within the angle formed by it with the line of the
crown. Two broad palmated superciliary filaments, not equal in
length to the diameter of the eyes: two similar ones at the
nostrils, each consisting of six or eight bristles: also two short
simple filaments, one on each side of the nape.
The dorsal, which commences a little behind the nuchal filaments, is
so deeply notched behind the twelfth ray as almost to appear like
two fins. The height of the anterior or spinous portion is about
two-fifths of the depth: the posterior is more elevated, equalling
three-fourths of the depth: this portion is connected by its
membrane with the upper part of the tail, but does not reach to
the caudal, leaving an interval just equal to half the depth of
the tail at this point. The anal commences opposite the eleventh
ray of the dorsal, and does not reach so far as that fin, leaving
three times the space between it and the caudal: the first two
rays short and soft, the first scarcely connected by membrane with
those that follow; the membrane deeply notched between all the
rays, excepting the last three, where it is continuous. Caudal
slightly rounded at the extremity. Pectorals broad, but a little
pointed when the rays are not spread out; longer than the head,
the fifth and sixth rays from the bottom being longest. Ventrals
short, only half the length of the pectorals, or one-tenth of the
entire length, consisting (which is unusual in this genus) of four
distinct rays, two shorter and slender ones, besides the two
ordinary thick ones.
The lateral line is faintly indicated by a fine line which sweeps
over the pectorals, and then passes off straight along the middle.
As far as the pectorals reach, the line is continuous: beyond, it
is interrupted, or only marked out by slightly elevated tubal
pores at intervals; and it disappears altogether considerably
before reaching the caudal.
D. 12/15; A. 18; C. 13, &c.; P. 14; V. 4.
Length 3 inches 2 lines.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) The ground appears to have been pale yellowish
brown: sides marked with numerous approximating dark transverse
fasciæ, twelve or fourteen in number: these fasciæ are continued on
to the caudal, where there are five, narrower than those on the
body. Head marked with black dots and undulating lines; especially
two undulating lines commencing on the cheeks behind the eyes, and
passing upwards to the nape: upper lip and sides of the throat
marked with several fine lines. A row of black dots a little below
the base of the anterior part of the dorsal. The fasciæ on the sides
extend on to the dorsal, where they take an oblique direction
backwards. Anal pale at the base, but with the tips of the rays
dusky. Pectorals and ventrals uniformly plain dusky.
Habitat, Porto Praya, Cape Verde Islands.
Cuvier and Valenciennes state that they have received but one species of
_Salarias_ from the Atlantic Ocean north of the line, the _S.
Atlanticus_ already noticed. The present is a second found within that
range, obtained by Mr. Darwin at Porto Praya. Perhaps it may be a new
one; but it is so very nearly allied to the _S. vomerinus_ of the above
authors, that I consider it hazardous to describe it as distinct. It
agrees especially with that species in having vomerine teeth, and four
rays in the ventrals, as well as in the general disposition of the
markings; but no mention is made in the “Histoire des Poissons” of the
nuchal filaments, which, however, may have been overlooked, as they are
small and simple, and not very obvious. If it be identical with that
species, its range in the Atlantic must be considerable, as the _S.
vomerinus_ is found on the coast of S. America, near Bahia. Generally
speaking the same species are not observed on both sides of that ocean;
and perhaps this is an argument for its being distinct: but if so, it is
difficult, without the opportunity of a more close comparison, to point
out any essential differences by which it may be characterized.
This species appears also to have many points of agreement with the _S.
textilis_ brought by MM. Quoy and Gaimard from the Island of Ascension;
but the colours do not exactly correspond, neither is there any mention
made in the description of this last, of the vomerine teeth and four
ventral rays, which so peculiarly characterize the one above noticed.
As I feel some doubts with respect to this species being new or not, I
have thought it advisable to have it figured, more especially as there
is no figure, either of the _S. vomerinus_ or _S. textilis_, to both
which it is so nearly allied.
CLINUS CRINITUS. _Jen._
PLATE XVIII. Fig. 1.
_C. fuscus, nigro-maculatus: tentaculis palpebralibus e crinibus octo
a radicibus separatis formatis, nasalibus et nuchalibus palmatis,
omnibus parvis subæqualibus: pinna anali radiis mollibus viginti
quatuor._
B. 6; D. 26/11; A. 2/24; C. 13; P. 13; V. 3.
LONG. unc. 6. lin. 6.
FORM.—Depth one-fifth of the entire length. Head about one-fourth of
the same, rather large, with the cheeks and gills a little inflated.
Profile falling gently from the nape: the crown scarcely at all
convex. Gape reaching to beneath the anterior part of the eye. Lips
thick and fleshy, and partly reflexed, much resembling those of a
_Labrus_. Lower jaw projecting a little beyond the upper, and
inclining upwards to meet it. An outer row of strong conical teeth
in each jaw, with a velutine band behind; the band broad above, but
very narrow below. A largish triangular patch of velutine teeth on
the vomer, and a smaller one on each palatine. Tongue free and
fleshy, smooth. Eyes moderately large, their diameter one-fifth the
length of the head; high in the cheeks, reaching to, but not
interrupting, the line of the profile. The superciliary tentacles
consist each of eight short bristles, all separate to the root, but
forming together a closely compacted series: two on the nape, of the
same length as them, are broad and palmated, the upper half only
being divided into eight or ten slender filaments: two on the
nostrils are similar to those on the nape, only somewhat smaller.
The dorsal commences at the nape, a little behind the nuchal
appendages, and has the spinous portion long, and of nearly
uniform height, but no where very high. The spines increase very
gradually in length as they advance, the first being the shortest:
in the middle of the fin, they equal about one-third the depth of
the body, or hardly so much: above each is a short filamentous
tag, as in the _Labridæ_. The soft portion is nearly twice the
height of the spinous. A small interval between the termination of
this fin and the caudal. The anal commences under the twelfth
spine of the dorsal: its own two spines are very short, and not
half the length of the soft rays, which last are not quite so long
as those of the dorsal: the membrane between each of the rays is
deeply notched. This fin terminates a very little before the
dorsal. The caudal, when expanded, appears slightly rounded.
Pectorals broad and rounded, about one-fifth of the entire length.
Insertion of the ventrals directly underneath the commencement of
the dorsal, and both in a vertical line with the posterior margin
of the preopercle. These last fins are contained nearly nine times
in the entire length.
Body covered with moderately small scales; the length and breadth of
each scale nearly equal, with the basal portion nearly covered by
an irregular fan of striæ, eighteen or twenty in number. Head
naked, but the crown and upper part of the snout studded with
papillæ, terminating upwards in pores. There are rows of minute
scales between the rays of the dorsal for about one-third of their
height; also at the base of the caudal and pectorals, but none on
the anal. The lateral line commences behind the upper angle of the
opercle at one-fourth of the depth; when opposite the eleventh ray
of the dorsal, it begins to bend downwards, and continues falling
till opposite the seventeenth ray, when it gets to the middle of
the depth; from that point it passes straight to the caudal.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 18._
_Waterhouse Hawkins del^t._
]
_1. Clinus crinitus._ _Nat. Size._
_2. Acanthoclinus fuscus._ _Nat. Size._
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Nearly uniform dark brown ground, but with
some indications of round black spots, which were probably more
conspicuous in the living fish. Eight or nine of these spots appear
on the posterior half of the dorsal, forming a longitudinal row; and
there is a row more faintly marked out along the base of the anal;
these last are smaller than those on the dorsal. Chin, throat, and
gill membrane, thickly covered with small spots: also a black patch
extending over a large portion of the eye from above and behind.
Habitat, Coquimbo, Chile.
This species, obtained by Mr. Darwin at Coquimbo, is nearly allied to
several other Chilian species, described by Cuvier and Valenciennes, but
differs from all of them in having more rays in the anal fin,
independently of other respects. It seems to approach most closely the
_C. variolosus_; but this latter is represented as having the
superciliary tentacles palmated, composed of from twelve to fifteen
bristles, and the nuchal ones papilliform and so small as to be hardly
visible. In the present species, the superciliary tentacles consist, as
above stated, of eight bristles separate quite to the root, while those
on the nape are equally as large and as much developed, and strictly, as
well as very distinctly, palmated. The crown also is scarcely convex, as
represented to be the case in that species: to which it may be added,
that the spots on the dorsal fin are more numerous, and their relative
size compared with those on the anal different.
The _C. microcirrhis_ is said to want superciliary tentacles altogether,
otherwise there are several points of resemblance between that species
and the one here described.
GENUS.—ACANTHOCLINUS. _Jen._
_Corpus elongatum, compressum, squamis minutissimis obtectum. Caput
nudum, tentaculis nullis. Dentes maxillares seriebus plurimis
dispositi, velutini; multis, hic illic sparsis, fortioribus,
subconicis vel aculeiformibus: vomerini et palatini velutini omnes.
Linguæ linea longitudinalis media dentibus minutissimis aspera.
Membrana branchialis undique libera, subter gulam continua et
profundè emarginata, sex-radiata. Pinnæ dorsalis et analis spinis
plurimis, ad apices laciniis membranaceis investitis. Lineæ
laterales tres distinctæ._
Mr. Darwin has brought home several specimens of a small fish from New
Zealand, which appears to me to form the type of a new genus in the
family of the Blennies. It is most nearly allied to _Clinus_, to which
group it may perhaps be subordinate in point of value; but it offers
several differences which I shall proceed to point out. In the first
place the number of anal spines is much greater, a character of
considerable importance in this family, in which they hardly ever amount
to more than two, whilst in some instances all the rays of this fin
appear to be articulated. Secondly, in addition to the bands of vomerine
and palatine teeth, which are found in _Clinus_, this genus has a narrow
line of very minute teeth running longitudinally down the middle of the
tongue, communicating a sensible roughness to the touch. Thirdly, the
ventrals are more backward, their point of insertion being only a very
little in advance of that of the pectorals. Lastly, it is remarkably
characterized by having three, or one might almost say four, distinct
lateral lines. The uppermost of these lines commences at the posterior
angle of the opercle, whence it turns abruptly upwards and runs
immediately beneath the base of the dorsal: the second runs along the
median line of the body, but does not commence till a little beyond the
base of the pectoral: the third commences a little above the insertion
of the ventrals, and answers to the upper one, taking its course a
little above the anal: there is also part of a fourth, which originates
between the ventrals, and joins the third at the commencement of the
anal. All these lines are marked by larger and differently formed scales
from those on the body, (which last are very minute,) with an elevated
tube on each, the tubal pore, however, being most distinct on the middle
or second line. In its general form, and in the large number of _dorsal_
spines, this genus resembles _Clinus_: the form of the head and mouth
are for the most part similar; also all the parts of the gill-cover; as
well as the branchial membrane, which is six-rayed and free all round.
The tags at the tips of the dorsal and anal spines are very conspicuous,
and give those fins somewhat of a _labriform_ appearance.
It is not improbable that the _Clinus littoreus_ of Cuvier and
Valenciennes, which they have characterized from a drawing and
description in the Banksian Library, and which is said to possess
twenty-five spines in the anal fin, may belong to this new genus. It is
observed by those authors, in reference to its peculiarity in this
respect, that such a circumstance, if correct, would be unexampled, and
would tend to separate it from the genus in which they have placed it.
It is also worth remarking that the _C. littoreus_ comes from New
Zealand, the same country as that whence Mr. Darwin obtained the above.
In the circumstance of having three lateral lines, this new genus seems
to have some affinity with _Chirus_ of Steller; but the scales are not
ciliated as they are said to be in this last, neither are the ventrals
five-rayed.
ACANTHOCLINUS FUSCUS. _Jen._
PLATE XVIII. Fig. 2.
FORM.—Body elongated and compressed; the depth, which varies but
little, one-sixth of the entire length; thickness in the region of
the pectorals rather more than half the depth. Head contained very
little more than four times in the length. Profile sloping but very
little. Snout rather short: mouth protractile, and rather wide: lips
somewhat fleshy and reflexed. Gape reaching to beneath the anterior
part of the orbit, but the maxillary, which is dilated at its
posterior extremity, and cut nearly square, reaching to beyond the
middle. Lower jaw a little the longest, and ascending to meet the
upper. Several rows of sharp velutine teeth in each jaw, with some
here and there stronger and more hooked than the others, those below
almost fine card: a band on the vomer and on each palatine. Tongue
of a triangular form, free and pointed at the tip, with a ridge of
asperities down the median line. Eyes high, but hardly interrupting
the line of the profile; their diameter one-fifth the length of the
head; distant one diameter from the end of the snout. No filamentous
appendages of any kind on any part of the head; but an irregular
circle of pores nearly surrounding the orbit; also a few very
distinct pores beneath the lower jaw. Preopercle rounded, with
distant pores along the margin. Opercle terminating posteriorly in a
sharp salient angle with the basal margin ascending; beneath which
the subopercle and interopercle are both very distinct. Branchial
membrane free and open all round, not adhering to the isthmus
underneath, but deeply notched in the middle.
The dorsal commences in a line with the posterior point of the
gill-cover, and is very similar to that of _Clinus_. Spinous
portion long, and, excepting the first two rays, of nearly uniform
height, equalling nearly half the depth; the membrane deeply
notched between the spines, the tips of which are invested with
filamentous tags. Soft portion of the dorsal more elevated than
the spinous, and with only four rays. Between the end of this fin
and the caudal is a small space equalling nearly two-thirds of the
depth beneath. The anal commences under the twelfth dorsal spine,
and exactly corresponds to the posterior half of that fin,
reaching also to the same point. The spines in both fins are sharp
and moderately strong; the soft rays articulated and branched, and
terminating rather in a point behind. Caudal rounded, with
fourteen branched rays, and a few shorter simpler ones. Pectorals
one-seventh of the entire length, rounded when spread open, with
all the rays except the last branched. Ventrals narrow and
pointed, about the same length as the pectorals, and inserted but
very little in advance of those fins: the spine well developed,
and half the length of the soft rays: first soft ray long, and
deeply divided so as to appear like two; the second ray slender
and shorter.
Body covered with very minute scales; but none on the head or on any
of the fins. Three very distinct lateral lines, with a portion of
a fourth, as already stated above.
B. 6; D. 20/4; A. 9/4; C. 16, &c.; P. 17; V. ½.
Length 3 inc. 8 lin.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. _In spirits_ it appears of a
nearly uniform bister brown, with the fins and some portion of the
head darker than the rest, especially a blackish spot on the
opercle.
Habitat, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
There are four specimens of this new fish in the collection, all similar
except in size. The above is the largest. The others measure in length
from one inch and three quarters, to not quite three inches. The two
largest are from the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The other two have
lost their labels: I only presume therefore that they are from the same
locality.
TRIPTERYGION CAPITO. _Jen._
PLATE XIX. Fig. 1.
_T. fusco-griseum, pinnis concoloribus: tentaculis palpebralibus
duobus parvis gracilibus e crinibus duobus vel tribus formatis;
nasalibus minutis simplicibus: dorsali primâ humili sex-radiatâ,
radiis subæqualibus; secundâ duplo altiore; tertiâ parum altissimâ:
lineû laterali abbreviatâ, vix ultrà pectorales extensâ._
B. 6; D. 6—20—14; A. 25; C. 14, &c.; P. 16; V. 2.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 5.
FORM.—Depth at the pectorals one-sixth of the length: thickness at the
same part about two-thirds of the depth. Head rather large, thicker
than the body, contained four and a half times in the entire length.
Snout short, the profile falling very abruptly from between the
eyes. These last large, one-third the length of the head, high in
the cheeks, reaching to, but hardly interrupting, the line of the
profile. Above each a short slender compound tentacle: that on the
right side consists of two filaments, one simple, the other forked,
so as to appear like three; that on the left appears undivided. Also
a minute filament at each nostril. The maxillary reaches to beneath
the middle of the orbit. Jaws equal: in each a row of small conical
sharp-pointed teeth, with a broad velutine band behind, the band,
however, only in front. A transverse band of velutine teeth on the
vomer, extending a little on to the palatines. Opercle and
preopercle rounded. Branchial membrane free all round, with a
shallow notch in the middle underneath.
The first dorsal commences in a vertical line with the insertions of
the ventrals; the rays are six in number, and so nearly equal in
length as to cause the fin to appear quite even; its height is
scarcely more than one-third of the depth. The second dorsal
begins a little behind the origin of the pectorals: it is also
nearly even, but twice the height of the first. The third closely
follows the second: this fin is uneven, but its most elevated
point is somewhat higher still than the second. The rays of the
first and second of these fins are spinous: those of the third
soft and articulated, but all simple. The anal, which has also
simple rays, commences beneath the middle of the second dorsal,
and terminates in the same vertical line with the end of the
third, between which last and the caudal is a small space. Caudal
square, with twelve of the principal rays branched. Pectorals a
little less than one-fourth of the entire length; the ninth and
tenth rays longest; the six lowermost rather stouter than the
others, and, as well as the three uppermost, which are very
slender, simple; the fourth to the tenth, both inclusive,
branched. Ventrals contained about six and a half times in the
entire length; consisting of only two slender filamentous rays.
Scales minute, their free edges finely ciliated; the concealed
portion of each scale marked with twelve or fourteen striæ. The
lateral line rises at the upper angle of the opercle, and is well
marked by a row of tubular scales till it reaches a little beyond
the extremity of the reclined pectoral, where it abruptly
terminates, and all further trace of it is lost.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Of a nearly uniform dark brown, inclining to
griseous, with some appearance of darker clouds or spots between the
second dorsal and the lateral line; this last also is indicated by a
darker streak than the ground colour. Fins dark brown: there is,
however, some trace of a white edging to the anterior half of the
anal, which may have been more conspicuous in the living state.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 19._
_Waterhouse Hawkins del._
]
_1. Tripterygion Capito._
_2. Gobius lineatus._
_2a._ „ „ _dorsal View._
_3. Gobius ophicephalus._
_3a._ „ „ _dorsal View._
A _second specimen_ slightly differs from the above, but is evidently
referable to the same species. It is smaller; and the profile falls
more gradually. The caudal has only eight branched rays, with two
lateral simple ones. The pectorals have the tenth and eleventh rays
longest, with the seven lowermost (instead of six) stouter than the
others and simple. The fin-ray formula is also different.
D. 6—19—13; A. 25; C. 10, &c.; P. 17; V. 2.
Length 2 inc. 1 line.
The colours are paler, and more decidedly grey, with the darker
motlings more distinct. The dorsals and caudal are pale, minutely
dotted with brown. Tips of all the anal rays white.
Habitat, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
This species approaches very closely the _T. nigripenne_ of Cuvier and
Valenciennes, of which it may possibly be a variety; but the description
in the “Histoire des Poissons,” as regards the form, is limited to a
very few words. If the figure given by those authors be correct, the _T.
nigripenne_ differs decidedly in the first dorsal being more elevated,
with the rays more unequal, and in the lateral line extending the whole
length of the fish. In the present species the first dorsal is low and
even, with the rays all equal, and the lateral line cannot be traced
much beyond the pectoral; and these characters are found in both
specimens. There are also six rays in the first dorsal. According to the
description, the _T. nigripenne_ has but five, though six are
represented in the figure.
From the _T. varium_, this species differs not only in its fin-ray
formula, but in its markings: and the same characters serve to separate
it still more widely from _T. Forsteri_ and _T. fenestratum_.
This species was obtained by Mr. Darwin on tidal rocks in the Bay of
Islands, New Zealand. Three out of the only four extra-european species
described by Cuvier and Valenciennes come from the same locality.
FAMILY.—GOBIDÆ.
1. GOBIUS LINEATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XIX. Fig. 2.
_G. nigro-griseus, lineis circiter decem longitudinalibus nigris:
capite lato, subdepresso; genis inflatis: maxillis æqualibus:
dentibus velutinis, externis fortioribus aculeiformibus; caninis
nullis: oculis amplis, intervallo vix plus quam semidiametrum
æquante: pinnis dorsalibus contiguis, altitudine subæqualibus;
pectoralibus radiis supernis setaceis, liberis; caudali rotundatâ:
squamis mediocribus, levissimè ciliatis._
B. 5; D. 6—1/9; A. 1/8; C. 13, &c.; P. 7 et 16; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 4. lin. 8.
FORM.—Head large, sub-depressed, and much inflated about the gills:
body compressed towards the tail. Depth at the pectorals contained
about five and a half times in the length: thickness at the same
point about three-fourths of the depth. Head about four and a half
times in the length; its breadth nearly equal to its own length.
Profile nearly horizontal. Eyes moderately large, with a diameter
nearly one-fourth that of the head: the intermediate space a little
hollowed out, and scarcely more than half a diameter in breadth.
Some appearance of a shallow groove on the nape reaching to the
first dorsal. Gape reaching to beneath the anterior angle of the
eye. Jaws equal: each with a broad band of velutine teeth, the outer
row stronger than the others, and slightly hooked; of these stronger
ones there are twenty-six in the upper jaw; below they are fewer,
smaller, and more irregular: no canines: no vomerine or palatine
teeth.
Pectorals about one-fifth of the entire length, oval; the first six
or seven rays nearly free to their base, and setaceous, like those
of _G. niger_; the sixteen that follow connected by membrane as
usual, and much branched. Ventrals united in the usual manner, and
a little shorter than the pectorals. The first dorsal commencing a
very little behind the point of attachment of the pectorals, and
reaching to the extremity of those fins when laid back: the
anterior spines rather exceeding in length half the depth of the
body; the last three gradually decreasing, with the membrane
terminating at the foot of the second dorsal. This last fin with
the first ray simple, and of the same height with the anterior
rays of the first dorsal; those which follow, to the number of
nine, nearly of the same height, and branched; from the root of
the ninth springs a simple ray which might be reckoned as
distinct, and if so, the entire number would be ten. Anal
commencing a little more backward, and terminating a little sooner
than the second dorsal, to which in other respects it answers; the
last ray double as before: both these fins terminate in a point
behind. Space between the anal and the caudal rather more than
one-fifth of the entire length, and equalling twice the depth
immediately beneath. Caudal rounded, about one-sixth of the entire
length; the division between the principal and accessory rays
(which last are numerous, especially above), not well marked; the
former much branched. The usual papilla behind the vent.
No visible lateral line. Scales rather large; about thirty-seven in
a longitudinal line, and eleven in a vertical; ciliated, the
concealed portion of each scale with an irregular fan of very
numerous striæ, amounting to twenty-five or more. Skin of the
suborbital marked with four longitudinal lines of salient dots,
the third from the top forking posteriorly into two: a similar
line at the upper part of the opercle at the boundary of the
scales, whence another passes vertically across the branchial
membrane; behind this is a third shorter one, taking an oblique
direction backwards.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Dusky grey, with about ten, rather indistinct
longitudinal dark lines on the body, extending from the pectorals to
the caudal. Fins dusky, with some indication of small irregular
whitish spots scattered here and there. A dark spot on the upper
half of the eye.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
This is undoubtedly a new species. It belongs to the same section as the
_G. niger_ of the European seas, which in form it very much resembles,
especially in its large inflated head, and in having the uppermost rays
of the pectorals free and setaceous. It differs, however, in having
fewer rays in the dorsal and anal fins, and consequently a larger
interval between the anal and the caudal; also, in the number and
arrangement of the dotted lines on the cheeks. The colours are likewise
different; and, in the living fish, in which they were not noticed,
probably the dark longitudinal lines, alluded to in the description
above, are much more conspicuous than they are at present.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin off Chatham Island, in the
Galapagos Archipelago.
2. GOBIUS OPHICEPHALUS. _Jen._
PLATE XIX. Fig. 3.
_G. pallenti-plumbeus, fusco-reticulatus: corpore elongato, gracili,
undique alepidoto: capite lato, depresso, genis tumidis; his et
rostro punctis valde salientibus, creberrimis, lineis undantibus
dispositis: maxillis æqualibus: dentibus velutinis; externis,
præsertim lateralibus, fortioribus, aculeiformibus; caninis nullis:
oculis parvis, prominulis, intervallo plus quam diametrum æquante:
pinnis dorsalibus subcontiguis, altitudine subæqualibus;
pectoralibus radiis omnibus membranâ inclusis; caudali rolundatâ,
radiis clausis, subacutâ._
D. 8—1/16; A. 1/13; C. 17, &c.; P. 21; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 11.
FORM.—Body considerably elongated, and compressed posteriorly: the
greatest depth beneath the first dorsal, equalling rather less than
one-eighth of the entire length: thickness at that point rather less
than the depth. Head broader than the body, very much flattened in
the crown behind the eyes, with the cheeks tumid, and, on the whole,
snake-like in appearance: its length one-fifth of the entire length;
its breadth two-thirds of its own length. Eyes small, but rather
prominent, high in the cheeks, with a diameter scarcely exceeding a
line in length, or about one-sixth that of the head; the space
between a little hollowed out, and nearly a diameter and a half
across. Snout short and obtuse: jaws equal; the gape not quite
reaching to beneath the middle of the orbit. The teeth form a broad
velutine band in each jaw, with those in the outer row strong and
slightly hooked: of these last there are about twenty in the upper,
the lateral ones being stronger than those in front; in the lower
they are not so numerous, and more irregular: none that can be
strictly called canines: likewise no vomerine or palatine teeth.
Pectorals one-sixth of the entire length, oval, with the middle rays
longest; all the rays included in the membrane. Ventrals united;
about two-thirds the length of the pectorals. First dorsal
extending beyond the extremities of the pectorals; the rays very
gradually decreasing in length, the membrane beyond the last also
sloping very gradually down till it nearly reaches the second
dorsal, which it does not quite touch. Rays of the second dorsal
of nearly uniform height, about equalling the longest of those in
the first, also equalling the depth of the body beneath. The last
ray in both these fins is double, as in the last species. The anal
commences beneath the fourth ray of the second dorsal, and
terminates a little sooner than that fin. The caudal, when the
rays are spread, appears rounded; but when closed, somewhat
pointed: it is contained not quite six and a half times in the
entire length. The space between the anal and the caudal is
one-eighth of the same, and one and a half times the depth of the
tail at that part. The usual papilla appears behind the vent.
Skin apparently quite naked everywhere, and without any scales that
are visible, even in the dried state, under a lens. The lateral
line runs straight along the middle, and is marked by a series of
glandular dots placed in threes or fours together vertically at
moderate intervals. Several lines of dots about the head, but the
dots are here closer together, and in some places so salient as to
appear like short filamentous processes: on the cheeks, about the
eyes, and on the front of the snout, these lines undulate in an
irregular manner: there are also two or three short lines of dots
on the gill-cover, and a double row on each side of the lower jaw,
passing obliquely upwards posteriorly, as a boundary to the cheek.
COLOUR.—“Pale lead-colour, coarsely reticulated with brown.”—D.—This
is nearly as it appears also in spirits. The reticulations are finer
on the head, where they are also most distinct: they are likewise
very visible at the base of the pectorals.
Habitat, Chonos Archipelago, South of Chiloe.
Cuvier and Valenciennes seem to have doubted[31] whether there were
really any species in this genus absolutely without scales, though they
have established a section, in which the scales are very minute, and as
it were lost in the skin. The present one, however, appears to be thus
characterized: at least there are no scales which can be detected, even
with the assistance of a lens, and when the skin is suffered to become
dry, in which state they are generally visible, if really present. In
fact, the skin is as smooth and naked as in any of the true Blennies.
This character, combined with others, clearly indicates it to be a new
species; neither will it assimilate with any of the sections in the
“Histoire des Poissons;” but requires to be placed in one by itself, in
which the absence of scales is coupled with an elongated body, and a
caudal, not strictly pointed, but approaching to that form, when the
rays are close.
This species was obtained by Mr. Darwin in the Chonos Archipelago, in
Lowe’s Harbour, S. of Chiloe. It appears to be the first of this genus
brought from the West Coast of America; at least, there are none,
amongst the very numerous species described by Cuvier and Valenciennes,
which are mentioned as belonging to those shores.
ELEOTRIS GOBIOIDES. _Cuv. et Val._
Eleotris gobioides, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xii. p. 186.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin in fresh-water, in the Bay of
Islands, New Zealand. It so well accords with the description of the _E.
gobioides_ in the “Histoire des Poissons,” that I conceive there can be
no doubt of their identity.
The profile slopes very gently. The lower jaw is longest, ascending to
meet the upper. There are three or four longitudinal lines on the
sides of the head, especially a very well marked one (not particularly
noticed by Valenciennes) extending backwards from the posterior angle
of the eye to the upper angle of the gill-opening. No appearance of
any lateral line. This specimen has a ray more in the anal than
Valenciennes gives. The fin-ray formula is as follows:—
B. 6; D. 6—1/10, the last double; A. 1/10, the last double; C. 16, &c.;
P. 18; V. 1/5.
Length 4 inches 1 line.
This species, except in respect of its separate ventrals, has very much
the habit and general appearance of the _Gobius niger_ of the European
seas.
FAMILY.—LOPHIDÆ.
BATRACHUS POROSISSIMUS. _Cuv. et Val.?_
Batrachus porosissimus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xii. p.
373.
FORM.—Head very large, broad and depressed, exactly one-fourth of the
entire length; its breadth two-thirds of its own length. Body
compressed posteriorly, with its greatest depth about one-sixth of
the entire length. Snout blunt and rounded, the lower jaw
projecting; gape wide. The teeth above form but a single row along
the intermaxillary, mostly small, but sharp, and the posterior ones
much curved: along each palatine there is a row of much stronger
ones, and at each angle of the vomer are two very long hooked ones,
resembling true canines. In the lower jaw the teeth are in a single
row at the sides, but in two or three rows in front, and are
unequally sized, some of the lateral ones being as strong as those
on each side of the vomer, and much hooked, as well as partially
reclining backwards. Tongue smooth, and free at the tip, which is
bluntish. Pharynx armed with two patches of velutine teeth above and
below. No regular barbule at the chin, but a row of minute cutaneous
cirri running all round the edge of the lower jaw; a similar row
along the anterior edge of the upper jaw, behind the intermaxillary,
with two thicker and more conspicuous appendages of the skin in the
middle. Eyes far apart, and not very large. Opercle armed with one
very strong spine, but only just the point appearing through the
skin.
Two small spines in front of the dorsal, a little more backward than
the insertion of the pectorals, the first very minute, and hardly
appearing through the skin. Second or true dorsal very long,
reaching to the base of the caudal, and of nearly uniform height
throughout, equalling about one-third of the greatest depth of the
body; the rays branched, and the membrane notched between their
tips. Anal commencing under the fifth dorsal ray, similar to that
fin, but with the membrane more notched between the rays: both
fins are fastened down at their extremities to the fleshy part of
the tail by a membrane. Caudal slightly rounded, when spread.
Pectorals broad and large, but, from the middle rays being
longest, appearing somewhat wedge-shaped, not quite equalling the
length of the head. Ventrals much smaller, only half their length,
and cut nearly square.
Skin perfectly naked. The lines of pores, which are very numerous
about the head and body, run in the exact directions laid down by
Cuvier and Valenciennes, in their description of the _B.
porosissimus_; but in addition to those which have been pointed
out by them, there is one commencing at the nostrils, and passing
underneath each eye, thence ascending a little behind the eye to
descend again by the margin of the preopercle; another directed
transversely across the cheek, connecting the former with the row
that passes along the edge of the lower jaw: this transverse row,
if continued upwards, would form a tangent to the posterior part
of the orbit. All the lines of pores are furnished with very
minute cutaneous appendages, similar to those already spoken of
above, as fringing the edges of the jaws.
D. 2—36; A. 33; C. 12, &c.; P. 20: V. ½.
Length 9 inches.
COLOUR.—“Above purple-coppery; sides pearly; beneath yellowish, with
silver dots in regular figures; iris coppery.”—D. The silver dots
alluded to by Mr. Darwin, are the lines of pores. There are two
longitudinal dark lines on the dorsal, the uppermost serving as an
edging: the anal also is edged in the same manner, especially
posteriorly.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca.
This species was found by Mr. Darwin cast up on the beach at Bahia
Blanca, where he states that it is not uncommon. It approaches so
closely the _B. porosissimus_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes, that I dare
not consider it as distinct without comparison. Yet it differs from
their description of that species, in having four vomerine teeth,
instead of two; in having six more rays in the anal fin; and in having
the additional lines of pores above indicated; though these last may
have been accidentally left unnoticed. It requires the examination of
more specimens to determine whether these differences result from a
difference in species or not.
FAMILY.—LABRIDÆ.
COSSYPHUS DARWINI. _Jen._
PLATE XX.
_C. corpore elongato-ovali; capite grandi, fronte elevato, rostro ex
hoc declivi: caninis quatuor fortibus ad apicem utriusque maxillæ,
ad angulos oris nullis; dentibus lateralibus conicis; interiùs, ad
latera palati, granis plurimis minutis obtusis: preoperculo, limbo
excepto, operculo, et interoperculo, squamatis; preoperculo margine
integro: rostro, maxillis, et suborbitalibus ante oculos, nudis:
lineâ laterali subrectâ: pinnâ dorsali parte spinosa humili, spinis
ad apices laciniatis; molli, heic respondente anali, duplò altiore,
sub-acuminatâ: caudali æquali, solùm radiis exterioribus aliis paulo
longioribus._
D. 12/10; A. 3/12; C. 14, &c.; P. 17; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 19.
[Illustration:
_Fish Pl. 20._
_Cossuphus Darwini. ½ Nat. Size._
]
FORM.—Head large: body of a suboval form, but much elongated: greatest
depth at the nape contained about four times and three quarters in
the entire length: head not quite three times and three quarters in
the same. Nape and forehead high, whence the profile descends
obliquely in a straight line to the end of the snout. Jaws equal,
and rather acute: lips fleshy: the end of the maxillary not quite
reaching to a vertical line from the anterior margin of the orbit.
Four very conspicuous, strong, curved, canine teeth at the anterior
extremity of each jaw; those above of nearly equal length, but the
two middle ones rather longer and stouter than the other two; of
those below, on the contrary, the outer ones are the longest, as
well as strongest, being nearly twice as much developed as the
middle ones, which last are of about the same length as, but rather
slenderer than, the outer ones above. The teeth at the sides of the
jaw are short and conical, and not very sharp pointed, forming a
regular series; below they amount to nine or ten on each side;
above, the series may have been originally of the same number, but
in this specimen several appear wanting. Besides these conical teeth
at the sides of the jaws, there is an inner band of small rounded
grains about the size of pins’ heads: the band is broader, and the
grains larger and more distinct above than below: many of them
appear much flattened, and as if ground down by use. Eyes of
moderate size; their diameter about one-seventh the length of the
head; rather high in the cheeks, and nearly equidistant from the end
of the snout and the posterior angle of the opercle. Snout and
suborbital in advance of the eyes, as well as the jaws, naked.
Preopercle large; occupying the posterior half of the cheek,
rectangular, but the angle at bottom much rounded, the ascending
margin vertical, both margins entire; covered with small scales; the
limb rather broad, bounded internally by a slightly raised ridge,
and without scales, but with a few scattered small pores. The
opercle and subopercle form together an irregular oblong, of which
the height is double the length; both are covered with scales larger
than those on the preopercle: the membrane terminates behind in a
blunt angle. The interopercle, which is very distinct, has three
rows of scales on its surface, but none on the margin.
The lateral line is nearly straight throughout its course, the bend
downwards beneath the termination of the dorsal fin being scarcely
perceptible. The tubes of which it is composed are unbranched;
many of them, however, incline upwards at their posterior
extremity towards the back. The scales on the body are rather
larger than those on the opercle: there appear to be upwards of
fifty in a longitudinal line. The free portion of each scale has
its surface finely granulated in the middle, and striated at the
sides.
The dorsal commences rather before one-third of the entire length,
excluding caudal, and occupies a space equalling nearly half the
same; the spinous portion is low, and the spines of nearly the
same length, the first and second only being rather shorter than
the succeeding ones; the membrane between the spines notched: the
soft portion rather pointed, and twice as much elevated as the
spinous. The anal commences beneath the eleventh or twelfth dorsal
spine, and terminates in the same vertical line with that fin; the
soft portion, which answers to the soft portion of the dorsal, is
preceded by three spines, increasing in length to the third, which
is double the first, though itself not above half the length of
the soft rays; these spines are not particularly stout. The space
between the anal and caudal equals one-sixth of the whole length.
Caudal rays nearly even, with the exception of the two outermost
above and below, which being rather longer than the others, give
the fin a slightly crescent-shaped form: the base of the caudal is
scaly, but the scales advance only a very little way between the
rays. Pectorals very little in advance of the ventrals, in length
more than half that of the head, with the second, third, and
fourth rays longest. Ventrals in an exact vertical line with the
commencement of the dorsal, nearly equal to the pectorals, with
the first and second soft rays longest; the spine rather more than
half the length of the first soft ray; the last soft ray united to
the body by a membrane.
COLOURS.—“Centre of each scale pale vermilion red: lower jaw quite
white: a large irregular patch above the pectoral bright yellow:
iris red, pupil blue-black.”—I. The dried skin in its present state
is of a nearly uniform brown.
Habitat, Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago.
I have named this species in honour of Mr. Darwin, whose researches in
the Galapagos Archipelago, where he obtained it, have been so productive
in bringing to light new forms. I have referred it to the genus
_Cossyphus_ of Valenciennes, on account of the small rounded grains
behind the principal teeth; but it rather departs from that group in not
having the preopercle denticulated, and in having no scales on any of
the vertical fins, with the exception of a few at the base of the
caudal. In some respects it seems intermediate between that genus and
_Labrus_. It does not appear to be described, though it seems to
approach the _C. reticulatus_ of Valenciennes in many of its characters.
That species however is from Japan.
The canines at the anterior extremity of each jaw are very conspicuous
in this fish, and give it at first sight much the appearance of a
_Dentex_.
CHEILIO RAMOSUS. _Jen._
_C. nigro-fuscus, infra lineam lateralem et in ventre obscurè
argenteus; pinnis pallidè fuscis immaculatis: corpore valde
elongato: dentibus in maxillâ superiore duobus anticis caninis
fortibus, lateralibus conicis parvis subœqualibus; in inferiore,
caninis parvis, lateralibus variis inæqualibus: lineâ laterali
ramosâ._
B. 6; D. 9/13; A. 3/12; C. 12, et 4 breviores; P. 11; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 9. lin. 6.
FORM.—Very much elongated, with the dorsal and ventral lines nearly
straight. Depth varying but little, and contained nine and a half
times in the entire length; thickness not quite three-fourths of the
depth. Head elongated, contained not more than three and a half
times in the entire length, compressed, with the cheeks vertical.
Snout very much produced, slightly rounded at the extremity: gape
reaching half-way to beneath the middle of the eye. Jaws scarcely
protractile; the upper one a little the longest: lips reflexed in
the form of membranaceous flaps, especially the lower one, the
margin of which is sinuous. Teeth ranged in a single row in each
jaw. Those above form a numerous, close-set, nearly even series at
the sides of the jaw, with two long hooked canines in front; the
lateral teeth amount to about thirty-five on each side, and are
small, but strong, somewhat conical, and not very sharp-pointed. In
the lower jaw there are two front canines, similar to those in the
upper, but much smaller; then follow four short conical teeth; then
six large triangular, compressed, sharp-pointed ones, but not all of
equal size; then five more small conical ones, which complete the
series on each side. No teeth on the vomer or palatines. Eyes of
moderate size, situate in the middle of the length of the head,
high, but not touching the line of the profile; their diameter
one-eighth the length of the head. Preopercle rectangular. Opercle
triangular, the membrane produced posteriorly at the upper part in
the form of a rounded angle: a short row of scales observable along
its upper margin, and another along its lower. Subopercle and
interopercle without scales. Also a short row of scales, similar to
those on the opercle, behind and partially beneath each eye, and,
with these exceptions, no other scales on the head. Above each eye
is an irregular row of minute pores: there are also pores beneath
the eye, and on the sides of the snout, mixed with short raised
lines having somewhat the appearance of written characters.
Gill-opening widely cleft; the branchial membrane free all round.
Scales on the body moderately large, and similar in form to those of
the _C. auratus_, as described by Cuvier and Valenciennes. The
number, in a longitudinal line from the gill to the caudal, is
forty-six, in a vertical about seventeen. Lateral line also as in
that species, but with the mucous tubes branched, and giving off
eight or nine twigs on each side.
The dorsal commences a little behind the terminating angle of the
opercle, and the anal immediately beneath the first branched ray
of the dorsal: these fins terminate in the same vertical line, and
the last ray in each is double: the simple rays are soft and
flexible. Caudal slightly rounded. Pectorals short, and obliquely
truncated, contained eleven and a half times in the entire length.
Ventrals very small, about two-thirds the length of the pectorals,
rounded, close together, with an elongated scale between them;
their point of insertion slightly backwarder than that of the
pectorals.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits, it appears of an
almost uniform dark brown, at least above the lateral line. There is
some trace of a pale longitudinal band on each side of the head
beneath the eye, which is continued, but rather indistinctly, along
the whole length of the body, the tips of the scales remaining dark.
Possibly during life all the lower part of the sides and belly may
have exhibited numerous dark spots upon a pale or silvery ground.
Under part of the head pale brown, with some faintly-defined
ocellated spots: also a faint trace of red on the opercle. All the
fins pale brown, without spots.
Habitat, Japan?
This species was given to Mr. Darwin, when at Chiloe, by the surgeon of
a whaling-ship, who said that he believed that it was caught in the
Japan seas. From the great similarity which prevails amongst the species
of this genus, I am not sure that it is really new, as I have ventured
to consider it. The specific character also, so far as the colours are
concerned, must be received with some caution, in consequence of these
last not having been observed in the recent state. It seems to approach
very closely the _C. hemichrysos_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes, brought by
MM. Quoy and Gaimard from the Sandwich Islands; but it differs in its
colours, especially in the fins being all uniformly pale brown, and in
having fewer scales on the opercle, and beneath the eye. It is
impossible to say, however, to what extent the colours may have been
altered by the spirit: some of the scales also may have been rubbed off.
CHROMIS FACETUS. _Jen._
_C. supra virescenti-niger, lateribus pallidioribus: dorso modice
arcuato; fronte elevato, rostro summo ante oculos paululum excavato:
limbo preoperculi ports quatuor conspicuis impresso: squamis latis,
marginibus liberis levissime ciliatis: spinis dorsalibus quindecim,
analibus sex: pinnis ventralibus longe acuminatis, ad analem
pertingentibus: pinnâ caudali subæquali._
D. 1–5/10; A. 6/8; C. 16, &c.; P. 14; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 5. lin. 9.
FORM.—Oblong-oval, very much compressed; the back moderately elevated,
and more curved than the abdomen. Greatest depth a little behind the
insertion of the pectorals, and contained twice and three quarters
in the entire length: thickness about two-fifths of the depth.
Forehead high: profile falling very obliquely, and slightly hollowed
out in front of the eyes; the upper and under profile meeting at the
mouth at nearly a right angle. Head contained not quite four times
in the entire length; its own length and height nearly equal. Mouth
small, protractile: jaws about equal, the lower one, if anything, a
little the longest: lips not very fleshy. Maxillary rather slender,
retiring almost entirely, when the mouth is closed, beneath the
suborbital, the anterior margin of which is slightly hollowed out,
and somewhat sinuous. Teeth in card in both jaws, forming a narrow
band; the outermost row longer and stronger than the others,
especially the four or six middle ones in front, which are somewhat
conical and slightly hooked. Pharyngean teeth present, but none on
the vomer or palatines. Eyes rather small, their diameter about
one-fifth the length of the head; high in the cheeks, and a little
nearer to the snout than to the posterior margin of the opercle: the
space between broad, equalling nearly two diameters and a half.
Nostrils consisting of a single round orifice half-way between the
eye and the end of the snout. Preopercle with the basal margin
short, and forming a slightly obtuse angle with the ascending one,
the margin of which is entire. Opercle of a triangular form, broad
at top, but narrowing off towards the bottom. Subopercle and
interopercle much developed; their outer margins, taken together,
rounded off nearly in a semicircle. Branchial membrane quite free
all round, unattached to the isthmus, and but slightly emarginate.
Snout, suborbital, jaws, and limb of the preopercle, naked; but the
cheeks and rest of the opercular pieces scaly: the scales on the
subopercle large. Four large pores on the limb of the preopercle,
preceded by three others beneath the lower jaw: similar pores
beneath the eye, and extending partially round it; one on the crown
of the head, and a few smaller ones scattered about the snout; a
large one just above the opercle, and another higher up on each side
of the nape.
[Illustration:
_Fish Pl. 21._
_Scarne Chlorid_
]
Scales on the body large; about twenty-five or twenty-six in a
longitudinal row, and eleven or twelve in the depth; broader than
long, with the free edges very minutely ciliated, the concealed
portions with a fan of thirteen striæ, and the basal margins with
twelve distinct crenatures. Lateral line interrupted; its first
portion at the depth of two and a half rows of scales beneath the
dorsal, and stopping beneath the commencement of the soft part of
that fin; recommencing three rows lower down, exactly in the middle
of the depth, whence it runs straight to the caudal.
Dorsal commencing above the opercle; the spinous portion of nearly
uniform height, and scarcely more than one-fifth of the depth; the
soft portion much higher, and terminating in a sharp point behind.
Anal answering to the posterior half of the dorsal, terminating
opposite to it, and similarly pointed; with six spines, which, as
well as the dorsal spines, are furnished with very conspicuous
filamentous tags. Caudal nearly even. Pectorals rounded, but not
very broad, their length rather more than three-fourths that of the
head; the rays rather slender. Ventrals pointed; the first soft ray
elongated, and reaching to the anal when laid back; the last ray
attached at its base by a membrane to the abdomen. Rows of small
scales between the rays of the caudal at the base of the fin; and a
few small ones along the base of the dorsal and anal, more
particularly on the soft portions.
COLOUR.—“Above, greenish black; the sides paler; slightly
iridescent.”—D.—In spirits it appears of a nearly uniform brown all
over, fins included.
Habitat, Maldonado, Rio Plata.
Mr. Darwin obtained this species at Maldonado, in a lake of fresh water,
said sometimes to be a little brackish. It appears to belong to the
genus _Chromis_ of Cuvier, placed by him amongst the _Labridæ_, but
having evidently very strong affinities to some of the _Sciænidæ_. It
differs essentially from the _C. Brasiliensis_ of Quoy and Gaimard,[32]
in having six anal spines, and being destitute of all markings and
spots. I am not aware that it is described by any author.
1. SCARUS CHLORODON. _Jen._
PLATE XXI.
_S. æruginoso cyaneus, capite et pinnis flavo-vittatis: maxillis
exteriùs lævibus, marginibus crenatis; caninis ad angulos oris
nullis: fronte gradatim proclivi: lineâ laterali tubis parum
ramosis: squamis ubique striato-granulatis: pectoralibus acuminatis,
radiis superioribus arcuatis: caudali radiis externis cæteris
longioribus, acuminatis._
D. 9/10; A. 3/9; C. 13. &c.; P. 15 vel 16; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 16.
FORM.—Of an oval form; the greatest depth one-third of the length,
caudal excluded: dorsal and ventral lines equally convex. Head a
little less than the depth of the body, not gibbous in front, but
with the profile falling regularly and gradually from the
commencement of the dorsal. Snout rather pointed. Jaws equal, their
outer surface smooth, but crenated on their cutting edges. No
spinous canines at the corners of the mouth. Eyes rather small,
their diameter not one-fifth the length of the head, situate above
the middle of the cheek, but equidistant from the posterior lobe of
the opercle and the extremity of the snout. Snout in front of the
eyes, and the lips, naked; but the cheeks and opercular pieces
covered with large scales, which form two rows on the cheeks.
Opercle terminating behind in a rounded angle. Scales on the body
very large; eight in the depth, and twenty-one or twenty-two in the
length: the entire exposed portion of each scale scabrous with
granulations, which are partially disposed in lines towards the free
edges. No scales on the vertical fins. The lateral line occupies the
second row of scales from the top, till it reaches a little beyond
the end of the dorsal, where it becomes interrupted, recommencing in
the fourth row, which at this point is the third: tubal pores in
some places ramified, but the ramifications not very distinct.
The dorsal commences above the posterior lobe of the opercle, and is
of nearly uniform height throughout. The length of the rays in the
soft portion, which is slightly higher than the spinous, is not
quite one-third of the depth. The whole length of this fin is half
the entire length. The anal answers to the last half of the
dorsal, and terminates in the same line; the three spines are
slender, and the first very short. Caudal with the central portion
slightly convex, but the three outer rays above and below
prolonged into a point one-third the length of the whole fin; the
lower point a little longer than the upper. Pectorals about
one-fifth of the entire length, pointed, with the upper rays
arcuate. Ventrals immediately beneath them, one-third shorter.
COLOUR.—“Fine verditer blue, with some yellow stripes about the head
and fins.”—D.—The dried skin is nearly of a uniform brown, but the
snout and cheeks are much varied with green: the jaws also are
green. A bright green patch in front of the eye, immediately beneath
which is a pale frænum, probably yellow in the recent state. Dorsal
and anal green: the former shews some trace of a lighter narrow band
running longitudinally below the upper edge of the fin; the latter
exhibits a very distinct fascia running along the middle. Caudal
pale green, with the upper and lower edges of a much deeper tint.
Ventrals in like manner edged with green. Pectorals wholly dusky.
Habitat, Keeling Island, Indian Ocean.
In so extensive a genus as the present, and one in which so much general
similarity prevails amongst the species, the task of determining whether
any particular one has been described before is extremely difficult. I
can only say that the species which I have here ventured to characterize
as new has been carefully compared with the descriptions of all those
noticed in the “Histoire des Poissons,” and though there are several to
which it is nearly allied, there is none to which it can be referred
with certainty. It seems to approach nearest the _S. variegatus_, but
that species is said to have the caudal square, by which I presume is
meant that the upper and under rays are not prolonged into a point, as
is the case in so many species of this genus, and in the one here
described.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin at the Keeling Islands.
2. SCARUS GLOBICEPS. _Cuv. et Val._
S. globiceps, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xiv. p. 179.
FORM.—Oblong-oval, very much compressed throughout: the dorsal and
ventral lines nearly of equal curvature. Greatest depth contained
about three times and one-third in the entire length: thickness
twice and three-fifths in the depth. Head one-fourth of the entire
length, rather elevated at the nape, the forehead convex, whence the
profile descends nearly in the arc of a circle, giving the snout a
blunt and rounded appearance. The height of the head, taken in a
vertical line through the eyes, equals nearly but not quite its own
length. Mouth small, the gape not reaching half-way to the eye. Jaws
very slightly crenated on their cutting edges, the true teeth
appearing on the outer surface like minute scales. At the posterior
angle of each jaw, and on each side, are two sharp canines
projecting horizontally from the corners of the mouth, eight in all.
Eyes rather small, their diameter contained six and a half times in
the length of the head, situate a little above the middle of the
cheek, and a trifle nearer the extremity of the snout than the
posterior margin of the opercle. The nostrils consist of two minute
orifices a little in advance of the eye, and a little distant from
each other, the posterior one largest and kidney-shaped, the
anterior round and nearly closed by its membranous border. A cluster
of minute pores above and behind the eyes, and a few others
scattered about the snout.
Scales on the body very large, increasing in size at the base of the
caudal, where there are three very large ones covering the rays of
that fin for half their length or more: twenty-three in a
longitudinal line, and nine in the depth. Each scale of a roundish
form anteriorly, the basal portion with a projecting lobe in the
middle of the hinder margin, and with thirty-one striæ in the fan;
the exposed portion finely striated and granulated, with a broad
membranaceous border: those on the caudal nearly three times as
long as broad, but the ordinary ones with the length and breadth
nearly equal. Lateral line interrupted; the upper portion running
nearly straight at about one-fourth of the depth, till opposite
the end of the dorsal, where it inclines downwards: tubal pores
very distinctly ramified.
Dorsal very low, its height, in the middle of its length, being
scarcely more than one-eighth of the depth: the soft rays slightly
higher than the spinous, and increasing in length backwards. Anal
answering to the last half of the dorsal, and terminating in the
same line: three spines at its commencement not stouter than the
soft rays, the first very small. The last soft ray in both dorsal
and anal double. Caudal with the points about one-fourth of the
rest of its length; when spread, the interval is rectilineal, but
when the rays are closed the whole appears crescent-shaped.
Pectorals a little shorter than the head, of a somewhat triangular
form, the rays gradually decreasing in length from the uppermost
to the lowermost. Ventrals pointed, about two-thirds the length of
the pectorals, and immediately beneath them. A large oblong
lanceolate scale between the ventrals, nearly half their length:
also an oblong scale in the axilla of each, equalling the last of
the soft rays.
D. 9/10; A. 3/9; C. 13, &c.; P. 13; V. 1/5.
Length 11 inches.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits, it appears bluish
grey on the back and sides with small round whitish spots, the
margin of each scale being defined by a purplish line; paler on the
belly: a white transverse line in front of the eyes passing from one
to the other; anterior part of the snout, mouth, cheeks, and lower
part of the head, yellowish white. Dorsal and anal pale, the former
with three narrow longitudinal purplish lines, the latter with one.
A portion of the under surface of the pectorals, extending from the
third to the fifth ray, and forming a longitudinal fascia, purple;
the rest of those fins, as well as the caudal and ventrals, pale or
nearly colourless.
Habitat, Tahiti.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin at Tahiti. It so nearly answers to
the description of the _S. globiceps_ of Valenciennes, brought by MM.
Garnot and Lesson from the same locality, that I cannot suppose it to be
distinct. This specimen, however, appears to have more spinous teeth at
the corners of the mouth.
3. SCARUS LEPIDUS. _Jen._
_S. fuscus, capite et pinnis purpureo-cæruleo tinctis: fronte parum
elevato, æque ac rostro continue et gradatim proclivi; hoc apice
obtuso: maxillis exterius lævibus, marginibus vix crenatis; canino
ad angulum oris in maxillâ inferiore unico, in superiore nudo: lineâ
laterali distinctè ramosâ: pectoralibus subtriangulis: caudali
subæquali, radiis externis mediis vix longioribus._
D. 9/10; A. 3/9; C. 13, &c.; P. 13; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 8. lin. 7.
FORM.—General form not very dissimilar to that of the last species,
but the crown and nape less elevated, whence the profile falls in a
more gradual slope: snout, nevertheless, blunt at the extremity.
Depth of the body very nearly one-third of the entire length. Head
about one-fourth of the same. The height of the head is about
four-fifths of its own length. Jaws smooth externally, the true
teeth appearing like minute scales on their surface, the cutting
edges scarcely at all crenated: only one laterally projecting canine
at each corner of the lower jaw, none in the upper. Diameter of the
eye one-sixth of the head.
Dorsal not quite so low as in the last species; its height in the
middle of its length about one-seventh of the depth. Caudal nearly
even, the upper and lower rays being scarcely longer than the
others. Pectorals and ventrals similar, but the scale between the
latter shorter and more rounded. Scales on the body large, the
free portions finely striated and granulated, with a broad
membranaceous border: three large ones at the base of the caudal,
as in the last species. Lateral line distinctly branched, the
ramifications irregular and varying on each scale; in some
instances only one long stem extending nearly to the margin of the
scale, with one or more lateral twigs; in others, two, three, or
even four distinct stems, either simple or ramified.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Of a nearly uniform dark brown, with some
faint traces of purplish blue about the head and fins, which
possibly may have pervaded some parts of the body also in the recent
state.
Habitat, Tahiti.
This species was taken with the last, and notwithstanding it presents
two or three obvious differences in respect of form, as well as of
colour, it is just possible it may be the same in a younger state. I
think it not improbable that the points of the caudal may elongate with
age, the forehead become more gibbous, and the spinous teeth more
numerous. If it be distinct it would seem to be undescribed; though the
colours not having been noticed in the recent state renders it difficult
to speak with certainty on this point. For the same reason, the specific
character may perhaps hereafter be found to require alteration.
4. SCARUS ——?
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains another species of _Scarus_ from the
Keeling Islands, which may probably be distinct from all those hitherto
noticed, but which being in rather a bad state of preservation, I shall
content myself with describing as well as I can, without affixing any
name to it, lest in the end it prove not new. Many of the species
enumerated in the “Histoire des Poissons” having only their colours
noticed, it requires that these should have been observed more in detail
than what Mr. Darwin’s notes furnish in this instance, in order to
decide whether it be identical or not with any of those spoken of in
that work.
FORM.—A tolerably regular oval, somewhat attenuated at each extremity:
dorsal and ventral lines of equal curvature. Nape not at all
elevated, and the profile on the whole falling very regularly and
gradually from thence to the end of the snout, though there is a
slight eminence on the forehead. Depth one-fourth of the entire
length. Jaws smooth externally, but with the true teeth very
distinct upon their surface, and much more so upon their cutting
edges than in either of the last two species. One horizontally
projecting canine at each corner of the upper jaw, but none in the
lower. The terminating lobe of the opercle is slightly emarginated
behind, the membrane projecting immediately above the notch in the
form of a short salient point. Lateral line interrupted, the upper
portion nearly straight, and not inclining downwards at its
posterior extremity: the tubes very slightly ramified, and many of
them quite simple. The scales on the body are very finely granulated
and striated: there are no large ones at the base of the caudal.
Dorsal and anal low: height of the former contained four and a half
times in the depth of the body, and exactly equalling the distance
from the upper edge of the back to the lateral line. Pectorals
somewhat triangular, the uppermost ray of all a little arcuate.
Scale between the ventrals one-third the length of those fins.
Caudal slightly crescent-shaped, when the rays are closed: when
spread, all the middle rays appear even, the uppermost and lowermost
projecting very slightly beyond them.
D. 9/10; A. 3/9; C. 13, &c.; P. 14; V. 1/5.
Length 6 inches.
COLOUR.—“Body dull reddish and greenish, the colours being blended and
mottled: fins banded lengthwise with vermillion-red: head with
waving bright green lines.”—D.—No trace of bright colours remains in
its present state, and the only indication of markings is a narrow
crescent-shaped band across the middle of the caudal.
MALACOPTERYGII.
FAMILY. SILURIDÆ.
1. PIMELODUS GRACILIS. _Val._
Pimelodus gracilis, _Val._ in D’Orb. Voy. dans l’Amer. Mérid. Atl.
Ichth. Pl. 2. fig. 5.
———— _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. xv. p. 134.
FORM.—Of a slender elongated form, the body compressed behind the
dorsal. Greatest depth contained about seven and a half times in the
entire length: thickness at the commencement of the dorsal a little
less than the depth. Head, measured to the gill-opening, rather more
than one-sixth of the entire length: its breadth two-thirds of its
own length. Helmet smooth, and not very conspicuous, though with its
whole surface finely wrinkled: its breadth behind the eyes rather
more than one-third of its length, measuring this last from the end
of the snout to the further extremity of the interparietal process.
The solution of continuity extends back nearly to the base of the
process just mentioned, which last is narrow and lanceolate, three
times as long as broad at its base, but not reaching to the buckler,
or triangular plate in front of the dorsal, by one-third of its own
length. The buckler itself is not very large, but sufficiently
obvious.
Profile sloping gradually downwards in nearly a straight line from the
beginning of the dorsal to the end of the snout: this last depressed
and rounded horizontally in the form of a semicircle. Mouth wide,
but very little cleft, the commissure not reaching half-way to the
eye. Upper jaw projecting a very little beyond the lower. In each a
band of very fine velutine teeth; but none on the vomer or
palatines. Tongue smooth, and fastened down all round. Six barbules;
the maxillary pair very long, reaching to the commencement of the
anal fin; of the submandibular pairs, the exterior reach one-third
beyond the insertion of the pectorals; the interior are only half
the length of the exterior. Eyes round, of moderate size, their
diameter four and a half times in the length of the head, situate in
about the middle of the length: distance from one to the other one
diameter and a quarter. Lateral line nearly straight throughout its
course, dividing the body longitudinally into two nearly equal
portions.
Pectorals not quite equalling the length of the head, and a little
less than one-sixth of the entire length: the spine very little
shorter than the soft rays, very strong, with sharp teeth on its
inner edge, but the outer edge only granulated, or with a few slight
serratures towards the extremity. The humeral bone seen above the
pectoral projects backwards in the form of a spinous lamina, but
does not appear through the skin; it equals half the length of the
pectoral itself. The dorsal commences at one-fourth of the entire
length, and is of a somewhat rectangular form, the soft rays not
decreasing much backwards: its length equals four-fifths of the
depth of the body, and two-thirds of its own height. The spine is
not so strong as that of the pectoral, and with only a few small
serratures on the outer edge near the tip. The space between the
dorsal and the adipose a little exceeds the length of the former.
The adipose itself is twice the length of that fin; very low at
first, but gradually rising, until, before its termination, it
becomes equal to between one-half and one-third of the depth. The
vent is in the middle of the entire length, caudal excluded. Anal
short, and just beneath the middle of the adipose, there being about
one-fourth of this last fin in advance of it as well as behind it:
the first four rays simple, but apparently all articulated, the
first two or three very minute and not easily observed. Caudal
forked for two-thirds of its length: the upper lobe a little longer
than the lower, and contained five and a half times in the entire
length. Ventrals immediately beneath the last ray of the dorsal; a
little shorter than the pectorals, and not reaching to the anal by
half their own length.
D. 1/6; A. 14 or 15; C. 17, &c.; P. 1/9; V. 6.
Length 5 inches 2 lines.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Brownish, inclining to silvery in some places:
a dusky fascia formed of dots along the lateral line. Dorsal rather
dusky at the base, and with the upper portion also dusky between the
rays: a dusky spot on the anterior part of the adipose.
Habitat, Rio de Janeiro.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin in a running brook at Rio de
Janiero. It approaches on the whole so nearly the _P. gracilis_ of
D’Orbigny, that I can hardly suppose it to be distinct. Yet there are
some slight differences observable in this specimen. It has more anal
rays; the adipose appears shorter; and the upper lobe of the caudal is
not so prolonged, though possibly it may be worn down. Also D’Orbigny’s
figure appears to want the dusky stains on the dorsal and adipose fins.
If it be not that species it must be new, as there is none other
described by Cuvier and Valenciennes with which it will assimilate
better.
2. PIMELODUS EXSUDANS. _Jen._
_P. corpore parum elongato, altitudine quintam partem longitudinis
æquante: galeâ lævi, inconspicuâ, processu interparietali haud
clypeum parvum prædorsalem attingente: poris paucis buccalibus
amplis, serie obliquâ dispositis: maxillis æqualibus: cirris sex;
maxillaribus haud analem attingentibus: lineâ laterali primum
deflexâ, deinde rectâ: pinnis dorsali et anali brevibus; adiposâ
dorsali haud duplo longiore: caudali profundè bifurcâ, lobis
æqualibus: spinâ pectorali margine interno fortiter dentato._
D. 1/7; A. 13 vel 14; C. 17, &c.; P. 1/8; V. 6.
LONG. unc. 3. lin. 6.
FORM.—In some respects resembling the last species, but the body much
less elongated, the depth and thickness remaining the same. The
depth is about one-fifth of the entire length; the head rather more
than one-fifth. The helmet is scarcely so much wrinkled, and the
interparietal process not so long, reaching only half-way to the
buckler, which last is smaller and less obvious. The solution of
continuity of the bones of the cranium appears to extend back in the
form of a narrow fissure nearly to the base of the interparietal
process, but is not very obvious, except between the eyes, where it
opens into a sort of elongated ellipse. There are eight or nine
pores on the top of the head, rather behind the eyes, so arranged as
to form nearly a complete circle. There is also a very conspicuous
row of three or four large oval pores on the cheek, at the anterior
part of the opercle, descending obliquely forwards: other smaller
ones may be seen scattered about different parts of the head. The
jaws are equal: the teeth as in the last species, excepting that a
roughness can be distinctly felt upon the vomer beneath the skin,
though there are no teeth on that part which appear through it. The
maxillary pair of barbules reach to a point midway between the
insertion of the ventrals and the commencement of the anal: of the
submandibular pairs, the exterior do not reach beyond the insertion
of the pectorals; the interior are two-thirds the length of these.
Eyes elliptical, the longitudinal diameter about one-fifth the
length of the head; situate nearer the end of the snout than the
posterior part of the opercle; the interval between them nearly two
diameters. The lateral line slopes downward till opposite the fourth
soft ray of the dorsal, then passes off straight along the middle to
the caudal.
The pectorals are contained about five and a half times in the entire
length. The spine is similar to that of the last species; but the
humeral bone is shorter, and scarcely one-third of the pectoral
itself. The dorsal is similar; and the space between it and the
adipose is the same; but the adipose itself, though of the same
form, is not so long, from the body being less elongated; it is not
more than half as long again as the dorsal. Anal similar, but the
adipose not advancing so much beyond it. Caudal and ventrals
similar; but the former with the lobes equal.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) On the whole similar to, but darker than that
of the last species. There is some appearance of a fascia along the
lateral line. The upper part of the dorsal, and also of the anal, is
dusky, but there is no spot on the adipose. Pectorals and ventrals
dusky.
A _second specimen_ differs from the above in no respect, except in
being smaller, measuring two inches and a quarter in length, and in
having one ray more in the anal.
Habitat, Rio de Janeiro?
The number annexed to this species has been lost, but there is reason
for believing that Mr. Darwin took it with the last at Rio de Janeiro. I
cannot identify it with any of those described by Cuvier and
Valenciennes in the “Histoire des Poissons.”—It affords another instance
of the indefiniteness of the character derived from the presence or
absence of vomerine teeth; since a band of such teeth, which are
considered by Valenciennes as absent in this genus, can be distinctly
felt and made obvious by removing the skin of the palate, though they do
not appear externally. This is not the case with the species last
described, to which nevertheless, the present one approaches so closely
in general character, that they never could be widely separated. Except
for the greater elongation of the body in the _P. gracilis_, I should
have been almost inclined to consider them as sexes of the same species.
CALLICHTHYS PALEATUS. _Jen._
_C. capite compresso lævi: ore parvo, cirris maxillaribus ad utrumque
angulum duobus, haud ultrà oculos pertingentibus; labro inferiore
reflexo, et in duos cirros breves membranaceos producto: spinâ
pectorali compressâ, forti, margine interno leviter dentato, externo
lævi, quintam partem totius longitudinis æquanti: caudali bifurcá,
lobis æqualibus acuminatis._
D. 1/7—1; A. 6; C. 14, &c.; P. 1/7; V. 6.
LONG. unc. 1. lin. 10.
FORM.—General form resembling that of the _C. punctatus_. Depth, at
the commencement of the dorsal, one-third of the length, excluding
caudal: thickness at the pectorals three-fourths of the depth. Head
slightly compressed, its height very little less than its length,
this last, measured to the gills, being rather less than one-fourth
of the entire length. Profile falling from the dorsal in one regular
slope, and nearly rectilineal till it arrives before the eyes, where
it curves downwards, making the extremity of the snout obtuse. Mouth
small, the upper jaw a little projecting; two maxillary cirri at
each angle; these nearly equal; the lower one a little the longest,
reaching to beneath the middle of the eye: also two short cirri,
only half the length of the maxillary ones, pendent from the
reflexed lower lip, a little separate from each other, one on each
side the middle. Teeth so minute as hardly to be distinguished; a
row can just be felt on each jaw, and on the vomer. Head smooth. The
number of dorsal laminæ twenty-one; that of the ventral twenty.
Pectorals a little exceeding the length of the head; the spine nearly
as long as the fin itself, but not exceeding one-fifth of the entire
length; very strong, compressed, and sharp-pointed, with a few fine
teeth or serratures on the inner margin, but smooth on the outer.
Height of the dorsal more than half the depth, and a little more
than its own length, this last equalling the space between it and
the adipose: the spine strong, and similar to that of the pectoral.
Anal directly underneath the adipose, and hardly occupying more
space. Ventrals shorter than the pectorals, attached beneath the
last third of those fins, or under the second soft ray in the
dorsal, and scarcely reaching more than half-way to the anal: the
first ray, as well as that of the anal, somewhat hispid. Caudal
forked for half its length, which about equals that of the head: the
lobes equal and pointed.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) General colour yellowish brown, with dusky
spots and mottlings: breast and edge of the abdomen whitish.
Pectorals, ventrals, and anal, almost wholly dusky: dorsal and
caudal spotted.
This species, in its general character, approaches so extremely near the
_C. punctatus_ of Valenciennes, that perhaps I am in error in
considering it distinct. But it is remarkable for possessing, in
addition to the four usual maxillary cirri, two labial, which are
neither represented in D’Orbigny’s figure,[33] nor noticed in the
description given in the “Histoire des Poissons,” and which therefore I
infer are not present in that species, as they could hardly have been
overlooked, or been deemed unimportant to be noticed. The maxillary
cirri also, which in the _C. punctatus_, reach, according to
Valenciennes, to the gill-opening, if not beyond it, here only attain to
beneath the middle of the eye; and this character is invariable in five
specimens which Mr. Darwin has brought home. Judging from the
description, there would seem to be one or two further differences: the
profile appears to be more rectilineal, the pectoral spine shorter, and
smoother on its external margin. The colours are on the whole similar,
but the pectorals and ventrals darker: the latter, which are said to be
yellow in the _C. punctatus_, are here quite dusky in every one of the
specimens.
The exact locality in South America in which Mr. Darwin obtained this
species is uncertain, as the specimens have lost their attached labels.
FAMILY.—CYPRINIDÆ.
1. PŒCILIA UNIMACULATA. _Val._
Pœcilia unimaculata, _Val._ in Humb. Zool. et Anat. Comp. vol. ii. p.
158. pl. 51. fig. 2.
FORM.—Body oval, slightly elongated, thick anteriorly, compressed
behind. The dorsal and ventral lines meeting at the month at an
acute angle; but the head, when viewed from above, broad, and very
much flattened between the eyes, and the snout obtuse. Greatest
depth about one-fourth of the entire length: thickness two-thirds of
the depth. Length of the head nearly equalling, or a little less
than, the depth of the body. Mouth small: jaws very protractile;
each with a single row of very fine, close-set, pointed teeth; the
lower one a trifle the longest. Eyes large, their diameter three and
a half times in the length of the head, high in the cheeks, reaching
to the line of the profile. Nostrils consisting of one small orifice
a little above and rather in advance of the eyes.
Scales large, investing the head and all the pieces of the gill-cover,
though very thin and transparent on the opercle and not very obvious
there. On the body there are about eight in the depth, and
twenty-seven or twenty-eight in a longitudinal row from the
gill-opening to the caudal. One taken from the middle of the side
found to be of a semi-elliptic form, the exposed portion marked with
numerous very fine curved concentric lines, the basal with sixteen
or seventeen deeper-cut nearly parallel striæ gradually lengthening
from the sides towards the middle, but not converging to a fan.
Lateral line very faintly marked out by a dotted line, scarcely
obvious in some places.
Dorsal small, commencing exactly at the middle point of the entire
length, measuring this last quite to the extremity of the caudal.
Anal similar and opposite; in strictness, however, terminating a
very little in advance. The last ray in both these fins double: the
first two in the anal short. Caudal rounded. Pectorals and ventrals
small and narrow, the former three-fourths the length of the head;
the latter not above half the same. The pectorals, when laid back,
reach to the insertion of the ventrals, but the ventrals hardly
reach to the commencement of the anal.
B. 5; D. 7; A. 9; C. about 24, including short ones; P. 14 or 15; V. 6.
Length 2 inches.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 22._
_From Nature on Stone by W. Hawkins._
]
_N^o. 1. Pœcilia decem-maculata._ _Magnified View twice Natural Size._
_1a._ _Natural Size._
_2. Lebias lineata._ _Nat. Size._
_2a._ _Magnified View of Teeth._
_3. Lebias multidentata_ _Nat. Size._
_3a._ _Magnified View of Teeth._
_4. Mesites maculatus._ _Nat. Size._
_5. attenuates._ „
COLOUR.—Greenish-brown, with a conspicuous black spot on the middle of
each side, a little in advance of the commencement of the dorsal.
Dorsal a little dotted and mottled with dusky, especially towards
the tips of the rays. The other fins plain.
Habitat, Rio de Janeiro.
This species, which was discovered by Humboldt, was observed by Mr.
Darwin in great numbers in fresh-water ditches at Rio de Janeiro: others
were taken in equal plenty in a salt lagoon. The bellies of the females
are very turgid when big with young, which are said to be excluded
alive, and yellowish.—Valenciennes, in his description, speaks of the
opercle as being smooth, or without scales, though he says the
preopercle is covered with scales; and he would lead one to suppose that
they are absent on this part in the whole genus, as it enters into his
generic character; I find them, however, present, though very thin and
transparent, both in this species and the next.
The general resemblance which _Pœcilia_ bears to _Mugil_, as regards the
form of the head and mouth, is very striking, and calls up irresistibly
the idea of some relation of analogy between these two genera.
2. PÆCILIS DECEM-MACULATA. _Jen._
PLATE XXII. Fig. 1.
_P. corpore subelongato, viridescenti-fusco; lateribus maculis nigris
circiter decem serie longitudinali dispositis; pinnis immaculatis:
dentibus subincisivis: caudali subtruncatà._
D. 8; A. 10; C. 22, brevibus inclusis; P. 9; V. 5.
LONG. unc. 1. lin. 4.
FORM.—More elongated than the last species; the snout not so acute
when viewed laterally. Depth not more than one-fifth of the entire
length, the length of the head being equal to it. Mouth and jaws
similar; the teeth also in one row in each jaw, and forming a
compact series, but more incisor-like than pointed, with oblique
cutting edges. Scales of a different form and sculpture; more oblong
than semi-elliptical, broader than long; the deep striæ behind more
numerous, amounting to twenty or more, and all drawn nearly of the
same length. They cover all the pieces of the opercle as in the _P.
unimaculata_.
Dorsal and anal exactly opposite, commencing at a point a little
anterior to the middle of the entire length, reckoning this to the
extremity of the caudal. Caudal rather more approaching to square
than rounded; the number of rays fewer than in the last species.
Pectorals narrower, having also fewer rays. Ventrals very small,
scarcely more than half the length of the pectorals. When laid back,
the pectorals reach to beyond the insertion of the ventrals: the
ventrals do not attain to the anal.
COLOUR.—Greenish-brown, with about ten conspicuous somewhat
oval-shaped dusky spots, arranged in a longitudinal line along the
middle of each side. All the fins plain.
Habitat, Maldonado.
This, which is evidently a new species of _Pœcilia_, was taken by Mr.
Darwin at Maldonado, in a lake that had been suddenly drained. There are
three specimens in the collection, none of them exceeding the length
above given. Mr. Darwin, however, states in his notes, that he believes
them to be full grown, having taken them so repeatedly, in brooks, of
the same size. The number of spots varies from nine to twelve, and is
sometimes different on the two sides of the same specimen.
Independently of the spots, which at once characterize this species, it
is readily distinguished from the last by its teeth, which are more
cutting than pointed, and in this respect rather departing from the
character of the genus as established by Valenciennes.
1. LEBIAS LINEATA. _Jen._
PLATE XXII. Fig. 2.
_L. corpore subelongato, subcompresso, viridescenti-fusco; lateribus
lineis circiter septem longitudinalibus nigris, e maculis parvis
subconfluentibus formatis: dentibus uniseriatis: caudali rotundatâ._
D. 9; A. 9; C. 26, brevibus inclusis; P. 13; V. 6.
LONG. unc. 1. lin. 10.
FORM.—General form very similar to that of the _Pæcilia
decem-maculata_. Slightly compressed; the depth one-fifth of the
length; the length of the head about four and a half times in the
same. Head depressed: snout obtuse: mouth small; the commissure
horizontal. Upper jaw very protractile; the lower one rather the
longest, when the mouth is shut. Teeth forming a single closely set
series, somewhat compressed at bottom, the cutting edges tricuspid.
Diameter of the eye nearly one-fourth the length of the head. Some
large conspicuous pores on the lower jaw, passing upwards in a
series along the margin of the preopercle, not very near together,
about eight or nine in all.
Scales large, covering the head and all the pieces of the gill-cover,
as well as the body. About eight in the depth, and thirty in a
longitudinal line from the gill to the caudal. One taken from the
middle of the side of a semi-elliptic somewhat oblong form; the free
portion very finely striated, the basal with ten or twelve
deeper-cut striæ, these last nearly parallel, and of equal lengths.
Lateral line faintly marked out by a dotted line; the first half in
the third row of scales from the top, the last half in the fourth
row.
Dorsal commencing at exactly the middle point of the entire length.
Anal opposite and similar. Caudal rounded. Pectorals small, about
two-thirds the length of the head. Ventrals smaller, barely one-half
of the same. The pectorals, when laid back, reach to the insertion
of the ventrals; but the latter hardly attain to the anal.
COLOUR.—Greenish-brown, with six or seven longitudinal dark lines on
the sides, the lines apparently made up of spots for the most part
confluent, but here and there not so, interrupting the continuity of
the lines. All the fins pale dusky, without any spots or markings.
Habitat, Maldonado.
This new species of _Lebias_ was taken by Mr. Darwin in the same lake at
Maldonado with the _Pœcilia decem-maculata_. There are several specimens
in the collection, none of them exceeding the size above mentioned, and
they have all the appearance of being full grown. Some have the lines of
spots much more interrupted than others.
2. LEBIAS MULTIDENTATA. _Jen._
PLATE XXII. Fig. 3.
_L. corpore subelongato, subcompresso, viridescenti-fusco; lateribus
fasciis angustis paucis longitudinalibus albidis obscurioribus:
dentibus seriebus plurimis dispositis, omnibus tricuspidatis:
caudali rotundatâ._
D. 9; A. 9; C. 26, brevibus inclusis; P. 13; V. 6.
LONG. unc. 3. lin. 2.
FORM.—The general form and proportions of this species are extremely
similar to those of the last; but it differs very remarkably in
having behind the anterior row of tricuspid teeth, a band of minuter
teeth above and below, all of which are also tricuspid, and
similarly formed to those in front. Head one-fifth of the entire
length; flattened on the crown. Jaws nearly equal; upper one very
protractile. Scales large; about thirty-two in a longitudinal line,
and eight in the depth; covering all the pieces of the opercle;
similar in form to those of the last species, but with the striæ on
the free portion finer and more numerous, the deep-cut basal striæ
also rather more numerous, amounting to about fourteen, and of
unequal lengths, gradually increasing from the outermost to the
middle ones. Lateral line similar; also the same pores on the lower
jaw. Fins and finray-formula similar: in both species the first and
last rays of the dorsal and anal are simple, and shorter than the
others. The anal perhaps terminates a little nearer the caudal than
the dorsal does.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Greenish-brown, with very little appearance of
markings in its present state. There is, however, some indication of
an irregular scattered row of small black spots on each side, a
little below the ridge of the back; also of two or three pale
longitudinal narrow bands along the middle of the sides, which were
probably more conspicuous in the living fish. The belly is yellow,
and very tumid; but these are evidently characters merely indicative
of the female sex.
Habitat, Monte Video.
This is another new species of _Lebias_ taken by Mr. Darwin in
fresh-water at Monte Video, if indeed it strictly belong to the genus;
but the circumstance of the teeth being in several rows, and in fact
forming a complete band, is at variance with the generic characters as
given by Cuvier. The teeth however being exactly of the same form as in
the other species, and the general characters on the whole similar, I
have not thought it expedient to erect it into a new genus. There is but
one specimen in the collection, which appears to be a large female big
with young.
GENUS—MESITES. _Jen._
_Corpus elongatum, gracile, antice subcylindricum, postice compressum,
nudum, squamis nullis. Caput depressum. Rostrum breve, obtusum: os
terminale, rictu modico. Maxillæ debiles; superior margine ex
ossibus intermaxillaribus omnino formato, maxillaribus retroductis
et a labio partim celatis. Dentes minuti, acuti, in maxillâ utrâque
uniseriati; in linguâ et vomere biseriati; in ossibus palatinis et
pharyngalibus nulli. Apertura branchialis amplissima, membranâ
sex-racliatâ, subter gulam profundè emarginatâ, haud isthmo annexâ.
Pinnæ dorsalis et analis valde retropositæ, oppositæ. Pinnæ
pectorales et ventrales parvæ. Pinna caudalis leviter emarginata._
There can be no doubt, I imagine, as to this being an entirely new form,
and a very interesting one, from the circumstance of its being at the
extreme end of the family to which it belongs, and its very much
departing from the usual characters of that family. I have referred it
to the _Cyprinidæ_, taking that group in the enlarged view in which
Cuvier accepts it; though by those who divide it into subfamilies it
would probably be associated with the _Cobitidæ_, or made to constitute
a distinct one by itself. It agrees with the _Cyprinidæ_ in general in
the form of its mouth, in the upper jaw having its margin entirely
formed by the intermaxillary, the maxillary being present, but placed
behind and partly concealed in the thickness of the lip, and in the want
of an adipose; but it altogether departs from that family in the entire
want of scales, of which there is not even a vestige in the dried skin,
and in which respect it would seem to shew an affinity to the
_Siluridæ_. Yet it has none of the other characters of the family just
mentioned. On the other hand, in the backward position of the dorsal and
anal fins, which are opposite to each other, it agrees with the
_Esocidæ_. The pharyngeal bones are unarmed, but this deficiency is made
up for by the strong curved teeth on the tongue, independently of the
minuter ones in the jaws.
The intestine is extremely short and quite straight, measuring only
fourteen lines in length from the pylorus to the anus, in a specimen two
inches and a half long. The stomach is of an oval form, of considerable
capacity, very membranaceous, with the cardiac and pyloric openings near
together at the upper extremity, from the latter of which the intestine
is immediately reflexed to pass off to the anus. In the specimen
dissected, the stomach was much distended by a nearly perfect individual
of the genus _Colymbetes_, which appeared to have been recently
swallowed, and was scarcely at all altered. There are no cœcal
appendages. The air-bladder is of an elongated oval form, and of
considerable development.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains no less than three species of this new
genus, differing but slightly from each other. Two are from the most
southern parts of South America, the third from New Zealand.
1. MESITES MACULATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXII. Fig. 4.
_M. viridescenti-fuscus; dorso et lateribus maculis crebris, hic et
illic confluentibus, nigris; ventre niveo; pinnarum radiis
nigro-punctatis._
B. 6; D. 10; A. 16; C. 16, &c.; P. 12; V. 7.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 8.
FORM.—Slender and very much elongated. Body anteriorly subcylindrical,
compressed behind. Greatest depth not more than one-eighth of the
entire length: thickness about three-fourths of the depth. Head
rather depressed, about one-sixth of the entire length. Snout short
and rounded; mouth at the extremity; the gape moderate, not quite
reaching to beneath the anterior angle of the eye. Lower jaw
ascending a little to meet the upper, and, when the mouth is open,
appearing rather the longest. Intermaxillary fixed, forming the
entire margin of the upper jaw, the maxillary being behind it, and,
though of nearly equal development, not very distinct: both bones
slender. Teeth small, but sharp-pointed, rather widely apart,
arranged in a single row along the edge of the intermaxillary, and
in the lower jaw; the series above consists of about eighteen, that
below of about twenty-one: also a double longitudinal row on the
tongue, each row containing five or six teeth, the anterior ones
curved, and larger than any of those in the jaws: a similar double
row, but of minuter ones, down the middle of the vomer; none,
however, on the palatines or pharyngeans. Eyes rather large, their
diameter contained about three and a half times in the length of the
head, distant scarcely one diameter from the end of the snout. The
nostrils appear to consist of only a single aperture in front of the
eye, in the neighbourhood of which, and also above the eye, are
several large pores. The opercle and subopercle taken together
approach to an oblong form, the posterior margin being straight and
nearly vertical: the subopercle is not much developed, nor very
distinct. Gill-opening very large, the membrane thick, with six
rays, deeply notched beneath, and not fastened down. The whole skin
is perfectly smooth and naked, invested with mucosity. No appearance
of any lateral line, unless a fine dark streak be so called, passing
along the middle of the sides, and dividing them into two equal
parts.
The dorsal and anal are opposite to each other, and both placed very
far back, almost at the extremity of the body. They commence in
nearly the same vertical line, a very little anterior to the
commencement of the last third of the entire length; but the anal
being longer than the dorsal, it extends nearer the caudal. The form
of these fins is much as in the genus _Cobitis_. The dorsal has the
first three rays simple, the rest branched: the anal also has the
first three simple, the first very short. Caudal about one-eighth of
the entire length, with a shallow notch, the principal rays
branched. The vent is just before the anal. The ventrals arise from
about the middle of the entire length, the distance from their
insertion to the commencement of the anal being twice their own
length. The pectorals are small, and rather narrow, equalling about
two-thirds the length of the head or hardly so much: they are
attached low down, but not quite so low as in the genus _Cobitis_.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Greenish-brown, with numerous conspicuous
spots and small irregular transverse bars of black. Under a lens the
spots appear to be made up of thickly crowded black specks upon a
dark brown ground: the bars result from some of the spots being
confluent. The belly appears to have been white. The rays of all the
fins are dotted with dusky, but the membranes transparent and
colourless.
The individual described above was taken by Mr. Darwin in a fresh-water
brook, in Hardy Peninsula, Tierra del Fuego. His collection, however,
contains four other specimens found in streamlets and creeks high up the
river of Santa Cruz in Patagonia, where they are said to have been
numerous. Though these last are slightly different, they are evidently
referable to the same species: they also vary a little from each other.
Their peculiarities are as under:
The largest measures 2 inches 8 lines in length, and has the following
fin-ray formula:
D. 12; A. 16; C. 16, &c.; P. 14; V. 7.
The next in size is 2 inches 6 lines, with the fin-ray formula thus:
D. 11; A. 16; C. 16, &c.; P. 13; V. 7.
These specimens agree in being both slenderer than the one from Tierra
del Fuego. The depth is eight and a half, if not nine times in the
entire length: the head rather more than one-sixth of the same. The
colours are similar, except that the spots are not quite so numerous,
and of a more regular form, seldom running together to form bars.
It is to these specimens that Mr. Darwin’s notes refer, respecting the
colours of this species in the recent state. As follows: “Pale greenish
brown, with small irregular transverse bars of black; belly snow
white.”—D.
The third of the Patagonian specimens is 2 in. 2 lin. long. Fin-ray
formula—
D. 10; A. 15; C. 16, &c.; P. 14; V. 7.
The fourth is of the same length.
D. 11; A. 15; C. 16, &c.; P. 13; V. 7.
These last two specimens are exactly similar to each other in colours,
but differ from the former two in being almost immaculate, having only a
few spots on the upper part of the back. This brings them very close to
the following species, from which they are scarcely to be distinguished,
except by their smaller eyes. It should be observed further, that the
fleshy part of the tail in these specimens has the upper and under edges
fringed with the short accessory rays of the caudal, a character which
is not so obvious in any of the others.
2. MESITES ALPINUS. _Jen._
_M. viridescenti-fuscus, dorso saturatiore; hoc, et lateribus, et
pinnis, nigro levissimè irroratis, immaculatis; ventre niveo; oculis
majusculis._
D. 10; A. 16; C. 16, &c.; P. 13; V. 7.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 5.
FORM.—Very little difference in form between this and the last
species. The eyes, however, are decidedly larger, measuring in
diameter one-third the length of the head. The head itself also
appears somewhat longer, being nearly one-fifth of the entire
length. The anterior teeth on the tongue do not seem much larger
than the others. Fins similar.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits_). Greenish-brown, deepening in tint at the top
of the back. Back, sides, and fins, immaculate, but thickly powdered
with minute dark specks, scarcely visible except under a lens. These
specks give the fins a more dusky appearance than they possess in
the last species. The belly appears to have been white.
A _second specimen_ does not differ from the above in any respect,
except in being rather smaller, and scarcely more than two inches in
length.
Habitat, Tierra del Fuego.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin in alpine fresh-water lakes in
Hardy Peninsula, Tierra del Fuego. I have no hesitation in considering
it distinct from the last, as there are two specimens exactly similar,
both shewing a larger eye, and an entire absence of all approach to
spots; while the whole surface of the back and sides is thickly
irrorated with dark specks, a character which does not appear in the
plain varieties of the _M. maculatus_.
3. MESITES ATTENUATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXII. fig. 5.
_M. viridescenti-fuscus, ventre vix pallidiore; dorso, et lateribus,
pinnarumque radiis, sparsim nigro levissimè irroratis, immaculatis:
corpore prægracili, anticè attenuato; capite et oculis minoribus._
D. 11; A. 17; C. 16, &c.; P. 12; V. 7.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 6.
FORM.—Rather more slender than either of the last two species, the
body more attenuated anteriorly; the head also smaller, though
scarcely shorter. Mouth and eyes both smaller; the diameter of the
latter not more than one-fourth of the length of the head. Teeth
also rather more minute as well as more numerous. The fins are
similar, except that the ventrals appear to stand rather more
forward, being attached exactly in the middle of the entire length,
excluding caudal: the distance from their insertion to the
commencement of the anal is more than twice their own length. The
outer rays of the caudal are worn, but there was probably a shallow
notch when entire: the short accessory rays are very numerous, and
form a very distinct fringe along the upper and lower edges of the
fleshy part of the tail.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Greenish-brown, much more uniform than in
either of the last two species, not deepening on the back, and
scarcely becoming paler underneath. The back sides, and rays of the
fins, are finely irrorated with dusky specks, as in the _M.
alpinus_, but not to the same extent, the specks being more thinly
scattered, and here and there scarcely visible. From the same cause
the fins appear paler.
Habitat, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
This, which is a very distinct species of this new genus, was taken by
Mr. Darwin in fresh-water in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. It is well
characterized by its more attenuated head and smaller eye, than those of
either of the two others.
FAMILY.—ESOCIDÆ.
EXOCŒTUS EXSILIENS. _Bl.?_
Exocœtus exsiliens, _Bl._ Ichth. pl. 397.
FORM.—Head about one-sixth of the entire length, and approaching to
the form of a parallelopiped; very much flattened on the crown and
between the eyes quite to the end of the snout, broader above than
beneath, so that the cheeks are beyond the vertical inclining inwards
at bottom. Snout short: mouth not much cleft; when shut, the jaws are
equal, and the commissure of the lips appears to extend to beneath the
anterior margin of the eye, but the maxillary, which retires
completely beneath the suborbital, does not reach so far: when the
mouth is open, the maxillary becomes vertical, and the intermaxillary
being scarcely at all protractile, the lower jaw is a little the
longest. Teeth very minute: a row, scarcely visible, along the
forepart of the intermaxillary, but not extending to the sides of the
jaw: none that can even be felt in the lower jaw, or in any other part
of the mouth. Tongue rounded, and free at the tip. A loose veil of
skin hangs down in front of the palate, from immediately behind the
teeth in the upper jaw. Eyes round, and very large; the upper part of
the orbit reaching to the line of the profile, and forming a slightly
salient ridge: their diameter very nearly one-third the length of the
head; between them and the end of the snout is two-thirds of a
diameter; the distance from one to the other across the crown is one
diameter and a quarter. The nostrils consist of one large round
orifice a little in advance of the eyes. The membrane of the opercle
forms a slightly salient angle backwards, near the upper part of the
gill-opening. Scales large, of a somewhat irregular form, approaching
to oblong, nearly twice as broad as long, the posterior margin with
three or four incisions near the middle, and a few rather indistinct
nearly parallel striæ on the surface of the basal portion; in others
these striæ converge to form a small but very regular fan; and the
scales appear to vary a good deal on different parts of the body.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 23._
_B. Waterhouse Hawkins del._
]
_N^o. 1. Tetragonopterus Abramis._ _All Nat. Size._
_2. rutilus._ „
_3. scabripinnis._ „
_4. interruptus._ „
_1a. 2a. 3a. 4a. Magnified View of Teeth._
The pectorals reach exactly to the base of the lateral caudal rays;
the first two rays are simple, and all the others branched; first ray
of all not half the length of the fin. Dorsal so situate as to leave a
space between it and the end of the fleshy part of the tail about
equal to its own length; the first ray simple, the others branched;
the last prolonged beyond those which immediately precede it so as to
form rather a point backwards. Anal similar to the dorsal, and
answering to it exactly. The ventrals are attached at a point, in this
specimen, about half an inch posterior to the middle of the entire
length, reckoning this to the end of the fleshy part of the tail; but
are not much out of the middle, if the length be reckoned to the end
of the upper lobe of the caudal: their length is contained not quite
three and a half times in the entire length, excluding caudal; and
they reach exactly to the end of the dorsal and anal: first ray very
much branched, and only one-third the length of the fin; second ray
appearing like two or even three rays at its upper extremity, from the
circumstance of the several branches of it being of unequal length;
all the other rays branched likewise. Vent a very little in advance of
the anal. Upper lobe of the caudal one-third shorter than the lower;
this last being exactly the same length as the ventrals.
D. 11; A. 12; C. 16, &c.; P. 18; V. 6.
Length 12 inches 8 lines.
COLOUR.—The colours were not noticed in the recent state; and the
specimen is in such bad condition, and so much altered by the
spirit, that they are now no longer distinguishable.
The flying-fish above described was taken by Mr. Darwin in the Pacific
Ocean, off the coast of Peru, in Lat. 18° S. It appears to be the _E.
exsiliens_ of Bloch, but as I am not aware that the species of
_Exocœtus_ have been ever rigourously worked out, and closely compared
from different parts of the globe, I have thought it expedient to annex
a description, by which it may be identified, if it prove hereafter
distinct.[34]
FAMILY.—SALMONIDÆ.
1. TETRAGONOPTERUS ABRAMIS. _Jen._
PLATE XXIII. fig. 1.
_T. corpore subrhomboideo, compressissimo, altitudine fere dimidium
longitudinis, pinnâ caudali exclusâ, æquante: osse maxillari
angusto, retrorsum arcuato: pinnâ dorsali triangulari, suprâ
ventrales accuratè exorienti; anali lævi, longâ, altitudine retrò
cito decrescente; utrâque plicis membranaceis, radiis
longitudinaliter adhærentibus, instructâ: squamis in lineâ laterali
46, in lineâ inter pinnas ventrales et dorsalem transversâ 17._
B. 4; D. 1/10; A. 2/30; C. 19, &c.; P. 13; V. 8.
LONG. unc. 4. lin. 7.
FORM.—Of a subrhomboidal form, the nape and back being much elevated,
whence the profile falls very obliquely and in nearly a straight
line. Greatest depth nearly half the entire length, excluding
caudal. Body very much compressed, the thickness being nearly three
and a half times in the depth. Head approaching to a laterally
flattened cone, with the length and height nearly equal. Snout very
short; mouth but little cleft; when open, the lower jaw projecting
considerably. Maxillary narrow, and of nearly equal breadth
throughout, curving backwards. Teeth with their cutting edges
dentated, the middle point much the most developed, with one or two
smaller ones on each side: two rows of such teeth on the
intermaxillary, and one in the lower jaw, this last row with
scarcely more than eight or ten teeth in it. No teeth on the
maxillary, vomer, palatines, or tongue. Eyes round, rather large,
their diameter three and a half times in the length of the head,
distant not so much as one diameter from the end of the snout.
Nostrils with two orifices, the posterior one a narrow curved slit,
the anterior one a round hole. The suborbital forms a somewhat
triangular naked disk beneath the eyes, with radiating veins.
Posterior margin of the opercle very little curved: subopercle
narrow, and small, forming but a small portion of the gill-flap.
About seventeen scales in the depth, and forty-six in the lateral
line, which last bends downwards rather below the middle, and is
continued quite to the caudal. A scale taken from the middle of the
side below the lateral line is somewhat rounded anteriorly, the
basal margin being straight; the surface marked with very fine
numerous concentric striæ, and with two coloured deeper striæ on the
free portion diverging from the centre in a V-like form: some scales
have three or four of these coloured striæ, drawn more or less
regularly.
The dorsal commences in about the middle of the entire length,
excluding the caudal and narrow part of the tail; of a triangular
form, its greatest height equalling the depth to the lateral line.
Pectorals narrow, shorter than the head, attached below the bottom
of the gill-opening, and reaching rather beyond the insertion of the
ventrals, which last are in a vertical line with the commencement of
the dorsal and shorter than the pectorals. Anal long, commencing a
very little beyond the tips of the reclined ventrals; the anterior
portion rather more than half the height of the dorsal, but the
posterior much lower, sloping rapidly off; two spines, the first
very minute, the second about one-third the length of the first soft
ray; the last soft ray double. The anal terminates nearly in a line
with the adipose, which is small. Caudal forked for half its length:
the lobes equal. Many of the rays in the vertical fins, more
especially the dorsal and anal, are accompanied through nearly half
their length from the bottom by membranous folds of skin. There are
also some small scales along the base of the anal, but none apparent
on the dorsal. In the axillæ of the ventrals is an elongated scale,
not half their length.
COLOUR.—“Back bluish silvery, with a silver band on the side: a bluish
black spot behind the gills. Fins pale orange; tail with a black
central band.”—D.—There is now not much trace of the silver band, or
the black band on the tail. The humeral spot is, however, still very
distinct.
Habitat, the Rio Parana, South America.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin in October in the Rio Parana, as
high up as Rozario. I cannot ascertain that it is described, though
there is much resemblance between it and the species figured in
Seba.[35] It differs from the _T. chalceus_ of Spix, in its much smaller
scales, not to mention other points of dissimilarity.
2. TETRAGONOPTERUS RUTILUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXIII. fig. 2.
_T. corpore ovali, compressissimo, altitudine tertiam partem
longitudinis, hâc ad basin furcæ caudalis mensâ, æquante: osse
maxillari angusto, retrorsum arcuato: pinnâ dorsali subtriangulari,
paululum pone ventrales exorienti; anali lævi, longâ, altitudine
retrò cito decrescente; utrâque plicis membranaceis, radiis
longitudinaliter adhærentibus, instructâ: squamis in lineâ laterali
40, in lineâ inter pinnas ventrales et dorsalem transversâ 14._
D. 1/9; A. 2/27; C. 19, &c.; P. 14; V. 8.
LONG. unc. 4. lin. 3.
FORM.—More oval than rhomboidal: the back and nape not so much
elevated as in the last species; the profile falling less obliquely.
Depth one-third of the entire length, measured to the base of the
caudal fork: head one-fifth of the same. Not above fourteen scales
in the depth, and forty in the lateral line, which occupies the
eighth row from the top. The scales on the whole similar, but with
the basal margin not so straight and regular, and somewhat
projecting in the middle in the form of a blunt salient angle. The
dorsal commences a trifle nearer the caudal, and at the middle of
the entire length, the caudal alone excluded. The pectorals reach
just to the insertion of the ventrals, which last are a trifle in
advance of the dorsal. The second anal spine is longer, and nearly
half the length of the soft rays which follow.
COLOUR.—“Back iridescent greenish brown: a silver band on the side.
Fins dirty orange: tail with a central black band; above and below
the band bright red and orange.”—D.—The colours appear very similar
to those of the last species. The humeral spot, however, is less
obvious, while, on the other hand, the silver band on the side can
still be distinguished.
Habitat, Rio Parana, South America.
Taken with the last species, to which it is very closely allied. Mr.
Darwin observes in his notes, that both are among the commonest of the
river fry in the Rio Parana.
Both this and the _T. Abramis_ are distinguished by having narrow
longitudinal folds of skin attached to the basal half of the rays of the
dorsal and anal fins, a character which does not shew itself in any of
the three species next to be described.
3. TETRAGONOPTERUS SCABRIPINNIS. _Jen._
PLATE XXIII. fig. 3.
_T. corpore ovali, subelongato, valde compresso; altitudine tertiam
partem longitudinis, caudali exclusâ, æquante: osse maxillari paulo
dilatato, recto: pinnâ dorsali suboblongâ, altâ, pone ventrales
exorienti; anali scabrâ, altitudine retrò gradatim decrescente;
radiis plicis membranaceis nullis: squamis in lineâ laterali
circiter 38, in lineâ inter pinnas ventrales et dorsalem transversâ
12._
D. 1/9; A. 3/22; C. 19, &c.; P. 13; V. 8.
LONG. unc. c. 3. lin. 7.
FORM.—Still more oval and elongated than the last species, the profile
falling in a gentle curve from the dorsal to the end of the snout.
Depth exactly one-third of the length, excluding caudal: head
one-fifth of the entire length, caudal included. Maxillary rather
dilated towards the bottom, and quite straight, not curving
backwards as in both the last species. Teeth rather larger, and more
conspicuous. Nostrils larger. Only twelve scales in the depth, the
lateral line occupying the seventh row from the top: thirty-seven or
thirty-eight in the lateral line. Scales of a rather different form;
the basal margin more sinuous, the free margin not so regularly
curved, the coloured striæ hardly obvious. Dorsal more oblong than
triangular, higher in relation to the depth, of which it equals
two-thirds, commencing at a point anterior to the middle of the
length, excluding caudal. The pectorals reach a little beyond the
ventrals, which are attached a little in advance of the dorsal. The
anal has all the rays longer, and more nearly equal, the posterior
part of the fin not being so much sloped off: there are three spines
at the commencement, the first two minute, the third not quite half
the length of the soft rays: this fin is furthermore distinguished
from that of the two former species by the rays being set with
asperities, which communicate a scabrous harsh feel to the touch,
when the finger is passed along them from the base upwards.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits it appears more
silvery than either of the two last species: the back and upper part
of the sides being brownish. A humeral dusky spot, and the remains
of what was probably a bright silver band along the middle of the
side from the gill to the caudal. At the base of the caudal is a
dusky spot, which is prolonged in a line along the central rays to
the commencement of the fork. The other fins faintly edged with
dusky, but otherwise pale.
Habitat, Rio de Janeiro.
The more oval and elongated form, straight maxillary, and scabrous anal
fin, at once distinguish this species from either of the two last. It
was taken by Mr. Darwin in fresh water, at Rio de Janeiro, in June.
4. TETRAGONOPTERUS TÆNIATUS. _Jen._
_T. corpore ovali, valde compresso, altitudine tertiam partem,
longitudinis, hâc ad basin furcæ caudalis mensá, æquante: osse
maxillari margine posteriore recto: pinnâ dorsali suprà, ventrales
accuratè exorienti; anali lævi, altitudine retrò cito decrescente;
radiis plicis membranaceis nullis: squamis in lineâ laterali 40, in
lineâ inter pinnas ventrales et dorsalem transversâ 14._
D. 1/10; A. 3/22, &c.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 2.
FORM.—Depth and general form similar to those of the _T. rutilus_;
also the same number of rows of scales, the lateral line occupying
the eighth from the top. Anal smooth, and similar to that of the _T.
rutilus_ in form, but in the number of the spines and soft rays
agreeing with the _T. scabripinnis_. The maxillary straight, but
hardly so much dilated as in the last-named species, being of nearly
equal breadth throughout. The teeth are more numerous than in
either, amounting in the lower jaw to fourteen or more. The ventrals
are in an exact line with the commencement of the dorsal.
COLOUR.—Much as in the _T. scabripinnis_. The same silver band, only
more brilliant; also the same humeral spot, and the spot at the base
of the caudal extending along the middle rays.
Habitat, Rio de Janeiro.
The above description is that of two small specimens, similar to each
other, obtained by Mr. Darwin in a running brook at Socego, in the
province of Rio de Janeiro. They are probably not full grown; but so
evidently distinct from either of the last two species, the characters
of which are in some measure combined in them, that I have not hesitated
to give them a separate place. The silver band is more or less obvious
in all the species of this genus brought home by Mr. Darwin, but it is
much brighter in this than in any of the others.
5. TETRAGONOPTERUS INTERRUPTUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXIII. fig. 4.
_T. corpore ovali, valde compresso: altitudine tertiam partem
longitudinis totius æquante: ore parvo; osse maxillari brevissimo,
dilatato, margine posteriore recto: dentibus minutis,
multicuspidatis: dorsali subtriangulari, pone ventrales exorienti;
anali (in uno sexu?) scabrâ, altitudine retrò subito decrescente;
his pinnis plicis membranaceis nullis: squamis in lineâ
longitudinali 35, in lineâ inter pinnas ventrales et dorsalem
transversâ 10: lineâ laterali interruptâ, haud finem pinnæ
pectoralis attingente._
D. 1/10; A. 2/18; C. 18, &c.; P. 11; V. 7.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 8.
FORM.—Oval, and not very dissimilar in general form to the _T.
rutilus_, but rather more elevated above the shoulder. Depth exactly
one-third of the entire length: head one-fourth of the same, caudal
excluded. Profile not exactly straight, but very slightly hollowed
out at the crown, then as slightly protuberant above the eyes,
whence it falls more rapidly in front, giving the snout a short and
blunt appearance. Mouth much smaller than in any of the preceding
species, owing to the extreme shortness of the maxillary, which is
broad, with the anterior margin curving outwards, but the posterior
one straight. Teeth very small; the points on the cutting edges
numerous (five or six on each tooth) and nearly equal; apparently
only one row on the intermaxillary, and the same in the lower jaw;
none on the maxillary. Eyes and nostrils as in the other species,
but the anterior orifice of the latter larger. Subopercle much
larger, forming a greater portion of the gill-flap. Scales
relatively larger; only ten in the depth, and thirty-five in the
length. They have no deep striæ on the basal portion, and
consequently no fan; but they are very regularly marked with the
usual finer striæ concentrically arranged, except on the free
portion where they become indistinct.
The lateral line occupies the sixth row of scales from the top, but is
very soon interrupted, coming to an end before it has reached the
length of the pectoral, and not carried over more than eight or nine
scales in the length. Dorsal subtriangular, commencing exactly at
the middle of the length, caudal excluded. Anal shorter than in the
other species, and not reaching so near the caudal; two spines, but
the first extremely minute. Caudal forked for half its length, the
lobes equal. Ventrals more forward than in the other species,
decidedly in advance of the dorsal, and attached at one-third of the
entire length; their axillary scale very small. Pectorals narrow,
reaching beyond them. No long folds of skin accompanying the rays of
the vertical fins.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state, in which, judging from its
appearance in spirit, it was probably silvery, or perhaps golden,
with somewhat of an olivaceous hue becoming deeper on the back.
There are evident remains of a bright longitudinal lateral band:
also of a black spot at the base of the caudal. The dorsal and the
anterior portion of the anal incline to dusky: the pectorals and
ventrals are slightly dusky at their extremities; there is also a
large irregular dusky stain on the back and shoulders anterior to
the dorsal fin.
A _second specimen_ differs from the above in being a trifle smaller,
and not quite so deep in the body. The anal is also decidedly
scabrous, as in the _T. scabripinnis_, and has one ray less in it.
The colours are similar, excepting that the fins are rather less
dusky, and the large dusky stain on the back and shoulders is
wanting.
Habitat, Maldonado.
This species is one of several that were taken by Mr. Darwin at
Maldonado, in the lake that had been suddenly drained, before alluded
to. It is immediately distinguished from all the others in this genus
above described, by its small mouth and abbreviated lateral line. The
circumstance of the anal fin being scabrous in only one of the specimens
leads to the suspicion that this may be a sexual character, perhaps
common to this and several species; and, judging from its somewhat less
depth, I conceive the specimen so distinguished in this instance to be a
male.
HYDROCYON HEPSETUS. _Cuv._
Hydrocyon hepsetus, _Cuv._ Reg. An. (ed. 2) tom. ii. p. 312.
———— falcatus, _Freycinet_, (Voyage) Zoologie, p. 221, pl. 48. fig. 2.
FORM.—Back rising slightly from the nape, whence the profile in front
falls obliquely in nearly a straight line to the mouth. Depth
contained about three and a half times in the length, caudal
excluded. Both head and body much compressed, the greatest thickness
being only two-fifths of the depth. The length of the head equals
the depth of the body. Snout appears rather pointed when the jaws
are shut; when open, the lower jaw is a little the longest. Gape
considerable. Maxillary long, commencing before the eyes, and
reaching to a vertical from the posterior part of the orbit;
inclining downwards, lapping obliquely in part over the lower jaw,
gradually widening towards the posterior extremity, which is rather
obliquely rounded. Intermaxillary with two sharp canines in front,
then on each side four or five very small hooked teeth, then another
large canine, though not so large as those in front; behind this
commences the maxillary, which is armed all along its margin with a
regular row of small equal hooked teeth, resembling sharp
serratures; a similar row on each palatine, but none on the vomer or
tongue; this last pointed, and free at the tip. Lower jaw with two
strong canines in front, larger than those in the upper, and fitting
into two holes above, when the mouth is shut; on each side of these
are three only half their size, but increasing backwards, placed at
rather wide intervals; then follow a row of close, minute, sharp
teeth, similar to those on the edge of the maxillary. Eyes rather
large, their diameter not quite one-fourth the length of the head,
distant one diameter and a quarter from the end of the snout.
Suborbital large, consisting of three pieces. Preopercle
rectangular. A row of pores, not very distinct, along the under part
of the lower jaw, thence continued along the limb of the preopercle.
Opercle and subopercle taken together with the posterior margin
forming a slight but regular curve, with scarcely any salient angle.
Head naked; scales on the body of moderate size, arranged in somewhat
oblique rows, especially below the lateral line; one from the middle
of the side below the lateral line of an irregularly rounded form,
the posterior margin rather sinuous, the disk with numerous fine
concentric striæ, but no deeper-cut striæ on the basal portion.
About sixteen scales in a vertical row, and fifty-seven or
fifty-eight in the lateral line: this last bending downwards in a
curve which falls below the middle of the depth. Scales on the
lateral line not larger than the others.
The dorsal answers to the space between the ventrals and anal; its
height equals the depth to the lateral line. Anal long, commencing
exactly under the last ray of the dorsal; the first part of this fin
as high as the dorsal, but the rays, beyond the fifth, gradually
decreasing; three spines, the first two very minute; the last soft
ray double. Caudal in this specimen injured. Adipose and last ray of
the anal in the same vertical line. Pectorals two-thirds the length
of the head, attached very low down beneath the terminating portion
of the gill-flap, narrow and slightly falcate, reaching to the
ventrals, which last are one-fourth shorter. A long narrow scale in
the axilla of each ventral one-third the length of the fin itself.
B. 4; D. 11; A. 3/26; C. 22, &c.; P. 12; V. 8.
Length 4 inches 3 lines.
COLOUR.—“Bluish silvery.”—D.—Some appearance of a dusky spot at the
base of the caudal prolonged in a line along the middle rays, but
scarcely any trace of a humeral one. The dorsal and anal incline a
little to dusky.
Taken at Maldonado, in a fresh-water lake, in June. I have scarcely any
doubt of its being the _H. falcatus_ of the Zoology of Freycinet’s
voyage, the figure of which it exactly resembles, excepting that the
humeral dark spot, if it ever existed, and which is not mentioned in Mr.
Darwin’s notes, is now almost entirely effaced. It is probable, however,
that there are two or three species nearly allied, for which reason I
have been the more particular in my description. The _H. Hepsetus_ of
D’Orbigny[36] appears to differ from the _H. falcatus_ of Freycinet
(with which last Cuvier associates his name of _Hepsetus_,) in having
the lateral line curving upwards rather than downwards, and the caudal
fascia as well as the humeral spot more marked. The _Salmo falcatus_ of
Bloch is probably distinct from both.
GENUS.—APLOCHITON. _Jen._
_Corpus elongatum, compressum, subfusiforme, undique nudum alepidotum.
Caput parvum. Rostrum breviusculum, subacutum. Os terminale, rictu
modico. Maxilla superior margine ex ossibus intermaxillaribus omnino
formato, maxillaribus, hæc subæquantibus, retroductis. Dentes
minuti, acuti, in maxillâ utrâque uniseriati, in linguâ et vomere
longitudinaliter biseriati, in ossibus palatinis nulli. Apertura
branchialis amplissima, membranâ triradiatâ, subtus profundè
emarginatâ. Pinnæ, dorsalis paululum pone ventrales, analis paululum
pone dorsalem reclinatam, exorientes. Ventrales appendicibus
axillaribus nullis. Pinna caudalis bifurca._
I have already noticed a remarkable new form among the _Cyprinidæ_
brought home by Mr. Darwin, and differing from all the known genera in
that family by the entire absence of scales. The one now to be described
is not less remarkable among the _Salmonidæ_, and, what is particularly
interesting, would seem to occupy an exactly analogous place in this
family, departing from it in the same important character of having the
skin perfectly naked and free from scales. There are, however, many
other points of similarity between _Mesites_ and the genus which I have
here termed _Aplochiton_.[37] In both there is the same form of mouth,
the margin of the upper jaw being entirely formed by the intermaxillary,
behind which is the maxillary of nearly equal development. The teeth in
the jaws are similar, both in regard to form and arrangement; there is
also the same double longitudinal row on the tongue, and along the
vomer. The pieces of the opercle are similar, and the gill-opening
equally large in both genera, though the branchial membrane has twice
the number of rays in _Mesites_ that it has in _Aplochiton_.
Furthermore, the fins are on the whole very similar, with the exception
of the dorsal not being so far back in _Aplochiton_, and there being
also an adipose in this genus. It is also deserving of notice that both
these new forms, so resembling each other in many of their characters,
come from the same quarter of the globe, being found either in the most
southern parts of S. America, or in the neighbouring islands.
From the circumstance of the naked skin, _Aplochiton_ might by some be
referred to the _Siluridæ_, but what was said of the genus _Mesites_ may
be repeated here, that it has none of the other external characters of
that family. The maxillary, instead of being reduced to a mere vestige,
or lengthened into a barbule, is as much developed as in any of the
_Cyprinidæ_, and of the usual form; the subopercle also is very
distinct;[38] while there is no strong spine at the commencement of
either the dorsal or pectoral fins. At the same time it must be
mentioned that _Aplochiton_ agrees with the _Siluridæ_ in having no
cœcal appendages, though the air-bladder is similar to that of the
ordinary _Salmonidæ_. There are some peculiarities connected with the
anal and sexual orifices which I shall notice presently, along with
other points in the internal structure, in the species to be described
first.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 24._
_Waterhouse Hawkins. del._
]
_1. Aplochiton Zebra. Nat. Size._
_1a. Magnified show of anal and generative orifices._
_2. Aplochiton tæniatus. Nat. Size._
Mr. Darwin has brought home two species of this new genus, agreeing
precisely in form, but very distinct in respect to size and colouring.
1. APLOCHITON ZEBRA. _Jen._
PLATE XXIV. Fig. 1.
_A. obscurè plumbeus; fasciis nigris transversis: maxillis æqualibus._
B. 3; D. 11; A. 2/14; C. 16, &c.; P. 18; V. 7.
LONG. unc. 9. lin. 6.
FORM.—General form somewhat resembling that of the _Mackarel_,
elongated, and approaching to fusiform. Greatest depth about the
middle, equalling one-sixth of the entire length. Line of the back
and profile nearly straight, the latter falling very little.
Greatest thickness rather more than half the depth. Head small,
contained about five and a half times in the entire length. Snout
short, but rather acute. Mouth with a moderate gape reaching to
beneath the anterior angle of the eye: when shut, both jaws equal,
the lower one ascending at an angle of 45° to meet the upper; when
open, the lower one a little the longest. Margin of the upper jaw
formed by the intermaxillary, the maxillary appearing behind it. A
single row of small but sharp teeth extending along the entire
margins of both jaws: a double row of similar teeth, but stronger
and more curved, down the middle of the tongue; also a double row
along the middle of the vomer. Eyes moderate; their diameter four
and a half times in the length of the head; distant about one
diameter and a quarter from the end of the snout, and with an
interval between them of about one and a half. Nostrils with two
orifices, both roundish, one before the other, with a little
interval between, the posterior one rather the largest. Two distinct
pores on each side of the crown, one behind the other with an
interval between, above and rather behind the eyes. Gill-opening
very large, the membrane with only three flattened rays, deeply
notched beneath, the notch reaching to beneath the middle of the
eyes. All the pieces of the opercle present, but the interopercle
only just appearing behind the angle of the preopercle, and the
subopercle forming but a narrow lanceolate lamina beneath the true
opercle, which last constitutes the greater portion of the
gill-flap, and is of an oblong form, the posterior margin being cut
straight and vertical.
The whole skin perfectly naked everywhere, without the least vestige
of scales. No lateral line, except a faint streak, passing along the
middle of the sides, be so called. Dorsal commencing at the middle
of the length, this last being measured to the base of the caudal
fork; of the same form as in the ordinary species of the genus
_Salmo_; its greatest height a little exceeding its length, which
last is rather more than half the depth of the body; first ray
simple, the rest branched. Adipose small, and just half-way between
the end of the dorsal and the base of the caudal. Anal of a somewhat
triangular form, the margin sloping very much off backwards,
commencing a little beyond the tip of the reclined dorsal, and
terminating opposite the adipose, or perhaps a trifle beyond it; two
small spines at its commencement; the first two soft rays simple,
the others branched. Caudal forked for half its length, the lobes
equal; the whole fin contained about six and a half times in the
entire length; the accessory rays very numerous, and partially
fringing the upper and lower edges of the tail. Pectorals attached
behind the gill-opening, rather below the middle, about two-thirds
the length of the head, of a somewhat triangular form, the rays
gradually shortening from the first, which is the only one
unbranched. Ventrals attached a very little in advance of the
dorsal, rounded, or almost cut square at the ends, the rays being
all nearly equal. They are scarcely shorter than the pectorals: the
space between their insertion and the commencement of the anal is
nearly double their own length. There is no long scale or appendage
of any kind in their axillæ.
COLOUR.—“Dull leaden colour.”—D.—In spirits it appears brown. The
sides are banded with some irregular transverse zebra-like marks,
not noticed by Mr. Darwin, reaching from the back down two-thirds or
three-fourths of the depth, some terminating sooner than others. All
the fins brownish.
Habitat, Falkland Islands.
Mr. Darwin obtained three specimens of this remarkable fish all
precisely similar, from a fresh-water lake in the Falkland Islands, in
March. The lake was not far from the sea, and connected with it by a
brook. He adds in his notes that the species is common there; that it is
good eating, and grows to be about half as large again as the
individuals procured.
One of these specimens was dissected by Mr. Yarrell and myself, and
presented the following internal characters, which are of importance to
be noted. The coats of the stomach were thick and muscular; the
œsophageal portion with prominent longitudinal plicæ. Its contents, so
far as they could be ascertained, consisted of the remains of
caddis-worms. The intestine was large, without any cœcal appendages, but
with one spiral convolution at the end of the first third of its length
from the pyloric orifice: the entire length of the canal was four
inches. The air-bladder was large, undivided, and of the same general
form as in many of the _Salmonidæ_. There were two elongated flattened
lobes of roe nearly ready for exclusion. The anal and sexual orifices
were separated, but enclosed in a tubular sheath, common to both,
directed backwards; the sheath itself lying in a groove in the abdomen,
and five-eighths of an inch in length: the opening to the cavity of the
abdomen and sexual organs was at the extreme end of this sheath, and
partly closed by two lateral valves; the opening to the intestine,
three-eighths of an inch short of the extremity.
2. APLOCHITON TÆNIATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXIV. Fig. 2.
_A. olivaceus, punctis fuscis minutissimis irroratus; lateribus vittâ
longitudinali argenteâ: maxillâ inferiore longiore._
B. 3; D. 12; A. 2/13; C. 16, &c.; P. 18; V. 7.
LONG. unc. 3. lin. 10.
FORM.—A much smaller species than the last, but the general form
similar. Rather more elongated, the depth being contained seven and
a half times in the length. Head one-fifth of the length measured to
the base of the caudal fork. Snout a little longer, and more
pointed. Lower jaw at all times a little the longest. Teeth similar,
and similarly disposed. Nostrils similar; but no pores on the crown,
or only one on each side, and that not very distinct. All the fins
similar.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits it appears of a
uniform greenish or olivaceous brown, the back and sides very
minutely dotted with darker brown. There is a pale silver band along
the middle of the side, not bounded, however, by any definable line,
but shading off insensibly into the brown above and below. The
irides are still bright, and appear to have been golden.
Habitat, Goree Sound, Tierra del Fuego.
There are three specimens of this second species in the collection, all
of the same size, and not differing in any respect from each other,
except that one of them has thirteen rays in the dorsal fin, and
fourteen soft rays in the anal. Mr. Darwin’s notes state that they were
taken at Goree Sound, Tierra del Fuego, in the mouth of a fresh-water
stream, where the water was quite fresh; and that when put into salt
water they immediately died.
The silver band at once distinguishes this elegant species from the
last, independently of its smaller size. The specimens appear full
grown.
There is the same peculiarity with respect to the anal and sexual
orifices in this species, as in the one previously described.
FAMILY.—CLUPEIDÆ.
1. CLUPEA FUEGENSIS. _Jen._
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains a single individual of a species of
Clupea from Tierra del Fuego so extremely similar to the young of the
common Herring, that it might almost be mistaken for it. As it is small,
and in not very good preservation, I shall merely point out some of its
leading characters.
Depth of the body the same as in a young _Herring_ of the same size.
Belly carinated, but with the serratures not more developed than in
that species. Teeth the same, and very minute. The maxillary does not
slope inwards quite so much at its upper extremity, before uniting
with the intermaxillary; but the mouth and its several parts are in
all other respects similar. The same may be said of the pieces of the
opercle, excepting that there is a more sensible notch near the upper
part of the posterior margin of the gill-flap, much as in the common
_Sprat_. It differs also from the Herring in having the ventrals
exactly in a line with the commencement of the dorsal, this last being
placed a little further back than in that species.
D. 18; A. 19; C. 19, &c.; P. 18; V. 8.
Length 3 inches.
“Caught at night, off Cape Ines, Tierra del Fuego, two miles from the
shore, in thirteen fathoms.”—D.—The specimen is probably not full-sized,
2. CLUPEA ARCUATA. _Jen._
The present species is from Bahia Blanca. The specimens, of which there
are two, are also in bad condition like the last, and probably not
full-sized.
FORM.—Body deep, with the ventral line swelling rather more outwards
than the dorsal. Greatest depth a little exceeding one-fourth of the
entire length. Very much compressed: abdomen carinated, and very
sharply serrated, the serratures sharper than in the common sprat. A
few minute teeth at the extremity of the lower jaw, and also on each
side of the intermaxillary, near its junction with the maxillary;
the lower half of this last finely serrated. Pieces of the
gill-cover much as in the Sprat; the subopercle rounded at bottom,
the opercle with a shallow notch near the upper angle.
The dorsal commences exactly in the middle of the entire length,
excluding caudal. The ventrals are as nearly as possible directly
beneath its first ray: these fins are very small, and shorter than
in the sprat.
D. 18; A. 23; C. 19, &c.; P. 16; V. 7.
Length 4 inches 2 lines.
COLOURS.—“Back blue; belly silvery.”—D.
The second specimen is similar, only smaller. Both were taken in the
month of September.
3. CLUPEA SAGAX. _Jen._
A third species of _Clupea_, in Mr. Darwin’s collection, likewise in bad
condition, much resembles in general form the common Pilchard.
Depth the same as in the Pilchard, but the head larger and longer than
in that species, being one-fourth[39] of the entire length. Abdomen
smoother; no appearance of any serratures in front of the ventrals.
Lower jaw but little advanced beyond the upper. No perceptible teeth,
more than a few very minute serratures near the lower extremity of the
maxillary. Diameter of the eye about one-fifth the length of the head.
The form and veinings of the pieces of the opercle very much as in the
Pilchard, but the interopercle more developed. The posterior margin of
the opercle and subopercle taken together is almost quite straight,
without any emargination anywhere, and not far out of a vertical; the
subopercle is cut nearly square at bottom. The preopercle is much
veined: there are also some veins on the upper part of the opercle,
and lower down on this last piece some very deep striæ, running
parallel to its junction with the preopercle, as in the Pilchard, but
still more strongly marked.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 25._
_From Nature on Stone by W. Hawkins._
_Alosa pectinata. ¾ Nat. Size.
a Magnified Scale from nape._
]
The commencement of the dorsal is very little anterior to a middle
point between the end of the snout and the base of the middle caudal
rays. The ventrals are beneath the posterior half of the dorsal as in
the Pilchard. There are the same two elongated scales on each side of
the caudal as in that species. The scales on the body, however, are
much smaller than in the Pilchard, with their free portions striated,
the basal portions marked with some irregular curved lines running in
a transverse direction towards the median line of the scale.
D. 11; A. 18 or 19; C. 19, &c.; P. 18; V. 8.
Length 10 inches 6 lines.
Habitat, Lima, San Lorenzo Island.
ALOSA PECTINATA. _Jen._
PLATE. XXV.
_A. corpore ovali, altitudine prope tertiam partem longitudinis
æquante: ventre carinato, serraturis, præsertim inter pinnas
ventrales et analem, acutis: maxillis subæqualibus, edentulis:
preoperculo venoso; operculo striato: squamis pectinatis: pinnis
ventralibus paulo ante dorsalem exorientibus._
D. 16; A. 21; C. 19, &c.; P. 17; V. 7.
LONG. unc. 12.
FORM.—Of an oval compressed form, the depth very considerable,
equalling very nearly one-third of the entire length. Head contained
about three times and three quarters in the same. Abdomen sharply
carinated, with strong serratures, especially between the ventrals
and anal. Jaws nearly equal, perhaps the lower one a little the
longest; intermaxillary deeply notched; no apparent teeth anywhere.
Eyes rather high, partly covered both anteriorly and posteriorly by
a membranaceous veil; their diameter about one-fifth the length of
the head; more than one diameter between them and the end of the
snout. Subopercle obliquely rounded off at bottom, but the curvature
of the posterior margin of the opercle and subopercle taken together
not very considerable. Preopercle marked with vein-like
ramifications; opercle similarly veined, and also striated below, as
in the species last described, though more finely. Scarce any trace
of a lateral line.
Scales moderately large, thin and membranaceous. One from the middle
of the side of a sub-oblong form, the hinder angles rounded, its
length only two-thirds of its breadth; the greater portion of the
surface marked with exceedingly delicate striæ, scarcely visible
without a strong lens, the anterior margin pectinated, and with a
slightly projecting lobe in the middle. The scales as they approach
the tail, become longer in proportion to their breadth, the basal
margin more rounded, and sometimes with a strongly projecting lobe
in the middle. The pectinations are longest on the scales covering
the nape.
The dorsal commences a little behind the middle point of the oval of
the body, and the ventrals are attached a little in advance of that
fin. The anal commences a little behind the termination of the
dorsal, and reaches to the commencement of the fleshy part of the
tail: the last ray in both dorsal and anal is slightly lengthened
beyond the preceding ones. The pectorals reach to the ventrals, and
are contained about once and two-thirds in the length of the head.
Caudal deeply forked; the lower lobe a little longer than the upper
one: the base appears to have been covered with minute scales. Above
the pectorals is a thin membranaceous lanceolate scale, more than
half the length of the fin: a somewhat similar scale in the axillæ
of the ventrals, but shorter in proportion; another below those
fins.
COLOUR.—“Body silvery: dorsal scales iridescent with green and copper:
head greenish: tail yellow.”—D.
A _second specimen_ agrees with the above in form, but is smaller,
measuring only 7½ inches. The colours, when recent, according to Mr.
Darwin’s notes, were as follows:—“Scales silvery iridescent; back
especially greenish; caudal fin yellow: remarkable for a circular
dark green patch behind the gill-cover.”—D.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca.
This species was caught by Mr. Darwin in the net, on a sandbank, at
Bahia Blanca. It is well characterized by its strongly-pectinated
scales, and does not appear to have been noticed by authors; though it
would seem in that respect to have some affinity with the _Clupea
fimbriata_ of Bowdich.[40]
ENGRAULIS RINGENS. _Jen._
_E. capite compresso, grandiusculo, quartam partem longitudinis totius
æquante: rostro acuto, ultra maxillam superiorem mediocriter
prominulo; mandibulâ angustâ, dentibus lateralibus (ut etiam in
maxillâ) minimis: corpore compresso: pinnis ventralibus infra, vix
ante, initium pinnæ dorsalis exorientibus: squamâ longissimâ
membranaceâ super pinnam pectoralem retrorsum productâ._
D. 15; A. 19; C. 19, &c.; P. 16; V. 7.
LONG. unc. 5.
FORM.—Closely resembling the common Anchovy, but the head decidedly
larger and longer, being one-fourth of the entire length.[41] Eye
larger, but bearing an equal proportion to the size of the head;
also rather nearer to the tip of the snout in consequence of this
last not being so acute and much produced. Lower jaw rather
narrower, from the greater compression of the head and body.
Maxillary, and its fine serratures on the edges for teeth, similar.
The depth of the body is about one-sixth of the entire length. The
dorsal commences at the middle point of the length, reckoning this
last to the base of the caudal fork, and terminates a little before
the commencement of the anal: the first ray is not half the length
of the second and third, which equal three-fourths of the depth: the
fifth and succeeding rays become gradually shorter than those which
precede. The first ray in the anal is likewise very short, and
scarcely one-third of the next following. The ventrals arise almost
directly under the first ray of the dorsal, being scarcely at all in
advance; when laid back, they do not reach half-way to the anal.
Above the pectoral is a long membranaceous scale equalling, or very
nearly, the fin itself.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits, it appears
silvery, with the back and upper part of the sides deep dusky blue,
the two colours separated by a well-defined line.
Habitat, Iquique, Peru.
This is probably an undescribed species of _Engraulis_; nor am I aware
that authors have hitherto noticed any from the west coast of America.
Mr. Darwin obtained two specimens which are precisely similar to each
other. The species closely resembles the common European Anchovy,[42]
differing principally in its larger head, and more backward ventrals in
respect to the dorsal.
FAMILY.—PLEURONECTIDÆ.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains individuals of five species belonging
to this family, besides the drawing of a sixth; but the specimens
brought home are dry, and badly preserved. Two appear to have been
previously noticed; but it is difficult to pronounce upon the other
three with certainty, neither do they admit of being very accurately
described. These last, therefore, I shall not venture to name, but
merely point out a few of their principal characters, adding the
localities whence they were obtained.
The species, of which there is a drawing, I conceive to be certainly
new; and as its characters are very distinguishable, I shall name it in
honour of the gentleman, one of the officers of the Beagle, by whom the
drawing was made.
1. PLATESSA ORBIGNYANA. _Val.?_
Platessa Orbignyana, _Val._ in D’Orb. Voy. dans l’Amer. Mérid. Atl.
Ichth. Pl. 16. fig. 1.
FORM.—Oval; greatest breadth two and a half times in the length. Eyes
on the left side, near together, and equally in advance. Teeth in a
single row, sharp-pointed, moderately strong, rather widely
separate: posterior extremity of the maxillary cut nearly square.
Dorsal commencing in a line with the eyes, and leaving a space
between it and the caudal. The lateral line takes a sweep over the
pectoral. Upper or eye side of the body slightly rough, with the
scales finely ciliated; under side smooth, the scales on this side
not ciliated.
COLOUR.—“Above dirty reddish brown; beneath faint blue: iris
yellow.”—D.
Length 8 inches 9 lines.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca, where it is said to be plentiful.
This species agrees so well with the figure of the _P. Orbignyana_ in
D’Orbigny’s Voyage, that I have little hesitation in considering it the
same,—but as no description of this last has been yet published, it is
still possible I may be mistaken.
2. Platessa ——?
FORM.—Very similar to the last species, from which it scarcely seems
to differ, except in having the teeth smaller, and somewhat more
numerous and closer together; also in the maxillary, which is more
dilated at its posterior extremity, and more obliquely truncated.
The scales are extremely similar.
Length 6 inches 6 lines.
COLOUR.—Not noticed.
Habitat, King George’s Sound, New Holland.
HIPPOGLOSSUS KINGII. _Jen._
PLATE XXVI.
_H. fuscus: corpore ovato, lato: oculis sinistris, haud valde
approximatis: dentibus acutis, fortioribus: lineâ laterali anticè
arcuatâ: pinnâ dorsali supra oculos initium capienti, dimidio
anteriore humillimo, posteriore modicè elevato: ventralibus
distinctis, haud anali continuis: caudali subquadratâ, radiis mediis
cæteris paululum longioribus._
D. 18 et 48; A. 51; C. 14; P. 11; V. 6.
FORM.—Breadth, not including the dorsal and anal fins, half the length
of the oval of the body. Eyes on the left side, apparently distant
from each other about two diameters; the upper one a little behind
the lower. Teeth sharp and strong, forming a very regular series.
The lateral line takes a sweep over the pectoral fin. The dorsal
commences above the upper eye; the first half, or until it gets
above the extremity of the reclined pectoral, is very little
elevated, and much lower than the rest of the fin, with the membrane
apparently notched between the rays; the remainder of the fin
attains a moderate elevation, and there is an abrupt transition from
the former to the latter portion. The anal answers to the elevated
portion of the dorsal: both these fins fall short of the caudal by a
small space. Pectorals short, and of a somewhat triangular form.
Ventrals very distinct, free, placed right and left, with the rays a
little projecting beyond the membrane; which last character appears
also in the dorsal and anal. Tail somewhat square, but the middle
rays slightly projecting beyond the lateral ones in the form of an
obtuse lobe.
COLOUR.—Represented in the drawing of a uniform light brown.
Habitat, Valparaiso.
This is the species of which, as before stated, no specimen was brought
home, but only a coloured drawing made by Mr. Phillip King, an officer
of the Beagle, for Capt. FitzRoy. The drawing appears to have been done
with accuracy, and from it the above description has been taken. The
fin-ray formula, however, was computed from the recent fish, the above
numbers being marked upon the drawing.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 26._
_from Nature by W. Hawkins_
_Hippoglossus Kingii._
]
The teeth appear to indicate this species as belonging to _Hippoglossus_
rather than to _Rhombus_, though possibly it may be found hereafter to
serve as the type of a distinct subgenus in this family. The form of the
dorsal fin, if correctly delineated, is remarkable. The size of the fish
is not stated.
RHOMBUS ——?
FORM.—Oval, approaching to rhomboidal. Breadth a little exceeding half
the length. Eyes on the right side, near together, equally in
advance, or the lower one perhaps rather more forward than the
upper; between them a double osseous ridge. On the under side of the
head, and nearly answering in position to the upper eye, is a
deepish cavity, from whence proceeds a tentaculiform appendage four
or five lines in length. Teeth very small, sharp, in scarcely more
than two rows, and apparently confined to the under side. Lateral
line sweeping over the pectoral. Dorsal commencing above the upper
lip, and reaching nearly to the caudal, but leaving a minute space.
Both sides of the body are smooth, but the upper one appears to have
lost its scales. Pectoral on the eye side about three-fourths the
length of the head.
Length 5 inches.
COLOUR.—“Above pale purplish brown, with rounded darker markings.”—D.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca, Coast of Patagonia.
ACHIRUS LINEATUS. _D’Orbig._
ACHIRUS LINEATUS, _D’Orb._ Voy. dans L’Amer. Mérid. Atl. Ichth. Pl. 16.
fig. 2.
FORM.—Body oval, but with the dorsal and anal fins included,
approaching orbicular; the greatest breadth rather more than half
the length. Eyes on the right side, moderately near together, the
upper one a very little in advance. Lower jaw longest, projecting
beyond the snout. Teeth forming a velutine band, very minute, and
scarcely sensible except to the touch, confined to the side opposed
to the eyes. Preopercle distinct from the opercle. A few short
thread-like cirri on the under side of the head; two at the
extremity of the snout being rather longer and more conspicuous than
the others. Lateral line nearly straight throughout its course,
somewhat higher at its commencement than afterwards, but taking no
sweep. Both sides of the body rough, with ciliated scales, but the
upper one most so. The dorsal commences above the upper lip, and
reaches, as also the anal, almost quite to the caudal: this last
rounded. Pectorals entirely wanting.
Length 9 inches.
COLOUR.—Not noticed.
Habitat, Rio Plata.
This species was obtained by Mr. Darwin in the market at Buenos Ayres,
where it is said to be eaten. It so exactly accords in form with the
figure of the _A. lineatus_ in D’Orbigny’s Voyage, that I have little
hesitation in considering it the same, though, from the specimen being
dried, there are no vestiges left of the transverse lines. Whether it be
the _A. lineatus_ of any other author I am uncertain. It approaches,
however, very closely the _Passer lineis transversis notatus_ of
Sloane.[43]
PLAGUSIA ——?
FORM.—Oval, but narrow, and much elongated for a _Sole_, the breadth
in the middle being three and a half times in the length. Eyes on
the left side, very small, and closely approximating, equally in
advance, or if any difference, the lower one a little first. Mouth
small, with velutine teeth on the supine side, but apparently none
on the upper: snout a little produced in a point beyond it. The
dorsal and anal unite with the caudal, which terminates in rather a
fine point. No trace of any pectorals above or below. Scales
strongly ciliated, especially above, and both sides of the body
rough.
Length 7 inches.
COLOUR.—Not noticed.
Habitat, San Blas, Coast of Patagonia.
This species is very nearly allied to the _Plagusia Braziliensis_ of
Spix’s work,[44] but it appears to differ in having the eyes one over
the other, or the lower one perhaps a little in advance, instead of the
upper one a little before the lower.
FAMILY.—CYCLOPTERIDÆ.
1. GOBIESOX MARMORATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXVII. Fig. 1.
_G. dorso et lateribus pallidè fuscis, nigro reticulatis et fasciatis:
dentibus anterioribus majoribus, in maxillâ superiore subconicis, in
inferiore incisivis: operculo posticè mucrone obtuso armato:
membranâ branchiali spinâ gracili, subduplici, (præter radios
solitos,) instructâ, magnâ ex parte celatâ, apice exserto: pinnâ
dorsali tredecim-radiatâ._
B. 6; D. 13; A. 11; C. 14 vel 15; P. 20 vel 21.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 7.
FORM.—Head very large, broad and much depressed, with the snout
rounded nearly in an exact semicircle. Body compressed behind, and
suddenly tapering behind the pectorals. The length and breadth of the
head are equal, each being one-third of the entire length, excluding
caudal. Gape wide, reaching nearly to beneath the anterior angle of
the eye. Teeth strong, and somewhat crowded in front; in the upper jaw
bluntly conical, or slightly curved, but of irregular size, with
minuter ones behind; very small at the sides of the jaw, and
apparently here but in a single row: below, the six middle teeth are
incisor-like, and project forwards; on each side of these are two or
three similar to those in front above, then follow some minuter ones
at the sides. Eyes rather more than a diameter apart. Gill-opening
wide, the membrane free all round, with six rays. Opercle terminating
behind in a blunt point: there is also a kind of double spine
concealed in the thickness of the branchial membrane, in front of the
ordinary branchial rays, the extreme end of one portion of which
projects a little beyond the margin.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 27._
_From Nature on Stone by W. Hawkins._
]
_1. Gobiesox marmoratus._
_1a. „ „ Dorsal View._
_1b. „ „ Under Side._
_2. Gobiesox pœcilophthalmos._
_2a. „ „ Lateral View._
_2b. „ „ Magnified View of Teeth._
_3. Syngnathus acicularis._
_4. „ conspicillatus_
_5. „ crinitus._
_All Nat. Size_
The dorsal commences a little beyond the middle of the entire length,
and leaves a space between it and the caudal; the rays nearly equal,
except the first, which is short. The anal begins under the fourth or
fifth dorsal ray, and extends a trifle further than that fin. Caudal
slightly rounded.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Back and sides light brown, reticulated with
black: the reticulations have a tendency to form three or four broad
fasciæ across the back. Under parts yellowish.
Habitat, Archipelago of Chiloe.
This and the following species appear to belong to the genus _Gobiesox_
of Cuvier’s “Regne Animal,” and are probably new. Two specimens of the
one above described were found by Mr. Darwin under stones off the island
of Lemuy, in the Archipelago of Chiloe.
2. GOBIESOX PŒCILOPHTHALMOS. _Jen._
PLATE XXVII. Fig. 2.
_G. fuscescenti-albidas, immaculatus: dentibus anterioribus majoribus,
supra et subtus incisivis: operculo posticè spinâ acutâ armato;
membranâ, operculari margine, supra spinam, cirris paucis
filamentosis fimbriato; membranâ branchiali spinâ nullâ,: pinnis
dorsali et anali septem-radiatis._
B. 6; D. 7; A. 7; C. 12; P. 23;
LONG. unc. 1. lin. 10.
FORM.—General form the same as that of the last species, including the
proportion of head to body. Snout equally rounded. Teeth on the
whole similar, but the upper ones in front, as well as the lower,
incisor-like. Eyes rather larger, closer together, less than a
diameter apart. Differs essentially from the _G. marmoratus_ in the
form of the opercular spine, which is much sharper, as well as
somewhat longer and slenderer; also in having no spine concealed in
the branchial membrane: the lower part of the opercular membrane,
just above the spine, is fringed with a few thread-like filaments.
The number of branchial rays is the same.
The dorsal and anal are both shorter, and appear to have only seven
rays each: the anal reaches a little nearer the caudal. The
pectorals on the contrary have rather more rays.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Every where of a uniform very pale brown, or
brownish white, without any markings whatever. The eyes were
probably very brilliant in the living fish, the irides still showing
traces of what seems to have been blue and golden pink.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
A single individual of this species was obtained by Mr. Darwin in tidal
pools at Chatham Island, in the Galapagos Archipelago.
FAMILY.—ECHENEIDIDÆ.
ECHENEIS REMORA. _Linn._
Mr. Darwin took a small specimen of this fish from off a shark in the
Atlantic Ocean, near St. Paul’s Rocks. It is not four inches long. It
has eighteen pairs of laminæ on the head; and a rough disk on the middle
of the tongue:[45] caudal lunate.
FAMILY.—ANGUILLIDÆ.
ANGUILLA AUSTRALIS. _Richards._
Anguilla australis, _Richardson_, Proceed. of Zool. Soc. 1841, p. 22.
FORM.—Very similar to the _A. latirostris_, Yarr., but the upper jaw
rather shorter and broader, making the gape, which reaches to a
vertical line from the posterior part of the orbit, wider. Teeth
rather stronger. Dorsal commencing considerably beyond the first
third, and not much in advance of the middle point, of the entire
length; much less elevated than in the _A. latirostris_, its height
scarcely exceeding one-fifth of the depth, which last is about
one-seventeenth of the entire length. Vent a little posterior to the
commencement of the dorsal.
The distance from the end of the snout to the insertion of the
pectorals is rather less than one-eighth of the entire length: the
form of the pectorals is lanceolate. The tail is rounded, much as in
the _A. latirostris_.
in. lin.
Length (entire) 17 3
From end of snout to commencement of dorsal 7 6
From the same to insertion of pectoral 2 2
From the same to vent 7 9
COLOUR—(_In spirits._) Appears similar to that of the common eel.
Habitat, New Zealand.
The above eel was procured by Mr. Darwin in fresh water in the month of
December, in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. It so nearly accords with
the _A. australis_ of Dr. Richardson from Van Dieman’s Land, that I can
hardly suppose it to be a distinct species. The vent, however, would
seem to be a trifle backwarder, and the body deeper in proportion to its
length. Without seeing more specimens, it is impossible to say what
importance is to be attached to these points of discrepancy.
CONGER PUNCTUS. _Jen._
_C. lateribus fasciis transversis fuscescenti-rubris, interstitiis
angustis griseis: rostro brevi, obtuso; maxillis subæqualibus: pinnâ
dorsali initium supra pectoralem capienti: cute corporis puncturis
parvis creberrimè aggregatis impressâ._
FORM.—Body much compressed, except at the anterior extremity. Depth
less than one-eleventh of the entire length. Head contained about
seven and a half times in the same. Snout short and rounded. Jaws
nearly equal, the upper scarcely longer than the lower. Gape
scarcely reaching beyond a vertical from the anterior part of the
eye. Teeth velutine. A row of very conspicuous pores round the edges
of both jaws. The whole body, but not the head, thickly studded all
over with small pores, much crowded, and appearing like pin-holes.
The pectorals are rather more than half the length of the head. The
dorsal commences immediately above them, and has a moderate
elevation of about one-third of the depth. The vent is a little
posterior to the termination of the first third of the length, and
the anal is immediately behind it. The dorsal and anal unite to form
a moderately pointed caudal.
Length 3 inc. 3 lines.
COLOUR—(_In spirits._) Sides very regularly banded with fourteen or
fifteen transverse reddish brown fasciæ: the fasciæ extend on to the
dorsal fin, and are much broader than the intervening spaces. All
the under part of the head, belly as far as the vent, an irregular
patch on the cheeks, and the spaces between the bands on the sides,
yellowish.
Habitat, Tierra del Fuego.
This appears to be a new species. The individual described above is
quite small, and stated in Mr. Darwin’s notes to be the young of another
and larger specimen which he also captured, but of which he does not
mention the exact size, and which unfortunately does not appear in his
collection. He has, however, mentioned the colours, which appear similar
to those given above, and are as follows:—“Sides with transverse bars of
chocolate and brownish red, separated by narrow grey spaces.” Whether
the form and proportions of the adult agree exactly with those of the
young as above detailed must be left for future observers to determine.
The colours, however, appear well to characterize the species, aided by
the minute punctures with which the whole body is covered.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin at the roots of fucus, at the east
entrance of Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego. The larger specimen is
said to have been very active.
1. MURÆNA LENTIGINOSA. _Jen._
_M. purpurascenti-fusca; maculis circularibus, parvis, flavis: capite
et rostro valde compressis; fronte declivi: maxillis subelongatis,
angustis, æqualibus, acutis; dentibus acutis, in maxillâ superiore
anticis uni-lateralibus bi-seriatis; in inferiore anticis
bi-lateralibus uniseriatis; in vomere uniseriatis; anticis supra
subtusque, lateralibus secundariis supra, et vomerinis, fortibus:
pinnâ dorsali anticè obsoletâ._
LONG. unc. 20. lin. 6.
FORM.—Very much compressed about the head and jaws. Body tapering
posteriorly; the depth in the middle equalling about one-thirteenth
of the entire length. Head, measured to the branchial orifice, about
one-seventh. Profile falling obliquely in a straight line from the
nape to the extremity of the snout. Jaws very narrow, rather
lengthened and sharp-pointed, equal. Gape deeply cleft, reaching as
far back behind the eyes as it advances before them. Teeth
compressed at the sides, very sharp, slightly hooked and pointing
backwards; above, in a single row in front, in two rows at the
sides; below, in two rows in front, and in a single row at the
sides; in each case, however, the secondary row is very imperfect,
some of them appearing to have been lost; also a row down the vomer,
but interrupted in the middle of the series: the front teeth above
and below, and the secondary ones at the sides of the upper jaw, are
much stronger than the others; but the first three on the vomer,
being those anterior to the blank space, are perhaps longer and more
developed than any in the jaws. Two tubular orifices above the eyes,
and two at the extremity of the snout. Eyes distant from the end of
the snout twice their own diameter. Branchial orifice of the same
size as the eyes. Three or four large pores arranged in a line along
the edge of the upper jaw, but none apparent on the lower.
Dorsal fin thick and fleshy, and not very distinguishable from the
body, excepting posteriorly, so that its exact point of commencement
cannot be fixed with precision. Vent a trifle in advance of the
middle point of the entire length. Anal fin still less
distinguishable than the dorsal.
COLOUR.—“Fine dark purplish brown, with yellow circular spots.”—D.—The
spots are mostly small, and many of them not bigger than large pin’s
heads. They are smaller and more crowded about the head than
elsewhere, giving a freckled appearance.
A _second specimen_ is smaller than the above, measuring thirteen
inches and a half in length. This specimen has the teeth more
perfect. In the upper jaw, there is first an outer row reaching all
round, in which the teeth are mostly small and regular, but towards
the front mixed with some much longer ones; behind this, about the
middle of the sides, is a short secondary row consisting of five or
six teeth as long as those in front in the first row: in the lower
jaw, the secondary row consists likewise only of four or five long
teeth, but here they are placed in front instead of at the sides.
Mr. Darwin’s notes respecting the colours of this smaller specimen
are as follows: “Dark reddish-purple brown, with pale, or
whitish-brown spots: eyes bluish.”
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
The larger of the two specimens above described was taken by Mr. Darwin
at Charles Island, the smaller one in tidal pools at Chatham Island, in
the Galapagos Archipelago. It appears to be an undescribed species,
though bearing much similarity to the _M. Meleagris_ of Shaw.
2. MURÆNA OCELLATA.
Gymnothorax ocellatus, _Spix et Agass_. Pisces Brazil. p. 91. tab. 50 b.
FORM.—Head but moderately compressed. Snout rather short and blunt.
Jaws equal. Gape reaching a little beyond the posterior part of the
orbit. Teeth apparently in only a single row above and below, very
strong and sharp at the extremity of the jaws: none at the anterior
part of the vomer, but a few very short ones not easily seen at the
back part of the median line of the palate. Two tubular orifices at
the extremity of the snout, but above the eyes only two simple pores
not prolonged into tubes. Eyes rather large, much exceeding in size
the branchial orifice; scarcely more than one diameter between them
and the end of the snout. Two or three large pores along the edges
of both jaws. Dorsal very distinct, commencing above the branchial
orifice. Vent a little before the middle. Tail gradually tapering to
a rather fine point.
Length 12 inc. 9 lines.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Head and trunk brown, with round whitish
spots. Dorsal and anal spotted with black and white, the black spots
occupying the edge of the fin. Extremity of the tail imperfectly
banded with white and dusky brown. Belly pale.
Habitat, Rio de Janeiro.
This elegant and well-marked species, first discovered by Spix on the
Brazilian coast, was taken by Mr. Darwin in the harbour of Rio de
Janeiro.
3. MURÆNA ——?
FORM.—Head moderately compressed, rising considerably at the nape.
Body slender, somewhat ensiform behind, and tapering towards the
tail. Snout of moderate length. Jaws equal, or the upper one perhaps
a very little longer than the lower. Gape reaching as far behind the
eye, as it advances before it. Teeth partially in two rows above, in
one below; sharp and strong at the extremity of the jaws, and on the
anterior part of the vomer. Two tubular orifices at the extremity of
the snout, but only simple pores above the eyes. Three or four large
pores along the edges of the upper and under jaws. Eyes distant one
diameter and a half from the end of the snout. Dorsal distinct,
commencing almost on the occiput, and in advance of the branchial
orifice. Vent before the middle. Anal commencing a little behind it,
and, like the dorsal, distinct, but rather less so.
in. lin.
Length 10 0
Depth, fins not included 0 6
From end of snout to branchial orifice 1 4
From the same to vent 4 3
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Rather dark brown, nearly uniform, but here
and there with lighter mottlings. The lower jaw appears to have had
a row of whitish spots encircling the pores.
The species of _Muræna_ above described was taken by Mr. Darwin at Porto
Praya, Cape de Verds. The individual being small, and possibly not
having attained its permanent characters, I have forborne giving it any
name, though I have not been able to identify it in the works of
authors.
4. MURÆNA ——?
FORM.—Snout rather compressed before the eyes, not very long, and
slightly obtuse. Upper jaw a very little in advance of the lower.
The gape extends behind the eyes, but the posterior portion is not
equal to the anterior. The teeth, tubular orifices, and pores, are
very much the same as in the species last noticed. Dorsal very
distinct, commencing in advance of the branchial orifice. Anal not
so distinct as the dorsal.
Length 5 inc. 6 lin.
COLOUR.—Brown, but with some lighter specks and mottlings, more
particularly on the lower jaw and on the fins.
Taken by Mr. Darwin at Tahiti. Probably a new species, but, as in the
last case, the specimen is young and not easily determinable.
LOPHOBRANCHII.
FAMILY.—SYNGNATHIDÆ.
1. SYNGNATHUS ACICULARIS. _Jen._
PLATE XXVII. fig. 3.
_S. flavo-brunneus: corpore gracillimo, compresso, heptagono; caudâ
quadrangulâ: vertice plano; cristâ occipitali parum conspicuâ;
rostro longo, compresso, verticaliter capite angustiore, margine
superiore acuto prope recto: pinnâ dorsali totâ multum ante medium
longitudinis sitâ; pinnis pectoralibus parvis, anali minutissimâ,
caudali distinctâ._
LONG. unc. 5. lin. 10.
FORM.—Very similar to the _S. Acus_, but the body rather more
compressed. The angles are the same, and the middle lateral ridges
of the trunk rise upwards in a similar manner to terminate behind
the dorsal fin. There are about seventy transverse shields or plates
in the whole length, eighteen of which lie between the gills and the
vent. Head much compressed about the gills, contained with the snout
about eight and a half times in the entire length. Crown nearly
flat, with very little of an occipital ridge; profile falling
obliquely, but not much out of a straight line; between the eyes a
slight hollow. Snout elongated, a trifle more than half the entire
length of the head, compressed, the upper edge sharp and nearly
horizontal in front of the nostrils, vertically much narrower than
the head.
The dorsal commences at one-third of the entire length, and occupies a
space about one-tenth of the same, terminating before the middle:
the number of rays is about forty or more. Vent about underneath the
seventh dorsal ray. Anal extremely minute, of only one or two rays.
Pectorals very small. Caudal distinct, much as in _S. Acus_.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Of a nearly uniform yellowish brown, paler
underneath.
Habitat, Valparaiso.
This species, taken by Mr. Darwin at Valparaiso, would seem to represent
in that quarter of the globe the _S. Acus_ of the European seas, which,
on the whole, it much resembles, though there are several slight
differences on a close comparison. It is a female specimen, being
without the abdominal pouch, and is probably not full-sized. The dorsal
fin being a little injured, and the rays very delicate as well as
close-set, it is hardly possible to tell the exact number. The anal
exists, but it is so extremely minute that it might easily be
overlooked.
2. SYNGNATHUS CONSPICILLATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXVII. fig. 4.
_S. griseus, fasciis transversis fuscis; genis albicantibus, vittis
duâbus angustis longitudinalibus nigro-fuscis: corpore crassiore,
subcylindrico, hexagono; caudâ quadrangulâ: vertice elevato; cristis
occipitali et nuchali distinctis: oculis magnis prominulis: fronte
declivi, in descensu sinnato: rostro brevi, gracillimo,
subcylindrico: pinnâ dorsali paulo ante medium longitudinis
desinenti: ano infra radium primum dorsalem sito: pinnis
pectoralibus parvis, anali minutissimâ; caudali distinctâ._
D. 31; A. 3?; C. 10; P. 14.
LONG. unc. 4. lin. 7.
FORM.—Body rather thick and somewhat cylindrical; the greatest
depth and thickness nearly equal, the former being about
one-twenty-seventh of the entire length. From the head to the
vent hexagonal, the middle lateral ridges terminating abruptly,
when opposite the commencement of the dorsal fin, without
inclining either upwards or downwards. Fifteen transverse plates
between the gills and the dorsal fin: only fifty-four in all,
the tail not tapering so much as in many other species. Head
much pinched in at the gills, but rather full and protuberant
about the cheeks: its length ten and a half times in the entire
length. Crown high and convex: a ridge commencing at the occiput
passes backward to the nape. Eyes large and full, with somewhat
of a spectacled appearance; their diameter equal to the whole
depth of that part of the head; the orbits rising in ridges
above them, with the intervening space concave. From between the
eyes the profile descends in a sinuous curve to the base of the
snout, which is short, slender, very narrow, and almost
cylindrical. The length of the snout is less than half the
entire length of the head; its breadth, vertically, only
one-third the depth of the same taken behind the eyes.
The dorsal commences beyond one-third of the entire length, occupies
one-ninth of the same, and terminates a little before the middle:
nearly even, and rather high, more than equalling the depth of the
body underneath. Vent about underneath the first ray, but almost in
advance of the dorsal fin altogether. Anal extremely minute.
Pectorals very small. Caudal rays distinct.
COLOUR.—Trunk greyish brown, with deep brown interrupted transverse
fasciæ. In front of the dorsal, the fasciæ terminate at the middle
lateral ridge, below which the sides are spotted. Dorsal fin also a
little spotted. Cheeks whitish, with two very distinct narrow
longitudinal vittæ extending backwards from the eyes to the
posterior part of the opercle.
Habitat, Tahiti.
A well-marked species, and apparently undescribed. The only specimen in
the collection is a female, and, like the last, perhaps not full-sized.
3. SYNGNATHUS CRINITUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXVII. fig. 5.
_S. griseus; ventre, et maculâ operculari, nigricantibus: corpore
crassiore, antice heptagono, postice quadrangulo, angulis acutis:
vertice parum elevato; cristis occipitali et nuchali distinctis:
rostro brevissimo, subcylindrico, capite angustiore, postice supra
carinato, apice subrecurvo: cirris duobus, minutis, filamentosis,
palpebralibus: pinnâ dorsali paulo ante medium longitudinis
desinente; ano infra initium ejus sito: pinnis pectoralibus et
caudali parvis; anali nullâ._
LONG. unc. 3. lin. 5.
FORM.—Body thickish, the greatest depth and thickness nearly equal,
the former about one-twenty-fifth of the whole length. From the head
to the vent heptangular; tail quadrangular: all the angles sharp and
distinctly marked. The middle lateral ridges in the heptangular
portion pass downwards at their extremities to terminate at the
vent. Sixteen transverse plates before the dorsal: only fifty-two in
the whole length. Head short, about one-eleventh of the entire
length, not more compressed than the body. Crown not much elevated,
but with distinct occipital and nuchal ridges. Orbits rising in
ridges above the eyes, the interocular space being hollowed out:
also a ridge commencing between the eyes, and passing forwards along
the base of the snout, but not reaching to its extremity. Snout
itself very short, its length only one-third the entire length of
the head, narrower than the head vertically, nearly cylindrical, the
tip slightly recurved. A few very short minute filamentous threads
scattered about the head, more particularly one over each eye.
Dorsal placed much as in the last species, and terminating a little
before the middle; the rays delicate and not easily counted, about
twenty. Vent beneath the commencement of the dorsal. No anal
distinguishable even under a lens. Pectorals very small. Caudal
moderately distinct.
COLOUR.—Grey: a spot on the gill-cover, and the belly, dusky. The
carinæ which form the edges of the under surface of the body are
darker still, and shew a fine dark line on each side extending to
the caudal.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca, Northern Patagonia.
Apparently another new species of this genus, taken by Mr. Darwin at
Bahia, and, like the last, well-marked; especially by the short
filaments above the eyes, which I am not aware occur in any other known
species.
PLECTOGNATHI.
FAMILY.—TETRODONTIDÆ.
1. DIODON NYCTHEMERUS. _Cuv._
Diodon nycthemerus, _Cuv._ Mém. du Mus. tom. iv. p. 135. pl. 7.
A species of _Diodon_ in Mr. Darwin’s collection, the number attached to
which has been lost, and of which the locality is in consequence
unknown, appears referable to the _D. nycthemerus_ of Cuvier.
The spines are long, measuring three quarters of an inch in length;
round, sharp, and not very close together. There are five in the front
row between the eyes, seven in a transverse row between the pectorals,
and ten or eleven between the snout and the dorsal in a longitudinal
one: none exactly on the upper part of the tail, but one on each side
of the base of it, a little below the termination of the dorsal fin,
and a corresponding pair still lower down. The spines on the belly are
shorter, and rather closer together than those on the back. One of
those on the back in this specimen is accidentally forked.
The true teeth appear on the surface of the jaws like minute scales,
as in several species of the genus _Scarus_.
The fin-ray formula is as follows:
D. 13; A. 13; C. 9; P. 20.
Length 5 inches 6 lines.
The colours, so far as can be judged, the specimen being in spirits and
not in very good condition, answer to Cuvier’s description of them with
tolerable exactness.
2. DIODON RIVULATUS. _Cuv._
Diodon rivulatus, _Cuv._ Mém. du Mus. tom. iv. p. 129. pl. 6.
An individual apparently of this species was picked up by Mr. Darwin on
the shore of the Rio Plata at Maldonado. It agrees with Cuvier’s
description, excepting that the undulating lines are not visible,
probably owing to the state of the specimen when found.
The spines are short, barely a quarter of an inch in length, but very
strong, compressed, and resembling canine teeth. There are three in
the first row between the eyes; about six in a transverse row across
the back, and seven or eight in a longitudinal one. Beneath they are
shorter and more numerous. The orbits are elevated in ridges, and
project forwards over the eyes. Two very small barbules attached to
the lower lip. Surface of the jaws smooth, the teeth not appearing as
scales.
D. 11; A. 10; C. 8; P. 22.
Length 5 inc. 3 lin.
As Cuvier observes, the _D. geometricus_ of Bl. and Schneid.[46]
approaches very closely this species, and I can hardly think it to be
distinct. Yet neither in Mr. Darwin’s specimen, which in all other
respects agrees exactly with Schneider’s figure, do I discern any
appearance of the hexagonal meshes on the surface of the body.
3. DIODON ANTENNATUS. _Cuv.?_
Diodon antennatus, _Cuv._ Mém. du Mus. tom. iv. p. 131. pl. 7.
A third species of _Diodon_, brought home by Mr. Darwin, and taken by
him at Bahia, in Brazil, is either the young of the _D. antennatus_ of
Cuvier, or else new; but the only individual in the collection is quite
small, and not more than an inch in length, excluding caudal. The fleshy
filaments above the eyes, which, according to Cuvier, so peculiarly
distinguish the _D. antennatus_, are very distinct,—but I see none on
the sides. The ground colour would seem darker than he describes, so as
to render the spots and markings on the upper parts not distinguishable
from it now, if they ever existed. In spirits it appears of a nearly
uniform deep brown red. The spines, or rather papillæ, are also shorter
than represented in his figure; but this may be only the effect of
immaturity.
According to Mr. Darwin, the colours when recent were as follows:—“Above
blackish brown, beneath spotted with yellow. Eye with the pupil dark
blue; iris yellow, mottled with black.” It is added:—“On the head four
soft projections; the upper ones longer, like the feelers of a snail.”
Mr. Darwin observes, “that the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, in this
species, are so close together that they act as one: these, as well as
the pectorals, are in a continued tremulous motion even when the fish is
otherwise motionless. The animal propels its body by using the posterior
fins in the same manner as a boat is sculled, that is, by moving them
rapidly from side to side with an oblique surface exposed to the water.
The pectoral fins have great play, which is necessary to enable the
animal to swim with its back downwards.”
Mr. Darwin made some further observations on the habits of this species,
which have already appeared in his “Journal,” to which I may refer the
reader.[47] The tendency of them is to explain the process by which the
water and air are absorbed, when the _Diodon_ distends itself into a
spherical form; and to show that the fish _can_ swim, when floating in
this state with its back downwards, which Cuvier doubted. He thinks that
the water is taken in partly for the sake of regulating its specific
gravity. He also notices a curious circumstance with respect to this
species, viz., “that it emitted from the skin of its belly, when
handled, a most beautiful carmine red and fibrous secretion, which
permanently stained ivory and paper.”
1. TETRODON AEROSTATICUS. _Jen._
_T. capite, dorso, lateribus, et pinnâ caudali, nigro-maculatis;
ventre turgidissimo, fasciis obliquis nigris: corpore undique
muricato, caudâ solum exceptâ: capite brevi; fronte inter oculos
paululum depresso: maxillis æqualibus: lineâ laterali nullâ: pinnâ
dorsali omnino ante analem positâ: pinnâ caudali subrotundatâ._
D. 11; A. 10; C. 10; P. 11.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 6.
FORM.—Head short. Body approaching to globular, with the skin of the
belly extremely loose and capable of great inflation; every where
beset with minute prickly asperities, the extreme end of the tail
alone excepted. Crown nearly flat, very slightly depressed between
the eyes. Jaws equally advanced. Nostrils tubular. No appearance of
any lateral line. Dorsal entirely in advance of the anal: both these
fins small. Caudal slightly rounded.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Head, back, and sides to the depth of the
pectorals, greyish brown, spotted with black; the spots very small
and crowded on the back, but becoming larger on the flanks and tail.
Belly white, with deep black oblique broad bands, inosculating in
some places, so as to form large meshes. Dorsal, anal, and
pectorals, plain; but the caudal very elegantly and distinctly
spotted.
The ticket attached to this specimen has been lost, and its locality is
in consequence unknown. In general appearance, it very much resembles
the _T. lineatus_ of Bloch, of which it may possibly be a variety; but
it would seem to differ from that species, in having the forehead less
elevated; in wanting the lateral line altogether, of which I can
discover no trace; and in having the whole back and upper part of the
sides spotted, and not merely the tail and its fin, as is represented in
the _T. lineatus_.
2. TETRODON IMPLUTUS. _Jen._
_T. sordidè metallico-olivaceus, maculis circularibus albis; ventre
albo, lineis olivaceis longitudinalibus, haud admodum turgido:
corpore suboblongo, magnâ ex parte lævissimo, ventre solum muricato:
maxillis subæqualibus: naribus tubulosis, bifurcatis: lineâ laterali
distinctâ, parum tortuosâ: pinnâ dorsali anali paulo anteriore:
pinnâ caudali æquali._
D. 10; A. 10; C. 11; P. 16.
LONG. unc. 4. lin. 9.
FORM.—Approaching to oblong, the belly a little ventricose. Head not
so short as in the last species, nor yet much produced. Body every
where smooth, excepting the middle of the abdomen from beneath the
pectorals to the vent, and not very prickly here. Top of the head
slightly depressed between the eyes. Jaws nearly equal; the upper
one, if any thing, a very little in advance. Nostrils tubular, the
tubes forked from the bottom into two equal branches. The lateral
line, which is very distinct, commences behind the mouth, whence it
passes under and partly encircles the eye, then arches upwards,
making a long sweep, and not descending till it gets above the anal,
whence it proceeds nearly along the middle towards the caudal, but
loses itself before attaining to that fin. Dorsal fin rather in
advance of the anal. Caudal square.
COLOUR.—“Dirty metallic olive-green, with white circular spots; belly
white, with streaks of the same colour as the back.”—D. The spots
extend on to the basal half of the caudal, but are smaller here than
on the body. A white annulus encircles each eye, and a similar one
is described round the base of each pectoral. The abdominal streaks
run very exactly parallel with the axis of the body, not obliquely
as in the last species.
Habitat, Keeling Islands, Indian Ocean.
I can find no species noticed by authors exactly corresponding with the
one described above, which was obtained by Mr. Darwin at the Keeling
Islands. The form is similar to that of the _T. Honckenii_ of
Rüppell,[48] but the colours appear different. On the other hand, the
markings resemble those of the _T. testudineus_ of Bloch, but that
species is rough all over.
3. TETRODON ANNULATUS. _Jen._
_T. dorso et lateribus nigro-fuscis, maculis circularibus atris; infra
niveus: corpore oblongo, haud admodum ventricoso, ubique sed parcè
muricato, rostro et caudâ exceptis: capite grandiusculo, spatio
interoculari lato, parum depresso: maxillis subæqualibus: naribus
cylindraceis, recumbentibus, aperturis duabus lateralibus: lineâ
laterali in capite tortuosissimâ: pinnâ dorsali vix anali anteriore:
pinnâ caudali æquali._
D. 8; A. 7; C. 9, &c.; P. 15.
LONG. unc. 9.
FORM.—Oblong: head rather large; the snout a little more produced than
in the last species. Moderately ventricose, and apparently capable
of a certain degree of inflation. No where perfectly smooth, except
on the snout, tail, and here and there on the flanks; nor very
rough, the prickles being minute and rather scattered, most apparent
on the back, nape, (whence they advance to quite between the eyes,)
and the middle of the abdomen. The interocular space is broad,
equalling two and a half diameters of the eye at least, and a little
hollowed out. Jaws nearly equal, the upper one perhaps a very little
in advance. Nostril in the form of a small recumbent cylinder, with
an opening at each extremity. Dorsal very little in advance of the
anal; the first ray in each of these fins very short. Caudal square.
The lateral line is very tortuous, especially about the head. It
commences at the bottom of the gill-cover, whence it ascends
vertically behind the eye towards the crown, then passes over the
eye towards the snout, descends again beneath the nostril to form a
great loop in front of the eye, almost reaching to the corners of
the mouth, whence it returns beneath the eye, and, crossing its
former course nearly at right angles, proceeds along the upper part
of the side, getting lower as it approaches beneath the dorsal, to
terminate at the caudal. There are also two short transverse lines;
one across the snout, connecting the loops; another across the nape,
connecting the two main lines after they have assumed the usual
direction.
COLOUR.—“Beneath snow white. Above dark brownish black, this colour
forming a series of broad oval rings, one within another; the outer
and largest ring includes nearly the entire surface of the back and
sides. The upper surface is, in addition, marked with round spots of
a darker shade. Pectoral and dorsal fins yellowish brown. Iris,
inner edge clouded with orange; pupil dark green-blue.”—D.—In its
present state, there is no indication of the rings noticed above.
The spots, which are small, and cover nearly the whole head, back,
and sides, appear also sparingly on the basal half of the caudal,
but not on any of the other fins.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin at Chatham Island, in the Galapagos
Archipelago. He observes in his notes that it makes a loud grating
noise. It is remarkable for the great tortuosity of the lateral line.
The form of the nostrils is also rather peculiar.
4. TETRODON ANGUSTICEPS. _Jen._
PLATE XXVIII.
_T. supra obscure viridis: capite oblongo, subcompresso, spatio
interoculari multum contracto: corpore infra ventricoso, ubique
lævissimo, duobus, in summo dorso, cirris cutaneis parvis adornato:
maxillis subæqualibus: naribus tubulosis, indivisis, aperturis
duâbus lateralibus: lineâ laterali in capite tortuosissimâ: pinnâ
dorsali omnino ante pinnam analem; caudali æquali._
D. 8; A. 7; C. 9; P. 15.
LONG. unc. 9. lin. 3.
FORM.—Rather more elongated than the last species; especially in
regard to the head, which is also more compressed upwards, reducing
the space between the eyes to a narrow channel, much hollowed out,
and not exceeding one diameter of the eye. Body inflatable, every
where quite smooth. Jaws nearly equal, the upper one perhaps a very
little in advance. Nostrils tubular, with two lateral apertures,
somewhat similar to those of the last species, but more elevated.
Lateral line similar, taking the same windings on the head. A little
behind the transverse line on the nape, and nearly above the
attachment of the pectoral, are two small skinny appendages: there
is also a very minute one on each side of the tail, but none
elsewhere. Dorsal wholly before the anal. Caudal square.
COLOUR.—“Above dull green: base of the pectorals and dorsal black; a
white patch beneath the pectorals.”—D.—The colours must have very
much altered from the action of the spirit, as it now appears of a
nearly uniform reddish brown, only paler beneath.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.
Another apparently undescribed species of this genus, taken by Mr.
Darwin at the same place as the last. He observes in his notes that it
is inflatable.
[Illustration:
_Fish. Pl. 28._
_W. Hawkins del._
]
_1. Tetrodon angusticeps._
_1a. ____ Dorsal View._
_Nat. Size._
FAMILY.—BALISTIDÆ.
1. BALISTES VETULA. _Bl._
Balistes Vetula, _Bloch_, Ichth. tab. 150.
———— _Duperrey_, (Voyage) Zoologie, p. 114, pl. 9. fig. 2.
FORM.—Body deep, subrhombic, very much compressed; the greatest depth
equalling half the entire length. Tail unarmed. Three or four larger
scales than the others behind the branchial orifice. Pelvic bone
projecting, prickly, connected with which is a fin consisting of
about nine pairs of short rays. Above this fin, and parallel to its
base, are two or three rows of short spines, but not much developed.
First dorsal of three spines, commencing above the pectoral; first
spine very strong and rough, the third not much smaller than the
second. Second dorsal, and anal, which answer to each other, nearly
even throughout, the anterior rays not being prolonged beyond the
others. The caudal is injured, and its exact form cannot be
determined. No lateral line.
D. 3—30; A. 27; C. 12; P. 14.
Length 1 inc. 10 lin.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Yellowish grey, becoming paler beneath. Three
or four dark transverse streaks across the head from eye to eye:
beneath the eye one or two indistinct streaks, passing off towards
the branchial orifice: also two very distinct longer ones commencing
on the upper part of the snout before the eyes, and passing
obliquely across the cheeks towards the roots of the pectorals,
parallel to those last mentioned. Besides the above, there are
several obliquely transverse interrupted lines on the sides of the
body: in one specimen, these lines are not well-defined; in another,
they are distinct, but so much interrupted as to have the appearance
of spots arranged in a linear series. Two or three transverse lines
encircling the tail; and some remains of longitudinal stripes on the
second dorsal and anal fins.
The above description is that of two very small specimens of a species
of _Balistes_ taken by Mr. Darwin in Lat. 14° 20′ South, Long. 38° 8′
West, about sixty-five miles from land. I have very little doubt of
their being the young of the _B. Vetula_ of Bloch. The only respects in
which they appear to differ from that species are the oblique lines on
the back being carried completely across the sides in the form of lines
of spots, and the anterior portions of the second dorsal and anal fins
not being prolonged in a point; but both these differences may be the
effect of immaturity.
2. BALISTES ACULEATUS. _Bl._
Balistes aculeatus, _Bloch_, Ichth. tab. 149.
———— _Benn._ in Zool. of Beechey’s Voy. p. 69. pl. 22. f. 2.
FORM.—Body deep, subrhombic. Tail armed with three rows of prickles,
eleven in the uppermost row, about nine or ten in the middle one,
and five or six in the lowermost. A few larger scales than the
others behind the branchial orifice. Pelvic bone very rough and
prickly, the spines that follow short, and not protruding much
beyond the skin. First spine in the dorsal very strong, aculeated at
the anterior edge, but not at the sides; no third spine in this fin.
Second dorsal and anal even. Caudal rounded.
D. 2—24; A. 21; C. 12; P. 13.
Length 2 inc. 3 lin.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. The ground colour has
probably been altered by the spirit, but the markings are still very
distinct, and accord tolerably with Bloch’s figure, except that the
oblique bands on the posterior part of the body, in front of and
above the anal, are darker; while they alternate with four white
ones, which are particularly conspicuous. Possibly these white bands
may have been originally blue, as the narrow stripes descending from
the eyes to the pectorals, which evidently were of that colour, are
nearly faded to a white. There is also a white stain on each side of
the tail, where the spines are, which appears to have been blue
originally: the spines themselves are deep shining black.
This specimen shows the black transverse bands between the eyes, and
the broad band passing from the eye to the pectoral, between the
narrow blue ones above alluded to, all represented by Bloch, but not
observed by Mr. Bennett in the specimen figured in the “Zoology of
Beechey’s Voyage.”
Habitat, Tahiti.
The above specimen was taken by Mr. Darwin at Tahiti. It is quite small,
and differs in some respects from the figures of Bloch and other
authors, but it is evidently referable to the _B. aculeatus_. The
species is probably subject to variation in respect of colouring.
1. ALEUTERES MACULOSUS. _Richards._
Aleuteres maculosus, _Richards._ in Proceed. of Zool. Soc. 1840. p. 28.
FORM.—Oval, somewhat approaching to fusiform behind, very much
compressed. The greatest depth one-third of the entire length. Skin
covered with little granular points, terminating in very minute
bristles, and communicating a slight roughness to the touch, when
the finger is passed from tail to head. Snout rather prominent and
acute: jaws equal. Dorsal spine springing from above the middle of
the orbit of the eye; strong, with four rows of sharp prickles at
the four angles, pointing downwards, and very regularly set: second
dorsal spine very minute. The second dorsal and anal fins have been
lost in this specimen, and their form and number of rays cannot be
determined. The pectorals are small, each with twelve rays. Caudal
rounded, also with twelve rays.
Length 5 inc. 4 lines.
COLOUR.—“Mottled with pale blackish-green, leaving white spots.”—D.—In
its present state, the skin is nearly gone from long maceration in
impure spirit: such portions as are left accord well with Dr.
Richardson’s description, appearing of a mouse-grey, with darker
mottlings. There are three or four rather indistinct dark asciæ
across the caudal.
Habitat, King George’s Sound.
I have scarcely any doubt of this being the _A. maculosus_ described by
Dr. Richardson, in his recently published notes on a collection of
fishes from Van Diemen’s Land. Mr. Darwin’s specimen, which is in bad
condition, was obtained by him in King George’s Sound.
2. ALEUTERES VELUTINUS. _Jen._
_A. pallide fuscescens, fasciis quatuor obscurioribus,
longitudinalibus, indistinctis; pinnis pallide aurantiis: corpore
oblongo-ovali elongato; cute delicate hispidâ, scabrâ: rostro
producto, apice obtuso: spinâ dorsali aculeis lateralibus deflexis,
uniseriatis: pinnis dorsali secundâ et anali multum ante caudalem
desinentibus._
D. 2—33; A. 31; C. 12; P. 13 vol 14.
LONG. unc. 8.
FORM.—Elongated, approaching to oblong-oval, the tail rather slender.
Greatest depth exactly one-fourth of the entire length, and
equalling the length of the head, this last being measured to the
upper angle of the oblique branchial orifice. Back slightly arched,
the curvature rather exceeding that of the belly. Profile in front
of the dorsal spine falling very gradually, and not much out of the
rectilineal. Snout considerably produced, but blunt at the
extremity. Mouth small; jaws equal; teeth strong, and very sharp.
Eyes round, placed exactly above the branchial orifice. The grains
on the skin are coarser than in the _A. maculosus_, and the bristles
springing from them longer and more developed, especially on the
posterior part of the body, communicating a harsher feel to the
touch: these bristles are slightly hooked at their extremities, the
tips being turned towards the tail.
Dorsal spine strong, situate above the posterior part of the orbit,
with only two principal rows of prickles, one on each of the two
lateral edges; anteriorly granulated at bottom, with a few
rudimentary prickles towards the apex, but posteriorly almost quite
smooth. Second spine very minute. The distance from the first spine
to the commencement of the second dorsal fin equals twice the length
of that spine. The anal commences under the fifth dorsal ray, and
ends nearly in a line with the termination of that fin, but extends
a trifle further. Both fins fall short of the caudal by a
considerable space. Pectorals rather small. The caudal is worn at
the end, but appears to have been either square or slightly rounded.
COLOUR.—“Very pale brown: fins pale orange.”—D.
A _second specimen_ is smaller than the above, measuring six inches
and three quarters in length. It is exactly similar in respect to
form, and general colour; but the sides are marked with four
tolerably distinct longitudinal bands, extending from the branchial
orifice to the caudal, rather darker than the ground on which they
are traced. There is very little indication of these bands in the
first specimen.
Habitat, King George’s Sound.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin in King George’s Sound, and appears
to be new. It has some points of resemblance with the _Balistes Ayraud_
of Quoy and Gaimard, but in that the dorsal fin is said to extend to the
caudal,[49] which is far from being the case here. I have named it
_velutinus_, in respect of the minute bristles which cover the skin,
somewhat resembling the pile of velvet.
OSTRACION PUNCTATUS. _Schn._
L’Ostracion pointillé, _Lacép._ Hist. Nat. des Poiss. tom. i. p. 455.
pl. 21. fig. 1.
Ostracion punctatus, _Schneid._ Syst. Ichth. p. 501.
———— Meleagris, _Shaw_, Nat. Misc. pl. 253.
This well-marked species of Ostracion, first described by Lacépède from
Commerson’s MSS., and afterwards figured by Shaw, in his “Naturalist’s
Miscellany,” under the name of _O. Meleagris_, was obtained by Mr.
Darwin at Tahiti, where it had been previously observed by Captain Cook.
There are two specimens in the collection, both exactly similar, and of
the same size, measuring a trifle more than three inches and a half in
length. They also accord well with Shaw’s figure. Lacépède, in his
description, speaks of the anal fin as being more extended than the
dorsal, and as having eleven rays; but in both Mr. Darwin’s specimens, I
find the number of rays in these two fins the same. The formula is as
follows:
D. 9; A. 9; C. 8; P. 10.
Schneider has noticed this species twice; first under the name of
_lentiginosus_, and again under that of _punctatus_.
CYCLOSTOMI.
FAMILY.—PETROMYZONIDÆ.
MYXINE AUSTRALIS. _Jen._
FORM.—Scarcely differing from the _M. glutinosa_, but apparently
rather more slender in proportion to its length. Mouth and cirriform
appendages the same. Branchial orifices two, very near together,
placed beneath, at a little beyond one-fourth of the entire length.
A very conspicuous row of pores along each side of the abdomen. The
tail seems somewhat sharper than in the _M. glutinosa_, and the rays
of the low fin which turns round its extremity rather more distinct.
Vent distant from the end of the tail rather less than one-eighth of
the entire length.
Length 11 inc. 6 lin.
COLOUR.—“Above coloured like an earth-worm, but more leaden; beneath
yellowish; head purplish.”—D.
Habitat, Tierra del Fuego.
Mr. Darwin obtained this species by hook amongst the kelp, in Goree
Sound, and other parts of Tierra del Fuego, where he observes it is
abundant amongst the rocky islets. Its extreme southern locality would
suggest the idea of its being distinct from the _M. glutinosa_ of the
northern seas; yet the differences between the two, upon comparison, are
very slight, and, if it really be so, as I have ventured to consider it,
it requires an examination of more specimens to lay down its exact
specific character.
Mr. Darwin has made some interesting remarks on the habits of this fish.
He observes that it is “very vivacious, and retained its life for a long
time; that it had great powers of twisting itself, and could swim tail
first. When irritated, it struck at any object with its teeth; and by
protruding them, in its manner, much resembled an adder striking with
its fangs. It vomited up a _Sipunculus_ when caught.” He adds, that he
“observed a milky fluid transuding through the row of lateral pores.”
APPENDIX.
The following Appendix contains descriptions of a few species, which
were omitted to be noticed in their proper places; and further remarks
with respect to some, which will be found in the body of the work.
FAMILY.—PERCIDÆ.
1. APHRITIS UNDULATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXIX. fig. 1.
_A. elongatus: lateribus supra pallide olivaceis, fasciis transversis
abbreviatis, lineisque longitudinaliter undantibus, nigris;
lateribus infra argenteis: pinnis dorsalibus et caudali punctatis;
pinnis, reliquis, et lineâ laterali, albidis._
B. 6; D. 8—25; A. 1/22; C. 14, et 6 brevioribus; P. 22; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 3. lin. 1.
FORM.—Elongated; the depth about one-sixth of the entire length; the
thickness two-thirds of the depth. depth. Head four and a half times
in the length. Profile falling very gradually at first, but more
rapidly in advance of the eyes, causing the snout to appear rather
obtuse. Mouth small: maxillary slender, hardly reaching to a
vertical line from the anterior margin of the orbit: upper jaw
slightly longer than the lower, and very protractile. Teeth very
minute, forming a narrow velutine band: a patch on the chevron of
the vomer scarcely visible, but capable of being very distinctly
felt; none apparent on the palatines. Eye one-fourth the length of
the head, and distant one diameter from the end of the snout; the
interocular space rather less than the diameter. Snout slightly
indented, or furrowed out in front of the eyes. A series of
impressions on the lower jaw, and along the limb of the preopercle,
but much less obvious than in the next species, and not distinctly
porous. Preopercle with the ascending margin vertical, the angle at
bottom rounded; the limb broad and distinctly marked, with the
boundary line between it and the cheek slightly elevated into a
ridge. The opercle, with its membrane, produced backwards in an
angle, the subopercle being visible beneath. The branchial membrane
six-rayed, and fastened to the isthmus underneath, the aperture
commencing beneath the ascending margin of the preopercle.
[Illustration:
_Fish Pl. 29 Appendix._
_Waterhouse Hawkins del._
]
_1. Aphritis undulatus._ _Nat. Size._
_2. Iluocœtes fimbriatus._ „
_2a. „ Magnified View of Teeth._ „
_3. Phucocœtes latitans._ „
_3a. „ „ Teeth._ „
Lateral line commencing at the upper angle of the gill-opening, and
following the curvature of the back at one-fourth of the depth, and
preserving this direction throughout its course, not falling to the
middle before losing itself in the caudal. Scales small, covering
the whole head and body, except the snout in front of the eyes, the
jaws, and the limb of the preopercle. The free portion of each scale
marked with several small concentric circles, the free edge finely
ciliated: the basal portion with a fan of seven striæ, and the
spaces between these deeper striæ with minuter striæ running
transversely: the basal margin cut square.
Pectorals attached rather low down, and a little posterior to the
terminating angle of the opercle; their length about three-fourths
that of the head: the fourth to the eighth rays longest; the first
ray only half the length of the second; the first two, and the last
three or four, simple; the rest branched. Ventrals about four-fifths
the length of the pectorals, and in advance of those fins by nearly
half their own length; their spine very distinct. First dorsal
short, commencing immediately above the insertion of the pectoral:
all the spines very slender, with the intervening membrane delicate;
the second longest, equalling about half the depth; the third and
following ones gradually decreasing. Second dorsal long, separated
from the first by a very small interval, and occupying a space just
equal to the distance between its commencement and the end of the
snout: the rays gradually decreasing in length from the anterior
ones, which equal three-fourths of the depth; all simple, or if
branched, only so at their extreme tips. The interval between the
second dorsal and the caudal contained eight and a half times in the
entire length. Anal commencing under the sixth ray of the second
dorsal, or exactly at the middle point of the entire length, caudal
excluded; extending a trifle beyond the second dorsal, but in other
respects answering to that fin. Caudal square when spread, but very
slightly notched when the rays are close; contained six and a half
times in the entire length; the principal rays branched.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Back and upper half of the sides pale
olivaceous, with about seven or eight abbreviated, transverse, dusky
fasciæ; beneath these are two irregular lines undulating
longitudinally in a zig-zag manner, and having rather a tendency to
meet at the angles, so as to form a connected longitudinal chain of
diamond-shaped links. Lower portion of the sides and abdomen
silvery. Tubal pores of the lateral line white, making this line
very evident. Dorsal and caudal fins speckled with small dusky spots
and points. Pectorals, ventrals, and anal, quite plain, and whitish.
A _second specimen_ in the collection exactly resembles the above,
except in being not quite so large, and in having a ray less in each
of the two dorsal fins.
Habitat, Chonos Archipelago, W. coast of S. America.
The genus _Aphritis_ was first established by M. Valenciennes, in the
appendix to the eighth volume of the “Histoire des Poissons,” for the
reception of a small Percoid fish obtained by MM. Quoy and Gaimard in
Van Dieman’s Land, inhabiting fresh-water. The species above described,
which was taken by Mr. Darwin in Lowe’s Harbour, South of Chiloe,
appears to be referable to the same genus. It differs, however, in many
respects from the _A. Urvillii_, the only one which Valenciennes has
noticed. The relative situation of the first dorsal with respect to the
pectorals, and of the anal with respect to the second dorsal, is
different: there are fewer rays in the anal, and more in the second
dorsal: the upper, instead of the lower jaw, as represented in
Valenciennes’s figure, is rather the longest; neither can I discern any
teeth on the palatines, though there is a patch of very minute ones in
front of the vomer.
That this species really belongs to _Aphritis_, would seem indicated not
merely by the aggregate of its external characters, but by the internal
structure also, which was examined in one of the two specimens brought
home by Mr. Darwin, and found conformable to what is stated by
Valenciennes, in this respect, of the _A. Urvillii_. The stomach is
large, with four very distinct cœcal appendages, and there is no
air-bladder.
The _A. undulatus_, which I have so named in reference to the undulating
longitudinal lines on the sides, is very Cypriniform in general
appearance, and not altogether unlike the common minnow, _Cyprinus
Phoxinus_.
2. APHRITIS POROSUS. _Jen._
_A. brevior: pallide olivaceus, lateribus fasciis transversis
obsoletis nigricantibus; pinnis omnibus brunneis: maxillâ inferiore,
et limbo preoperculi, poris conspicuis circiter novem,
suborbitalibus circiter quinque, seriatim dispositis._
D. 8—25; A. 1/22; C. 14, &c.; P. 23; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 2. lin. 5.
FORM.—Not so much elongated as the last species: the depth rather more
than one-sixth of the entire length, and the head only four times in
the same. Also distinguished by a row of large mucous pores on the
lower jaw, passing upwards posteriorly, and continued along the limb
of the preopercle: the number of these pores on each side is nine or
ten: a row of similar pores, amounting to about five, passes
backwards from a little above the end of the maxillary beneath each
eye. In other respects, the form is similar to that of the last
species, excepting that the interval between the second dorsal and
the caudal is only one-eighth of the entire length, in consequence
of the body being less elongated.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Back and upper half of the sides, olivaceous
brown; beneath silvery. No very obvious markings; but traces may be
seen of six or seven transverse dusky fasciæ, reaching from the back
to a little beneath the lateral line, which were probably more
distinct in the recent state. All the fins brownish; the dorsal a
little powdered with dusky specks. The fourth and fifth rays of the
ventrals are white, and appear to have been always of a different
colour from the rest of the fin.
Habitat, Coast of Patagonia.
This appears to be another new species of _Aphritis_, taken by Mr.
Darwin on mud-banks, in Port Desire, central Patagonia. It is very
closely allied to the _A. undulatus_, but, I conceive, certainly
distinct. There is but one specimen in the collection.
FAMILY.—SCORPÆNIDÆ.
APISTUS ——?
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains a species of this genus procured in
King George’s Sound, New Holland, which, from the bad state of
preservation of the specimen, it is scarcely possible to identify with
certainty. Possibly it may be new, as it does not seem to accord very
exactly with any of those described in the “Histoire des Poissons;” but
I shall not consider it such, nor do more than point out a few of its
more obvious characters.
It is not determinable, whether it was originally one of the naked
species of this genus, or whether the scales have been rubbed off, but
probably the former. The suborbital and preopercular spines are
strong, and considerably developed: the former reaches back further
than the maxillary, and nearly to the posterior part of the orbit, and
has another very small spine at its base. The lower jaw advances
beyond the upper. The head is about one-third of the entire length.
The eyes are large, their diameter being contained about three and a
half times in the length of the head. The dorsal commences in a line
with the ascending margin of the preopercle. The first spine is half
the length of the second; the second is a little shorter than the
third, which is longest, and equals two-thirds of the depth of the
body; the fourth and succeeding ones decrease very gradually; the soft
portion of this fin is a little higher than the hinder part of the
spinous. The first anal spine is rather more than half the length of
the second, which is the strongest of the three, though not much
longer than the third. The pectorals are rather pointed, and a little
shorter than the head. The ventrals are attached a little behind the
pectorals, and are not very much shorter than those fins.
The following is the fin-ray formula:
D. 13/9; A. 3/6; C. 11, &c.; P. 11; V. 1/5.
Length 4 inches 6 lines.
The species to which this approaches nearest would seem to be the _A.
niger_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes; but there is no appearance of the
small elevations on the skin resembling hairs, which those authors
mention in their description of this last, and, on the whole, I am
inclined to consider it as distinct.
AGRIOPUS HISPIDUS. p. 38.
Notwithstanding what I have advanced in regard to this species, further
consideration has inclined me to suspect, that it may prove ultimately
only the young of the _A. Peruvianus_. In that case, however, it would
appear that the absence of vomerine teeth can only be assigned as a
character of this genus in the adult state.
FAMILY.—SCIÆNIDÆ.
OTOLITHUS ANALIS. _Jen._
This new species of _Otolithus_ is from Callao: it was omitted to be
noticed in the body of the work. There is but one specimen in the
collection, in bad condition, and not admitting of a very detailed
description: but it is evidently distinct from all the species described
by Cuvier and Valenciennes.
It is rather more elongated than the _O. Guatucupa_, the depth being
not much more than one-fifth of the entire length. The head is long,
and contained three and a half times in the same. The lower jaw is
considerably the longest. The teeth above are small, and
sharp-pointed, apparently in two rows, the outer row being a little
stronger than the inner: there are two very strong canines in front,
springing from between the rows. Below, the teeth are in two rows in
front, and one at the sides; those in front small, but those at the
sides unequally sized, three or four, standing at intervals, being
much stronger than the others, and very sharp. Diameter of the eye
about one-sixth the length of the head; its distance from the end of
the snout one diameter and a half.
The lateral line is continued to the extremity of the caudal, between
the ninth and tenth rays. There is a small interval between the two
dorsal fins. The second dorsal, as well as the anal, are longer than
in the _O. Guatucupa_, with more soft rays, especially the anal. The
pectorals are narrow and pointed, and between one-half and two-thirds
the length of the head. The ventrals are attached almost exactly
beneath the pectorals. The caudal appears to have been square.
D. 9—1/24; A. 1/16; P. 17; V. 1/5.
Length 12 inches.
COLOUR.—The colours were not noticed when recent, and can hardly be
judged of now. The general tint appears to have been silvery. If
there were any markings, no traces of them remain.
Habitat, Callao, Peru.
This species has a longer anal than any of the American species
described by Cuvier and Valenciennes. I have in consequence named it
_analis_.
PRIONODES FASCIATUS. p. 47.
It has been suggested that this may be nothing more than a monstrosity.
Whether this be really the fact or not, can only be determined by the
examination of more specimens. But in either case, I am so satisfied now
of its being a _Serranus_ in all its essential characters, that I
conceive it never can be placed in a different family from that genus.
If the fact be established of its never possessing vomerine and palatine
teeth, such a character can, at the very utmost, serve only to
distinguish it as a subgenus in that group. But every day is bringing
more and more to light the small value of that character.
STEGASTES IMBRICATUS. p. 63.
I am informed by Mr. Lowe, of Madeira, that this is the same as the
_Glyphisodon luridus_ of Cuvier and Valenciennes.[50] Their
description is so short, that I failed to recognize it; and I was
induced to consider it as a new genus from the circumstance of its
possessing vomerine teeth. Whether these teeth exist in any other
species, or have only been presumed absent in all, because not found
in some, I am not aware. But here again we see how little such a
character is to be depended upon.
FAMILY.—BLENNIDÆ.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains two new forms from South America,
closely allied to each other, yet forming distinct genera, and which
will not enter into any of those described by authors. At first it was
conceived that they were Malacopterygian fishes, more especially from
their having all the rays in the dorsal and anal fins articulated; and
to belong to the Apodal division of that group, from their being
supposed to be without ventrals; but, on a closer inspection, the
ventrals, which are very small, were found to have been overlooked, and
it was evident altogether that the true place of these fishes in the
system was amongst the _Blennidæ_. The mention of this circumstance will
explain why they were omitted to be noticed in their proper place.
These two genera, so far as can be judged from the situations in which
Mr. Darwin obtained them, have the same habits as the Blennies, lurking
under stones and weeds; and I propose to give them respectively the
names of _Iluocœtes_ and _Phucocœtes_.
GENUS.—ILUOCŒTES.[51] _Jen._
_Corpus elongatum, antice subcylindricum, postice compressum,
ensiforme, læve, nudum, alepidotum. Rostrum breve, obtusum,
rotundatum, ultrà maxillam inferiorem productum. Dentes acuti,
subconici, in utrâque maxillâ uniseriati: supra canini duo fortes,
curvati, antici, et præ serie exstantes: in vomere dentes pauci
acuti aggregati; in utroque palatino uniseriati. Lingua lævis. Oculi
grandes, prominuli. Apertura branchialis mediocriter fissa, membranâ
quinque-radiatâ. Maxillæ, os suborbitale, et præoperculum, tubiporis
cutaneis brevibus ad margines fimbriatæ. Pinnæ ventrales jugulares,
minutæ, gracilissimæ, triradiatæ. Pinnæ dorsalis et analis prælongæ,
caudali coalescentes, radiis omnibus articulatis._
If I am right in placing this new genus amongst the _Blennidæ_, it will
evidently take its place next to _Zoarces_, to which it is more nearly
allied than to any other group in that family. It agrees especially with
_Zoarces_, not only in general form, but in having all the dorsal and
anal rays articulated, (excepting one in the dorsal, which possibly may
be an accident in the only specimen examined,) and in having the ventral
fins extremely small. On the other hand, it departs from that genus, in
having the body entirely naked, and free from scales; in the two
remarkable canines in front of the upper jaw, and in having teeth on the
palate; also in having no notch at the posterior part of the dorsal. It
is further remarkable for its large prominent eyes, and the rows of
tubipores on the cheeks. Amongst the true Malacopterygians, it
approaches nearest to _Ophidium_, and, but for the circumstance of its
possessing ventrals, it might perhaps be ranged under that genus. It is,
however, evidently a connecting link between the _Apodal
Malacopterygians_ and the _Blennidæ_.
Like the Blennies, this genus has neither cæcal appendages nor
air-bladder. The intestinal canal is rather ample, with a few coils, but
of tolerably equal dimensions throughout.
There is but one species of this new genus in the collection, which is
from the Archipelago of Chiloe. The detailed description of it is as
follows:—
ILUOCŒTES FIMBRIATUS. _Jen._
PLATE XXIX. Fig. 2.
FORM.—Very much elongated, subcylindric anteriorly, compressed and
ensiform behind. Greatest depth in the region of the pectorals, and
about one-tenth of the entire length. Head, measured to the extreme
point of the gill-cover, five and a half times in the same. The head
is rather larger than any part of the body, its depth and thickness
being equal, and each a trifle less than the depth of the body.
Crown and forehead a little flattened, whence the profile descends
in a curve before the eyes. Snout blunt and rounded, projecting,
both in front and at the sides, beyond the lower jaw. Gape wide, and
reaching to beneath the middle of the eye. Intermaxillary somewhat
protractile at the sides, but not in front; shorter than the
maxillary, with a considerable intervention of membrane between the
extremities of the two bones, which are not united posteriorly,
excepting by the membrane just mentioned. Maxillary long, rather
slender, of nearly uniform breadth and thickness throughout,
retiring in part beneath the suborbital, and reaching backwards to a
vertical from the posterior part of the orbit. Intermaxillary with a
single row of small, pointed, subconical, slightly curved teeth; in
front of these, and quite at the anterior extremity of the jaw, two
strong, hooked, regular canines:[52] the teeth in the row rather
wide asunder, and set a little irregularly, about thirty in number.
In the lower jaw, teeth few in number, scarcely more than eight or
ten in front, rather stronger than the intermaxillary series,
followed by a moderate canine on each side, these last smaller than
the ones above: at the sides of the lower jaw, beyond the canines,
scarcely more than one or two small teeth (possibly others are
fallen). A small cluster of three or four teeth on the fore part of
the vomer, like those in front of the lower jaw, and a row on each
palatine. Pharynx also armed with strong teeth; but the tongue,
which is free at the tip, and rounded, smooth. Eyes large and
prominent, and elevated rather above the line of the profile: their
diameter one-fourth the length of the head; their distance from the
end of the snout one diameter; the interocular space reduced to a
narrow channel, and scarcely equalling half a diameter.
Opercle of a triangular form; subopercle lanceolate, projecting
further than the opercle, and passing upwards and backwards to form
the terminating angle of the gill-cover. Gill-opening of very
moderate extent; the branchial membrane fastened down underneath,
with five rays. Skin smooth and naked, loose, and probably very
mucous in the living fish. Apparently no lateral line. The edges of
both jaws curiously fringed each with a row of tubipores, or
cutaneous appendages in the form of tubes, having pores at their
terminal extremities for the exudation of mucus. The row on the
upper jaw is continued along the margin of the suborbital on to the
cheek; that on the lower is carried upwards to form an edging to the
preopercle. There is also one of these tubipores at each nostril,
another behind each eye, and a third on each side of the nape.
The dorsal commences above the terminating angle of the gill-cover,
and extends the whole length of the body: its height nearly uniform
throughout, equalling half the depth: the rays slender; all
articulated, except the third, which is spinous, and shorter than
those which precede and follow it; mostly simple, but some of the
posterior ones slightly divided at their tips. Vent situate beneath
the termination of the first quarter of the dorsal. The anal begins
immediately behind it, and, like the dorsal, is carried on to the
end of the body, to unite with it in forming a pointed caudal; all
the rays soft and delicate. Pectorals rather pointed, with the
middle rays longest, and about two-thirds the length of the head.
Ventrals very minute and narrow, of only three rays, and appearing
like one filament, about one-third the length of the pectorals;
attached in front of the pectorals, and nearly in a line with the
gill-opening.
B. 5; D. about 80; A. about 60; C. about 15; P. 16; V. 3.
Length 5 inc. 9 lin.
COLOUR.—Not noticed in the recent state. In spirits it is nearly
colourless, with the exception of a dark bluish line along the base
of the dorsal; upper part of the head, and nape, also stained with
the same dark tint.
Habitat, Archipelago of Chiloe.
This species was taken by Mr. Darwin under stones. There is but one
specimen in the collection, and it would be very desirable to see
others, in order to ascertain whether the circumstance of the _third_
dorsal ray _alone_ being spinous, (those that precede as well as follow
being articulated), is merely accidental in the one above described, or
really characteristic of the species. If the latter, it is an anomaly,—a
single spine thus occurring in the middle of a soft fin,—of which I know
no other example.
GENUS.—PHUCOCŒTES.[53] _Jen._
_Corpus elongatum, compressum, nudum, alepidotum, porosissimum.
Rostrum breve, obtusum. Dentes acuti, subconici, in maxillâ
superiore uniseriati, in inferiore bi-vel tri-seriati; supra canini
duo fortiores, antici, et præ serie exstantes: in vomere dentes duo
vel tres acuti, quorum unus fortis; in utroque palatino uniseriati.
Lingua lævis. Oculi parvi. Apertura branchialis arctissima, membranâ
sex-radiatâ. Maxillarum margines poris conspicuis longitudinaliter
dispositis, simplicibus, haud in tubos productis. Pinnæ ventrales,
dorsalis et analis, ut in genere præcedenti._
This genus differs from _Iluocœtes_, in having the head and eyes
smaller, the snout scarcely at all produced, the teeth in front of the
lower jaw in two or three rows, and especially in the contracted
gill-opening, which is reduced to a small hole, relatively not much
larger than in the Eels, and in the branchial membrane having six rays.
It wants also the tubal cutaneous appendages on the jaws and cheeks, in
the place of which are rows of simple pores. It may be added that the
whole skin is every where studded with pores; smaller, however, than
those which form the maxillary series. The fins are similar, including
the minute ventrals; but the tail and caudal are more rounded, and the
membrane investing the rays of the dorsal and anal is more fleshy, so as
hardly to allow of the rays being counted.
This genus is yet more eel-like, and more malacopterygian in general
appearance than the last, serving to make the passage from the
_Blennidæ_ to the apodal division of the soft-finned fishes, still more
gradual and evident. Mr. Darwin obtained it at the Falkland Islands.
There is but one species in the collection referable to it.
PHUCOCŒTES LATITANS. _Jen._
PLATE XXIX. Fig. 3.
FORM.—Still more elongated than the _Iluocœtes fimbriatus_, but not
tapering so much to a point posteriorly, the tail being blunter and
more rounded. Greatest depth about one-eleventh of the entire
length: head one-seventh. Head more compressed, its thickness being
only three-fourths of its depth. Nape rather more elevated, and the
profile more sloping, its descent commencing at a more backward
point. Snout equally short and rounded, but much less projecting
over the lower jaw. Gape, intermaxillary, and maxillary, similar:
also the teeth; only the pair of canines above, standing in front of
the series, are smaller; and below, the teeth in front are in two or
more rows. On the fore part of the vomer is one strong tooth, and
apparently one or two other smaller teeth with it; on each palatine
a row, one or two of the anterior ones being stronger than the
others. Eyes very much smaller; their diameter scarcely more than
one-seventh the length of the head; not sufficiently high in the
cheeks to cut the line of the profile: interocular space slightly
convex.
Pieces of the gill-cover on the whole similar, but the branchial
aperture much smaller, the fissure not descending below the level of
the upper part of the pectoral: branchial membrane with six rays.
Skin quite naked, and thickly studded all over with mucous pores.
Also some very large and conspicuous pores in rows on the jaws and
cheeks, but not elevated into cutaneous tubes, excepting the
nostrils, which are tubular.
Dorsal and anal with all the rays articulated, and the greater part of
them simple, but some toward the tail a little branched at their
tips. Caudal not so pointed as in _Iluocœtes_. Pectorals and
ventrals similar, but the latter a trifle longer and broader in
proportion.
Length 4 inc. 7 lines.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._)—Brown, with the jaws, under part of the head,
and lower half of the cheeks, whitish; also a whitish fascia
extending longitudinally from behind each eye to the upper angle of
the opercle.
_A second specimen_ in the collection is smaller than the above,
measuring only two inches and a half in length. It is in bad
condition, but does not appear to differ, except in having the
anterior canines above but very little developed.
Habitat, Falkland Islands.
Both individuals of this species were taken by Mr. Darwin in the
Falkland Islands. “Caught amongst kelp.”—D.
ERRATA.
Page 6, line 2, from the bottom, for _versus apicem_ read _apicem
versus_.
9, — 7, ——, for _versum angulum_ read _angulum versus_.
13, — 4, ——, for _ciliatis_ read _ciliatæ_.
18, — 17, from the top, for _duobus_ read _duabus_.
INDEX.
Acanthoclinus fuscus, Page 92, Pl. XVIII. f. 2.
Acanthurus humeralis, 76
—— triostegus, 75
Achirus lineatus, 139
Agriopus hispidus, 38, 163, Pl. VII. f. 2.
Aleuteres maculosus, 156
—— velutinus, 157
Alosa pectinata, 135, Pl. XXV.
Anguilla australis, 142
Aphritis porosus, 162
—— undulatus, 160, Pl. XXIX. f. 1.
Apistus ——?, 163
Aplochiton tæniatus, 132, Pl. XXIV. f. 2.
—— zebra, 131, Pl. XXIV. f. 1.
Aplodactylus punctatus, 15
Arripis Georgianus, 14
Aspidophorus Chiloensis, 30, Pl. VII. f. 1.
Atherina argentinensis, 77
—— incisa, 79, Pl. XVI. f. 2.
—— microlepidota, 78, Pl. XVI. f. 1.
Balistes aculeatus, 155
—— Vetula, 155
Batrachus porosissimus, 99
Blennechis fasciatus, 84, Pl. XVII. f. 1.
—— ornatus, 85, Pl. XVII. f. 2.
Blennius palmicornis, 83
Callichthys paleatus, 113
Caranx declivis, 68, Pl. XIV.
—— Georgianus, 71
—— torvus, 69, Pl. XV.
Chætodon setifer, 61
Cheilio ramosus, 102
Chromis facetus, 104
Chrysophrys taurina, 56, Pl. XII.
Clinus crinitus, Page 90, Pl. XVIII. f. 1.
Clupea arcuata, 134
—— Fuegensis, 133
—— sagax, 134
Conger punctus, 143
Corvina adusta, 42
Cossyphus Darwini, 100 Pl. XX.
Dajaus Diemensis, 82
Diacope marginata, 12
Diodon antennatus, 151
—— nycthemerus, 150
—— rivulatus, 150
Dules Auriga, 16
—— Leuciscus, 17
Echeneis Remora, 142
Eleotris gobioides, 98
Engranlis ringens, 136
Exocœtus exsiliens, 122
Gerres Gula, 58
—— Oyena, 59
Gobiesox marmoratus, 140, Pl. XXVII. f. 1
—— pœcilophthalmos, 141, Pl. XXVII. f. 2.
Gobius lineatus, 95, Pl. XIX. f. 2.
—— ophicephalus, 97, Pl. XIX. f. 3.
Heliases Crusma, 54
Helotes octolineatus, 18
Hippoglossus Kingii, 138, Pl. XXVI.
Hydrocyon Hepsetus, 128
Iluocœtes fimbriatus, 166, Pl. XXIX. f. 2.
Latilus jugularis, 51
Latilus princeps, Page 52, Pl. XI.
Lebias lineata, 116, Pl. XXII. f. 2.
—— multidentata, 117, Pl. XXII. f. 3.
Mesites alpinus, 121
—— attenuatus, 121, Pl. XXII. f. 5.
—— maculatus, 119, Pl. XXII. f. 4.
Mugil Liza, 80
—— —?, 81
Muræna lentiginosa, 143
—— ocellata, 145
—— ——?, 145
—— ——?, 146
Myxine australis, 159
Ostracion punctatus, 158
Otolithus analis, 164
—— guatucupa, 41
Paropsis signata, 66, Pl. XIII.
Perca lævis, 1, Pl. I.
Percophis Brasilianus, 23
Phucocœtes latitans, 168, Pl. XXIX. f. 3.
Pimelodus exsudans, 111
—— gracilis, 110
Pinguipes Chilensis, 22
—— fasciatus, 20, Pl. V.
Plagusia ——?, 140
Platessa Orbignyana, 137
—— ——?, 138
Platycephalus inops, 33
Plectropoma Patachonica, 11
Pœcilia decem-maculata, 115, Pl. XXII. f. 1.
—— unimaculata, 114
Prionodes fasciatus, 47, 164, Pl. IX. f. 1.
Prionotus Miles, 29, Pl. VI.
—— punctatus, 28
Pristipoma cantharinum, 49, Pl. X.
Psenes ——?, 73
Rhombus ——?, Page 139
Salarias atlanticus, 86
—— vomerinus, 88, Pl. XVII. f. 3.
—— quadricornis, 87
Scarus chlorodon, 105, Pl. XXI.
—— globiceps, 106
—— lepidus, 108
—— ——?, 109
Scorpæna Histrio, 35, Pl. VIII.
Sebastes oculata, 37
Seriola bipinnulata, 72
Serranus albo-maculatus, 3, Pl. II.
—— aspersus, 6
—— Goreensis, 5
—— labriformis, 8, Pl. III.
—— olfax, 9, Pl. IV.
Stegastes imbricatus, 63, 165, Pl. IX. f. 2.
Stromateus maculatus, 74
Syngnathus acicularis, 147, Pl. XXVII. f. 3.
—— conspicillatus, 147, Pl. XXVII. f. 4.
—— crinitus, 148, Pl. XXVII. f. 5.
Tetragonopterus Abramis, 123, Pl. XXIII. f. 1.
—— interruptus, 127, Pl. XXIII. f. 4.
—— rutilus, 125, Pl. XXIII. f. 2.
—— scabripinnis, 125, Pl. XXIII. f. 3.
—— tæniatus, 126
Tetrodon aerostaticus, 152
—— angusticeps, 154 Pl. XXVIII.
—— annulatus, 153
—— implutus, 152
Trigla Kumu, 27
Tripterygion Capito, 94, Pl. XIX. f. 1.
Umbrina arenata, 44
—— ophicephala, 45
Upeneus flavolineatus, 24
—— Prayensis, 26
—— trifasciatus, 25
LONDON: PRINTED BY STEWART AND MURRAY, OLD BAILEY.
-----
Footnote 1:
_Hist. des Poiss._ tom. ix. p. 317. I refer to the quarto edition
throughout.
Footnote 2:
In this and in all other cases, Mr. Darwin has used _Werner’s
Nomenclature of Colours_, by Patrick Syme.
Footnote 3:
I have employed this term to designate the slender curved teeth,
arranged in several rows, which Cuvier calls _en cardes_, or, when
less numerous and rather more developed, _en crochets_. They much
resemble the _prickles_ found on some plants.
Footnote 4:
There are actually only three below in this specimen, but there is
little doubt of four being the normal number, one appearing to have
been lost.
Footnote 5:
The absence of the usual fan has suggested the name of _Arripis_, from
α priv. et ριπις, flabellum.
Footnote 6:
Or at least as represented in the figure in the Histoire des Poissons,
tom. iii. pl. 56.
Footnote 7:
As described by Cuvier and Valenciennes to be the case in the _P.
Brasilianus_.
Footnote 8:
Cuvier in his description, says, of the seventh ray, “fort petit,” but
it is very obvious in this specimen, and scarcely smaller than the
sixth, as above stated.
Footnote 9:
Probably these teeth are liable to be lost or broken off, so as seldom
to occur in exactly the same number and mode of arrangement in two
individuals.
Footnote 10:
As stated by Cuvier and Valenciennes.
Footnote 11:
In the _A. cataphractus_, the body is hexagonal from the gills to a
little beyond the vent; octagonal from this last point to the
termination of the dorsal and anal fins; then hexagonal again to the
end of the tail.
Footnote 12:
Faun. Bor. Amer. Part Third, p. 49.
Footnote 13:
Is it not possible that this may be found to be also the case with
several of the foreign species described by Cuvier, in which the
absence of these teeth has been rather presumed than ascertained from
actual examination?
Footnote 14:
Cuvier seems to have attached much value to the character of teeth on
the palate; but I agree with Dr. Richardson, (_Faun. Bor. Am._ Part
iii. p. 19.) in considering it “of little importance as a generic
character in some families of fish.” And the author last mentioned
notices an instance (exactly analogous to that of the _Aspidophorus
Chiloensis_) in the _Thymallus signifer_, which, he says, “resembles
the common grayling very closely in its general form, but differs from
it in having palatine teeth.”
Footnote 15:
In its general characters it does not depart from the _A.
cataphractus_ of the British seas, anything like so much as the _A.
quadricornis_, and _A. monopterygius_ do.
Footnote 16:
Judging from the figure in the “Voyage de l’Astrolobe (Zoologie),” pl.
10. f. 4.
Footnote 17:
Called by mistake in the plate “magnified scales.”
Footnote 18:
This portion of the fin is not quite correctly represented in the
plate, being made too low, in consequence of the rays having been
broken at their extremities in the specimen figured.
Footnote 19:
Since the above was printed, Mr. Waterhouse has been kind enough to
show me in the museum of the Zoological Society the specimen which he
believes to be the one procured by Mr. Cuming. Unless the characters
are very much altered by age, it is decidedly distinct from the _A.
hispidus_ above described. The general form indeed is the same; but
the skin is perfectly smooth, marked with vertical striæ; the
granulated ridges on the head are less prominent, and the superciliary
ridges without spines. The fin-ray formula is not quite as stated by
Mr. Bennett, who appears, in his computation, to have mistaken the
last dorsal spine for one of the soft rays of that fin, and also to
have over-estimated the number of soft rays in the anal. The formula
is really 18/12; A. 1/9, &c. I have no doubt of Mr. Cuming’s fish
being the true _A. Peruvianus_; whilst the one here characterized as
new is probably the young of a nearly allied species. Mr. Cuming’s
specimen is six and a half inches long.
It may be advantageous to science to mention here, though not
immediately connected with the present inquiry, that another species
of _Agriopus_ in the museum of the Zoological Society, which was seen
by M. Valenciennes during his visit to this country, and referred by
him in the “Histoire des Poissons” to the _A. verrucosus_, proves not
to be that species, but the _A. spinifer_ of Dr. Smith, recently
described by him for the first time in his “Illustrations of the
Zoology of South Africa.”
Footnote 20:
Serræ figuram habens. A πριων.
Footnote 21:
With the exception of a small rough oblong spot, near the posterior
extremity of the left palatine.
Footnote 22:
The third spine is broken, and may have been as long as the fourth.
Footnote 23:
There are actually nine, but one appears to have been lost.
Footnote 24:
Στεγαστης, tector.
Footnote 25:
_G. chrysurus_, Cuv. et Val.
Footnote 26:
This part is exactly as described by Cuvier and Valenciennes in the
_Lichia Amia_, to which genus the present one is so nearly allied.
Footnote 27:
_Lichia Amia_ is represented as having nine; and this forms another
mark of affinity between the two genera.
Footnote 28:
There are scales on the cheeks in _Lichia_, according to Cuvier and
Valenciennes, but I see no appearance of them in this genus.
Footnote 29:
In the _C. trachurus_, the bend begins in a line with the commencement
of the second dorsal, and from its more gradual obliquity, extends
over a space equal to that occupied by nine fin-rays.
Footnote 30:
According to Mr. Lowe, however, the _B. palmicornis_ is common at
Madeira, (see _Proc. of Zool. Soc. 1829_, p. 83), and a specimen
received from him, undoubtedly belonging to that species, is in the
Museum of the Cambridge Philosophical Society.
Footnote 31:
See “Hist. des Poiss.” tom. xii. p. 72, under the species _Gobius
Boscii._
Footnote 32:
_Freycinet Voyage_, (_Zoologie_) p. 286.
Footnote 33:
_Voy. dans L’Amer. Mérid._ Atl. Ichth. pl. 5. fig. 1.
Footnote 34:
Swainson is of opinion that “more than double the number of species of
_Exocœtus_ really exist above those that have been described.”—_Nat.
Hist. of Fishes_, vol. i. p. 299.
Footnote 35:
Thesaurus, vol. iii. pl. 34. f. 3.
Footnote 36:
_Voy. dans L’Amer. Mérid._ Atl. Ichth. pl. 9. fig. 2.
Footnote 37:
Ab απλους simplex, et Χειρων tunica.
Footnote 38:
Valenciennes says, in his preface to the fifteenth volume of the
“Histoire des Poissons,” that none of the _Siluridæ_ have the
subopercle; and that the absence of this bone serves to distinguish
them from _Cobitis_.
Footnote 39:
In the pilchard it is one-fifth.
Footnote 40:
_Excursions in Madeira_, p. 234, fig. 44.
Footnote 41:
In the _E. enchrasicholus_, it is hardly one-fourth of the length,
excluding caudal.
Footnote 42:
I am indebted to Mr. Yarrell for the loan of a specimen of our common
Anchovy for comparison.
Footnote 43:
_Nat. Hist. of Jamaica_, Pl. 246, fig. 2.
Footnote 44:
_Pisces Brazil_, p. 89, tab. L.
Footnote 45:
I notice this circumstance, because Mr. Lowe, in the “Proceedings of
the Zoological Society,” (1839, p. 89.) has briefly described two
species of this fish, which he calls _E. Remora_ and _E. pallida_
respectively, the former having the tongue _smooth_, and the latter
_rough_ in the middle, besides other differences.
The above specimen obtained by Mr. Darwin, as well as two others in
the Museum of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, have the tongue
rough; though in their other characters, especially colour, they would
seem to be Mr. Lowe’s _Remora_. Cuvier, in his “Regne Animal,” appears
to consider the rough tongue as characteristic of the whole genus.
Footnote 46:
_Syst. Ichth._ pl. 96.
Footnote 47:
pp. 13, 14.
Footnote 48:
Surely this cannot be the same as the _T. Honckenii_ of Bloch?
Footnote 49:
This character, though mentioned in the description, is not, however,
represented in the figure. See _Freycinet’s Voyage_ (_Zoologie_),pl.
47. f. 2.
Footnote 50:
_Hist. des Poiss._ tom. 5. p. 356.
Footnote 51:
Ab ιλος limus, et κοιτη cubile.
Footnote 52:
One of these is gone in this specimen, but the socket in which it was
implanted is obvious.
Footnote 53:
A φυκος fucus, et κοιτη cubile.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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