OCR Text |
Show 1879.] MR. R. COLLETT ON A NEW FISH. 381 4. On a new Fish of the Genus Lycodes from the Pacific. By ROBERT COLLETT, C.M.Z.S. [Eeceived March 25, 1879.] LYCODES PACIFICUS, n. sp. Vomerine and palatine teeth none. Coloration uniform yellowish grey. The body is scaly, the head and the pectorals naked. The head is contained four times and six tenths, the height of the body nine times, in the total length. Lateral line very indistinct. M.B.6. D. (circa) 92. A. 71. C. (circa) 1.1. P. 18. Hab. Japan (Mus. Berol.). Body moderately elongated ; the height of the body is one half of tbe length of the head, which is contained four times and six tenths in tbe total length. The snout is only a trifle longer than the eye, which is one fourth of the length of the head ; the upper maxillary Lycodes pacificus (nat. size). extending to below the anterior part of the eye. Teeth only in the jaws, forming a single row behind ; in the upper jaw there is a double series in front, in the lower jaw three or four series. The origin of the dorsal is only a little behind the vertical from the root of the pectorals ; it has about 92 rays, which are divided to their bases. The anal has 71 rays, and commences below the vertical from the seventeenth ray of the dorsal. The rays of the caudal are exceedingly close together and slender ; their number seems to be 6 on the dorsal, and 5 on the ventral side, as in other species of Lycodes. The pectorals are broad and rounded, and have 18 rays; their tips do not reach forwards to the eye. Along the jaw is slightly visible the usual row of shallow impressions, which correspond with the holes in the maxillary bones, as in the Lycodee generally. The body and the bases of the dorsal and the anal are scaly; the head, the pectorals, and the ventrals are naked. The distance of the vent from the snout is contained twice and a half in the total length. One |