§

m

851

BANCROFT
LIBRARY

o

THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA

3

ON THE

PLAGOPTERIN^E

AND THE

ICHTHYOLOGY OF UTAH

BY EDWARD D..COPE, A.M.

ON THE

FL A.C3- OlFTEIR/IIsr JEJ

AND THE

ICHTHYOLOGY OF UTAH.

BY EDWARD D. COPE, A.M.

The observations recorded below are based on the collections made by
the naturalists attached to the United States Geological and Topographical
Survey west of the 100th meridian, under direction of Lieutenant Geo.
M. Wheeler, and are published by permission of that officer. To Dr.
Henry C . Yarrow, in charge of the department of zoology, and to A. W.
Henshaw, assistant, the survey is indebted for material more fully
illustrating the character and distribution of 'the cold blooded vertebrata
of the valleys of the Colorado River and of Utah than any heretofore
brought together. As one of the results derived from a study of it, it
appears that the basin of the Colorado River is the habitat of a small
group of fishes of the family Cyprinidse, which may be called the Plagop-
terince, which embraces three genera — Plagopteriis, Cope; Lepidomeda,
Cope; and Meda, Girard. The group differs from others of the family in
the possession of two strong osseous rays of the dorsal fin, the posterior
of which is let into a groove in the hinder face of the anterior without
being coossified with it, thus constituting a compound defensive spine.
The rays of the ventral fin, excepting the first and second, are similarly
modified. The greater part of their length consists of ari osseous dagger-
shaped spine, with grooved posterior edge, which overlaps the border of
the succeeding ray, when the fin, like a fan, is closed up. The articulated
portion of the ray either emerges from the groove below the free acute
apex of the spine, or appears as a continuation of the apex itself. It is
worth observing that the only other instance of this ossification of the
ventral rays is to be seen in the extinct family of the Saurodontidm of the
cretaceous period, the nearest approach among recent fishes being the
internal spine in the ventral fin of Amphacanthus. The dentition and
intestine of these fishes show them to be of carnivorous habits. Interest

attaches to the Plagopteriiwe as the only type of fishes not known from
other waters than those of the Colorado basin.

PLAGOPTERUS, gen. nov.

Pharyngeal teeth, 2.5 — 4.2, raptorial uncinate, without masticatory
surface. A terminal maxillary barbel. Scales, none; lateral line well
developed. Dorsal fin with a strong spine composed of two, the posterior
received into a longitudinal groove of the anterior. Ventral fins origin-
ating (in the type species) a little anterior to the line of the dorsal,
attached to the abdomen by a wide basis and length of inner radius*
Superior labial fold continued round the end of the muzzle.

This genus resembles Meda, Girard, in the presence of the dorsal spine,
the aJhesion of the inner border of the ventral fin, and the absence of
scales, and differs in the presence of barbels, and the inner dental series
being 5 — 4 instead of 4 — 4. Physiognomy of RMnichthys.

PLAGOFTERUS ARGENTISSIMUS, sp, nov.

This is a small fish of slender proportions, with a rather broad head,
with slightly depressed muzzle overhanging by a little a horizontal
mouth of moderate size. The caudal peduncle is of medium depth, and
the caudal fin is deeply forked. The eye is somewhat oval, and enters
the length of the side of the head 4.2 times, and the interorbital width
1,5 times. The greatest depth (near the ventral fin) enters the total
length nearly six times, or five and three quarters, exclusive of the caudal
fin. The latter measurement is four times the length of the head. The
origin of the dorsal is entirely behind the proper basis of the ventral ; its
first spine is curved and longer than the second, and its basis is inter-
mediate between the base of the caudal and the end of the muzzle. The
dorsal rays behind the spine have the basal two-thirds to one-half
thickened and completely ossified, the articulated portions issuing from
the apices of the spines. Radial formula, D. II. 7 ; C, 19 ; A. I 10 — 9 ;
V. 2. V ; P. 16, The first or osseous ray of the anal is rudimental ; the
fifth spinous ray of the ventral is bound by nearly its entire length to the
abdomen by a membrane. The pectoral rays from the second to the
sixth exhibit a basal osseous spinous portion, which is not nearly so
marked as hi the ventral?. The pectorals reach the basis of the latter.

The lateral line is complete and is slightly deflexed opposite the dorsal
fin. The lips are thin, and the end of the maxillary bone extends to the
line of the front of the orbit. Total length M. 0.071 j ditto to middle of
basis of caudal fin .0565 ; ditto to anterior basis of anal fin .040 ; ditto
to basis rentral .021 ; ditto of head .0145 ; of muzzle .004 ; width at
posterior nares .006 ; at middle of pterotic .0078. Color, pure silver
for a considerable width above the lateral line. Dorsal region somewhat
dusky from minute chromatophora?.

Numerous specimens from the San Luis Valley, Western Colorado,

MEDA, Girard.

Proceed. Aoad. Nat. Sci., 1856, 192; U. S. and Mexican Bound. Survey,
Ichthyology, p. 50.

This genus resembles Plagopterus in the absence of sctles, while it
differs in the absence of barbels andtlie reduction of the number of teeth
of the larger pharyngeal series to 4 — 4. Girard also asserts twice that
the dorsal spine is "articulated," a character not observed by me in any
species of the group. His figure of M. fulgida represents the ventral
radii as articulated ; but as there are other points in which it differs
from the description, it is probably inaccurate.

MEDA FULGIDA, Girard.

A small species from the Rio San Pedro, a tributary of the Gila, in
Southern Arizona.

LEPIDOMEDA, gen. nov.

Dorsal fin originating behind the line of the ventral s, which adhere to
the belly by the inner ray. Body scaled, lateral line present. Pharyngeal
teeth 4 — 4 in the inner row. No barbels, pramaxillary series complete.

This genus has the physiognomy of Clinostomus. The presence of
scales distinguishes it from Meda. The spinous rays are not articulated.

LEPIDOMEDA VITTATA, sp. nov.

Form moderately stout, the greatest depth (at the first dorsal ray)
entering the length to the basis of the ciudal fin four and a quarter to a
third times. The head is wide and fiat above, with decurved pterotics,
— and slightly depressed behind the interorbital region. Muzzle obtusely
descending, not prominent ; mouth terminal and descending to a point
below the anterior line of the pupil. Length of head, 3.75 times in total
length to basis of caudal fin. Orbit round, 3.75 times in length of head,
and 1.3 times in interorbital width. Tlfe latter is not uniform, but the
middle plane is elevated a little above the superciliaiy ridges, and
separated from them by a shallow groove. Nares sublateral. Teeth,
2.4—4.2. Preorbital trapezoid.

Scales small, covering the whole body, except a space behind the
pectoral fin, in twenty-six series above the lateral line, and fifty -six
transverse in front of the dorsal fin. lladial formula, D. II. 7; C. 19;
A. I. 8; V. 1. VI.; P. 15. There are several peculiarities in the consti-
tution of the spines of the fins in which the species differs from Plagop-
lerus argentissimus. Thus the second dorsal spine is wider than the first,
and so deeply grooved behind as to represent a V in section; it also
extends to the extremity of the first, while it is shorter in P. argentissimus.
The remaining dorsal spines are less distinctly enlarged and ossified ;
those of the ventrals are less developed, and their apices, instead of being
free, continue into the terminal articulated portion. The pectoral radii

4

are scarcely enlarged at all The base of D. I. is nearer the basis of the
caudal fin than the end of the muzzle, by the length of the latter to
the posterior nares. Caudal fin deeply forked. Total length M. 0.085 ;
ditto to basis caudal fin .0685 ; ditto to basis anal .047 ; ditto to basis
ventral .0325; ditto of head .018; to orbit .043; width at posterior
nares .006 ; at middle of pterotic .009. Color, silver to half way between
lateral and dorsal lines, the upper part of it underlaid by a lead-colored
band ; a median dorsal black band from front to caudal fin.

Numerous specimens from the Colorado Chiquito river, Arizona, col-
lected by Dr. Newberry, Jr., (5x). The largest species of the group.

LEPIDOMEDA JAUROVII, sp. nov.

A species resembling the last in many respects, but differs in a
greater el jmgation of form, weakness of squamation and peculiarity of
coloration. The fin radii are similar in number and character, but the
dorsal is furnished with more slender spines. The chin projects a little
beyond the upper lip when the mouth is closed. The depth of the body
at the ventral fins enters the length to the basis of the caudal 5 to 5.25
times, and the head enters the same four times. The eye is larger than
in L. vittata, entering the length of the head 3.25 times and equalling the
interorbital width. The end of the maxillary bone reaches the line of
the anterior border of the orbit. The pectoral fin reaches the ventral,
but the latter does not attain the vent. The scales are difficult to detect ;
there are 51 transverse series between the head and the dorsal fin. Total
length, M. 0.081 ; do. to caudal fin .065 ; do. to anal .0465 ; do. to ven-
tral .032; do. of head .0165; do. to orbit .0048 ; width between orbits
.005 ; do. between middle of pterotics .008. Color olivaceous above
with a median black vertebral band ; sides to above lateral line silvery,
leaden edged above. Bases of ventral fins red.

From the Colorado Chiquito river, Arizona. Dedicated to Dr. Henry
C. Yarrow, Zoologist of the survey under Lieut. Wheeler (No. 505).

The following species were also obtained by the expedition from Utah
Lake, the largest body of pure fresh water in the basin of the Rocky
Mountains, others of equal size being alkaline or salt.

, SALMO VIRGINALIS, Girard,

Maintains its distinctness from S. pleuriticus, Cope, from the streams
which flow from the mountains on both sides, in its more slender form of
head and body. The depth enters the length 5. 75 and 6 times, and
equals the length of the head to the preoperculum. In 8. pleuriticus
of equal size, it enters the length 4.66 times, and nearly equals the
length of the head.

COREGONUS VILLIAMSONII, Girard.

SIBOMA ATRARIA, Girard.

The largest of the lake Cyprinidte, specimens procured weighing one
and two Ibs.

ALBURNELLUS? sp.

Scales TT. Anal radii I. 8 — 7. Teeth 2.4 — 4.2 without grinding face.
From Beaver River, Lake Utah, and the Rio Grande, in Colorado.

Tigoma rhimchthyoides, Cope. AlburneHus rhinichtJiyoides, Cope, Hay-
den's Ann. Report U. S. Geolo. Survey, 1871, p. 1473.

Teeth 1 . 4—4. 1 . Scales -^f-

Abundant at Provo.

CLINOSTOMUS HYDBOPHLOX, Cope.
In Hayden's Geol. Survey Terrs., 1871, p. 475. Abundant.

CLINOSTOMUS T^ENIA, sp. nov.

A smaller species than the last, distinguished by the smaller number
of anal radii, the elegant coloration and other characters. Body of
average proportions, its depth entering the length without caudal fin four
and one- third times, and exactly equal to the length of the head. The
head is compressed and the lips equal : the mouth is oblique, the
end of the maxillary attaining the anterior line of the orbit. The orbit
is large, entering the head three times and a fifth, and equalling the
width of the convex interorbital space. Scales if, thirty-three in front
of dorsal fin ; lateral line complete, deflexed between pectoral and ven-
tral fins. Radial formula D. I. 9 . A. I. 10 ; V. 9 ; P. 11 ; reaching
ventrals, which reach vent. Dorsal first ray equidistant between the
basis of the caudal and the anterior nostril.

Total length .073 ; do. to anal fin .042 ; do. to ventral .031 ; do. of head
.014 ; do. to orbit .0036 ; width to posterior nostrils .004 ; do. at middle
of pterotic .0062. The sides are pure silvery to the lateral line of pores,
above which a blackish vitta extends from the end of the muzzle to the
caudal fin. Above this is a narrow very white line which extends to the
base of the caudal fin, and above this the entire dorsal region is blackish.
Fins unspotted.
Numerous specimens from Provo, near the Lake, (No. 666, S.)

RHLNICHTHYS HENSHAVII, sp. nov.

An elongate species with small scales and overhanging but obtuse
muzzle, resembling a Ceratichthys of the group of C. nubilus (Rhinich-
thys,) Girard. The depth enters the total length 5.5 to 6 times, the
head entering the same five times. Eye 4.3 times in length of head,
1.5 times in iuterorbital width. The base of the D. I. is intermediate
between the base of the caudal fin and the anterior nostril. The ventral
fins reach the anal, but are not reached by the pectoral. Dorsal fin
originating behind the base of the ventrals. Radii, D. I. 9; A. I. 7; V. 8;
P. 12. Scales i|. Color white with a few dark clouds on the caudal

peduncle. Inferior fins reddish. The more anterior position of the
dorsal lin is one point of difference from E. maxillosus.

From Provo ; No. 48, a.

Var. II, back dark ; a dark band from end of muzzle to caudal fin. Fins
and lips red. D. I. 8 Provo ; 204 a ; 281 a ; Colorado Chiquito, 5x., 240
Twin Lake, Colorado. Var. III. Back dusky ; numerous large black
spots all over the sides and head; fins and lips crimson, D. I. 8,
No. 754, from Apache, Arizona.

TIMPANOGENSIS, Sp. 11OV.

A rather compressed species with mouth obliquely descending, and
teeth 2.4 — 4.2, with strongly developed masticatory surfaces. The lateral
line of tubules is imperfect in all the specimens, often only repre-
resented by a short series in front of the dorsal fin. In larger specimens
it is better developed, and in still larger it may be complete, a point
which remains as yet uncertain. In the smaller specimens of Myloleucus
parovanus, the series is imperfect for a short distance in front of the
caudal fin, while it is complete in adults. I have observed the same in
the Ilypsilepis anolostanus, Girard. Scales small 11. The dorsal fin

6

originates a little in front of a line drawn from the base of the first ven-
tral ray. I'he pectorals do not reach the ventrals, while the latter attain
the vent. Radii D. I. 9 ; A. I. 8 ; V. 8.

The depth is one-fourth the length, less that of the caudal fin, and the
length of the head enters the same 3.66 times. Orbit 3 3 times in length
of head, 1.2 times in interorbital width ; longer than muzzle. Preorbital
bone trapezoid. Total length M .047 ; do. to basis of dorsal .0315 ; of
head .011 ; width at pterotics .005.

There is a narrow leaden line from the pterotic region to the base of
the caudal, below which the color is yellowish, and above brownish, all
dusted with black points. Cheeks silvery. Fins dusky.

Numerous specimens were taken at Provo by Messrs. Yarrow & Hen-
shaw, and at Guunison (No. 668) by Mr. Klett.

MlNOMUS PLATYRHYNCHUS, Sp. DOT.

This Catostomoid belongs to the genus Minomus, Girard, as defined by
the writer in Hayden's Annual Report of the U. S. Geological Survey for
1870, p. 434. It is of very elongate form, the depth of the body at the
dorsal fin entering the total length seven and two-fifths times. The head
is short and wide, with expanded and depressed muzzle ; its length en-
ters the total five and three-quarter times. The scales are materially
larger on the caudal peduncle than on the post-scapular region, and the
dorsal fin originates considerably nearer the end of the muzzle than the
basis of the caudal fin. Radial formula, D. I. 11 ; C. 18, openly emar-
ginate ; A. I. 7 ; V. 9 not reaching vent ; pectoral reaching half-w ty to
ventral. Scales it. The orbits are excavated at their superciliary border,

and their diameter enters their frontal interspace 1.66 times, and the
length of the head 4.6 times, twice in the length of the muzzle in front
of its border. The muzzle considerably overhangs the mouth. The lip
folds are tubercular and largely developed, forming a discoidal funnel.
The posterior is deeply incised behind ; and there is a notch where it
joins the anterior lip. The commisure is transverse and abruptly angu-
late to the canthus, and covered witla a cartilaginous sheath as in Chon-
drostoma. Isthmus very wide.

Total length M. 0.168 ; do. to basis caudal .149 ; do. to basis ventral
.082; do. to basis of dorsal .070 ; do. of head .029 ; width of muzzle
at mouth .0115 ; with head at pterotics .0156. Color blackish, belly and
ventral fins yellowish (? pink). This species resembles the Catostomus
discobolus, Cope, but has larger scales, besides presenting generic differ-
ences. Several specimens from near Provo. Messrs. Yarrow and Hen-
shaw.

MINOMFJS JARROVir, sp. nov.

A less elongate species than the last, with a much less enlarged muzzle.
The anterior scales are smaller than the posterior, and the first dorsal ray
is nearly intermediate between the end of the muzzle and the basis of
the caudal fin. Radii D. 9 ; C. 18 ; A. I. 7 ; V. 9, well removed from
both vent and pectoral fin. Depth at dorsal fin 5.75 times in total length,
into which the length of the head enters 5.3 times ; orbit small, 4,6 times
in length of head ; twice in interorbital width, and 1.75 times in muzzle,
the latter projecting a little beyond mouth, not depressed, but nar-
rowed viewed from above. Labial folds well developed, tubercular, the
anterior rather narrow, the posterior deeply incised. Commissure with
acute cartilaginous edge, regularly convex forwards.

Scales |i

Total length M. .107 ; do. to basis of caudal .0933 ; do. to basis ven-
tral .052 ; do. to basis dorsal .047 ; do, of head .0205 ; width muzzle at
mouth .075 ; of head at pterotics .011.

Color light brown with numerous dusky spots and clouds ; a narrow
abdominal band light ; fins and chin ? red.

Two specimens (204a) obtained by Messrs. Yarrow and Henshaw at
Provo. Dedicated to Dr. Yarrow, whose zoological explorations in vari-
ous portions of the United States have been productive of many inter-
esting results.

CATOSTOMUS ? GENEROSUS, Girard.

U. S. Pacific R. R. SUIT. X, p. 221.

From Provo, Utah, specimens of two and a-half pounds weight.

8

Recapitulation :

The fishes of the Utah Lake above enumerated, number twelve species,
as follows :

SalmonidcB.

Salmo virginalis, Girard.
CoregonidcB.

Rhinichthys henshavii, Cope.
Coregonus villiamsonn, Girard.

Catostomidce.

Minomus platyrhynchus, Cope.
Minomus jarrovii, Cope.
Catostomus ? generosus, Girard.

Siboma atraria, Girard.

Alburnellus, sp.

Alburnellus rhinichthyoides, Cope.

Clinostomus hydrophlox, Cope.
Clinostomus tsenia, Cope.
Hybopsis timpauogensis, Cope.

The following species were obtained at other localities in Utah and
Arizona.

CERATICHTHYS BIGUTTATUS, Kirtland.

Baird, Girard, Cope Cyprinidae of Pennsylvania, p. 366, Tab. xi., fig..

5, var. cyclotis, Cope, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Sciences, 1864, p. 278.

Dr. Yarrow obtained a number of specimens of this abundant eastern
fish at Harmony, in Southern Utah. This is an unexpected discovery,
giving the species the greatest known range of any of our Cyprinidae,
the Semotilus corporalis accompanying it to the eastern slope of the
Rocky Mountains. The Smoky Hill River was the most western locality
for the C. Mguttatus up to the present time.

CERATICHTHYS VENTRICOSUS, sp. nov.

Allied to C. henshavii, Cope, but distinguished by its deeper body and
more numerous scales below the lateral line, which exceed in number
those above it, contrary to the rule usual in Cyprinidce. Depth at ven-
tral fin one-fourth length exclusive of caudal fin, and a little less than
length of head, orbit a little less than one-fourth length of head and 1.33
times in length of muzzle and interorbital width. Muzzle compressed,
projecting beyond the horizontal mouth ; maxillary bone reaching the
line of the anterior nostril. Radii D. I. 7 ; A. I. 7 ; V. 7. Dorsal origi-
nating behind line of ventrals. Scales it. The specimens are bleached
by the action of spirits, but they appear to have been of uniform color,
excepting an irregular dark band from the end of the muzzle to the caud-
al fin. Length of a specimen to base of caudal M. .061 ; do. to base
of anal .043 ; do. to base ventral .033 ; do. to base dorsal .035 ; length
head .0162 ; width do. between orbits .0045 ; do. at middle of ptero-
tics . 0073. Number cccl ; from Arizona.

MYLOLETJCUS PAROVANUS, sp. nov.

With a general similarity to Clinostomus montanus, this fish may be
readily determined by the generic characters of the teeth and fins, as

9

well as by the reduced number of radii of the anal fin. The gemis
Mifloleucus was established by the writer in 1871* for species resembling
Siboma, in having the pharyngeal teeth of the longer row 4 — 5, and the
origin of the dorsal fin situated in advance of the venlral, but differing in
the possession of well-defined masticatory surfaces on the teeth. The
typical species is M. pu'verulentus, Cope, from the warm springs of Utah,
a fish which differs from the present one in the greater stoutness of form
and smaller and more numerous scales.

Form moderately stout ; muzzle short, conical, lips even, mouth very
oblique, maxillary bone reaching anterior line of orbit. Profile of head
and back gently arched. Depth of body equal length of caudal fin and
measuring 4.25 in the total length less that fin ; length of head, 3.5 or 6
in the same. Orbit large 3. 1 times in length of head ; greater than muzzle,
equal interorbital width. Scales o> the lateral line decurved in front*
and continued to base of caudal fin°. Radii, D. I. 9 ; A. I. 8 ; V. 9. The
pectorals reach little more than half way to the ventrals ; the latter just
attain the vent. Caudal well forked. The color is transparent, with a
plumbepus lateral band, the ventral and pectoral fins dusky, the dorsal
and caudal shaded with the same. Total length M. 0648 ; ditto to base
caudal, .053 ; ditto to anal, .038 ; to ventral, .0288 ; of head, .014 ; to
orbit, .003 ; width at middle pterotic*, .0064.

Numerous specimens were obtained by Dr. Yarrow from Beaver River,
in Southwestern Utah. This stream flows into the Sevier Lake, a very
alkaline body of water, in which no fishes were found by the naturalists
of the survey.

CLINOSTOMUS PHLEGETHONTIS, sp. nov.

Teeth, 1.5 — 42; body, deep, short; scales larger than in any other
species of the genus, viz. : eleven longitudinal and thirty-seven transverse
series. There is no lateral line, which may be due to the immature state
of the only specimen at my disposal. The depth enters the length with-
out the caudal fin 3.5 times, while the length of the head is counted in
the same four times. The orbit is large, entering the head 2.75 times,
and .2 greater than interorbital width ; in older fishes the orbit will be
found as usual relatively smaller. The lips are even, and t!io mouth
quite oblique, the end of the maxillary reaching the line of the orbit.
Radii, D. I. 7 ; A.I. 8 ; the ventrals originate in front of the line of the
dorsal, and extend to the vent, and are not nearly reached by the
pectorals. Length without caudal fin, .034; ditto to basis of dorsal,
.0186; length of head, .008; width ditto at pterotics, .0038. A broad
plumbeous band on the side, below which the color is golden, above it
probably translucent in life, with a dusky median dorsal line.

Discovered in Beaver River, Utah, with the Myloleucus parovanus, by
Dr. Yarrow.

* In Hayden's annual Report of the U. S. Geological Survey, p. 475.

10

CATOSTOMUS ALTICOLUS, sp. nov.

A stout, rather short species of sucker, with elongate head and narrowed
muzzle. The scales are larger behind than anteriorly, and number sixty
transverse, and nineteen longitudinal rows. The radial formula is,
D. 10 ; C. 18 ; A. 7 ; V. 10, originating below the middle of the dorsal
fin, and neither extending to the vent nor reached by the pectoral fin.
Caudal with shallow emargination. The depth enters the length with
caudal five times, which is three and two-thirds the length of the head,
Orbit 4.33 times in head, 1.66 times in interorbital width. The muzzle
is long (1.66 times orbit), but is not produced much beyond the mouth,
but is truncate and narrowed viewed from above . Lip-folds well developed ;
the superior pendant, the inferior full but incised to the symphysis, the
surfaces tubercular. Vertex flat.

Total length M., .0863 ; ditto to origin caudal fin, .070 ; ditto to origin
anal, .0546 ; ditto to origin of dorsal, 0365 ; width head at posterior
nares, .008 ; ditto at middle of pterotics, .010 ; color silvery, upper part
of sides and back dusky. In specimens of this size the lateral line is in-
visible, but in adults of eight inches obtained by my friend, J. S. Lip-
pincott, it extends to the basis of the caudle fin.

Numerous specimens from Twin Lake, Colorado, obtained by Dr. J. T,
Rothrook, botanist of the survey. This lake is situated in the South
Park, at an elevation of 9,500 feet above the sea (no. 120).
CATOSTOMUS DISCOBOLUS, Cope.

(Hayden's Annual Report, U. 8. Geological Survey, 1870, p. 435).

Numerous specimens from the Zuni River, Arizona, and from another
not specified locality in Arizona, (No. 504), obtained by Messrs. Henshaw
and Newberry.

HAPLOCHILUS FLORIPJNNIS, sp. nov.

First dorsal ray standing above the second or third anal ; formula, D.
10—11 ; A. 13—14; V. 7. Scales large in ten longitudinal and 29 trans-
verse series. First dorsal ray half as far from base of caudal as from
end of muzzle. Length of head 4.66 times in total, a little less than 4
times to basis of caudal fin. Orbit large, 3.2 times in length of head and
1.6 times in interorbital width. Mandible projecting a little beyond pre-
maxillary ; one external series of teeth in both jaws larger than the
others.

Total length M. .0595 ; do. to anal fin .0335 ; do. to basis of ventral fin
.027 ; do. of head .0138 ; width of head at pterotics .008. Color olive
gray, the scales with ochre borders. Fins yellow, broadly edged with
crimson.

Numerous specimens from the Platte River, near Denver, Colorado,
No. 65. A species with large scales.

URANIDEA WHEELERI, sp. nov.

The only Physoclystous or spinous rayed fish as yet found in the Great
Basin of Utah.

11

Radial formula, D. VII. 17 ; A. 12 ; P. 15 all simple ; Br. VI. The
head is depressed and enters the length minus the caudal fin, three
times. Orbit large one-fifth length of head, and twice the width of
the frontal interspace. Greatest depft (at first anal ray) 6.75 times in
length less caudal fin. Anal commencing opposite the third ray of the
second dorsal. Lateral line deflexed opposite last ray of second dorsal.
The recurved preopercular spine strong, the decurved small and obtuse.
Palatine teeth present ; end of maxillary reaching line of pupil. Isthmus
as wide as length of muzzle and orbit to front line of pupil. Skin every-
where smooth.

Total length .084 ; do. less caudal fin .069 ; do. to anal .042 ; do. to
first dorsal .031 ; of head .022 ; width at maxillaries distally .0125 ; at
preopercular spines .0185.

From Beaver river S. W. Utah. The other species of the Rocky
Mountains, C7. punctulata, Gill, has, according to that zoologist a much
wider head, especially in the frontal region. This character is well ex-
hibited by specimens in Dr. Hayden's collections.

Dedicated to Lieut. Wheeler, Director of the U. 8. Survey west of the
100th Meridian.

ON THE ZOOLOGY OF A TEMPORARY POOL ON THE PLAINS
OF COLORADO.

BY PROF. E. D. COPE.
(Read before the American Philosophical Society, March 2Qt7it 1874.)

Some years ago, Thomas Kite, of Cincinnati, observed an Entomostra-
cous crustacean swimming in a temporary pool of rain-water. A species
no larger than a pin's head is abundant in horse-troughs, springs, <fcc.,
and belongs to the genus Gypris. That observed by Mr. Kite is much
larger, and is not known to occur in flowing water. It was named
Limnadella Kitei by Girard. I have since observed it in Pennsylvania,
in rain puddles standing in the ruts of roads in woods ; and in New
Jersey Dr. Kuieskern found it in similar pools alongside of roads
in the open CDuntry. The wonder naturally is, how strictly aquatic
branchiferous animals c m be propagated under the circumstances, and
ho w they can be distributed from place to place. A similar species has been
recently observed by M. Tissandier in pools in the valley of the Seine.
These were left by a flood of the river, and before drying up became
populous with a species of the Cyprididse.

The mist remarkable examples of this kind are, however, to be ob-
served on the plains of Kansas and Colorado.

Here rains create temporary pools in depressions of the surface, which
may remain for a few days or weeks, but are all dried up by the end of
September. Nevertheless, some of them at least swarm with a population
of branchiferous crustaceans, worms and larvae of insects, with the adults,
which, in their developed state, come to the surface for air, or live on

12

the adjacent banks. Observations on a pool of this kind determined
sixteen species which lived in or on the water, which had an area of
thirty feet by fifteen, and a depth nut exceeding a foot. Three of the
species were worms, six insects, one arachnid, and eight crustaceans.

The insects were a bluish fly, with a pale bloom, which ran rapidly
over the surface, aiding its progress by its wings ; a slender beetle, that
clung to the submerged stems ; two species of actively swimming water-
beetles, one beautifully varied with white ; and a sluggish, pale-green
species, which swam readily. There was also that cosmopolitan boatman
who swims on his back, the hemipterous iiotonecta. One of the worms
was delicately striped with lines and rows of riots, another was soft and
jointless, and could contract itself into a mere lump or extend itself to
considerable length. It was no doubt a placarian, and was of a pea-green
color. Another planarian was white, and some of its internal organs
showed as a milk-white zigzag figure through the body walls. It swam
freely through the water. Of the crustaceans, four were the shelled Cy-
prides. One was very small, short oval, and green ; another, still small,
was a long oval, straw-colored, and covered with hair ; a third was largo
as a small pea, almost globular, and brilliant green. It was very abund-
ant, swimming in twos and threes among the gras-s-stems or near the sur-
face. The fourth was a gigantic species, large as the thumb-nail, and of
a pale-reddish orange color. It was frt quently observed in encounters with
others of its species. The water was alive with shoals of what appeared
to be at first sight the translucent fry of some fish. On closer examination
they proved to be elongate crustaceans allied to the Brancldpus, their
delicately-fringed gills hanging suspended from the hinder segments of
the body. They were covered with a jointed coat of mail, and darted
about with great activity. They were elegant creatures, with a crimson
tail setting off the glass-like clearness of the body. The most singular
of these forms is the Cyclops. It resembles superficially the king crab
of our sea-shores, truly, indeed, in the great buckler or shield covering
the head and thorax. It has a single elevation on the middle of the top
of the head for two eye windows or corneas, and an inferior pair of widely-
separated eyes look downward to the bottom of the water. The tail or
body is soft, jointed, and worm-like, and bears a pair of feelers at the
end. These curious creatures swim on the bottom, chasing each other
here and there, resembling in their motions and form diminutive cat
fishes. Some other forms were minute crimson, and strangely formed
creatures. The common arachnid was a round-bodied Ilydrachna, or
water tick, of a bright red color.

This population evidently has a short life, and it is probable that their
existence is only secured by the long preservation of the eggs in the
bottom of the dry ponds, which may be readily carried from place to
place by winds during the dry season.

PUBLISHED, APRIL 13, 1874.