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THE
ZOOLOGY wae e
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 Superintenved by CHARLES DARWIN, ESQ. M.A. F.R.S. F.G.S., Ere.
NATURALIST TO THE EXPEDITION.
eee
PART IV. PLS i, THE REV. LEONARD JENYNS, M.A., F.L.S., &c.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY SMITH, ELDER, AND CO. 65, CORNHILL. MDCCCXLII.
James Hall Collection
LONDON: PRINTED BY STEWART AND MURRAY, OLD BAILEY,
A hie lin ila. Nhat
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Described bp
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[THE REV. LEONARD JENYNS, M.A., F.LS., F.G.S., F.Z.8
FELLOW OF THE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, AND OF THE BOSTON : SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. if
ILLUSTRATED BY NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS.
INTRODUCTION.
Tue 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,
a
Vi INTRODUCTION.
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 manu- script 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.
Percipa. Entire No. of species 18 whereof new 11 Brought up 5 . 45 22 Mutupz . . . : Bape ScoMBRID& 7 3 TRIGLIDE . : . : ao Beak TEUTHYDIDE . f sD CorrTips® 2 sae ATHERINIDE . ‘ ‘ Pt tia oe | aan ScoRPENIDE F : . 4 sed Mucitipe . 23 ScIHZNIDE . ; : : 10 et) BLENNIDE . nO! 7 SPARIDE 1 aed | GoBIDE ‘4 i : pone. Saw” Manip& 2 LasripzE . - : PIE Bens : es CHETODONTIDE . 2 Lopuip# I
45 22 Toran c : ; - 82° Torat, New 41
INTRODUCTION. vu MALACOPTERYGII. Siturip#. Entire No. of species 3 whereof new 2 Brought up . 30 21 CyerINIDE . Sets ° Ae aaa BARRE G CycLoPTERID& 2 2 Esocipm! ; . 1 ECHENEIDID & 1 SALMONIDE. “ = 8 7 ANGUILLIDE 6 2 MUURID Re. foe es oO 5 [perhaps more. ] PLEURONECTIDE . Abt ‘ 4 Pent | [probably more. ] 30 21 Tora. ; ; ; . 39 ToraL, NEw 25 LOPHOBRANCHII. SynenatnHipm®. Entire No. of species . . 3 whereof new . 3 PLECTOGNATHI. Tretropontipm. Entire No. of species . . 7 whereof new aie 3 BauisTIDA ; F : ‘ - : Rss, eink Toran : : 4 ‘ : : 12 ToTaL, NEW 5 CYCLOSTOMI. Perromyzonipm#. Entire No. of species . . 1 whereof new. if TOTAL IN THE SEVERAL ORDERS. AcanTuoptTeryau. Entire No. of species . . 82 whereof new < . 41 MAtLacoPTERYGIL ‘ : ; ‘ ; . 39 . 29 LopHoBRANCHII 3 F 3 : “ Rode ; i x i rege: PLECTOGNATHI . : : ‘ 2 : cea) . : : Fas, CycLosTomI 1 : . ; c ool Granp ToTaL . : zi 5 137. Granp Tora, NEw . 79
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 Mala- copterygians, 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 Acanthop- terygians 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 Siluride, the Cyprinide, and Salmonide, in which three families taken together,
Vill INTRODUCTION.
they amount to five-sixths of the whole. The Clupeide 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 Stluride, the Cyprinide, and Salmonide, 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 Scienide, from the Galapagos Archipelago ;—one to the Scombride, from North Patagonia ;— three to the Blennide, whereof one is from the Archipelago of Chiloe, the second from the Falkland Islands, and the third from New Zealand;—one to the Cy- prinide, embracing three species, from South Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and New Zealand ; and, lastly, one to the Salmonide, 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. PERCIDZ. 2
Prionotus .... 1 ,, — TRIGLID.
Scorpana .... 1 ,, — SCORPANIDA.
Prionopss V.G. 1 ,,
Pristipoma.... 1 ,, — SCIANID-. \. ACANTHOPTERYGII. A TIS text sc 5 lpeor j
Curysopurys .. 1 ,, —— SPARIDE.
Gopitis ss I ecu — GOBID-A.
Cossypuus .... 1 ,, — LABRIDA. J
GopinsOxe. 1+ —— CYCLOPTERIDA. »)
Murena...... oe —— ANGUILLIDA. p MAbACOP Ea
J TETRODON:. ..... 2. :;, —— TETRODONTIDA. PLECTOGNATHI,
INTRODUCTION. ix
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 pub- lication, 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 per- manent 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 2
3.4 INTRODUCTION.
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 in- stances, 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.
INTRODUCTION. xi
In conclusion, it may be stated, that the whole of the species in the col- lection 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.
PERCID&. SCORPANID ZA.
Perea levis, Jen. South Patagonia. Scorpena Histrio, Jen. . - + - Galapagos.
Serranus Specialise, Jen Galapagos Archipelago. | Sebastes oculata, Val.?2. . . . Valparaiso.
———— Goreensis, Val.? . Cape Verde Islands, Agriopus hispidus, Jen. . Archipelago of Chiloe. aspersus, Jen. . . . ~ Ditto. Apistus Bio 1 eee: King George arson labriformis, Jen. . . . Galapagos.
Gliax Jeni <3 0. Ditto. SCIZANID.
Plectropoma Patachonica, Jen. . North Patagonia. Otolithus Guatucupa, Cuv. e¢ Val. Maldonado.
Diacope marginata, Cuv. Keeling Islands. ————- analis, Jen. Coast of Peru.
Arripis Georgianus King George’s Sound. | Corvina adusta, Agass. . . . » Maldonado.
Aplodactylus punctatus, a: Umbrina arenata, Cuv. et Val. North Patagonia.
Dules Auriga, Cuv. et Val. . . Maldonado. ophicephala, Jen. . .. Coquimbo. Leuciscus, Jen. . . - . Tahiti. Prionodes fasciatus, Jen. Galapagos. Helotes octolineatus, Jen. King George’s Sound. | Pristipoma cantharinum, Jen. . Ditto. Aphritis undulatus, Jen. Archipelago of Chiloe. | Latilus jugularis, Val. . - - - Valparaiso. porosus, Jen. Central Patagonia. princeps, Jen... . . . Galapagos. Pinguipes fasciatus, Jen. North Patagonia. Heliases Crusma, Val. . . . . Valparaiso. Chilensis, Val. . . . Valparaiso. Percophis Brasilianus, Cuv. North Patagonia. | SPARIDA. Chrysophrys taurina, Jen... - Galapagos. MULLIDA. Upeneus flavo-lineatus, Cuv.et Val. Keeling Islands. MANID. trifasciatus, Cuv. . . . Tahiti. | Gerres Gula, Cuv. et Val. ? Rio de Janeiro.
Prayensis, Cuv. et Val. 2 Cape Verde Islands. Oyena, Cuv. et Val.? Keeling Islands.
| CHATODONTIDA. | Cheetodon setifer, Bl. Keeling Islands. | Stegastes imbricatus, Jen. . Cape Verde Islands.
TRIGLIDA. Trigla Kumnu, Less. et Garn. . New Zealand. Prionotus punctatus, Cuv. . Rio de Janeiro.
Miles, Jen. . . . . Galapagos. SCOMBRID&. COTTID. | Paropsis signata, Jen. North Patagonia. Aspidophorus Chiloensis, Jen. . Chiloe. 'Caranx declivis, Jen. King George’s Sound.
King George’s Sound. —
tOrvus, Jen a 3 2:2) Labi. b
Platycephalus inops, Jen.
Xiv TABLE OF
SCOMBRID Z—continued. Caranx Georgianus, Cuv. et Val. King George’s Sound. Seriola bipinnulata, Quoy et Gaim. Keeling Islands. hit.) 2a. «1 SOuth: Atlantic Ocean, Stromateus maculatus, Cuv. et Val.2 Chiloe.
Psenes
TEUTHYDIDA. Acanthurus triostegus, Bl. Schn. Keeling Islands. — humeralis, Cuv. et Val. Tahiti,
ATHERINIDA, Atherina argentinensis, Cu. et Val. ? Maldonado. microlepidota, Jen. Valparaiso. incisa, Jen... . . . . North Patagonia.
MUGILID. Mugil Liza, Cuv. et Val.? . North Patagonia. Po... . . . . Keeling Islands. Dajaus Diemensis, Richards. King George’s Sound.
BLENNID&. Blennius palmicornis, Cuv. et Val. Cape Verde Islands. Blennechis fasciatus, Jen. . . . Concepcion.
—ornatus, Jen. . . . Coquimbo. Salarias atlanticus, Cur. et Val. . Cape Verde Islands.
SPECIES.
BLENNIDX—continued. Salarias quadricornis, Cuv. et Val.? Keeling Islands vomerinus, Cuv. et Val.? Cape Verde Islands, Clinus crinitus, Jen... . . . Coquimbo. New Zealand. New Zealand. Archipelago of Chiloe. Falkland Islands.
Acanthoclinus fuscus, Jen. . Tripterygion Capito, Jen. . Tluoceetes fimbriatus, Jen. . Phucoceetes latitans, Jen.
GOBID. Gobius lineatus, Jen. . . . . Galapagos. Gobius ophicephalus, Jen. Eleotris Gobioides, Val.
Archipelago of Chiloe. New Zealand.
LOPHIDA. Batrachus porosissimus, Cuv. et Val.2 Bahia Blanca.
LABRIDA. 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.
SILURIDA. Pimelodus gracilis, Val. ? Rio de Janeiro. exsudans, Jen. . . . Ditto.? Callichthys paleatus, Jen.
CYPRINIDE. Peecilia 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.
ESOCIDA
Exoccetus exsiliens, B/.? Pacific Ocean. SALMONIDZ.
Tetragonopterus Abramis, Jen. . Rio Parana, S.America. tutilus, Jen, . , Ditto. scabripinnis, Jen. Rio de Janeiro, teniatus, Jen. . Ditto. ——_— ——-— interruptus, Jen. Maldonado.
SALMONIDAi—continued. Hydrocyon Hepsetus, Cuv. . . Maldonado. Aplochiton Zebra, Jen. Falkland Islands.
teniatus, Jen. Tierra del Fuego. CLUPEID.
Clupea Fuegensis, Jen. . Tierra del Fuego. arcuata, Jen. . Bahia Blanca. sagax, Jen... <1). dally
Alosa pectinata, Jen. . . North Patagonia.
Engraulis ringens, Jen. Coast of Peru. PLEURONECTIDA. Platessa Orbignyana, Val. ? Bahia Blanca. Res . King George’s Sound. Valparaiso.
Hippoglossus Kingii, Jen. .
Rhombus Do a sae ee anla es lanes Achirus lineatus, D’ Orb. Coast of Brazil. Plagusia poe two: ps oe COASHOL Patagonian
CYCLOPTERIDA.
Gobiesox marmoratus, Jen. . . Archipelago of Chiloe.
———— pecilophthalmos, Jen. Galapagos,
TABLE OF SPECIES. XV
ECHENEIDID. ANGUILLIDA:—continued, Echeneis Remora, Linn. . . . Atlantic Ocean. Murena lentiginosa, Jen. + + Galapagos. ocellata, Agass. . - + Rio de Janeiro, ANGUILLIDA. — P. . . «~~ « Cape Verde Islands. Anguilla australis, Richards. . * New Zealand. iinesascnintiitaa $A. S So ine Conger punctus, Jen. . . . ~ Tierra del Fuego. - LOPHOBRANCHII, SYNGNATHIDA. Syngnathus acicularis, Jen. . . Valparaiso. aaa conspicillatus, Jen. . Tahiti. —-—_—~-— crinitus, Jen... . . Bahia Blanca. PLECTOGNATHI. TETRODONTID. nt Diodon nycthemerus, Cuv. . - : BALIST ct : sivalatis, Cuvl. . 2. Maldonado, Balistes Vetula, Bl. s « . «+ South Atlantic Ocean. antennatus, Cuv.?. . . Bahia Blanca. aculeatus, Bi. Se Ea iat eels Tetrodon aerostaticus, Jen. Aleuteres macalosus, Richards. . King George’s Sound, implutus, Jen, . . Keeling Islands. ~ velutinus, Jen. . Dittoy: aanblatie Jew. . \ Galapagos. Ostracion punctatus, Schn. . . Tahiti.
angusticeps, Jen. . . Ditto.
CYCLOSTOMI.
PETROMYZONIDA. Myxine australis, Jen. . . . . Tierra del Fuego.
LIST OF
PLATES.
Plate I. Perca levis. II. Serranus albo-maculatus. III. ———— labriformis. IV. ———- ol fax. V. Pinguipes fasciatus. VI. Prionotus Miles. (Fig.1. | AspidophorusChiloensis. Twice Mat. Size. — la. Ditto. Wat. size. Dorsal view. cites ae 1b. Ditto. Ditto. Side view. — 2. Agriopus hispidus. Twice Nat. size. — 2a. Ditto. Nat. size. — 2b. Ditto. Portion of the hispid cuticle L magnified. VIII. Scorpeena Histrio. 1X. § Fig.l. Prionodes fasciatus. — 2. Stegastes imbricatus. xX Pristipoma cantharinum. XI. Latilus princeps. XI. Chrysophrys taurina. XIII. Paropsis signata. XIV. Caranx declivis. XV. torvus.
(Fig.l. Atherina microlepidota. - R Ditto. Magnified seales.
— 2. Atherina incisa. Nat. size. — 2a. Ditto. Magnified scale. Ll — 26. Ditto. Twice Nat. size. c¥ig.1. | Blennechis fasciatus. —la. Ditto. Teeth magnified. Blennechis ornatus. UL — 3. Salarias vomerinus. Fig.l. Clinus crinitus. 7] — 2. Acanthoclinus fuscus. (Fig.l. | Tripterygion Capito. — 2. Gobius lineatus. XIX.< — 2a. Ditto. Dorsal view. | — 3. Gobius ophicephalus. \ — 8a. Ditto. Dorsal view. XX. Cossyphus Darwini. XXII. Scarus chlorodon.
Plate
XXIL.4
XXIII.
XXVII.<
XXVIII.
XXIX. Append.
tae 25S
(Fig.
Peecilia decem-maculata. Twice nat. stze.
. Ditto. Mat. size.
Lebias lineata. Ditto. Teeth magnified. Lebias multidentata.
. Ditto. Teeth magnified.
Mesites maculatus. attenuatus.
Tetragonopterus Abramis.
. Ditto. Mouth magnified, to show
form of maxillary. Tetragonopterus rutilus. Ditto. Mouth magnified. Tetragonopterus scabripinnis.
. Ditto. Mouth magnified.
Tetragonopterus interruptus.
. Ditto. Mouth magnified.
Aplochiton Zebra.
. Ditto. Magnified view of anal and
generative orifices. Aplochiton teeniatus. Alosa pectinata. ———— Magnified scale from nape. Hippoglossus Kingii. Gobiesox marmoratus. Ditto. Dorsal view.
6b. Ditto. Under side.
Qa.
3a.
Gobiesox peecilophthalmos.
. Ditto. Lateral view. . Ditto. Magnified view of teeth.
Syngnathus acicularis. conspicillatus. crinitus.
Tetrodon angusticeps. Dorsal view of head. Aphritis undulatus.
Iluoccetes fimbriatus.
Ditto. Magnified view of teeth. Phucoccetes latitans.
Ditto. Teeth.
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ACANTHOPTERYGII.
Famity—PERCIDE.
Perca Levis. Jen.
©
Pirate I.
P. nigricanti-fusco undique punctata ; vertice, fronte, rostro usque ad nares, et infra- orbitalium parte posteriort, squamatis ; sguamis, in capite ciliatis scabris, in corpore sublevibus.
B. 7; D. 9—1/11; A. 3/9; C.17; P. 15; V. 1/5. Lone. une. 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. Maxil- laries 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 equi-distant 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 dis- tance from one to the other equals one diameter and ahalf. Nostrils double, a little in advance of the eyes ; the first orifice oval, the second round. Preopercle rectangular, with the angle rounded ;
B
ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 semi-circular granulated plate, with the granulations dis- posed in strie. 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 por- tion not wider than the free, with a fan of fourteen strie ; 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 mem- brane 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 pec- torals are rather pointed, their length equalling two-thirds that of the head. Ventrals imme- diately 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.
Corour.—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.
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Serranius adlbomacnlatis. Nee Sive
FISH. 3
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 de- scribed by Valenciennes, under the name of P. trucha.* 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 subor- bitals. ‘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 circum- stance 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. Valen- ciennes’s description, however, of the P. trucha is very brief; on which account I have been the more minute in that of the P. lewis.
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 scienoid 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.
dL: SERRANUS ALBO-MACULATUS. Jen. Prate IT.
S.. lateribus maculis albis serie longitudinali dispositis ; dentibus velutinis ; paucis, hic et illic sparsis, fortioribus, aculeiformibus, vel sub-conicis ; preoperculo margine ad- scendenti convexiusculo, denticulato; denticulis ad et infra angulum paulo majoribus ; operculo mucronibus duobus parvis, et spind intermedia forti, armato ; rostro et max- illis nudis ; squamis corporis leviter ciliatis pinnd caudali equalt.
@ 7. 2D. 10/13; A. 3/7; -C, 17, &c.—P.17; -Y¥. 14. Lone. 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,
* Hist. des Poiss. tom. ix. p. 317. I refer to the quarto edition throughout.
ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 thes 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 supra-scapular 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,
FISH. 5
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.
Cotour.—‘ 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,’* 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 re- quire 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 Cen- tropristes, between which and Serranus, there is undoubtedly a very close affinity.
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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, espe- cially 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 termi- nating angle of the membrane projects beyond this spine to a distance equalling the length of
+ In this and in all other cases, Mr. Darwin has used Werner's Nomenclature of Colours, by Patrick Syme.
6 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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, &.—P.17; V. 1/5. Length 7 inches.
Corour.—C(In spirits.) Of a nearly uniform bister brown, stained and mottled here and there, par- ticularly 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, accord- ing 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. supra viridi-niger, subtus pallidior ; lateribus smaragdino pallido aspersis; pinnis anali, caudali, dorsalique postice, apicibus croceis ; dentibus velutinis, caninis in maxilldé superiore utrinque versus apicem duobus sub-fortibus ; preoperculo margine prope recto denticulato; denticulis ad angulum pauld majoribus ; operculo mu-
FISH. 7
cronibus tribus planis, intermedio maximo; rostro toto, et maxilld inferiore, squa-
mattis. B.7; D. 11/15; A. 3/8; C. 17, &c.; P.17;5 NV. vee
Lone. unc. 4}.
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.
Cotour.— 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.
8 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
4. SERRANUS LABRIFORMIS. Jen.
Puate IIT.
S. fusco-flavo, nigro, alboque variutus ; dorsali rubro-marginatd ; spinis fortibus, sub- equalibus, ad apices laciniis membranaceis investitis; dentibus aculeiformibus,* valde retroflexts, seriebus internis majoribus ; caninis, in maxilla superiore duobus, in in- Seriore quatuor, mediocribus ; preoperculo margine arcuato, vix denticulato ; oper- culo mucrone unico plano, modico, armato; squamis infra lineam lateralem ciliatis, supra et in ventre levibus.
B.7; D. 11/17; A. 3/8; C. 15, &c.; P. 18; V. 1/5. Longe. 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 ex- tremity, 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 pre- opercle 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 mem- branous 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
“ Thave 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.
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FISH. 9 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 strie 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 membrana- ceous tags, as in the Labride. 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, im- mediately beneath them, pointed.
Corour.— 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 pre- opercle, and scales smooth above, but rough beneath the lateral line.
5. SERRANUS OLFAX. Jen. Puate IV.
iS. fusco-variatus ; spinis dorsalibus ad apices laciniis investitis; naribus orbiculatis, aperturd unica magna, duas minores includenti ; dentibus aculeiformibus, retroflexis, seriebus paucis ; caninis, in mawilld superiore duobus, in inferiore quatuor, ceteris via fortioribus ; preoperculo margine adscendenti prope recto, versum angulum pau- lum stnuato, vix denticulato; operculo mucronibus duobus, parvis, subequalibus, armato; squamis ubique levibus.
B.7; D.AW1S: A. SH: 0.17, ee P17 Vs. Lone. unc. 233.
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- Cc
10
ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 ; im number™* 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, enclosmg 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 obso- letely denticulated throughout its course. The osseous portion of the opercle terminates poste- riorly 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 strie 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 equal- ling 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
* 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.
FISH. 11
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.
Cotour.—* 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, intermedid maximd ; preoperculo margine adscendenti den- ticulato ; ad angulum dente unico, et ad marginem basalem dentibus duobus, forti- bus ; pinnd dorsali spinis quartd et quintd longissimis ; pectoralibus radiorum api- cibus e membrand paulo exeuntibus ; caudali leviter rotundatd.
B. 7; D. 13/15 vel 16; A. 3/8 vel 9; C. 173; P.17; V. 1/5.
Lone. 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 com- mencement 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 prin- cipal 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 dis- tinctly 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.
12 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
CoLour.—The specimen above described appears, in its present state, greyish brown, with Zig-2ag 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, Cue. 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
FISH. 13
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.
Cotour.—“ 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 charac- teristic 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 ; apertura ampld. Pinna dorsalis unica; spinis gracilibus. Dentes aculeiformes, tenues; serie maxillari externa ceteris fortiori. Operculum mucronibus duobus parvis postice armatum. Preoperculum marginibus basalt et adscendenti denticulatis; spinis nullis. Ossa infraorbitalha leviter denti- culata. Os mazxillare squamosum. Squame corporis levissimé ciliatis, postice striis levissimts, 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
14 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
warrant such a step. Its herring-like form, denticulated suborbital, scaly maxil- lary, 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 denti- culated, 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 fanof diverging striz on their basal portions, a triangu- lar space filled up by a number of extremely fine, closely-approximating strie, parallel to each other, and also parallel to the basal margin, which is cut quite square and entire.*
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, how- ever, 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 | 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 im 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
* The absence of the usual fan has suggested the name of Arripis, from a priv. et pes, flabellum.
FISH. 15
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 yentrals 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 axille is a lanceolate membranaceous scale half their own length. There is a similar, but shorter scale in the axilla of the pectorals also.
ee. iG: #9110; OC. 17%: P. 15s V. 15 Length 9 inches 10 lines.
Cotour.—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 puNCTaATUs. Val.
Aplodactylus punctatus, Cur. ec 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 spe- cimen, 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 descrip- tion 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
16 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 men- tioned 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. Duutes Aurica. 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 8 lines.
Cotour.—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.
FISH. 17
2. Dures Levuciscus. Jen. Dules malo, Val. ? Hist. des Poiss. tom. vil. p. 360.
D. pinnis caudali, anali, dorsalique molli, nigro-marginatis ; dorsal profunde emar- ginatd, spind ultima radiis articulatis breviore; operculo mucronibus duobus, infe- riore maximo, armato ; preoperculo margine adscendenti levissime denticulato, basalt denticulis fortioribus.
oo: B. 10/11; A. 3/12; C16, &e.3.P..13;_V. 1/6. Lone. 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.
Cotour.—(Jn 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.
18 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 denticula- tions of the preopercle rather stronger, and the tenth dorsal spine shorter in re- lation 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.
1. corpore liners longitudinalibus nigricantibus octo; pinnis dorsali, anali, caudali- que, maculis fuscis ; vertice strits elevatis duobus subparallelis; preoperculo distincte denticulato, et ad marginem limbi internum subcristato ; operculo mucronibus duo- bus, superiore minimo; squamis ubique levissimis.
B.6; D. 12/9; A. 3/7; C. 17, &e.: Pv 16> Voie:
Lone. 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.
FISH. 19
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 ;* 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 HZ. 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 axille.
Corour.—For the most part similar to that of the H. seclineatus ; 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 equi-distant 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 fascie ; 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 Gai- mard. I have little hesitation, however, in pronouncing it to be distinct. In- dependently 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 strie on the crown not meeting behind, the dorsal being rather more deeply notched, and the fin-ray formula different.
* Or at least as represented in the figure in the Histoire des Poissons, tom, iil. pl. 56.
20 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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. Pincuipes fasciatus. Jen, Pratt V.
P. corpore fasciis transversis duodecim castaneo-fuscis, alternis latioribus ; dentibus palatinis paucis, conicis, subaggregatis, vix seriem formantibus ; pharyngalibus aculeiformibus ; membrana branchiali: mediocriter emarginatd; operculo spind unicd Sforti, alterd superiore obsoleté ; pinnis ventralibus accurate thoracicis.
B.6; D. 7/27; A. 1/24; C. 15, &c.; P.18; V. 1/5.
Lone. 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 be- hind 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 Lubrus. 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.* 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 ex-
* As described by Cuvier and Valenciennes to be the case in the P. Brasilianus.
mas roy v6 srypnso| alanine
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FISH. 21
tending 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 strie. 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.
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. Jn spirits; the back and upper half of the sides are brown, the lower half of the sides and belly pale, with twelve transverse dark fasciz, 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 Pingwipes, with which it agrees in its very strong re- semblance to the Labrid@, 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 imme- diately 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 Pinguwipes as one of the connecting links between the Per- cide and Labride.
22 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
2. Prncuirees CuHIvensis. Vail.
Pinguipes Chilensis, Cuv. e¢ 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 interoper- cle. 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.
Cotour.—(Jn 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 re- spect 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
FISH. 23
not show so strong a resemblance to the Labride ; but it approaches very closely the P. Brasilianus.
Percoruis Brastuianus. Cuv.
Percophis Brasilianus, Cuv. et Val. Hist. des Poiss. tom. iii. p. 209. pl. 64. Brasiliensis, /reycinet, (Voyage) Zoologie, p. 851, pl. 53. fig. I.
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;
bon Py 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.* 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 strictnessa 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 axilla of the pectorals is a faleated membranaceous appendage covered with scales (not noticed by Cuvier), a very little less than one-fourth the length of the fins themselves.
ee ee A. 4: C215. &e.: PP. 18; VY. 1/5.
Length 21 inches.
Cotour.—“ 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.
* Cuvier in his description, says, of the seventh ray, “fort petit,” but itis very obvious in this specimen, and searcely smaller than the sixth, as above stated.
24 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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.* 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—82; A. 42; C. 15, &c.; P2173: Vows. 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 com- mon. 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.
Famity.—MULLID.
1. Upenevus 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.
* 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.
FISH. 25 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,* 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 gra- dually 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.
Cotour.—* 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. Upenevus trirasciatus. 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 extre- mity 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.
* As stated by Cuvier and Valenciennes.
E
26 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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.
Cotour.—(In spirits.) Dark brownish yellow, with faint indications of three dusky patches or abbreviated transverse fascie, 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 ‘“ His- toire 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. e¢ 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 maxil- lary 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
FISH. 27
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. s—9; A. 7; C. 15, &c.; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 8 inches.
Cotour.—“ 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 descrip- tion of which, so far as given in the “‘ Histoire des Poissons,” is tolerably applica- ble. 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 op- posite side of the Atlantic.
Famity.—TRIGLIDZ.
TrictA Kkumu. Less. et Garn.
Trigla kumu, Less. e¢ Glarn. 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 7. 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 7. 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 pre- opercle: 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
28 - ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
than in the 7. 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 7. 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.
Cotour.—“ 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 7’. kumu by Cuvier and Valenciennes, is its having one more spine in the first dorsal.
1. Prionorus punctatus. Cuv. et Val.
Prionotus punctatus, Cuv. e¢ 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 den- ticles, 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, &e,; P. 18 ane os ye Length 8 inches 9 lines.
Conour.—* Above and sides olive brown, with red spots and marks ; beneath silvery white ; edges of the pectoral fins Prussian blue.”—D.
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FISH. 29
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 Mixes. Jen.
Pruate VI.
P. splendide rubro variatus ; rostro emarginato, utrinque distincté denticulato ; buccis levissimé granulosis ; fossuld dorsali lateribus inermibus ; squamis corporis parvis, ubique ciliatis ; pinnis pectoralibus modicis, corpore certe triplo brevioribus ; radiis liberis subincrassatis, apicibus dilatatis.
m.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 asmall 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 strie. 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
30 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
ray of the second dorsal. Free rays rather stout, with their tips somewhat dilated and ap- proaching to spatuliform ; in length about two-thirds that of the pectorals. Ventrals a trifle longer than the first or longest of the free rays.
Cotour.—“ 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 dis- tinct 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. éribulus 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.
Famity—COTTID.
ASPIDOPHORUS CHILOENSIS. Jen.
Puatre VII. Fic. 1. Lateral view twice nat. size. Fig. 1a. Dorsal view nat. size. Fig. 14. Lateral view nat. size.
A. corpore elongato, antice oclagono, postice hexagono; vomere et ossibus palatinis dentibus distinctis instructis ; mawillis subequalibus ; rostro ultra fauces haud pro- ducto; mento et membrana branchiali cirratis: pinnis dorsalibus discretis ; primd radits gracilibus.
B. 6; D. 8—7; A. 8; C. 112; P. 14; V. 1/2. Long. unc. 2. lin. 7.
Form.—More elongated than the A. cataphractus, which it somewhat resembles in general appear- ance. 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
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FISH. 31
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, equal- ling 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, sepa- rating 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 trans- versely 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 carine 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 intoa 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 strie 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 :* 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-
* 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.
32 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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, com- mences 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.
Cotour.—(In spirits.) Dusky grey above and on the sides, paler beneath ; with four broad trans- verse blackish fasciz 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 fascie, 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,* “ give the Aspidophori a totally different aspect from the Cott.” 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,t might be made a distinct
* Faun. Bor. Amer. Part Third, p. 49. + 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 ?
FISH. 33
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,* and from the general resemblance of the A. Chiloensis in all its principal characters to the other species of this genus,{ 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, levi, ubique inermi, spinis dudbus ad angulum preoperculi brevissimis equalibus exceptis ; oculis magnis, arcte propinquantibus: dorso et lateribus fuscis ; ubdomine albido ; pinnd dorsali primd lituréd magnd trregulart nigro-fuscd postice maculata; dorsali secundd, caudali, et pectoralibus, maculis fuscis parvis ; anali et
ventralibus fere omnino nigricantibus. B.7; D. 8—12; A.12; C. 13, &c.; P.19; V. 1/5.
Lone. 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
* 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.”
+ In its general characters it does not depart from the A.cataphractus of the British seas, anything like so much as the A. guadricornis, and A. monopterygius do.
F
34 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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, con- tained 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 strie posteriorly, their free edges cut square, not ciliated.
Corour.—(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 distin- guishable 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.
PREP ODAQSYT DUDUAOIC
Pid VY ;
FISH. | 35
This species very closely approaches the P. levigatus of Cuvier and Valen- ciennes, with which it particularly agrees in the smoothness of its head, and large approximating eyes. The two spines, however, at the angle of the preo- percle appear to be still smaller than in that species;* the fin-ray formula is a little different; and so also are the colours; the first dorsal being parti- cularly 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. /evigatus. Possibly it may be a mere variety. Mr. Darwin’s specimen was obtained at King George’s Sound.
Famity—SCORPANIDZ.
ScoRPENA HISTRIO. Jen.
Puate VIII.
S. toto corpore coccineo, pinnis pallidioribus, maculis parvis irregularibus nigricanti- bus: capite magnd ex parte alepidoto, liners spinosis solitis armato: pinnd dorsalt spinis inequalibus, tertid paulo longissimd: capite et lateribus cirris cutaneis parvis ubique adornatis ; quatuor palpebralibus, presertim duobus posterioribus, majoribus,
palmatis.
oes oe, 2 A, 85 YC. 48, Ress PS 20: V. 16.
Lona. 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 are
* Judging from the figure in the ‘* Voyage de ]’Astrolobe (Zoologie),” pl. 10. f. 4.
36
ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 commence- ment of the nape, are two other strong spines: there are likewise two spines at the supra- scapulars, 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 pre- opercle, 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.
Cotour.—* Whole body scarlet red, fins rather paler; with small irregularly-shaped light black
spots.”’—D.
Habitat, Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago.
FISH. 37
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.
Corour.—* 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 §. oculata of Valenciennes; but the depth rather exceeds, and in its recent state it must have still more exceeded, one-fourth
38 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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.
Puate VII. Fie. 2. Twice nat. size. Fig. 2 a. Nat. size. Fig. 2 b. Portion of the hispid cuticle magnified.*
A. pallide rubro-aurantius, dorso nigricante, pinnis nigro-maculatis: corpore hispido, altitudine tertiam partem longitudinis equante; spinis nasalibus dudbus parvis recurvis ; vomere dentibus velutinis minutissimis instructo: pinnd dorsali inequali, antice allevata, spinis quartdé et quintd paulo longissimis, succedentibus gradatim diminutis, ultima radiis articulatis multo breviort.
D. 17/13; A. 1/8; C. 13, &c.; P. 9; V. 1/5. Longe. 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
* Called by mistake in the plate “ magnified scales.”
FISH. 39
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 strie, 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 net-work. 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.* 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.
Cotour.—* 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
* This portion of the fin is not quite correctly represented in the plate, being made too low, in conse- quence of the rays having been broken at their extremities in the specimen figured.
40 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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.*
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.
* 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 strize 3 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. Ihave 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. inquiry, that another species of Agriopus in the museum
ciennes 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 “‘ Ilustrations of the Zoology of South Africa.”
» though not immediately connected with the present of the Zoological Society, which was seen by M. Valen-
FISH. 4]
Famity.—SCI NIDA. Oro.iruus 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 stria 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.
m7 49) 101/20; A: 1/8; C.:17;-P. 16; V. 1/5. Length 9 inc. 9 lines. Corour.—* 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 repre- G
42 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
sented 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 back- wards 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,
FISH. 48
much crowded, curved lines, somewhat undulating behind, with a fan of about twelve deeper strie 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.173,V. V5. 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.
44
ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
1. UmMeRINA 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 ora 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 strice behind.
B.7; D. 10—1/25; A. 1/8; C.17; P. 21; V. 1/5. Length 9 inches 6 lines.
Cotour.—“ 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 fasci. 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; &e. Length 7 inches 3 lines. In all other respects similar to the specimen first described.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca, and Maldonado.
FISH. 45
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 ultra fauces producto, margine infe- riore quadrilobato, lobis intermediis rotundatis; fossuld longitudinalt inter nares, profunde exaratd; poris quatuor infra symphysin; dentibus velutinis, serie externa in maxilla superiore aculeiformi; preoperculo obsolete denticulato ; operculo mucro- nibus duobus parvis instructo ; spinis dorsalibus tertid et quartd longissimis, corporis altitudinem cequantibus; spind analt gracili, radiis articulatis dimidio breviort,
BD, 42--1/22; A. 1/9; C.175 P. 20;..V. 1/5.
Lone. 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 pro- jecting 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
46 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 striz behind. There are rows of small scales on the caudal, but none apparent on the other fins.
Cotour.—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.* Jen.
Serrani formam quam maximé gerens. Pinna dorsalis unica, per totam longitudinem subequalis. _Membrana branchialis septem-radiata. Nec fovea, nec pori, infra symphysin. Dentes maxillares velutini, serie externd ceteris fortiori, paucis, hic illic sparsis, subcaninis; palatini nulli. Preoperculum denticulatum. Operculum mucronibus tribus postice armatum. Spina analis secunda fortis. Squame corporis ciliate ; minutissime inter radios pinnarum verticalium, in seriebus disposite.
I am called upon either to establish this new genus among the Scienide, or to break down one of the essential distinctions set by Cuvier between this family
* Serree figuram habens. A zowy.
Lish Ll, &
W Hawiens aet,?
Fig.1 Pronodes fascvatius.
: A Naw: Sve, ra Stegasles Mervecatus. | ee
FISH. A7
and the Percide. 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.* 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 sub- ordinate to it, remain constant. It is probable that the time will come, when it will be found necessary to revise some portion of the Percide and Scienide 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 Scienide, where it must be placed along with those genera possessing one dorsal fin, and having seven rays in the branchiostegous membrane. Such are Hemulon, 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 Hemulon; 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 Scienide. The head also has no cavernous appearance about it. This new form is from the Galapagos Archipelago.
PRIONODES FASCIATUS. Jen. Puate IX. Fig. 1. P. pallide flavescenti-fuscus, fasciis transversis plurimis supra rubescenti-nigris infra miniatis; pinnis verticalibus maculis parvis ocellatis: vertice, rostro, et maxillis, nudis ; preoperculo margine adscendenti denticulato, basali levi; operculo mucrone
intermedio fortt; spinis dorsalibus ad apices laciniis investitis ; pinnd caudali sub- aquali.
Mere 2). 2012- A. 3/7; C.17: P. 18; V. V5. Lone. une. 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
* With the exception of a small rough oblong spot, near the posterior extremity of the left palatine.
48 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 strie, 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.
Cotour.— 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.
Fish L040.
W Homleins del?
lipoma CAanmthavaumn, Not Sire
Tru
FISH. 49
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. PuatEe X.
P. ca@ruleo-argenteum, operculo nigro-marginato : pinnd dorsali subequali, spinis ultimis radiis articulatis paulo brevioribus ; anali sping secundé forti, longitud- naliter striatd, radiis articulatis duodecim : preoperculo rectangulato, margine adseendentt, leviter denticulato, basalt integro : vertice, buccis, et ossibus opercula- ribus, squamatis; rostro ultra nares, suborbitalibus, et mawillis, nudis; squamis
corporis ciliatis: pinna caudali furcata. B.7; D. 19/15; A. 3/12; C. 17, et 4 breviores ; P. 20; V. 1/5.
Lone. 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
H
50 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
ciliated; the concealed portion with eight or nine deeper and more distinct striz, 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 Sparide : 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,* 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 axille. Ventrals placed a little further back than the pectorals, and somewhat shorter; a long pointed scale in their axille, nearly one-third their length.
Cotour.— 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, &e.; P. 19; V. 1/5. Longe. unc. 9. lin. 2.
Cotour.—“ Silvery ; above, shaded with brown and iridescent with blue; fins and iris some- times 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 third spine is broken, and may have been as long as the fourth.
FISH. al 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 Sparide, 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. Latmus sucuuaris. Vail. Latilus jugularis, Cue. 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 Hed 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. Pre- opercle 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 strie ; on scales taken from other parts the number of striz 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 grad- ually to the fourth, which with the next five or six are highest ; the membrane of the fin very
52 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 ine. 5 lines.
Cotour.—(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 differmg 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.
Cotour.—“ 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. Pirate XI.
L. elongatus ; corporis altitudine capitis longitudinem equanti; dentibus velutinis, serie externd fortiori, aculeiformi; preoperculo margine adscendenti recto, leviter
Ax YW? M S2OPLY. y? 7 sf. ‘ & A
en
QP siiria fete." MM.
FISH. a3
denticulato, basali levi; 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 prelongis ; spinis analibus parvis, gracilibus, prima minutissimd ; ventralt- bus accurate thoracicis ; caudali emarginatd.
B. 52; D. 8/26; A. 2/26; C. 15, &c.; P. 18 vel 19; V. 1/5. Lone. 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, toa 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 strie, 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 ina 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,
a4 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 axille a somewhat projecting vertical scale or lamina, as in the last species. Ventrals immediately beneath the pectorals, also pointed, but shorter.
Cotour.—“ 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 Scienide ; 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 ZL. 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.
Heuiases Crusma. Val. Heliases Crusma, Owv. 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
FISH. 55
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. Sub- orbitals 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 strie 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 HZ. insolatus.
0 ty tate A, 212: C. 15, _.&.4 short.:..P..20: V. US. Length 8 inches.
Cotour.—* 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 ff. 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
26 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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 Valen- ciennes, the outer row hardly exceeds the inner ones in the H. insolatus. The geographical position of the two species is however widely different. The FT. 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.
Famity—SPARIDZ. CHRYSOPHRYS TAURINA. Jen.
Puate XII.
C. albida, quatuor fasciis interruptis nigro-fuscis ; pinnis dorsali, caudal, et ventra- libus, clare ceruleo-marginatis: dentibus anticis conicis, in maxilla superiore octo, in inferiore decem minoribus ; molaribus supra seriebus tribus, intermedid minort, infra dudbus dispositis; preoperculo et operculo, utroque quatuor squamarum sertebus tecto ; limbo preoperculi nudo.
D. 12/12; A. 3/10; C. 17, &c.; P. 15; V. 1/5.
Lone. unc. 14.
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 ;* those above longer than those below, and more
* There are actually nine, but one appears to have been lost.
ans.20ic ye noun sity doshity9 - SOLIBIGIT OLEOIUD jo Ayissoalur) eu)
te ON ‘ ti Ri
YO)? SUM MY
Oh ld CY
FISH. 57
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.
Corour.—“ 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 Chryso- phrys 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.
58
ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
Famity—M /ENIDA. 1. Gerres Guta. 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 axille 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.
FISH. 59
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. G@ula, 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. Guida exceed five inches. Mr. Darwin took it in a salt-water lake, Lagoa de Boacica, at Rio de Janeiro.
2. Gerres Ovens. Cuv. et Val.?
Gerres Oyena, Ouv. et Val. Hist. des Poiss. tom. vi. p. 355. Smaris Oyena, Riippell, Atlas zu der Reise im Nord. 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 denticula- tions 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
60 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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, &e.; P. 16; V. 1/5.
Length 7 inches.
Cotour.—“ 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 Riippell’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 Riippell’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
FISH. 61
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.
Famity—CHETODONTID&.
Cueropon seTIFER. Bloch.
Cheetodon setifer, Bloch, Ichth. pl. 425. fig. 1. Cur. et Val. Hist. des Poiss. tom. vil. 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 pteopercle 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.
Corour.— 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.
62 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains two ifdividuals 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.*. Jen.
Corpus oblongo-ovale, compressum. Caput obtusum. Os parvum, haud protractile. Dentes maxillares omnes incisores, parvi, equales, contigui, uniseriatt ; palatini velutini, minutt. Ossa suborbitalia denticulata. Preoperculum margine adscen- denti levissimée denticulato. Operculum inerme. Membrana branchialis quatuor- radiata. Pinne verticales squamis confertis fere omnino obtecte: dorsalis unica, subequalis, membrand ad apices spinarum parum laciniatd : ventrales radio primo mollt elongato. Linea lateralis sub terminationem dorsalis interrupta. Squame rostrt et verticis parve ; operculi et corporis magne, oblique disposite ; omnes levissime ciliate.
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 Scienide, 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 Chetodontide, 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 Pime- lepterus, 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 dif- ferences.
But though this genus requires to be arranged with the Chetodontide on the grounds above mentioned, in all its other characters it comes much nearer that portion of the Scienide which have the lateral line terminating beneath the end of the dorsal fin ; especially Pomacentrus, which it resembles in the general form
* Sreyaorns, tector.
FISH. 63
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,* 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 Scienide. ‘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. Puate 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 ueally 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 denticu- lations, which are principally confined to the ascending margin, are not very obvious, and more
* G. chrysurus, Cuy. et Val.
64
ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.
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, rung 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 striz, 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 spmous 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 axilla another elongated one, narrower and more pointed than the former, and rather exceeding it in length.
FISH. 65
B. 4; D. 12/16; A. 2/12; C. 15, and 4short; P. 21; V. 1/5. Length 3 inches. Cotour.—Not noticed in the recent state. Jn spirits, the whole