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FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM

PUBLICATION 65.
ZOOLOGICAL SERIES. VOL. Ill, No. 6.

A CONTRIBUTION

TO THE

ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO.

BY

SETH EUGENE MEEK,

Assistant Curator of Department.

D. G. ELLIOT, F. R. S. E.,
Curator of Department.

CHICAGO, U. S. A.
May, 1902.

A CONTRIBUTION TO THE ICHTHYOLOGY
OF MEXICO.

BY SKTH EUGENE MEEK.

The following paper is based on a collection of fishes made in
Mexico during April, May and June, 1901, by the writer and Mr.
Frank Eugene Lutz, instructor in zoology in Chicago University, as
volunteer assistant. The more important river systems were
examined, chiefly with the view of discovering the southern range of
our North American ichthyic fauna, and the northern range of the
South and Central American faunas.

Most of the collecting was done with two ^-inch mesh seines,
one being 25 feet in length, the other about 50 feet.

The central portion of Mexico is a plateau ranging from about
3,500 feet above the sea to about 8,000 feet. The streams vary much
in size; many go quite or entirely dry during the dry season, while
during the rainy season they beqome torrents. Our visit was made
during the latter part of the dry season when the streams were very
low. The collection secured is perhaps larger than all other collec-
tions combined from the fresh waters of Mexico. The fish fauna of
Mexico is very interesting. In the northern part of the country we
find a few species not found elsewhere, while a large portion of the
fauna are species which have migrated south. The South American
fauna predominates as far north as Mexico City, though a few of its
forms extend into Texas.

In making this collection we would acknowledge the assistance
of the following gentlemen: Mr. J. H. Hampson of the Cuernavaca &
Pacific Railroad, Mr. W. Morcom of the Mexican Southern Railroad,
Mr. E. A. White of the Interoceanic Railroad, Mr. Chas. Sheldon of
the Chihuahua & Pacific Railroad, Mr. Jno. P. Ramsey of the Rio
Grande, S. Madre and Pacific Railroad, Mr. H. R. Nickerson and
Mr. T. R. Ryan of Mexican Central and to Mr. Ward, Superintendent
of Wells, Fargo Express Co., and to the officials of the Atchison,
Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. We also received considerable aid from
station agents on these various railroads where we stopped and also

63

64 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM-*-ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

from Mr. Woodside, custom agent for the Mexican Central Railroad
at Cuidad Juarez.

The following River systems were examined as listed below:

The Casas Grandes System.

The Rio Casas Grandes is a small mountain stream which
flows iuto Lago de Guzman. In the dry season the lake becomes
nearly or entirely dry and there is very little water in the river
below Terrasas. At Colonia Juarez, about 16 miles above Ter-
rasas, the river the last of June contained little water, nearly
all of which was taken out a short distance below into irriga-
ting ditches. The fish life was abundant, but there were only
a few species. The water was clear, and cooler than other similar
mountain streams farther south. Where the water was confined
in holes and not running it contained a large amount of algae,
enough to fill the meshes of our net and make hauling difficult.
Lago de Guzman at the time of our visit was dry. A few fishes
were taken from a small spring branch near the railroad station.
It is probable that this river system was once a tributary of the
Rio Grande.

The Santa Maria System.

The Rio Santa Maria runs parallel to the Rio Casas Grandes
and empties into Lago de Santa Maria about 10 miles southeast
of Guzman. These lakes are separated by a comparatively low
ridge, but so high that their waters have not mingled with each
other for a considerable time. I visited this water system only
at Santa Maria. The lake was dry, but there were several large
ponds fed by many large springs.. These ponds were surrounded
by a considerable amount of aquatic vegetation. The bottoms
were of loose mud or muck. The water in the springs and
spring brooks was clear, and contained C. elegans and N. lutrensis
in abundance.

The Carmen System.

The Rio Carmen is a small river east of the Rio Santa Maria.
It empties into Lago de Patos about 50 miles southeast of
Lago de Santa Maria. At the time of my visit, June 21, the lake
was dry except a few holes some 20 feet wide and 50 or 60 feet in
length. These were reported to contain fish, but a half day's
seining resulted in getting none. At the San Jose Ranch, some

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 65

5 or 6 miles from the lake, is a large spring, and a spring
branch whose waters are taken up by the sand within less than a
mile from the spring. C. flcgans is the only fish found here.

At Ahumada, 9 miles from the lake, all of the water in the
river was taken out by irrigating ditches. A small collection of
fishes was made in the largest irrigating ditch. It seems that on
the approach of the dry season the fish in these small separate
river basins migrate to the head waters. A large number are
said to die in the lakes as these bodies of water become dry.
The concentration of the salts in the water due to evaporation is
no doubt the cause of the great mortality reported when the lake
has been reduced to about one-fourth of its largest size. Mr.
Jackson of Ahumada, who occasionally fishes for the market,
informed me that in June no large fishes could be found short
of about 20 miles up the river.

These three river systems were probably at one time a part of
the Rio Grande System.

The Conchos System.

The Rio de los Conchos is one of the southern tributaries of
the Rio Grande. We visited the Rio Chihuahua, a tributary of
the Rio Conchos, at Chihuahua. The water was very low. This
stream flows with a moderate current over sandy or gravelly bot-
toms. The water contained a large amount of algae. This stream,
where visited, was well shaded by large trees and bushes.

The Rio Santa Cruz at San Andres is a small stream with
sandy and gravelly bottom; by the end of the dry season it
contains but little running water. Our fishes were collected in a
few holes in the bed of the stream just below the city. There is
very little vegetation of any sort along this stream near San
Andres. This same stream at Ortiz, a considerable distance
below San Andres, was 'entirely dry.

The Rio Noavaco at 'Santa Rosalia contains considerable
water throughout the dry season, though this is confined to long
deep holes with but little running water between them.

At Jimenez the Rio Conchos was nearly dry. Our collections
were made from a few deep holes about 2 miles below the
city. These contained a large amount of aquatic vegetation,
which made collecting difficult and unsatisfactory. The water
was very clear, and in the deeper places were seen many large
suckers which we were unable to capture. Sunfishes were very
abundant. All of these streams become large and deep in the

66 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

rainy season, at which time the Rio Conchos at Jimenez becomes
200 or more feet in width and as much as 15 feet in depth.

The Lago de Castillos System.

This lake receives the water from a large depression on the
divide between the head waters of 'the Rio Conchos and the Rio
Yaqui. Lago de Castillos is a large body of water in the wet
season, but nearly all. of its water is evaporated by the end of the
dry season. The seining of a few holes yielded but one species
of fish. A few small fishes are reported in some of the springs on
the margin of the lake bed even in the dry season. These are
either the young of L. nigrescens, or are possibly Cyprinodon ele-
gans and Notropis lutrensis, more likely all three of these. I was
unable to visit any of these springs, as my time when I visited
Bustillos was limited. The Bustillos hacienda comprises most
all of this drainage area.

The Rio Yaqui System.

The Rio Paphigochic, a tributary of the Rio Yaqui, was visited
at Minaca. This river contained a small amount of running water.
Its current was rapid and flowed over beds of sand and gravel.
We collected in the deep holes and shallow places along the river
for about a mile. The similarity of the fishes in this stream and
the Rio Conchos is very striking.

The Tarahumares, a tribe of Indians living south of Minaca,
catch fishes by poisoning the water with some herb. This is
reported to make the fish drunk. This is evidently a method
similar to the one used by the Cherokee Indians in the Indian
Territory. The Cherokees pound up the roots of the walnut and
mix the j«ice with the water. I have never seen this operation,
but from the description I have heard of it, it seems that the wal-
nut juice in the water acts as an astringent on the gills of the
fishes, no doubt causing a smothering sensation. The fishes
become active for a while and often swim with force enough to
land themselves high and dry. Later, if they remain in the
water, they become stupefied and are easily caught. Mr. A. G.
Maddren, who visited the Caroline Islands a few years ago,
informed me that some herb there was pounded up and its juice
mixed with the water to capture tide-pool fishes. It is interest-
ing to note this method of taking fishes by natives in three such
widely separated localities.

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 67

The Lerma System.

The Rio Lerma is the longest river in Mexico. In its basin
are found a large number of lakes. Some of these lakes, as Lago
de Chapala, are still connected with the river, while many, as
Patzcuaro, Zirahuen and others, have long since become isolated
and at present each one forms an independent drainage system.

The Rio Verde was visited at Aguas Calientes. It contained
but little running water. In the bed of the stream were a number
of holes from three to five feet in depth. The water, though
apparently clear, contained a large amount of algae which so clog-
ged the meshes of the seines as to make collecting difficult. The
bottom was of sand and gravel.

A small stream, a tributary of the Rio Verde, flows through
the city of Lagos. It contained but a small amount of water.
There is a small lake about two miles from Lagos. It is about
one-half mile in diameter, and is bordered by a rich growth of
cat-tails, tules and other forms of aquatic vegetation. There
were no sandy shores and it was quite impossible to use a seine
in it.

In the lake, a small ditch near by, and in the stream at the
city, a small collection of fishes was made. Cat-fish, probably
Amciurus dugesii, are reported common in the lake, but we were
unable to obtain any.

At La Barca the Rio Lerma is a rather broad, deep river
with a very sluggish current. The river was too deep to wade
any distance from the shore, and so a few hauls of the seine were
made from shore by means of ropes, and with better results than
is usually accomplished in this way. The bottom and shores
were muddy; occasionally along the margin was considerable
aquatic vegetation.

Lago de Chapala is the largest fresh water lake in Mexico.
The Rio Lerma flows into this lake near La Barca at the northeast
corner, and flows from it a few miles farther down at Ocotlan.
After the river leaves the lake it is known as the Rio Santiago.

At Ocotlan we collected in the main river and in a few small
bayous. The river here is about 200 feet wide and 10 to 15 feet
deep. Its banks were steep but less so than at La Barca.

La Palma is a small village some 20 miles from Ocotlan and
on the opposite shore of the lake. Lago de Chapala is from 10
to 25 miles wide and about 50 in length. It is surrounded by high
hills and mountains. The lake, especially between Ocotlan and
La Palma, is shallow. For a mile or so from La Palma it is not

68 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

over 6 or 8 feet deep. At La Palma is a rich growth of cat-
tails and tules. The bottom, a short distance from shore, is
muddy. Our collection was made along shore, in and about the
tules, and some distance out where the water was not deep.
There is considerable fishing done here for the market. The
cat-fishes Ameiurus dugesii are known as Bagre. Xystrosus pop-
oche and Falcula ciiapala are Sardinia. Algansea rubescens is La
Poache. The large Chirostoma' are Blancas, and the small Chir-
ostoma and the various species of Pxciliidce are known as Mojarra.
The fishes caught here are marketed largely in Ocotlan.

At Celaya a small collection of fishes was made in a small
stream which flows by the depot. In this stream was consider-
able vegetation.

The Rio Lerma at Acambaro is a clear stream not over 4 feet
deep, flowing over a sandy bottom. It contained but few fishes
at this place. A large irrigating ditch well filled with aquatic
vegetation yielded a good number of Pceciliidce.

Lago de Quitzeo is a large shallow lake without any outlet.
At Huingo, where our collection was made, the lake was not
over 2 feet deep as much as one-eighth of a mile from the shore.
At one-fourth of a mile it is less than 6 feet deep. There are a
number of hot springs along the shore west of Huingo, and near
the depot a small stream fed by a warm spring flows into the
lake. This stream was alive with Pceciliida. Between the lake
and the city of Huingo a large amount of salt is gotten each year,
and so the lake is known as a salt lake, though its waters may
perhaps be but little if any more saline than are the other lakes
in this region which have no outlets. The small Pivciliida are
known here as Charral.

Lago de Patzcuaro is a beautiful sheet of water some 10
miles long by 2 to 4 miles wide. It is surrounded on all
sides by high mountains, and is -perhaps the most beautiful and
picturesque lake in the Lerma Basin. Its shores near the city of
Patzcuaro are fringed with a rich growth of tules and other
aquatic plants. About 3 miles from the landing is an island,
and between it and the shore the lake does not exceed a depth
of 30 feet; beyond the island it is reported to be much
deeper. A great deal of commercial fishing is done here. The
larger fishes, Pescados Blancas, are marketed at Patzcuaro and
Morelia. A few are sent to Uruapan and neighboring towns.
The small fishps of all species are dried in the sun and marketed
in that condition. The fishes are caught in long seines. Lago

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 69

de Patzcuaro has no outlet, and its waters have become some-
what brackish.

Lago de Zirahuen is a small, deep mountain lake. Its drain-
age area is small, and the lake is' about one mile in diameter. A
portion of its shore is sandy and muddy, while much is fringed
with vegetation. This lake also has no outlet. The fishes from
it are very dark in color. In this respect they are much like the
fishes in Lago de Chalco. Commercial fishing is carried on here
to some extent.

The Drainage System of the Valley of Mexico.

Lago de Texcoco is a large shallow lake in the valley of
Mexico. Its size varies much during the year. It is connected
with all of the other lakes in this valley by canals which carry off
much of the filth of the City of Mexico as well as of other cities
near by.

Lago de Chalco is deeper and smaller than Texcoco. This
lake supports an immense amount of vegetation. Not far from
Tlahuac, in the bed of the lake, is a large spring. The water is
about 20 feet deep, and can be seen boiling up through the sand
on the bottom over an area of more than 100 feet square. Our
collections from this lake were made at Chalco and Tlahuac.

Lago de Xochomilcho is much like Lago de Chalco. The
few fishes in our collection from this lake were purchased from
fishermen in the markets of the City of Mexico.

The Balsas System.

The Rio Balsas is south of the Rio Lerma and is the second
largest river wholly within Mexico. We visited this river at
Balsas, a small village almost directly south of the City of
Mexico. The river at close of the dry season, at this place, was
about 100 feet wide and 10 to 15 feet deep. The mountains on
either side rise almost from the water's edge, forming a sort of
canon. The current was very swift, while at intervals of a mile
or so were rapids or cascades. In the bed of the stream are a
few small bayous and cut-offs, and in these most of our fishes
were collected. The Rio Balsas in the wet season is for a while
one of the great rivers of this continent. Its water in the dry
season is so brackish that the natives seldom use it.

The Rio Cuculo is a small stream tributary to the Rio Balsas
at this place. It contained no running water. The few deep
holes near its mouth furnished an excellent place to collect fishes.

jo FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

In the dry season the natives dig basins in the bed of this stream
from which they get their drinking water.

The Rio Ixtla, a tributary of the Rio Amacusac which empties
into the Balsas, is a clear stream with sandy and gravelly bottom.
Our collections were taken from this stream a short distance
above the picturesque old bridge at this place. A few speci-
mens were also taken from the Rio Tembernbe, a small tributary
of the Rio Ixtla.

The San Francisco System.

At La Antigua the Rio San Francisco is a broad stream with
a hard bottom. At this point the water was not more than 4 feet
deep. La Antigua is just above tide wrater, and most of the fishes
taken here belong to salt or brackish water.

A tributary of the Rio San Francisco at Jalapa is a small
stream. A dam is built at the head of the falls. ' Above the dam
the water is deep and the stream fills the narrow valley, forming
a sort of lake which is well filled with aquatic vegetation. Sein-
ing here was quite impossible. A few fishes were taken above
the dam by using the seine as a dip net.

The small stream below the dam was seined for some distance.
It was narrow, with steep muddy banks, and contained a great
deal of vegetation.

The Panuca System.

At San Juan del Rio we visited the Rio Moctezuma which
flows into the Rio Panuca. The water in it was confined to a
few deep holes, with none running between them. Collecting
here was easy and satisfactory. The bed of the river was rocky,
but the shore of the deep holes next the bed of the stream was
sandy and with a gentle slope.

The Verde System.

The Rio Verde is a small Pacific coast stream which heads a
short distance above Oaxaca. It was nearly dry when our collec-
tion was made. Its bed at Oaxaca is broad and covered with
sand. A few holes in the bed contained a few fishes belonging to
two species.

The Quiotepec System.

The Rio Quiotepec drains a considerable area directly east of
the head waters of the Rio Balsas, and flows into the Gulf of

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 71

Mexico. At Cuicatlan near the close of the dry season the water
in the river was rather shallow; in many places less than 4 feet
deep. It flows with a swift current over a sandy and gravelly
bottom. A small creek flows into the river near Cuicatlan.
Our collection was taken from the main stream, the small creek
and from a few cut-offs and bayous in the bed of the river.

The Rio Tehucan at Venta Salada is a rapid mountain stream.
The rocky bottom and walls, and the swift current made collect-
ing with a seine unsatisfactory. A few species, however, were
captured which proved to be especially interesting.

The following new genera are described in this paper: Zoogo-
neticus, Chapalichthys, Skiffia and Melaniris.

The following is a list of the new species described:

Rhamdia oaxacce Skiffia variegata

Catostomus conchas Heterandia lutzii

Catostomus sonorce Xiphophorus jalapce

Algansea rubescens Chirostoma attenuatum

Gila minaccz Chirostoma labarcce

Aztecula mexicana Chirostoma patzcuaro

Notropis robustus Chirostoma zirahuen

Xotropis santarosalice Melaniris balsanus

Evarra tlahuacensis Lepomis occidentalis

Fundulns oaxacce Cichlosotna eigenmanni

Zoogoneticus diazi Gobiits parvus

Zoogoneticus miniatus Gobius clay font
Skiffia lerma

The measurements, scale and fin ray counts are made in the
usual manner. The length of the body is measured from tip of
upper jaw to base (last caudal vertebra) of caudal fin; the total
length is measured from tip of jaws to tip of caudal rays; only
fully developed rays are counted. The length of the head is
measured from tip of upper jaw to poster edge of opercle; length
of snout from its tip to anterior margin of orbit. Scales in the
lateral series are counted to the base of caudal fin; transverse
series from insertion of ventrals or anal, whichever is nearest
middle of the body when the lateral line is present, and the count
above includes the row on which the lateral line is found.

The following is a list of the places near which our collections
were made. In order to abbreviate, the name of the city nearest
which the species was taken is given instead of also giving name
of stream and date; for example, " Colonia Juarez," after the
name of a species, means that it was taken from the Rio Casas
Grandesnear the village of Colonia Juarez in the State* of Chihua-
hua on June 26.

72 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

Colonia Juarez: Chihuahua, Mexico, Rio Casas Grandes, June 26.

Guzman: Chihuahua, Mexico, spring near railroad station, June 25.

Santa Maria: Chihuahua, Mexico, springs and ponds near clubhouse,

June 24.
San Jose: Chihuahua, Mexico, spring at San Jose ranch, Lago de Patqs, was

nearly dry. No fish in the few pools left, June 21.
Alumiada: Chihuahua, Mexico. A large irrigating ditch. No water in the

Rio Carmen, June 22.

Chihuahua: Chihuahua, Mexico, tributary of the Rio Conchos, June 19.
Santa Rosalia: Chihuahua, Mexico, Rio Noavaco, June 10.
Jimenez: Chihuahua, Mexico, Rio Conchos, June 9.
San Andres: Chihuahua, Mexico, Rio Santa Cruz, June 17, 18.
Bustillos: Chihuahua, Mexico, Lago de Castillo, the lake was dry except a

few small holes, June 14.

Minaca: Chihuahua, Mexico, Paphigochic, June 16, 17.
Aguas Calientes: Aguas Calientes, Mexico, Rio Verde, June 7.
Lagos: Jalisco, Mexico, tributary of the Rio Verde, and small lake near the

city, June 6.

La Barca: Jalisco, Mexico, Rio Lerma, June 5.
Ocotlan: Jalisco, Mexico, Rio Grande de Santiago and a few bayous, June

2 and 3.

Celaya: Guanajuato, Mexico, small stream tributary "to the Lerma, May 28.
Ocambaro: Guanajuato, Mexico, Rio Lerma, May 27.
La Palma: Michoacan, Mexico, Lago de Chalco, May 30, 31.
Huingo: Michoacan', Mexico, Lago de Quitzeo, May 26.
Patzcuaro: Michoacan, Mexico, Lago de Patzcuaro, May 18 to 22.
Zirahuen: Michoacan, Mexico, Lago de Zirahuen, May 24.
San Juan del Rio: Queretaro, Mexico, Rio Moctezuma, May 16.
Chalco: Mexico, Mexico, Lago de Chalco, April 30, May I.
Texcoco: Mexico, Mexico, Lago de Texcoco, May 13.
Puente de Ixtla: Morelos, Mexico, Rio Ixtla, April 24 to 26.
Balsas: Guerrero, Mexico, Rio Balsas and Rio Cuculo, April 22 and 23.
Venta Salada: Puebla, Mexico, Rio Tehucan, May 6, 1901.
Cuicatlan: Oaxaca, Mexico, Rio Quiotepec, May 5, 1001.
Oaxaca: Oaxaca, Mexico, Rio Verde, May 4, 1901.
Jalapa: Vera Cruz, Mexico, tributary of Rio San Francisco, May 9.
La Antigua: Vera Cruz, Mexico, Rio San Francisco, May 10.

LEPISOSTEID^.
Lepisosteus osseus (Linnanis).

Four specimens of this species were taken at Santa Rosalia.

Istalarius balsanus Jordan & Snyder.

£agre.

This species is quite common at the Balsas. Several large
specimens were taken from the main river. The fontanelle was
well developed in specimens over 2 feet in length.

MAY, 1902. THK ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 73

Several small specimens were also taken at Puente de Ixtla,
the type locality. These specimens and the smaller ones taken
at the Balsas are much darker on ventral side than are the larger
specimens. The ventral surface of specimens 2 feet long is white.
It does not shade into the bluish on sides, the line between the
two colors being very marked. Puente de Ixtla; Balsas.

Ameiurus price! Rutter.

Head 3|; depth 5; D-i, 6; A. 19. Body elongate; head
rather narrow; lower jaw the shorter; premaxillary band of teeth
truncate behind; interorbital width 2^- in head; eye small, 6 in
head; barbels 8, the maxillary ones reaching slightly beyond gill
openings; pectoral spine smooth in front, serrate behind, serra-
tions 5 (in specimens 2^ inches in length) to 8 (in specimens
6^ inches in length); pectoral spine 2^- in head, equals length of
the dorsal spine; base of anal 2| in its distance from snout, i£ in
head. Origin of dorsal nearer tip of snout than to origin of
base of adipose fin. Caudal deeply forked. Bluish above,
lighter below; a few dark spots on the body; lobes of caudal
fin edged with black.

These specimens differ somewhat from the description of A.
pricei. President' D. S. Jordan informs me that A. pricei was
described from a few small specimens, and it is his opinion that
our specimens from Minaca are the same species. Very large
cat-fishes are reported to be taken in the Yaqui. Minaca.

Ameiurus dugesii Bean.

Abundant in Lago de Chapala. Specimens were taken by me
at La Barca, Ocotlan and La Palma. None were seen at Patz-
cuaro, Zirahuen and Huingo, and I was told by the fishermen
that there were no cat-fishes in these lakes. They are reported
as common in the Lerma at Morelia and Acambaro, but in the
dry season are found only in the deepest holes. Ocotlan; La
Barca; La Palma.

I here give a key by which the two species of Ameiurus now
known from the Pacific slope may be recognized:

a. Pectoral spine without serrations (or a few weak ones in
the young). Dorsal spine long, if to ijj in the length of the
head. DUGESII.

aa. Pectoral spine strongly serrate ; dorsal spine short,
2\ to 3 in the length of the head ; anal rays 18 to 23. PRICEI.

74 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

Leptops olivaris (Rafinesque).

One ^pecimen 5.80 inches long from the Rio Noavaco.
Large cat-fishes are reported to have been taken from the
Rio Conchos at Santa Rosalia.

Rhamdia oaxacae, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3717, F. C. M. Length, 5^ inches.

Locality, Rio Quiotepec, Cuicatlan, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Head 3|; depth 5^; D. i-6; A. 10; gill-rakers 3+7. Body
slender; head large, upper jaw slightly the longer; top of head
flat, narrow forward; eye small, 6^ in head; snout 2^ in head;
occipital process 4^ in head; fontanelle reaching middle of orbit;
profile from nostrils to origin of dorsal straight; maxillary bar-
bels reaching nearly to middle of base of adipose fin, slightly
shorter in largest specimens (6^ inches in length); mental barbel
reaching | distance to pectoral; post-mental to just past base
of pectoral; dorsal fin slightly higher than long, its base about
i| in head; dorsal spine weak, flexible, i^ in base of fin;
distance from tip of snout to dorsal fin -2\ in length of
body; adipose fin well developed, its origin at tips of dorsal
rays when the fin is deflexed; base of adipose fin a| to 3 in
length of body. Least depth of caudal peduncle i\ in head;
pectoral spine strong, with small teeth on its outer margin, the
larger two or three being near its tip; inner margin of pectoral
serrated, except the portion near the tip opposite the two or three
large teeth near tip on front; pectoral spine, 2| in head: ventrals
situated behind base of last dorsal ray; caudal forked, its lower
lobe broad and round, its upper pointed, with rounded tip.
Color uniform, dull olivaceous, slightly lighter on lower half of
body. A narrow dark band along lateral line. Dorsal fin with a
light cross band occupying the second fourth of fin from base.
No dark dots on body.

This species differs from R. wagnerii in having a shorter head
and no black spots on the body. Cuicatlan.

CATOSTOMID^.
Carpiodes tumidus Baird & Girard.

Head 3^ in the length of the body; depth, 2| to 3!. Dorsal
rays 24 to 26; the anterior rays short; their tip, when fin is
depressed, reaching to about two-thirds the distance from base

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 75

of anterior rays to base of posterior. Tip of dorsal fin rounded;
scales 7-38 to 41-6.

Color light brownish, silvery below; the middle of each scale
silvery, forming indistinct silvery lines along the rows of scales.
Longest specimen 10% inches in length. Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.

Pantosteus plebius (Baird & Girard).

This species is very variable. The dorsal fin usually has 9
rays, occasionally 10, seldom u. Scales in the lateral line
range from 85 to 100.

A study of a large series from Colonia Juarez, Mifiaca and
San Andres indicates that but one species of Pantosteus exists in
this region. Colonia Juarez; Ahumada; San Andres; Mifiaca.

Catostomus sonorensis, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3564, F. C. M. Length, 5| inches.

Locality, Rio Paphigochic, Mifiaca, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Head 4; depth 4?^; D. xii; A. 7; scales 11-65-10. Body
robust; profile very convex; top of head flattish, broad,
interorbital 2^ in head; snout blunt, 2^ in head; eye large, 4^
in head; lips thick, papillose; papillae in eight or nine rows on
upper lip. The two halves of upper lip meet at a very obtuse
angle. Dorsal fin as high as long, its base i|^ in length of head,
its margin slightly concave. The tips of first rays reaching
middle of last ray when the fin is deflexed; tips of last dorsal
rays opposite tips of ventrals, which r,each to vent; pectoral i^
in head; ventrals ij.

Origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer base of caudal than tip of
snout; caudal deeply emarginate, lobes equal; scales small on
anterior half of body.

Color steel blue to brownish, white below. Young specimens
have the dark lateral blotches.

This species differs from Catostomus bernardini in having
larger scales. Mifiaca.

Catostomus corichos, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3557, F. C. M. Length, 10.64 inches.

Locality, Rio Conchos, Jimenez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Head 4^; depth 4^; D. xi; A. 7; scales 13-80-13. Body
robust, terete, not much compressed, except posterior third;
snout blunt, its length 2?{ in head; lips thick, papillose, about

76 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

nine rows of papillae on upper jaw; lower lip broad, deeply
incised, the two halves posteriorly forming an obtuse angle;
hinder margin of upper lip fringed with papillae; base of third
dorsal ray midway between tip of snout and base of caudal; about
45 scales in a series from nape to first dorsal ray; scales
below lateral line near middle of the body are smaller than those
above this line.

Profile convex; interorbital convex, -i\ in head; pectoral fin
ij} in head, the tips not reaching ventrals; ventrals i \ in head;
distance from tip of ventrals to vent 3! in ventral fin; dorsal fin
longer than high, its height i| in head, length of base i\ in
head; the tip of last dorsal ray scarcely reaching opposite tips of
ventrals when fin is deflexed.

Color, light steel blue on back, shading into a dark olive on
sides; lighter below, especially on posterior half of body, where
the line between the light and dark color is very marked. On
anterior half of body the colors gradually merge into one another.

Eight small specimens also from Jimenez. The small speci-
mens 2-J inches in length are more robust and have a larger eye
than the type; the tips of pectorals reach anal fin.

Sides with three large dark blotches resembling those on the
young of Catostomus commersonii. Dorsal fin also higher in the
young, longest ray about i^ in head, tip of first ray reaching nearly
to tips of last when fin is deflexed. In the larger specimen the first
rays reach but a short distance beyond base of last ray. Jimenez.

Moxostoma congestum (Baird & Girard).

A few small specimens from Santa Rosalia I identify as this
species.

Moxostoma austrinum Bean.

A few specimens were seen at La Palma and Ocotlan. All
were taken in Lago de Chalco. One specimen 9 inches in length
gives the following measurements:

Head 4^; depth 4; distance from dorsal to snout 2^ in length
of body; eye 4§ in the length of the head; snout i\\ base of
dorsal i|; longest dorsal ray il; pectoral i; ventral 1 3 : caudal
peduncle 2^; scales 48-18. This specimen has a shorter head
and smaller scales than those of fishes of this species, formerly
described. A few large specimens were seen at La Palma.
Ocotlan; La Palma.

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 77

CYPRINID^E.
Campostoma ornatum Girard.

Eggs in females from Chihuahua not much developed, not
enough to give any definite idea as to time of spawning season.
All of the specimens of this species were collected during the last
half of June.

Very abundant in Northern Mexico, in the head waters of the
Atlantic and Pacific coast streams.

Taken by me as follows: Colonia Juarez; Chihuahua: San
Andres: Santa Rosalia; Jimenez; Minaca.

Hybognathus melanops (Girard).

Head 4: depth 3!; Eye equals snout, 3^ in head. Scales 41
to 45. Origin of dorsal slightly nearer base of caudal than tip
of snout. Dark brown color, edges of scales darker, forming
longitudinal lines along rows of scales. The entire body covered
with minute dark dots. A dark lateral band ending in a black
caudal spot; this is indistinct in the larger and darker speci-
mens. Largest specimen 2.50 inches. Ovaries slightly devel-
oped. Spawning season about August. Abundant. Chihuahua;
Jimenez.

Algansea tincella (Cuv. & Val).

This is a very variable species. Those from the lakes about
the City of Mexico are very robust and have a rather short caudal
fin. The gill-rakers are very short, 3 + 12. The scales range
from 65 to 70. Specimens from San Juan del Rio are rather slen-
der and have a longer and more pointed caudal fin. In this
respect these specimens are not unlike those from Celaya, and
Aguas Calientes. In all of these the gill-rakers are short and
not more than 15 in number. Vertebrae 20-1-17 = 37.

The black caudal spot is well defined in the smallest specimens
from all of the localities, though on individuals about 8 inches in
.length from Lago de Chalco it is undistinct or absent.

Drs. Jordan and Evermann regard A. australe as a synonym
of A. sallei. I do not believe this is correct. The latter species
belongs to a river basin which has a different fauna. The speci-
mens described by Dr. Jordan are not in good condition. Mr.
Bean, who kindly re-examined the types of A. australe, believes it
had more than 60 scales in the lateral line. Dr. Gunther's
locality for A. sallei may be wrong.

78 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

Algansea dugesi Bean is perhaps a valid species. It differs
from A. tincella in having more gill-rakers. None of the specimens
in our collection can be referred to this species. Dr. Bean gives
the number of gill-rakers as 44-15. The dorsal fin is inserted
slightly before the ventrals in A. dugesi and over them in A. tin-
cella.

Ovaries well developed; spawning time about middle of May
to early in June.

The natives on Lago de Chalco bake this fish in corn husks to
sell at the trains and in the markets.

This species seldom exceeds 8 inches in length. Aguas Cal-
ientes; Lagos; Celaya; Acambaro; San Juan del Rio: Chalco:
Texcoco.

Algansea rubescens, sp. nov.

Type. No.' 3653, F. C. M. Length. 6 inches.

Locality, Rio Santiago. Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico.

Head 4: depth 4: D. 8; A. 7: scales 16-65-10. Body elongate,
rather robust: snout bluntish, 4^ in head; mouth oblique, lower
jaw shorter, included; maxillary scarcely reaching eye, 3^ in head:
caudal peduncle large, its least depth 2 in head: 33 scales before
the dorsal, the origin of the latter slightly nearer the base of
caudal than tip of snout; lateral line complete, decurved. Color
olivaceous with a reddish tinge on sides, silvery below, a black
spot at base of caudal fin. No markings on other fins.

Ovary well developed, spawning time probably about the
middle or last of June. Longest specimen, 6 inches.

This species differs from A. tincella in the larger and more
numerous gill-rakers. It differs from A. lacustris in having much
larger scales. Ocotlan.

Algansea lacustris Steindachner.

This species is characterized by its small scales, there being
from 85 to 94 in the lateral series, and from 30 to 36 in transverse
series. The gill-rakers are long and slender, the number being
5-J-I7. This species is much lighter in color than the others of
the genus. Dr. Steindachner describes a second species of this
genus from Lago de Patzcuaro. A. {arascorum, which differs from
A. lacustris in having much larger scales, about 76 in the lateral
line. An examination of the figures of these two species shows
each to have about go scales in the lateral line.

I examined a large number of Algansea taken by the fishermen

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO— MEEK. 79

at Patzcuaro and was unable to detect more than one species.
Eighteen specimens in our collection show considerable variation.
I am inclined to believe that the two species described by Dr.
Steindachner are the same. Spawning time the last of May or
early in June. Patzcuaro.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ALGAXSEA.

a. Scales large, fewer than 56 in the lateral series. SALLEI.
aa. Scales smaller, more than 60 in the lateral series.

b. Gill-rakers short and blunt, 15 to 19.

c. Gill-rakers 3 -(-12; dorsal fin inserted over ventrals.

TINCELLA.

cc. Gill-rakers 4-1-15; dorsal fin inserted slightly before vent-
rals. DUGESI.
bb. Gill-rakers longer and slender, 22 or 23 on first gill arch.

d. Scales larger, 65 in the lateral series. RUBESCEXS.
dd. Scales small, 85 to 94 in the lateral line. LACUSTRIS.

Pimephales confertus Girard.

Length of largest specimens 2.76 in.

This species is quite abundant in Northern Mexico. It is
even more variable than its northern relative, Pimephales promelas.

On the upper half of the body of small specimens (less than 2
inches in length) are narrow vertical (slightly inclined backward)
dark streaks, which are usually much branched. These also
appear on larger specimens, but in much smaller numbers.

A few of the -males from Santa Rosalia are almost black.
These have a light vertical bar on shoulder crossing base of pec-
toral fin, and a second bar on middle of body crossing base of
ventral fin. Pectorals black; ventrals and anal black, edged
with white. The caudal fin is light with a broad black bar
across its middle: on lighter colored males the fins are less
dark, and there are no cross bars on sides of body.

Many of the males have tubercles on the end of the snout.
This species is more chubby than Pimephales promelas ; it also has
smaller scales, 52 to 55 in the lateral line, instead of 43 to 47.
There is some difference in the markings on the males. The lighter
males and females have a dark lateral band which does not end
in a dark caudal spot. This band is more distinct on smaller
specimens. Usually the anterior portion is partially concealed
with a dash of red; under side of head and breast with some red.
• Longest specimen, 2. 76 inches in length.

8o FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

Specimens in our collection are from the following localities:
Colonia Juarez; Santa Maria; Guzman; Chihuahua; San Andres;
Santa Rosalia; Jimenez; Minaca.

Gila minacse, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3573, F. C. M. Length, 4.46 inches.

Locality, Minaca, Rio Paphigochic, Minaca, Chihuahua,
Mexico.

Head 3!; depth 4^; D. 9; A. 8; scales 24-90-11. Body elon-
gate, back not arched; snout bluntish; mouth terminal, rather
large, maxillary reaching anterior margin of pupil, its length 3^
in the head; snout 3|; eye 4^; body completely scaled; origin of
dorsal slightly behind origin of ventrals, midway between base of
caudal and anterior margin of. orbit; base of dorsal 2 in head,
its longest ray i J in the head; the tips of all of the dorsal rays
together when the fin is deflexed, and fall opposite to the middle
of base of anal fin; tips of pectorals reaching | distance to ven-
trals, length 1 1 in head; tips of ventrals reaching to vent,
length 1 1 in head; caudal fin forked, the upper lobe the
larger; lateral line complete, decurved, its lowest part over space
between tip of pectorals and ventral fins, reaching axis of body
on posterior half of caudal peduncle. A row of pores from nos-
tril to nape, a second row from nostril forward a short distance,
then curving downward and backward under eye near upper angle
of opercle; caudal peduncle very slender, nearly terete, its least
depth 3^- in the length of the head.

Color, light olivaceous, a faint dark band from base of caudal
to opposite first dorsal rays; fins all plain; a very faint caudal spot.

This species resembles G. elcgans, from which it differs in the,
shorter anal and pectorals, the more robust caudal peduncle,
absence of hump before the dorsal fin, and the longer head.

This or another species of Gila is found in the Carmen River
system. Mifiaca.

Lenciscus nigrescens (Girard).

This species is very abundant in Northern Mexico. It is very
variable. Scales in the lateral line vary from 66 to 75. The
larger specimens (9 to 1 1 inches in length) are of a uniform dark
color and without the black lateral band. In smaller individuals
(2 to 4 inches in length) the color is lighter and the d-ark lateral
band is very prominent and ends in a rather indistinct spot at
base of the caudal fin. Specimens from Chihuahua, Santa Maria,

MAY, 1902. THK ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO— MEEK. 81

Colonia Juarez and San Andres are rather darker than those from
Minaca.

Lago de Castillos at Bustillos was dry, but a few specimens
were taken from two small ponds near by. Although but a few
feet apart the fishes from one were very dark while the others
were much lighter than any taken elsewhere.

Lago de Patos at San Jose was nearly dry. Fishes were
reported to be in a few holes in the bed of the lake, but a reason-
able amount of seining did not procure any specimens. None
were taken from a large ditch at Ahumada, some ten miles above
.the lake.

Mr. Jackson, an American at Ahumada, informed me that
there were suckers and two species of other fishes, similar to
fishes found in the Gila River, in the River Carmen, some
twenty miles above Ahumada. One had the caudal peduncle
much more slender than in the other; one was probably this spe-
cies, the other a Gila, probably the same species found in the
Rio Paphigochic, a tributary of the Rio Yaqui at Minaca.

Specimens of this species are in our collection as follows-'
Colonia Juarez; Santa Maria; Chihuahua: Bustillos: San Andres;
Minaca. At all these places it was very abundant. It reaches a
length of about 12 inches.

This species is distributed throughout the larger part of the
Rio Grande and adjoining river basins. None were taken at
Jimenez and Santa Rosalia.

Aztecula Jordan & Evermann.

The three species of this group have a very robust body and
much smaller scales than the species of Notrofiis, to which they
seem to be more nearly related.

Aztecula mexicana,*sp. nov.

Type, No. 3606, F. C. M. Length, 2$ inches.

Locality, Rio Moctezuma, San Juan del Rio, Queretaro,
Mexico.

Head 4; depth 4^; D. 8; A. 7; scales 9-59-7. Body robust,
back slightly elevated, its highest point over pectoral fin
and some distance in advance of the dorsal: snout blunt;
mouth terminal, oblique, lower jaw the shorter; eye small,
its diameter 4^ in the head; iris silvery: snout 4 in head: interor-
bital area 3 in head. Origin of dorsal fin midway between base
of caudal and the eye, 31 scales in a series before dorsal fin;

82 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

caudal peduncle slender, its least depth 2\ in the head; pectorals
short, their tips reaching about half way to base of ventrals,
1 2 in head: ventrals nearly reaching vent, 2 in head.

Lateral line decurved and wavy, complete or missing on a few
scales only.

Color, dark olive above, lighter below: a faint lateral band
most conspicuous on last half of body; a faint caudal spot, which
is- more prominent in the young.

This species differs from Aztecula azteca in the smaller scales,
and more slender peduncle and the larger eye.

Eggs well developed, spawning season about June ist.
Abundant at San Juan* del Rio. Not taken elsewhere.

Aztecula azteca (Woolman. )

A few specimens were taken from a small ditch by the side
of the Interoceanic Railroad, -near Texcoco Lake. These speci-
mens agree with the description given by Woolman. A few were
also taken in Lago de Chalco.

At present three species of this group are known: one, Aztecula
azteca, from the Valley of Mexico; one, Aztecula mexicana, from
Rio Moctezuma, a tributary of the Rio Panuca; and one, Aztecula
lentil's, from Lake Lerma, near the head waters of the Lerma
river. Texcoco.

Notropis robustus, sp. nov.

Type. No. 3548, F. C. M. Length, 2.46 inches.

Locality, Rio Conchos, Jimenez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Head 3^: depth 4; D. 9; A. 8; scales 6-37-4. Body robust,
back little arched, its highest point being just in front of dorsal
fin: snout blunt; mouth nearly terminal, slightly oblique, large;
maxillary 3^ in the head, its tip reaching vertical from pupil.

Lateral line slightly decurved, complefe; eye large, its diam-
eter 3^ in the head: interorbital space 3 in head.

Pectoral fins long, nearly reaching ventrals, \\ in head; ven-
trals 2 in head. Origin of dorsal midway between base of caudal
and nostril, 15 scales in a series before dorsal fin: caudal peduncle
slender, its least depth 2^ in head.

Color olivaceous, a dark lateral band from snout to base of
caudal, which ends in a small spot at base of middle caudal rays;
chin white.

This species resembles Notropis blennius, from which it
differs in having a larger head, a broader and more robust body,

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK'. 83

the prominent lateral band and the black spot on base of middle
caudal rays. Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.

Notropis calientis Jordan & Snyder.

Abundant at Aguas Calientes; a few specimens were also
taken near Ocotlan, and at Acambaro. Most of the specimens
from Aguas Calientes are covered with parasites. Ovaries well
developed in the females from Aguas Calientes, indicating a close
approach to the spawning season. These specimens, were taken
June 7. Largest specimens 2^ inches in length. Aguas Cali-
entes: Ocotlan: Acambaro.

Notropis nigrotaeniatus Gunther.

This species is very abundant at Puente de Ixtla and Balsas.
It was first taken by Boucard at Atlisco, in the head waters of one
of the northern tributaries of the Balsas River. The types are
reported to be 4 inches in length. Of a large number taken by
us the longest is but. 3 inches in length, the average length being
2|- inches. This is the only species of this genus found south
of the City of Mexico. It is our most southern cyprinoid. No
species of the genus Notropis is found in the United States west
of the great divide, and so it seems father strange that the most
southern range of this large group of fishes should be in a Pacific
coast stream.

Eggs quite well developed, evidently approaching the spawn-
ing season. Our specimens wrere collected about the 22d to 26th
of April. Spawning season probably in May. Balsas; Puente
de Ixtla.

Notropis chihuahua Woolman.

This is one of the best marked species in the genus. At pres-
ent it is known only from the upper portion of the Conchos River
system, where it is abundant. Eggs well developed, apparently
near the spawning season. Longest specimens, 2.50 inches. Chi-
huahua; San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.

Notropis ornatus (Girard).

This species is found on both sides of the divide. Specimens
from Minaca average smaller than those from Chihuahua, the.
longest from the former place being 2.30 inches, the longest from
the latter being 2.55 inches in length.

The smaller specimens show only traces of the dark vertical

84 FIELD COLUMBIAN' MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY. VOL. III.

bars on sides and a more prominent dark caudal spot than those
of the same size from Chihuahua.

A few of the large males from Mifiaca are black, a \vhite ver
tical band on preopercle behind eye: the tins are all black with
narrow white margins; a vertical white bar on base of caudal fin.

The variation in color of the specimens from Mifiaca is much
greater than in those from Chihuahua. Specimens from other
localities are like those from Chihuahua. One specimen from
San Andres. Abundant at the other places. Eggs well devel-
oped, evidently near the spawning season. Chihuahua: San
Andres: Jimenez: Mifiaca.

Notropis lutrensis > Baird & Girard ).

This is the most abundant minnow in northern Mexico. It
occurs on both sides of the divide. Many of the specimens from
Jimenez. Santa Rosalia and San Andres are highly colored,
those from Ahumada are very pale. This species is very variable.
The young are more slender than the adults. Scales in series
before dorsal 16 to ig. in the lateral line 38.

Evermann and Goldsborough identify a small specimen from
Santa Maria as Xotrofiis frigida. I am inclined to believe that the
specimen is the young oithis species. It is too badly mutilated to
admit of positive identification.

The lateral line of this' %pecies

most of the specimens found in the Conchos basin, though occa-
sionally it is absent on a few scales on caudal peduncle. It is
less complete in specimens from Santa Maria. The palest spe-
cimens are from the two last named regions. The lateral line
when not complete usually reaches to the posterior part or the
anal tin. \Ve rind no specimens in our collection which seem to
be Notropis santamariiz lately described by Evermann and Golds-
borough. Eggs well developed: evidently this species spawns
early in June. Santa Maria: Ahumada: Chihuahua: Santa Rosa-
lia: Jiminez: San Andres: Minaca.

Notropis formosus I Girard i.

This species is very abundant at Colonia Juarez. It much
resembles .V. lutrensis. but has smaller scales. Scales in the
lateral line. 42 to 48. usually 44. Scales before dorsal. i\. Lat-
eral line complete except occasionally absent on a few scales.
This species does not seem to intergrade with X. lutrensis though
no doubt it is a late off-shoot of that species.

This species spawns early in June. Colonia Juarez.

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 85

Notropis santarbsaliae, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3535, F. C. M. Length, 1.92 inches.

Locality: Rio Nonava, Santa Rosalia, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Head 4; depth 4^: D. 8; A. 10; scales 6-37-3. Body elongate,
rather slender: snout pointed: mouth, large terminal, oblique:
jaws about equal, end of maxillary reaching to middle of the
pupil, margin of upper lip on level with center of eye: eye large.
3 in head; snout 4.

Origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and ante-
rior margin of orbit, 18 scales in a series before dorsal fin: base
of dorsal fin 2.V in head, its longest ray if in head; pectorals i|
in head: ventrals ii; lateral line decurved, complete. The lat-
eral line runs about one scale below the lateral band. Color
light olivaceous, with a broad dark lateral band from snout
through eye to base of caudal. The band is more prominent on
the posterior half of the body. It does not end in a black caudal
spot: fins all plain.

This species belongs to the rubrifrons type. It differs from
N. rubrifrons in the shorter snout, more forward position of dor-
sal fin, and in the prominent dark lateral band. Taken only at
Sant'a Rosalia.

Xystrosus popoche Jordan £ Snyder.

Common at both Ocotlan and La Palma.

Falcula chapalae Jordan & Snyder.

Common in Lago de Chapala. La Barca: Ocotlan: La Palma.

Evarra tlahuacensis, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3681. F. C. M. Length. 2.35 inches.

Locality: Chalco Lake, Tlahuac, Mexico, Mexico.

Head 4: D. 5^: D. 8: A. 14: scales 95: eye equals snout, 35 in
head: upper jaw protractile; teeth 4-4. tips hooked, grinding sur-
face fairly well developed.

Body elongate, rather slender; snout blunt: mouth little
oblique: tip of maxillary reaching anterior margin of orbit: diam-
eter of the eye equals the length of the snout, 35 in the length of
the head: upper jaw protractile: gill membranes connected to
isthmus; peritoneum black: the length of the alimentary canal
equals distance from eye to tip of caudal fin.

Origin of dorsal midway between base of caudal and poste-
rior margin of eye: about 38 scales in a series before dorsal fin:

86 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

lateral line complete, decurved above pectorals; first dorsal ray
reaching beyond tip of the last ray when the fin is deflexed.

Color, dark olive, white below, the line between the colors
distinct and extending from below eye to one-quarter distance from
ventral surface of caudal peduncle. A dark vertebral and a dark
lateral band. This species differs from Evarra -eigenmanni in
having smaller scales, a higher and longer anal fin, a more pos-
terior dorsal fin and a more slender body. Tlahuac, Lake
Chalco.

Evarra eigenmanni Woolman.

A few small specimens of this species were taken in Lake
Chalco at Tlahuac.

Hybopsis altus (Jordan).

This species is usually found in clear running water. It
reaches a length of about 5 inches. Aguas Calientes: Lagos:
Celaya; Acambaro.

Rhinichthys simus Garman.

Head 3-; depth 5$: D. g; A. 8: scales 60: snout 22 in the
length of the head: eye small, 5 in head: origin of dorsal fin mid-
way between base of caudal and anterior nostril; lateral line
straight, complete: snout long, somewhat depressed, mouth
inferior.

Color light olivaceous, a dark lateral band, no silvery one;
a small dark caudal spot. Longest specimen 2.32 inches.
A few specimens taken at Santa Rosalia.

CHARAC1N1D/E.
Tetragonopterus argentatus ( Baird & Girard).

Anal rays 19 to 21. This species is very abundant in the
head waters of the Rio Conchos. Largest specimens nearly 4
inches in length. Ovaries not developed enough to give one any
definite idea of the spawning time.

Chihuahua: Santa Rosalia: Jimenez.

Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi.

This species was first noticed by Filippi in 1853, and is
reported by him from the City of Mexico. This species, or
rather this genus, does not occur in the lakes about the City of

MAY, 1902. THK ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO -MEEK. 87

Mexico, or in the Lerma Basin. It is quite probable that Fil-
ippi's specimens came from some stream east of .Mexico City.

Dr. Bocourt in Annales des Sciences Nat., 1862, gives a short
account of several supposed new species of Tetragonopterus
which evidently do not exist. The number of anal rays of this
species varies from 20 to 23. It is perhaps a little less slender
than T. argentatus, though the large series of specimens before
me rather suggests that this and the preceding species are the
same. In color and size both species are alike.

The stomach of one specimen from Cuicatlan contained a
good-sized Heterandia. All of the specimens we have from the
southern rivers of Mexico belong to one species.

This species seldom exceeds 4 inches in length. Abundant;
our specimens from Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; Cuicatlan; Venta
Salada.

DOROSOMATID^E.

Dorosoma mexicanum (Gunther).

N - •

Two small specimens from La Antigua.

ENGRAULID.^.

Stolephorus mitchilli (C. & V.)

Two small specimens from La Antigua.

PCECILIID.E.

1 was very fortunate in collecting the representatives of this fam-
ily in Mexico during the breeding season. It was rather surprising to
find so many of them viviparous. The fact that the anal fin of the
male of many of the species of this family is not modified into a
long slender intromittent organ, such as we find in Gambusia, Heter-
andia and the like, was regarded as sufficient evidence that they were
not viviparous.

The shortening of the first half dozen rays of the anal fin in the
male and their slight separation from the rest of the fin by a notch was
first noticed by Dr. Gunther in CJiaracodon lateralis. It was also
described by Dr. Bean in Zoogoncticus robust us, and by Jordan and Sny-
der in Goodea caliente. Dr. Bean supposed it to'be characteristic of the
female. This peculiar modification of the anal fin of the male exists
in several genera of viviparous cyprinodonts.

Evermann and Goldsborough, in a recent paper on Mexican fishes
call attention to the fact that Girardinichtliys i/m<»niti<.itus is vivipar-

88 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

ous. Either all of their specimens were females or they overlooked
this peculiar modification of the anal fin of the male. The spawning
time of all the species of this family in Mexico is near the close of the
dry season.

Mr. Mcenkhaus informs me that he has taken young from the
females of several species of Cyprinodonts in Brazil. It is quite cer-
tain that viviparity is far more characteristic of this family than has
been generally supposed.

I append here a key to the genera of Pa'ciliida. It is practically
the one given by Jordan and Evermann in "Fishes of North and
Middle America," though revised to include the new genera proposed
in this paper.

KEY TO THE GENERA OF P(KCILI1D^£.

a. Intestinal canal comparatively short, little convoluted, usually
less than one and one-half times the total length of the body (2 in
Chapalichthys); teeth little movable; dentary bones firmly united.
Species chiefly carnivorous.

/>. Outer series of teeth enlarged, pointed or a few of the ante-
rior ones compressed, incisor like: none of them notched, bicuspid or
tricuspid.

c. Anal fin of the male similar to that of the female, not modi-
fied by having its five or six anterior rays short and stiff, and sep-
arated at their tip from rest of the fin by a notch, and not modified
into a sword shaped intromittent organ. Species oviparous.

(1. Ventral fins wanting; pharyngeal bones both above and
below greatly enlarged, bearing coarse blunt teeth: scales normal.
(Orestiinae). KMPKTRICHTHVS.

dd. Ventral fins well developed: pharyngeal bones and teeth not
enlarged. (Funclulime.)

e. Teeth in more than one series, usually a larger outer series,
behind which is a band of smaller teeth.

f. Air bladder well developed (in all species examined): no cau-
dal ocellus: body oblong: dorsal fin various in size and insertion.

FUNDULUS.

//. Air bladder wanting: a black ocellus at root of caudal (at
least in the males). KIYTLUS.

cc. Teeth arranged in a single series: dorsal fin inserted in
advance of anal, its rays 9 to 13. I.UCAMA.

cc. Anal fin of the male with its first five or six rays short and
stiff, and slightly separated from the rest of the fin by a notch. Spe-
cies viviparous, the young usually of large size at birth.

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 89

g. Dorsal and anal fin each of less than 18 rays; body elongate,
not much compressed. ZOOGONETICL'S.

gg. Dorsal and anal fins each of 19 or more rays; body com-
pressed. GIRARDINICHTHYS.

bb. Outer series of teeth incisor like, bicuspid or tricuspid.
(Cyprinodontinae).

//. Outer series of teeth bicuspid with a band of villiform teeth
behind them.

<'. Intestinal canal about \\ in total length of body; the teeth
very firmly attachd. CHARACODOX.

?•<•'. Intestinal canal about 2 in total length of body; teeth less
firmly attached. CHAPALICHTHYS.

////. Outer series of teeth tricuspid, no villiform teeth behind
them.

/. Dorsal fin short, of 10 to 12 rays, the first ray slender and
rudimentary.

//. Dorsal fin long, of 16 to 18 rays, the first developed as a
stout grooved spine. JORDAXELLA.

ccc. Anal fin of the males placed well forward and modified into
a sword shaped intromittent organ: teeth all pointed, arranged in
bands. Species viviparous, the young of large size at birth. (Gam-
businae. )

j. Eye normal, the pupil not divided by a partition: dorsal fin
inserted more or less behind the front of the anal.

k. Jaws not produced into a beak: lower jaw prominent, longer
than the upper. The male much smaller than the female.

/. Dorsal fin long, of 14 to 16 rays, anal short.

PSEUDOXIPHOPHORUS.

//. Dorsal fin short, of 6 to 10 rays: anal short. GAMRUSIA.

kk. Jaws produced into a moderate beak; dorsal and anal short,
each of 9 to ii rays. KELOXESOX.

jj. Eye divided into two portions by a horizontal cross partition:
vertical fins short, of 9 to 11 rays. AXABI.EPS.

aa. Intestinal canal elongate, usually coiled on ventral and right
side, with numerous convolutions; dentary bones loosely joined: teeth
movable. Species chiefly mud eating.

///. Outer series of teeth bicuspid, with villiform teeth behind
them: anal fin of the male with first five or six rays of anal fin short
and stiff and separated from the rest of the fin by a notch. Species
viviparous, the' young of large size when born. (Goodeinae.)

n. Body robust, oblong, depth 3 to 4 in length of body; gill-

go FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

rakers long and slender, 35 to 40 on the first gill-arch. Vertebrae
19-1-17 = 36. GOODEA.

nn. Body deep, compressed, depth 2| to 3^ in length. Gill-
rakers rather short, stiff, about 20 the first gill-arch. Vertebrae
i6-f-i8 = 34. SKIFKIA.

mm. Outer series of teeth pointed; anal fin of the male placed
well forward and modified into an intromittent organ. Species vivip-
arous. (Poecelinae. )

o. Teeth in a single series.

p. Dorsal fin inserted in advance of the anal. . PLATYPCECILUS.

//. Dorsal fin inserted more or less behind the front of the anal.

oo. Teeth in more than one series. HETERANDIA.

/-. Dorsal fin inserted more or less behind the front of the anal;
both fins small: dorsal 9, anal 7. LEBISTES.

rr. Dorsal fin inserted over or in advance of anal, its rays much
elevated in the male.

s. Dorsal fin short of less than 7 to 1 1 rays.

t. Teeth of inner series in both jaws trifid. /EROPO-:CILUS.

//. Teeth of the inner series in both jaws entire. }><KCII.IA.

ss. Dorsal fin long, of 12 to 16 rays.

//. Caudal fin normal, alike in both sexes, or with the lower
angle merely sharp in the male. MOLLIENISIA.

////. Caudal fin in the males with its lower lobe much produced
and sword shaped. XIPHOPHORUS.

FUXDULUS Lacepe"de.

This genus does not have many representatives in Mexico. It is
probable that some of the species found in Southwestern Texas,
especially those species which are peculiar to the lower Rio Grande
basin, extend their range into Mexico.

In this genus the anal fin of the males is like that of the females.
Teeth firm and in more than one series. The alimentary canal is less
than i i times the length of the body. Species all oviparous.

Fundulus oaxacae, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3721, F. C. M. Length, 2.25 inches.

Locality, Rio Verde, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Head 3|; depth 3^: D. 14: A. 15; Scales 30-11. Body robust,
profile from nape slightly concave: top of head broad, slightly
convex: eye small. 4^ in head: snout not much depressed,
3ji in head: interorbital space 2l; lower jaw slightly the longer;
teeth pointed, in a band in both jaws, the outer series the

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. gi

larger; peritoneum black; alimentary canal shorter than the
total length of the fish; origin of dorsal slightly in advance of
anal, midway between tip of caudal and posterior margin of the
orbit: base of dorsal 2^ in head, its height slightly more than
half head; pectoral ijj in head; ventral a|; caudal fin subtruncate.

Brownish olive, a dark spot in the middle of each scale. These
spots are more prominent on the posterior half of the body of
males which are from i J to i| inches in length. In these males
there is usually a rowr of spots on base of dorsal and anal fins.
Young specimens have a few faint dark cross bars on the sides,
which, in the larger females, become a faint dark lateral band.

Largest specimens, 2.46 inches in length. This species
resembles Fundulus punctatus, from which it differs in having a
larger head, a more robust body, the more forward position of
the dorsal fin, and larger scales. It is evidently a smaller fish.
The larger specimens have no spots on dorsal and anal fins.
The type of Fundulus punctatus was taken at Chiapas, Guatemala.

Oviparous; eggs quite mature, 100 eggs in a female 2.05
inches in length; diameter of eggs J-ff of an inch. Our specimens
were collected May 4.

Time of spawning, about the third week in May. Oaxaca.

ZOOGOXETICUS, gen. nov.

Type, Pti'dlia quitzeocnsis B. A. Bean.

This genus has the general appearance of Fundulus, differing in
the modification of the reproductive organs. The anal of the male
has the first 5 or 6 rays short and stiff. The ovary is a strong mem-
branous sack with several fold-like partitions. In this the young
are hatched, and reach a comparatively large size, after which they
are then born..

The body is usually deeper than in Fundulus, and the anal and
dorsal fins are usually longer. The dorsal fin of the male is con-
siderably higher than that of the female.

Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis (B. A. Bean).

This species was first known from a female collected in Lake
Quitzeo by Mr. Nelson, and described by Mr. B. A. Bean. It
has a short intestine, the length being i \ times total length of the
fish. The teeth are conical and in more than one series, the
dentition being that of Fundulus.

Q2 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

The females are lighter in color than the males; on the
middle of the side of female to the tip of the pectoral are usually
three faint dark spots, also four to six dark bars on lower half of
caudal peduncle, arid a dark spot on upper portion of caudal
peduncle above the last bar. The color of the males is more
uniform and much darker; the spots or bars so conspicuous on
the female are scarcely noticeable on the male; dorsal and anal
tins black, tipped with yellow; caudal and tips of ventrals black-
ish: pectorals light, as are all the fins of the female. The first
six rays of anal short, and separated from the rest of the fin by a
shallow notch.

The body of this fish is more compressed and less robust
than that of others of this group. Head 3|; depth 3: dorsal rays
1301" 14: anal 13 to 15. This species is viviparous. Their
young had evidently been born a short time previous to our visit.

They apparently deposit their young during tlvj first half of
May. La Barca: Ocotlan.

Zoogoneticus dugesii (Bean).

Intestinal canal about equal to length of body. Peritoneum
blackish.

A few specimens were taken at Patzcuaro and a few at Lagos.
Viviparous; one female from Patzcuaro 2.22 inches in length con-
tained 32 young; all were well formed and with egg absorbed;
length of young .16 inch. These are by far smaller than the
young from females of other species.

No males were taken. The longest specimen is from Lagos,
2.50 inches. This well marked species is apparently very scarce.

Patzcuaro specimens taken May 18 to 22: time for spawning
evidently last half of May. Lagos: Patzcuaro.

Zoogoneticus robustus (Bean).

This is one of the largest Cyprinodonts found in Mexico. It is
known only from the Lenna Basin.

The largest specimen in our collection is a female 6. cSo inches
in length. It was taken in Lake Zirahuen on May 24.

The color of the few specimens from this lake is very dark.
The species is viviparous. One female from Patzcuaro Lake.
4.26 inches in length, contained 20 young, each .67 inch in
length. These young possess the markings of the smallest
specimens collected.

A second female from Patzcuaro Lake, 4.65 inches in length,

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 93

contained 38 well developed young, each .75 inch in length.
The young taken from a single fish are very uniform in size.
These specimens were collected May 19 to 21. The specimens
taken from Lake Chapala, May 31 to June 2, had all spawned
out. Spawning time for this species is second and third weeks
in May.

Alimentary canal scarcely as long as the body; peritoneum
grayish: origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and
anterior margin of opercle. The young of this species much
resembles the young of Goodea atripinnis, the small spots being
smaller and more pale. A good sized Gambusia infans was taken
from the stomach of one of the fishes taken in Ocotlan. Ocotlan;
Patzcuaro; Zirahuen.

Zoogoneticus diazi, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3618, F. C. M. Length, 2.60 inches.

Locality, Lago de Patzcuaro, Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico.

Head 3$; depth 3$; D. 17: A. 14; scales 34-13. Body
elongate, robust, more compressed than in Z. robustus ; back
much elevated, forming a prominent angle at the nape: top
of head slightly convex; interorbital width 2^ in head; snout
bluntish; mouth large, lower jaw the longer; chin very prominent;
snout 4 in head; eye moderate, its diameter 3^ in the head. Dor-
sal fin slightly in advance of the anal, its origin midway between
base of caudal and posterior margin of opercle.

Base of dorsal i| in the head, its height 2 (in male I-3-) in
head: anterior dorsal ray short, the anterior rays gradually increas-
ing in length to the eighth or ninth, which is the longest. Pec-
toral fin 1 1 in the head; ventral 2-|.

Alimentary canal scarcely as long as the body; peritoneum
light; teeth in a band in each jaw, all of them conical, the
outer series being the larger.

Light olivaceous, much mottled with darker, which forms
irregular cross bars on the sides; many of the larger specimens in
life with a reddish tinge over the body, which fades to nearly a
uniform light olive; fins all plain. The males are a little duller
and of a more uniform color than are the females. Largest
specimen, a female 3.60 inches in length. The few males ob-
tained average smaller than the females.

This species is close to Z. robustus. It differs from that spe-
cies in having larger scales, a less advanced and longer dorsal
fin. The coloration is also much different and the flesh less firm.

94 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

Viviparous; One female 3 inches in length contained 28 young,
each about .60 inch in length; another female 3.15 inches in
length contained 47 young, each .43 inch in length; egg all
absorbed. Specimens collected May 19 to 24. Spawning sea-
son about the last of May or early in June. Named for Porfirio
Diaz, President of the Republic of Mexico. Patzcuaro: Zir-
ahuen.

Zoogoneticus miniatus, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3680, F. C. M. Length, 1.60 inches.

Locality, Lago de Chalco, near Chalco, Mexico, Mexico.

Head 3!: depth 3^; D. 17: A. 14: scales 32-14. Body
elongate, compressed: mouth rather large, very protractile,
lower jaw slightly the longer; teeth conical, very large, in a band;
eye 2|: snout 4^: interorbitals 3: pectorals short and broad,
i^ in head: ventrals 3; origin of dorsal fin midway between base
of caudal and middle of preopercle, and slightly in advance of
origin of anal.

Intestinal canal short, about as long as body; anal fin modi-
fied, the first 7 rays short, the other 7 long, and the two groups
of rays separated by a shallow notch.

Olivaceous, much mottled writh darker. No distinct lateral
band. The last blotch forms an indistinct black caudal spot. In
general color and form this fish very closely resembles Skiffia
variegata. Largest specimen (Type) 1.60 inches long.

Total number of specimens 5, in rather poor condition.
Chalco.

This genus includes the following species:

Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis (B. A. Bean). Lago de Ouitzeo;
La Barca: Ocotlan.

Zoogoneticus dugesii (Bean). Guanajuato; Lagos: Patzcuaro.

Zoogoneticus robust us (Bean). Guanajuato: Ocotlan: Patz-
cuaro; Zirahuen.

Zoogoneticus guatemalensis (Gunther). Lake of Duenas;
Lake Amatitlan; Rio Guacalate, Western Ecuador.

Zoogoneticus pachycephalus (Gunther). Lake Atitlan.

Zoogoneticus labialis (Gunther). Rio San Geronimo: Guate-
mala: Yzabal.

Zoogoneticus diazi Meek. Patzcuaro: Zirahuen.

Zoogoneticus miniatus Meek. Chalco.

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHVOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK.

95

Girardinichthys innominatum Bleeker.

Body rather deep, somewhat compressed, the gravid females
being particularly deep. Origin of dorsal fin in male midway
between base of caudal and middle of opercle, and slightly in
advance of origin of anal fin. Anal fin of male modified by hav-
ing the first 6 rays about J or f the length of the next rays, and
separated from them by a small notch. In this respect they are
like Charaeodon, Goodea, etc. Teeth strong, in a band rather than
in a single series, the dentition being much the same as that of
Fundulus. Peritoneum spotted, not wholly black. Intestinal
canal pressed to left side, not coiled, about the length of body;
vertebrae 16+21 = 37. Gill-rakers short and stiff, 15 on first gill-
arch.

On fishes less than if inches in length there is a black spot
between vent and anal fins. a.nd usually a black spot on belly just
at base of pectorals. On some small males these spots rvfn
together. Evermann and Goldsborough describe these spots on
specimens large and small from Lago de Lerma. The dorsal and
caudal fins of males very black: ventrals also black; caudal dusky.
Some of the males are almost entirely black. Cross bars are
prominent on all the larger specimens; in small specimens these
gradually shade out to short lateral blotches,. In general the
specimens from Lago de Texcoco are much lighter in color than
are those from Lago de Chalco.

Viviparous; a medium sized female from Chalco, quite
plump, 2.24 inches long contained in the ovary 36 fishes.
These were well developed, slaty blue, but not speckled, each
about .56 inch in length, except one, which, though well developed,
was only .40 inch in length. The young were closely crowded
together and bent over each other in all sorts of shapes. The
egg-yolk still persisted as a slender string attached to the abdo-
men. A female from Texcoco, 2.19 inches long, contained 52
embryos, each .55 inches in length. A large female from the
same place, 2.69 inches long, contained 240 (white and slender)
young. Male fish somewhat smaller than females.

The viviparity of this species was noticed in a recent paper
by Evermann and Goldsborough. The peculiar modification of the
anal of the male was overlooked, or all of their specimens were
females. Viviparity is no doubt much more common in species
of this family than was formerly supposed. Chalco: Texcoco:
Xochomilcho.

96 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

CHARACODON Gunther.

This genus is characterized by having firmly fixed bicuspid teeth,
and a short intestine which is from i to i £ times the total length of
the fish. Anal fin with first 5 or 6 rays short and stiff. Species vivip-
arous. The type of this genus is C. /a/era/is, from Central America.
It is described as having the first rays of anal of male short and stiff.
Origin of dorsal fin almost over origin of anal. It is a little in advance
in lateralis and variatus, and slightly behind in furcidens. Vertebra in
variatns 14-1-18 = 32.

This genus now includes three species found in Mexico and Cen-
tral America.

C. lateralis Gunther, from Central America,

C. variatus Bean, from Central Mexico, and

C. furcidens Jordan and Gilbert, from Lower California. The mod-
ification of the anal fin of the male in the last named has not been
noticed, and we are not sure that it exists.

Characodon variatus Bean.

The male of this species has a distinct dark lateral band.
The tips of the ventrals are usually black, and the dorsal and anal
fins have yellow margins.

One male.* 2. 67 inches in length, from Ocotlan, is much lighter
in color than the others: sides with black spots as large as eye.
In general the coloration of this specimen is more like that of the
female than the male: the caudal is not black with a yellow margin.
The lateral band is broken up into a row of spots; below this on
caudal peduncle is a second row of similar spots.

The lateral band of the adult female is more or less broken, the
color more variegated, while the lower half of the caudal peduncle
has several distinct dark spots irregularly arranged. The young
are much spotted, resembling '/.. robustus. except that the spots
are larger and less numerous. Specimens from Huingo are
lighter than those from the other localities.

The largest specimen of this species in our collection is a male
from Aguas Calientes, 3.15 inches in length: longest female,
2.85 inches, was taken at Lagos.

The alimentary canal varies considerably; in some specimens,
being scarcely longer than total length of the body, in others, i \
total length. Peritoneum blackish.

Viviparous; one female 2.20 inches in length, taken at
Celaya on May 28, contained 11 young, .well developed, show-

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 97

ing markings of quarter grown specimens; length of young .55
inch. A second female 2.50 inches in length, from the same
place, contained 23 young, each .46 inch in length.

A female 2.70 inches in length, taken at Aguas Calientes, June
7. contained 37 young, each .40 inch in length.

Some of the females from Huingo collected May 26, are gravid.
Aguas Calientes; Lagos; Celaya: Ocotlan: Huingo.

CHAPALICHTHYS, gen. nov.

Type. Characodon encaustus Jordan & Snyder.

Body rather deep, compressed; caudal peduncle long and slender.
About three-fourths of the dorsal fin in front of the anal; origin of
dorsal midway between base of caudal and anterior margin of orbit;
anal fin of male with first 5 or 6 rays shorter and separated from the
other rays by a shallow notch; teeth in two series; the outer enlarged,
bicuspid and firmly attached; the inner series small, and in small
patches.

Alimentary canal elongate, convolute, or irregularly in three
coils on the right side, its length nearly twice the total length of the
fish: peritoneum black; caudal fin truncate.

This genus has the long alimentary canal of Goodea and the firm
bicuspid teeth of Characodon. The dorsal fin is considerably more
advanced in this genus than in either Goodea or Characodon.

Gill-rakers long and slender, 24; vertebra? 184-19 = 37.

Chapalichthys encaustus (Jordan & Snyder).

The dorsal fin of the male is higher than that of the female;
longest dorsal ray of male ifa in head, of female i^ in head.
Anal fin of male with its first rays short arud stiff.

Longest female 3.50 inches; longest male 2.70 inches. The
number of females greater in our collections than are the males.

Viviparous; one female 2.70 inches in length, contained
21 young; size of young very uniform, each .40 inch in length.
Egg not entirely absorbed. La Barca; Ocotlan; La Palma.

Cyprinodon elegans Girard.

A comparison of a large series of specimens from Northern
Mexico shows considerable variation in color and fin markings.
Males from Chihuahua have a very pale dorsal: those from
Minaca. Jimenez and Santa Rosalia have the dorsal light, with
some cluskv on the base or on last rays. Males from Guzman

98 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

and Santa Maria have a dark dorsal fin, but in many specimens
the outer anterior half is very light. In the darker males, from
all places, all of the fins except the dorsal are margined with
black, the broader margins being on caudal and last anal rays.
I agree with Mr. Garman in uniting C. exiniius with C. elegans.

The females have a black spot on middle of the last dorsal rays.

This species spawns during the first half of July.

Very abundant in Northern Mexico. Colonia Juarez: Guz-
man: Santa Maria; San Jose: Ahumada; Chihuahua: San Andres:
Minaca: Santa Rosalia: Jimenez.

Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus (Heckel).

This species has the general appearance of Gambusia. It has
a larger dorsal and the less advanced position of the anal fin
than do species of Gambusia. It also reaches a larger size.

The largest female is 3.20 inches in length. The largest male
is 2. 24 inches in length. As in Gambusia, the males are reported to
be much less numerous than the females. They are much smaller
and much less liable to be captured than are the females, so that
the proportion of males to females found in collections is no true
indication of that which really exists.

Peritoneum blackish: intestine short, shorter than the length
of the fish: teeth conical, curved backward and in broad bands
in each jaw. those on the lower jaw being the larger: lower jaw
the longer.

Viviparous; one female 2.81 inches in length contained 48
eggs, each about j1^ inch in diameter, 42 of which had the eye
spots formed. 6 showed no eye spots. These specimens were
taken May 9. The time of depositing their young is probably
near the first to the middle of June.

This species was very abundant at Jalapa, where it was found
with Xiphophonis jalapce. Jalapa.

GAMBUSIA Poey.

So far as known this genus is represented in Mexico by three
species, G. affinis from the Rio Grande Basin, G. infans from the
Lerma Basin, and G. griicilis, found in streams on both sides of
the divide south of Mexico City.

Gambusia affinis (Baird cSc Girard).

A faint brownish band on sides; dorsal and especially the anal
fin with much black, the anal being darker on the distal half.

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 99

One female specimen 1.91 inches in length contained 30
eggs in which the eyes and outline of young were formed.

A second female from Jimenez, 1.90 inches in length, con-
tained 25 similar eggs, diameter of eggs ^ of an inch. Abundant.
Jimenez: Chihuahua; Santa Rosalia; San Andres.

Gambusia infans Woolman.

This species is much like G. affinis. It has a shorter head
and larger scales, and is usually a little darker in color. Alimen-
tary canal i^ times the total length of the body; peritoneum
black. One female from Ocotlan contained 15 large eggs in
which the eyes and outline of the body were formed. A female
1.85 inches in length from Huingo contained 19 large eggs
in which the eyes and outline of body of young were formed,
34 eggs not at all hatched, each *.- inch in diameter, and 12 very
small eggs, each about ^ inch in diameter.

The specimens from Huingo are lighter in color than those
from Ocotlan. A few small males were taken at Huingo, these
are black, writh the tip of the caudal yellow. Two males were
taken at Celaya; one of these is black, and the other one has
the color of the females. Length of males 1.05 inches.

Specimens from Huingo were taken May 26: from Celaya, May
28. and from Ocotlan June 2 and 3. The spawning time for this
species is evidently about the middle of June.

The origin of the dorsal fin in the female of this species is well
behind that of the anal. This is the cnly Gambusia so far known
from Central Mexico. It has been found only in the Lerma
Basin. Celaya; La Barca; Ocotlan: Huingo.

Gambusia gracilis Heckel.

This species is very different from G. it-fans and G. affinis.
It has a dark lateral band made up of short irregular cross bars.
The dorsal fin is also more posterior than in the other two spe-
cies. With some doubt I identify our specimens with G. gracilis,
which was originally described from Orizaba, Mexico.

One female, 1.66 inches in length, from Balsas, contained
31 young, each coiled around the egg, 21 eggs in which,eye spots
were present, 15 large eggs without eye spots, and 8 small eggs.
The large eggs are about ,'- inch in diameter. This specimen
was collected April 22. Spawning time evidently early in May.
The males are 1.19 inches in length, being much smaller than the
female. Taken by us at Balsas and at Puente de Ixtla.

ioo FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

KKY TO THK MKX1CAN Sl'KCIKS OK (iAMBUSIA.

a. Body without a dark lateral band made up of short vertical
bars; origin of dorsal fin over middle of anal, and slightly nearer base
of caudal than base of pectoral fin.

/'. Scales in the lateral line 30; head 3^ to 3^ in the length of
the body. AITINIS.

/'/'. Scales in the lateral line 26: head 4! in the length of the body.

INFANS,

aa. Body with a dark lateral band, made up of short vertical
bars: origin of dorsal behind origin of anal fin, its origin midway
between base of caudal and middle of pectoral fin; scales 29.

GRACILIS.

GOODEA Jordan.

The genus Goodca was proposed by Jordan in 1879. It was based
on G. atripinnis, a Fundulus-like fish taken from a salt lake in a vol-
canic basin near Guanajuato, Mexico. The teeth were erroneously
described as tricuspid. In 1900 Jordan and Snyder proposed the
genus Xenendum to include the Fundulus-like species with long intes-
tines and bicuspid teeth. At my request Mr. B. A. Bean re-examined
the dentition of the types of Goodea atripinnis and found the teeth
were bicuspid. He also kindly sent one of the cotypes to the Field
Columbian Museum. In all of the specimens the teeth are decidedly
bicuspid. The genus Xenendum therefore becomes a synonym of
Goodca. Gill-rakers long and slender, 37 to 40 on the first gill-arch.
Vertebr;i> 19+17 = 36. Outer series of teeth bicuspid; behind these
are villitorm teeth.

Goodea caliente (Jordan & Snyder).

This species appears to be very widely distributed, being
found over a large portion of the Lerma Basin, as well as in the
Rio Moctezuma, a river which empties its water into the Atlantic.
It inhabits the rivers and smaller lakes.

The specimens from Lake Quitzeo are very light in color, a
feature characteristic of all the fishes taken from this and Patz-
cuaro Lake. Specimens from other places are quite dark,
especially is this true of those taken from the streams.

The color of the male is more uniform than that of the female.
The young are speckled with brownish, much resembling the
young of Zoogoneticus rohustns and the young of Charocodon
varidtus.

The dorsal of the male is considerably higher than that of the

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 101

female. Peritoneum, black, intestinal canal elongate, coiled on
ventral and right side, its length three times the total length of
the body. Mr. Bean kindly sent me one of the types of Goodea
atripinnis. It is more slender than the specimens of this species
in our collection. A study of the material in hand leads me to
believe that all specimens listed below belong to one species.

Huingo, longest specimen 3.20 inches in length, average
length 2 to 2.50 inches. Head about 3^; depth 3. These speci-
mens are very light in color; collected May 26, had evidently
spawned a short time previously. . Gill-rakers 37 on first gill-
arch; vertebrae 17-1-19=36. Viviparous.

Celaya, a few gravid females collected May 28.

Acambaro, females all spawned. Collected May 27.

Lagos, females all spawned. Collected June 6.

San Juan del Rio, one female 3.50 inches in length contained
44 young, each .53 inch in length, evidently near spawning time.
Collected May 16.

Aguas Calientes, females spawned. Collected June 7. Gill-
rakers 38, vertebrae 19-1-17 = 36.

Goodea luitpoldi (Steindachner).

In general appearance this species resembles a Fundulus. It
reaches a length of 7.75 inches, and is perhaps the largest Mexican
species of the family to which it belongs.

I have compared a large series of specimens from Lake Zira-
huen, Patzcuaro and Chapala, and find but one species. G. xal-
iscone, described by Jordan and Snyder from Lago de Chapala, is
evidently this same species.

The specimens from Lago de Zirahuen are much darker than
those from other localities, and those from Patzcuaro are much
the lightest.

Alimentary canal three times the total length of the fish;
peritoneum black; gill-rakers 40 on the first arch.

This species is viviparous; one female from Patzcuaro 5.15
inches in length contained 31 young of about equal length,
longest 1.14 inches. There was no modification of the anal fin
in any of these young, as found in the adult male. This modi-
fication of the anal fin is a sexual character, which probably
appears when the sexual organs develop.

Specimens from Patzcuaro were collected May 19 to 22,
Zirahuen May 24, and those from Chapala, June 2. The latter
had spawned before our arrival.

102 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSKUM— ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

This species deposits its young the latter part .of May. Ocot-
lan; La Pal ma; La Barca: Patzcuaro.

KEY TO THK SPECIES OF GOODEA.

a. Dorsal fin slightly behind ventral; distance from base of
caudal to origin of dorsal 2 in distance from origin of dorsal to anter-
ior margin of orbit.

/'. Body slender, its depth 33 in length of body; scales 37 to

40-13. D. 12: A. 13. ATKII'INMS.

/;/'. Body deep, its depth 3 in length of body; scales 37-14; D.

13: A. 14. CAL1KNTK.

ttti. Dorsal fin slightly in advance of anal, distance from base of
caudal to origin of dorsal ii (small specimens), i| (in larger speci-
mens) in distance from origin of dorsal to the tip of the snout;
scales 41-16; D. 13; A. 14. Lurn'oi.ni.

SKIFFIA, gen. nov.

Type Icniuc.

Body compressed, deep: dorsal in advance of anal, its middle
over origin of anal; origin of dorsal fin midway between base of cau-
dal and eye: teeth loose, outer series large, bicuspid, behind which
are small villiform teeth. Alimentary canal elongate, its length 2 to
3£ times the total length of the body; peritoneum black: gill-rakers
long, rather stiff, about 20 on the first arch; vertebra? 16-1-18 — 34. A
group of small fishes with compressed bodies and a short distended
abdominal region. I have placed Caraclwdon bilineatus Bean in this
genus. It has an alimentary canal a little more than twice the total
length of the body. The teeth are bicuspid and loose, though scarcely
as much so as in the other three species. The alimentary canal is
elongate though less so than in the other species. It is possibly
deserving of sub-generic rank, but our material is too scant to warrant
any such disposition of it being made at present. This genus is
named for Mr. F. J. V. Skill, Director of the Field Columbian
Museum.

Skiffia lermae, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3616. F. C. M. Length. 2.05 inches.
Locality, Lago de Patzcuaro, Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico.
Head 4; depth 2g to 3^: D. 13: A. 14: scales 37-14. Body
deep, much compresseJ: head small; snout pointed: mouth small;

MAY. 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 103

lower jaw the longer; snout 4 in head; eye large, 3 in head: inter-
orbital slightly convex, its width 2^ in head; dorsal fin slightly in
advance of anal, midway between base of caudal and posterior
margin of orbit.

Gill-rakers rather stout, 20 on the first arch. Vertebrae i6-(-
18 = 34. Baseof dorsal 2 in head, its height 1 1 in females, slightly
higher in the males; length of pectoral i^ in head: ventral 2.
Alimentary canal coiled on right side; its length 3^ times the
total length of the body: peritoneum black; teeth bicuspid,
loose.

Females light olivaceous above, much mottled with darker,
nearly plain on lower half of body; young with a few faint
brownish bars on lower half of caudal peduncle, a narrow dark
lateral band and a prominent black bar at base of caudal. The
color of the males is a nearly uniform dark olivaceous, the ante-
rior half of some specimens being nearly black: the black caudal
bar much less conspicuous than on the females: a dark line on
underside of caudal peduncle in both sexes: anterior rays of
dorsal much shorter than posterior rays. The fourth ray is less
than half the ninth: longest dorsal ray i^ in head. The body of the
males is very much compressed, as that of the females. This fish
bears such resemblance to S. mullipunctata from Ocotlan. from
which it differs in having fewer dorsal rays, the anterior portion
of the fin shortened, the less prominent caudal bar and the differ-
ent coloration.

Largest specimen, a female, is 2.50 in length. The males are
scarcely smaller than the females.

Viviparous; one female 2.50 inches in length contained 30
young with egg not quite all absorbed. . Length of young .34 inch.
These fishes were taken May 19 to 21. Their time for spawning
evidently about one week later. Celaya: Patzcuaro.

Skiffia multipunctata (Pelligrin).

Head 4; depth 2i; D. 16: A. 15: scales 33-12. Body deep,
much compressed, snout short, rather pointed, its length 4 in head :
mouth small; lower jaw slightly the longer: eye large. 3 in head.

Dorsal slightly in advance of anal, its origin midway between
base of caudal and eye; interorbital slightly convex, its width 2
in head.

Base of dorsal i^ in head: height i :\ in female, slightly higher
in the male. The anterior portion of the dorsal fin is not short-
ened as in the male of the preceding species. Pectoral i£ in

104 FIELD COLUMHIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

the head: ventral 2; alimentary canal elongate, 3^ times the
total length of the body, coiled on the right side; peritoneum
black.

Outer series of teeth loose, bicuspid, behind which are villi-
form teeth; gill-rakers long, rather stout, 20 on first gill-arch:
vertebrae 16-1-18 = 34.

Female light olivaceous, a dark spot on hinder margin of each
scale on upper half of body; these spots forming lines along the
rows of scales as in Mollienisia. A prominent black caudal bar at
base of caudal fin.

Male nearly uniform: anal and dorsal fins black, margined
with yellow; black caudal bar indistinct.

Longest specimen a female, length 2.50 inches. Males not
quite so large as the females.

Viviparous. The females all spawned out. They were col-
lected June 2. Spawning time evidently the latter half of May.

Skiffia variegata, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3612, F. C. M. Length, 1.95 inches.

Locality, Lago de Zirahuen, Zirahuen, Michoacan, Mexico.

Head 33; depth 2$: D. 14; A. 13; scales 34-13. Body deep,
compressed; top of head convex; interorbital -2\ in head: mouth
• small, lower jaw the longer, chin rather prominent; snout 4 in
head; eye large, its diameter 3 in head; dorsal slightly in advance
of anal, its origin midway between base of caudal and posterior
margin of orbit; base of dorsal fin i£ in the head; height i| (in
male ij) in head; anterior dorsal rays short, the rays gradually
• increasing in length to eighth or ninth, which is longest; caudal trun-
cate; pectoral i .l{ in head; ventral 2; alimentary canal three times
the total length of the body, coiled on right side; peritoneum black.
Olivaceous, much mottled, an indistinct dark lateral band more
or less broken in some specimens; four or five light brownish
spots on lower portion of caudal peduncle, the under surface of
which is dark. The color of the male is more uniform and
darker than that of the female; no black caudal bar at base of
caudal: chin black.

This species resembles S. I c rune from Patzcuaro from which it
differs in absence of black caudal bar, in being more slender and
in coloration. Longest male, 1.70 inches in length. The longest
specimen (a female) 2.25 inches in length, contained 18 young.
well formed and with spots on their sides; length' of young .53
inch.

MAY, 1902. THK ICHTHYOLOGY OF MKXICO — MEEK. 105

A second female, 1.54 inches in length, contained 10 young,
each .45 inch in length.

A third specimen, 2.15 inches in length, contained 25 young,
each .55 inch in length. These specimens were collected at
Zirahuen, May 24. Spawning time for this species about the
middle of May. This is the smallest species of the genus.
Zirahuen; Chalco.

Skiffia bilineatus Bean.

A few specimens from Huingo. Longest female, 1.60 inches
in length. One female, 1.50 inches in length, contained 27 young,
which were very slender, white, and .32 inch in length. Col-
lecte'd May 26.

Dorsal fin of males much higher than that of females. Pos-
terior half of lateral band broken into 12 to 15 short irregular
bars, a few of which extend almost to the dorsal fin. The upper
half of the body has a few fine punctulations. The male is more
slender than the female. Longest male, i.io inches.

Spawning time about third and fourth weeks in May.

Alimentary canaj slightly less than -2\ times the total length
of body. Peritoneum black. The teeth are bicuspid and less
firm than in other species of Skiffia.

Dorsal in advance of anal fin, its origin midway between base
of caudal and middle of opercle. Huingo.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF SKIFFIA.

a. A black bar at base of caudal (inconspicuous in some males
of lerma;, which have a uniform coloration and a very dark head).

/>. Body light olivaceous in females, mottled with dark, nearly
plain on lower half of body; males nearly plain; head usually quite
dark; D. 13; A. 14; scales 37-14. LERM.«.

bb. Light olivaceous in females, a dark spot on hinder margin
of each scale on upper half of the bod}-; these spots forming lines along
the rows of scales; males nearly uniform; dorsal fin black margined with
yellow; D. 16; A. 15; scales 33-12. MULTIPUNCTATA.

aa. No black bar at base of caudal.

c. Body much variegated, D. 14 or 15; A. 13 to 14; scales 34-13;
alimentary canal three times total length of the body. YARIKGATA.

cc. Color uniform with a dark lateral band, which is divided on
anterior third of body. D. 16; A. .16; scales 32-11. Alimentary canal
2 to 2i times total length of body, origin of dorsal midway between
base of caudal and nape. BILINEATA.

106 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

Heterandria lutzi, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3718, F. C. M. Length, 2.33 inches.

Locality, Rio Quiotepec, Cuicatlan, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Head 4'; depth 3$; D. 7; A. 8; scales 29-8. Body elongate,
rather slender; mouth terminal, jaws equal, giving the head a
" wedge-shaped appearance; snout 3^ in the head; eye large, 3^ in
the head; teeth in one series, conical, curved backward at the
tips, movable. Peritoneum black; intestine much convoluted
but not in definite coils, its length about i£ times the total
length of the body. Modified anal fin of male long, slender,
pointeei with curved tip, its length 2.^ in length of the body; origin
of anal in male midway between base of caudal and tip of snout;
origin of dorsal slightly behind origin of anal in females, being
midway between base of caudal fin and posterior margin of opercle.
Base of dorsal 3 in head, height ii; pectoral i^; ventral 2.

Olivaceous, a narrow dark lateral band broken into small
round or oblong spots, generally from 12 to 1 8 on one side; the
small round spots scarcely as large as pupil; iris black, a narrow-
dark streak on under side of caudal peduncle; a faint vertebral
streak, more conspicuous in the young.

This species differs from //. pleurospilus in having a lateral
band broken into small spots on sides, and the more advanced
position of the dorsal fin. This is the only species of Hcterandia
knowrn at present from Mexico.

Longest female. 3.15 inches; longest male, 1-49 inches. Vi-
viparous; eggs partly hatched; one female, 2.59 inches in length,
contained 40 young, each coiled about the yolk, and 26 eggs; a
second female 2.15 inches in length contained n young and 8
eggs. Each of the partially hatched young are .35 of an inch in
length. Specimens collected as follows: Oaxaca, May 4; Cui-
catlan, May 5; Venta Salada, May 6. The young are evidently
deposited about the middle of May. Named for Mr. Frank
Eugene Lutz, who accompanied me in Mexico as volunteer
assistant. Oaxaca: Cuicatlan; Venta Salada.

Poecila limantouri Jordan & Snyder.

Intestinal canal elongate, coiled on ventral and right side in
about 7 coils; length of intestine about 4^ times total length of
the body; peritoneum black. Viviparous; females with eggs,
the young not developed; one female 3.06 inches in length with
1 15 eggs: another 2.9 inches in length with 95 eggs. Largest

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 107

female, 3.75 inches in length. The males average smaller than
the females. Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; La Antigua.

Xiphophorus jalapae, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3724, F. C. M. Length, 2.76 inches.

Locality, Jalapa, Vera Cruz, Mexico.

Head 4; depth 3!; D. 13; A. 9; scales 28-8. Body elongate,
not very robust, but with a deep caudal peduncle; head flattish,
wedge-shaped; mouth rather small, lower jaw the longer; outer
series of teeth pointed and loose, behind which is a band of
smaller conical pointed teeth; peritoneum black; intestinal canal
elongate, on ventral surface and right side, with 4 coils on the
right side, its length i ^ the length of the body.

Eye large, 3 in head; snout 3^; interorbital broad, little con-
vex, its width 2 in head; base of dorsal i! in the head, longest
dorsal ray if in head (in $ i| in head); pectoral il in head;
ventrals i|; caudal sub.-truncate; origin of dorsal fin midway
between base of caudal and middle of snout, being well in
advance of the anal. The male is more slender than the female.
Head of male 4!, depth 4. Caudal appendage pointed, its
length 1 1 in the length of the body. Modified anal of the male
rather short and thick, length i£ in head; a notch on under side
near its tip; ventrals of male long, slender, and pointed, their
tips nearly reaching tip of anal fin; length of ventral fin of male
equal to length of the head; origin of ventrals in both sexes well
in advance of dorsal fin.

Female, olive brown above, nearly plain white below; tfhese
colors are separated by a narrow lateral band, which extends
around snout on upper half of the body; the middle of each scale
is darker, giving faint brownish lines on side; a dark line on
under side of caudal peduncle; dorsal fin with two rows of black
spots near the base, other fins plain.

The color of the male is similar to that of the female, except
the dark lateral band extends on caudal and forms the upper
black margin of caudal appendage. There is a second lateral
band from lower angle of pectoral to origin of anal fin, and a
dark streak on ventral surface of caudal peduncle which forms
the lower black margin of caudal appendage. In life the middle
of caudal appendage and lighter portion of lower half of the body
is a bright yellow. Dorsal fin on both sexes spotted. Longest
female, 2.95 inches. Longest male (without appendage), 3 inches
in length.

FIELD CotrusiAX Mcsni'M — ZOCHLCK;Y. \\>L_ III.

species diners from A", kettfri in the more-
position of the ventmis- the Longer caudlal appendage of oaks.
the Larger eve. the more uniform ajIaratkHi of females and tie
spotted, dorsal ct tne ten,;? . es~

Viviparous: ore female 2.40 inches wttfcc 39 young, thfrymng
coiled aboet the e^-sack; a slightly larger female contained 47
yoorcs:.

Oar specimens were collected. on May cj, 1901. Tbe jovng
are rroba.blv deposited from the middle to tlbe last at. Maj.
Jalapa,

ATHERINID-E.

R-ce-_t sr^ci-s :: me fr-rsh water cshes of Mexico- haveiesukc
discoverv of a larse mrmber of species of this tani£iyr Biear

oh ar- f r^ni in the \"illey of Mexico and in the Lerma Basin.

s<rnt m sotcies or tms iamn?v is Lcn - ".vn ~~ ' ~. ~~~ •-. :--~\ ~
side between th-r RI-: Gran ic and Catacoalcos. Tboee r
L-rmm E-ism ind in th- Valley of Mexico belonig; to ost^ _

~HL*_^r "^E"c" ~' —•""'"' A~~~ • ~ ~]f •ir^.'V' '»""••— r~ -"- ~ *~ ~ " - -" -• ~ - - - -

i^s in Mexico.

VEV T" THE GENERA »F ATHERIMD.E.

^•. Uri^in ot ~pm:ns d:rssL in ad van o- : :.i- :._.: ::
ins silTerr: base :: in^.i nn -r-:"_i :. r ^: :~ ~ ~ ~ -. ~_ :i

Origin jf ipinocs dorsal behind r:^:- : LT i r.-: ::
h slightly irrna:- -tdzes. 3-? in the Ia:-r-i >.--: ': i---/
-r tn^n hei. :. its rajs 22 in nun. >.--. -; • • - : -~

Tn- rCrrcies T tnis i'-n := fs.ll in:: -nr-rr: ^ - '.'---'- '-'. 14"" '
t!y mari-c t: ^^z^r^~~ -,:.-~r_ in~; three distinct genera- It
r: m;r-r .oei-ia. t". r-^^ri C. /;r.;.;-. - -• - _••-:•-

:' '.-;-zrun. It ha= 5. ni;r- -.c.r:.-, • -. : . .-.--•'.----
~ ^~-~.^~- ^nmt and very ;bl::u-- m'.^tli. V-rrtebrasr ir-j-EjrrrjS. Ii
- th-rn C^r^f^,7tjr -s -.-.i - -• - . - - --.-.-
/.a-ir-g entire ma.ri-in-- Thi-. .1 --..:-: .--/r
j :'. 7'.. z-:- zr-.-z, p,ztz..:-j..ir,;. zir.z.ixtn a.r.d nu^^^ifi^KaiK. s.i

r of larze viz-: fr-.m. ^-j to 54; vertebiac 36

r.iri i'r . .p L-'.t'u'itoU wj'ili - : - -.•-"'

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 109

species, all with scales having the edges more or less crenate. This
group would comprise two species of small size (grandoculc and
chapalce], one of medium size (promelas) and three species of large size.
Scales 49 to 70; gill-rakers 24 to 27. Vertebrae 43 or 44. The firm-
ness of the flesh and the opaque color cannot be correlated with any
other character. If divided on this basis, arge, humboldianum (except
from Patzcuaro) and estor from Xochomilcho and Zirahuen, would
be included. In the key I have placed all small species with large
scales, fewer than 45 in the lateral series, in one division (Eslopsaruni).
All other species with scales having entire edges {Chirostoma}, in a
second, and all species with scales having crenate edges (Lethostole),
in a third.

The species of this genus are very variable, and are perhaps not
yet well differentiated. The environment of the species of this genus
is very diverse; some species are found in clear running water, others
in lakes like Chapala, which has several inlets and a large outlet,
while many of the species are in lakes which have no outlet, of which
Patzcuaro, Zirahuen and the lakes in the Valley of Mexico are good
examples. Some of these lakes are quite fresh; others, as Quitzeo
and Patzcuaro, are quite brackish. So far as I could learn Quitzeo is
the most brackish of all, and Patzcuaro probably next; and in these
two lakes the fishes were much lighter in color than those from other
places. The darkest colored fishes were taken from Lago de Chalco
and Lago de Zirahuen.

The alimentary canal of Chirostoma is shorter than the total
length of the body. The peritoneum is black. A few stomachs
examined indicate the food to be insect larvae and insects. In one
specimen of C. estor the stomach contained a partly digested
Chirostoma. I was told that these fishes will not take a hook.
The larger species are excellent eating, the flesh being firm and
white when cooked and not full of small bones. The smaller species
and the young of the larger ones, together with all of the species of
Peeciliida are dried in large quantities by the Indians and are thus ship-
ped to neighboring towns, or are kept for future use. All of the fishes
caught in the larger fresh waters of Mexico are eaten — none being
thrown aside as of no value.

At Patzcuaro, Zirahuen, Chapala and Quitzeo the fishes are
caught in long seines. These seines have coarse mesh near the end,
which becomes gradually smaller unttf the large bag in the middle
has about \ inch mesh. The shore of the lake is often not suitable
for drawing the net. It is thrown out in the usual way, drawn by
ropes from the shore until the ends of the net are near each other.

no FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

A boat is then anchored some distance from the shore at the edge of
the vegetation or of the deep water and into it the net is pulled. The
species of this genus evidently spawn in the late summer or fall.
Those taken the latter part of May had the ovaries very little devel-
oped. The individuals of the species of large size belonging to this
genus seldom exceed a foot in length.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CHIROSTOMA.

a. Scales large, fewer than 45 in the lateral line, edges of scales
entire, vertebrae usually fewer than 40. Species of small size.
{Eslopsarum. )

b. Mouth small very oblique; snout short, 4 in the length of head;
base of anal equal to or slightly longer than head; anal rays 16 to 18.
Teeth very minute; scales with entire edges, 37 or 38 in the lateral
line. JORDANI.

bb. Mouth larger, less oblique; snout longer, 2^ to 3| in the
length of the head; base of anal equal to or shorter than the head.

c. Origin of spinous dorsal over tips of ventrals, midway
between base of caudal and nostril.

d. Body robust, its depth 4^ in the length of the body; base of
anal i£ in the head, its rays i6or 17; scales 38 to 40-11. Teeth large,
sharp, in two definite rows in each jaw. Gill-rakers long and slender,
3-)-! i — 14 on first arch. ARGE.

dd. Body slender, its depth 6 in the length of the body, scales
42-10; anal rays 15; gill-rakers long and slender, 4+17 on the first
arch. BARTONI.

cc. Origin of spinous dorsal over middle of ventrals, being
nearer tip of snout than base of caudal by a distance equal to the
diameter of the eye; base of anal i| in the head, its rays 13 or 14; gill-
rakers 4+18=22. Teeth very small. ATTENUATUM.

ccc. Origin of spinous dorsal over space between tips of ventrals
and origin of anal fin, midway between base of caudal and posterior
margin of orbit. Base of anal fin equals length of the head, its rays
20. Teeth large, in a single row, except near tip of upper jaw where
there are a few large canine-like teeth; scales 42-12; gill-rakers 4+13.

LABARC^E.

aa. Scales smaller, more than 45 in the lateral line; edges of the
scales usually crenate; vertebrae more than 40.

e. Scales entire; base of anal about if in the length of the head,
its rays 13 to 19; snout 3 to 3^ in the length of the head. (Chirostoma.')

f. Origin of spinous dorsal nearer tip of snout than base of
caudal.

MAY. 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. in

.C- Anal rays 17; gill-rakers 4+21 = 25; scales 48-12; body light,
translucent, slightly compressed; depth 5^. Origin of spinous dorsal
slightly nearer tip of snout than base of caudal. PATZCUARO.

Anal rays 13 or 14; gill-rakers 44.17=21; scales 54-12.
Body dark, opaque, scarcely compressed; depth 6*; origin of spinous
dorsal nearer tip of snout than base of caudal by a distance greater
than diameter of eye. ZIRAHUEX.

ff. Origin of spinous dorsal midway between base of caudal fin
and anterior margin of the orbit, or the nostril; anal rays 17 to 19;
scales 54-15; gill-rakers 4-1-15 = 19. Species of large size.

HUMBOLDTIANUM.

ee. Scales with crenate edges; origin of spinous dorsal nearer
base of caudal than tip of the snout; anal rays 18 to 24. (Let/iostole.)

h. Snout short, 3^ in length of the head, being equal to or
shorter than the diameter of the eye. Species of small size.

/. Scales in lateral series 49, transverse 13: anal base equals the
length of the head, its rays 21. CHAPAL^E.

//". Scales in the lateral series 62, trans verse -14; base of anal fin
i^ in the length of the head, its rays 19. GRAXDOCULE.

h.h. Snout long, 2| to 2§ in the length of the head: diameter of eye
4^ to 5^ in head. Species of large size.

k. Upper jaw decidedly longer than the lower, mandible 2j in
the head: tip of snout black: base of anal fin i| in the head, its rays
19 or 20; scales 53 to 56-15; teeth large, not in definite rows: snout 2^
in head: diameter of eye 5^: gill-rakers 54-19. PROMELAS.

kk. Lower jaw decidedly longer than the upper: mandible li to
2! in the head; tip of jaws not black (dusky in some specimens).

/. Scales between dorsal fins very small, more than 20 in a
series between the fins; scales 60 to 70-22: gill-rakers ?-)-23: teeth
large anteriorly, canine-like, not arranged in definite rows: mandible
2 in head. SPHR.^XA.

//. Scales in the region of dorsal fins larger, fewer than 15 in a
series between the two fins.

///. Scales in the lateral series 54 to 60.

n. Lower jaw projecting but little beyond the upper mandible,
about 2! in head.

o. Teeth weak, in patches, not arranged in definite rows; gill-
rakers 4+23: scales 56 to 60-18; mandible 2^ in head. i.rcus.

oo. Teeth large and strong, in two definite rows, the larger teeth
on inner row of upper jaw and outer row on lower: mandible 2j in
head; gill-rakers 5-(-2o; scales 58-20. LERM^E.

nn. Lower jaw projecting much beyond the upper, mandible \\

ii2 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

in the head; teeth on jaws small, in bands; scales 54 to 57-19: gill-
rakers 5-|-2o; base of anal fin i J in hand, its rays 20. OCOTI.AN.*:.

;//;//. Scales in the lateral series 70, transverse 18; teeth on jaws
large and numerous, not arranged in definite rows, usually i to 3
large teeth on vomer; base of anal ij in head, its rays 18 to 19.

ESTOR.

Chirostoma jordani Woolman.

This is one of the smallest species of the genus. Its short
snout and very oblique mouth at once distinguishes it from all
other species. It is perhaps more proper to restrict the use of
Eslopsarum to this species only. Gill-rakers 44-14=18: vertebrae
21-1-17 = 38; length of longest specimen, 2.75 inches. Chalco;
Texcoco.

Chirostoma arge Jordan & Snyder.

A small species so far found only in streams. Gill-rakers
3.4-11 = 14; vertebrae 184.18 = 36. Length of longest specimens,
2.75 inches. Aguas Calientes; Lagos.

Chirostoma bartoni (Jordan & Evermann).

Two specimens of this species from Lago de Lerma, near the
City of Lerma in the State of Mexico, were presented to this
Museum by the United States National Museum. The scales of
one of these specimens has crenate edges and is very rough; on
the other specimen the scales are very smooth, as they are on the
type', which I have been permitted to examine. Scales slightly
more crowded on the nape than is usual in the more nearly
related species. Origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer tip of snout
than base of caudal fin.

Chirostoma attenuatum, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3631, F. C. M. Length, 3.25 inches.

Locality, Lago de Patzcuaro, Patzcuaro. Michoacan, Mexico.

Head 4^; depth 5^; D. \-g; A. 13; scales 42-11. Body rather
slender, not much compressed; caudal peduncle long and slender;
lower jaw slightly the longer: snout pointed, 3^ in the head;
mandible 3; interorbital space 3; maxillary reaching vertical
from front of orbit; mouth small, oblique, but much less
so than in C. jordani. Teeth very small, numerous in both
jaws, those in the upper jaw mostly in two series; in a band
in lower jaw; scales large with entire edges, those on the nape

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 113

slightly reduced in size. Origin of spinous dorsal over middle
of ventrals and being nearer tip of snout than base of caudal
by a distance greater than diameter of eye; eye 3?; length of
pectoral fin i£ in head; ventral 2^; base of anal i3; gill-rakers
4-j-i8 — 22: vertebrae 23-^-20=4.3.

Light olivaceous, translucent; smallest specimens (2^ inches
in length) darker, more opaque: silvery band on sides narrow,
inconspicuous under the pectoral tin, being widest on anterior
part of the caudal peduncle.

Species of small size, common in Patzcuaro Lake.. This
species is characterized by large scales, the anterior position of
the dorsal fins, the short anal fin, and 'the long slender caudal
peduncle. Patzcuaro.

Chirostoma labarcae, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3640, F. C. M. Length, 3.68 inches.

Locality, Rio Lerma, at La Barca, Jalisco, Mexico.

Head 34; depth 4^; D. iv-io: A. 21; scales 41-11. Body
slender, compressed; snout rather long, pointed, its length
2* in length of the head; lower jaw slightly the longer; eye 3!
in head; interorbital 3; mouth moderate, not very oblique,
maxillary reaching slightly beyond anterior margin of the eye;
length of the mandible 2^ in head: a single series of large teeth
- in each jaw, a few smaller teeth behind these, a few near tip
of jaws large and canine-like. Scales large with edges entire,
those on the nape very slightly reduced in size; origin of spinous
dorsal over vent, midway between base of caudal and pupil;
base of anal fin equals length of head, its rays 20 to 21; length
of pectoral fin i£ in the length of the head; ventral fins 2 in
head; gill-rakers 4+13=17.

Light olivaceous, translucent; a few dark dots on margins of
scales on upper half of body; lateral band narrow, the portion
under the edge of the pectoral indistinct, and made up of a
few dark dots.

Species of small size, the longest 3| inches in length. This
species differs from others with large scales in having a longer
snout, the posterior position of dorsal fins, the long anal fin and
the strong dentition. Apparently scarce. La Barca; La Palma.

Chirostoma jjatzcuaro, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3628, F. C. M. Length, 3.68 inches.

Locality, Lago de Patzcuaro, Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico.

114 FlKI.I) Coi.L'MBIAN Ml'SKl.M ZoOUMiY, \'()I.. III.

Head 4}; depth 5.}; D. v-io; A. 17; scales 48-12. Body
slender, moderately compressed; snout short, pointed, its length
3^ in length of head; lower jaw slightly projecting beyond
upper; mouth oblique, but less so than in C. chapalce; man-
dible 2| in head; diameter of eye 3| in the head; teeth small,
numerous, in a narrow band on anterior part of each jaw, becom-
ing, laterally, in two series; scales moderately large, edges entire,
those at the nape slightly reduced in size; origin of spinous
slightly nearer tip of snout than base of caudal; base of anal fin
i^ in length of the head; pectoral i£; ventral 2\; gill-rakers
4+21=25.

Light olivaceous, translucent, lateral band narrow.

Species of small size, less than 4 inches in length. Seven
specimens from Lago de Patzcuaro. Apparently scarce.

This species resembles C. chapalce, from which it differs in hav-
ing a less oblique mouth, a shorter anal fin and a less compressed
body. Patzcuaro.

Chirostoma zirahuen, sp. -nov.

Type, No. 3609, F. C. M. Length. 3.55 inches.

Locality, Lago de Zirahuen, Zirahuen, Michoacan, Mexico.

Head 4-}; depth 5-; D. v-io; A. 13; scales 54-12. Body
elongate, nearly terete, less compressed than in any other
Chirostoma • mouth moderately oblique, lower jaw slightly the
longer; length of snout equal to diameter of eye, 3^ in length
of the head; interorbital broad, 3 in head; teeth very small, in a
narrow band in each jaw. Base of anal fin i .', in head; pectoral
i.'{; ventral 2; scales with entire margins; origin of the dorsal fin
nearer tip of snout than base of caudal by a distance greater
than diameter of eye; caudal peduncle long and slender; gill-
rakers 4 + 17 = 21; vertebra? 23+18 = 41.

' Dark olivaceous above, lighter below; opaque. This species
is one of the darkest found in the Lerma basin. It is the most
abundant species in Lago de Zirahuen.

Species of small size. It is characterized by its dark opaque
color, its terete body, the backward position of the dorsal fin, and
the short anal fin whose rays are 13 or 14.

The longest specimen in our collection is 4. 13 inches in length.
Abundant in Lago de Zirahuen. Zirahuen.

Chirostoma humboldtianum (C. & V.)
Pescada Blanca.
This species is very abundant in the lakes about the City of

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 115

Mexico. It is one of the largest species of the genus, though it
seldom reaches a length of 12 inches. Specimens from Lago
de Chalco are very dark, while those from Lago de Patzcuaro are
very light and translucent. Specimens from Lago de Xochomil-
cho are intermediate. Scales entire; gill-rakers 5-1-13= 18; verte-
brae 234-19 = 42; teeth small, in a narrow band in upper jaw, in
two series in the lower. There are often with a few large teeth
on the vomer, as in C. estor.

The ovaries not well developed; eggs small, spawning season
evidently late in the summer. Chalco; Xochomilcho; Patzcuaro.

Chirostoma chapalse Jordan & Snyder.

This species is very white and translucent. It is'a small spe-
cies, seldom reaching a length of 4 inches. Edges of scales
crenate; gill-rakers 64-24 = 30; vertebrae 24+20 = 44. Very abun-
dant in Lago de Chapala. Ocotlan; La Palma.

Chirostoma grandocule Steindachner.

Edges of scales crenate; base of anal fin ijjin length of the
head, its rays 19; snout 3| in head; mandible 2^; eye 3^; teeth
minute, in narrow bands on each jaw, approaching two series
laterally; gill-rakers 54-22 = 27; vertebrae 234-20=43; species of
small size, the largest specimens about 4^ inches. This appears
to be the most abundant Cliirostoma in Patzcuaro Lake. Ocotlan;
La Palma; Patzcuaro.

Chirostoma promelas Jordan & Snyder.

This is the only species of Chirostoma so far known which has
the upper jaw decidedly longer than the lower. The tip of the
snout is black, otherwise the color is light and translucent.
Edges of scales crenate; gill-rakers 54-19 = 24. This species is not
abundant; size medium. Our largest specimen is 4^ inches in
length. The longest specimen collected by Jordan & Snyder is 7
inches in length. Ocotlan; La Palma.

Chirostoma lucius Boulenger.

This is evidently the species described by Jordan & Snyder as
C. crystalinuin in a foot-note * Dr. Jordan expressed the opinion
that C. lucius is identical with C. Icrnnc. The teeth of C Indus
are described as small, while C. lernnc has very large strong teeth.

I* Bui. U. S. F. C. 19DO, 2S7.I

Il6 FlKI.I) COLUMWAX Ml'SKUM ZOOLOGY, V()L. III.

Gill-rakers 4 + 23 = 27. Length 9.35 inches. Species of large
size. La Barca; Ocotlan; La Palma.

Chirostoma sphyraena Boulenger.

This is C. diazi Jordan & Snyder. This species was. not taken
by us, neither did we get C. cstor from Lago de Chapala, its
type locality.

Chirostoma lermae Jordan & Snyder.

Of the species of large size of this genus, this one has the
strongest dentition. It is known at present only from Lago de
Chapala. Gill-rakers 54-20 = 25; base of anal \\ in head, its rays
20; length of mandible 2i in head; diameter of eye 5^. Species of
large size. The largest in our collection is 9.35 inches in length.
Not very abundant. La Palma; Ocotlan.

Chirostoma o'cotlanae Jordan & Snyder.

This species is easily recog.nized by its projecting lower jaw,
which extends beyond the upper a distance greater than diame-
ter of pupil. Teeth minute, in bands; gill-rakers 54-20 = 25;
vertebrae 44. Species of large size, longest 10.74 inches. Ocot-
lan; La Palma.

Chirostoma estor Jordan.

This species was originally described from Lago de Chapala.
It was later described by Dr. Steindachner from Lago de Patz-
cuaro as C. albus. The identity of C. allnis and C. estor was ques-
tioned by Jordan and Evermann from the fact that there were no
teeth on the vomer of the specimens in Dr. Steindachner's pos-
session. A large number of specimens from Patzcuaro exam-
ined by me show that the presence of vomerine teeth is the rule
rather than the exception.

In our collection are specimens from Lago de Patzcuaro, Lago
de Zirahuen, and Lago de Xochomilcho. Those from the first
mentioned lake are more slender and much lighter and more trans-
lucent than those from the other lakes. The general appearance
of those from the last two lakes is that of C. humboldtianum^
and at first sight they are easily mistaken for that species.

Our specimens are from three lakes without outlets; two of the
lakes are but 10 miles apart, while the other is considerably remote.
Since isolation, this species in each lake has been undergoing
some change, but not sufficient to give them rank as species or

MAY, 1902 THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO— MEEK. 117

sub-species. In the specimens from Zirahuen the teeth are smaller
and usually in bands, rather than in two series; vomerine teeth
usually present.

The anterior part of the head in a few specimens from Patz-
cuaro is nearly black, that of others is dark, while that of most is
very light. Base of anal ij in head, its rays 18 to 20; scales
70-17; gill-rakers 5 + 21 = 26; vertebrae 23-1-20 = 43. This species
reaches a length of about 1 1 inches. It is an excellent food fish.
Abundant. Xochomilcho; Patzcuaro; Zirahuen. Lago de Cha-
pala is the only other locality from which this species is known.

MELANIRIS, gen. nov.

Type, balsanus.

This genus differs from Chirostoma in having a rounded lower
jaw, a longer anal fin, a short caudal peduncle, and in having the ori-
gin of the spinous dorsal fin behind that of origin of anal fin. In all
of the specimens the iris is black. In Chirostoma it is silvery.

Peritoneum black, alimentary canal shorter than total length of
the fish. Vertebrae 17+19 = 36.

Melaniris balsanus, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3706, F. C. M. Length, 2.68 inches.

Locality, Rio Balsas, Balsas, Guerrero, Mexico.

Head \\; depth 5^; D. iii-g: A. 21; scales 39-10. Body
elongate, slender, not much compressed; snout rounded laterally;
mouth small, lower jaw slightly the longer; caudal peduncle very
short. Dorsal fins posterior, origin of spinous dorsal considerably
behind origin of anal fin, and midway between base -of caudal fin
and posterior margin of opercle; outer row of teeth large, canine-
like, wide apart; behind these a band of small villiform teeth; base
of anal \ longer than head, its rays varying from 20 to 23; dorsal
spines 2 to 4, usually 3; pectoral fin high on sides of body, its length
\\ in head; ventrals 2^; gill-rakers 4+13=17; vertebrae 17+19
= 36; scales large, with entire margins. Olivaceous, rather
opaque, dorsal region finely punctulate with black. A well
defined silvery band on sides.

Very abundant in Rio Cuculo and the Rio Balsas, at Balsas.
A small species seldom reaching a length of 2\ inches. It
appears firmer as to its flesh than any of the species Chirostoma.
Ovaries large, evidently nearing the spawning time. The ovaries
of this species taken April 22 and 23 are much larger than those

n8 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

in different species of Chirostoma taken the last week in May.
Balsas.

MUGILlDyE.
Agonostomus nasutus Gunther.

The lips of some of the specimens from the Balsas are much
thinner than in the one large (6 inches in length) specimen from
Cuicatlan. Specimens from Balsas 3.75 inches in length, head
3|. Balsas; Puente de Ixtla; Cuicatlan.

Mugil trichodon Poey.

A few small specimens from La Antigua.

CEXTRARCHID^.
Lepomis occidentalis, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3660, F. C. M. Length, 4.75 inches.

Locality, Rio Conchos, Jimenez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Head a£: depth 2; D. x-n; A. iii, 9; scales 7-37-14. Body
oval, compressed, dorsal outline more arched than the ven-
tral. In smaller examples the profile is nearly straight or
slightly convex. In large examples (about 5 inches in length)
the profile is concave, with a prominent angle at the nape: mouth
moderate, the tip of the maxillary reaching vertical from pupil,
its length 3 in head; lower jaw slightly the longer; eye small, 4!
in head and 1 1 in the interorbital space; fins rather low. 4th dorsal
spine 3^ in head: pectoral short and rounded, its length \\ in
head; ventrals slightly longer than the pectoral, their tips almost
reaching anal: operculum with a well developed membranous
appendage or flap, this being largest in the larger specimens.
This flap has a narrow pale border. The caudal fin is very short,
its lobes rounded and of equal size, its length i^ in head. Teeth
on vomer, none on palatines; no supplemental maxillary. Gill-
rakers short, blunt, S on lower part of gill-arch.

Dark olivaceous above, lighter below, each scale with a light
margin forming longitudinal lines along the rows of scales. These
lines are quite prominent on the lower half of the body. Xo
black markings on the fins; no blue lines on the cheeks, a few
dusky brown lines being present. Length about 6 inches.

This species resembles Lcpomis megalotis; it differs from that
species in having a more robust body, smaller eye, a much shorter
pectoral fin, a much duller coloration and the absence of bright
blue stripes on the cheeks. It differs from L. haplognathus in

MAY, 1902. THK ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MKEK. 119

having a much deeper body, no blue stripes on the cheeks and a
smaller eye.

Ovaries well developed, spawning season probably the latter
part of July or early in August. Abundant at Jimenez; one
specimen also taken at Santa Rosalia. Jimenez; Santa Rosalia.

PERCID.E.
Etheostoma pottsii (Girard).

This species is quite abundant in the head waters of the trib-
utaries of the Rio Conchos. With the following species it is the
most westerly of the group to which it belongs. Very few other
darters, if any, are found at 'as high an altitude as are these two
species. E. boreale, found in Hudson Bay and St. Lawrence
Basins, is its most nearly related species. San Andres; Santa
Rosalia; Chihuahua; Jimenez.

Etheostoma australe Jordan.

Found with the preceding. Very abundant. No darters have
yet been found in the head waters of the Rio Yaqui, though this
river seems to have gotten its fauna from the head waters of the
Rio Conchos or other tributaries of the Rio Grande. San Andres;
Santa Rosalia; Chihuahua; Jimenez.

CENTROPOMID.E.
Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch).
Common at La Antigua.

Centropomus ensiferus Poey.

A few small specimens from La Antigua, largest 2.50 inches.

GERRID.E.

Eucinostomus harengulus Goode & Bean.
La Antigua, common.

Cichlasoma eigenmanni, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3712, F. C. M. Length, 6.65 inches.
Locality, Rio Tehuacan, Venta Salada, Pueblo, Mexico.
Head 3^; depth 23; D. xvii, 14; A. V., 10; scales 6-33-11.
Body rather elongate, profile convex but not very stoep; mouth

120 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

small, scarcely oblique, jaws equal; lips thin, a distinct frenum;
eye small, its diameter 4^ in the head; inferior margin of the
orbit above level of upper lip; snout long, 2.1{ in head; outer
teeth large, brown at the tips; cheeks with six rows of scales.
Origin of dorsal fin over gill opening; first dorsal spine short, the
others gradually increasing to 4th which is 23 in head; last dorsal
spine 2i in the length of the head; middle rays of soft dorsal and
anal fins longest, the fins pointed, the tips of longest rays not
reaching to base of caudal; longest dorsal ray i^ in head; longest
anal ray i£ in head; caudal fin slightly emarginate; least depth
of caudal peduncle equals length of the snout; pectoral fins
short, i ?j- in head; ventrals i| in head, the latter not quite reach-
ing vent.

Brownish, six indistinct dark bands on sides, a darker lateral
band which ends in a black spot at the base of the caudal; fins
all plain.

One smaller specimen, 3.85 inches in length, has head 3^;
depth 2|; scales 6-33-11, longest dorsal ray 1 1 in head; longest
anal if. The dark bars and lateral band are less distinct; a black
caudal spot; a few brownish streaks on lower half of dorsal
and anal fins; the tips of pectorals reaching vent.

This species appears nearest C. intermedium. It differs from
that species in having a higher spinous dorsal, and lower soft
dorsal, and the absence of whitish ocelli on vertical fins. Yenta
Salada.

Cichlasoma parma (Gunther).

A few small specimens from La Antigua, largest 1.3 inches,
body with cross bars, a black bar at base of caudal.

Cichlasoma melanurum (Gunther).

A few specimens were taken in the Rio Quiotepec at Cuicatlan.

Heros istlanus Jordan & Snyder.

This species is very abundant in Rio Ixtla at Puente de Ixtla,
and in the Rio Balsas ar*Balsas.

GOBIID.E.
Philypnus dormitor (Lace"pede).

Common at La Antigua. Largest specimen 10 inches in
length.

MAY. 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MK\KO — MEEK. 121

Awaous taisiaca Lichinstein.

La Antigua; Balsas; Puente de Ixtla.

Gobius parvus, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3738, F. C. M. Length, 1.95 inches.

Locality, Rio San Francisco, La Antigua, Vera Cruz, Mexico.

Head 4; depth 4^; D. vi-u; A. 12; scales 30. Body short,
robust; head large; snout blunt, rounded; mouth slightly inferior,
little oblique, its gape extending to vertical from pupil; eye small,
partly superior; interorbital area narrow, its width little less than
half diameter of eye; diameter of the eye 3! in the length of the
head; snout 4^ in head; dorsal fins not connected, the spinous
dorsal of females low, longest spine a little more than half the
length of the head; in the male the dorsal spines are about 4 to |
longer than the head, the tips extending to middle of dorsal
fin; caudal long and pointed, its length in the female 3^ in the
length of the body, in the male 3; pectoral slightly less than length
of head; ventral i£ in head; scales ctenoid.

Dark olivaceous, mottled with darker; a dark bar on dorsal
region from base of posterior half of spinous dorsal; this bar is
followed by three others from base of soft <lorsal and one on cau-
dal peduncle; 5 or 6 narrow dark. streaks on lower half of sides
extending downward and forward to base of anal; 2 black spots
at base of caudal fin; dorsal fins of both sexes barred; caudal fin
of female with narrow dark bars, none on males; anal fin with
a dark margin.

This species resembles G. stigmaticus. It is more robust and
of different coloration. Longest specimen -2\ inches. La
Antigua.

Gobius claytonii, sp. nov.

Type, No. 3740, F. C. M. Length. 2.30 inches.

Locality, Rio San Francisco, La Antigua, Vera Cruz, Mexico.

Head 35; depth 5^; D. vi-i2; A. 13; scales 42-15. Body elon-
gate, subterete and tapering to caudal; head moderate: snout very
blunt; mouth terminal, broad, its gape horizontal; eyes large,
high upon the head and close together; interorbital width less
than half diameter of pupil; diameter of eye equals the length of
the snout, 3§ in length of the head; no scales on dorsal sur-
face in front of spinous dorsal; scales ctenoid; breast and region
under ventral without scales; spinous dorsal low, longest spine
about \ length of the head; caudal fin long and pointed, its mid-

FIELD COLUMIUAX MUSKUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

die rays the longest, about £ longer than the head; pectoral ij in
the head; ventral i^. Color light olivaceous, somewhat reticu-
lated above; side with 5 oblong dark blotches, the last and smallest
one forming a black caudal spot; spinous and soft dorsal barred;
caudal fin barred; other fins plain; the middle portion of ventrals,
except a small central light patch, blackish; some black on pos-
terior half of anal fin; a narrow dark curved streak at base of pec-
toral fin; a dark stripe on cheek and one downward and forward
from eye. La Antigua. Named for Hon. Powell Clayton, U. S.
Minister to Mexico.

PLEURONECTID^E.

Etropus crosotus Jordan & Gilbert.
La Antigua, 3 specimens.

NOTES OX GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIUL'TIOX.

Northern Mexico.

Very little is known concerning the fishes of Sonora and that
portion of Chihuahua which lies in the Pacific coast drainage;
and while we are not justified in making an)' generalizations
regarding geographical distribution, yet there seem to be a few
facts worth mentioning.

Sonora and Western Chihuahua is mostly drained by two-
large rivers, thj Rio Sonora and th^ Rio Yaqui; from these
two river basins are known at present 16 species of fresh water
fishes: 14 from the Rio Yaqui and 4 from the Rio Sonora:
two species, Catostomus bcrnardini and Agosia chrvsogastcr being
common to both river basins. From the Gila River in Arizona
are known 11 species of fishes; of these, two species, Lt'uciscus
nigcr and Ptvchochcilus lucms, have been taken in the Rio
Sonora, and Agosia chrysogaster and Pa-cilia occidentalis in the
Rio Yaqui, Agosia chrysogaster being found in all three river
basins.

There is a considerable area in Northern Chihuahua west of
the Rio Grande and adjacent to the head waters of the Gila River,
the Rio Yaqui and the Rio Conchos, which is drained by 4
small river systems, all of which have no outlets; the Rio Car-
men which drains into Lago de Patos, the Rio Santa Maria
which drains into Lago de Santa Maria, the Rio Casas Grandes
which drains into Lago de Guzman, and the Rio Castillos which
drains into Lago de Castillos. These 4 basins have not

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OK MKXICO — MKEK. 123

been equally explored, though it is likely that all have about the
same fauna. From these basins have been taken the following
species:

Pantosteus plebius. Casas Grandes.

Campostoma ornatum. Casas Grandes.

Pimephales confer/us. Casas Grandes; Santa Maria.

Leuciscus ni^rescens. Casas Grandes: Santa Maria; Carmen;
Castillos.

* Notropis santamarice. Santa Mariae.

Notropis formosus. Casas Grandes.

Notropis lutrensis. Casas Grandes; Santa Mariae; Carmen.

Cyprinodon elegans. Casas Grandes; Santa Mariae; Carmen.

Of these 8 species none have been recorded from the Gila
River or the Rio Sonora. All, except Notropis santamaria and
Notropis formosus, are reported from the head waters of the Rio
Yaqui in Chihuahua, and from the Rio Conchos. The . two
exceptions are species closel)' related to Notropis lutrensis, an
extremely variable and widely distributed minnow, and which is
abundant in the Carmen and Santa Maria rivers. Notropis ornattts
is common to both the Rio Conchos and Rio Yaqui, but at pres-
ent is not known from any of the 4 small river basins. No
other species than those here mentioned is known to be com-
mon to these two river systems.

Ameiurus pricei is a bull-head found in the upper Yaqui
Basin. A large catfish is reported to be found further down the
river, which may be the adult of this species.

A large catfish is also reported by the natives to be in the Rio
Conchos. It is likely that it is Ameiurus pricei or a closely
related species. To find Ameiurus in the Rio Yaqui was unex-
pected and a little surprising at the time. The genus Ameiurus
comprises a large number of species found throughout the East-
ern United States, but none are yet definitely recorded from
Eastern Mexico, though no doubt one or more species exist
there.

Leuciscus nigrescens, Leuciscus ptirpureus, Leuciscus nigef and
Leuciscus intermedius are four variable and closely related species.
It is barely possible that all may prove to be the same. This
fact cannot well be ascertained except by a careful study of a
large series of specimens from the different river systems where
found.

*\otropi s frigidus. A small specimen in bad condition frofn Santa Maria was identified by
Evermann & Goldsborough as belonging to this species; owing to their uncertain identification of it
1 omit it here.

124 FIKI.D COLUMBIAN MUSKUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL III.

It is quite evident that the rivers in Sonora have gotten their
fauna from the Gila River and the Rio Conchos (or Rio Grande
System).

Ptychocheilus lucius, Agosia crysogaster, Pa'dlia accident alls,
Leuciscus nigcr and Gila minacce\\a.ve probably migrated or resulted
from migrations from the Gila River.

Mr. John P. Ramsey of El Paso, Tex., tells me that trout are
found in Chihuahua on the west slope of the Sierra Madre moun-
tains. The species is not known. As no trout are known from
the Gila River it is quite safe to predict that this species is Salmo
clarki plcuriticus or a closely related species.

Pantostcus plclnus, Leuciscus nigrescens and Leuciscus purpureus
are apparently equally related to the fauna of the Rio Grande and
the Gila River, leaving 8 species which have migrated or resulted
from migrations from the Rio Grande system. Of the 4 species
known from the Rio Sonora, 3 belong to the Gila River.

The fishes of Sonora and of that portion of Chihuahua which
belongs to the Pacific slope, are migrants from the Rio Grande
and the Gila River, the greater number from the former. When
and how this migration occurred can be discovered only by a
careful study of the topography and geology of this region. It
evidently took place within recent geological times.

Southern Mexico.

There are at present 10 species of fishes recorded from the
Valley of Mexico:

Algan'sea tincclla /.oogoneticiis ininiatiis

* Aztccula. us teen *S/ci_ffla intriegatas

*I\.inirra eigenmani Cliirostoina joniani
*Ei'arra tlcthuaccnsis Chirostotna humboldtianum

Girardinichthys innominatus L'hirostotna cstor

Four species (marked*) have so far not been found else-
where. All of the other species belong to the Rio Lerma fauna.
One species Algansea tincella, has been found in the Rio Mocte-
zuma, an upper tributary to the Rio Panuca. Aztccula mexicana
has been taken only in the Rio Moctezuma, and Aztccula lermce
only in Lake Lerma, near the head waters of the Rio Lerma.
These two species are very closely related to Aztccula azteca. Of
the three species taken in the Rio Moctezuma, one species, At-
gansca tincella, is found in the Rio Lerma and in the Valley of
Mexico. A second species, Goodca calientc, is found in the Rio
Lerma. Aztccula wcxicana, the third, is found in neither of these

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MKXIO» — MKKK. 125

basins, but in each it has a near relative. The faunas of the
Valley of Mexico, the Rio Moctezuma near its source, and the
Lerma Basin are practically the same. Jordan and Snyder
examined the Rio Verde, a tributary of the Rio Panuca, near
Rascon, San Louis Potosi; none of the species taken there have
been taken in either the Valley of Mexico or the Rio Moctezuma
at San Juan del Rio, or the Rio Lerma, all of which have pract-
ically the same fauna, aad one peculiarly characteristic of this
region. Ten of the 18 genera known from the Lerma Basin have
no representatives yet known from other waters. Chirostoma has
not been taken in the adjacent water systems. Characodon is
represented in Southern Mexico, Central America, and Lower
California. Gambusia comprises a number of small viviparous
fishes usually inhabiting swamps and springs all the way from
Southern Illinois to Panama. The other five genera, Lampetra,
Ameiurus, Moxostoma, Notropis and Hybopsis are northern genera,
and all except Notropis are not represented by any species farther
south than the Rio Lerma.

Of the 46 species found in this region, 30 belong to two fami-
lies; 16 to Pcfdliidce and 14 to Athcrinida. It is curious to note
here that all of the Pa'ciliida are viviparous, and only one species,
Gambusia infans, has the anal fin of the male placed well forward
and modified into an intromittent organ such as is characteristic
of Heterandia, P&'ci/ia and the like. In the other 15 species the
anal fin of the male has its normal position and size. It is
slightly modified by the shortening of the first five or six rays,
and their slight separation from the rest of the fin by a shallow
notch. Just what part this fin plays in fertilizing the eggs in
the body of the female is not known. It evidently plays a promi-
nent part in this operation.

The spawning time for these fishes is near the close of the dry
season. At this time the water is more concentrated, as is also
the food on which the young must feed. The aquatic insects, crus-
taceans and small fishes which would feast on the eggs if deposited
then are also more concentrated, so that depositing eggs at this time
would mean considerable destruction to the species. As it is, the
young are born in a well developed stage, and have time to reach
some size before the wet season sets in. They are then, perhaps,
in the best condition to become widely distributed as the volume
and area of water increases. As the dry season approaches again,
and small streams and ponds become dry, many of these small

126 FIELD COLU.MIUAN ML'SEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

fishes perish. They are, however, present everywhere to establish
themselves in every body of water which may carry them through
to the next rainy season.

The larger number of the Pivciliida are mud-eating fishes. A
few, such as Zoogoneticus, are carnivorous.

The gestation of many tropical fishes present some strange
peculiarities. Some of the Silurida carry the eggs in the mouth
till hatched, while a few others are thought to be viviparous.
Viviparity among the tropical Picciliida seems to be the rule
rather than the exception. It would seem that in the tropical
fresh waters of America, there is much more provision made for
the care of the young than in the cooler waters of the Northern
continent.

It was rather surprising to find such a large number of Cliiros-
toina in the Lerma Basin and the probability is that this number
will be considerably increased when this basin is more thoroughly
explored. I had seen but a few specimens of Chirostoma before
going to Mexico, and so never had an opportunity to study these
fishes. And while I was careful to pick up specimens of all species,
yet my unfamiliarity with the group, no doubt, caused me to over-
look some species. Again there is a number of small isolated
lakes which have never been visited. Most of these lakes, no
doubt, as do Patzcuaro and Zirahuen, have in them one or
more characteristic species. This river system is far from
being thoroughly explored. While its species are about one-
third the number of those found in the YVabash River in Indi-
ana, its fish fauna is quite as distinct and characteristic as
if it were an island in the sea. Considering this basin as a
whole, taking note of its spring brooks and running waters and its
sluggish streams; its lakes, some with outlets, others without out-
lets; some fresh, others quite brackish; its interesting and peculiar
fish fauna is certainly inviting to the student engaged in the study
of variation.

The Rio Balsas is one of the largest rivers in Mexico. It is
southeast of the Lerma and drains about the same area; and
though these two rivers are so near each other, not a single species
of fish is known to be common to both. At present but ten species
are known from the Balsas Basin. But one species of the Ather-
inidie and two of the Pa'ci/iidte, are known from the Balsas, and yet
these two families comprise nearly two-thirds of the fishes of the
Lerma Basin. The Balsas is far from being thoroughly explored;

MAY, 1902. THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF MEXICO — MEEK. 127

still enough has been done to indicate the fact that it contains
comparatively few species of fishes.

The Rio Verde, a small stream considerably south and east of
the Rio Balsas, was examined at Oaxaca, and only two species
of fishes, Heterandia lutzi and Fundulus oaxaca, were taken from
it; neither of these are found in the Balsas.

The Rio Quiotepec has two species of fishes in common with
the Rio Balsas, Tetragonopterus mexicanus and Agonostomus nasu-
tus. The latter species, together with Pacilia limantouri, is also
found in the Rio Balsas and the Rio San Francisco at La Antigua.
The rivers south of Mexico City on both sides of the divide have
much more in common as to their faunas, than any of them have
with the Valley of Mexico and the Lerma.

Evermann andGoldsborough call attention to some small dried
specimens of fishes purchased in the markets of Yautepec, More-
los. These specimens appear to be Chirostoma jordani. It is
likely these fishes were sent to these markets from Mexico City
or some point in the Lerma Basin. I do not believe they were
obtained in the Balsas Basin.

The Leuciscus nigrescens recorded by B. A. Bean from Lago de
Quitzeo, has since been identified by him as Algansea tincella.
There is some doubt as to whether the type of Algansea sallei
really came from Cuernavaca. Neither Jordan, Snyder nor myself
found any species of this genus in the Rio Balsas Basin; and from
the fact that the faunas of the Rio Lerma and Rio Balsas are so
unlike, I doubt if this species occurs in the latter.

Tetragonopterus mexicanus is, I believe, wrongly ascribed by
Fillipe to the Valley of Mexico. Mr. Woolman records Campos-
toma ornatum from Salamanco in the Lerma Basin. It is likely
his specimen really came from Chihuahua.

SUMMARY.

The fish fauna of northern Mexico is essentially that of the
Rocky Mountains and Eastern United States, or that part of the
United States adjacent to Mexico. The Eastern fauna has
crowded its way over the divide and has become even more firmly
established in the Pacific coast streams of Sonora than has the
Rocky Mountain fauna.

The South and Central American faunas prevail largely as far
north as the City of Mexico. The few forms which extend farther

128 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY, VOL. III.

north apparently keep to the lowland streams; especially is this
true on the Pacific side. The most northern representative of
the South American fauna, one of the Cichlida, is found at Maz-
atlan. On the east coast this family has a representative in Texas.
The fauna of the Lerma, the only river basin extensively studied,
is quite distinct from either North or Central and South America.
This fauna is richer and more characteristic than was formerly
supposed. Almost nothing is known concerning the fishes
between the Rio Lerma, the Rio Yaqui and the Rio Grande,
An examination of the fauna of the Rio Xazas and other rivers
in Central Mexico whose waters never reach either ocean would
be extremely interesting. For a study of geographical distribu-
tion the fresh water fishes of Mexico are very interesting, perhaps
more so than any other animals distributed over a like area.

1

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