590.5
FI
v .5
1904
C.2
CENTRAL CIRCULATION BOOKSTACKS
The person charging this material is re-
sponsible for its return to the library from
which it was borrowed on or before the
Latest Date stamped below.
Theft, mutilation, and underlining of books are reasons
for disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from
Hie University*
TO RENEW CALL TELEPHONE CENTER, 333-8400
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
MAR 2 8 19S8
When renewing by phone, write new due date below
previous due date. 78733 LI 62
PUBLICATION
OF THE
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM
ZOOLOGICAL SERIES
VOL. V.
CHICAGO, U. S. A.
1904
THE
FRESH-WATER FISHES
OF
MEXICO NORTH OF THE
ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC
BY
SETH EUGENE MEEK, PH.D.
Assistant Curator of Department
ZOOLOGICAL SERIES
VOL. V.
CHICAGO, U. S. A.
I ^Wt/^D
SEP 23 1904
5
PREFACE
2
The following paper is based largely on two collections of fishes,
the first being made by the writer and Mr. F. E. Lutz, of the Carnegie
Station for Experimental Evolution, Cold Spring Harbor, in the
spring of 1901, and the other by the writer during February, March,
April, and May, 1903. Through the courtesy of Dr. Barton W.
Evermann, assistant in charge of Scientific Inquiry, United States
Bureau of Fisheries, I have had at my disposal two small collections
made by Mr. E. W. Nelson, one from the Rio Balsas and the other
from the Rio Soto la Marina. Dr. W. L. Tower, of the University
of Chicago, also placed at my disposal a collection of fishes made by
him at Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi. In January, 1903, in Washing-
ton, D. C., Dr. Richard Rathbun, Assistant Secretary of the Smith-
sonian Institution, and Mr. B. A. Bean, Assistant Curator of fishes
U. S. National Museum, permitted me to examine a large collection
which formed a portion of the Mexican fish exhibit at the Columbian
Exposition. I have included only a small portion of this collection in
the following list because of the doubtful character of the localities
given. To have included the entire collection would have very much
confused our study of geographical distribution.
An account of the collection made by Mr. F. E. Lutz and myself
is published in Vol. III. of the Zoological Series of the Field Colum-
bian Museum, Pub. 65, pages 63 to 128, plates 14 to 31. The results
of the second expedition are (1903) included in this paper.
For assistance while making the collection of fishes in 1903, 1 wish,
on behalf of the Museum, to acknowledge my indebtedness to the
following gentlemen: Mr. C. R. Hudson and Mr. A. V. Temple,
of the Mexican Central R, R. ; Mr. D. W. Harvey, of the Mexican
R. R.; Mr. R. B. Pegram, Mr. F. M. Ames, and Mr. A. Joy,
of the Vera Cruz & Pacific R. R.; Mr. W. B. Ryan and Mr.
Newbury, of the Tehuantepec R. R. ; Mr. W. L. Morkil and
Mr. E. A. White, of the Interoceanic R. R. ; Mr. James Parkyn,
Treasurer of the Motzorongo Plantation; Gaham & Hudson,
Forlon, Tamaulipas; Mr. D. W. Hedrick, Superintendent of the
Midland Bridge Company; Mr . P. H. Kilpatrick, a contractor
on the Vera Cruz and Pacific R. R. ; Mr. George Greenwood,
Superintendent of the Jalapa Electric Light Company; Mr. R. G.
Ransom, of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company; and the officials
of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe R. R. I would especially men-
tion Mr. E. A. White for the personal interest he took in this work,
vi FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
and for his many courtesies which resulted in considerable substantial
aid. I would also mention Mr. D. W. Hedrick, who was superin-
tending the construction of the bridges along the Vera Cruz &
Pacific R. R. Mr. Hedrick gave me the freedom of the bridge
camps, which proved to be excellent stopping places in that country.
The superintendents of these camps were very helpful to me in my
work while there. At Perez I met Mr. Julius Freisser, formerly a
taxidermist in Chicago, who assisted me in making collections of
fishes at Perez, Obispo, and El Hule. In general the railroad and
other employees of the organizations mentioned above were very
courteous and helpful to me in my work.
Dr. Barton W. Evermann and Mr. Barton A. Bean have assisted
me in examining material in the U. S. National Museum. Dr. G. A.
Boulenger and Mr. C. T. Regan have done the same in the British
Museum, Dr. D. S. Jordan in Stanford University, and Mr. Henry
W. Fowler in the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. Dr.
Theo. Gill, Washington, D. C., has kindly called my attention to
a few important references which I would have otherwise omitted.
Hon. Geo. M. Bowers, United States Commissioner of Fish and Fish-
eries, kindly loaned the Museum thirty-one original drawings of fishes
for use in illustrating this work. Four other drawings were kindly
loaned by Dr. Richard Rathbun. To Dr. Evermann I am under
obligations for superintending the making of blocks from these draw-
ings, and also for reading the proof sheets while this work was
going through the press. Dr. Wm. Owen, of the University of Chi-
cago, and Prof. H. N. Hoffman, of Indiana University, also rendered
me valuable service in correcting the misspelled names of Rafinesque
and others. Dr. Frederick Starr, of the University of Chicago, has
also kindly revised the proof sheets of this paper with regard to the
spelling of geographical names. I also desire to acknowledge the
many courtesies I received from Hon. Powell Clayton, U. S. Minister
to Mexico, while doing field work in Mexico in 1901 and 1903. In
making these acknowledgments I wish to assume responsibility for
whatever errors this volume may contain.
In the present paper it has been my purpose to give a descriptive
list of the fresh -water fishes of Mexico, and keys to assist in identifying
the same. It is impossible to draw an arbitrary line separating the
fresh-water fishes from those of the salt water. A few of the species
of Pomadasys, Achirus, Gobius, and the like, included in this work,
are properly salt-water fishes. I have listed them here rather as fishes
found in fresh water.
In the preparation of this publication I have examined every
paper to which I have had reference and access that throws light on
PREFACE. vii
the subject in question, and I have drawn from these material suited
to my purpose. In the sequence of the orders and families I have fol-
lowed Jordan and Evermann in Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus. The
sequence of genera and species has been changed whenever, in the
light of new information, it appeared necessary. I have also
made free use of the publication above mentioned for material
in the characterization of orders and families. A special effort has
been made to bring together, in as useful a form as possible, our pres-
ent knowledge of the fresh-water fishes of Mexico north of the Isthmus
of Tehuantepec. The study of this group of animals in this region
is of especial interest, for between these two lines is the meeting place
of the northern and the tropical faunas. In this respect these boun-
dary lines are in a measure natural ones, because very few species of
tropical fishes reach the northern line, and but few northern repre-
sentatives are found farther south than the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
In addition the subject presents very interesting material for a study
in geographical distribution.
ERRATA.
Page v, line 33, Gaham should read Graham.
Page xviii, line g, Steindachner should read Poey.
Page xix, line 5, Steindachmer should read Steindachner.
Page xix, line 6, Salmonoides should read solmonoides.
Page xxxi, line 49, Cousius should read Couesius.
Page xxxiii, line 14, CARMAN should read CARMEN.
Page xxxix, line 20, macularis should read macularius.
Page Hi, line 15, Gruelin should read Gmelin.
Page Iviii, line 34, after OR^DKRS into, insert FAMILIES, FAMILIES into.
Page 65, line 28, after 1896 .insert , 264.
Page 139, 5th line from bottom, i should read if.
Page 147, line 2j,formostis should read formosa.
Page 162, line 25, Sygnathus should read Syngnathus.
Page 169, bottom line, after 1900 insert , 152.
Page 193, line 26, elder should read older.
Page 196, line 12, Ethostotnatinae should read Etheostomatinae.
Page 206, line 30, D. xvi should read dorsal spines 16.
Page 216, line 12, after depth insert of caudal peduncle.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
Preface v
Introduction xxv
General Topography and Hydrography of Mexico xxv
Recent Geological Changes in Mexico and their General Effect on
the Fish Fauna xxvii
List of Localities in Mexico where Collections of Fishes were Made
by F. E. Lutz and the Author in 1901 xxviii
List of Localities in Mexico where Collections of Fishes were Made by
the Author in 1 903 xxix
The River Systems of Mexico and a List of Fishes Known from Each . xxx
Rio Grande System xxx
Rio Grande and its Present Tributaries in Mexico xxxi
Rio Casas Grandes xxxii
Rio Santa Maria xxxiii
Rio Carmen xxxiii
Rio Sauz xxxiii
Lago de Castillos xxxiii
Rio Nazas xxxiii
Rio Conchas System xxxiv
Rio Soto la Marina System xxxiv
Rio Panuco System xxxvi
Rio Mezquital System xxxvii
Rio Presidio System xxxviii
Rio Yaqui System xxxviii
Rio Sonora System xxxix
Colorado River System xxxix
Lower California xxxix
Rio Grande de Santiago System xxxix
Valley of Mexico ' xli
Rio San Francisco System xli
Las Lagunas near Vera Cruz , . . xlii
Boca del Rio System xlii
Rio Blanco System xliii
Rio Otopa System xliii
Rio Papaloapam System xliv
Rio San Geronimo System xlv
Rio Tehuantepec System xlv
Rio Verde System xlv
Rio Balsas System xlv
List of Fishes from Various Localities not Referable to any of
the River Systems Named Above xlvi
Geographical Distribution of Fresh-Water Fishes of Mexico xlvi
Shore Fishes which have Become More or Less Established in the
Fresh Waters of Mexico lii
Game Fishes of Mexico lii
Food Fishes qf Mexico . v liii
ix
x FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGE
Fish Culture in Mexico liii
Common Names of Mexican Fresh-Water Fishes Iv
Definitions and Explanations of Terms used in the Descriptions of
Fishes in this Work Iv
Definition of the Two Classes of Fishes or Fish-like Vertebrates
Inhabiting the Fresh Waters of Mexico Ix
Artificial Key to the Families of Mexican Fresh- Water Fishes Ix
CLASS I. MARSIPOBRANCHII i
ORDER I. HYPEROARTII i
Family I. Petromyzontidac i
Genus I. Lampetra Gray i
1. spadicea Bean 2
CLASS II. PISCES 3
ORDER II. RHOMBOGANOIDEA 4
Family II. Lepidosteidae 4
Genus 2. Lepidosteus Lacepede 5
Subgenus Lepidosteus Lac6pede 5
2. osseus (Linnaeus) 5
[Subgenus Cylindrosteus Rafinesquc] 6
[platystomus Rafinesque] ' 6
Subgenus Atractosteus Rafinesque 6
3. tristcechus (Bloch & Schneider) 6
[tropicus (Gill)] .' 7
ORDER III. NEMATOGNATHI 8
Family III. Siluridae 8
Subfamily Tachysurinae 9
. Genus 3. Galeichthys Cuvier & Valenciennes 9
4. aguadulce Meek 9
Subfamily Ichthyaelurinae 10
Genus 4. Ichthyaelurus Rafinesque 10
5. furcatus (Le Sueur) 10
6. punctatus (Rafinesque) 1 1
7. meridionalis (Gunther) . . u
Genus 5. Amiurus Rafinesque 12
Subgenus Haustor Jordan & Evermann 13
8. australis Meek 13
9. lupus (Girard) 14
10. dugesi Bean 14
1 1 . mexicanus Meek 15
12. pricei (Rtitter) 15
Subgenus Amiurus Rafinesque 16
13. natalis (Le Sueur) 16
Genus 6. Istlarius Jordan & Snyder 17
14. balsanus Jordan & Snyder 17
Genus 7. Leptops Rafinesque 18
15. olivaris (Rafinesque) 18
Subfamily Pimelodinaa 19
[Genus Conorhynchus Bleeker] 19
[nelsoni Evermann & Goldsborough] 19
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xi
PAGE
Genus 8. Rhamdia Bleeker 20
1 6. oaxacae Meek , 20
17. laticauda (Heckel) 21
18. brachyptera (Cope) 21
[wagneri (Gunther)] 22
19. hypselura (Gunther) 22
ORDER IV. PLECTOSPONDYLI 24
Family IV. Catostomidas 24
Subfamily Ichthyobinae 25
Genus 9. Carpiodes Rafinesque . 25
20. meridionalis (Gunther) 26
21. tumidus Baird & Girard 26
2 2 . microstomus Meek 27
23. elongatus Meek 28
24. labiosus Meek 29
Subfamily Catostominas 30
Genus 10. Pantosteus Cope 30
25. plebeius (Baird & Girard) 30
Genus 1 1 . Catostomus Le Sueur 31
26. sonorensis Meek 32
27. bernardini Girard 32
28. conchos Meek 33
Genus 12. Xyrauchen Eigenmann & Kirsch 33
29. cypho (Lockington) 33
Genus 13. Myzostoma Rafinesque 34
30. congestum (Baird & Girard) 34
3 1 . austrinum Bean 35
Family V. Cyprinidae 36
Subfamily Campostomatinae 40
Genus 14. Campostoma Agassiz 40
32. ornatum Girard . 41
33. anomalum (Rafinesque) : 42
34. formosulum Girard 42
Subfamily Chondrostomatinas 43
Genus 15. Xystrosus Jordan & Snyder 43
35. popoche Jordan & Snyder 43
Genus 16. Algansea Girard 44
36. tincella (Cuvier & Valenciennes) 44
37. dugesi Bean 45
38. rubescens Meek .' 46
39. lacustris Steindachner 47
Genus 17. Hybognathus Agassiz 48
40. episcopus (Girard) 48
41 . rasconis (Jordan & Snyder) 50
Genus 18. Pimelocephales Rafinesque 50
42. confertus (Girard) 51
Subfamily Mylopharodontinag 51
Genus 19. Stypodon Garman 51
43 . signifer Garman . . 5 *
Subfamily Leuciscinas 52
Genus 20. Ptychocheilus Agassiz 52
xii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGE
44. lucius Girard 52
Genus 2 1 . Gila Baird & Girard 53
45. elegans Baird & Girard 53
46. minaca? Meek 54
Genus 22. Leuciscus Cuvier 55
47. nigrescens (Girard) 55
[intermedius (Girard)] 56
Genus 23. Abramis Cuvier 56
48. chrysoleucus (Mitchill) 57
Genus 24. Cochlognathus Baird & Girard 57
49. ornatus Baird & Girard 58
Genus 25. Falcula Jordan & Snyder 58
50. chapalae Jordan & Snyder 58
Genus 26. Aztecula Jordan & Everma'nn 59
51. vittata (Girard) 59
52. lermas (Evermann & Goldsborough) 60
53. mexicana Meek 61
Genus 27. Nototropis Rafinesque 62
Subgenus Alburnops Girard 65
54. calientis Jordan & Snyder 65
.55. braytoni (Jordan & Evermann) 65
56. robustus Meek 66
57. chihuahua Woolman 67
58. boucardi (Gunther) 67
Subgenus Codoma Girard 68
59. ornatus (Girard) 68
Subgenus Orcella Jordan & Evermann 69
60. orca Woolman 69
61. nazas Meek 70
> Subgenus Moniana Girard 70
62. forlonensis Meek 70
63. lutrensis (Baird & Girard) 71
64. macrostomus (Girard) 72
65. garmani (Jordan) 73
66. santamarias Evermann & Goldsborough 74
67. formosus (Girard) 74
68. frigidus (Girard) ' 75
Subgenus Nototropis Rafinesque 75
69. santarosaliae Meek 75
Genus 28. Phenacobius Cope 76
70. scopifer (Cope) 76
Genus 29. Evarra Woolman 77
7 1 . eigenmanni Woolman 77
72. tlahuacensis Meek 78
Genus 30. Rhinichthys Agassiz 79
73. simus Garman 79
Genus 31. Agosia Girard 79
74. oscula (Girard) 80
75. chrysogaster Girard 80
Genus 32. Hybopsis Agassiz 80
76. aestivalis (Girard) 81
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xiii
PAGE
77. altus (Jordan) 81
Genus 33. Couesius Jordan 82
78. adustus Woolman 82
Subfamily Plagopterinae 83
Genus 34. Plagopterus Cope 83
79. argentissimus Cope . 83
Family VI. Characinidae 83
Subfamily Tetragonopterinae 84
Genus 35. Tetragonopterus Cuvier 84
80. mexicanus Filippi 85
81. aeneus Gunther 86
Genus 36. Hemigrammus Gill 87
82. compressus Meek 87
Subfamily Characinag 88
Genus 37. Roeboides Gunther 88
83. guatemalensis (Gunther) 88
ORDER V. SYMBRANCHIA 89
Family VII. Symbranchidas 89
Genus 38. Symbranchus Bloch 89
84. marmoratus Bloch 89
ORDER VI. APODES 90
. Family VIII. Anguillidas 90
Genus 39. Anguilla Shaw . . . 90
85. chrysypa Rafmesque 90
ORDER VII. ISOSPONDYLI 92
Family IX. Dorosomatidae . . . t * 92
Genus 40. Dorosoma Rafinesque 92
86. anale Meek 93
87. exile Jordan & Gilbert '94
Genus 41. Signalosa Evermann & Kendall 94
88. mexicana (Gunther) 94
Family X. Salmonidae 95
Subfamily Salmoninas 95
Genus 42. Salmo (Artedi) Linnaeus 95
89. irideus Gibbons : 96
ORDER VIII. HAPLOMI 98
Family XI. Pceciliidas '. 98
Subfamily Fundulinae 101
Genus 43. Cynodonichthys Meek 101
90. tenuis Meek i o i
Genus 44. Fundulus Lacpede 102
Subgenus Fundulus 103
[guatemalensis Gunther] 103
[punctatus Gunther] 104
9 1 . oaxacag Meek 104
92. vinctus Jordan & Gilbert 105
93. similis (Baird & Girard) 105
heteroclitus (Linnasus) 106
grandis Baird & Girard 107
xiv FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGE
[labialis Gunther] 107
Subgenus Fontinus Jordan & Evermann 108
96. extensus Jordan & Gilbert 108
97. zebrinus (Jordan & Gilbert) 108
Genus 45. Lucania Girard 109
98. venusta (Girard) 109
Genus 46. Zoogoneticus Meek 109
99. cuitzeoensis (B. A. Bean) no
100. dugesi (Bean) in
[pachycephalus (Giinther)] 112
101 . robustus (Bean) 112
102. maculatus Regan 113
103. diazi Meek 114
104. miniatus Meek 115
Genus 47. Girardinichthys Bleeker 115
105. innominatus Bleeker 116
Subfamily Oristiinae 118
Genus 48. Characodon Gunther 1 18
106. multiradiatus Meek 119
107. eiseni Rutter 119
108. variatus Bean 1 20
109. lateralis Gunther 121
no. garmani Jordan & Evermann 121
in. furcidens Jordan & Gilbert 122
Genus 49. Chapalichthys Meek 123
112. encaustus (Jordan & Snyder) 123
Genus 50. Cyprinodon Lac6pdde 1 24
113. eximius Girard 125
114. elegans Baird & Girard 125
115. macularius Baird & Girard 126
1 16. latifasciatus Garman 126
Subfamily Gambusiinae 127
Genus 51. Pseudoxiphophorus Bleeker 127
117. bimaculatus (Heckel) 127
Genus 52. Gambusia Poey 128
1 18. fasciata Meek * 129
119. gracilis (Heckel) 130
1 20. affinis (Baird & Girard) 130
121. infans Woolman 131
122. bonita Meek .- 132
Genus 53. Paragambusia Meek 133
123. nicaraguensis (Gunther) 133
Genus 54. Glaridichthys Garman 134
124. latidens (Garman) 134
Genus 55. Belonesox Kner 135
125. belizanus Kner 135
Subfamily Anablepinae 135
Genus 56. Anableps (Artedi) Bloch 135
1 26. dovii Gill 136
Subfamily Goodinae 136
Genus 57. Goodea Jordan 136
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xv
PAGE
127. whitei Meek 137
128. toweri Meek 138
129. luitpoldi (Steindachner) 139
130. atripinnis Jordan 140
Genus 58. Skiffia Meek 141
131. multipunctata (Pellegrin) 141
132. lermae Meek 142
133. variegata Meek 143
134. bilineata (Bean) ' 144
Subfamily Poeciliinas 144
Genus 59. Platypoecilus Gunther 144
135. maculatus Gunther 145
136. variatus Meek 146
137. nelsoni Meek 147
Genus 60. Heterandria Agassiz 147
138. pleurospilus (Gunther) 148
139. lutzi Meek 148
Genus 61. Poecilia Bloch & Schneider 149
140. occidentalis (Baird & Girard) 150
141. latipunctata Meek 150
142. butleri Jordan 151
143. presidionis Jordan & Culver 152
144. couchiana (Girard) 152
145. sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes 153
Genus 62. Mollienesia Le Sueur 154
146. formosa (Girard) 155
147. latipinna Le Sueur 155
Genus 63. Xiphophorus Heckel 156
148. lalapas Meek 156
149. helleri Heckel 157
1 50. montezumas Jordan & Snyder 158
ORDER IX. SYNENTOGNATHI 160
Family XII. Belonidag 160
Genus 64. Tylosurus Cocco 160
151. marinus (Walbaum) 160
ORDER X. LOPHOBRANCHII 162
Family XIII. Syngnathidae 162
Genus 65. Siphostoma Rafmesque ' 162
152. brevicaudum Meek 163
1 53. starksi Jordan & Culver 163
ORDER XI. ACANTHOPTERI 164
Family XIV. Atherinida; 165
Genus 66. Chirostoma Swainson 166
Subgenus Eslopsarum Jordan 169
154. jordani Woolman 169
155. mezquital Meek 170
1 56. arge (Jordan & Snyder) 171
157. bartoni Jordan & Evermann 172
158. attenuatum Meek 172
159. labarcse Meek 1 73
xvi FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGE
160. patzcuaro Meek 174
161. zirahuen Meek 174
Subgenus Chirostoma Swainson 175
162. humboldtianum (Cuv. & Val.) 175
163. chapalae Jordan & Snyder 176
164. grandocule Steindachner 176
165. promelas Jordan & Snyder 177
Subgenus Lethostole Jordan & Evermann 177
166. sphyraena Boulenger 177
167. lucius Boulenger 178
1 68. lermae Jordan & Snyder 179
169. ocotlanae Jordan & Snyder 180
170. estor Jordan . . 180
Genus 67. Menidia Bonaparte 181
171. sallei (Regan) 181
172. lisa Meek 182
Genus 68. Melaniris Meek 183
173. balsanus Meek 183
Genus 69. Thyrina Jordan & Culver 184
[evermanni Jordan & Culver] 184
174. crystallina (Jordan & Culver) 184
Family XV. Mugilidae 185
Subfamily Mugilinae 185
Genus 70. Mugil (Artedi) Linnaeus. 185
175. cephalus Linnaeus 186
Subfamily Agonostominae 186
Genus 71. Agonostomus Bennet 186
Subgenus Dajaus Cuvier & Valenciennes 186
176. monticola (Bancroft) 186
Genus 72. Neomugil Vaillant 187
177. digueti Vaillant 188
Genus 73. Joturus Poey 188
178. pichardi Poey 188
Family XVI. Centrarchidae 189
Subfamily Lepidopominas 190
Genus 74. Lepidopomus Rafinesque 190
Subgenus Apomotis Rafinesque 191
179. cyanellus Rafinesque 191
Subgenus Lepidopomus Rafinesque 192
180. occidentalis Meek 192
181. haplognathus Cope 192
182. pallidus (Mitchill) 193
Genus 75. Eupomotis Gill & Jordan 193
183. heros (Baird & Girard) 194
Subfamily Micropterinae 194
Genus 76. Micropterus Lacpede 194
184. salmonoides (Lac6p6de) 195
Family XVII. Percidae 196
Subfamily Etheostomatinae 196
Genus 77. Etheostoma Rafinesque 196
Subgenus Torrentaria Jordan & Evermann 197
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xvii
PAGE
185. australe (Jordan) 197
Subgenus Rafinesquiellus Jordan & Evermann 197
1 86. pottsii (Girard) 197
Subgenus Oligocephalus Girard 198
187. lepidum (Baird & Girard) 198
Family XVIII. Centropomidse . 198
Genus 78. Centropomus Lacep6de 199
188. mexicanus Bocourt 199
Family XIX. Haemulidae 199
Genus 79. -Pomadasys Lac6pede 200
Subgenus Rhonciscus Jordan & Evermann 200
189. starri Meek 200
190. bayanus Jordan & Evermann 201
191. templei Meek 201
Family XX. Sciaenidas 102
Subfamily Haploidonotinas 202
1 Genus 80. Haploidonotus Rafinesque 202
192. grunniens Rafinesque 203
Family XXI. Cichlidas 204
Genus 81. Cichlasoma Swainson 204
193. mento (Vaillant & Pellegrin) 207
194. salvini (Gunther) 207
195. hedricki Meek 208
196. pavonaceum (Garman) 209
197. beani (Jordan) 210
198. steindachneri Jordan & Snyder 210
199. bartoni (Bean) 211
200. istlanum (Jordan & Snyder) 212
201. evermanni Meek 214
202. heterodontum (Vaillant & Pellegrin) 215
203. cyanoguttatum (Baird & Girard) 215
204. rectangulare (Steindachner) 216
205. mojarra Meek 217
206. octofasciatum (Regan) 218
207 . parma (Gunther) 218
208. melanurum (Gunther) 219
209. eigenmanni Meek 220
2 10. nebulifer (Gunther) 220
Genus 82. Neetroplus Gunther 221
211. carpintis Jordan & Snyder 221
Genus 83. Thorichthys Meek 222
212. helleri (Steindachner) 223
213. ellioti Meek . . 223
Family XXII. Gobiidas 225
Subfamily Eleotridinas 226
Genus 84. Philypnus Cuvier & Valenciennes 226
214. dormitor (Lac6p6de) 226
Genus 85. Dormitator Gill 227
215. maculatus (Bloch) 227
Genus 86. Eleotris Bloch & Schneider 228
216. pisonis (Gmelin) 228
xviii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGB
217. pictus Kner & Steindachner 229
Subfamily Gobiinae 229
Genus 87. Gobius Linnasus 229
Subgenus Ctenogobius Gill 230
218. parvus Meek 230
Subgenus Gobionellus Girard 231
219. claytoni Meek 231
220. microdon Gilbert 23 1
Genus 88. Chonophorus Steindachner 232
221. nelsoni (Evermann) 232
222. taiasica (Lichtenstein) 233
223. mexicanus (Gunther) 233
Genus 89. Gillicththys Cooper 234
224. detrusus Gilbert & Scofield 234
Family XXIII. Soleidae 234
Subfamily Achirinae 235
Genus 90. Achirus Lac6pde 235
Subgenus Baiostoma Bean 235
225. mazatlanus (Steindachner) 235
226. fonsecensis (Gunther) 236
Subgenus Achirus Lace'pdde] 236
227. fasciatus Lac6p6de 236
LIST OF FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
PLATE PAGE
Map of Mexico, showing Fish Faunal Areas. xlvii
I. Goodea luitpoldi (Steindachner) . .Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 1
II. Ovary of Goodea luitpoldi (Stein-
dachmer) Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 1
III. Large-mouth Black Bass, (Micropterus Salmonoides Lac6pede)
showing parts referred to in descriptions of fishes Ivi
IV. Galeichthys aguadulce Meek Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 9
V. Rhamdia oaxacas Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 20
VI. Catostomus sonorensis Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 32
VII. Catostomus conchos Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 33
VIII \ Skiffia lermae Meek (<j) Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 142
< Skiffia lermag Meek (?) Drawing by W. D. Douglas. . . . 142
IX. Platypcecilus maculatus Gunther .Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 145
-v- ( Platypoecilus variatus Meek Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 146
( Xiphophorus helleri Heckel Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 157
XI. Xiphophorus jalapae Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 156
XII. Lepidopomus occidentalis Meek. .Drawing by W. D. Douglas. . . . 192
XIII. Pomadasys starri Meek Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 200
XIV. Pomadasys templei Meek Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 201
XV. Cichlasoma parma (Gunther) . . . .Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 218
XVI. Cichlasoma eigenmanni Meek . . . .Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 220
"X"VTT \ Gobius parvus Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. . . . 230
' ( Gobius claytoni Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. . . . 230
LIST OF TEXT ILLUSTRATIONS.
FIG. PAGE
. Lampetra spadicea Bean Drawing by H. L. Todd 2
2. Istlarius balsanus Jordan & Snyder . . .Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 17
f Conorhynchus nelsoni Evermann &
3. ] Goldsborough Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. ... 19
' Embryo of Conorhynchus nelsoni . . .Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. ... 19
4. Carpiodes microstomus Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . . 27
5. Carpiodes elongatus Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 28
6. Carpiodes labiosus Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 29
7. Xystrosus popoche Jordan & Snyder. Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 43
8. Algansea dugesi Bean Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. ... 46
9. Algansea rubescens Meek. Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 46
10. Hybognathus rasconis (Jordan & Sny-
der) : . . . Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks . . 50
11. Gila minacas Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 54
12. Falcula chapalse Jordan & Snyder.. . .Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 58
13. Aztecula vittata (Girard) Drawing by A. H. Baldwin .... 60
14. Aztecula lermae (Evermann & Golds-
borough) Drawing by A. H. Baldwin .... 6 1
15. Aztecula mexicana Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 62
1 6. Nototropis calientis Jordan & Snyder Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 65
17. Nototropis robustus Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 66
18. Nototropis chihuahua Woolman Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. ... 67
19. Nototropis nazas Meek Drawing by 'Howard Stebbins. . 70
20. Nototropis forlonensis Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . . 71
21. Nototropis santamariae Evermann &
Goldsborough Drawing by A. H. Baldwin .... 74
22. Nototropis santarosaliae Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 76
23. Evarra eigenmanni Woolman Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. ... 77
24. Evarra tlahuacensis Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 78
25. Hemigrammus compressus Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 87
26. Dorosoma anale Meek .-. Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 93
27. Cynodonichthys tenuis Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 102
28. Fundulus oaxacse Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 104
29. Zoogoneticus cuitzeoensis (B. A. Bean) . Drawing by A. H. Baldwin 1 1 1
30. Zoogoneticus dugesi (Bean) Drawing by H. L. Todd 112
31. Zoogoneticus robustus (Bean) Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. ... 113
32. Zoogoneticus diazi Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 114
33. Zoogoneticus miniatus Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 115
34. Characodon variatus Bean $ Drawing by H. L. Todd 120
35. Characodon variatus Bean 5 Drawing by H. L. Todd 120
36. Chapalichthys encaustus (Jordan &
Snyder) Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks . . 123
37. Gambusia fasciata Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 129
38. Gambusia infans Woolman Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. . . . 132
39. Gambusia bonita Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins . . 132
40. Goodea whitei Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins . . 137
xxii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
FIG. PAGE
41. Goodea toweri Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 138
42. Goodea luitpoldi (Steindachner) Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 139
43. Goodea atripinnis Jordan . . . ., Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 140
44. Skiffia variegata Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 143
45. Skiffia bilineata (Bean) Drawing by W. S. Haines 144
46. Platypoecilus nelsoni Meek Photograph by C. H. Carpenter 14^
47. Heterandria lutzi Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 149
48. Poecilia latipunctata Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 150
49. Poecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes
Drawing by W. S. Atkinson .... 153
50. Xiphophorus montezumae Jordan &
Snyder Drawing by W. S. Atkinson .... 158
51. Siphostoma brevicaudum Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 163
52. Chirostoma jordani Woolman Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. ... 170
53. Chirostoma mezquital Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 170
54. Chirostoma arge (Jordan & Snyder) ..Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 171
55. Chirostoma attenuatum Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 173
56. Chirostoma patzcuaro Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 174
57. Chirostoma zirahuen Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas .... 174
58. Chirostoma chapalae Jordan & Snyder Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 176
59. Chirostoma sphyraena Boulenger Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 178
60. Chirostoma lucius Boulenger Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 179
61. Chirostoma lermae Jordan & Snyder ..Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks. . 179
62. Chirostoma ocotlanae Jordan & Snyder Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks . . 180
63. Menidia lisa Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 182
64. Melaniris balsanus Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 183
65. Haploidonotus grunniens Rafinesque .Drawing by Miss J. Gloetzner.. 203
66. Cichlasoma hedricki Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 209
67. Cichlasoma steindachneri Jordan &
Snyder Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks . . 211
68. Cichlasoma bartoni (Bean) Drawing by A. H. Baldwin. ... 212
69. Cichlasoma istlanum (Jordan & Sny-
der) Drawing by Mrs. C. L. Starks ... 213
70. Cichlasoma evermanni Meek Drawing by W. D. Douglas. ... 214
7 1 . Cichlasoma mojarra Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins . . 217
72. Thorichthys ellioti Meek Drawing by Howard Stebbins. . 224
LIST OF GENERA AND SPECIES WHICH APPEAR AS NEW
IN THE PRESENT WORK.
NEW GENERA. P AGE
Cynodonichthys 101
Paragambusia 133
Thorichthys 222
NEW SPECIES.
Galeichthys aguadulce 9
Amiurus australis 13
Amiurus mexicanus 15
Carpiodes microstomus 27
Carpiodes elongatus 28
Carpiodes labiosus 29
Nototropis nazas 70
Nototropis forlonensis ~. 70
Hemigramnrus compressus 87
Dorosoma anale ^93
Cynodonichthys tennis 101
Characodon multiradiatus 119
Gambusia fasciata ' 129
Gambusia bonita 132
Goodea whitei 137
Goodea toweri 138
Platypoecilus variatus 146
Platypoecilus nelsoni 147
Poecilia latipunctata 150
Siphostoma brevicaudum 160
Chirostoma mezquital 170
Menidia lisa 182
Pomadasys starri . . .- 200
Pomadasys templei 201
Cichlasoma hedricki 208
Cichlasoma evermanni 214
Cichlasoma mojarra 217
Thorichthys ellioti 223
NTRODUCTION.
GENERAL TOPOGRAPHY AND HYDROGRAPHY OF MEXICO.
The greater portion of Mexico is a plateau ranging in elevation
from 3,000 to 8,000 feet above the sea. The northern portion is the
lower, and the slope to the northeast, especially of that portion drained
by the Rio Grande and its tributaries, is more gentle than of any other
portion. The eastern border of this plateau is formedjby the eastern
range of the Sierra Madre Mountains, leaving to the east a plain vary-
ing in width from about 150 miles east of Monterey to less than 50
miles west of Tampico and Vera Cruz. This plain north of Tampico
is chiefly drained by three rivers : the Rio Conchas and the Rio Soto
la Marina, which flow into the Gulf; and the Rio Forlon, a tributary
of the Rio Panuco. None of these streams drain any portion of the
central plateau. Two of the tributaries of the Rio Panuco, the Rio
San Juan and the Rio Tula, have their origin on the central plateau,
and reach the main river through a gap in the mountains by a series
of cascades and falls. South of Tampico this narrow plain is drained
by a number of small streams which are wholly confined to the eastern
slope. South of Vera Cruz and in the southern portion of the State
of Oaxaca this eastern range of the Sierra Madre meets the southern
range, the Sierra Madre del Sur, the two forming the low water shed
of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The northern portion of this Isthmus
is drained by the Rio Coatzacoalcos. Between this river and the City
of Vera Cruz is a rather broad, low plain on which from 10 to 15 feet
of rain falls each year. This plain is mostly drained by the Rio
Papaloapam and its tributaries, the Rio Tonto, the Rio Quiotepec,
the Rio Tesechoacan, and the Rio San Juan Evangelista. Owing to
the great rainfall in this region, these rivers are very large as com-
pared with the area they drain. The Sierra Madre del Sur extends
parallel to the coast as far as Colima, where it becomes the western
range of the Sierra Madre. Between the Sierra Madre del Sur and
the zone of recent volcanoes which extends west -of Puebla and forms
the watershed between the Rio Balsas and the Rio Lerma is a con-
siderable plateau drained by the Rio Balsas, the second largest river
in Mexico, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. North of the Rio
Balsas basin the central plateau is drained by the Rio Lerma, which,
after it leaves Lago de Chapala, is known as the Rio Grande de San-
tiago, the two forming the longest river wholly within the republic.
The Rio Santiago reaches the sea by a series of cascades and falls.
xxvi FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
The Valley of Mexico is an independent drainage basin, though judg-
ing from the nature of its fish fauna, .at some previous time its waters
probably flowed into the Rio Lerma. The northern limit of the
basin of the Rio Lerma is at Zacatecas.
A glance at any map of Mexico reveals the fact that the largest
western rivers north of the Rio Grande de Santiago rise to the east of
the central range of the Sierra Madre Mountains, or in the western
portion of the Central plateau. The western Sierra is exceedingly
rough and its western slope very steep. To such an extent is this
the case that of the seven railroads which have western terminals
not one has yetlreached the Pacific coast.
The rainfall in Mexico is variable, the greatest precipitation being
in the State of Vera Cruz. On the Isthmus of Tehuantepec the rains
begin about the first of May, and continue into December, though
there are occasional rains until about the first of February. In the
neighborhood of the City of Mexico and the Lerma Valley the rains
begin the first of May and continue until about the first of November;
between Tampico and Monterey they begin about the last of May
and continue until October. In northern Mexico, in the State of
Chihuahua, the rainy season commences the last of June and ceases
in September. The rainfall in southern Mexico is much more abun-
dant than in the northern part. Where the wet season is much longer
than the dry season the larger rivers contain a good supply of water
during the entire year. In the height of the wet season many of
them overflow, forming, in depressions, shallow lakes, bayous, and
ponds; these later become dry, causing the destruction of a great
many fishes. The same conditions hold in the dryer portions, but
here many of the streams also become partially dry. On the plateau
the water in the dry season in many streams is confined to a portion
of the upper part of its course, and such streams usually contain a
small number of species of fishes. During the wet season many of
the isolated streams in northern Mexico form at their mouths lakes
of considerable size, such as Lago de Guzman at the mouth of the Rio
Casas Grandes, Lago de Patos at the mouth of the Rio Carmen, etc.,
etc. From the upper part of these river courses the lakes into which
they flow become stocked with fishes. There is considerable alkali
in the beds of these lakes which the water takes up in solution. As
the dry season comes on the lakes gradually become smaller and the
water in them more alkaline. When each lake is reduced to about
three-fourths of its original size the water becomes so charged with
alkali that the fishes die in great numbers. During the latter part of
the dry season there is very little water in the Rio Casas Grandes
below Terrasas, more than half of its bed being dry. What is true
INTRODUCTION. xxvii
of this river is also true of many other rivers in the dryer portions
of Mexico, and especially so of those streams whose waters never
reach the sea.
RECENT GEOLOGICAL CHANGES IN MEXICO AND THEIR
GENERAL EFFECT ON THE FISH FAUNA.
Geologically speaking, within more recent times the climatic and
hydrographic conditions of Mexico have been less stable than in the
Mississippi Valley. The central portion of Mexico has been subject
to considerable volcanic disturbances which have continued to within
recent times. The northern portion has evidently at some former
time been much better watered than it is now. Such streams as the
Rio Casas Grandes, Rio Santa Maria, Rio Carmen, the Rio Nazas,
and many others in this region whose waters never reach the sea were,
perhaps, formerly tributaries of the Rio Grande. This supposi-
tion is based on the character of their fish faunas and the
general topography of the country. Dr. O. C. Farrington, of the
Department of Geology of this Museum, suggests that the reduced
size of these streams is due largely to the fact that most of the moun-
tain drainage of this part of Mexico is now to the west ; and that the
portions of the western rivers which are east of the Sierra Madre
Mountains were formerly the upper tributaries of the streams which
flow to the east. According to this view the western streams have
cut their way back, captured the head-waters of the eastern streams,
and with them their portion of the eastern fish fauna. Mr. A. V.
Temple, who has traveled extensively over this region for the past
thirty-five years, informs me that there is much less water in this por-
tion of Mexico now than when he first visited it. Many lakes have
become entirely dry, though occasionally one, as La Laguna in Chi-
huahua, which has been dry for years, may be partially filled by a heavy
rain. When the Mexican Central Railroad built its line from El Paso
to the City of Mexico it was extended across the dry bed of this lake.
About seven years ago a heavy rain submerged this portion of the
track and delayed traffic until the road could lay its present line some
distance to one side of the lake. Since then, La Laguna has grad-
ually become smaller and is likely soon to return to a dry basin again.
Disturbances of the kind noted above have their influence on the
aquatic life of the country. Any change in environment means that
animals affected by it must change physically to meet the new con-
ditions ; those that are unable to change to suit these conditions sooner
or later disappear, while new varieties, and, if the time is long enough,
new species, come into existence.
xxviii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Thus, in a measure at least, species of fishes in Mexico are under-
going changes, and the process of making species or varieties is still
actively in progress. There is in general more individual variation
in species of Mexican fresh-water fishes than among the species which
inhabit the Mississippi Valley. To define properly the species and
subspecies of fishes in the country in question a much more extended
study of each is necessary, and for this reason I have not recognized
any subspecies in the present paper.
A few species, as Hybognathus episcopus (Girard), have a wide dis-
tribution, besides this they range from near sea level to an altitude of
6,000 or 7,000 feet. If in this case we recognize any subspecies at
all, we must recognize one for each important stream in which the
species occurs. In such cases I have recognized one species and noted
the important, though slight, differences in the specimens from the vari-
ous localities from which I have material. For examples of extreme
individual variation of color markings, I would refer to Platy-
pcecilus maculatus Gunther, and Platypcecilus variatus Meek. The
student of Mexican fresh-water fishes must be constantly on the out-
look for these variations. In defining species it is certainly better to
rely on structural differences rather than on differences in color. On
many of the tropical fishes, especially in the streams of the lower
lands, there are black blotches which appear more like stains than
markings. These are not at all definite in outline, or in position;
some may be large, others small, and their position without regularity.
An example of this kind is seen in Xiphophorus helleri Gunther, of
which a variety noted by Dr. A.Giinther, because of these black blotches,
was later for the same reason regarded as a distinct species* by Jordan
& Evermann. Many of the Pceciliida have these blotches, although
they are not uncommon in other species. Unless an apparently new
species is very different from its nearest relative, it is quite as well
not to describe it as new unless a large amount of material is at hand
for comparison. I am not certain that I have properly followed this
rule myself, still a careful examination of my material will, I believe,
show that I have not materially departed from it.
LIST OF LOCALITIES IN MEXICO WHERE COLLECTIONS
OF FISHES WERE MADE IN 1901 BY MR. F. E. LUTZ
AND THE AUTHOR.
Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua; Rio Casas Grandes, June 26.
Guzman, Chihuahua; spring near railroad station, June 25.
Santa Maria, Chihuahua; springs and ponds near clubhouse, June 24.
San Jose, Chihuahua; spring at San Jose ranch, June 21.
*Xiphophorus guntheri Jordan & Evermann.
INTRODUCTION. xxix
Ahumada, Chihuahua; a large irrigating ditch, June 22.
Chihuahua, Chihuahua; Rio Chihuahua, June 19.
Santa Rosalia, Chihuahua; Rio Noavaco, June 10.
Jimenez, Chihuahua; Rio Conchos, June 9.
San Andres, Chihuahua; Rio Santa Cruz, June 17, 1 8.
Bustillos, Chihuahua; Lago de Castillo, the lake was dry except a few small holes,
June 14.
Minaca, Chihuahua; Rio Paphigochic, June 16, 17.
Aguas Calientes, Aguas Calientes; Rio Verde, June 7.
Lagos, Jalisco; tributary of the Rio Verde, and small lake near the city, June 6.
La Barca, Jalisco; Rio Lerma, June 5.
Ocotlan, Jalisco; Rio Grande de Santiago and a few bayous, June 2 and 3.
Celaya, Guanajuato; small stream tributary to the Rio Lerma, May 28.
Acambaro, Guanajuato; Rio Lerma, May 27.
La Palma, Michoacan; Lago de Chalco, May 30, 31.
Huingo, Michoacan; Lago de Cuitzeo, May 26.
Patzcuaro, Michoacan; Lago de Patzcuaro, May 18 to 22.
Zirahuen, Michoacan; Lago de Zirahuen, May 24.
San Juan del Rio, Queretaro; Rio San Juan, May 16.
Chalco, Mexico; Lago de Chalco, April 30, May i.
Texcoco, Mexico; Lago de Texcoco, May 13.
Puente de Ixtla, Morelos; Rio Ixtla, April 24 to 26.
Balsas, Guerrero; Rio Balsas and Rio Cocula, April 22 and 23.
Venta Salada, Puebla; Rio Tehuacan, May 6, 1901.
Cuicatlan, Oaxaca; Rio Quiotepec, May 5, 1901.
Oaxaca, Oaxaca; Rio Verde, May 4, 1901.
Jalapa, Vera Cruz; Rio Sordo, May 9.
La Antigua, Vera Cruz; Rio San Francisco, May 10.
LIST OF LOCALITIES IN MEXICO WHERE COLLECTIONS
OF FISHES WERE MADE BY THE AUTHOR IN 1903.
Sauz, Chihuahua; Rio Sauz, May 29.
Lerdo, Durango; Rio Nazas, May 21.
Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango; Rio Nazas, May 25.
Labor, Durango; a small spring brook with no outlet from the sea; a small col-
lection received in June from Mr. H. Douglas, conductor on Interna-
tional Railroad.
Durango, Durango; Rio Mezquital, and a spring near the city, May 23.
Monterey, Nuevo Leon; Spring in the city, May 20.
San Juan, Nuevo Leon; Rio San Juan, May 19.
Mpntemorelos, Nuevo Leon; Rio Pilon, May 18.
Linares, Nuevo Leon; Rio Camacho, May 16.
Linares, Nuevo Leon; Rio Pabillo, May 17.
Garza Valdez, Tamaulipas; Rio Pilon, May 15.
La Cruz, Tamaulipas; Rio de Purification, May 13.
Santa Engracia, Tamaulipas; Rio de Santa Engracia, May 12.
Victoria, Tamaulipas; Rio de San Marcos, May n.
Forlon, Tamaulipas -, Rio Forlon, May 9.
Valles, San Luis Potosi; Rio Valles, May 7.
Rascon, San Luis Potosi; Tributary of the Rio Valles, May 6.
xxx FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V
Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi; Rio Verde, collection made by W. L. Tower,
August.
Lerma, Mexico; Rio Lerma, March 17 and 18.
City of Mexico, Mexico; Viga canal, March 20.
Chalco, Mexico; Canals, April 19.
Cuautla, Morelos; Rio Cuautla, March 25.
Yautepec, Morelos; Rio Yautepec, March 27.
Jojutla, Morelos; Rio Apatlaco, March 28.
Puebla, Puebla; Rio Atoyac; April 4 and 18.
Atlixco, Puebla; tributary of the Rio Atoyac, April i.
Matamoras, Puebla; Rio Atila, April 2.
Chietla, Puebla; Rio Coetzala, April 3.
Jalapa, Vera Cruz; Rio Sordo, March 13.
Xico, Vera Cruz; Rio Texcolo, March 12.
San Francisco, Vera Cruz; Rio San Francisco, March 10.
Vera Cruz, Vera Cruz; small creek north of the city, March 9.
Boca del Rio, Vera Cruz; Boca del Rio, March 7.
Cordoba, Vera Cruz; Rio Blanco, April 6.
Rio Blanco, Vera Cruz; Rio Blanco, March 5.
Otopa, Vera Cruz ; Rio Otopa, March 4.
Motzorongo, Vera Cruz; Rio Motzorongo, April 9.
Refugio, Vera Cruz; Rio Tonto, April 10.
El Hule, Oaxaca; Rio Papaloapam, April 22.
Obispo, Oaxaca; Rio Obispo, April 24.
Perez, Vera Cruz; Rio Tesechocan, March i and 2, and April 23.
San Juan Evangelista, Vera Cruz; Rio San Juan Evangelista, Feb. 27.
Sanborn, Vera Cruz; tributary of Rio Coatzacoalcos, February 22.
San Geronimo, Oaxaca; Rio San Geronimo, February 26.
Tehuantepec, Oaxaca; Rio Tehuan tepee, February 25.
THE RIVER SYSTEMS OF MEXICO AND A LIST OF FISHES
KNOWN FROM EACH.
RIO GRANDE SYSTEM.
From El Paso, Texas, east to the Gulf of Mexico the Rio Grande
forms the boundary between Mexico and the United States, therefore
only this portion of the river and its southern tributaries are con-
cerned in the drainage of Mexico. In the Rio Grande system
is included the numerous small independent streams and lakes east of
the Sierra Madre Mountains in Chihuahua and Durango, for these
were, no doubt, at some former period tributaries to the Rio Grande.
This portion of the Mexican plateau in general is a treeless plain with
a scant vegetation. The yucca, the mesquite, various species of
cacti, sage brush, a few stunted cedars and the like, together with a
sparse growth of various species of grasses, comprise the larger part
of the vegetation of this region. During the rainy season, and a
short time after it, there is promise of a luxuriant growth of plant
INTRODUCTION. xxxi
life; but after a few months of exposure to the piercing rays of the
tropical sun the character of the country changes, assuming the ap-
pearance of a parched desert. The rivers, which are large in the
rainy season, become very small by the end of the long dry season.
Many of the lakes in this region become dry and the streams which
flow into them contain little water except in the upper part of their
courses where they are fed by mountain springs, and streams of this
character contain but few species of fishes.
RIO GRANDE AND ITS PRESENT TRIBUTARIES IN MEXICO.
Below is a list of fishes known from this drainage area:
Lepidosteus osseus (Linnaeus) : Santa Rosalia; San Juan.
Ichthyaelurus furcatus (Le Sueur) : Brownsville.
Ichthyaelurus punctatus (Rafinesque) : El Paso.
Amiurus lupus Baird & Girard: San Juan; Montemorelos.
Amiurus natalis (Le Sueur) : Brownsville.
Leptops olivaris (Rafinesque): El Paso; Santa Rosalia.
Carpiodes tumidus (Girard): Ft. Brown; Brownsville.
Carpiodes microstomus Meek: Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.
Carpiodes elongatus Meek: San Juan; Montembrelos.
Pantosteus plebeius (Baird & Girard) : San Andres.
Catostomus conchos Meek: Jimenez.
Myzostoma congestum (Baird & Girard): Monterey; Santa Rosalia; San Juan;
Montemorelos; El Paso.
Campostoma ornatum Girard: Chihuahua; San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.
Campostoma anomalum (Rafinesque): Cadereita; Acapulco; San Juan; Monte-
morelos.
Campostoma formosulum Girard: Brownsville.
Hybognathus episcopus (Girard): Chihuahua: Jimenez; Comanche Spring; Sal-
tillo; Monterey; Cadereita; Montemorelos; Ft. Brown; Brownsville; Buena
Vista; Guajuco.
Pimelocephales confertus (Girard): San .Andres; Chihuahua; Santa Rosalia;
Jimenez; Brownsville.
Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard): Chihuahua; San Andres; Saltillo.
Abramis chrysoleucus (Mitchill) : Brownsville.
Cochlognathus ornatus Baird & Girard; Brownsville.
Nototropis braytoni (Jordan & Evermann) ; Cadereita; San Juan; Montemorelos.
Nototropis robustus Meek: Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.
Nototropis chihuahua Woolman; Chihuahua; San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Jim-
enez.
Nototropis ornatus Girard: Chihuahua; Jimenez; San Andres.
Nototropis orca Woolman; El Paso.
Nototropis lutrensis (Baird & Girard): China; Cadereita; Monterey; Acupulco;
Chihuahua; Santa Rosalia; San Andres; Jimenez; Brownsville.
Nototropis macrostomus (Girard): China; San Juan; Montemorelos.
Nototropis santarosaliae Meek: Santa Rosalia.
Phenacobius scopifer (Cope) : Brownsville.
Rhinichthys simus Garman: "Coahuila"; Santa Rosalia; Montemorelos.
Hybopsis aestivalis (Girard): Cadereita; El Paso; San Juan.
Cousius adustus Woolman: Chihuahua.
xxxii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Tetragonopterus mezicanus Filippi: Chihuahua; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez; Mon-
terey; San Juan; Montemorelos; Brownsville; Comanche Spring; Mon-
clova.
Anguilla chrysypa Rafinesque: Matamoras; Brownsville; San Juan.
Dorosoma exile Jordan & Gilbert: San Juan.
Fundulus similis (Baird & Girard) : Brownsville.
Fundulus zebrinus (Jordan & Gilbert) : Brownsville.
Lucania venusta (Girard) : Matamoras.
Cyprinodon eximius Girard: Chihuahua; San Andres; Jimenez; Santa Rosalia.
Cyprinodon elegans Baird & Girard: Comanche Spring.
Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard): Comanche Spring; Chihuahua; Cadereita;
Matamoras; Jimenez; San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Monterey; Monclova.
Glaridichthys latidens (Garman) : Chihuahua.
Poecilia couchiana (Girard): Monterey; Cadereita.
Poecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes; San Juan; Monterey.
Mollienesia formosa (Girard) : Palo Alto.
Mollienesia latipinna Le Sueur: Brownsville; Matamoras.
Lepidopomus cyanellus Rafinesque: Eagle Pass; Brownsville.
Lepidopomus occidentalis Meek: Jimenez; Santa Rosalia.
Lepidopomus haplognathus Cope: Monterey.
Lepidopomus pallidus (Mitchill) : Brownsville; Cadereita.
Eupomotis heros (Baird & Girard) : Cadereita.
Micropterus salmonoides (Lac6pede) : San Juan; Montemorelos.
Etheostoma australe (Jordan): Chihuahua; San Andres; Jimenez; Santa Rosalia.
Etheostoma pottsii (Girard): Chihuahua; San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.
Etheostoma lepidum (Baird & Girard) : Brownsville.
Haploidonotus grunniens Rafinesque: Matamoras.
Cichlasoma pavonaceum (Garman) : Monclova.
Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum (Baird & Girard): Brownsville; Fort Brown; Mata-
moras; Cadereita; San Juan; Montemorelos; Monterey.
Neetroplus carpintis Jordan & Snyder: San Juan.
Philypnus dormitor (Lac6pede) : Brownsville.
Dormitator maculatus (Bloch) : Brownsville.
RIO CASAS GRANDES.
This is a small mountain stream in northern Chihuahua which
flows into Lago de Guzman. By the end of the dry season the lake
becomes nearly or entirely dry, and there is very little water in the
river below Terrasas.
Below is a list of the fishes known from this river and its trib-
utaries :
Amiurus pricei (Rutter) : San Diego.
Pantosteus plebeius (Baird & Girard): Rio Mimbres; Riojanos; Colonia Garcia;
San Diego; Casas Grandes; Colonia Juarez.
Campostoma ornatum Girard: Colonia Garcia; Colonia Juarez.
Pimelocephales confertus (Girard): Colonia Juarez ; Guzman.
Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard): Riojanos; Boca Grande; Rio Mimbres; Colonia
Juarez; San Diego.
Nototropis formosus (Girard): Rio Mimbres; Colonia Juarez.
Cyprinodon elegans Baird & Girard: Colonia Juarez; Guzman; San Diego.
INTRODUCTION. xxxiii
RIO SANTA MARIA.
This stream is parallel to the Rio Casas Grandes and flows into
Lago de Santa Maria about 10 miles southeast of Lago de Guzman.
These lakes are separated by a comparatively low ridge, but so high
that their waters have not been connected for a considerable time.
The fishes of this stream are but little known. The following is a list
of those known from it at present :
Pimelocephales confertus (Girard) : Santa Maria.
Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard) : Santa Maria.
Nototropis lutrensis (Baird & Girard) : Santa Maria.
Nototropis santamariae Evermann & Goldsborough : Santa Maria.
Nototropis frigidus (Girard) : Santa Maria.
Cyprinodon elegans Baird & Girard: Santa Maria.
RIO CARMAN.
This is a small river east of the Rio Santa Maria and flows into
Lago de Patos. This lake becomes dry by the end of the dry season,
and there is no water in the river for some distance above Ahumada.
The few fishes known from this river basin were taken from an irrigat-
ing ditch near Ahumada, and from a spring at San Jose.
Pantosteus plebeius (Baird & Girard:) Ahumada.
Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard) : Reported above Ahumada.
Nototropis lutrensis (Baird & Girard) : Ahumada; San Jose.
Cyprinodon eximius Girard: Ahumada.
RIO SAUZ.
This is a small stream about fifteen miles in length, situated a
short distance north of the City of Chihuahua. At Sauz, about the
middle of its course, it contains a small amount of running water
during the dry season.
The following four species of fishes are known to occur there :
Pantosteus plebeius (Baird & Girard) : Sauz.
Nototropis lutrensis (Baird & Girard) : Sauz.
Cyprinodon eximius Girard: Sauz.
Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard) : Sauz.
LAGO DE CASTILLOS.
This small mountain lake is situated on the divide between the
head waters of a tributary of the Rio Grande and of the Rio Yaqui.
It becomes nearly dry by the last of June. There are a number of
springs in this region which are said to contain small fishes. The fol-
lowing is the only species I obtained in a pond left by the drying up
of this lake:
Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard) : Bustillos.
RIO NAZAS.
This is a river of considerable size in central Mexico. It rises in
the Sierra Madre Mountains and flows into Lago de Mayran. By the
xxxiv FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
end of the dry season there is no water in its bed and little or none
in the river below Lefdo. The Rio Nieves is south of the Rio Nazas
and flows into Lago de Parras, which is only a few miles south of Lago
de Mayran. It is very probable that at some former time these two
streams united near here, and flowed north into the Rio Grande near
the border line between the States of Chihuahua and Coahuila.
Below is a list of the fishes known from these rivers:
Amiurus price! (Rutter) : Lerdo.
Carpiodes tumidus Baird & Girard: San Pedro.
Pantosteus plebeius (Baird & Girard) : Lerdo; Santiago Papasquiaro; Rio Nazas.
Campostoma ornatum Girard: Santiago Papasquiaro.
Hybognathus episcopus (Girard) : Parras.
Stypodon signifer Garman: Lago de Parras.
Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard) : Lerdo; Santiago Papasquiaro; Rio Nazas; Parras.
Nototropis ornatus (Girard) : Santiago Papasquiaro.
Nototropis nazas Meek: Santiago Papasquiaro.
Nototropis garmani (Jordan): Parras; Lerdo; Santiago Papasquiaro.
Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi: Lago del Muerto; Lerdo; Santiago Papas-
quiaro.
Characodon garmani Jordan & Evermann: Parras.
Cyprinodon latifasciatus Garman : Parras.
Etheostoma pottsii (Girard) : Santiago Papasquiaro.
RIO CONCHAS SYSTEM.
This river drains only a small area east of the Sierra Madre
and south of the lower portion of the Rio Grande. The city of
Linares is situated between two branches of the stream ; both of these
branches contain, by the end of the dry season, only a small amount
of water. The following is the list of fishes known from this river
system. Amiurus lupus (Girard) and Neetroplus carpintis J. & S.
were taken only in the stream north of the city ; all the other species
were taken in both streams.
Amiurus lupus (Girard) : Linares.
Carpiodes elongatus Meek: Linares.
Myzostoma congestum (Baird & Girard) : Linares.
Nototropis lutrensis (Baird & Girard) : Linares.
Hybopsis aestivalis (Girard) : Linares.
Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi: Linares.
Fundulus similis (Baird & Girard) : Linares.
Poacilia sphenops (Cuvier & Valenciennes) : Linares.
Micropterus salmonoides (Lacepede) : Linares.
Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum (Baird & Girard) : Linares.
Neetroplus carpintis Jordan & Snyder: Linares.
RIO SOTO LA MARINA SYSTEM.
This river and its tributaries drain a comparatively small area
east of the Sierra Madre Mountains and between the Rio Conchas and
INTRODUCTION. xxxv
the Rio Panuco. I visited the tributaries of this river where they are
crossed by the railroad.
At Garza Valdez most of the river bed was dry, the water being
confined to deep holes. The bed of the stream was covered with large
waterworn rocks, indicating a rapid current during the wet season.
Along the banks were many large cedar trees.
The tributary at La Cruz contained at the time of my visit a con-
siderable amount of clear, swiftly running water. This is the largest
river between Tampico and Monterey, and it no doubt contains many
more fishes than any other of the streams in this region. Big large-
mouthed black bass, catfish, trucha, cichlids, and suckers could be
seen in abundance from the bank.
At Santa Engracia there was but little running water in the river.
Above a dam near the railroad bridge the water in the channel was
in many places over six feet deep and very clear. This stream also
contained many large-mouthed black bass, a few of which I captured.
So far as known this is the southern limit of this species. Along the
banks of the stream are also many large cedar trees. The trucha,
or trout of the natives, was also abundant, but I was unable to capture
any of them.
The stream at Victoria is small, and I found but little water in it.
Of the eighteen species known from this river system, twelve* are
northern forms and six are tropical.
*Ichthyaelurus furcatus (Le Sueur) : Rio Soto la Marina.
*Amiurus lupus (Girard) : Garza Valdez; La Cruz.
*Carpiodes tumidus Baird & Girard: Garza Valdez.
*Carpiodes elongatus Meek: La Cruz.
*Myzostoma congestum (Baird & Girard) : Garza Valdez; Victoria.
*Nototropis braytoni (Jordan & Evermann) : Garza Valdez; La Cruz; Santa En-
gracia; Victoria.
Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi: Garza Valdez; La Cruz; Santa Engracia;
Victoria.
*Anguilla chrysypa Rafinesque: La Cruz.
*Fundulus similis (Baird & Girard) : Victoria.
*Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard): Garza Valdez; La Cruz; Santa Engracia.
Platypcecilus variatus Meek: Garza Valdez; Santa Engracia; Victoria.
Poecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: Garza Valdez; La Cruz; Santa En-
gracia; Victoria.
*Mollienesia latipinna Le Sueur: La Vega.
*Micropterus salmonoides (Lac6pede) : La Cruz; Santa Engracia.
*Haploidonotus grunniens Rafinesque: La Cruz.
Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum (Baird & Girard): La Cruz; Garza Valdez; Santa
Engracia; Victoria.
Neetroplus carpintis Jordan & Snyder: Garza Valdez; La Cruz; Santa Engracia;
Victoria.
Philypnus dormitor (Lacepede) : Santa Engracia; La Vega.
xxxvi FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
RIO PANUCO SYSTEM.
The Rio Panuco is a very large stream flowing into the Gulf at
Tampico. Some of its upper tributaries drain a portion of the central
plateau, from which it reaches the main river through a gap in the
mountains by a series of cascades and falls. Near the mouth of the
Rio Panuco are several large salt or brackish water lagoons. The tide
backs up into the river and lagoons to some distance above the city
of Tampico. There have been only a few collections of fishes made
in this river basin.
The Rio Forlon, which at Forlon is a small stream in the dry
season, flows over a rocky and gravelly bed.
The Rio Valles at Valles is a broad and rather sluggish stream
flowing past the city over a rocky bed ; for some distance above it is
deep and has a muddy bottom.
A tributary of the Rio Valles at Rascon has a more rapid current,
and its water is very clear. It flows through a narrow valley in which
is a dense forest of palms, mesquite, and thickets of canes, ferns, and
vines.
The Rio San Juan, at San Juan del Rio, becomes nearly dry in the
dry season, as does also the Rio Tula at Tula. I spent one day at San
Juan del Rio in May, 1901, collecting fishes. I found here but three
species,* which properly belong to the fauna of the Rio Lerma.
Dr. W. L. Tower made a small collection in 1904 in the Rio Verde
at Rio Verde. Except a few fishes taken by Dr. A. Dug6s in Huas-
teca Potosina in northeastern Guanajuato, collections of fishes have
been made in this river basin only at the places mentioned above.
Of the thirty-two species recorded from this river basin, fifteenf
belong to the northern fauna, the others are tropical.
Below is given a list of the fishes known from the Rio Panuco and
its tributaries:
fLepidosteus osseus (Linnaeus): Forlon; Valles; Tampico.
tLepidosteus tristoechus (Bloch & Schneider): Tampico; "Tamaulipas."
tlchthyaelurus furcatus (Le Sueur) : Tampico.
flchthyaelurus punctatus (Rafinesque) : Forlon.
fAmiurus australis Meek: Forlon.
tAmiurus mexicanus Meek: Rio Verde; Rascon.
fCarpiodes tumidus Baird & Girard: Forlon; Tampico.
tCarpiodes labiosus Meek: Valles.
*Algansea tincella (Cuvier & Valenciennes) : San Juan del Rio.
fHybognathus rasconis (Jordan & Snyder) : Rio Verde; Rascon; Valles; Forlon.
*Aztecula mexicana Meek: San Juan del Rio.
fNototropis forlonensis Meek: Forlon; Valles.
Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi: Rascon; Valles; Forlon; Rio Verde; Tam-
pico.
fDorosoma exile Jordan & Gilbert: Forlon; Valles.
INTRODUCTION. xxxvii
Signalosa mexicana (Gunther) : Valles.
fFundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus) : Tampico.
fCyprinodon eximius Girard: Tampico.
tGambusia affinis (Baird & Girard): Forlon; Valles; Tampico.
Goodea toweri Meek: Rio Verde.
*Goodea atripinnis Jordan: San Juan del Rio.
Platypoecilus variatus Meek: Forlon; Valles; Rascon.
Poecilia latipunctata Meek: Forlon.
Poecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes; Forlon; Valles; Rascon; Tampico.
fMolienesia latipinna Le Sueur: Tampico.
Xiphophorus montezumse Jordan & Snyder: Rascon.
Pomadasys templei Meek: Valles.
Cichlasoma steindachneri Jordan & Snyder: Rascon; Valles; Forlon.
Cichlasoma bartoni (Bean) : Rio Verde; Huasteca Potosina.
Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum (Baird & Girard): Forlon; Rascon.
Neetroplus carpintis Jordan & Snyder: Forlon; Valles; Tampico.
Philypnus dormitor (Lacepede) : Tampico; Forlon; Valles; Rascon.
Chonophorus taiasica (Lichtenstein) : Valles.
RIO MEZQUITAL SYSTEM.
The Rio Mezquital rises east of the central range of the Sierra
Madre Mountains and empties into the Pacific Ocean a short distance
north of the mouth of the Rio Grande de Santiago. I visited this
river at Durango where it is a rather small stream with a sluggish
current. The collection of fishes made here is of especial interest
because all of them, except three,* belong to the fauna of the
Rio Grande. Characodon jurcidens J. & G., is known from this river
only near its mouth. Of the eleven species from this river Chara-
codon garmani J. & E., Characodon furcidens J. & G., and Chirostoma
mezquital Meek, are the only ones that can properly be ascribed to
the southern or tropical fauna.
The fishes of the upper portion of the river certainly indicate that
it was at some former time a portion of the Rio Grande system.
Characodon garmani Jordan & Evermann is very abundant in a
large spring in the city of Durango.
Near Labor, about eight miles from Durango, is a large spring
from which was taken three species of fishes. The following is a list
of fishes known from this river system
Amiurus price! (Rutter) : Durango.
Pantosteus plebeius (Baird & Girard) : Durango.
*Myzostoma austrinum Bean: Durango.
Hybognathus episcopus (Girard): Durango; Labor.
Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard) : Durango.
Nototropis ornatus (Girard) : Durango.
Characodon garmani Jordan & Evermann: Durango; Labor.
*Characodon furcidens Jordan & Gilbert: Tuxpan.
Cyprinodon latifasciatus Garman: Labor; Durango.
*Chirostoma mezquital Meek: Durango.
Etheostoma pottsii (Girard) : Durango.
xxxviii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
RIO PRESIDIO SYSTEM.
The Rio Presidio is a short stream on the western slope of the
Sierra Madre Mountains. The only collection of fishes known from
this river basin was made by Dr. D. S. Jordan at Presidio, a short
distance above its mouth. Here the stream flows with consider-
able current over a sandy and gravelly bed.
The following is a list of the species taken at this place :
Poecilia butleri Jordan: Presidio.
Pcecilia presidionis Jordan & Culver: Presidio.
Siphostoma starksi Jordan & Culver: Presidio.
Thyrina crystallina Jordan & Culver: Presidio.
Agonostomus monticola Bancroft: Presidio.
Cichlasoma beani (Jordan) : Presidio.
Philypnus dormitor (Lacep^de) : Presidio.
Dormitator maculata (Bloch) : Presidio.
Eleotris pictus Kner & Steindachner: Presidio.
Chonophorus taiasica (Lichtenstein) : Presidio.
Achirus mazatlanus (Steindachner) : Presidio.
Achirus fonsecensis (Gunther) : Presidio.
RIO YAQUI SYSTEM.
This river, like the Rio Mesquital, has its origin east of the Sierra
Madre Mountains, and the fish fauna of its upper tributaries is essen-
tially that of the Rio Grande. Very little is known concerning the
fishes in the lower part of this river. The northern tributaries, or
those which rise near the head waters of the Rio Gila, contain at least
a few Colorado river fishes. Of the fourteen species listed below,
four* properly belong to the Rio Colorado fauna ; twof are known
only from this basin ; the remaining eight belong to the Rio Grande
fauna.
Amiurus price! (Rutter) : Mifiaca: "San Bernardino Creek."
Pantosteus plebeius (Baird & Girard) : Mifiaca.
tCatostomus sonorensis Meek: Mifiaca.
tCatostomus bernardini Girard: San Bernardino Creek; Sonora.
Campostoma ornatum Girard: Rucker Caflon.
Pimelocephales confertus (Girard) : Mifiaca.
*Gila minacae Meek: Mifiaca.
Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard): Mifiaca; Morse Cafion; Opsura.
Nototropis ornatus Girard: Mifiaca.
Nototropis lutrensis (Baird & Girard) : Mifiaca.
*Agosia chrysogaster Girard: Morse Cafion; Rucker Cafion; "near summit of
Sierra Madre."
Cyprinodon elegans Baird & Girard; Mifiaca.
*Pcecilia occidentalis (Baird & Girard) : San Bernardino Creek; Opsura.
*Salmo irideus Gibbons: Reported by Mr. Jno. Ramsey to be abundant in head-
waters of Rio Yaqui.
INTRODUCTION. xxxix
RIO SONORA SYSTEM.
Concerning the fishes of this river very little is known. The two
or three species known from it indicate that its fauna is that of the
Rio Colorado.
Ptychocheilus lucius Girard: Northern Sonora. (River basin doubtful.)
Agosia chrysogaster Girard: Hermosillo.
Pcecilia occidentalis (Baird & Girard) : Hermosillo.
COLORADO RIVER SYSTEM.
This river drains but a very small portion of Mexico. I have here
included only those fishes found between Yuma and the Gulf of
California. I am uncertain as to whether the two species of Agosia
should be credited to the Rio Colorado or to the Rio Yaqui. The
Rio Santa Cruz may possibly belong to the Rio Sonora.
Xyrauchen cypho (Lockington) : Yuma; Horseshoe Bend.
Ptychocheilus lucius Girard: "Northern Sonora"; Yuma; Horseshoe Bend.
Gila elegans Baird & Girard: Yuma; Horseshoe Bend.
Agosia oscula (Girard) : Rio Santa Cruz ; Sonora.
Agosia chrysogaster Girard: "Rio Santa Cruz."
Plagopterus argentissimus Cope: Yuma.
Cyprinodon macularis Baird & Girard: Lerdo.
Gillichthys detrusus Gilbert & Scofield: Horseshoe Bend.
LOWER CALIFORNIA.
There are only a few streams in Lower California, and but little
is known concerning the fishes which inhabit them. Mr. Heller
found but one species, Salmo irideus Gibbons, in the streams of the
northern part of this peninsula. Three species have been taken from
either La Paz or Cape San Lucas, most likely from the former place.
The other species known from the, fresh waters of this region were
taken in the Rio San Jose, near San Jose del Cabo.
Salmo irideus Gibbons: San Antonio.
Fundulus vinctus Jordan & Gilbert: La Paz; or Cape San Lucas.
Fundulus extensis Jordan & Gilbert: La Paz or Cape San Lucas.
Characodon furcidens Jordan & Gilbert: La Paz or Cape San Lucas.
Siphostoma starksi Jordan & Culver: San Jose del Cabo.
Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft) : San Jose del Cabo.
Neomugil digueti Vailliant: Sierra de las Cacachilas de Santa Cruz.
Pomadasys bayanus Jordan & Evermann: San Jose del Cabo.
Philypnus dormitor (Lacpede) : San Jose del Cabo; Cape San Lucas.
Dormitator maculatus (Bloch) : San Jose del Cabo.
Eleotris pictus Kner & Steindachner: San Jose del Cabo.
Chonophorus taiasica (Lichtenstein) : San Jose del Cabo.
RIO GRANDE DE SANTIAGO SYSTEM.
The Rio Grande de Santiago and its largest tributary form the
longest stream in Mexico, draining a considerably elevated plateau
xl FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
on which are a number of fresh-water lakes; one of these, Lago de
Chapala, is the largest fresh-water lake in Mexico.
A number of lakes in this drainage basin have no outlet, and in
some, as Lago de Patzcuaro and Lago de Cuitzeo, the water is quite
brackish. The fishes of this drainage basin are quite distinct from
those of the neighboring rivers. The Valley of Mexico was no doubt
formerly a portion of this river basin. The fishes found in the Rio
San Juan at San Juan del Rio indicate that the head waters of that
river were also at one time a tributary of the Lerma.
The following is a list of fishes known from this river system :
Lampetra spadicea Bean: Guanajuato; Tanganzicuaro; Chapala.
Amiurus dugesi Bean: Turbio; Guanajuato; Salamanca; La Barca; La Palma;
"Estado de Jalisco"; Ocotlan; Chapala.
Myzostoma austrinum Bean: Piedad; Salamanca; Aguas Calientes; Ataquiza;
Ocotlan; La Palma.
Xystrosus popoche Jordan & Snyder: Chapala; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Algansea tincella (Cuvier & Valenciennes): Salamanca; Aguas Calientes; Lagos;
Celaya; Acambaro; "Estado de Jalisco."
Algansea dugesi Bean: "Lago de Yuriria."
Algansea rubescens Meek: Ocotlan.
Algansea lacustris Steindachner: Patzcuaro.
Falcula chapalae Jordan & Snyder: Chapala; Ocotlan; La Barca; La Palma.
Aztecula lennae (Evermann & Goldsborough) : Lerma.
Nototropis calientis Jordan & Snyder: Aguas Calientes; Ocotlan; Acambaro.
Hybopsis altus (Jordan) : Tupataro; Salamanca; Rio Cuitzeo; Lagos; Aguas Cal-
ientes; Acambaro; Celaya.
Zoogoneticus cuitzeoensis (B. A. Bean): Cuitzeo; Ocotlan; La Barca.
Zoogoneticus dugesi (Bean): Guanajuato; Patzcuaro; Lagos.
Zoogoneticus robustus (Bean) : Chapala; Cuitzeo; Ocotlan; Patzcuaro; Zirahuen;
"Guanajuato."
Zoogoneticus maculatus Regan: Rio Santiago.
Zoogoneticus diazi Meek: Patzcuaro; Zirahuen.
Characodon multiradiatus Meek: Lerma.
Characodon eiseni Rutter: Tepic.
Characodon variatus Bean: Salamanca; Aguas Calientes; Lagos; Ocotlan;
Huingo; Celaya; "Guanajuato."
Characodon lateralis Gunther: "Estado de Jalisco."
Chapalichthys encaustus (Jordan & Snyder): Chapala; Ocotlan; La Barca; La
Palma; "Estado de Jalisco;"
Gambusia infans Woolman: Salamanca; Celaya; Ocotlan; La Barca; Huingo;
"Lago de Zacoalco."
Goodea luitpoldi (Steindachner): Patzcuaro; Ocotlan; La Barca; La Palma;
"Lago de Zacoalco."
Goodea atripinnis Jordan: Aguas Calientes; Celaya; Acambaro; Huingo; Leon;
Lagos.
Skiffia multipunctata (Pellegrin) : Ocotlan; Jalisco (Estado).
Skiffia lermae Meek: Celaya; Patzcuaro.
Skiffia variegata Meek : Zirahuen.
Skiffia bilineata (Bean): Huingo; "Rio Lerma, Guanajuato."
INTRODUCTION. xli
Poecilia occidentalis (Baird & Girard) : Tepic.
Chirostoma jordani Woolman: Salamanca; Cuitzeo; Aguas Calientes; Lagos;
Ocotlan; Acambaro; Huingo.
Chirostoma arge (Jordan & Snyder) : Aguas Calientes; Lagos.
Chirostoma bartoni Jordan & Evermann: Lerma; "near Guanajuato."
Chirostoma attenuatum Meek: Patzcuaro.
Chirostoma labarcae Meek: La Barca; La Palma.
Chirostoma patzcuaro Meek: Patzcuaro.
Chirostoma zirahuen Meek: Zirahuen.
Chirostoma humboldtiamim (Cuvier & Valenciennes) : La Laguna; Lago de Juan-
acatlan; Patzcuaro.
Chirostoma chapalse Jordan & Snyder: Chapala; Ocotlan; La Palma; "Estado
de Jalisco."
Chirostoma grandocule Steindachner: Patzcuaro; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Chirostoma promelas Jordan & Snyder: Chapala; Ocotlan; La Palma; "Estado
de Jalisco."
Chirostoma sphyraena Boulenger; Chapala.
Chirostoma lucius Boulenger: Chapala, Ocotlan; La Palma; La Barca.
Chirostoma lermae Jordan & Snyder: Chapala; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Chirostoma ocotlanse Jordan & Snyder: Ocotlan; La Palma; "Estado de Jalisco."
Chirostoma estor Jordan: Patzcuaro; Chapala.
Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft); Rio Santiago.
Cichlasoma beani (Jordan) : Tepic.
VALLEY OF MEXICO.
The Valley of Mexico was formerly a part of the . Lerma drainage
system, though it has no t natural outlet to the sea. The following
is a list of the fishes known to this valley. All of these species except
five* have been taken in the basin of the Lerma, and but one of these,
Aztecula vittata (Girard) , in the basin of the Rio Balsas.
Algansea tincella (Cuvier & Valenciennes) : Chalco; Texcoco; Viga Canal.
*Aztecula vittata (Girard) : Chalco; Texcoco; Xochimilco; Viga Canal.
*Evarra eigenmanni Woolman: Tlahuac; "Valley of Mexico."
*Evarra tlahuacensis Meek: Tlahuac.
*Zoogoneticus miniatus Meek: Chalco.
*Girardinichthys innominatus Bleeker: Chalco; Texcoco; Xochimilco; Viga Canal.
Skiffia variegata Meek: Chalco.
Chirostoma jordani Woolman: Chalco; Texcoco; Xochimilco; Viga Canal.
Chirostoma humboldtianum (Cuvier & Valenciennes) : Chalco ; Xochimilco ;
Viga Canal.
Chirostoma estor Jordan: Xochimilco.
RIO SAN FRANCISCO SYSTEM.
At La Antigua and San Francisco the Rio San Francisco is a broad
stream with a gravelly or a sandy bottom; the former place is just
above tide-water. At San Francisco the stream is quite rapid. I
.made a small collection of fishes at these two places, also one at Jalapa
and one at Xico. The stream at Jalapa is small, and from it were taken
only two species. ..
xlii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
At Xico there is a waterfall of 260 feet, which is used for power
to generate electricity for lighting several cities in this region. I
found but one species of fish above these falls. The streams at Perote
and at Tezuitlan contain no fishes, and it is probable that none are
found in this region at a greater altitude than Xico, or not exceeding
6,000 feet.
The following is a list of species known from the Rio San Fran-
cisco and its tributaries:
Dorosoma exile Jordan & Gilbert: La Antigua.
Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus (Heckel): Jalapa; Xico.
Poecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: La Antigua.
Xiphophorus jalapae Meek: Jalapa.
Tylosurus marinus (Walbaum) : San Francisco.
Centropomus mexicanus Bocourt: San Francisco.
Cichlasoma parma (Giinther) : La Antigua; San Francisco.
Philypnus dormitor (Lacepede) : San Francisco; La Antigua.
Gobius parvus Meek: La Antigua.
Gobius claytoni Meek: La Antigua; San Francisco.
Chonophorus taiasica (Lichtenstein) : La Antigua; San Francisco.
LAS LACUNAS, NEAR VERA CRUZ.
Near the city of Vera Cruz are a large number of sand dunes,
among which are ponds, swamps, and small lakes (Las Lagunas) con-
taining fresh water. These usually have an outlet to the sea. One
of these, about two miles north of the city, was visited, and from it
the following species of fishes, except one,* were taken:
*Symbranchus marmoratus Bloch: Vera Cruz.
Pcecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: Vera Cruz.
Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft): Vera Cruz.
Cichlasoma hedricki Meek: Vera Cruz.
Cichlasoma parma (Giinther) : Vera Cruz.
Cichlasoma melanurum (Giinther) : Vera Cruz.
Dormitator maculatus (Bloch) : Vera Cruz.
Eleotris pisonis (Gmelin) : Vera Cruz.
Gobius parvus Meek: Vera Cruz.
Gobius claytoni Meek: Vera Cruz.
BOCA DEL RIO SYSTEM.
The river at Boca del Rio is broad and its water brackish. A
short distance above the city it is quite fresh, but the fishes are mostly
salt-water forms.
Below is given a list of the species taken which I have included
as fresh-water fishes:
Paragambusia nicaraguensis (Gunther) : Boca del Rio.
Belonesox belizanus Kner: Boca del Rio.
Pcecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: Boca del Rio.
Siphostoma brevicaudum Meek: Boca del Rio.
INTRODUCTION. xliii
Centropomus mexicanus Bocourt: Boca del Rio.
Cichlasoma parma (Gunther) : Boca del Rio.
Philypnus dormitor (Lace"pde) : Boca del Rio.
Dormitator maculatus (Bloch) : Boca del Rio.
Eleotris pisonis (Gmelin) : Boca del Rio.
Gobius parvus Meek: Boca del Rio.
Gobius claytoni Meek: Boca del Rio.
RIO BLANCO SYSTEM.
The Rio Blanco rises at the foot of Mt. Orizaba and flows into the
Gulf about thirty miles south of Vera Cruz. I visited this river at Rio
Blanco and one of its tributaries at Cordoba. The upper part of its
course is a mountain torrent. The tributary at Cordoba was nearly
dry, the water being confined to holes among the huge boulders along
its bed. This stream becomes a mountain torrent in the rainy season.
At Rio Blanco the banks were so steep and although the current is
sluggish, it was impossible to use a seine here with any success. The
fish fauna of this river is certainly much greater than the present
list would indicate.
Amiurus australis Meek: Rio Blanco.
Rhamdia oaxacae Meek: Rio Blanco; Cordoba.
Rhamdia brachyptera (Cope) : Orizaba.
Tetragonopterus aeneus Gunther: Cordoba.
Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus (Heckel) : Orizaba; Cordoba.
Gambusia gracilis (Heckel) : Orizaba.
Xiphophorus helleri Heckel: Cordoba.
Chonophorus taiasica (Lichtenstein) : Orizaba.
RIO OTOPA SYSTEM.
The River Otopa is a small stream about 35 miles south of Vera
Cruz. When visited the water was very low, and the river consisted
of a few deep holes with very little running water between them.
The bottom was sandy. At Otopa the railroad bridge is a single span
of about 75 feet.
The following fishes were taken at this place :
Ichthyaelurus meridionalis (Gunther) : Otopa.
Rhamdia oaxacae Meek: Otopa.
Tetragonopterus aeneus Gunther: Otopa.
Dorosoma anale Meek: Otopa.
Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus (Heckel) : Otopa.
Paragambusia nicaraguensis (Gunther) : Otopa.
Belonesox belizanus Kner: Otopa.
Heterandria lutzi Meek: Otopa.
Pcecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: Otopa.
Xiphophorus helleri Heckel: Otopa.
Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft): Otopa.
Cichlasoma melanurum (Gunther) : Otopa.
Thorichthys helleri (Steindachner) : Otopa.
xliv FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
RIO PAPALOAPAM SYSTEM.
The Rio Papaloapam and its tributaries drain nearly all of the
eastern slope of Mexico between the Rio Blanco and the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec. Owing to the abundance of rainfall in this region this
river and its principal tributaries are much larger than their drainage
area would indicate.
The largest bridge in the republic crosses the Papaloapam at El
Hule. The portion of the bridge which crosses the main channel is
1,100 feet in length. Much of this drainage area is a dense jungle of
palms, various other species of trees, shrubs, and vines.
The following is a list of the known fishes from this river system;
all except three* properly belong to the tropical fauna.
Galeichthys aguadulce Meek: Perez.
Rhamdia oazacae Meek: Cuicatlan; Motzorongo; El Hule; Obispo; Perez.
Rhamdia brachyptera (Cope) : Motzorongo.
*Carpiodes meridionalis (Giinther) : Perez.
Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi: Cuicatlan; Venta Salada.
Tetragonopterus aeneus Gunther: Motzorongo; Refugio; El Hule; Obispo; Perez;
San Juan Evangelista.
Hemigrammus compressus Meek: El Hule; Obispo.
*Dorosoma anale Meek: El Hule; Perez; San Juan Evangelista.
*Dorosoma exile Jordan & Gilbert: Cademaco.
Signalosa mexicana (Gunther): Obispo; El Hule; Perez.
Cynodonichthys tenuis Meek: El Hule.
Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus (Heckel) : Motzorongo; El Hule; Obispo; Perez.
Gambusia bonita Meek: Motzorongo; Refugio.
Paragambusia nicaraguensis (Gunther): El Hule; Obispo; Perez.
Belonesox belizanus Kner: El Hule; Obispo; Perez.
Platypcecilus maculatus Gunther: El Hule; Obispo; Perez.
Heterandria lutzi Meek: Cuicatlan; Venta Salada; El Hule; Perez; Motzorongo.
Poecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: El Hule; Obispo; Perez; San Juan
Evangelista.
Xiphophorus helleri Heckel: Motzorongo; Refugio; El Hule; Obispo.
Tylosurus marinus (Walbaum) : Perez.
Menidia lisa Meek: Refugio; El Hule.
Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft): Cuicatlan; Motzorongo.
Centropomus mexicanus Bocourt: El Hule; Perez.
Pomadasys starri Meek: Perez.
Pomadasys templei Meek: Perez.
Cichlasoma salvini (Gunther): Motzorongo; Refugio; El Hule; Obispo; Perez.
Cichlasoma hedricki Meek: El Hule; Obispo; Perez.
Cichlasoma par ma (Gunther): Obispo; Perez.
Cichlasoma melanurum (Gunther): Cuicatlan; Motzorongo; Obispo; Perez.
Cichlasoma eigenmanni Meek: Venta Salada.
Cichlasoma nebulifer (Gunther) : San Juan Evangelista.
Thorichthys helleri (Steindachner) : El Hule; Obispo; Perez; San Juan Evan-
gelista.
Thorichthys ellioti Meek: Motzorongo.
INTRODUCTION. xlv
Philypnus dormitor (Lac6pede) : Motzorongo ; Obispo; Perez.
Dormitator maculatus (Bloch) : El Hule; Obispo; Perez.
Chonophorus taiasica (Lichtenstein): Perez.
Achirus fasciatus Lacepede: Perez.
RIO SAN GERON1MO SYSTEM.
This stream was visited at San Geronimo. It is a small river
flowing with considerable current over a sandy bottom.
The following is a list of the species taken from it:
Tetragonopterus aeneus Giinther: San Geronimo.
Roeboidesf guatemalensis (Giinther) : San Geronimo.
Gambusia fasciata Meek: San Geronimo.
Heterandria pleurospilus (Giinther) : San Geronimo.
Pcecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: San Geronimo.
Siphostoma starksi Jordan & Culver: San Geronimo.
Cichlasoma mojarra Meek: San Geronimo.
Cichlasoma melanurum (Giinther) : San Geronimo.
RIO TEHUANTEPEC SYSTEM.
I visited this river at Tehuantepec. Its water was low, flowing
over a sandy bed with a moderate current.
The following fishes are known to occur in this river:
Tetragonopterus aeneus Giinther: Tehuantepec.
Gambusia fasciata Meek: Tehuantepec.
Anableps dovii Gill: Tehuantepec; Tequisistlan.
Heterandria lutzi Meek: Tehuantepec.
Pcecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: Tehuantepec.
Mugil cephalus Linnaeus: Tehuantepec.
Cichlasoma evermanni Meek: Tehuantepec.
Philypnus dormitor (Lacepede) : Tehuantepec.
RIO VERDE SYSTEM.
The Rio Verde is a small Pacific coast stream heading a short dis-
tance above Oaxaca. When we visited this stream near Oaxaca it
was nearly dry; its bed being broad and covered with sand. A few
holes in the bed contained a few small fishes belonging to two species.
Tetragonopterus aeneus Gunther: Oaxaca.
Fundulus oaxacae Meek: Oaxaca.
Heterandria lutzi Meek: Oaxaca.
RIO BALSAS SYSTEM.
The Rio Balsas is the second largest river in Mexico, which flows
into the Pacific Ocean. It drains most of the area between the zone
of recent volcanoes, which forms the water-shed between it and the
Rio Lerma, and the Sierra Madre del Sur. The water in all the trib-
utaries examined by me is clear and flows over a sandy or rocky bot-
tom. In comparison to the size of this river the number of species
of fishes known from it is small.
xlvi FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Istlarius balsanus Jordan & Snyder: Cuautla; Jojutla; Puente de Ixtla; Balsas.
Aztecula vittata (Girard) : Puebla.
Nototropis boucardi (Giinther) : Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; Cuernavaca; Cuautla,
Yautepec; Jojutla; Atlixco; Matamoras; Chietla.
Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi: Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; Cuautla; Yautepec;
Jojutla; Atlixco; Chietla; Cuernavaca; Matamoras.
Gambusia gracilis (Heckel) : Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; Cuautla; Yautepec; Jo-
jutla; Chietla.
Goodea white! Meek: Cuautla; Yautepec.
Platypcecilus nelson! Meek: Papayo.
Pcecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: Jojutla; Puente de Ixtla; Balsas.
Melaniris balsanus Meek: Balsas.
Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft): Balsas; Puente de Ixtla; Cuautla; Jojutla.
Cichlasoma istlanum (Jordan & Snyder): Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; Yautepec;
Jojutla; Chietla; Papayo.
Chonophorus taiasica (Lichtenstein) : Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; Cuautla.
LIST OF FISHES FROM VARIOUS LOCALITIES NOT REFERA-
BLE TO ANY OF THE RIVER SYSTEMS NAMED ABOVE.
Tetragonopterus aeneus Gunther: Sanborn, Vera Cruz.
Symbranchus marmoratus Bloch: Santa Maria, Vera Cruz.
Characodon furcidens Jordan & Gilbert: Colima.
Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus (Heckel) : Sanborn, Vera Cruz ; Mirador, Vera
Cruz.
Pcecilia butleri Jordan: Salina Cruz, Oaxaca.
Poecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes: Santa Maria, Vera Cruz.
Xiphophorus helleri Heckel: Sanborn, Vera Cruz.
Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft): Ixtapa, near the Bay of Banderas, Jalisco;
Maria Magdalena Islands; Maria Cleofa Islands; Santa Maria.
Joturus pichardi Poey : Misantla.
Cichlasoma mento (Vaillant & Pellegrin) : Rio Negro, Southern Mexico.
Cichlasoma beani (Jordan) : Rosario, Sinaloa.
Cichlasoma heterodontum (Vaillant & Pellegrin) : Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Cichlasoma melanurum (Gunther) : Santa Maria, Vera Cruz.
Ethorichthys helleri (Steindachner) : Santa Maria, Vera Cruz ; Santo Domingo
de Guzman.
Philypnus dormitor (Lacpede) : Dominica and Santa Maria, Vera Cruz.
Gobius microdon Gilbert: San Juan Lagoon, north of Rio Ahome.
Chonophorus nelson! (Evermann): Rosario, Sinaloa.
Chonophorus mexicanus Gunther: Santa Maria.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF FRESH -WATER FISHES
OF MEXICO.
In the study of the distribution of fishes over any particular area
it is necessary to consider the origin of the fauna or faunas represented,
the means and routes of travel, and the significance of the barriers
along these routes. None of the fishes in Mexico are able to travel
overland, their only highways of travel being the streams and lakes.
INTRODUCTION. xlvii
It is often argued that fishes are taken accidentally by water birds
from one body of water to the other. We have no positive evidence
that this has ever been done, but we have enough negative evidence
to warrant us in doubting its possibility. Without going into the
discussion of this subject I will mention an example bearing upon it
which is at least suggestive. When Shoshone and Lewis lakes in the
Yellowstone Park were discovered, there were no fishes in them,
while only a few miles distant were lakes and streams quite abun-
dantly supplied. These streams and lakes were stocked through
Two-Ocean Pass* from the head waters of the Snake River, but the
falls in the Lewis River prevented the fishes from entering Lewis and
Shoshone lakes. If water birds were at all active agents in the dis-
tribution of fishes, these two lakes would have undoubtedly been well
stocked.
As shown by the foregoing lists, there are in Mexico four quite
distinct fish faunas. Two of these have migrated or resulted through
migrations from the north, one from the south, while the other had its
origin within the country. The fish fauna of northern Mexico is
essentially that of the Rocky Mountains and eastern United States.
The two large rivers which have furnished highways through which this
portion of Mexico became stocked with fishes are the Colorado and the
Rio Grande. The former flows into the Gulf of California, the latter
into the Gulf of Mexico. In their upper courses these two rivers are
near each other, but their fishes are not the same. The only fish
common to both river basins is a small dace, Rhinichthys dulcis (Gir-
ard), which is also found in the head waters of the Arkansas, the
Missouri, and the Columbia rivers. From the Colorado River thirty-
two species of fishes are known, twenty-two of which are thus far
peculiar to this basin. Only four or five species of Colorado River
fishes are at present known from the Rio Sonora and the Rio Yaqui ;
however the lower courses of these two rivers, where we would expect
Colorado river fishes, have been but little explored.
There are in all about eighty-seven species known from the Rio
Grande Basin; and according to Dr. Evermann and Dr. Kendall,!
twenty-three of these are found in the Wabash River in Indiana.
In the Rio Grande Basin in Mexico there are seventy species. It is
interesting to note that eight of these have been found in the head
waters of the Rio Yaqui, and eight in the head waters of the Rio
Mezquital. In fact, the fish fauna of the head waters of these two
streams is essentially that of the Rio Grande.
*Evermann, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1891, 24.
U. S. Fish Comm., 1892, 57-126.
xlviii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
The presence in the Rio Yaqui of so many fishes from the Rio
Grande basin can be thus interpreted: The head waters of the Rio
Paphigochic, a tributary of the Rio Yaqui, lie east of the central range
of the Sierra Madre. That portion of this stream no doubt formerly
had its outlet into the Rio Conchos and in this way became stocked
with fishes from the Rio Grande. The fact that the fauna of the Rio
Yaqui is so much like that of the isolated river basins in northern
Mexico rather strengthens this belief, though its ultimate proof
must depend on the geologist. The same is probably true concerning
that portion of the Rio Mezquital which lies east of the central range
of the Sierra Madre. It would be interesting to compare the fauna
of the upper with that of the lower portion of these rivers. No col-
lection of fishes has been made in the head waters of the Pacific Coast
streams between the Rio Yaqui and the Rio Mezquital, but we may
reasonably suppose that the portions of those streams east of the main
range of the Sierra Madre contain Rio Grande fishes. From the Rio
Presidio, which flows into the Pacific Ocean near Mazatlan, a col-
lection of fishes was made (at Presidio) a short distance from its
mouth by Dr. D. S. Jordan. Of the twelve species taken here, not
one belongs to the northern fresh-water fauna. Two species* are
brackish water fishes, onef belongs to the tropical fresh-water fauna,
while the other species J are salt-water forms which have become more
or less established in fresh water. The fishes listed from the lower por-
tion of the Rio Presidio are much the same as those from the Rio San
Jose in lower California. It is quite probable that the list of fishes
from these two places fairly well represent the fish fauna of the lower
portion of all of the Pacific Coast streams between the Rio Yaqui and
the Rio Grande de Santiago. As mentioned before, it is probable that
the portions of the upper tributaries of these rivers which lie east of the
main range of the Sierra Madre have in them fishes belonging to the
Rio Grande fauna, and this fauna has been obtained by capturing
upper tributaries of the Rio Grande. All of these Pacific slope
streams reach the sea evidently in a long series of cascades and falls
which are sufficient barriers to prevent fishes from migrating in either
direction. Fishes are limited in their ability to ascend falls, and we
have reason to believe, as stated below, that they are unable to go
over any considerable falls and become established below them. The
Falls of the Yellowstone is the dividing line between the fauna of the
Missouri River and that of the Upper Yellowstone. The Shoshone
*Paecilia butleri Jordan, Pcecilia presidionis Jordan & Culver.
\Cichlasoma beani (Jordan).
lAgonostomus monticola (Bancroft), Philypnus dormitor (Lac6pede), and
Chonophorus taiasica (Liechtenstein) are found only in fresh or brackish water.
INTRODUCTION. xlix
Falls is also the dividing line between the fauna of the upper Snake
River and of that portion of it below the falls. In both of these in-
stances fishes belonging to the fauna above the falls have not become
established below them.
It is quite probable that along the middle course of these Pacific
slope rivers in Mexico there are no fishes, or possibly a few species
of PoeciliidcB or of some brackish or salt water form which was asso-
ciated with the rivers in their formation. Many fishes no doubt go
over falls and cascades, but not in quantities sufficiently large to
enable the survivors to become established below them. A study of
the fishes along the courses of these Pacific coast streams would be
very interesting indeed.
The southern portion of the Mexican plateau is drained by two
rivers; the one to the east, the San Juan del Rio, is a small stream
which flows into the Rio Panuco ; the other, the Lerma, is a tributary
of the Rio Grande de Santiago, which flows into the Pacific. Judging
from the nature of its fish fauna, the Valley of Mexico was formerly
a part of the Lerma drainage system. The fish fauna of this region
is very different from that either to the north or the south. From
the area which includes the valley of Mexico the head waters of the
San Juan del Rio and the Lerma basin, there are at present fifty-four
species of fishes known, only two of which, Myzostoma austrinum
Bean, and Aztecula vittata (Girard), have been taken in any other
river basin. These fifty-four species belong to twenty-one* genera,
eight of which are peculiar to this region.
Of the genera found elsewhere and which occur on the plateau,
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 ; Goodea is represented in the Rio Panuco
and the Rio Balsas, and Aztecula in the Rio Balsas; one species of Cki-
rostoma is found in the Rio Mezquital; Lampetra, Amiurus, Myzostoma,
Nototropis and Hybopsis are northern genera, and all except Noto-
tropis are not represented by any species farther south than the Rio
Lerma. Thirty-six of the fifty-four species found in this region belong
to two families, twenty to Pceciliidce (the killifishes), and sixteen to
AtherinidcB (the silversides). It is curious to note here that all of
the killifishes are viviparous, yet only two species, Gambusia infans
*The genera in italics are peculiar to this region.
Lampetra i, Amiurus i, Myzostoma i, Xystrosus i, Algansea 4, Falcula i,
Aztecula 3, Nototropis i, Evarra 2, Hybopsis i, Zoogoneticus 6. Girardinichthys
i, Characodon 4, Chapalichthys i, Gambusia i, Goodea 2, Skiffia 4, Poscilia i,
Chirostoma 16, Agonostomus i, Cichlasoma i.
1 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Woolman and Pcecilia occidentalis (Baird & Girard), have the anal fin
of the male placed well forward and modified into an intromittent
organ sueh as is characteristic of Heterandria, Pcecilia and the like.
In the other species the anal fin of the male has its normal position
and size, but 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. This modification was first noticed by Gunther in
Characodon later alis Gunther. It was also described by Bean in
Zoogoneticus robustus (Bean), and by Jordan and Snyder in Goodea
atripinnis Jordan, but no significance was attached to it. Just
what part this fin plays in fertilizing the eggs in the body of the
female is not known, but it evidently plays a prominent part in this
operation.
I was so fortunate as to collect these fishes during the breeding
season and thus their viviparity was easily proved. The largest
killifish known from the Lerma basin reaches a length of 8 or 10 inches.
The accompanying figure was made from a photograph of the largest
female of this species I was able to obtain. The ovary consists of a
membranous sack with a number of infolded partitions. Removing
a portion of one side shows the ovary full of quite well developed
young. The little fishes are not arranged in any definite order.
The spawning time of 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, crustaceans and
small fishes which would feast on the eggs if deposited then are also
more concentrated, so that depositing the eggs at this time would
mean considerable destruction to the species. As it is, the young
are born in a well-developed stage, and 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 the small streams and ponds
become dry, some of these small fishes perish. They are, however,
present everywhere to establish themselves in any body of water
which may carry them through the next rainy season.
The gestation of many tropical fishes presents some strange pecu-
liarities. Some of the catfishes carry the eggs in the mouth till hatched,
while a few others are thought to be viviparous. Viviparity among
the tropical killifishes 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 is rather surprising to find such a large number of Chirostoma
INTRODUCTION. li
in the Lerma basin; indeed, no other river in North America has so
large a proportion of its fishes belonging to a salt-water* family. It
is probable that when this basin is more thoroughly explored the
number will be considerably increased. I had seen but few speci-
mens of Chirostoma before going to Mexico, and thus had never had
an opportunity to study these fishes. And while I was careful to pick
up specimens of all species observed, yet my unfamiliarity at that
time with the group caused me, no doubt, to overlook some species.
Again, there are a number of small isolated lakes which have never
been visited. It is known that some of these lakes, as Patzcuaro
and Zirahuen, have in them one or more characteristic species, and
no doubt most of the others also have. The Lerma River system is
far from being thoroughly explored, but apparently its fishes are quite
as distinct and characteristic as if the fauna were insular. This area
has been in a center of distribution.
The Rio Balsas is one of the largest rivers in Mexico. It is south-
east of the Lerma, and drains about an equal area; and though these
two rivers are so near each other, only one species is known to be
common to them. But one species of silversides and four of killi-
fishes are known from the Rio Balsas, yet these two families comprise
two-thirds of the fishes of the Lerma basin. Only the upper and
northern tributaries of the Rio Balsas have been explored ; however,
enough has been done to indicate the nature of its fauna and that
it' contains comparatively few species of fishes.
The South and Central American faunas prevail largely as far
north as the City of Mexico. The few forms which extend farther
north apparently keep to the lowland streams; especially is this true
on the Pacific side. The most northern representative of the south-
ern American fauna, one of the Cichlids, is found at Mazatlan. On
the east coast this family has a representative in Texas.
Mexico in general is not a well watered country. Nearly all of the A
small streams and many of the large ones become much reduced in
size by the end of the long dry season, and such streams never sustain/
a large number of species of fishes. On the Mexican plateau the
largest and most important lakes are found in the Lerma basin ; Lake
Chapala, being the largest and the only one which has a river outlet
and inlet, sustains the largest fish fauna. Patzcuaro, a large lake
with no inlet nor outlet, does not have so varied a fauna, but supports
a large number of individuals. In view of the fact that more species
of fishes belong to tropical Mexico than to a like area farther north,
*The Chirostoma are the only fishes belonging to a salt-water family found
on the Mexican plateau.
Hi FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
it seems strange that a great river like the Balsas which lies wholly
within the tropics should contain so few species. This river is fed
by many mountain streams, and even in the dry season contains an
abundance of clear water. Collections of fishes have been made at
eight places in this river basin, and in all only twelve species of fishes
have been taken, a number much fewer than one would expect.
SHORE FISHES WHICH HAVE BECOME MORE OR LESS
ESTABLISHED IN THE FRESH WATERS OF MEXICO.
There has been a tendency in this as in other countries for salt-
water fishes to become established in fresh water. Some of these
may properly be considered as fresh water species.* The others are
properly shore fishes found in fresh water, and usually at a consider-
able distance from the sea. Below is given a list of these species :
Tylosurus marinus (Walbaum) . Dormitator maculatus (Bloch) .
Thyrina crystallina (Jordan & Culver). Eleotris pisonis (Gruelin).
Menidia lisa Meek. Eleotris pictus Kner & Steindachner.
Mugil cephalus Linnaeus. Gobius parvus Meek.
*Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft). Gobius claytoni Meek.
Neomugil digueti Vaillant. Chonophorus nelsoni (Evermann)-.
Joturus pichardi Poey. *Chonophorus taiasica (Liechtenstein) .
Centropomus mexicanus Bocourt. Chonophorus mexicanus (Gunther).
Pomadasys templei Meek. Gillichthys detrusus Gilbert & Scofield.
Pomadasys starri Meek. Achirus mazatlanus (Steindachner).
*Haploidonotus grunniens Rafinesque. Achirus fonsecensis (Giinther).
*Philypnus dormitor Lac6pede. Achirus fasciatus Lacepede.
The species of Chirostoma belong to a salt-water family; they are,
however, confined to the Mexican plateau, and cannot be regarded
as shore fishes, and so are not included in the foregoing list.
GAME FISHES OF MEXICO.
The large-mouthed black bass which is abundant in the streams
of northeastern Mexico as far south as the Rio Soto la Marina, and
the trout in the mountain streams of the Pacific slope in Sonora Chi-
huahua and Durango are the only fishes in northern Mexico which
can properly be called game fishes. Each of these species is confined
to a rather small area. In the streams of southern Mexico there are
no game fishes. The Cichlids are abundant, but will not take the
hook in a manner that would best please the professional angler.
There are in these southern streams a species of Centropomus and two
of Pomadasys, usually called by the natives Roballo, which are
regarded as game fishes. They are not properly fresh-water fishes,
INTRODUCTION. liii
although they are found in the rivers at a considerable distance
from the sea ; it is quite probable that these are not abundant enough
to make them of importance to the angler.
FOOD FISHES OF MEXICO.
Many of the fresh-water fishes of Mexico are used for food by the
natives. Of these the trout and the black bass are probably the best.
There are several species of the catfish family which are large enough
for the market. In the Valley of Mexico, and in the basin of the Rio
Lerma are several species of Chirostoma, known as Pescados B Ian cos
(whitefishes) , which are excellent food fishes, but none of these will
take the hook. The smaller species of the whitefishes are dried in
large quantities in this region and shipped to different parts of the
republic.
The Trucha, or trout (Agonostomus monticola Bancroft), is a first-
class food fish, but it is found nowhere in any considerable numbers.
The Cichlids, which much resemble our sunfishes in form and general
habits, are only fair food fishes. They are very abundant in all of the
rivers of southern Mexico, and in the Atlantic coast streams north
to Texas. Most of the fishes seen in the markets of the City of Mexico
are brought from Vera Cruz, and are salt-water forms. A few
whitefishes are shipped from Lago de Chapala to the City of Mexico,
and some are brought in from the neighboring lakes. Many buffalo
fishes are eaten in the region where found, but these are regarded as
considerably inferior to the catfishes. Tamales are made of the
Juilis, Algansea tincella (C. & V.), taken from the lakes in the Valley
of Mexico. The species of garpike found in the Rio Panuco find a
ready sale in the markets of Tampico. It is quite probable that the
flesh of these fishes, like that of the fresh-water drum (Haploidonotus
grunniens Raf.), improves in southern waters. In the Great Lake
region of North America the drum is quite worthless for food, but in
Louisiana it is an important market fish. The negroes along the
lower portion of the Arkansas river eat many garpike and consider
them as good for food as the catfishes. The larger species of the killi-
fishes, Pceciliidce, in the basin of the Rio Lerma, some of which in this
region reach a length of eight inches, are quite important food fishes.
FISH CULTURE IN MEXICO.
Very little has been done in Mexico in regard to stocking streams
with fishes not native to the country. Goldfish and carp are quite
abundant in the lakes in the Valley of Mexico, and also in some of the
liv FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
tributaries of the Rio Lerma. I was not aware until March 18, 1903,
that any effort had ever been made in Mexico to hatch trout, at which
time I made a trip from the city of Mexico to Lerma, the head waters
of the river of the same name, to collect fishes there. The station
agent kindly directed me to a German, Mr. Vincente Richter, living
some six miles distant, whom he said had many fishes. On arriving
at Mr. Richter's house I was much surprised to see a quite well regu-
lated fish hatchery, which has been in existence for about fifteen years,
in full operation. It is on the hacienda owned by Senor Eduardo Gon-
zales, to whom the government pays a fixed annual sum for its main-
tenance. One-half to one million of eggs of the rainbow trout are
hatched here annually. Several large springs form the source of the
Rio Lerma at this place, and from these an abundance of water is
obtained for the hatchery. The temperature of the water at its
source is about 55 F., and its volume is so great that the temperature
is not more than one or two degrees higher when it reaches the hatch-
ing troughs. Considering the great abundance of water, and the
facility for making suitable ponds at only a moderate expense, the
abundance of small Crustacea, insect larvae, and the like, which are
excellent food for the young trout, Mr. Richter is certain that trout
can be raised here for the markets of the City of Mexico with profit.
There are native trout in the Pacific streams of Mexico as far south
as Durango. The experience of Mr. Richter indicates that trout will
flourish as far south as the Rio Lerma. On the Atlantic slope near
Jalapa are many mountain streams flowing through dense forests in
which I believe trout would flourish. In many of these streams there
are few or no fishes. The fact that there are no fishes in some of these
streams, is, however, no indication that fishes will not live in them.
Fishes are evidently not there because they have not been able to
ascend the many falls and cascades, and at the head waters it is quite
evident that there has been no center of distribution.
One of the most promising fields for the introduction of food and
game fishes is in the Lerma Basin, for in this region are many streams
and lakes in which many species of small fishes abound which would
furnish an abundant supply of food for the larger introduced species.
In introducing fishes into a country the conditions should be
carefully studied in order to avoid the selection of unsuitable species.
The lakes in the Lerma basin should in my opinion be an ideal place
for the large-mouth black bass. The rainbow trout would probably
do quite as well and not disturb the present fish fauna as much as
would the black bass.
INTRODUCTION. Iv
COMMON NAMES OF MEXICAN FRESH-WATER FISHES.
Many common names applied to the fresh -water fishes of Mexico
are used in a collective sense, and so do not apply to any particular
species. Below are given some of these names and the names of the
fishes to which they are applied.
The garpikes and the needle fishes are known by the name Muj a.*
Bagre is the name generally applied to catfishes. I heard no other
name applied to these fishes south of the City of Mexico. For the
catfishes in the streams north of Tampico several names are used,
and rather indiscriminately, and I am uncertain in my distribution
of them. Besugo is probably applied to Leptops olivaris Raf., and to
dark-colored individuals of Amiurus. Petonte is applied to the chan-
nel cats and to Amiurus lupus (Girard) , which much resemble them.
Metalote is a buffalo fish, this name being applied to all of the species
north of Tampico. Lisa is applied to Myzostoma congestum (B. & G.),
to species of the genus Mugil, and to Menidia lisa Meek, a species of
silverside. Nototropis boucardi (Gth.) is known as Salmichi. Algansea
tincella (C. & V.) is called Juilis. The other species of minnows are
known as Sardina. The name Sardina is commonly used for silvery col-
ored fishes as the Dorosomatids or gizzard shads. Anguilla is the
name of the eels. Mixpapatl is applied to Goodea whitei Meek.
Roballo is the name of the black bass ; this name is also used for Cen-
tropomus mexicanus (Boc.) . The black bass is sometimes called Besugo.
The fresh-water drum and the species of Pomadasys in the Rio Panuco
are known as Dorado. Mojarra is applied to the Cichlids and some of
the larger PceciliidcE where Cichlids are not found. Metapil is applied
only to Philypnus dormitor Lac. Trucha is the name of Agonostomus
monticola (Bancroft) and Bobo is Joturus pichardi Poey.
DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE
DESCRIPTION OF FISHES IN THIS WORK.
In order to be able to identify a fish, or rather to know just what
species any particular fish may be, there are some things regarding its
anatomy that should be known. In the accompanying figure of the
large-mouth black bass the important parts of the external anatomy
are indicated by name. All of the parts represented on this fish do not
occur on all fishes, and so it will require some care to make out those
that are present. A careful study of this figure, and the following
definitions and explanations, will enable one to easily use the keys
and descriptions in this work. A little practice will make the iden-
tification of most of the species comparatively easy.
*I will not vouch for the correct spelling of some of these names.
Ivi FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
1. Head. 13. Spinous portion of dorsal fin.
2. Snout. 14. Soft portion of dorsal fin.
3. .Eye. 15. Base of dorsal fin.
4. Premaxillary. 16. Pectoral fin.
5. Maxillary. 17. Anal fin.
6. Supplemental maxillary. 18. Ventral fin,
7. Mandible, or lower jaw. 19. Base of caudal fin (last vertebra).
8. Symphysis. 20. Caudal fin.
9. Cheek. 21. Lateral line.
10. Preopercle, 1 22. Depth of the fish.
11. Opercle, } Gill covers. 23. Depth of caudal peduncle.
12. Subopercle, J 24. Caudal peduncle.
The PROFILE of the fish, -unless otherwise mentioned, is the curve
from the highest point on the back- to the tip of the snout. The
ORIGIN of the DORSAL or ANAL FIN is the insertion of its first spine
or ray.
Fishes in general, and especially those treated of in this work,
breathe by means of GILLS, which are fine hair-like projections
(BRANCHIAE) usually supported on the outer curves of cartilaginous
or bony arches known as GILL ARCHES ; in the true fishes the normal
number on each side is four. The GILL RAKERS are a series of bony
appendages variously formed along the inner edge of the anterior gill
arch.
The GILL MEMBRANES usually serve to attach the GILL COVERS
to the ISTHMUS, which is the thick, fleshy projection between the gill
openings. The BRANCHIOSTEGAL MEMBRANES are attached to the
lower posterior portions of the gill covers; the cartilaginous or bony
supports of this membrane are the BRANCHIOSTEGAL RAYS.
The PSEUDOBRANCHLE are small or imperfectly developed gills
on the inner side of the opercle, near its junction with the preopercle.
The PHARYNGEAL BONES are behind the gills and at the beginning
of the (ESOPHAGUS; in true fishes they represent a fifth gill arch.
In general the TEETH of fishes are conical and pointed; frequently
some are INCISOR or MOLAR-LIKE. Occasionally, as in some of the
killifishes (Characodon, Goodea, and Skiffia, etc.), the incisor-like teeth
are BICUSPID or (Cyprinodori) TRICUSPID. The upper teeth of fishes may
be attached to one or more of the following bones: PREM AXILLARY,
MAXILLARY, PREFRONTAL, VOMER, PALATINE, PTERYGOID, and UPPER
PHARYNGEALS; lower, to the MANDIBLE, TONGUE, and LOWER PHARYN-
GEALS. In some fishes treated of in this work, as the Large-mouth
Black Bass, teeth are present on nearly all of the parts of the mouth
and pharynx as above mentioned; in the suckers and minnows teeth
are present only on the pharyngeal bones. Fishes do not masticate
their food ; the teeth are used chiefly for catching, holding, and break-
INTRODUCTION. Ivii
ing the objects used for food in pieces which will admit of being swal-
lowed.
The fins of fishes are composed of SPINES and RAYS, the former
being stiff, bony structures usually connected by a thin membrane;
the rays are rather weak, jointed cartilaginous structures and are also
connected by a thin membrane. SPINES are present on one or more
fins of all of the spiny rayed fishes. The dorsal and the pectoral fins
of some of the soft rayed fishes, as the Carp and the Catfishes, are
preceded by a spine which is only the modification of one or more of
the soft rays. Most fishes, except Catfishes, are covered with SCALES.
A CYCLOID SCALE has its posterior margin smooth; such scales are
usually found on soft rayed fishes. A CTENOID SCALE has its posterior
margin rough or toothed ; such scales are characteristic of the spiny
rayed fishes.
The LENGTH of the FISH is measured from the tip of the upper jaw
to the base of the caudal fin or end of last vertebra, the TOTAL LENGTH
from extreme ends of the fish. The LENGTH of the HEAD is measured
from tip of upper jaw to the posterior edge of the opercle, the LENGTH
of SNOUT from tip of upper jaw to anterior margin of the orbit. The
DEPTH of the BODY is measured at its deepest part, none of the fins
being included; the DEPTH of CAUDAL PEDUNCLE is measured at its
narrowest part, its length from base of last anal ray to end of last
vertebra. Only fully developed fin rays are counted, the rudimentary
dorsal and anal rays when closely adnate to the first ray is counted
as one; when the last ray is double and the two parts have the same
base it is counted as one ray. The SCALES in the LATERAL SERIES are
counted from upper edge of opercle to base* of caudal fin, the TRANS-
VERSE SERIES from the dorsal fin to ventrals or origin of anal, which-
ever is nearest the middle of the body. In making the transverse
count the scale on the lateral line, when it is present, is counted with
those on upper part of body. The LENGTH of the DORSAL and ANAL
FINS is measured along their BASES, the HEIGHT is the length of their
spines or rays. The length of the other fins is measured from attach-
ment to the body to the tips of longest rays.
Substantially the same order is followed in all descriptions. The
comparative measurements which best indicate the general form of
the fish are given first; the number of spines and rays of the dorsal
and anal fins next, and the numrJer of scales in the lateral and trans-
verse series last. These are followed by a general remark on the form
of the fish, and then other important specific points are given in detail.
The description of the color is given last.
In order to abbreviate, the following expressions are used: "HEAD
Iviii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
4" or "HEAD 4^" indicates that the head of the fish is contained 4
times or 4% times in the distance from the tip of the snout to the end
of the last caudal vertebra; "DEPTH 4" that the greatest depth (none
of the fins being included) is contained 4 times in the same distance ;
" D. 8," indicates that the fish has a single dorsal fin which is composed
of 8 soft rays; " D. iv, 9," that the dorsal fin is single and is composed
of 4 spines and 9 soft rays; "D. iv-9," that there are two dorsal fins,
the first one composed of 4 spines and the other of 9 soft rays. Spines
are always indicated in roman letters, soft rays by figures. The ab-
breviations used in the count of other fin rays and spines are similarly
explained. The diameter of the eye, the length of the snout, and
many other short measurements are compared with the length of the
head. "EYE 3 IN HEAD," "SNOUT 3 IN HEAD," indicate that each
is contained 3 times in the length of the head. In these particular
cases " % of the length of the head " would mean the same thing.
All of these measurements are so far as possible intended to apply
to mature fish of average size; a certain amount of allowance must,
however, be made for age and individual variation. Young fishes
usually have larger eyes, shorter snout, smaller mouth, and longer fin
rays than adults of the same species; more often they are also deeper,
but this is not always true.
At the close of each description the approximate length of the
adult of the species is given. The size of fishes is more dependent
on environment than in case of any other group of vertebrates.
Fishes in large bodies of water grow much more rapidly and larger
than the same species under other conditions. If food is plentiful
and easily obtained the fish will eat oftener than where less favored.
It is not necessary for a fish to eat as much as one meal each day ; he
may eat once each week, or even once each month, without appar-
ently experiencing the evil effects of hunger, but in such cases his
growth will be somewhat retarded.
For convenience in classification, and to afford an expression of
relationship, fishes, or fish-like vertebrates, are divided into classes,
each class into ORDERS, ORDERS into GENERA, and each GENUS com-
prises one or more SPECIES.
The catfish of the Rio Balsas is classified as follows :
Class, PISCES.
Order, NEMATOGNATHI.
Family, SILURID^E.
Genus, ISTLARIUS.
Species, BALSANUS.
Each of these divisions may be divided into sub-groups.
INTRODUCTION. lix
The scientific name of a fish is a combination of the name of the
genus and the species. The large catfish (Bagre) found in the Rio
Balsas belongs to the genus IStlarius and its specific name is balsanus.
Its scientific name is Istlarius balsanus. The scientific names as they
are usually written, and as they appear in this work, are followed by
the name of the person or persons who first described the fish and
proposed the specific name for it. The name referred to above is
properly written Istlarius balsanus Jordan & Snyder.
Under the description of each order, family, and genus a key is
given to facilitate the identification of the species. These keys are
arranged as far as possibtaon the alternative basis. To use the key,
examine the fish in hand and read the first statement lettered "a";
either that or its alternative, lettered "aa," is true. Next read the
lettered statement below "a" or "aa" as the case may be, and con-
tinue until a letter is reached under which there are no subdivisions,
when you will be brought to an order, family, generic, or specific name.
The page indicated by the figure following this name contains the
description" of the family, genus, or species, as the case may be, to
which your fish belongs. If a family, read the key to the genera, then
to the species, which will refer you to the description of the species
of the fish in question.
In order to find at once the family to which the specimen in hand
belongs it is better to use the artificial key to the Families of Fishes
on the following page.
In all of the keys in this work, except this one, the sequence of
the orders, families, genera and species, as the case may be, is the same
as the descriptions. It must be borne in mind that this work treats
only of fishes known to inhabit the fresh waters of Mexico north of
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Reference is made under each genus to the original description,
and the type of the genus. No other reference is given unless the
synonym is based on forms found in Mexico or is deserving of
subgeneric rank. Under the name of each species the first reference
is to the original description and the type locality ; references are also
made to Dr. Giinther's Catalogue of Fishes of the British Museum (i),
to his Fishes of Central America (2), to Prof. Garman's Cyprinodonts
(3), and to Jordan & Evermann's Synopsis of Fishes of North and
Middle America (4). All other references relate only to Mexican
fresh-water fishes. For aid in geographical study all known local-
(1) Giinther, Catalogue, Fishes British Museum, 8 vols. 1859^0 1870.
(2) Gunther, Fishes of Central America, i vol. 1869.
(3) Garman, The Cyprinodonts, Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. xix, 1895.
(4) Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus. 4 vols. 1896 to 1900.
Ix FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
ities from which Mexican fishes have been taken are given with each
reference. The names of places mentioned in parentheses preceding
each description are localities from which the species was taken by
me in 1903. In many cases the localities of the early authors are very
indefinite. Frequently "Mexico" only is mentioned. A few of the
definite localities as given which appear to be wrong are discussed
under the species in question, it being intended that some one may
be able to either verify these or to correct them.
DEFINITION OF THE TWO CLASSES OF FISHES OR FISH-
LIKE VERTEBRATES INHABITING THE FRESH
WATERS OF MEXICO.
The fresh- water fishes, or fish-like vertebrates of Mexico, belong
to two classes: the Marsipobranchii, Lampreys, hag-fishes, and the
like; and Pisces, the sharks, skates, and the true fishes. The former
is represented by a single species of lamprey known at present only
from the Lerma River Basin; the latter is represented by a large
number of species of true fishes. Sharks and skates often ascend
streams far above tide-water, but at present we have no evidence
that any of these forms are permanent residents of the rivers of
Mexico.
The fishes, or fish-like vertebrates, may be defined as cold-
blooded vertebrates adapted for life in the water, breathing by means
of gills, which are persistent throughout life, and having the limbs,
if present, developed as fins, never with fingers and toes. The cere-
bral hemispheres are smaller than the optic lobes.
The two classes of fish-like vertebrates may be briefly defined as
follows :
CLASS I. MARSIPOBRANCHII (THE LAMPREYS).
Skull imperfectly developed, without true jaws; gills purse-
shaped, not attached to cartilaginous arches; a single
median nostril; body eel-shaped.
CLASS II. PISCES (THE FISHES).
Skull well developed, and with jaws; gills attached to
arches; nostrils not median, in one or more pairs.
ARTIFICIAL KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF , MEXICAN
FRESH-WATER FISHES.
a. Mouth subcircular, without true jaws; 7 gill PAGE
openings on each side; no paired fins Petromyzontida i
aa. Mouth normal, with true jaws; one gill open-
ing on each side.
INTRODUCTION.
Ixi
b. Ventral fins present, abdominal.
c. Adipose fin on dorsal region present,
d. Body without scales; 4 to 8 long barbels
about the mouth and nostrils; a single
spine in each pectoral and dorsal fin
dd. Body with scales, mouth without barbels;
pectoral and dorsal fin without spines,
e. Mouth large; teeth all conical ; body elon-
gate, depth 3^ to 5^"; anal rays 10 to 12.
ee. Mouth smaller; teeth incisor-like or else
rudimentary; body deep, compressed,
depth 1% to 3>, anal rays more than 18
cc. Dorsal region without adipose fin.
f. Tail heterocercal ; scales rhomboidal, very
hard, ganoid
ff. Tail not heterocercal; scales normal, thin,
g. Dorsal fin single, composed of soft rays
only.
h. Jaws toothless, head without scales,
i. Ventral region without bony serrae; body
elongate, not much compressed,
j . Mouth usually inferior ; lips thick, fleshy
with plicae or papillae ; pharyngeal teeth
very numerous, in a row like the teeth
of a comb; dorsal of more than 10 rays,
jj. Mouth usually terminal, lips thin, not
fleshy, without plicae or papillae; phar-
yngeal teeth few, fewer than 8; dorsal
fin with less than 10 rays (except in the
carp)
ii. Ventral region with bony serrae, body
deep, much compressed
hh. Jaws with teeth ; head more or less scaly,
k. Lateral line wanting or represented by
a few imperfect pores; jaws not pro-
duced into a long beak
kk. Lateral line present, running as a fold
along side of belly; both jaws produced
into a beak
gg. Dorsal fins 2, the first composed of spines,
the second of soft rays.
1. Anal spines 3 ; dorsal spines strong, 4 ....
PAGE
. Silurid& 8
. .Salmonida 95
.Characinida 83
, Lepidosteidcz 4
. .Catostomidce 24
. . .Cyprinidoe 36
Dorosomatidce 92
. . . .Poeciliidcz 98
.Belonida 160
Mugilida 185
Ixii FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
11. Anal spines single; dorsal spines slender, PAGE
3 to 8 ..." Atherinidce 165
bb. Ventral fins present, thoracic or jugular,
m. Ventral fins each composed definitely of
one spine and 5 soft rays; eyes symmet-
rical, one on each side of the head,
n. Ventral fins completely united; gill mem-
branes joined to the isthmus; no lateral
line Gobiidcs 225
nn. Ventral fins separate.
o. Nostril single on each side; lateral line in-
terrupted; anal spines 3 to n Cichlidce 204
oo. Nostril double on each side; lateral line
not interrupted.
p. Lateral line extending on caudal fin.
q. Anal spines 3, the second very strong,
r. Porsal fins two, separate; preopercle
with two margins, the posterior one
strongly toothed Centropomida 198
rr. Dorsal fins connected; preopercle with
one margin Hcemulidce 199
qq. Anal spines i or 2 Scicenida 202
pp. Lateral line, if present, not extending on
caudal fin.
s. Dorsal fins separate or scarcely con-
nected,
t. Anal spines 3; the second very strong;
body elongate, compressed Hamulida 199
tt. Anal spines i or 2 ; body usually slender,
never much compressed,
u. No lateral line; ventral fins with the
inner rays the longest; dorsal spines
8 or less Gobiidce 225
uu. Lateral line present ; ventral fins with
the outer rays the longest; dorsal
spines 8 or more Percida 196
ss. Dorsal fin single, the spinous and soft
portions being connected; body usually
deep and much compressed,
mm. Ventral fins each not composed definitely
of one spine and 5 soft rays; eyes unsym-
metrical, both being on the same side of the
head Soleida 234
INTRODUCTION.
Ixiii
bbb. Ventral fins wholly wanting, pectorals us-
ually present.
v. Snout not tubular with the small mouth at its
end; body not covered with bony plates,
eel-shaped.
w. Gill openings lateral and vertical; snout
conic, the jaws not very heavy ; gape longi-
tudinal; lips thick; lower jaw projecting;
teeth in cardiform bands on jaws and
vomer
ww. Gill openings horizontal, inferior, very
close together, apparently confluent; pos-
terior nostrils in front of eye Symbranchidce 89
vv. Snout tubular, bearing the small mouth at
its end; body angular, covered with bony
plates, not truly eel-shaped Syngnathidce id 2
.Anguillidce 90
CLASS I. MARS1POBRANCHH.
\
THE LAMPREYS.
Skeleton cartilaginous; skull not separate from the imperfectly
segmented vertebral column; no true jaws; no limbs; no shoulder
girdle; no pelvic elements, and no ribs; gills purse-shaped, without
gill arches; 6 or more gill openings on each side; nostril single, on
top of the head; heart without arterial bulb; alimentary canal
straight, simple, without ccecal appendages, pancreas, or spleen;
naked, eel-shaped animals.
Order I. Hyperoartii.
Nasal duct a blind sac not communicating with the palate;
mouth nearly circular, suctorial.
Family I. Petromyzontid&e.
THE LAMPREYS.
Body eel-shaped, somewhat compressed posteriorly; mouth nearly
circular, suctorial, and armed with horny, tooth-like tubercles which
are simple or multicuspid ; those just above and below the oesophagus
more or less specialized ; gill openings 7 on each side of the chest ; lips
fringed.
The lampreys undergo a metamorphosis; the young are toothless,
have rudimentary eyes, and live buried in the sand. In the larval
state they are white, and evidently feed upon small Crustacea, insect
larvae, and the like. In the adult state the lamprey attaches itself
to a fish by means of its suctorial mouth, rasps off the flesh, and
feasts upon the blood and lymph of the victim.
1. Lampetra Gray.
Lampetra Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1851, 235. (Type, Petro-
myzon ftuvialilis Linnaeus.)
Dorsal fin in two parts, the second part continuous with the low
anal fin around the tail; supraoral lamina broad, forming a crescentic
plate, with a large, bluntish cusp at each end; lingual teeth small;
buccal plate small, its few teeth bicuspid and tricuspid; lips fringed.
Lampreys of small size, inhabiting the brooks of Europe and North
America.
2 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
1. Lampetra spadicea Bean.
Lampetra spadicea Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1887, 374; Guana-
juato: Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1892, 283; Tanganzicuaro :
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 13.
FIG. 1. LAMPETRA SPADICEA Bean.
No. 38005, U. S. National Museum.
Basin of the Rio Lerma. ,
Infraoral lamina with 9 cusps, the outer largest; lingual teeth
with about 20 pectinae; 4 teeth on each side of buccal disk, one or
more being tri cuspid, the others bicuspid; dorsal fins separate, the
interspace .equaling half length of snout; second dorsal a little
higher than the first, its origin near middle of body.
Color chestnut brown, somewhat lighter on the belly; basal por-
tion of second dorsal pale; the remaining portion somewhat like the
body. Length about 8 inches.
This species is probably distributed throughout the Lerma Basin.
Dr. Duges has collected several specimens in the upper waters of the
Lerma near Guanajuato. It has also been taken by E. W. Nelson
in Lago de Chapala.
CLASS II. PISCES.
THE FISHES.
Skeleton more or less ossified; skull separate from the segmented
vertebral column; mouth with true jaws; limbs, shoulder girdle,
and pelvic bones usually present ; gills attached to imperfect skeletal
arches, usually less than 6 gill openings on each side; nostrils one or
more pairs; heart with arterial bulb; alimentary canal variable in
form, and with pancreas and spleen.
KEY TO THE ORDERS OF PISCES.
a. Tail heterocercal ; vertebras opisthoccelian (con- 'PAGE
cavo-convex) ; air bladder cellular ; scales rhom-
bic, enameled plates Rhomboganoidea 4
aa. Tail not heterocercal; vertebrae amphiccelian
(double concave); air bladder, if present, not
cellular; scales, if present, of the ordinary sort.
b. Anterior vertebras (about 4) much modified,
co-ossified, and provided with ossicula audi-
tus; ventral fins, if present, abdominal and
without spines.
c. Maxillary bone imperfect, forming the base
of a conspicuous barbel ; no subopercle ; no
scales Nematognathi 8
cc. Maxillary bone perfect (rarely wanting),
never entering into the base of a barbel;
subopercle present; scales usually present.
Plectospondylii 24
bb. Anterior vertebrae unmodified, similar to the
others or more elongate, separate and with-
out ossicula auditus.
d. Body eel-shaped; vertebras numerous (100
to 250); scales minute or wanting; no ven-
tral fins ; pectorals usually present ; gill open-
ings restricted ; four pairs of gill arches.
e. Premaxillary, maxillary, and palatine bones
well developed and distinct from each
other as in ordinary fishes; pectoral and
ventral fins wanting; gill openings con-
fluent Symbranchia 89
4 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
ee. Premaxillary atrophied or lost; maxillaries PAGE
lateral, more or less confluent with the
palatines Apodes 90
dd.Body not truly eel-shaped; vertebrae in
moderate number (14 to 100); ventral fins
usually present; gill openings not restricted,
f . Ventral fins, if present, abdominal; fins with-
out spines.
g. Body stout, not covered with bony plates;
gills laminated; ventral fins present, ab-
dominal, without spines,
h. Mesocoracoid well developed ; pectoral fins
inserted low Isospondyli 9 2
, hh. Mesocoracoid always wanting; head scaly ;
dorsal and anal fins without spines,
i. Lateral line none, or imperfectly devel-
oped ; air bladder with a persistent duct ;
lower pharyngeals separate .Haplomi 98
ii. Lateral line developed, concurrent with
the belly ; air bladder without duct in the
adult; lower pharyngeals fully united . . Syncntognathi 160
gg. Body elongate, covered with bony plates
which are firmly connected, forming a
carapace; gills tufted; no ventral fins;
gill openings small Lophobranchia 162
ff . Ventral fins usually anterior in position ;
spines usually present in the fins Acaiithopttri 164
Order II. Rhomboganoidea,
THE GARPIKES.
This order comprises one family of living fishes. Tail hetero-
cercal; vertebrae connected by ball and socket joints, the concavity
of each vertebra being posterior; air bladder lung-like, but connecting
with the dorsal side of the oesophagus.
Family II. Lepidosteidre.
THE GARPIKES.
Body elongate, subcylindrical, covered with hard rhombic ganoid
scales or plates which are imbricated in oblique series running down-
ward and backward; premaxillary forming most of the upper jaw;
jaws long, spatulate or beak-like; teeth on jaws, vomer, and palatines;
FAMILY II. LEPIDOSTEID.E. 5
some of the teeth in the jaws large and canine-like; tail heterocercal,
the vertebrae extending into the upper lobe of the tail; an accessory
gill on inner side of the opercle; spiral valve of intestines rudimentary.
This family is represented in North America by four species;
three of these have been taken in Mexico, the other one is found in
southeastern Texas, and probably occurs in the lower tributaries of
the Rio Grande. The fishes of this family are especially interesting,
because they are the last living relations of a laYge group of ganoid
fishes now extinct.
2. Lepidosteus Lace"pede.
THE GARPIKES.
Lepisosteus Lace"pede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 331, 1803. (Type,
Lepisosteus gavialis Lac6pede= Esox osseus Linnaeus.)
AtractosteusR.afinesq\ie, Ich. Ohiensis, 72, 1820. (Type, Lepisosteus
ferox"R.afi.nesque= Lepidosteus tristcechtis Bloch & Schneider.)
Cylindrosteus Rafinesque, Ich. Ohiensis, 72, 1820. (Type, Lepisosteus
platostomus Rafinesque.)
Jaws with one or more series of teeth, some being enlarged and
fitting into a depression in the opposite jaw; usually some of the
anterior teeth movable ; teeth on vomer and palatines ; in the young
the anterior teeth are often enlarged.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF LEPIDOSTEUS.
a. Large teeth of upper jaw in a single row on PAGE
each side.
b. Jaws long and slender; snout more than
twice length of rest of head osseus 5
bb. Jaws shorter and broader, little longer than
rest of head [platystomus] 6
aa. Large teeth of upper jaw in two series on
each side; jaws short and broad, not longer
.than rest of head.
c. Scales 60 in the lateral series; dorsal rays 8 tristoechus 6
cc. Scales 53 in the lateral series; dorsal rays 6 [tropicus] 7
Subgenus Lepidosteus Lac6pede.
2. Lepidosteus osseus (Linnaeus). LONG-NOSED GARPIKE; COMMON
GARPIKE.
Esox osseus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. x, 313, 1758; after Acus
maxima squamosa viridis of Artedi.
6 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Lepidosteus osseus Giinther, Cat., vin, 330, 1870; North America.
Lepisosteus osseus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U.S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 109: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
117; Tampico: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 72; Santa
Rosalia.
Great Lakes to the Carolinas and Mexico as far south as Tam-
pico. (San Juan; Valles; Forlon.)
Head 3; depth 12; D. 8; A. 9; scales about 62. Body elongate,
cylindrical; jaws long and slender, beak-like; snout more than twice
length of rest of head, its least width 15 to 20 in its length;
large teeth of the upper jaw in a single row on each side; ventral
fins with 6 rays.
Color olivaceous, pale, somewhat silvery below; vertical fins and
posterior part of the body with round black spots, which are more
distinct in the young; very young with a black lateral band. Length
about 3 feet.
The most southern record of this species is Valles, in the
Rio Panuco Basin. I saw quite a number in a deep sluggish creek
at Forlon, but was unable to capture any of them. This species
seldom exceeds a length of 3 feet, and except on the Arkansas River,
I have never seen it used for food. It is easily distinguished from
the other members of the family by its exceedingly long, narrow,
beak-like jaws.
Subgenus Oylindrosteus Rafinesque.
Lepidosteus platystomus Rafinesque. SHORT-NOSED GARPIKE.
Lepisosteus platostomus Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 72, 1820; Ohio River.
Lepidosteus platysiomus Gunther, Cat., vin, 329, 1870: Jordan & Evjrmann,
Bull. 47, U.S. Nat. Mus., 1896, no.
Mississippi Valley south to the Rio Pecos in Texas, ranging as far east as
Florida.
Head 3^; depth 8; D. 8; A. 8; scales about 56. Body elongate, cylindrical;
jaws broad, beak-like; snout usually about one-third longer than rest of
head, its least width 5 to 6 in its length; large teeth of upper jaw in a single
row on each side.
Color similar to the preceding, but usually darker. Length 2 or 3 feet.
This species probably occurs in northeastern Mexico.
Subgenus Atractosteus Rafinesque.
3. Lepidosteus tristoechus (Bloch & Schneider). ALLIGATOR GAR-
PIKE; MANJUARI.
Esox tristoechus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 395, 1801 ; Cuba;
after Manjuari of Para.
Lepidosteus berlandieri Girard, Pac. R. R. Sur., 353, 1858;
Tamaulipas.
Atractosteus lucius Dumeril, Hist. Nat. Poiss., n, 364, 1870;
Tampico, Mexico.
FAMILY II. LEPIDOSTEID^E. 7
Lepidosteus tropicus Gtinther, Fishes, Cent. Amer., 490, 1866;
Huamuchal.
Lepidosteus viridis Gxinther, Cat., vm, 329, 1870; Huamuchal;
Mexico.
Lepisosteus tristcechus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896,111: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 117; Tampico.
Rio Panuco north to the mouth of the Missouri River, south and
east to Cuba. (Tampico.)
Head 3/^; D. 8; A. 8; scales about 60. Body elongate, cylin-
drical; jaws beak-like; snout usually shorter than rest of head, its
least width 3^ times its length; 18 to 20 scales in oblique series
from ventrals to middle of dorsal fin; ventral fin with 6 rays.
Color greenish, pale below; the adult usually not spotted. Length
10 to 12 feet.
I saw quite a number of this species in the Tampico markets
where it was regarded as a very good food fish. This fish is reported
to be quite abundant in the large river channels and the lagoons
about Tampico. It is one of our largest fresh-water fishes.
Lepidosteus tropicus (Gill). TROPICAL GARPIKE.
Atractosteus tropicus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 172; streams
near Panama.
Lepisosteus tropicus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896,
in: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 139;
Montecristo and Teapa, Tabasco.
Central America and southern Mexico, south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Head 3^; depth 9; D. 5; A. 7; scales 53. Body cylindrical, rather short and
stout; snout short and broad, its length less then half that of head; upper jaw
the longer; teeth sharp, those of upper jaw in two lateral rows; enlarged teeth of
lower jaw in one row; eye small; origin of dorsal fin slightly behind that of anal;
pectoral rays 12 ; ventral rays 6.
Color leaden silvery above, white on belly; a few spots on posterior part of
body; rays of dorsal, caudal, and anal dusky; the membranes pale; pectorals and
ventrals pale. Length 2 feet, possibly much larger.
This species has not been recorded farther north than Montecristo, on the
Rio Usumacinta, and Teapa on the Rio Teapa, both places being in the State of
Tabasco. Its southernmost range is the Isthmus of Panama. It is very closely
related to the preceding species.
Order in. Hematognathi,
THE CATFISHES.
Fishes with the four anterior vertebrae co-ossified, and with ossicula
auditus; maxillary rudimentary, forming the base of a conspicuous
barbel; no subopercle; body naked, or more or less covered with
bony plates. A large order comprising several families, only one
of which is represented in Mexico.
Family III. Siluridae.
Body more or less elongate, naked or covered with bony plates;
no true scales; anterior portion of the head with two or more barbels,
the base of the longest pair formed by the small or rudimentary
maxillary; margin of the upper jaw formed by the premaxillaries
only; subopercle absent; opercle present; dorsal fin usually short,
opposite to or in front of ventrals; adipose fin present; anterior
rays of dorsal and pectoral fins spinous; air bladder usually present,
large, and connected with the organ of hearing by means of auditory
ossicles; lower pharyngeals separate.
The catfishes of Mexico allied to those found in the United States,
have representatives known as far south as the Rio Usumacinta in
Guatemala. None of the South. American forms have yet been
taken farther north than Cordoba and . Orizaba.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF SILURID/E.
a. Adipose fin small, its posterior margin free. PAGE
b. Nostrils close together, neither with a barbel,
the posterior with a valve; teeth on palate . . . .Galeichthys 9
bb. Nostrils remote from each other,
c. Posterior nostril with a barbel; barbels 8, the
longest reaching past eye ; teeth on the lower
jaw well developed.
d. Premaxillary band of teeth truncate behind,,
not produced backward at the outer angles.
e. Supraoccipital bone continued backward
from the nape , its notched tip receiving the
bone at base of dorsal spine, so that a con-
tinuous bony bridge is formed under the
skin from snout to base of dorsal Ichikyaelurus ro
ee. Supraoccipital bone not reaching inter-
spinal bones ; the bridge incomplete Amiurus 1 2
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM.
PLATE IV, ZOOLOGY.
m
GALEICHTHYS AGUADULCE Meek.
FAMILY III. SILURID^;. 9
dd. Premaxillary band of teeth with a lateral PAGE
backward extension on each side,
f. Lower jaw shorter than the upper; head
not much depressed; anal rays 21 to 24 htlarius 17
ff. Lower jaw longer than the upper; head
much depressed; anal rays 12 to 15 Leptops 18
cc. Posterior nostril without a barbel; barbels
6 , the longest not reaching eye ; teeth in the
lower jaw very weak Conorhynchus] 19
aa. Adipose fin long, its posterior margin adnate
to the back Rhamdia 20
Subfamily Tachysurinse.
3. Galeichthys Cuvier & Valenciennes.
Galeichthys Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 28, 1840.
(Type, Galeichthys jeliceps Cuv. & Val., etc.)
Body more or less elongate; head armed with a bony shield above,
behind which is an occipital shield; skull with a fontanelle; mouth
rather small, the upper jaw the longer; villiform or granular teeth
in each jaw; teeth on vomer and palatines; barbels 6, none at nostrils;
adipose fin small, its posterior margin free ; caudal fin deeply forked.
A large group of marine catfishes, especially numerous on sandy
shores in tropical seas. It is not known to what extent these fishes
enter fresh water.
4. Qaleichthys aguadulce sp. nov. BAGRE.
Type, No. 4678, F. C. M., n^ inches in length; Perez, Vera Cruz.
Basin of the Rio Papaloapam.
Head 3f ; depth 4^; D. i, 6; A. 17. Body elongate, moderately
compressed posteriorly; head long and slender, narrow forward, its
greatest width i^ m its length, not much depressed; mouth rather
small, its width 3 in head; upper jaw the longer; teeth in jaws in
villiform bands; vomerine teeth in two large patches, slightly separate
from each other, and without backward projection; snout 2^ in
head; diameter of eye 5^ in head; -tip of maxillary barbel reach-
ing slightly past base of pectoral, outer mental barbel to gill opening;
gill membranes broadly connected to isthmus, their hinder margin
free ; top of head posterior to orbits granular ; occipital process longer
than broad; posterior margin of fontanelle midway between tip of
snout and base of dorsal spine, the fontanelle extending as a groove
nearly to occipital process; dorsal spine rather slender, its length \%
in head; anterior margin of dorsal spine nearly smooth, its posterior
margin slightly serrate; anterior margin of pectoral spine smooth,
io FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
the posterior finely denticulate; length of pectoral spine if in head;
caudal fin deeply forked, the upper lobe the longer.
Color dark bluish above, much lighter below; the dark color
on lower half of sides and on fins made up of small dark punctula-
tions; ventral and pectorals and distal half of anal nearly black;
caudal and dorsal with tips of rays black; belly white.
One specimen (type) from Perez.
Subfamily Ichthyeelurinse.
4. IchthywluruH Rafinesque.
CHANNEL CATS; BAGRES.
Ictalurus Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 61, 1820. (Type, Pimelodus
maculatus Rafinesque = Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque.)
Body elongate, slender, compressed posteriorly; head slender and
conical; supraoccipital bone or process prolonged backward, its
emarginated apex receiving the accuminate anterior point of the
second interspinal, thus forming a continuous bony ridge from the
head to the dorsal spine; mouth small, terminal, the upper jaw the,
longer; teeth, in a short band in each jaw; dorsal fin with one spine
and usually 6 soft rays; adipose fin short, with free posterior margin
opposite posterior margin of anal fin; anal fin long, 25 to 35
rays; pectoral spine strong, retrorse-serrate within; caudal fin elon-
gate, deeply forked.
The fishes of this genus live chiefly in river channels. As food
fishes they are superior to other members of the catfish family in
North America.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ICHTHY^ELURUS.
a. Anal fin very long, its base nearly % its body, PAGE
its rays 3 2 to 3 5 furcatus i o
aa. Anal fin shorter, its rays 25 to 29.
b. Barbels long, extending considerably beyond
gill opening; anal rays about 26. punctatus n
bb. Barbels short, the longest only reaching gill
opening; anal rays 28 or 29 meridionalis 1 1
5. Ichthyaelurus furcatus (Le Sueur). CHUCKLE-HEADED CAT.
Pimelodus furcatus Le Sueur, in Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist.
Nat. Poiss., v, 136, 1840; New Orleans.
Pimelodus affinis Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1854, 26, Rio Grande: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 32, pi. xvi, 1859;
mouth of the Rio Grande, at Brownsville, Texas.
Amiurus furcatus Giinther, Cat., v, 103, 1864.
FAMILY III. SILURID^;. u
Amiurus affinis Giinther, Cat., v, 103, 1864.
Ictalurus furcatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 134: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1900,
171 ; Rio Tamesin, Tampico.
Rio Panuco north to Iowa and Ohio.
Head 4%; depth 4 (in adults) to 5^ (in young); D. i, 6; A. 32
to 35. Body elongate; profile from snout to dorsal somewhat con-
cave, especially in adults; head small; eye small, the middle of the
head being behind its posterior margin; pectoral spine rather long;
humeral spine stout, shortish, not reaching middle of pectoral spine;
anal fin long, its base about 3 in body, its rays 32 to 35.
Color silvery, plain or somewhat spotted. Length about 4 feet.
A specimen of this species, which was reported to have been
caught in the Rio Tamesoe, was purchased by Dr. Jordan in 1899
in the Tampico Markets. This species is known to reach a weight
of 150 pounds, being the largest catfish known in American waters.
It lives in clear running streams, and is an excellent food fish. Dr.
Evermann informs me that this species was taken by E. W. Nelson
.in the Rio Soto la Marina, Tamaulipas.
6. Ichthytelurus punctatus (Rafinesque). CHANNEL CAT; WHITE CAT.
Silurus punctatus Rafinesque, American Monthly Magazine, 1818,
359; Ohio River.
Ictalurus punctatus Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1894, 56;
Rio Grande, El Paso, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 134.
Rio Panuco and streams tributary to the Gulf of Mexico, north in
the Mississippi Valley to the rivers of the Great Lake region. (Forlon.)
Head 4; depth 5; D. i, 6; A. 25 to 30. Body elongate, slender,
back little elevated; head rather small, narrow, convex above;
eye large, a little anterior of middle of head; mouth small;
barbels long, the maxillary barbel reaching more or less be-
yond gill opening; humeral process long and slender; more
than y z length of pectoral spine; pectoral spine strongly serrate
behind.
Color light bluish above, the sides pale or silvery, and almost
always with irregular, small, round dark spots; fins often with dark
edgings. Length about 3 feet.
This fish, though smaller, is very similar in appearance and
habits to the preceding species.
7. Ichthyaslurus meridionalis (Giinther). TROPICAL CATFISH; BAGRE.
Amiurus meridionalis Giinther, Cat., v, 102, 1864; Rio Usuma-
cinta.
12 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Ictahirus meridionalis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 135.
Large streams on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Tehuan-
tepec. (Otopa.)
Head 4 to ^%\ depth 5 ; D. i, 6; A. 28 to 29. Body elongate;
head }4 to y$ longer than broad; snout obtusely rounded, the upper
jaw longer than the lower; premaxillary teeth in a band, 5 or 6
times as broad as long; maxillary barbels reaching to end of
head; outer mandibular barbels reaching to posterior margin
of gill membranes; distance of origin of dorsal fin from tip of
snout 2 to 2% in its distance from caudal fin, its spine finely
retrorse-serrate on posterior margin; length of base of adipose
fin equaling that of dorsal, the fin short; pectoral spine strongly
retrorse-serrate on inner margin, its length i^ i n head, the spine
stronger and a little shorter than the dorsal spine ; pectoral fin longer
than ventral, i^ in length of head; ventral extending to origin
of anal fin; caudal fin deeply forked.
Color brownish above, with steel blue reflections; lower half of
body silvery, with a reddish tinge and finely punctulate with dark
dots. Length of adults not known.
One specimen 5^ inches in length was taken in the Rio Otopa
at Otopa.
5. Amiurus Rafinesque.
THE HORNED POUTS.
Ameiurus Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 65, 1820. (Type,Pimelodus
cnpreits Rafinesque = Pimelodus natalis LeSueur.)
Haustor Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896,
135. (Type, Qadus lacustris Walbaum.)
Body moderately elongate, robust anteriorly, the caudal peduncle
much compressed; head large, wide; supraoccipital extended back-
ward, terminating in a more or less acute point, which is entirely
separate from the second inter-spinal buckler; skin covering the
bones usually thick; mouth large, the upper jaw in most species the
longer; teeth in broad bands on the premaxillaries and dentaries;
band on upper jaw convex in front, of equal breadth and without
backward prolongation; adipose fin short, its hinder margin free;
anal fin of 15 to 35 rays; caudal fin usually short, truncate or
deeply forked; lateral line usually incomplete; all Mexican species
so far known, except one (Amiurns natalis}, with a deeply
forked caudal fin.
FAMILY III. SILURIDJE. 13
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF AMIURUS.
a. Caudal fin lunate or forked. PAGE
b. Base of anal fin longer than head, its rays 24
or more; upper jaw the longer.
c. Head very broad, not narrowed forward;
dorsal spine 2^ in head; pectoral spine 2?,
its inner margin rough, but without teeth .australis 13
cc. Head less broad, and narrowed forward;
dorsal spine long, its length if in head;
pectoral spine i^ in head, its hinder margin
with 7 to 9 retrorse teeth lupus 14
bb. Base of anal fin equal to or shorter than the
head; anal rays about 20.
d. Dorsal spine long, 134 to if in head; pec-
toral spine weakly serrate on inner margin.
e. Pectoral spine strong, its length 2 in head;
caudal fin deeply forked, its inner rays less
' than half its outer dugesi 14
ee. Pectoral spine moderate, its length 2f in
head; caudal fin moderately forked, its
inner rays i^ in the outer mexicanus 15
dd. Dorsal spine short, 2% in head; pectoral
spine short and strong and strongly serrate
on its inner margin, its length 2| in head pricei 15
aa. Caudal fin truncate, or very slightly lunate;
anal rays 24 to 27 natalis 16
Subgenus Haustor Jordan & Evcrmann.
8. Amiurus australis sp. nov.
Type, No. 4474, F. C. M., 17.7 inches in length; Forlon, Tamauli-
pas.
Rio Panuco to the Rio Blanco in Southern Vera Cruz. (Forlon;
Rio Blanco.)
Head 3^; depth 5^; D. i, 6; A. 26. Body elongate, head
broad and much depressed, its greatest width i^ in its length;
interorbital 2^; eye father small, 6^ in head; upper jaw consid-
erably the longer; teeth on jaws in bands, and without backward
projections; maxillary barbels long, their tips reaching middle of
pectoral fin; dorsal spine 2| in head; pectoral spine rather strong,
2^ in head, its inner margin rough, but without teeth; anal fin long,
its base slightly longer than head; caudal fin forked, but less so than
in species of Ickthy&lurus; least depth of caudal peduncle 3 in head.
14 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Color dark slaty blue, belly white, somewhat marbled with
brownish; all of the fins very dark.
.While in the Midland Bridge Company's Camp at Rio Blanco,
one of the men caught a catfish 25 inches in length, which I identify
with this species. The following are some of the notes made con-
cerning it: total length, 25 inches; length to base of caudal 21^
inches; length of head 5^ inches; depth 5^ inches; length of base
of anal 6 inches; bridge from snout to dorsal fin not complete; max-
illary teeth without backward extension; caudal fin forked, but not
sharply, its lobes rounded; inner margin of pectoral fin but slightly
serrate; body marked with dark blotches. Large catfish are reported
from all of the large rivers which I visited south of Vera Cruz, but
the specimen noted above is the only large one I saw.
9. Amiurus lupus (Girard). BAGRE; PETONTE.
Pimelodus lupus Girard, Pac. R. R. Sur.,x, 211, 1858; Rio Pecos.
Amiurus lupus Gimther, Cat., v, 101, 1864.
Ameiurus lupus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 137.
Rivers of northeastern Mexico and southeastern Texas. (San
Juan; Montemorelos ; Linares; La Cruz; Garza Valdez.)
Head 3^; depth 4^" to 4^! D- *, 6; A. 23 or 24. Body elongate,
moderately compressed; head flat above, narrowed forward; upper
jaw the longer; interorbital area 2^3 in head; snout 2^3 in head; diam-
eter of eye 3 /^ in head ; maxillary barbel reaching almost to tip of pec-
toral spine; outer mandibulary barbels reaching to base of pectoral;
origin of dorsal nearer tip of snout than adipose fin; dorsal spine
rather long and slender, its length i in head, weakly serrate on
hinder margin; pectoral spine strong, with 7 to 9 retrose teeth on
hinder margin (these becoming somewhat smaller in specimens 12
inches in length) ; pectoral spine i ^ in head ; base of anal fin longer
than head, $% to 3^ in body; caudal fin deeply forked.
Color slaty brownish above, lighter below; sides finely punctulate;
occasionally a few black spots on side made up of dots; fins dusky
with more or less orange base; margin of vertical fins black. Length
about 1 8 inches.
This species very much resembles in color and form Ichthycelurus
punctatus, from which it differs in having a somewhat less forked tail,
larger eye, and a shorter anal. The supraoccipital is entirely separate
from the interspinal buckler which makes it a true Amiurus. This
species is abundant in the streams of northeastern Mexico. It lives
mostly in river channels.
FAMILY III. SILURID^E. 15
10. Amiurus dugesi Bean. BAGRE.
Amiurus dugesi Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 304; Rio
Turbio, Guanajuato: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1894, 61; Rio Lerma, Salamanca, Guanajuato: Jordan &
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 138: Jordan &
Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900, 117; Lago de Chapala
& Guadalajara market: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902,
73; Ocotlan; La Barca; La Palma.
Amiurus catus Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901, 204;
Estado de Jalisco.
Rio Lerma, and in Lago de Chapala, but does not occur in the
lakes about the City of Mexico, nor in Lago de Patzcuaro.
Head 3f; depth 5; D. i, 6; A. 20. Body rather elongate; head
moderate, flattish above; interorbital 2%', eye 5^; upper jaw slightly
the longer; maxillary barbels reaching slightly beyond base of pec-
toral; pectoral spine strong, its length i^ in head, weakly serrate
behind; base of anal 43^ in body, shorter than the head; caudal fin
deeply forked, its inner rays less than half length of outer rays.
Color light steel blue above, lighter below; margin of vertical fins
black; body without black spots. Length 2 to 3 feet.
As a food fish, this is one of the most important in the region where
found.
11. Amiurus mexicanus sp. nov. BAGRE.
Type, No. 4507, F. C. M., n^ inches in length; Rascon, San
Luis Potosi.
Basin of the Rio Panuco. (Rio Verde; Rascon.)
Head 3f ; depth 5^; D. i, 6; A. 20 or 21. Body elongate, com-
pressed behind; head flat, considerably depressed; interorbital 2^
in head; upper jaw somewhat the longer; mouth wide, its width if
in head; eye 6 in head; snout 3; dorsal spine moderate, its length 2%
in head; pectoral spine nearly smooth on hinder margin (slightly
serrate in young specimens), its length 2^ in head; base of anal
considerably shorter than head, 4^ in body; caudal fin forked, but
much less so than in Amiurus lupus; maxillary barbels reaching
slightly beyond base of pectorals ; outer mandibular barbel not reach-
ing to gill opening.
Color dark steel blue, lighter below; sides of body without black
spots; skin very rough, with fleshy hair-like projections. Length
12 to 1 8 inches.
I secured one large and one small specimen of this species at
Rascon, and Dr. Tower collected three specimens at Rio Verde. It
is probably one of the smaller catfishes of Mexico.
:6 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
12. Amiurus price! (Rutter). BAGRE DE SONORA.
Villarins pricei Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 257; San
Bernardino Creek, a tributary of the Rio Yaqui in southern
Arizona: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1900, 2799.
Ameiurus dugesi Bean, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., 1898, 168;
Rio Verde, near San Diego, Chihuahua.
Ameiurus pricei Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 73; Minaca.
Streams of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Chihuahua, Sonora
and Durango. (Lerdo; Durango.)
Head 3$; depth 5; D. i, 6; A. 19. Body elongate, head rather
narrow; lower jaw the shorter; interorbital width 2^ in head; eye
small, 6 in head; maxillary barbels reaching slightly beyond gill
openings; pectoral spine smooth in front, strongly retrose-serrate
behind, its length 2% in head; base of anal 1% in head, 4^ in body;
caudal fin deeply forked, its inner rays about one-half the length
of outer ones.
Color bluish above, lighter below; a few dark spots on the
body; lobes of caudal edged with black. Length probably 2 feet or
more.
All specimens of this species which I have seen were less than 12
inches in length. Mr. C. M. Barber, who has traveled extensively
in Chihuahua and Sonora, informs me that there is a large catfish in
the upper tributaries of the Rio Yaqui. It is quite likely that this is
the species, and that it grows to a length of 2 feet or more.
Subgenus Amiurus Rafinesque.
13. Amiurus natalis (Le Sueur). YELLOW CAT.
Pimelodus natalis Le Sueur, Mem. Mus., v, 1819, 154; North
America.
Ameiurus natalis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 139.
Amiurus natalis antoniensis Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur.,
1878, 405; Brownsville, Texas.
Northeastern Mexico to the Great Lake region, and east to Vir-
ginia.
Head 3^ to 4; depth 4 to 5; D. i, 6; A. 24 to 27. Body not
much elongate, usually rather deep and chubby ; head wide and flattish,
not much longer than broad, the mouth very wide; jaws equal or the
lower the shorter; pectoral spine with a few teeth on its inner margin,
its length about 2 in head; anal fin very long, its base about 4 in
body; caudal fin truncate or slightly notched.
FAMILY III.
Color yellowish, greenish, or blackish, very variable. Length 12
to 1 8 inches.
The most southern record for this species is the Rio Grande at
Brownsville, Texas. It is the only member of the family found in
Mexico which does not have a decidedly forked tail.
6. Istlarius Jordan & Snyder.
Istlarius Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900, 118.
(Type, Istlarius balsanus Jordan & Snyder.)
Body elongate, somewhat compressed; teeth in villiform bands
in both jaws, the one in the upper jaw with an angular posterior ex-
tension on each side; band of teeth in lower jaw with a median divi-
sion growing narrow and pointed posteriorly ; gill rakers long and slen-
der, 1 7 on first gill arch ; barbels 8 ; skin completely covering the head ;
supraoccipital bone widely separated from interspinal; humeral
process short, almost hidden ~by the skin; adipose fin with its pos-
terior margin free.
14. Istlarius balsanus Jordan & Snyder. BAGRE DEL BALSAS.
Istlarius balsanus Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 118; Rio Ixtla, Puente de Ixtla, Morelos: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3138: Meek, Field Col.
Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 72; Puente de Ixtla; Balsas.
1 Basin of the Rio Balsas. (Cuautla; Jojutla.)
FIG. 2. JAWS SHOWING TEETH OF ISTLARIUS BALSANUS Jordan & Snyder.
Head 4; depth 4^3; D. i, 6; A. 24. Body oblong, deep, some-
what compressed; head narrow, not greatly depressed; upper jaw
the longer; eye small, 5> in head; distance from tip of snout to origin
of dorsal fin 2 y^ in body; tips of maxillary barbels reaching slightly
past base of pectoral ; pectoral spine slightly serrate on inner margin ;
anal fin long, its base equaling length of head; caudal fin forked, the
lobes equal; caudal peduncle robust, its least depth 2^3 in the head.
i8 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Color bluish slate above, light silvery below; a few small dark
spots on head and sides; fins dusky. Length 3 feet or more.
This is the only member of the catfish family yet known from
the basin of the Rio Balsas, where it lives in the clear deep water of
the main stream and its larger tributaries. It is an excellent food fish.
7. Leptops Rafinesque.
MUD-CATS.
Leptops Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 64, 1820. (Type, Silurus vis-
cosus Rafinesque Silurus olivaris Rafinesque.)
Body elongate, slender, much depressed anteriorly; head large,
very wide and depressed; skin very thick, entirely concealing the
skull ; supraoccipital bone entirely free from the head of second inter-
spinal; eyes small; mouth very large, the lower jaw always project-
ing beyond the upper; teeth in broad villiform bands on premaxil-
laries and dentaries; band on the upper jaw .convex anteriorly, and
at insertion of the maxillaries, proceeding backward as an elongated
triangular extension; premaxillary band of teeth slightly divided at
the symphysis; lower band of teeth attenuated at the corners of the
mouth; branchiostigals 12; adipose fin large, its posterior margin free;
dorsal and pectoral each with a spine-like ray; anal fin small; caudal
oblong and truncate.
15. Leptops olivaris (Rafinesque). MUD-CAT; BAGRE; BESUGO.
Silurus olivaris Rafinesque, Amer. Monthly Mag., 1818, 355;
Ohio River.
Amiurus punctulatus Gtinther, Cat., v, 101, 1864.
Leptops olivaris Woolman, Bull. U.S. Fish Comm., 1894, 56; Rio
Grande, El Paso, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U.
S. Nat. Mus., 1895, J 43 : Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902,
74; Santa Rosalia.
Northeastern Mexico, north of the Rio Panuco, and streams of
the southern United States and the Mississippi Valley.
Head 3^; depth 6; D. i, 7; A. 12 to 15. Body slender, depressed
forward, the head extremely flat; lower jaw projecting; snout 3?^ in
head; barbels short, maxillary barbels reaching slightly beyond base
of pectoral; eye small, 7 in head; dorsal spine very weak, 2 in height
of the fin ; anal fin short, its base 6^ in the body ; humeral process short ;
pectoral spine strong, serrate on both edges, its length 3 in head;
caudal fin slightly emarginate.
Color yellowish, much mottled with brown and greenish, whitish
below. Length 3 to 4 feet.
FAMILY III. SILURID^E. 19
This species is not recorded south of Santa Rosalia, but may be
expected to range as far south as the Rio Panuco. It is one of the
largest in the family, reaching a weight of 75 pounds, and is a much-
used, excellent food fish.
Subfamily Pimelodinse.
Coiiorliynclms Bleeker.
Conorhynchus Bleeker, Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk, 102, 1863. (Type , Pimelodus
conirostris Cuvier & Valenciennes.)
Body elongate, nearly r terete anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; snout
pointed ; mouth narrow; barrels 6 ; teeth in the upper jaw minute, the lower with
very weak teeth or none; no teeth on palate.
Conorhynchus nelson! Evermann & Goldsborough.
Conorhynchus nelsoni Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1902, 140, fig. i; Rio Usumacinta, Montecristo, Chiapas.
Atlantic streams from Chiapas to Brazil.
FlG. 3. CONORHYNCHUS NELSONI Evermann & Goldsborough.
No. 50001, U. S. National Museum.
Large figure about K natural size.
Small figure, embryo, natural size.
Head 3^; depth 5; D. i, 6; A. 17. Body elongate, nearly terete, becoming
somewhat compressed posteriorly; head conical, about as wide as deep; a gran-
ular saddle over occipital region, extending anteriorly to posterior portion of
eye ; a small granular saddle at base of front of dorsal ; fontanelle long and nar-
row, extending an equal distance in front of and behind eye; a narrow transverse
bridge equal to diameter of pupil just back of posterior border of eye; snout
very long and pointed; mouth small, nearly circular; upper jaw the longer;
barbels all very short; maxillary barbel not nearly reaching eye, its length 2 in
snout ; other barbels shorter ; no teeth on vomer and palatines ; teeth on upper jaw
confluent in one broad patch, concave posteriorly; teeth in lower jaw very weak;
buccal cavity very large; origin of dorsal midway between tip of snout and
posterior base of anal; dorsal spine z\ in head, its upper posterior third roughly
serrate; adipose fin large; pectoral spine 2^ in head, its posterior edge very
strongly serrate; caudal deeply forked, the upper lobe the longer.
Color light brown above lateral line with bluish reflections, silvery below,
becoming pale on the belly; dorsal pale dusky; spine darker in front; inner edge
of caudal lobes black. (Evermann & Goldsborough.)
The male of this species carries the eggs in his mouth during the period of
gestation, during which time he is unable to eat any food. This peculiar cus-
tom, concerning which but little is known, is practiced by some South American
catfishes.
20 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
8. Rhamdia Bleeker.
Rhamdia Bleeker, Ichth. Arch. Ind. Siluri., 1858, 197. (Type, Pime-
lodus quelen Quoy & Gaimard.)
Body more or less elongate; head not especially widened; oc-
cipital process small or wanting, not reaching the dorsal plate;
fontanelle variously developed, not continued backward beyond
the eye, except in the young; young usually with two bony bridges
across the fontanelle, the one behind the eye the other in front of
the occiput ; in old specimens the entire fontanelle becoming obliter-
ated; adipose fin very long, adnate for its entire length to the back;
posterior nostril without a barbel; barbels 6.
Several species of this genus are recorded from Mexico, but the
most of them probably occur south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
This group of fishes is not well known.
. . KEY TO THE SPECIES OF RHAMDIA.
P ALrE
a. Head 3^ in length of body; anal rays 10 oaxacce 20
aa. Head 4 to 5 in length of body,
b. Head 4 to 4^ m length of body,
c. Anal rays 12, or 13; adipose fin 3^ in body;
eye 2^ in interorbital area; head 4^ laticaiida 21
cc. Anal rays 9 or 10.
e. Eye large, 5^3 in head brachyptera 21
ee. Eye small, 7^ to 8 in head .- . . [wagneri] 2 2
bb. Head 5 ; depth 6; anal rays 13 ,: hypselura 22
16. Rhamdia oaxacas Meek. BAGRE.
Rhamdia oaxaca Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 74; Cuicatlan.
Streams of Mexico on the Atlantic side south of Vera Cruz. (Otopa ;
Cordoba; Rio Blanco; Motzorongo; El Hule; Obispo; Perez.)
Head 3^; depth 5^; D. i, 6; A. 10. Body slender, stout ante-
riorly, compressed posteriorly; head large, flat, narrowed forward;
interorbital space 3 in head ; eye high up, small, its diameter 6 % in head ;
occipital process 4^ in -head; width of mouth 2 in head; teeth in
jaws in bands; maxillary barbel reaching to middle of base of adipose
fin (slightly shorter in largest specimens, 6^ inches in length) ; mental
barbel reaching f distance to base of pectoral; postmental to just
past base of pectoral ; humeral spine extending to about ^3 length of
pectoral fin, covered with a membrane; gill rakers 3 + 7; origin of
dorsal fin slightly nearer tip of snout than first anal ray, its margin
rounded; origin of adipose fin at tips of dorsal rays, when fin is deflexed
and extending to opposite tips of depressed anal fin ; origin of anal
FAMILY III. SILURID^E. 21
midway between base of caudal and base of next to last dorsal ray;
caudal fin forked, its lower lobe broad and round, its upper pointed;
fontanelle reaching middle of orbit ; dorsal fin slightly higher than long,
its base if in head; dorsal spine weak, flexible, its length \% in base
of fin; pectoral fin small, its spine strong, with small teeth on its
outer margin, the largest being near its tip, the inner margin ser-
rate, except the portion nearest tip opposite the large teeth on
outer margin; pectoral spine 2f in head; length of adipose fin 2f in
body; ventrals inserted opposite last dorsal ray.
Color uniform dull brownish, slightly lighter on the lower half of
the body ; a narrow black lateral band ; dorsal fin with a light cross-
band occupying the second fourth of the fin from base ; no dark dots.
This species reaches a length of about 18 inches. It is very
abundant in the streams of Mexico south of Vera Cruz.
17. Rhamdia laticauda (Heckel).
Pimelodus laticaudus Heckel, in Kner, Sitz. Wien, Ac., xxvi,
420, 1857; Mexico: Giinther, Cat., v, 127, 1864.
Rhamdia laticauda Jordan & Evermann., Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 152.
Head 4%', D. i, 6; A. 13. Body elongate; head covered with soft
skin above; occipital process short; lower jaw the shorter; the eyes
situated somewhat before the middle of the head, their diameter f
width of interorbital ; pectoral spine only half as long as rays; base
of adipose 3^ m body; caudal peduncle nearly as deep as body;
caudal fin subtruncate. (Kner.)
We know this species only from the abpve account.
%
18. Rhamdia brachyptera (Cope).
Pimelodus brachypterus Cope, Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., 1866, 404;
Orizaba, Mexico.
Rhamdia brachyptera Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 151.
Mountain streams of the south central portion of Vera Cruz.
(Motzorongo.)
Head 4|; depth 5; D. i, 7; A. 10. Body rather elongate, robust
anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; back slightly elevated; head
elongate, rather narrow, flattened with rather steep sides; snout
little broader than long, its length aj in head; eye small, high up on
head, directed outward and upward; diameter of eye 5^ in head;
width of mouth 2 l / 3 ; teeth small, sharp, conic; interorbital 2%;
maxillary barbel short, its tip reaching base of ventral; outer mental
barbel extending to the tip of the humeral process; fontanelle extend-
22 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
ing from internasal space to scarcely beyond the posterior margin of
the eyes; opercle with fine radiating striae; humeral spine extending
for about the first third of its length of the pectoral fin, covered with
a thin membrane; origin of dorsal fin nearly midway between the
tip of the snout and origin of anal, its margin rounded; origin of
adipose fin near dorsal and extending to tips of depressed rays of
anal ; origin of anal a little nearer base of the caudal than the dorsal ;
caudal fin deeply emarginate, its lobes pointed; pectoral fin small,
reaching a little over half-way to the base of ventrals, its com-
pressed spine about two -thirds its length; ventrals inserted below
the posterior base of the dorsal fin, reaching about Y% of its distance
to the anal.
Color uniform dull russet brown; the upper half a little darker
than the lower; a pale shade on dorsal. Length 6J/& inches.
The above description was taken by Mr. Henry Fowler from the
type which is in the Museum of the Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia.
This species is known only from this and one other specimen, n
inches in length, collected by the writer at Motzorongo.
Rhamdia wagneri (Gimther).
Pimelodus wagneri Gtinther, Fishes Cent. Amer., 474, 1869; Atlantic and
Pacific Rivers of Panama.
Rhamdia wagneri Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 150:
Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 146; Teapa
and Frontera, Tabasco.
Southern Mexico to Panama.
Head 4 to 4%', depth 5 to 5X1 D. i, 6; A. 9 or 10. Body elongate, tapering
backward from head and much compressed posteriorly; head broad and flat,
slightly longer than wide, covered with soft, smooth skin ; interorbital width 2%
in head; eye small, high up on the head, its diameter 7^ to 8 in head; mouth
moderate, jaws equal; teeth in broad cardiform bands on each jaw; maxillary
barbel reaching adipose fin; mental barbel reaching beyond base of pectoral;
occipital process narrow, reaching about half-way to dorsal spine ; base of adipose
fin 2 % to 3 in body, reaching slightly farther than anal; fontanelle not continued
beyond the eye.
Color brown, lighter below; many dots over the body; a dark lateral band;
base of dorsal pale. Length probably about 18 inches. Specimens described
are from Teapa and Frontera.
This species was taken at Teapa and Frontera, Tabasco, by Mr. E. W.
Nelson. So far this is the most northern record we have of it. The largest
specimen collected by Mr. Nelson is 14% inches in length.
19. Rhamdia hypselura (Giinther).
Pimelodus hypselurus Gunther, Cat., v, 126, 1864; Mexico.
Rhamdia hypselura Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1895- i5 2 -
Head 5; depth 6; D. I, 6; A. 13. Body elongate, apparently quite
slender; lower jaw the shorter, the band of teeth in the upper jaw
about five times as broad as long; eyes near middle of head, their
diameter being ^ width of interorbital space ; head covered with soft
FAMILY III. SILURID^E. 23
skin; occipital process triangular, rather short; dorsal fin with a
weak spine, the fin higher than long; base of adipose fin 4 in body;
pectoral spine 2 in body; the posterior anal rays, if the fin is deflexed,
extending nearly to the vertical from the end of the adipose fin;
caudal peduncle deeper than long; caudal fin forked, with both
lobes rounded.
Color uniform blackish (Gunther).
We know this species only from the above account.
Order iv. Plectospondyli.
THE CARP-LIKE FISHES.
The anterior vertebrae modified as in the preceding order; oper-
cular bones all present; maxillary developed, not entering into the
base of a barbel; body covered with ordinary scales, rarely naked;
ventral fins abdominal.
KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF PLECTOSPONDYLI.
a. Braincase produced between the orbits; jaws PAGE
toothless ; no adipose dorsal fin ; lower pharyn-
geal b.ones falciform.
b. Pharyngeal teeth numerous, pectinate; max-
illary forming part of the margin of the upper
jaw . '. C ' atostomidce 24
bb. Pharyngeal teeth few; margin of the upper
jaw formed by the premaxillaries only Cyprinidce 36
aa. Braincase not produced between the orbits;
jaws usually with teeth; adipose fin usually
present Characinida 83
Family IV. Catostomidae.
THE SUCKERS.
Body oblong or elongate, usually more or less compressed; head
more or less conical; mouth usually protractile and with fleshy lips;
margin of the upper jaw formed in the middle by the small premaxil-
laries and outside by the maxillaries ; jaws toothless; lower pharyn-
geal bones falciform, armed with a single row of numerous comb-
like teeth ; branchiostegals 3 ; gill membranes more or less united to
the isthmus ; gills 4 ; pseudobranchiae present ; scales cycloid ; lateral
line usually present; ventrals abdominal; alimentary canal long; no
pyloric cceca; air bladder in two or three parts. Fishes inhabiting
the fresh waters of Eastern Asia and North America. The buffalo
fishes are much used for food, but the other members of the family
are of little value for this purpose.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF CATOSTOMID^E.
a. Dorsal fin elongate, with 25 to 50 rays, its PAGE
first 6 or 8 rays much longer than the others Carpiodes 25
aa. Dorsal fin short, with 10 to 18 rays.
24
FAMILY IV. CATOSTOMID^E. 25
b. Scales small, more than 55 in the lateral PAGE
series; air bladder in two parts,
c. Scales very small, more than 80 in the lateral
series; jaws with hard sheathes; under lip
very broad and deeply incised; fontanelle
wanting, or very small in the young Pantosteus 30
cc. Scales moderate, less than 80 in the lateral
series; fontanelle present in the adult.
d. Nuchal region without a hump Catostomus 31
dd. Nuchal region developed in a high sharp-
edged hump Xyrauchen 33
bb. Scales large, less than 45 in the lateral series;
air bladder in 3 parts ; lateral line complete .... Myzostoma 3 4
Subfamily Ichthyobinae.
9. Carpiocles Rafmesque.
Carpiodes Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 56, 1820. (Type, Catostomus
. cyprinus Le Sueur.)
Head comparatively short and deep, its upper surface always
rounded; mouth small, horizontal and inferior; suborbital bones well
developed; fontanelle present; lips thin or moderately thick, more or
less plicate; pharyngeal bones very thin; teeth compressed, nearly
equally thin all along the length of the bone, forming a fine, comb-
like crest of minute serratures; gill rakers slender and stiff above,
becoming reduced downward ; caudal peduncle rather short and deep ;
scales large, about equal all over the body; lateral line well developed,
nearly straight; dorsal fin long, with 23 to 30 rays; caudal fin forked,
lobes about equal. The fishes of this group reach a large size. They
inhabit the larger streams of the Mississippi Valley, extending as far
south as the Rio Usumacinta in Guatemala.
KEY TO SPECIES OF CARPIODES.
a. Tips of pectoral fins reaching nearly or quite PAGE
to base of ventrals; lips moderate,
b. Dorsal rays 28 or 30; scales 40 in the lateral
series; depth 2|; lower lip slightly thicker
than the upper meridionalis 26
bb. Dorsal rays 24; scales 36 in the lateral series;
depth 2f tnmidus 26
aa. Tips of pectoral not nearly reaching base of
ventral; distance from tip of pectoral to base
of ventral about half the length of pectoral fin.
26 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
c. Lips thin; mouth small; lower lip about twice PAGE
as thick as upper,
d. Body robust, its depth 2^ to 3 in length
of body; head large, 3$ microstomus 27
dd. Body elongate, its depth 3)^ to $% in
length of body; head rather small, 4^ elongatus 28
cc. Lips very thick; mouth large; lower lip
about as thick as upper; lips strongly papil-
lose; body very slender, its depth 3^ labiosus 29
20. Carpiodes meridionalis (Giinther).
Sclerognathus meridionalis Giinther, Cat., vn, 23, 1868; Rio Usu-
macinta, Guatemala.
Ictiobus meridionalis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 164.
Large rivers of Mexico south of the City of Vera Cruz and of the
east slope of Guatemala. (Perez.)
Head 3^; depth 2^; D. 28 to 30; A. 9; scales 9-40-6. Body
elongate, compressed, dorsal region elevated; head small; mouth in-
ferior; lips moderately thick, papillose, the lower slightly the thicker;
hinder margin of lower lip rounded, the lobes not forming an angle;
snout short, blunt, its length 4 in head; diameter of eye 4 in head;
opercles striate ; origin of dorsal fin midway between tip of snout and
base of caudal ; dorsal fin falcate, its longest rays shorter than the head ;
base of dorsal 2% in head; tips of pectorals not reaching base of
ventrals by a distance equaling % length of the fin; pectoral i^ in
head; ventral i^; least depth of caudal peduncle 2 in head; caudal
fin forked, the lower lobe the broader and the shorter.
Color brownish olive above, below silvery. Length 2 feet or more.
The most southern range of this species, so far as known at pres-
ent, is the Rio Usumacinta in Guatemala. This fish is reported to
reach a weight of 20 to 30 pounds. It was very abundant in isolated
ponds near Perez. None of the specimens taken by me exceeded a
length of 12 to 14 inches.
21. Carpiodes tumidus Baird & Girard. METALOTE; BUFFALO.
Carpiodes tumidus Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1854, 28; Rio Grande, Ft. Brown, Tex.: Jordan, Bull. U. S.
Geol. Sur., 1878, 404, 666; Brownsville, Texas: Jordan & Snyder,
Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,1900, 119, lagoons near Tampico.
Ictiobus tumidus Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 34, pi. xix, figs. 1-4, 1859;
Rio Grande, Ft. Brown, Texas.
Ichthyobus tumidus Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881, 89;
Rio Nazas, San Pedro, Coahuila.
FAMILY IV. CATOSTOMID^E. 27
Carpiodes velifer, in part, Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 167.
Lowland streams from the Rio Panuco to the Rio Grande. (Garza
Valdez; Forlon.)
Head 3^4; depth 2f; D. 24; A. 8; scales 9-36-5. Body deep,
compressed, back considerably arched ; head broad, convex ; interorbital
2^" in head; eye 5; snout 3^; mouth moderately large, inferior; lips
rather thick, the lower plicate, each plication broken into two or
three parts; upper lip papillose, the greatest diameter of papillae at
right angles to mouth ; opercles faintly striate ; origin of dorsal slightly
nearer tip of snout than base of caudal; dorsal fin falcate, tips of its
longest rays reaching beyond middle of fin ; longest ray i y* in base of
fin, which is 2^ in body; tips of pectorals reaching base of ventrals;
length of pectoral i% in head, and slightly longer than ventrals; tips
of ventrals reaching ^3 of distance between its base and origin of
anal; caudal peduncle deep, its least depth nearly equal to* its length
and 1 2^ in length of head ; caudal fin forked, the two lobes about equal.
Color light plumbeous above, lighter below; fins plain, rather
darker in the larger specimens. Length probably 18 inches to 2 feet.
Longest specimen seen by me 12^ inches, taken at Forlon. A
large, rather dark colored buffalo fish inhabiting the larger rivers of
northeastern Mexico.
22. Carpiodes microstomus sp. nov.
Type, No. 3542, F. C. M., 4^2 inches in length; Santa Rosalia, Chi-
huahua.
Carpiodes tumidus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 74; Santa
Rosalia; Jimenez (not Carpiodes tumidus Girard).
Basin of the Rio Conchos in Chihuahua.
FIG. 4. CARPIODES MICROSTOMUS Meek.
28
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Head 3$ ; depth 2^ to 3; D. 24 to 26; A. 8; scales 7-38 to 41-6.
Body robust, compressed, back arched; head moderately large; lips
very thin papillose, the long diameter of papillae at right angles to
mouth, giving the lips a plicate appearance; opercle strongly striate;
lower lip slightly broader than upper, lobes somewhat u -shaped;
interorbital convex, 2^ in head; snout 3^3 in head; dorsal fin falcate,
tips of longest rays when deflexed reaching past middle of its base;
longest rays i % in its base ; origin of dorsal slightly nearer tip of snout
than base of caudal ; distance between tip of pectoral and base of ven-
tral 2 in length of pectoral; pectoral if in head; ventral i>; caudal
peduncle deep, its least depth i% in its length; caudal fin forked, its
lobes about equal.
Color light brownish, silvery below; middle of each scale silvery,
forming indistinct silvery lines along rows of scales; these more con-
spicuous on lower half of body. Length about 10 inches.
A small species inhabiting the tributaries of the Rio Grande, on the
Mexican Plateau.
23. Carpiodes elongatus sp. nov. METALOTE.
Type, No. 4425, F. C. M., 9 inches in length; Linares, Nuevo
Leon.
Rivers of northeastern Mexico between the Rio Panuco and the
Rio Grande. (San Juan; Montemorelos ; Linares; La Cruz.)
FIG. 5. CARPIODES ELONGATUS Meek.
Head 4 to 4^3 ; depth 3^ to 3^3 ; D. 23 to 26; A. 7; scales 8-38-5.
Body elongate, not much compressed, back little elevated; head
small; interorbital convex, its width 2f in head; diameter of eye 3^
to 4 ; snout 3 % ; mouth small ; lips thin , the lower about twice as thick
as the upper; lips papillose, the papillae with long diameter at right
angles to the mouth, giving the lips a plicate appearance; opercles
FAMILY IV. CATOSTOMID^;. 29
strongly striate; dorsal fin falcate, the tip of first rays when deflexed
reaching past middle of the base of fin ; base of dorsal 2 in body ;
origin of dorsal fin nearer tip of snout than base of caudal by a distance
equal to the length of the snout; length of pectoral i^ in head; dis-
tance from tip of pectoral to base of ventral 2 in length of pectoral;
ventrals 1^3 in head; caudal peduncle long and slender, its least
depth 1^2 in its length (measured from last dorsal ray) ; caudal forked,
the lobes about equal; lateral line decurved anteriorly.
Color light brownish above, lighter below, silvery; fins all plain.
Length about 12 inches.
This species is more slender and has thicker lips than the preced-
ing, which it most resembles.
24. Carpiodes labiosus sp. nov.
Type, No. 4492, F. C. M., T.O I /^ inches in length; Valles, San
Luis Potosi.
Basin of the Rio Panuco. (Valles.)
FIG. 6. CARPIODES LABIOSUS Meek.
Head $%; depth 3! ; D. 23; A. 9; scales 10-43-6. Body rather
elongate, moderately compressed; back not much arched; head
rather small; mouth large, overhung by the rather blunt snout; lips
very thick, papillose, resembling those of Catostomus; eye 4 in head;
snout 2; opercles not striate; dorsal fin falcate, when deflexed the
tips of longest rays reaching ^ distance to base of last ray ; origin of
dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and tip of snout, slightly
in advance of ventrals ; base of dorsal fin 3^ in length of body ; dis-
tance from last dorsal ray to base of caudal i/^ in the base of the
dorsal fin; caudal peduncle slender, its least depth i in distance
from last dorsal ray to base of caudal; pectoral fin i ^ in head, its tips
not reaching base of ventrals by a distance equal to ^3 of their length ;
ventrals i in head, their tips not reaching origin of anal fin.
30 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Color silvery plumbeous on upper half of body, lower white ; middle
of each scale more silvery than the margin, forming indistinct silvery
lateral stripes along the rows of scales.
This species is easily distinguished by being more slender than any
other member of the genus and having thick papillose lips like the
species of Catostomus. One large (type) and one small (i l / inches)
specimen were taken at Valles.
Subfamily Catostominee.
1O. Pantosteus Cope.
MOUNTAIN SUCKERS.
Pantosteus Cope, Lieut. Wheeler's Expl. W., looth Mer., v., 673,
1876. (Type, Minomus platyrhynchus Cope.)
Body rather elongate, not much compressed; head rather small;
suborbital bones narrow; bones of the head rather thick; the parietal
bones in the adult more or less uniting, partly or wholly obliterating
the fontanelle; mouth large, entirely inferior; each jaw with a devel-
oped cartilaginous sheath; upper lip broad, papillose, with a rather
broad free margin, and two or more series of tubercles; lower lip largely
developed, the broad deep margin deeply incised behind; pharyngeal
bones and teeth essentially as in Catostomus; isthmus broad; scales
small, 80 to over too in lateral series; lateral line well developed, nearly
straight; fins rather small; caudal short, emarginate; air bladder in
two parts.
25. Pantosteus plebeius (Baird & Girard).
Catostomus plebeius Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1854, 28; Rio Mimbres, a tributary of Lago de Guzman.
Minomus plebeius Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 173;
Rio Janos, tributary of Lago de Guzman: Girard, Mex. Bd.
Sur.,38,pl. xxn, figs. 1-4, 1858; Rio Mimbres.
Catostomus guzmaniensis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
173; Rio Janos, tributary of Lago de Guzman.
Acomus guzmaniensis Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 39, pi. xxm, figs.
i-io, 1858; Rio Janos, tributary of Lago de Guzman.
Catostomus nebuliferus Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881,
vin, 89; Rio Nazas, Coahuila.
Pantosteus plebeius Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 171: Bean, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., 1898, 167; San
Diego, Chihuahua: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1902, 146; Rio Piedras, Colonia Garcia and Rio Casas
Grandes, Casas Grandes, Chihuahua: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub.
65, 1902, 75; Colonia Juarez; Ahumada; San Andres; Minaca.
FAMILY IV. CATOSTOMID^E. 31
Streams and lakes on the plateau in northern Mexico, ranging as far
south as the headwaters of the Rio Mezquital in Durango, and the
Rio Nazas. (Sauz; Lerdo; Santiago Papasquiaro; Durango.)
Head 4^ to 4^3 ; depth 4^ ; D. 9 to 1 1 ; A. 8 ; scales 14-85 to 100-
14. Body elongate, rather stout, little compressed; upper surface of
head convex, mouth inferior; lips papillose, papillae on upper lip in
about six rows; free margin of lower lip incised, the incision reaching
about half-way to margin of jaw; interorbital convex, its width 2\ in
head; eye small, high up on the head, its diameter about from 5-6^
in head; snout 2\ in head; origin of dorsal nearer tip of snout than
base of caudal; dorsal low, its margin convex, its longest ray about if
in head; base of dorsal 2^ in head; pectorals moderate, i 1 /?, in head,
and slightly more than the space between their tips and base of caudal ;
ventral fins i| in head, their tips reaching half-way to base of anal;
caudal peduncle somewhat compressed, its least diameter 2^ in head;
caudal fin very short, emarginate, its longest rays i^ in head; scales
small, those on anterior half of body smaller than those on posterior
half, or on ventral surface; about 50 scales in a series between nape
and dorsal fin.
Color dark brown, the sides mottled with darker; in small speci-
mens a dark lateral band; in large males in life, the side has a bright
orange band. Length 12 to 18 inches.
This species is easily recognized on account of the small scales,
hard cartilaginous lips, and short fins, and especially by the short
caudal fin. It is usually very abundant where found, and seldom ex-
ceeds 12 inches in length.
11. Catostomus Le Sueur.
FINE-SCALED SUCKERS.
Catostomus Le Sueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1817, 89. (Type,
Cyprinus catostomus Forster.)
Body elongate, terete anteriorly, not much compressed; mouth
rather large, inferior; upper lip thick, papillose; lower lip greatly
developed, with broad, deeply incised free portion; scales small, those
on anterior half of the body much reduced in size; pharyngeal teeth
compressed vertically, rapidly diminishing in size upward; lateral line
nearly straight, well developed; air bladder in two parts; vertebrae 45
to 47. Species chiefly North American.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CATOSTOMUS.
a. Scales large, 60 to 75 in the lateral series; not
more than 35 in a series between nape and
dorsal fin.
32 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
b. Scales in the lateral series 65; 30 scales in a PAGE
series between nape and dorsal fin sonorensis 32
bb. Scales in the lateral line 75; 31 scales in a
series between nape and dorsal fin bernardini 32
aa. Scales in the lateral line 80; about 45 scales in
a series between nape and dorsal fin conchos 33
26. Catostomus sonorensis Meek.
Catostomus sonorensis Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 75;
Minaca.
Upper tributaries of the Rio Yaqui.
Head 4; depth 4%; D. 12; A. 7; scales 11-65-10. Body robust,
profile very convex; top of head flattish, broad; interorbital 2% in
head; lips thick, papillose, the papillae on upper lip in 8 or 9 rows;
lower lip very broad, from anterior to posterior margin 4^ in head;
the two halves meeting at a very obtuse angle; dorsal fin as high as
long, its base i| in head; origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer base of
caudal fin than tip of snout ; margin of dorsal fin slightly convex ; base
of ventrals under middle rays of dorsal fin; pectoral fin if in head;
distance from tip of pectoral to base of ventral i in pectoral fin;
ventrals if in head, their tips nearly reaching anal fin; lateral line
slightly decurved anteriorly; no fontanelle; caudal fin deeply emar-
ginate; lobes equal; scales on anterior half of body much reduced.
Color steel blue to brownish, white below; young specimens have
the dark lateral blotches. Length about 12 inches.
27. Catostomus bernardini Girard.
Catostomus bernardini Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
175; San Bernardino Creek, tributary of Rio Huagui, west of
Sierra Madre Mts., Mexico: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 40, xxin, figs.
1-5, 1858; San Bernardino Creek: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 178: Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896,
258; Rio Yaqui, Sonora: Bean, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.,
1898, 166, Sonora.
Pacific slope streams in Sonora.
Head \ l /t ; depth about 4^ I D. 1 2 ; A. 7 ; scales 75. Body elongate,
rather slender; head small; lips broad, the lower deeply incised; eye
large, 4 in head ; origin of the dorsal fin slightly nearer tip of snout than
base of caudal ; margin of dorsal fin subconvex ; base of dorsal a little
less than length of longest ray; pectorals about \\ in the head; scales
on anterior half of the body much reduced in size, 31 in a series be-
tween nape and first dorsal ray; fontanelle large.
Color uniform, purplish black and yellowish white beneath. This
species probably reaches a length of 1 2 inches.
FAMILY IV. CATOSTOMID^E. 33
28. Catostomus conchos Meek.
Catostomus conchos Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 75 ; Jimenez.
Basin of the Rio Conchos, in Chihuahua.
Head 4^; depth 4%; D. 9; A. 7; scales 13-80-13. Body robust,
terete, not much compressed, except posterior third; profile convex;
head broad; interorbital area convex, its width 2% in head; lips thick,
papillose, the papillae on the upper lip in about 9 rows; lower lip broad,
4^ in head from anterior to posterior margin ; lower lip deeply incised,
its lobes meeting at a very obtuse angle; dorsal fin as high as long,
its base i.K in head; origin of dorsal fin nearer tip of snout than base
of caudal by a distance equaling ^3 head ; margin of dorsal fin slightly
convex ; base of ventrals under seventh dorsal ray ; pectoral fin i X in
head; distance from tip of pectoral to base of ventral 2 in pectoral fin;
ventral fins if in head, their tips not reaching anal; lateral line slight-
ly decurved anteriorly; no fontanelle; caudal fin not deeply emarginate
the lobes about equal.
Color light steel blue on back, shading into dark olive; sides
lighter below, especially on posterior half of body where the line be-
tween the light and dark color is very marked ; on anterior half of the
body the colors gradually merge into one another; young with the
black lateral blotches. Length 1 2 inches or more.
At present this species is known only from the type locality.
12. Xyraucheii Eigenmann & Kirsch.
RAZOR-BACK SUCKERS.
'Xyrauchen Eigenmann & Kirsch, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888,
556. (Type, Catostomus cypho Lockington.)
Body rather elongate, compressed; nuchal region with a large
sharp-edged hump, formed by a singular development of the inter-
neural bones, otherwise as in Catostomus.
29. Xyrauchen cypho (Lockington). RAZOR-BACK SUCKER.
' Catostomus cypho Lockington, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1880,
237 ; Colorado River at mouth of the Gila, Arizona: Gilbert &
Scofield, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 491; Colorado River at
Yuma, and Horseshoe Bend.
Basin of the Colorado River.
Head 4; depth 4; D. 13 or 14; A. 7; scales 14-72 to 77-13. Body
stout, compressed; the head small, low, the profile ascending to the
prominent nuchal hump, which is largest in adults; anterior edge of
hump straight, sharp, and without scales; mouth wide, inferior; upper
lip with two rows of papillae; lower lip deeply divided, with 8 rows;
34 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
dorsal fin low, long, with concave edge; caudal fin broad and strong,
with numerous rudimentary rays; pectorals moderate.
Color plain, olivaceous. Length 2 feet or more.
A very peculiar Sucker, known only from the basin of the Colorado
River. It reaches a weight of 8 to 10 pounds.
13. Myzostoma Rafinesque.
RED-HORSE SUCKERS.
Moxostoma Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 54, 1820. (Type, Catos-
tomus anisurus Rafinesque.)
Body more or less elongate, nearly terete- usually more or less
compressed posteriorly; suborbital bones very narrow; fontanelle
present; mouth inferior; lips plicate, the lower not deeply incised;
jaws without cartilaginous sheath; opercular bones moderately devel-
oped, nearly smooth; isthmus broad; gill rakers weak, rather long;
pharyngeal bones rather weak; teeth compressed, the lower 5 or 6
stronger than the others, which rapidly diminish in size upward, each
with a prominent internal cusp. Scales large, nearly equal in size
over the body and not especially crowded anywhere; lateral line de-
veloped, slightly curved anteriorly, fins all developed; caudal forked;
anal fin short and high; air bladder with three chambers. A group of
large-scaled suckers chiefly inhabiting the streams of United States
east of the Rocky Mountains.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF MYZOSTOMA.
a. Distance from tips of pectorals to base of ven- PAGE
trals sX m the length of the pectoral fin. congestum 34
aa. Distance from tips of pectorals to base of ven-
trals 2^ in length of pectoral austrinum 35
30. Myzostoma congestum (Baird & Girard). LISA.
Catostomus congestus Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1854, 27; Rio Salada, Texas.
Ptychostomus albidus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
172; Rio San Juan, Monterey, Nuevo Leon; near Monterey.
Moxostoma congestum Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894,
56; Rio Grande, El Paso, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 192: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65,
1902, 76; Santa Rosalia.
Basin of the Rio Soto la Marina north to the Rio Grande and west
to the upper tributaries of the Rio Conchos in Chihuahua. (San
Juan; Montemorelos ; Linares; Garza Valdez; Victoria.)
FAMILY IV. CATOSTOMID.E. 35
Head 4f; depth 4; D. n; A. 7; scales 7-45-5. Body elongate,
terete; head large; interorbital area flat, its width 2 in the length of
the head; eye 4^; snout 2>; origin of dorsal fin midway between tip
of snout and tip of last anal ray; about 16 scales in a series before
dorsal fin; margin of dorsal- fin slightly concave, the length of its first
rays i % in head , its base i % ', shortest dorsal ray 2 X ! caudal fin forked ,
its lower lobe slightly the larger; longest caudal ray 1% in head;
length of pectorals equals the length of the head ; distance from tip of
pectorals to base of ventrals 5^ in length of pectoral; ventrals if
in head, their tips reaching ^ distance to anal fin; least depth of
caudal peduncle 2^ m head.
Color light olivaceous above, lighter below; middle of each scale
silvery, forming faint longitudinal stripes along rows of scales; dorsal
membranes blackish; other fins plain. Length 12 to 14 inches.
This species has not been taken in the Rio Nazas or in other iso-
lated bodies of water in northern Mexico.
31. riyzostoma austrinum Bean.
Myxostoma austrina Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 302; La
Piedad in Morelia, Michoacan.
Moxostoma austrinum Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894,
61; Rio Lerma, Salamanca, Guanajuato: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1876, 192: Jordan & Snyder, Bull.
U. S. Fish. Comm., 1900, 120; Rio Verde, Aguas Calientes;
Rio Santiago, Ataquiza, Jalisco: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65,
1902, 76; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Basin of the Rio Lerma and headwaters of the Rio Mezquital.
(Durango.)
Head 4^ to 4$; depth 4; D. n ; A. 6; scales 7-44 to 48-6. Body
rather stout; head rather small; interorbital area 2% in head; eye 4^2
to 6 ; snout 2 % ', origin of dorsal fin midway between tip of snout and
base of last anal ray; 16 scales in series before dorsal fin; margin of
dorsal fin slightly concave, its longest ray i in head; base of dorsal
1 1 in head; shortest dorsal ray 2> in head; caudal fin forked, lobes
about equal ; the length of the pectorals equals the length of the head ;
distance from tip of pectoral to base of ventrals 2^ in length of pec-
toral; ventrals if in head, their tips reaching % distance to vent;
least depth of caudal peduncle 2^\ in head.
Color light brown above, lower parts yellowish white; dorsal mem-
brane blackish, other fins plain.. Length about 15 inches.
36 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Family V. Cypriiiiclse.
THE MINNOWS.
Body elongate, more or less compressed; mouth large or small, ter-
minal or subinferior; margin of the upper jaw formed by the premaxil-
laries; no teeth in the jaws; pharyngeal bones well developed, falci-
form, and nearly parallel with the gill a,rches, each provided with i to
3 rows of teeth, usually 4 to 7 in the main row; fewer in the other rows
if present ; barbels usually none, never more than 2 to 4 ; belly rounded,
rarely compressed to an edge, and never serrate; gill membranes
broadly joined to the isthmus; branchiostegals always 3; gills 4;
pseudobranchiae usually present; ventral fins abdominal; air bladder
large, usually in two lobes; stomach without appendages.
This family comprises many small fresh -water fishes. A few of
our western forms reach a large size. On this continent the south-
ernmost limit of this family is in the Balsas basin in southern Mexico.
This large group of small fishes which so much resemble each other
in form, size and coloration is one of the most difficult in which to dis-
tinguish genera and species. Before one can make much progress in
the study of these species, careful attention must be given to the
teeth, as the genera are based largely on dental characters. The teeth
are confined to the pharyngeal bones which are just back of the gill
openings on either side of the oesophagus. In American species the
teeth on each pharyngeal bone are in one large row of 4 or 5, in front
of which is usually a smaller row of one or two teeth. The pharyn-
geal bones must be removed with great care to avoid breaking the
teeth from them. It is best to clean the teeth by tearing away the
flesh with a needle or other sharp-pointed instrument, after which
they are easily examined with a hand lens. The herbivorous species
have teeth usually not hooked and with a flat or concave surface.
In the carnivorous species they usually have a sharp cutting or a ser-
rated edge and hooked tips. Their number is indicated by a dental
formula. Thus "teeth 4-4," indicates that only the principal row is
present. "Teeth 2, 4-5, 2," indicates the principal row on one side
contains four teeth, the other five, while the lesser row on each side
contains two each, and so on.
During the breeding season the males are more or less covered with
tubercles, outgrowths of the epidermis. Usually these are, confined
to the head, but often are found over the entire body. The lower
parts of the body and the fins are often highly colored ; the prevailing
color being red, although in some genera it is satin white, yellow, or
black. In some cases the males are deeper than the females. Young
examples are always difficult to identify; these are usually more
FAMILY V. CYPRINID/E. 37
slender and have a larger eye than the adults. Often the young have
a lateral band and a dark caudal spot which the adults do not possess.
In the following descriptions the rudimentary rays of the dorsal and
anal fins are not counted. Besides the native species here mentioned,
two other species* from Europe and Asia have been introduced into
some of the streams and lakes of Mexico, where they have become quite
abundant, especially so in the Rio Lerma and the lakes in the Valley
of Mexico. Both of these species are offered for sale in the markets
in the City of Mexico. They are easily distinguished from the native
fresh-water fishes by the long dorsal fin which is preceded by a serrated
spine.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF CYPRINID^E.
a. Dorsal fin short, without developed spine. PAGE
b. Air bladder surrounded by many convolutions
of the long alimentary canal; pharyngeal
teeth 4-4, or i, 4-4, o, with oblique grinding
surface, the tips slightly hooked; peritoneum
black Campostoma 40
*Dorsal fin elongate, its rays 18 or more; dorsal and anal fins each preceded
by a serrated spine; teeth molar. PAGE
a. Barbels 4 ; teeth i , .1 , 33 , i , i Cyprinus 3 7
aa. Barbels none ; teeth 4-4 Carassius 3 7
Genus Cyprinus (Artedi) L.
Body deep, robust; mouth moderate, terminal, with 4 long barbels; snout
blunt, rounded; pharyngeal teeth i, i, 3-3, i, i, molar-like; dorsal fin very
long, with a stout spine, serrate beMnd; lateral line complete; scales large.
Large fishes of the fresh waters of Asia.
Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus'. CARP; CARPA.
Dorsal in, 20; A. in, 5; scales 5-38-5. Body stout, more or less com-
pressed, heavy anteriorly; color silvery. Length 3 feet.
This species was introduced into Europe and America from Asia. The carp
is normally covered with large scales; in domestication several varieties have
arisen, the prominent ones being the " Leather Carp," having no scales, and the
"Mirror Carp," with a few series of very large scales.
Genus Carassius Nilsson.
Body oblong, compressed and elevated; mouth terminal, without barbels;
teeth 4-4, molar- like, but compressed; dorsal fin very long, with a stout spine
which is serrate behind; anal short with a similar spine; ventrals well forward.
Large fishes of the fresh waters of Asia.
Carassius auratus (Linnaeus). GOLD-FISH.
Dorsal n, 18; A. n, 7; scales 26; teeth 4-4. Body rather robust, much
compressed; lateral line complete.
Color olivaceous, orange, or variegated in domestication. Length about
1 8 inches.
The streams of China and Japan are the native homes of this species. Owing
to its bright coloration it has been introduced everywhere as an aquarium fish,
where it has taken on numerous and strange variations. In the lakes in the
Valley of Mexico it has become quite an important food fish.
38 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
bb. Air bladder not surrounded by alimentary PAGE
canal.
c. Intestinal canal elongate, usually more
than twice the length of the body, and with
several convolutions; peritoneum usually
black.
d. Scales small, more than 55 in the lateral
series ; lateral line complete.
e. Gill rakers long and slender, more than
60 on the first gill arch Xystrosus 43
ee. Gill rakers short, less than 60 on the
first gill arch Algansea 44
dd. Scales large, 35 to 45 in the lateral series.
f. First (rudimentary) ray of dorsal fin
slender, and attached firmly to the first
developed ray Hybognathus 48
ff. First (rudimentary) ray of dorsal fin blunt,
enlarged and connected to first dorsal ray
by a membrane Pimelocephales 50
cc. Intestinal canal short, less than twice
length of the body, and with usually one
convolution; peritoneum usually pale,
g. Teeth in the main row 5-5 or 4-5 (3-3 in
Stypodori) ; usually 2 teeth in the lesser
row.
h. Abdomen behind ventral fins transversely
rounded, the scales passing over it, the
edge not forming a scaleless ridge; base
of anal fin generally short; body little
compressed; lateral line but slightly be-
low axis of the body.
i. Teeth subconical, scarcely hooked, sharp
edged, wide apart; the long limb of the
pharyngeal bone elongate ; body elongate ;
mouth large.
j. Teeth 3-3, scales 35 Stypodon 51
jj. Teeth 2, 4-5, 2 ; scales 80 to 90 Ptychocheilus 52
ii. Teeth compressed, strongly hooked; the
pharyngeal bones of the usual form,
k. Caudal peduncle slender and elongate;
the caudal fin forked, its basal rudi-
ments much developed; scales very
small, 83 to 87 in lateral series; head
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^E. 39
depressed in the adult; anal rays 9 or PAGE
10 Gila 53
kk. Caudal peduncle stout, basal rudiments
but little developed ; scales 60 to 75 ;
anal rays 8 Leuciscus 5 5
hh. Abdomen behind ventral fins compressed
to a sharp edge over which the scales do
not pass; abdomen in front of ventrals
rounded; anal basis elongate, its ray 12
to 14; dorsal fin posterior; teeth 5-5;
body much compressed; the lateral line
much below axis of body Abramis 56
jg. ' Teeth in the main row 4-4, usually absent
in the lesser row, rarely one or two being
present.
1. Maxillary without barbels,
m. Scales large, 30 to 60 in' the lateral
series.
n. Jaws each with a hardened sheath;
the first dorsal ray spine-like, con-
nected by a membrane to the first
developed ray; teeth 4-4 Cochlognathus 57
nn. Jaws without bony sheath, being
normally formed.
o. Lower jaw with the lip thin, not de-
veloped as a fleshy lobe on each side
at base.
p. Fins high; longest dorsal ray as long
as head; tips of pectorals reaching
middle of base of ventrals; scales 50
in the lateral series ; teeth 4-4 ; origin
of dorsal much nearer snout than
base of caudal Falcula 58
pp. Fins moderate; longest dorsal ray
less than the length of the head ; tips
of pectorals not reaching base of ven-
trals; origin of dorsal fin about in
middle of body.
q. Scales small, 47 to 60 in the lateral
series; body robust; teeth 44;
about 23 to 30 scales in a series
between dorsal fin and nape Aztecula 59
40 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
qq. Scales larger, 30 to 45 in the lateral PAGE
series ; less than 20 scales between
nape and dorsal fin; teeth 4-4 in
the main row, occasionally one or
two in smaller row Nototropis 62
oo. Lower jaw with the lip developed as
a fleshy lobe on each side ; teeth 4-4 ;
scales 43 to 45 Phenacobius 76
mm. Scales small, 80 to 100 in the lateral
series ; body long and slender, subterete ;
mouth small, the upper jaw little pro-
tractile ; teeth 4-4 Evarra 7 7
11. Maxillary with a small barbel at or near its
extremity.
r. Premaxillaries not protractile, the frenum
very broad; teeth 2, 4-4, 2 or i ; scales
small, 60 in the lateral series Rhinichthys 79
rr. Premaxillaries protractile, rarely joined
to the forehead by a narrow frenum.
s. Scales very small, 60 to 90 in the
lateral series; lateral line often incom-
plete; dorsal fin posterior Agosia 79
ss. Scales large, 35 to 55 in the lateral
series ; dorsal median ; lateral line com-
plete.
t. Teeth 4-4, or 1,4-4, i or o; the lesser
row with never more than one ; scales
35 to 45 Hybopsis 80
tt. Teeth 2, 4-4, 2 or i ; scales more
than 50 in the lateral series Couesius; 82
aa. Dorsal fin short, posterior, with a strong spine;
body without scales; teeth 2, 4-4, 2; maxillary
with a barbel Plagoplerus 83
Subfamily Campostomatinae.
14. Campostoma Agassiz.
Campostoma Agassiz, Amer. Jour. Sci. Arts, 1855, 218. (Type, Ru-
tilus anomalus Rafmesque.)
Body moderately elongate, little compressed; mouth rather small,
the jaws with thick lips and the rudiment of a hard sheath; premaxil-
laries protractile; no barbel; pharyngeal teeth 4-4, or i, 4-4, o, with
oblique grinding surface, and a slight hook on one or two teeth; air
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^E. 41
bladder suspended in the abdominal cavity, and entirely surrounded
by many convolutions of the long alimentary canal, which is 6 to 9
times the length of the body; ovaries similarly inclosed by the ali-
mentary canal ; peritoneum black ; pseudobranchiae present ; lateral line
present ; anal fin short ; dorsal nearly over ventrals.
The surrounding of the air bladder by many convolutions of the
alimentary canal is peculiar to this group of fishes. During the breed-
ing season, which occurs in the spring, the males are covered with
large tubercles, those on the head being the largest.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CAMPOSTOMA. pAGE
a. Scales small, about 70 to 75 in the lateral series. . . .ornatum 41
aa. Scales larger, about 40 to 55 in the lateral series.
b. Scales in the lateral series, about 53 anomalum 42
bb. Scales in the lateral series, about 46 formosuJum 42
32. Campostoma ornatum Girard.
Campostoma ornatum Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
176; Rio Chihuahua, Mexico: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 4, pi. xiv,
figs. 1-4, 1858; Rio Chihuahua, Mexico: Giinther, Cat., vn,
183, 1868: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 57; Rio
Chihuahua, Chihuahua: Woolman, Ibid., 1894, 61; Rio Lerma,
Salamanca, Guanajuato (there is some mistake in regard
to this reference, for it is quite evident that this species does
not occur in the Lerma Basin): Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, TJ. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 205: Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci.,
1896, 259; Rucker Canon, trib. Rio Yaqui, Chiricahua Mts.,
Arizona: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1902, 146; Colonia Garcia, Chihuahua: Meek, Field Col. Mus.
Pub. 65, 1902, 77; Colonia Juarez; Chihuahua; San Andres;
Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.
Campostoma pricei Jordan & Thoburn, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 205; Rucker Canon, tributary of Rio Yaqui, Chiricahua
Mts., southern Arizona.
Rivers of northern Mexico in the headwaters of the Atlantic and
Pacific coast streams, its southern range being the headwaters of the
Rio Nazas. (Santiago Papasquiaro.)
. Head 3^ to 3^; depth 4 to 4>; D. 8; A. 8; scales 10-72 to 75-9.
Body rather stout, not much compressed; head rather large, the snout
projecting and somewhat acute; mouth small, the maxillary not
reaching to vertical from anterior margin of orbit ; length of snout 2 2 / z
in head; diameter of eye 4^ in head; origin of dorsal fin midway be-
tween base of caudal and anterior margin of eye; 35 to 40 scales in a
42 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
series between nape and dorsal fin; longest dorsal ray if in head;
pectoral i% in head; ventrals i| in head; caudal forked; lateral line
nearly complete, usually absent on about last 10 scales; males in the
spring with large tubercles on head and body.
Color brownish with a brassy luster above ; the scales more or less
mottled with dark; sides much and irregularly mottled with darker;
small specimens with a fairly well developed lateral band, and an in-
distinct caudal spot ; a broad black band across the base of the dorsal
fin; all other fins plain. Length about 4^ inches.
Ovaries in females, taken the latter part of May, not enough
developed to give a definite idea as to the time of spawning. One
specimen taken at Santiago Papasquiaro.
33. Campostoma anomalum (Rafinesque). STONE-ROLLER.
Rutilus anomalus Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 52, 1820; Licking
River, Kentucky.
Campostoma nasutum Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
176; Cadereita and Acapulco, Nuevo Leon.
Campostoma dubium Gunther, Cat., vn, 183, 1868.
Campostoma anomalum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 205.
Rivers of the Mississippi Valley south to the Rio San Juan in
northeastern Mexico. (San Juan; Montemorelos.)
Head 4 to 4^; depth 4f ; D. 8; A. 7 or 8; scales 7-53-8. Body
stoutish, moderately compressed, the antedorsal region becoming
swollen and prominent in large specimens; head moderate; the snout
moderately decurved and pointed, its length 2% in head; diameter
of eye 4^ in head; maxillary not reaching vertical from anterior
margin of orbit; 22 to 25 scales in a series between nape and dorsal
fin; longest dorsal ray \y 2 in head; length of pectoral 1^3 in head;
ventral if in head; caudal fin forked; lateral line complete; males
in the spring with tubercles on snout and body.
Color brownish, much mottled with darker; a broad black band
across the base of the dorsal fin;, other fins plain; small specimens
have a well-defined lateral band and a small black caudal spot.
Length 6 to 8 inches.
34. Campostoma formosulum Girard.
Campostoma jotmosulum Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1856, 176; Rio Sabinal, near San Antonio, Texas: Jordan,
Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878, 401; Rio Grande, Brownsville,
Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896,
206.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 43
Rio Grande to the Rio Sabinal in Texas.
Head 4; depth 4^; D. 8; A. 7 ; scales 46. Head short and blunt,
with broad, projecting snout.
Color grayish above, whitish below; sides more or less marmorate;
a black patch at base of caudal fin and one on the dorsal.
A little-known species.
Subfamily Chondrostomatinse.
15. Xystrosus Jordan & Snyder.
EL POPOCHE.
Xystrosus Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1889, 123.
(Type, Xystrosus popoche Jordan & Snyder.)
Body elongate, compressed; interorbital space low and flat;
mouth terminal, very oblique, jaws about equal; premaxillary pro-
tractile; no barbels; no pseudobranchiae ; gill rakers very long and
slender, about 66 on first gill arch; teeth 4-4, hooked, with developed
grinding surface; alimentary canal about twice as long as body,
peritoneum dusky.
35. Xystrosus popoche Jordan & Snyder. POPOCHE.
Xystrosus popoche Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900,
123; Lago de Chapala, Ocotlan, Jalisco: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1902, 3142; Meek, Field Col. Mus.
Pub. 65, 1902, 85; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FlG. 7. XYSTROSUS POPOCHE Jordan & Snyder.
No. 61^1, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 3%; depth 4^; D. 8; A. 7; scales 15-61-7. Body rather
robust, compressed; head large, flattish above, interorbital width
2\ in head; snout pointed, 4 in head; mouth large, very oblique,
end of maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of orbit;
diameter of eye 4 to 4^ m head; origin of dorsal midway between
44 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
tip of snout and base of caudal; base of dorsal 2f in head; longest
dorsal ray i$ in head; pectoral i> in head; ventral i in head;
caudal fin rather short, forked; caudal peduncle robust, its least
depth 2 l /s in head; lateral line decurved anteriorly, complete; gill
rakers long, longest about y$ diameter of eye, about 66 on first gill
arch; alimentary canal elongate, with about 5 convolutions; peri-
toneum black.
Color light brownish, lighter below; no distinct lateral band; on
smaller specimens (less than 4 inches) a dark caudal spot; fins all
plain. Length about 12 inches.
This species is so far known only from Lago de Chapala, where
it is quite abundant and is much used for food. Ovaries of females
taken the last week of May are quite mature. The spawning season
is probably in June.
16. Algaiisea Girard.
Algansea Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 182. (Type,
Leuciscus tincella Cuv. & Yal.)
Body robust, not much compressed; mouth moderate, terminal,
oblique; no barbels; caudal peduncle strong; fins very small; eyes
small; scales small, 60 to no in the lateral series; gill rakers short,
from 15 to 23 on first gill arch; intestinal canal moderate, % to 2
times the length of the body, folded on the right side; peritoneum
black; teeth 4-4; vertebrae 20+17 = 3 7"
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ALGANSEA.
a. Scales large, 57 to 70 in the lateral series. PAGE
b. Gill rakers short and blunt, 15 to 19.
c. Gill rakers 3 + 12; dorsal fin inserted over
ventrals tincella 44
cc. Gill rakers 4-4-15; dorsal fin inserted slightly
before ventrals dugesi 45
bb. Gill rakers long and slender, 22 or 23 on the
first gill arch; scales 65 in the lateral series.- . . . .rubescens 46
aa. Scales small, 85 to 95 in the lateral series lacustris 47
36. Algansea tincella (Cuvier & Valenciennes). JUILIS.
Leuciscus tincella Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., 323,
1844; City of Mexico.
Algansea tincella Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 183;
City of Mexico: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 46, pi. xxvn, figs.
1-4, 1858; City of Mexico: Woolman, Bull. U. S. FishComm.,
1894, 61; Rio Lerma, Salamanca, Guanajuato: Jordan &
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^;. 45
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 211: Jordan &
Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900, 120; Lago de Chalco,
Valley of Mexico; Rio Verde, Aguas Calientes: Pellegrin, Bull.
Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901, 205 ; Estado de Jalisco: Meek, Field
Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 77; Aguas Calientes; Lagos; Celaya;
Acambaro; San Juan del Rio; Lago de Chalco; Texcoco.
Ceratichthys sall&i* Gunther, Cat., vn, 1868, 484; Cuernavaca,
Mexico.
Algansea sallczi Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 212.
Basin of the Rio Lerma, the Valley of Mexico and the head-
waters of the Rio San Juan to tributary of the Rio Panuco. (Chalco ;
Viga Canal.)
Head 3^ to 4; depth 3^ to 4; D. 8; A. 8; scales 17-65 to 70-13.
Body very stout, moderately compressed; head moderate; snout
rather pointed ; mouth terminal, oblique ; teeth 4-4 ; maxillary scarcely
reaching vertical from anterior margin of orbit; maxillary 3%" in
head; snout 3^ m head; eye small, 6 in head; interorbital area very
convex, 2^ in head; origin of dorsal fin in advance of ventrals and
midway between tip of snout and base of caudal fin; about 35 scales
between nape and dorsal fin; longest dorsal ray i^ in head; base of
dorsal 2! in head; pectoral very short, rounded, i^ in head; ventrals
2^ in head; caudal fin forked, its length i^ in head; caudal fin of
specimens from lakes about the City of Mexico slightly shorter, and
the fish slightly more robust than those from the Lerma Basin; gill
rakers very short, 15 on gill arch; lateral line somewhat decurved,
complete; vertebrae 20+17 =37-
Color dark reddish brown, gradually becoming lighter below;
smaller specimens have a faint lateral band which usually ends in
a black caudal spot. This caudal spot is not very evident on speci-
mens 6 or more inches in length. Length about 10 inches.
37. Algansea dugesi Bean.
Algansea dugesi Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1892, 283, pi. XLIV,
fig. i; Lago de Yuriria, Guanajuato: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 212.
*This is the only record of a species of this genus occurring in the basin of
the Rio Balsas. I did not find it south or east of Cuernavaca. I am inclined
to believe that the specimen on which the description of Ceratichthys sallcei
was based was secured in the markets of the City of Mexico. It is quite prob-
able that the pond in the famous Borda Garden was partially stocked with
fishes from the lakes near the City of Mexico, and the specimen now in the
British Museum was taken from it. This pond is said by Dr. W. L. Tower, who
saw it last summer, to be about 400 feet long, 200 feet wide, and the water in it
to be 6 to i o feet deep. It contains a large number of fishes from 4 to 8 inches
in length. The scales on the type are given by Dr. Boulenger as 57 to 60.
46 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V:
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 8. ALGANSEA DUGESI Bean.
No. 41818, U. S. National Museum.
Head 4; depth 4; D. 7 ; A. 6; scales 18-69 to 7 2 ~ J 3- Body robust;
snout rather pointed, its length 3^ m head; mouth rather large,
maxillary reaching to vertical from anterior margin of orbit; lower
jaw slightly included; teeth 4-4; dorsal fin inserted somewhat before
ventrals; midway between tip of snout and base of caudal; longest
dorsal ray 1^2 in head; about 30 scales in a" series between nape and
dorsal fin; length of pectoral fin i> in head; ventral i|; lateral
line decurved, complete; gill rakers 4+15 on first gill arch.
Color dusky brown; sides of head silvery; a faint dusky spot at
base of caudal; upper fins dusky, unmarked. (Bean.) Length about
6 inches. Known only from the type locality.
38. Algansea rubescens Meek.
Algansea rubescens Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 78;
Ocotlan.
Lago de Chapala and neighboring region.
FIG. 9. ALGANSEA RUBESCENS Meek.
No. 3653. Field Columbian Museum.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^E. 47
Head 4; depth 4 to 4^; D. 8; A. 7; scales 16-65-10. Body
elongate, rather robust; snout rather blunt, 4 in head; mouth oblique;
lower jaw short included; maxillary scarcely reaching vertical from
anterior of eye,, its length 3^ in head; interorbital convex, 2^ in
head; eye 5 in head; origin of dorsal midway between tip of snout
and base of caudal; longest dorsal ray i^ in head; base of dorsal
2^ in head; 33 scales in a series between nape and dorsal fin; pectoral
if in head; ventral 1^3 in head; caudal fin forked, its length about
i^\ in head; gill rakers long and rather slender, 22 or 23 on the
first gill arch; lateral line complete, decurved.
Color reddish, becoming lighter below, not much silvery; a very
faint lateral band on posterior half of body; a black caudal spot,
which is rather faint in specimens over 6 inches long. Length 6 to
10 inches.
Spawning time about the middle or last of June.
39. Algansea lacustris Steindachner.
Algansea lacustris Steindachner, Einige Fisharten, Mexico, 1895,
10, pi. in, figs, i-ib; Lago de Patzcuaro: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3140: Meek, Field Col. Mus.
Pub. 65, 1902, 78; Patzcuaro.
Algansea tarascorum Steindachner, ibid., figs. 2-2c; Lago de Patz-
cuaro, Michoacan: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1898, 2796.
Basin of the Rio Lerma; very abundant in Lago de Patzcuaro.
Head 3^3 to 4; depth 3^ to 4; D. 8; A. 7 or 8; scales 24-85 to
100-15. Body rather stout, head moderate; snout rather pointed;
mouth oblique, terminal, maxillary scarcely reaching vertical from
anterior margin of orbit; snout rather pointed, 3^ m head; eye
small, 5 to 6 in head; interorbital area moderately convex, 2^ in
head; origin of dorsal fin in advance of ventrals, midway between
base of caudal and nostril; longest dorsal ray i^ in head; base of
dorsal fin 2^ in head; pectoral i% in head; ventral 2^" in head;
caudal fin forked, its length 1^3 in head; gill rakers moderately long
and slender, about 22 on first gill arch; lateral line complete, some-
what decurved.
Color light reddish above, lighter with a silvery tinge below.
The young have a very faint lateral band which ends in a caudal
spot. This spot is very obscure in specimens of 6 inches or over.
Length about 8 inches.
This species is easily distinguished from the others of the genus
by its very small scales. Spawning time the last of May or early
in June.
48 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
17. Hyboffiuithus Agassiz.
THE SILVERY MINNOWS.
Hybognathus Agassiz, Amer. Jour. Sci. Arts, 1855, 223. (Type,
Hybognathus nuchalis Agassiz.)*
Dionda Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 177. (Type,
Dionda episcopa Girard.)
Algoma Girard, 1. c., 180. (Type, Algoma amara Girard.)
Body elongate, somewhat compressed; mouth small, horizontal
or oblique; the jaws normal, sharp-edged; lower jaw with a slight,
hard protuberance on anterior margin; no barbel; upper jaw pro-
tractile; teeth 4-4, with grinding surface, little if any hooked; alimen-
tary canal elongate, three or more times length of body; peritoneum
black; scales large, about 40 in lateral series; dorsal fin 'in advance
of ventrals; anal fin short. Small fishes usually inhabiting streams
with considerable current.
' KEY TO THE SPECIES OF HYBOGNATHUS.
a. Body robust, depth less than 4 in body; no well PAGE
defined lateral band; eye small, 3^ in head episcopus 48
aa. Body rather slender, depth 4 in body; a well de-
fined lateral band and a distinct caudal spot;
eye large, 2^ to 3 in head rasconis 50
40. Hybognathus episcopus (Girard). SILVERY MINNOW.
Dionda episcopa Girard, P.roc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 177;
Comanche Spring, a tributary of the Rio Grande.
Dionda melanops Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 178;
Buena Vista, Coahuila: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 44, pi. xxvi,
figs. 17-20, 1859; Buena Vista, Coahuila.
Dionda couchi Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 178;
Guajuco, Monterey, and Cadereita, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex..
Bd. Sur., 44, pi. xxvi, figs. 1-4, 1859; Guajuco, Monterey and
Cadereita, Nuevo Leon.
Algoma amara Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 180;
Lagoon near Ft. Brown, Texas: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 45, pi.
xxvii, figs. 17-20, 1859; Ft. Brown, Texas.
Algoma fluviatilis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. 'Sci. Phila., 1856, 181;
near Monterey, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 45, pi.
xxvii, figs. 17-20, 1859; Monterey, Nuevo Leon.
Dionda amara Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1876, 401; Browns-
ville, Texas.
Hybognathus serenus Jordan, Bull. Geol. Sur., 1878, 401; Browns-
ville, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 214.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^E. 49
Hybognathus melanops Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878, 402;
Brownsville, Texas: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894,
59; Rio Conchos, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 217: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65,
1902, 77; Chihuahua, Jimenez.
Hybognathus punctifer Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881,
89; Parras, and Spring near Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
Hybognathus civilis Cope, Trans. Amer. Phila. Soc., 1884, 167;
Monterey, Nuevo Leon.
Hybognathus episcopa Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 214.
Hybognathus amara Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 215.
Southern Texas and northern Mexico south to the Rio Mezquital
in Durango, and the Rio San Juan, in Nuevo Leon. (Labor; Durango;
Monterey; Montemorelos.)
Head 4; depth 3! ; D. 8; A. 7; scales 7-38 to 45-5. Body rather
stout, moderately compressed; head moderate, flattish above; snout
bluntish, $}/i,', interorbital width 2 in head; eye 3^; mouth small,
oblique; maxillary reaching about half-way to vertical of front of
eye; margin of upper lip on a level with lower margin of pupil;
pharyngeal teeth 4-4, grinding surface not hooked, sometimes the
distal portion blackish; origin of dorsal midway between base of
caudal and nostril; longest dorsal ray i^ in head; base of dorsal 2 in
head ; length of pectoral i y$ in head ; ventral i ^ in head ; lateral
line slightly decurved, occasionally missing on a few scales; caudal
peduncle rather strong, its least width about 2 in head (caudal
peduncle in Durango specimen is about 2\ in head and in Chihuahua
specimens about 2 in head) ; alimentary canal about three times the
length of the body; peritoneum black.
Color dark to light brownish (specimens from Montemorelos con-
siderably paler), lighter below; edges of scales darker, forming dark
lines along their rows; in darker specimens a dark lateral band
ending in a dark caudal spot; in paler specimens this band and spot
very faint; fins all plain. Length about 3 incjies. Southern Texas
and northern Mexico, south to the Rio Mezquital, Durango, and
the Rio San Juan, Montemorelos.
This species is very variable. I have compared many specimens
from various localities in Mexico and regard all as belonging to the
same species. The specimens taken at Durango and Monterey are
much darker than those from Montemorelos; the color of specimens
from other localities represent various shades between these extremes.
Spawning time the last of May and first part of June.
50 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
41. Hybognathus rasconis (Jordan & Snyder).
, Notropis rasconis Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
121; Rio Verde, near Rascon, San Luis Potosi: Jordan &
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3141.
Basin of the Rio Panuco. (Forlon; Valles; Rascon; Rio Verde,
Dr. W. L. Tower.)
FIG. 10. HYBOGNATHUS RASCONIS (Jordan & Snyder).
No. 61:3 (Notropis rasconis Jordan & Snyder), Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 4; depth 4; D. 8; A. 8; scales 736 to 42-5. Body rather
elongate, aspect of Nototropis heterodon; head small, convex above,
interorbital width 2> to 3 ; eye 2% to 3 ; snout $%; teeth 4-4; mouth
moderate, the maxillary nearly reaching vertical from anterior margin
of orbit; mouth oblique, more so than in preceding species; origin
of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and tip of snout ; longest
dorsal ray i> in head; base of dorsal a| in head; pectorals i% in
head; ventrals iX m head; lateral line decurved, occasionally missing
on a few scales.
Color dark olivaceous above, lighter below; sides with a well-
defined' lateral band ending in a black caudal spot. Length about
2^ inches.
18. Pimelocephales Rafinesque.
FLAT-HEAD MINNOWS.
Pimephales Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 52, 1820. (Pimephales
promelas Rafinesque).
Body rather robust, little compressed; head short and rounded;
mouth small, inferior; upper jaw. protractile; no barbels; teeth 4-4,
with oblique grinding surface, usually but one of the teeth hooked;
dorsal fin opposite ventrals, its first (rudimentary) ray separated
from the rest by a membrane, and not adnate to the first developed
ray, as is usual in minnows (most distinct in adult males, in which
the skin of the first ray is thickened); anal base short; alimentary
canal elongate, about 2% times the length of the body; peritoneum
black; lateral line complete or missing on some scales. A small group
of minnows inhabiting streams east of the Rocky Mountains and
south to Chihuahua.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^E. 51
42. Pimelocephales confertus (Girard).
Hyborhynchus confertus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
179; Hurrah Creek, tributary of the Rio Pecos, Texas.
Pimephales promelas Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878, 402;
Brownsville, Texas.
Pimephales confertus Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894,
57 ; Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 217: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65,
1902, 79; Colonia Juarez; Guzman; Santa Maria; Chihuahua;
San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez; Minaca.
Tributaries of the Rio Grande and the Rio Yaqui in northern
Mexico and southwestern Texas.
Head 4; depth 3^; D. 7; A. 7; scales 12-52 to 55-8. Body
robust, head flat above; interorbital width 2^ in head; snout blunt,
4 in head ; diameter of eye 3 > in the head ; teeth 4-4 ; origin of dorsal
midway between base of caudal fin and nostril; longest dorsal ray
i% in head; pectoral i in head; ventral i/4', scales on anterior
and upper part of body very small, about 35 in a series between nape
and dorsal fin; lateral line decurved, complete; caudal fin forked;
intestinal canal 2^ times length of body.
Color light olivaceous to nearly black; the very black males have
a light vertical bar from base of pectoral to back ; a second light bar
from first dorsal rays to base of ventrals; pectoral fins black; middle
portion of ventral and anal fins very dark; caudal with a dark bar
across its middle; all of the fins in the light colored specimens pale.
Length about 2^ inches.
Subfamily Mylopharodontinee.
19. Stypodoii Garman.
Stypodon Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., vm, 1881,90. (Type,
Stypodon signifer Garman.)
Body oblong, compressed, covered with large deciduous scales;
mouth small, terminal; premaxillaries protractile; fold of lower lip
not crossing the symphysis; lower jaw trenchant, without horny
covering; no barbels; pharyngeals strong; teeth 3-3, more or less
cylindrical, with rounded grinding surface, the posterior more slender
and subconical; lateral line complete, decurved; gill rakers short;
dorsal and anal fins short.
43. Stypodon signifer Garman.
Stypodon signifer Garman, Bull. Comp. Zool., 1881, 90; Lago de
Parras, Coahuila: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 220.
52 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Head 3^3 ; depth 3^; D. 8; A. 8; scales 6-35-20. Body oblong,
compressed; dorsal and ventral outlines similar; snout short, less
than diameter of eye; mouth oblique, the maxillary not reaching
vertical from front of eye; lower jaw the longer; pectorals not reach-
ing ventrals; the latter to anal.
Color brown, silvery below; a broad brown lateral band bordered
above by a narrow silvery line. (Garman.)
A small fish, known only from the above account.
Subfamily Leuciscinse.
2O. Ptychoeheilus Agassiz.
Ptychocheilus Agassiz, Amer. Journ. Sci. Arts, 1855, 229. (Type,
Ptychocheilus gracilis Agassiz.)
Body elongate, little elevated, the caudal peduncle not contracted;
head long and slender, pike-like; mouth nearly horizontal, widely
cleft, the maxillary extending below the eye; the margin of the upper
lip rather lower than the inferior margin of the eye; lower jaw in-
cluded ; no barbels ; lips thick ; scales small ; mostly longer than deep :
lateral line decurved; gill rakers very short; dorsal fin some-
what behind ventrals; anal base short; caudal fin strong; intestinal
canal short; teeth 2, 5-4, 2; the straight limb of the pharyngeal
bone extremely long and slender, its teeth wide apart; teeth sub-
conical, scarcely compressed and but slightly curved at the tip; no
grinding surface. Minnows of very large size.
44. Ptychocheilus lucius Girard. WHITE SALMON OF THE COL-
ORADO RIVER.
Ptychocheilus lucius Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
209; Rio Colorado: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 225: Bean, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., 1898,
165; Northern Sonora: Gilbert & Scofield, Proc. U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1898, 492; Colorado River at Yuma and Horseshoe
Bend, near its mouth.
Sonora and the Colorado River Basin, north to the Uncompagre
River at Delta, Colorado.
Head 3X5 depth 5X1 D. 9; A. 9; scales 83 to 87. Body slender,
elongate, with long, slender, depressed head; eye small, 2^ in the
snout, 7 in head; mouth large; maxillary 2f in head, its tip reaching
past vertical from anterior margin of eye ; teeth 2 , 4-5 , 2 ; lateral
line strongly decurved; fins moderate.
Color plain, darker above; the young always with a caudal spot
and a faint pale lateral line below a darker one. .Length about 4 feet.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 53
This is the largest member of the American Cyprinida, reaching
a weight of 80 pounds. It has been taken in northern (probably
in the Rio Sonora or Rio Yaqui) Sonora; otherwise known only from
the Colorado Basin.
21. Grila Baird & Girard.
Gila Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1853, 368.
(Type, Gila robusta Baird & Girard.)
Body elongate, little compressed; the back arched, especially in
the adult; the caudal peduncle extremely long, slender, contracted,
much narrower than the base of the caudal fin which is widely forked,
with its basal fulcra very much developed; head broad, more or less
depressed, its profile concave; mouth large, horizontal and over-
lapped by the broad snout; dorsal fin behind the middle of the body,
slightly behind ventrals; anal base short; intestinal canal short;
peritoneum dusky; scales very small, longer than deep, especially
posteriorly; no barbels; teeth 2, 5-4, 2, closely set, compressed and
hooked, without grinding surface; vertebrae 42 to 46. Minnows of
large size, known only from the Colorado, Gila, and Yaqui rivers.
These fishes are easily distinguished from others of the family by
the long, slender caudal peduncle.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF GILA.
a. Head short, 5 in the length; anal rays 10; PAGE
caudal peduncle long and slender, as broad as
deep; tips of pectorals reaching % distance to
base of ventrals elegans 53
aa. Head longer, 3^ in the length; anal rays 8;
caudal peduncle more robust ; tips of pectorals
reaching to base of ventrals minaca 54
45. Gila elegans Baird & Girard. BONY-TAIL; GILA TROUT.
Gila elegans Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1853,
369; Zuni, Colorado, and Gila rivers: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 226: Gilbert & Scofield, Proc.
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 492; Colorado and Gila rivers, at
Yuma and Horseshoe Bend.
Channels of the Colorado and Gila rivers.
Head 5; depth 5; D. 9; A. 10; scales 23-85-10. Body elongate,
somewhat compressed, the region before the dorsal elevated, forming
a sort of hump; head short, broad; the snout depressed and broadly
rounded; the anterior part of the head from behind the eyes broad
and depressed, the posterior part high, so that the profile forms a
54 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V
concave arch; mouth rather large, nearly horizontal, the upper lip
on the level of the inferior margin of eye; lower jaw included; skin
of the lower jaw hard; teeth 2, 4-5, 2; eye small, 5 in head; gill
rakers rather weak; fins all long and falcate; pectorals reaching
ventrals; caudal deeply forked.
Color bluish above, pale below. Length about 12 inches.
46. Qila minacge Meek. BONY-TAIL.
Gila minaccB Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 80; Minaca.
Headwaters of the Rio Yaqui.
FlG. 11. GlLA MINAC/ Meek.
No. 3573, Field Columbian Museum.
Head3f; depth 4| ; D. 9; A. 8; scales 24-90-11. Body elongate,
back not arched; snout bluntish; mouth terminal, rather large;
maxillary not; reaching anterior margin of pupil, its length 3^ in
head; snout 3^; diameter of eye 4^; body completely scaled; origin
of dorsal fin slightly behind base of ventrals, midway between base
of caudal and anterior margin of orbit; base of dorsal 2 in head, its
longest ray i> in head; the tips of the dorsal rays fall together
when the fin is defiexed and fall opposite to the middle of the base
of the anal fin; ventrals iX m head, their tips reaching vent; caudal
fin forked, its upper lobe the larger; lateral line complete, decurved,
its lowest portion over space between tip of pectorals and ventrals,
reaching axis of the body on posterior half of caudal peduncle; a
row of pores from nostril to nape; a second row on sides of head
under eye to near upper angle of opercle; caudal peduncle very
slender, nearly terete, its least depth 3^2 in the head.
Color light olivaceous; a faint dark band from base of caudal
to opposite first dorsal rays; fins all plain ; a faint caudal spot. Length
of type 4.46 inches.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^;. 55
22. Leuciscus Cuvier.
DACE.
Leuciscus (Klein) Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. i, 194, 1817. (No
type mentioned, Cyprinus leuciscus Linnaeus, understood.)
Body oblong, robust, compressed or nearly terete, caudal pedun-
cle rather strong; mouth usually large, terminal and oblique; no
barbels; scales large or small, 36 to 100 in the lateral series; dorsal
fin usually behind the ventrals; intestinal canal short; teeth (in
American species) 2, 5-4, 2, to i, 4-4, i, hooked, with a narrow
grinding surface or none; lateral line decurved, complete or not; anal
fin composed of, from 7 to 22 rays. A very large genus of very
variable fishes, of which only two species are known from Mexico.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF LEUCISCUS.
a. Body rather slender; head 4| in length of PAGE
.body; depth 4 nigrescens 55
aa. Body elongate, heavy forward; head 3^;
depth 4 [intermedius] 56
47. Leuciscus nigrescens (Girard). PESCADITO; CHUB OF THE Rio
GRANDE.
Tigoma nigrescens Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 207;
Boca Grande and Rio Janos, Chihuahua: Girard, Mex. Bd.
Sur., 64, pi. xxxii, figs. 1-4, 1859; Boca Grande and Rio
Janos, Chihuahua.
Tigoma pulchella Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 206;
Rio Mimbres, tributary of Lago de Guzman, Chihuahua:
Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 62, pi. xxxiv, figs. 5-8, 1859; Rio
Mimbres, Chihuahua.
Tigoma pulchra Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 207;
Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Gila conspersa Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881, 91; Rio
Nazas.
Cheonda modesta Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881, 92; Rio
Salinas, Saltillo, Coahuila.
Cheonda nigrescens Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881, 92;
Parras, Coahuila.
Leuciscus nigrescens Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Co mm., 1894,
57; Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 233: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub.
65, 1902, 80; Colonia Juarez; Santa Maria; Chihuahua; Bus-
tillos; San Andres; Miftaca; Ahumada.
56 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Tigoma conspersa Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1896, 234;
Rio Nazas, Coahuila.
Leuciscus purpureus Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 260;
Morse Canon and the Rio Yaqui east of Opsura.
Leuciscus niger Bean, Bull. Amer. Mus., 1898, 166; San Diego,
Chihuahua.
Northern Mexico, headwaters of the Rio Yaqui, to the head-
waters of the Rio Mezquital, the Rio Nazas, and east to \ Saltillo,
Coahuila. (Lerdo; Santiago Papasquiaro; Durango.)
Head 3$ to 4^; depth 4 to 4-; D. 8; A. 8; scales 15 to 18-60
to 75-8 to 10. Body rather slender, little compressed; head rather
long and pointed; snout 3! in head; mouth moderate, oblique,
terminal; the jaws equal, the maxillary about reaching front of eye;
eye rather small, 5 to 6 in head; origin of dorsal fin midway between
base of dorsal and nostril, its longest ray i^ in head; base of dorsal
fin 2 in head; pectorals reaching about ^ distance to ventrals, 1^3
in head; ventrals if in head; lateral line decurved, complete; caudal
fin forked ; least depth of caudal peduncle 2 1 in head ; teeth 2 , 4-5 , i ,
hooked, and with narrow grinding surface.
Color dusky above, silvery below; some larger specimens with
a reddish tinge; young specimens usually have a dark lateral band
and a black caudal spot ; the band and caudal spot disappearing with
age, being quite absent on specimens over 8 inches in length. Length
about 12 inches. A very abundant and variable species.
Leuciscus intermedius (Girard).
Tigoma intermedia Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 206; Rio San
Pedro, tributary of the Gila, Arizona.
Leuciscus intermedius Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896,
235: Gilbert & Scofield, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 493 (see this ref-
erence for synonymy) .
Leuciscus niger Jordan & Evermann, ibid., 235.
This species has been taken in Arizona, near the Mexican border. It may
occur in northern Sonora.
Head 3^; depth ^ to 4; D. 8; A. 8 or 9; scales 15-65 to 80-9. Body elon-
gate, heavy forward; head long, rather pointed, broad above, depressed over
the eye; interorbital 4^ in head; mouth large, oblique, the jaws equal, the
maxillary just reaching vertical from the eye; dorsal fin slightly behind origin of
ventrals; pectorals long, nearly reaching ventrals, 1^3 in head; ventrals 2 in
head; lateral line decurved; teeth 2, 5-4, 2.
Color dusky, paler below; small specimens with a dark lateral band; fins all
dusky. Southwestern Arizona in basin of the Gila River.
In size and appearance this species is very much like the preceding.
23. Abramis Cuvier.
BREAMS.
Abramis Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. I, in, 1817. (Type, Cyprinus
brama Linnaeus.)
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^;. 57
Notemigonus Rafinesque, Jour. Phys. Chem. et Hist. Nat. Paris,
1819,421. (Type, Notemigonus auratus Rafinesque =Cyprinus
crrysoleucas Mitchill.)
Body sub-elliptical, strongly compressed; dorsal and ventral out-
lines similar; belly behind ventral fins forming a keel over which
the scales do not pass; head small, conic; mouth small, oblique; no
barbels; dorsal fin inserted behind ventrals; anal fin long, its rays
(American species) 9 to 18; lateral line complete, much decurved,
concurrent with ventral outline; alimentary canal short, a little
longer than the body; teeth 5-5, edges crenate.
48. Abramis chrysoleucus (Mitchill). GOLDEN SHINER; BREAM.
Cyprinus crysoleucas Mitchill, Rept. Fish. N. Y., 23, 1814; New
York.
Notemigonus chrysoleucus Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878,
404; Brownsville, Texas.
Abramis americanus Giinther, Cat., vn, 305, 1868.
Abramis crysoleucas Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 250.
Mouth of the Rio Grande north to the Dakotas and Nova Scotia.
Head 4%; depth 3; D. 8; A. 12 to 14; scales 10-46 to 55-3. Body
moderately elongate, strongly compressed; head short, sub-conic,
compressed, the profile somewhat concave; mouth small, oblique,
the upper lip on a level of upper part of pupil; the maxillary not
reaching vertical from anterior margin of the orbit.
Color greenish above; sides silvery with golden reflections; fins
yellowish, the tips of the lower fins sometimes slightly orange in
spring males. Length about 12 inches.
The most southern known locality of this species is the mouth
of the Rio Grande at Brownsville, Texas; from here it ranges north
to Dakota and Nova Scotia. It lives mostly in bayous and ponds
where there is much vegetation.
24:. Cochlognathus Baird & Girard.
Cochlognathus Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854,
158. (Type, Cochlognathus ornatus Baird & Girard.)
Body elongate; head rather large; jaws each provided with a hard
cutting plate, the sharp, bony edge being surrounded by the usual
lip; teeth 4-4, with grinding surface, the tips slightly hooked; first
dorsal ray spine-like and separate from the next ray by a membrane ;
alimentary canal short; anal fin small.
58 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
49. Cochlognathus ornatus Baird & Girard. HARD-JAW MINNOW.
Cochlognathus ornatus Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1854, 158; Brownsville, Texas: Girard, Proc. Acad. Sci. Phila.,
1856, 181; Brownsville, Texas: Girard, Mex: Bd. Sur., 46,
pi. xxv, figs. 12-17, 1859; Brownsville, Texas: Giinther, Cat.,
vn, 187, 1868: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 252.
Head 4; depth 4^; D. 8; A. 6; scales 40. Body moderately elon-
gate; head long; dorsal fin over ventrals, rather high; caudal fin short.
Color dusky, yellowish; a dusky lateral band; dorsal fin with a
black spot near the base in front and a dusky blotch behind ; caudal
fin with a dusky median band, preceded and followed by a pale
area; snout tuberculate in the spring during the breeding season.
Length about three inches. Known only from the type locality.
25. Falcula Jordan & Snyder.
Falcula Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1899, 124.
(Type, Falcula chapalce Jordan & Snyder.)
Body elongate, compressed; caudal peduncle slender; mouth
large; lips thin, premaxillary protractile; no barbels; teeth 4-4,
hooked, with grinding surface; gill rakers few, short, far apart; alimen-
tary canal short; peritoneum light; fins high.
50. Falcula chapala? Jordan & Snyder. SARDINA.
Falcula chapala Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
125, fig. 6; Lago de Chapala, Jalisco: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3143: Meek, Field Col. Mus.
Pub. 65, 1902, 85; Ocotlan; La Palma; La Barca
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FlG. 12. FALCULA CHAPAL/E Jordan & Snyder.
No. 6152, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 3^ to 4; depth 4 to 4^; D. 8; A. 8; scales 8-50-5. Body
elongate, compressed, back little arched; head long, narrowed for-
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^E. 59
wards; interorbital broad, convex, 3 in head; snout very slightly
bluntish, 3^4 in head; eye 3^ to 4^ in head; mouth large, oblique;
maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of orbit; origir^'
dorsal nearer tip of snout than base of caudal; base of dorsal 2^" r ?fT
head; its longest ray 1% in head; pectoral long and slender, its length
i ^ in head ; ventral i J/ in head ; base of anal 2 % in head ; caudal fin
long and pointed; caudal peduncle rather slender, its least depth 2
in head; lateral line decurved, complete.
Color light brownish; a faint plumbeous band on side; no caudal
spot; the fins all plain. Length about 10 inches.
This species is known only from the region about the lake whose
name it bears, and where it is abundant. Spawning time the mid-
dle or the latter part of June. This fish is much used for food.
26. Aztecula Jordan & Evermannn.
Azteca Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896,
258. (Type, Notropis aztecus Woo\ma,n = Codoma vittata Girard.)
Aztecula Jordan & Evermann, ibid., 1898, 2799; substitute for
Azteca, which is preoccupied in Entomology.
Body very robust; moderately compressed; head rather large;
snout decurved; mouth terminal, oblique, rather small; fins small;
scales small; origin of dorsal slightly behind ventrals; teeth 4-4, no
grinding surface, tips slightly hooked; intestinal canal short, about
equal to the length of the fish ; gill rakers very short, about 9 on first gill
arch; vertebrae 18+16=34.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF AZTECULA.
a. Scales large, about 50 in the lateral line; about PAGE
23 scales between nape and dorsal fin.
b. Eye large, its diameter 3%" in the head ; caudal
peduncle robust, its least depth 2 in head vittata 59
bb. Eye smaller, its diameter 5 in the head;
caudal peduncle slender, its least depth 2%
in head lermcs 60
aa. Scales small, about 59 in the lateral line ; about
30 scales between nape and dorsal fin mericana 61
51. Aztecula vittata (Girard).
Codoma vittata Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 195;
Valley of Mexico: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 53, pi. xxix, figs.
1 8-2 1, 1859; Valley of Mexico.
Notropis aztecus Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 63 ; Canals
about the City of Mexico: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 258; City of Mexico.
60 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Aztecula azteca Meek, Field Col. Mtis. Pub. 65, 1902, 81; Texcoco;
Chalet
'c Mexico and hea<".water& of the Rio Balsas at Puebla
v . - & L. wa^ai, Chalco; Puebla. Xochimilco.)
FIG. 13. AZTECULA VITTATA iGirard).
No. 43569 (Notropis aztectts Woolman), U. S. National Museum.
Head 4; depth 3^ to 4; D. 8; A. 8; scales 7-50-5. Body robust,
back moderately arched, the highest point over pectorals; snout
bluntish, 4^ in head; mouth small, oblique; maxillary scarcely
reaching vertical from front of eye, 3^ in head; teeth 4-4; eye small,
4^2 in head; origin of dorsal midway between base of caudal and eye;
about 23 scales in a series between nape and dorsal t fin; pectoral fin
short, 1 1 in head ; ventral if; caudal fin forked ; caudal peduncle rather
stout, its least depth 2 in head; lateral line decurved. wavv, complete.
Color dark brown above, lighter below; a dark lateral band more
distinct on posterior half of body ; the band more prominent in young
examples; caudal spot very indistinct.
This species is very abundant in the lakes and canals about the
City of Mexico. I also took six specimens of this species from the
river at Puebla and a number of small ones from a pond near by. Its
appearance in the Balsas basin was rather unexpected. There is
a quite deep artificial pond at Santa Maria, near Puebla, in which
are fishes of this species which were probably brought from the lakes
near the City of Mexico, and have escaped into the river near by.
52. Aztecula lermae (Evermann & Goldsborough).
Notropis lermcB Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1902, 147, fig. 3; Lago de Lerma, Mexico.
Basin of the Rio Lerma. (Lerma.)
Head 3^; depth 3^; D. 9; A. 8; scales 7-47-5. Body stout,
deep, not much compressed, the dorsal region gently elevated; head
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 61
rather heavy; snout short and rather blunt; mouth small, oblique,
the lower jaw included; the maxillary scarcely reaching vertical from
anterior margin of the eye, 3^3 in head; eye 5 in head; snout 3^;
teeth 4-4; hooked, and with crenate edges; origin of dorsal fin midway
FlG. 14. AZTECULA LERM/ (Evermann & Goldsboroughi.
No. 50003, U. S. National Museum.
between base of caudal and nostril; about 23 scales in a series be-
tween nape and dorsal fin; pectoral i| in head; ventral 2 ; lateral line
decurved, not wholly complete, an occasional scale without any pore;
least depth of caudal peduncle 2^ in head.
Color grayish olivaceous on back and upper part of side, the scales
profusely covered with dark punctulations ; a broad dark plumbeous
lateral band ending in an indistinct black spot at base of caudal;
pectoral, caudal, and dorsal fins dusky; the ventrals and anal pale.
Length about 2>^ inches.
This species is closely related to the preceding, from which it differs
chiefly in the more slender peduncle, the larger eye, less rounded snout
and coloration. Spawns late in summer. At present this species is
known only from Lerma, from which place a few specimens were taken
by me.
53. Aztecula mexicana Meek.
Aztecula mexicana Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 81; San
Juan del Rio.
Basin of Rio San Juan on the Mexican Plateau.
Head 4; depth 3^ to 4; D. 8; A. 7; scales 9-59-7. Body robust,
back slightly elevated, its highest point over pectoral fin and some-
what in advance of the dorsal; snout bluntish; mouth small, oblique,
terminal, lower jaw the shorter; snout 4 in head; teeth 4-4, hooked,
no grinding surface; interorbital area 3 in head; eye small, 4^ i n
head; origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and the eye;
about 30 scales in a series between nape and dorsal fin; pectoral fins
short, 1 3 in head; ventrals 2 in head; caudal fin rather short, forked;
62 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
FlG. 15. AZTECULA MEXICANA Meek.
No. 3606, Field Columbian Museum,
caudal peduncle slender, its least depth 2^ in head; lateral line
decurved and wavy, complete or missing on a few scales.
Color dark brownish above, lighter below; a faint lateral band,
most conspicuous on last half of the body; the faint caudal spot
more prominent in the young.
This species differs from the preceding in having smaller scales.
Length about 3 inches.
27. Nototropis Rafmesque.
THE SHINERS.
Notropis Rafmesque, Amer. Monthly Mag., n, 1818, 204. (Type,
Notropis atherinoides Rafmesque.) '
Codoma Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 194. (Type, Co-
doma ornata Girard.)
Alburnops Girard, 1. c.,i94. (Type, Alburnops blennius Girard.)
Moniana Girard, 1. c., 199. (Type, Leuciscns lutrensis Baird &
Girard.)
Graodus Giinther, Cat., vn, 485, 1868. (Type, Graodus nigrotania-
tus Giinther = Leuciscus boucardi Gunther.)
Orcella Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 289.
(Type, Notropis orca Woolman.)
Body elongate, more or "less compressed; mouth normal, mostly
terminal and oblique, or subinf erior ; no barbels; teeth 4-4, or o, i or
2, 4-4, i or 2, sharp-edged or with narrow grinding surface; scales
usually large, 30 to 55 in the lateral series; lateral line complete or
not, in some species not extending beyond base of ventrals; coloration
more or less silvery; males usually in the breeding season with much
red on body and fins, and with tubercles on head and body. The
fishes belonging to this group are all small, most of them less than 3
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 63
inches in length, seldom do any of them exceed 5 inches; in color and
form most of the species are very variable.
This genus contains a large number of species of small fishes in-
habiting the streams of the United States east of the Rocky Moun-
tains, ranging south into Mexico to the Rio Panuco and west to the
headwaters of the Rio Yaqui, and south on the Pacific side to the Rio
Balsas. They are among the most feeble of our fresh-water fishes.
None of them are of any value as food for man, but are of great impor-
tance as food for larger fishes. Very few of the species inhabit river
channels, nearly all being confined to the smaller streams and ponds,
from which they probably migrate only very short distances. So far
as known, the species all spawn in the spring, at which time the males
are more or less highly colored, some being red, or with red fins, while
others are white or entirely black, and the head and often the entire
body is covered with tubercles, an outgrowth of the epidermis.
All of the species of this group are quite variable, many being
difficult to determine. Their food consists largely of small crus-
taceans and insect larvae.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF NOTOTROPIS.
a. Body subterete, not much compressed; snout PAGE
bluntish.
b. Scales large, less than 40 in the lateral series.
c. Sides of body without dark vertical bars;
depth of body $% to 4 ; least depth of caudal
peduncle 2 to 2^ in head.
d. Lateral line incomplete, usually on from 3
to 10 scales, not extending beyond base of
ventrals calientis 65
dd. Lateral line complete or very nearly so.
e. Head large, 3^ to $% in body; about 14
or 1 5 scales before dorsal fin.
f. Eye large, 3 in head; dorsal rays 8; anal
rays 7; origin of dorsal fin midway be-
tween tip of snout and base of caudal fin braytoni 65
ff. Eye smaller, 3^2 in head; dorsal rays 9;
anal rays 8; origin of dorsal fin midway
between base of caudal and nostril robustus 66
ee. Head shorter, 4 in body; about 16 scales
before dorsal fin.
g. Caudal peduncle slender, its least depth
2 1 in head; a narrow dark lateral band;
upper half of body with many spots,
each about the size of pupil chihuahua 67
64 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
gg. Caudal peduncle strong, its least depth PAGE
2 in head; a broad, dark lateral band;
no spots on upper half of body boucardi 67
cc. Sides of body with 8 to 10 dark vertical bars ;
body very robust; caudal peduncle strong,
\^ in body; depth of body 3 in its length ornatus 68
bb. Scales small, more than 40 in the lateral series,
h. Origin of dorsal fin nearer snout than base
of caudal; scales 8-42-4; depta 5 orca 69
hh. Origin of dorsal fin midway between pos-
terior half of eye and base of caudal fin;
depth 4*4 nazas 70
aa. Body much compressed, snout pointed,
i. Scales deeper than long; body usually deep,
its depth 3 to 4 in its length,
j . Lateral line decurved, below the middle of the
body ; 6 to 9' rows of scales above (including
lateral line) lateral line, 2 or 3 rows below it.
k. Scales large, less than 40 in the lateral
series; less than 20 scales in a series before
dorsal fin.
I. Lateral line complete, or nearly so.
m. Origin of dorsal fin midway between
base of caudal and nostril; anal fin
long, its base i^ to 2 in head.
n. Eye large, 3 in head; anal rays ; 9 forlonensis 70
nn. Eye small, 3^ to 3^ in head; anal
rays 8.
o. Lateral band on the posterior portion
of the body only lutrensis 7 1
oo. Lateral band extending from eye to
base of caudal macrostomus 7 2
mm. Origin of dorsal fin midway between base
of caudal and pupil ; anal base lorig, i ^
in head; caudal peduncle slender, its
least depth 2^ in body garmani 73
II. Lateral line incomplete, on n to 13 scales;
anal rays 9; lateral line much decurved;
scales 9-38-2 santamarice 74
kk. Scales small, more than 40 in the lateral
series; about 24 scales before dorsal fin formostis 74
jj. Lateral line on or above the middle of the
body; scales 5-35-6; head 4; depth 4^ frigidus 75
ii. Scales not deeper than long; body slender,
its depth 4}^ in head; anal rays 10 . . santarosalicz 75
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 65
Subgenus Alburnops Girard.
54. Nototropis calientis Jordan & Snyder.
Notropis calientis Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
Rio Verde, Aguas Calientes: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3197: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65,
1902, 83; Aguas Calientes; Oeotlan; Acambaro.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FlG. 16. NOTOTROPIS CALIENTIS Jordan & Snyder.
No. 6193, Leland Stanford, Jr. University.
Head 3^ to 4; depth 3^ to 3^ ; D. 8; A. 7 ; scales 6-33 to 35-3.
Body oblong, rather stout, not much compressed, back little elevated;
snout bluntish, 4 in head; mouth small, maxillary scarcely reaching
vertical from anterior margin of orbit; eye small, 4 in head; teeth
4-4, hooked, with narrow grinding surface; origin of dorsal fin mid-
way between tip of snout and base of caudal, base of dorsal 2 in
head; longest dorsal ray i^ in head; pectoral i^ in head; ventral
1^2 in head; base of anal fin 2^" in head; caudal fin forked, its lobes
rather rounded; caudal peduncle moderate, 2^ in head; lateral line'
decurved, incomplete, usually only on the first three to ten scales,
seldom reaching as far as opposite origin of ventrals; vertebrae
20 -f 18 = 38.
Color rather dark brownish, lighter below; an indefinite dark
band on middle of sides; no black caudal spot. Length 2^ inches.
This species spawns during the first half of June.
55. Nototropis braytoni (Jordan & Evermann).
Moniana nitida Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 20;
Cadereita, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 58, 1858;
Cadereita, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Notropis braytoni Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896; name a substitute for Moniana nitida, preoccupied.
Streams in northeastern Mexico between the Rio Panuco and
the Rio Grande. (San Juan; Montemorelos ; Garza Valdez; La Cruz;
Santa Engracia; Victoria.)
Head 3^; depth 4; D. 8; A. 7; scales 6-36-3. Body elongate,
robust, not much compressed; head stout, rather broad; snout blunt;
66
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
mouth rather large, little oblique, tip of maxillary reaching vertical
from front 9f eye; snout $}4; interorbital width 2$ in head; eye
large, its diameter 3 in head; origin of dorsal fin midway between
tip of snout and base of caudal fin ; about 1 5 scales in a series between
nape and dorsal fin; longest dorsal ray i^ in head; base of dorsal
2 in head; pectorals i in head; ventrals ijA\ base of anal 2 l / z in
head; lateral line decurved, complete; caudal fin forked; caudal
peduncle stout, its least depth nearly half head.
Color straw, lighter below; a faint lateral band on posterior half
of body, ending usually in a black caudal spot. Length about 3
inches.
56. Nototropis robustus Meek.
Notropis robustus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. '65, 1902, 82; Santa
Rosalia; Jimenez.
Upper tributaries of the Rio Conchos in Chihuahua.
FIG. 17. NOTOTROPIS ROBUSTUS Meek.
No. 3548, Field Columbian Museum.
Head 3X1 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, its length 3^3 in head; mouth large, nearly terminal, slightly
oblique; maxillary 3^ in head, its tip reaching vertical from pupil;
teeth 4-4, the tips slightly hooked; eye large, its diameter 3^ in
head; interorbital space 3 in head; origin of dorsal midway between
base of caudal and nostril; 15 scales in a series between nape and
origin of dorsal fin; pectoral fins long, nearly reaching ventrals, 1^2
in head; ventrals 2 in head.
Color olivaceous, a dark lateral band from snout to base of caudal
fin, ending in a small caudal spot; chin white. Spawning time the
latter part of June.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 67
57. Nototropis chihuahua Woolman.
Notropis chihuahua Woolman, Amer. Nat., March, 1892, 260; Rio
Conchos, Chihuahua: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894,
58; Rio Conchos, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 265: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub., 65,
1902, 83; Chihuahua; San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.
Headwaters of the Rio Conchos in Chihuahua, where it is very
abundant.
FIG. 18. NOTOTROPIS CHIHUAHUA Woolman.
No. 44151, U. S. National Museum.
Head 4; depth 4; D. 8; A. 7; scales 6-33 to 37-3. Body rather
robust, little compressed, the back little elevated; head large; snout
blunt, its length $% in -head; mouth slightly oblique, the maxillary
scarcely reaching vertical from anterior margin of the eye; eye 3^
in head; origin of the dorsal midway between tip of snout and base
of caudal ; about 1 6 scales in a series between nape and dorsal fin ;
base of dorsal fin 2 in head, its longest ray i/^ in head; base of anal
2 in head; caudal fin forked; caudal peduncle slender, its least
depth af in head; lateral line nearly straight, complete.
Color light brown ; scales above dark edged ; numerous round dark
dots on upper half of the body, the largest sometimes nearly the size
of pupil; the spots unequal and irregularly placed; a plumbeous
lateral band from eye through snout, ending in a black caudal spot;
fins plain. Length about 2% inches.
One of the most conspicuously marked species in the genus.
Spawning season the last of June and the early part of July.
58. Nototropis boucardi (Gtinther). SALMICHI.
Leuciscus boucardi Giinther, Cat., vn, 485, 1868; Cuernavaca.
Rutilus boucardi Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 247.
68 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Graodus nigrotaniatus Giinther, Cat., vn, 485, 1868; Atlixco,
Mexico.
Notropis nigrol&niatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 264: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.
1900, 121; Rio Ixtla, Puente de Ixtla, Morelos: Meek, Field
1 Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1962; Balsas; Puente de Ixtla.
Basin of the Rio Balsas. (Cuautla; Yautepec; Jojutla; Atlixco;
Matamoras; Chietla.)
Head 4; depth 4; D. 8; A. 8; scales 7-36 to 38-4. Body elongate,
very robust, not much compressed, back little elevated; head large;
snout blunt, 3% in head; mouth moderate, maxillary reaching to
vertical from anterior margin of orbit; teeth 4-4; eye 3 to 4 in head;
origin of dorsal slightly nearer tip of snout than base of caudal; base
of dorsal 2 in head; longest dorsal ray i> in head; about 16 scales
in a series between the nape and dorsal fin; pectorals i^" in head;
ventrals i % ; base of anal 2 % ; caudal forked ; caudal peduncle rather
robust its least depth 2 in head; lateral line complete, slightly de-
curved.
Color dark brownish above, much lighter below; sides with a
dark lateral band, more prominent on smaller specimens and on
posterior half of body, ending in a black caudal spot; fins plain.
Length about 3%" inches.
Mr. C. Tate Regan, of the British Museum, London, has kindly
examined the types of Leuciscus boucardi and Graodus nigrotceniatus-,
and he considers both to be the same"" species. This decision agrees
with the result of my study of the minnows of the Balsas Basin.
This species is in North America the most southern member of the
family to which it belongs. Specimens taken at Yautepec on March
26th have the ovaries well developed, indicating the spawning season
to be in April.
Subgenus Codoma Girard.
59. Nototropis ornatus (Girard).
Codoma ornata Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 195;
Rio Chihuahua: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 59, pi. xxix, figs.
22-25, I ^S9'' Ri Chihuahua and its tributaries.
Notropis ornatus Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 58, Rio
Conchos, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 27: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 83;
Chihuahua; San Andres; Jimenez; Minaca.
Headwaters of the Rio Mezquital and the Rio Nazas, in Durango,
to the upper tributaries of the Rio Yaqui and the Rio Conchos,' in
Chihuahua. (Santiago Papasquiaro; Durango.)
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 69
Head 3^ to 4; depth 3; D. 8; A. 7; scales 8-40-4. Body very
stout and moderately compressed, the back arched; the head very
blunt, thick, and rounded; mouth small, somewhat oblique; the cleft
mostly anterior; the jaws equal; teeth 4-4; snout 3^ in head; eye
small, 3^ to 4 in the head; origin of dorsal midway between tip
of snout and base of caudal; base of dorsal 2 in head, its longest ray
\ l /t in head; 18 scales in a series between nape and dorsal fin; pec-
torals 1% in head; ventrals if in head; base of anal 2> in head;
caudal fin forked; caudal peduncle very stout, its least depth i^
in head; males in breeding season with prickles on head and body;
lateral line complete.
Color dark, lighter below; sides with about 8 to 10 more or less
conspicuous cross-bars; fins with the middle parts dusky or black.
The smaller specimens do not have as prominent bars as the larger
ones, but they have a more prominent caudal spot. A few males
are black with a white vertical band on preopercle behind eye; all
of the fins are black with light margins. Length about 2^ inches.
Spawning time apparently the first part of June
Subgerms Orcella Jordan & Evermanii.
60. Nototropis orca Woolman.
Notropis orca Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 56; Rio
Grande, El Paso, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 289.
Rio Grande at El Paso, Texas.
Head 4^2', depth 5; D. 7; A. 8; scales 8-42-4. Body robust,
little compressed, with broad back; dorsal outline somewhat elevated;
head heavy; snout blunt, decurved; mouth subinferior, little oblique;
lower jaw slightly included; maxillary scarcely reaching vertical from
pupil; top of head transversely rounded so that the eye is as near
the lower as the upper profile of the head; interorbital space very
wide and very convex, equals distance from tip of snout to pupil;
origin of dorsal fin a little nearer snout than base of caudal; longest
dorsal ray i-J in head; pectorals slightly falcate, about reaching
ventrals, ij^ in head; ventrals 2 in head; caudal deeply forked; scales
rather large, thin; lateral line somewhat decurved.
Color pale; side with a broad distinct silvery band as broad as
length of snout, bordered above by a narrow plumbeous line; back
sparsely covered with fine dark punctulations ; median line of back
with a faint plumbeous band; top of head darkish; fins pale. Length
about 3> inches. (Jordan & Evermann.)
70 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
61. Nototropis nazas sp. nov.
Type, No. 4375, F. C. M., 2> inches in length; Santiago Papas-
quiaro, Durango.
Headwaters of the Rio. Nazas in Durango.
FIG. 19. NOTOTROPIS NAZAS Meek.
Head 4%; depth 4^ to 4$; D. 8; A. 8; scales 10-49 to 54-5.
Body elongate, not much compressed; top of head flattish, the eye
being' much nearer the upper than the lower profile of the head;
snout rather pointed, slightly overhanging the mouth, 3 % in head;
mouth large, maxillary about reaching vertical from anterior margin
of pupil; maxillary 3 in head; teeth 4-4, hooked and with grind-
ing surface quite well developed; pharyngeal bones and teeth very
small; eye 3^3 in snout; origin of dorsal fin about midway between
base of caudal and anterior margin of eye; about 30 scales in a series
between nape and* dorsal fin ; base of dorsal i ^ in head ; its longest
ray i^ in head; pectoral i^ in head, its tips reaching about $
distance from its base to base of ventrals; ventrals nearly reaching
anal, if in head; base of anal 2 in head; caudal fin deepjy forked;
caudal peduncle slender, its least depth 3^ in head; scales small,
smaller on upper anterior part of the body; lateral line complete.
Color light brownish, lighter below; a narrow dark lateral band,
which ends in a faint caudal spot, on base of caudal rays; back finely
punctulate with dark dots, many being grouped to form larger dots.
Length about 2^ inches. Spawning time the latter part of May.
(Nazas, name of the river from which the type was taken.)
Subgenus Moniana Girard.
62. Nototropis forlonensis sp. nov.
Type, No. 4478, F. C. M., 2 inches in length; Forlon, Tamaulipas.
Basin of the Rio Panuco. (Forlon; Valles.)
Head 3^ to 4; depth 3*; D. 8; A. 9; scales 6-35-3. Body
elongate, considerably compressed; dorsal ?nd ventral outlines about
equal; snout pointed, 4 in head; mouth terminal, oblique; end of
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^;. 71
maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of orbit; eye large,
3 in head; teeth 4-4, hooked, with narrow grinding surface; origin
of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and nostril; base of
dorsal 2^ in head; its longest ray i-f in head; pectoral pointed,
FlG. 20. NOTOTROPIS FORLONENSIS Meek.
i in head; ventral i% in head; base of anal i^ in head; caudal
peduncle rather slender, its least depth 2^ in head; scales rather
deeper than long; lateral line decurved, complete.
Color rather light brownish, with a lateral plumbeous band,
ending in a very faint caudal spot. Length about 2 inches.
This species resembles Nototropis lutrensis, differing, however, from
it in having a better developed lateral band, a faint caudal spot,
and a larger eye. Spawning time the latter part of May. (Forlon,
name of the river from which the type was taken.)
63. Nototropis lutrensis (Baird & Girard).
Leuciscus lutrensis Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1853, 391; Otter Creek, tributary of the North Fork of Red
River, Arkansas.
Moniana couchi Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 201;
China, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 57, pi. xxx, figs.
21-24, 1859; China, Nuevo Leon.
Moniana rutila Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 201, 1856;
Cadereita, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 57, pi. xxx,
figs. 1-4, 1859; Cadereita, Nuevo Leon.
Moniana -gracilis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 201, 1856;
Monterey, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 59, 1859;
Acapulco, near Monterey, Nuevo Leon.
Moniana gibbosa Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 1859, 59; Brownsville,
Texas.
Cyprinella bubalina Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878, 403;
Brownsville, Texas.
Cliola montiregis Cope, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., 1884, 168; Mon-
terey, Nuevo Leon.
72 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Notrofns lutrensis Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., i&g^, 58;
Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 271: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65,
1902; Santa Maria; Ahumada; Chihuahua; Santa Rosalia;
Jimenez; San Andres; Minaca.
Small streams from the Rio Conchos in Chihuahua, north and
east to South Dakota. (Sauz; Linares.)
Head 3^ to 4; depth 3 to 4; D. 7 or 8; A. 8; scales 6 or 7, 36-3.
Body elongate, compressed; head rather large; snout slightly bluntish;
mouth moderate, oblique; snd of maxillary reaching vertical from
anterior margin of orbit; teeth 4-4, or i, 4-4, o, i or 2; eye small,
about equal to snout, 3^4 to 4 in head; origin of dorsal fin midway
between base of caudal and nostril; about 14 to 19 scales in a series
between nape and dorsal fin; base of dorsal i^ in head, its longest
ray i^ in head; pectorals i^ in head; ventrals if in head; base of
anal 2 in head; caudal fin forked; caudal peduncle moderate, its
least depth 2 in head ; scales deeper than long ; lateral line consid-
erably de curved.
Color bluish above, lighter below; on darker specimens a dark
vertical bar behind gill opening followed by a pale vertical bar which
in life is red; in males, which have the body entirely covered with
tubercles, the body in life is tinged with red, the pectorals, ventrals,
and anals a bright red; small specimens with a very faint lateral
band on posterior half of body; no caudal spot. Length about 3
inches. '
A very variable and widely distributed r species. Spawning time
the last half of May.
64. Nototropis macrostomus (Girard).
Cyprinella macrostoma Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
198; Devil's River, Texas; China, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex.
Bd. Sur., 54, pi. xxxi, figs. 5-8, 1859; China, Nuevo Leon.
Notropis macrostomus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 274.
Streams tributary to the Rio Grande, in northeastern Mexico.
(San Juan; Montemorelos.)
Head 3$; depth 3^"; D. 8; A. 8; scales 7-35-2. Body rather
elongate, . moderately compressed; head conical; snout bluntish;
mouth rather large, terminal, the maxillary reaching vertical from
front of orbit; eye equal to length of snout, 3^ in head; origin of
dorsal fin midway between tip of snout and base of caudal; dorsal
fin short, its base 2 in head; pectoral i^ in head; ventrals reaching
vent, 1^2 iv head; base of anal 2*4 in head; least depth of caudal
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^E. 73
peduncle 2^ in head; lateral line above pectoral considerably de-
curved.
Color olivaceous; a silvery band from eye to base of caudal, with
a narrow light line above it. Length about 2.25 inches.
The males of this species are much the darker, with the lateral
band very faint; tubercles on head and nape. Females with well-
developed eggs. This species resembles Nototropis lutrensis, but is
more slender than that species, and the lateral band is more promi-
nent on anterior half of the body; the mouth is also larger.
65. Nototropis garmani (Jordan).
Cyprinella mbripinna Garman, Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881, 91; Lago
del Muerte, near Parras, Coahuila.
Notropis^ garmani Jordan, Cat. Fishes N. Amer., 1885,813; name
a substitute for rubripinna, preoccupied: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 281.
Basin of the Rio Nazas. (Lerdo; Santiago Papasquiaro.)
Head 3^" to 4; depth 2%" to 4; D. 9; A. 10 to 12; scales 7-36-3.
Body elongate to very deep, much compressed, the back somewhat
arched; head rather small; snout bluntish, 4 in head; mouth small,
oblique, terminal, the lower jaw included when mouth is closed; the
tip of maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of the orbit;
teeth 4-4, narrow grinding surface, tips hooked; eye 33/2 in the head;
origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and pupil; about
18 scales between nape and dorsal fin; base of dorsal i^ in head,
slightly less than length of longest ray; fins all large, the tips of the
pectorals, in the deeper specimens, reaching base of ventrals; pectorals
i in head; ventrals i^ in head; base of anal equals length of
longest anal ray, i^ in head; scales rather large, deeper than long,
especially on deepest specimens ; caudal fin forked ; caudal peduncle
very slender, its least depth 2^ in head; vertebrae 16 + 17 = 3 3-
Color bluish above, lighter below; a dark band on middle of the
body on posterior half; no caudal spot; fins plain; males in breeding
season with much red on body and fins, and tubercles on body; old
males with tubercles over the entire body. Length about 3 inches.
This species is very variable in form and color; it differs chiefly
from Nototropis lutrensis, which it most resembles, in having larger
fins and a much more slender caudal peduncle. The specimens from
Lerdo are very much compressed, appearing much like half -starved
fish; dark olivaceous, not much silvery. The large males are very
red in life, with a dark bar followed by a lighter one just back
of head.
This species may possibly prove to be a variety of Nototropis
lutrensis. Spawning time the latter part of May and in June.
74 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
66. Nototropis santamariae Evermann & Goldsborough.
Notropis santamarics Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U.S. Fish
Comm., 1902, 147; Lago de Santa Maria, Chihuahua.
Basin of the Rio Santa Maria.
FlG. 21. NOTOTROPIS SANTAMARIXE Evermann & Goldsborough.
No. 50003, U. S. National Museum.
Head 4; depth 3^; D. 8; A. 9; scales 9-38-2. Body short, deep,
and compressed; head short, obtuse; mouth rather small, oblique;
jaws subequal, the lower slightly included; maxillary scarcely reach-
ing eye; its length 6 in head; interorbital 6 in head; eye large, 3^3
in head; origin of dorsal fin over ventrals, midway between base of
caudal and anterior margin of the orbit; scales large, loose, and
closely imbricated, the exposed portions of the anterior ones deeper
than long; about 15 scales between nape and dorsal fin; longest
dorsal ray i in head; pectorals short, pointed, i% in head, not
reaching base of ventrals; ventrals barely reaching origin of anal;
lateral line greatly decurved and incomplete, only n to 13 pores;
fins all small; teeth 4-4, slightly hooked; caudal peduncle moderate,
its least depth 2$ in head.
Color olivaceous, paler below; back and upper part of side with
numerous small dark specks ; the edges of the scales dark ; an obscure
dark lateral band, plainest on caudal peduncle; median line of back
dark; top of head dark; snout somewhat dusky; dorsal and caudal
fins dusky, other fins pale. Length about 2 inches. Known only
from the type locality.
67. Nototropis formosus (Girard).
Moniana formosa Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 201;
Rio Mimbres, Chihuahua: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 58, pi.
xxx, figs. 5-8, 1859; Rio Mimbres, Chihuahua.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 75
Notropis formosus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 271: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 84; Colonia
Juarez.
Basin of the Rio Casas Grandes.
Head 3^; depth 3^ to 3^; D. 9; A. 8; scales 10-42 or 48-5.
Body elongate, much compressed; head large; snout pointed, 4 in
head; mouth moderate, end of maxillary reaching to vertical from
anterior margin of eye; teeth 4-4, narrow grinding surface, tips little
hooked; eye small, 3^ in head; origin of dorsal fin midway between
base of caudal and nostril; about 24 scales in a series between nape
and dorsal fin; base of dorsal i^ in head; longest ray i> in head;
pectoral i% in head; ventral 1^2 in head; caudal fin forked; caudal
peduncle 2 in head; lateral line decurved, complete or absent on a
few scales.
Color dark bluish, much lighter below; a dark band on middle
of posterior part of body ; no caudal spot ; vertical fins darkish ; outer
margin of first pectoral ray dark. Length 2 inches.
This species is abundant in the basin of the Rio Casas Grandes.
It has not been taken elsewhere.
68. Nototropis frigidus (Girard).
Montana frigida Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 200;
Rio Frio, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 271.
Notropis frigidus Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1902, 148; Lago de Santa Maria, Chihuahua.
Northern Chihuahua to Texas.
Head 4; depth 4^; D. 7 ; A. 9; scales 5-35-6. Body slender,
compressed; head small; mouth small, oblique, lower jaw slightly
included; scales thin, deciduous; fins small; origin of dorsal slightly
behind base of ventrals.
Color pale yellowish or straw color; a few dark punctulations
along the median line of back. Length about 2 inches.
A single specimen 2 inches long from a pool near Lake Santa
Maria, Chihuahua, seems to be this species, though too badly muti-
lated to enable us to identify it with certainty. (Evermann & Golds-
borough.)
Subgenus Nototropis Rafinesque.
69. Nototropis santarosaliae Meek.
Notropis santarosalice Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 85;
Santa Rosalia.
Basin of the Rio Conchos in Chihuahua.
;6 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Head 4; depth 4^; D- 8; A. 10; scales 6-37-3. Body elongate,
rather slender ; snout pointed, short; 4 in head; 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,
. FIG. 22. NOTOTROPIS SANTAROSALI/C Meek.
No. 3535, Field Columbian Museum.
3 in head; origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and
anterior margin of the orbit; 18 scales in a series before- dorsal fin;
base of dorsal fin 2^ in head, its longest ray iX m head; pectorals
iX m head; ventrals if; lateral line decurved, complete; the lateral
line about one scale-width below the lateral band.
Color light olivaceous, with a broad dark lateral band from snout
through eye to base of caudal, rnore prominent on the posterior
half of the body, not ending in a black caudal spot; fins all plain.
Length about 2 inches.
28. Pheiiacobius Cope.
Phenacobius Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1867, 96. (Type,
Phenacobius teretulus Cope.)
Sarcidium Cope, Hayden's Geol. Sur. Wyom., 1870 (1871), 440.
(Type, Sarcidium scopiferum Cope.)
Body elongate, little compressed; head moderate, subterete;
mouth inferior, the lower lip thin mesially, but enlarged into a
fleshy lobe on each side toward the angle of the mouth, resembling
a cut lip ; upper lip with a callous covering within ; dentary bones
distinct, except at the symphysis; no barbel; upper jaw protractile;
teeth 4-4, without grinding surface; scales small; lateral line present;
isthmus wide; alimentary canal short; peritoneum white.
70. Phenacobius scopifer (Cope).
Sarcidium scopiferum Cope, Hayden's Geol. Surv. Wyo., 1870
(1871), 440; Missouri River near St. Joseph, Missouri.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID.E. 77
Phenacobius scopifer Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878, 666;
Brownsville, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 302.
Mouth of the Rio Grande north to St. Joseph, Missouri.
Head 4 to 4^; depth 4^; D. 8; A. 7; scales 6-43-5. Body
moderately slender; head short; snout rather blunt; mouth small;
dorsal fin in front of ventrals.
Color olivaceous, a silvery lateral band, and a black caudal spot;
edges of scales' with dark edgings, which sharply define their outlines.
Length about 3 inches.
29. Evarra Woolman.
Evarra Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 64. (Type, Evarra
eigenmanni Woolman.)
Body very elongate, slender, subterete; head small; snout bluntish;
mouth small, terminal, oblique; no barbels; the lips thickish; upper
jaw protractile; lateral line complete; dorsal fin low ; teeth small 4-4 ;
alimentary canal about as long as body.
To this genus belong 2 species which are known only from the
lakes and canals near the City of Mexico.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF EVARRA.
a. Anal fin short, with about 7 rays; scales about PAGE
88 in the lateral series eigenmanni 7 7
aa. Anal fin long, with 14 rays; scales 95 in lateral
series tlahuacensis 78
71. Evarra eigenmanni Woolman.
Evarra eigenmanni Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 64;
City of Mexico: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 304: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 86;
Tlahuac.
Valley of Mexico.
FIG. 23. EVARRA EIGENMANNI Woolman.
No. 45571, U. S. National Museum.
78 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Head 4^"; depth 5^; D. 8; A. 7; scales 17-88-10. Body elon-
gate, subterete; head small; the snout bluntish, 3^ in head; inter-
orbital area broad and flattish; mouth small, the maxillary not
reaching vertical from eye; lips somewhat thickened; lateral line
decurved anteriorly, complete; fins all very small; dorsal inserted
slightly behind origin of ventrals.
Color olivaceous, silvery below; sides with a faint plumbeous
lateral band, ending in a small caudal spot; a dark dorsal stripe;
fins all plain. Length about 3 inches.
72. Evarra tlahuacensis Meek.
Evarra tlahuacensis Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 85;
Tlahuac.
Valley of Mexico.
FIG. 24. EVARRA TLAHUACENSIS Meek.
No. 3681, Field Columbian Museum.
Head 4; depth 5^; D. 8; A. 14; scales 95. Body elongate, rather
slender; snout blunt, its length 3^ in head; upper jaw protractile;
teeth 4-4, tips hooked, grinding surface fairly developed; mouth
little, oblique, tip of maxillary reaching margin of orbit; diameter
of eye 3^ in head; origin of dorsal fin midw.ay between base of
caudal and posterior margin of eye; about 38 scales in a series before
dorsal fin; first dorsal ray reaching beyond tip of the last ray, when
the fin is defiexed; lateral line complete, decurved above the pec-
torals; gill membranes connected to isthmus; peritoneum black;
the length of the alimentary canal equals distance from eye to tip
of caudal fin.
Color dark olive, white below, the line between the colors very
distinct and extending from below eye to one-quarter distance. from
ventral surface of caudal peduncle; a dark vertebral and a dark
lateral band. Length about 2% inches.
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^. 79
3O. Khiiiichthys Agassiz.
BLACK-NOSED DACE.
Rhinichthys Agassiz, Lake Superior, 353, 1850. (Type, Cyprinus
atronasus Mitchill.)
Body elongate, not .much compressed; mouth small, subinferior;
the upper jaw not protractile; the upper lip continuous with the
skin of the forehead, forming a very broad frenum; a small barbel
on end of maxillary; scales very small; lateral line complete; teeth
2, 4-4, 2 or i, hooked, and without grinding surface ; intestinal canal
short. Species few, inhabiting springs and running water.
73. Rhinichthys simus Garman. SOUTHERN DACE.
Rhinichthys simus Garman, Science Observer, 1881, 61; Coahuila:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 307:
Meek, Field Col. Mus., Pub., 65, 1902, 86; Santa Rosalia.
Tributaries of the Rio Grande in northern Mexico. (Monte-
morelos:)
Head 3$; depth 4$; D. 8; A. 8; scales 12-62-8. Body elongate,
little compressed; head depressed; snout blunt, its length 2^ in
head; mouth inferior; lips thick; eye small, 5^" in head; interorbital
area 3^ in head; origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal
and nostril; pectoral fin large, nearly, reaching ventrals, its length i%
in head; ventrals i% in head; caudal fin forked; caudal peduncle
strong, its least depth 2% in head; lateral line complete, nearly
straight.
Color light brownish; young with a dark lateral band and small
caudal spot, disappearing in the largest specimens. Length about
3 inches. Spawning time the last of May and early in June.
31. Agosia Girard.
Agosia Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 186. (Type,
Agosia chrysogaster Girard.)
Apocope Cope, Hayden's Geol. Sur. Mont., 1871-4, 472. (Type,
Apocope carringtoni Cope.)
Body elongate, not much compressed; head long; snout blunt;
maxillary with a terminal barbel; premaxillaries protractile; scales
small, 60 to 90 in the lateral series; teeth 4-4, i, or 2, 4-4, i or 2 ; intes-
tinal canal short. A genus which much resembles Rhinichthys.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF AGOSIA.
a. Teeth i, 4-4, i; body elongate, its depth 4^ PAGE
in the body oscula 80
aa. Teeth 4-4, body rather deep , its depth 4 in body . . chrysogaster 80
8o FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
74. Agosia oscula (Girard).
Argyreus osculus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 186;
Babocomori Creek, a tributary of the Rio San Pedro, Arizona.
Argyreus notabilis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 186;
Rio Santa Cruz, a tributary of the Gila, Sonora: Girard, Mex.
Bd. Sur.,47, pi. xxvn, figs. 5-8, 1859; Rio Santa Cruz, Sonora.
Agosia oscida Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 309.
Tributaries of the Gila River in Arizona and Sonora.
Head 4; depth 4^; D. 8; A. 7; scales 18-89-15. Body rather
elongate, the caudal peduncle stout; snout obtuse, but narrowed
anteriorly, not overhanging the mouth; maxillary barbels small; eye
small, 4 in head.
Color dusky olive above ; a blackish lateral band ; male with axils
of pectorals and ventrals scarlet; a scarlet patch above gill openings
and one on side- of snout. Length about 3 inches.
75. Agosia chrysogaster Girard.
Agosia chrysogaster Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856,
187; Rio Santa Cruz, Sonora (Gila Basin): Girard, Mex. Bd.
Sur., 49, pi. xxvin, figs. 5-8, 1859; Rio Santa Cruz, Sonora:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 313:
Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 260; Morse Canon; Rucker
Canon, Yaqui Basin; Hermosillo: Evermann & Goldsborough ,
Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 148; near summit of Sierra
Madre. Chihuahua.
Northern Sonora and Chihuahua.
Head 4; depth 4; D. 8; A. 7; scales 88. Body fusiform; head
rather heavy; snout conical; maxillary barbel small; mouth terminal,
the upper jaw the longer; maxillary reaching about vertical from
outer margin of orbit; eye small, 4 in head; fins long.
Color dark iron gray above, sometimes spotted; a darker band
of same along the side above lateral line, extending from end of
snout to middle of caudal; males with the belly yellow or orange.
Length about 3 inches.
32. Hybopsis Agassiz.
HORNY HEADS.
Hybopsis Agassiz, Amer. Jour. Sci. Arts, 1854, 358. (Type,
Hybopsis gracilis Agassiz = Rutilus amblops Rafinesque.)
Yuriria Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 321.
(Type, Hudsonius altus Jordan.)
FAMILY V. CYPRINID^E. 81
Body robust or elongate; mouth terminal or inferior, with a
barbel present and terminal on maxillary; a second barbel some-
times present on each side; premaxillaries protractile; teeth 4-4 or
i, 4-4, i or o, hooked, with narrow grinding surface; scales rather
large, 35 to 60 in the lateral line; lateral line complete; males usually
with tubercles on snout in breeding season, and sometimes flushed
with red. A small group of fishes usually inhabiting river channels.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF HYBOPSIS.
a. Body slender, 5^ in, in length; scales 36 in PAGE
the lateral series; mouth moderate, inferior;
the snout projecting and rather pointed ; color
silvery, everywhere sprinkled with dark dots astivalis 81
aa. Body more robust, 3%" to 4^; mouth large
oblique, terminal, the lower jaw slightly in-
cluded; scales 45 in the lateral line; color sil-
very without dark dots altus 81
76. Hybopsis sestivalis (Girard).
Gobio (Estivalis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 189;
Rio San Juan, near Cadereita, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex.
Bd. Sur., 49, pi. LVII, figs. 17-29, 1859; Rio San Juan near
Cadereita, Nuevo Leon.
Hybopsis cestivalis Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish. Comm., 1894, 56;
Rio Grande, El Paso, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 316.
Northeastern Mexico north to the upper tributaries of the Rio
Grande in New Mexico, and to the Arkansas River in Arkansas.
(San Juan; Linares.)
Head 3^; depth $%; D- 8; A. 8; scales 6-36-4. Body slender,
with long caudal peduncle, the back scarcely elevated; head long
and slender; the snout much projecting and rather pointed; mouth
moderate, inferior, the maxillary reaching posterior nostril; barbels
long, nearly as long as snout, about 3 in head; each maxillary with
single barbel; eye small 4 to 4^ m head; fins rather long, the caudal
deeply forked, its lobes subequal; origin of dorsal over ventrals
nearer tip of snout than base of caudal.
Color silvery, everywhere sprinkled with small black dots; fins
plain. Length about 3 inches. This species spawns during the latter
part of June.
77. Hybopsis altus (Jordan). PESCADA BLANCA.
Hudsonius altus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 301; Lago
deTupatara, Guanajuato: Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1896,322.
82 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Hybopsis altus Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 61;
Rio Lerma, Salamanca, Queretaro : Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 322: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S.
Fish Comm., 1900, 125; Rio Verde; Aguas Calientes: Pellegrin,
Bull. Mus. Nat. Hist. Paris, 1901, 205 ; Estado de Jalisco: Meek,
Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 86; Acambaro; Celaya; Aguas
Calientes; Lagos.
Notropis altus B. A. Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 539; Rio
Cuitzeo, Michoacan.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 3^3 to 4; depth 3^ to 4; scales 9-46-4. Body rather
elongate, compressed, back elevated; head low, rather long; snout
bluntish; mouth terminal, large; end of maxillary reaching slightly
beyond vertical from anterior margin of orbit, its length 3 > in head;
snout 3^i in head; jaws equal; teeth 4-4, with grinding surface and
tips slightly hooked; maxillary barbel rather small; eye 4^ in head;
origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer tip of snout than base of caudal;
pectoral fins pointed, i% in head; ventrals if- in head: caudal fin
forked; caudal peduncle strong, its least depth 2% in head; lateral
line complete, slightly decurved.
Color light olivaceous, lighter below; sides above lateral line with
a more or less plumbeous lateral band; no caudal spot. Length about
10 inches.
This species is usually found in clear running water. It is quite
abundant in the upper tributaries of the Rio Lerma, from which
streams only, it is known. Sexual organs of specimens taken the third
week of May not developed. Evidently it spawns late in the summer.
33. Couesius Jordan.
Couesius Jordan, Bull. Hayden's Geol. Sur. Terr., iv, 785, 1878.
(Type, Nocomis milneri Jordan.)
Body elongate; head normal, not depressed; the profile convex;
mouth terminal, normal; a well-developed barbel on the anterior
side of the maxillary, just above its tip; teeth 2, 4-4, 2, hooked, with-
out grinding surface; scales rather small; lateral line complete.
78. Couesius adustus Woolman.
Couesius adustus Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 57; Rio
Conchos, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 325.
Rio Conchos in Chihuahua.
Head 4% ', depth 4^3 ; D. 8 ; A. 7 ; scales 13-58-8. Body moderate-
ly compressed, the back little elevated, the anterior profile rather
FAM. V. CYPRINID^;. FAM. VI. CHARACINID^E. 83
convex; snout rather long, slightly pointed; its length 3! in head;
mouth low, terminal, oblique; the jaws subequal, the maxillary
opposite posterior nostril; barbel evident in young, inconspicuous
in the adult, its position not quite terminal; interorbital space broad,
flattish; eye 3^ in head; preorbital broad; origin of dorsal inserted
over or a little behind ventrals, the latter reaching to vent.
Color olivaceous, dusky above; sides silvery; a narrow plumbeous
lateral band ending in a small caudal spot in young individuals; fins
all plain. Length about 4 inches.
This species is known only from the type locality.
Subfamily Plagopterinae.
34. Plagopterus Cope.
Plagopterus Cope, Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc. Phila., 1874, 301. (Type,
Plagopterus argentissimus Cope.)
Body slender; mouth terminal; a barbel at the extremity of the
maxillary; teeth 2, 5-4, 2, hooked, without grinding surface; body
without scales; dorsal fin short, posterior, with a strong spine
composed of 2 spines, the posterior one being received into a longi-
tudinal groove of the anterior; inner border of ventral fins adherent
to the body.
79. Plagopterus argentissimus Cope.
Plagopterus argentissimus Cope, Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc. Phila.,
1874, 130; San Luis Valley, Colorado: Jordan & Evermarin,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 329: Gilbert & Scofield, Proc.
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 496; mouth of Rio Gila at Yuma.
Colorado River Basin in Colorado to Ft. Yuma, Arizona.
Head 4; depth 6; D. n, 7; A. 10. Body slender; head rather
broad, the muzzle slightly depressed, overhanging the rather small,
horizontal mouth; lips thin; maxillary reaching front of eye; eye
moderate, 4^ in head; dorsal fin entirely behind ventrals, the first
spine curved, longer than the second; soft rays of dorsal thickened,
ossified at base; lateral line complete, slightly deflexed.
Color silvery; back dusky, with minute black dots. Length about
2% inches. A singular little fish.
Family VI. Cliaracinidse.
THE CHARACINS.
Body usually rather elongate, compressed and covered with cycloid
scales; head naked; margin of the upper jaw formed mesially by
the premaxillaries and laterally by the maxillaries; no barbels ; pre-
84 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
maxillaries protractile; teeth various, often incisor-like, often wanting;
branchiostegals usually 3; gill membranes united to the isthmus or
not; no pseudobranchiae; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth; lower
pharyngeals more or less curved, armed with small, sometimes villi-
form, teeth ; adipose fin present (occasionally wanting) ; air bladder
transversely divided into two portions; anterior vertebrae coalesced
and modified.
A large family of fishes inhabiting the fresh waters of South
America and Africa. A few species inhabit the streams of southern
Mexico, ranging as far north as the United States. All of the mem-
bers of this family in Mexico are small, none reaching a length of
over six inches.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF CHARACINID/E.
a. Scales large, less than 50 in the lateral series; PAGE
anal fin short, with less than 35 rays,
b. Anterior teeth strong, incisor-like; premax-
' illary teeth in a double series, those on man-
dible in a single series; less than 40 scales
in the lateral series ; lateral line complete . . Tetragonopterus 84
bb. Anterior teeth weaker, more or less conical
and with lateral cusps; more than 40 scales
in the lateral series; lateral line incomplete. Hemigrammus 87
aa. Scales small, more than 60 in the lateral series;
anal fin long, with more than 40 rays Rceboides 88
Subfamily Tetragonopterinae.
35. Tetragonopterus Cuvier.
Tetragonopterus Cuvier, Regne Animal, Ed. i, Vol. n, 166, 1817.
(Type, Tetragonopterus argenteus Cuvier.)
Astyanax Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854, 26.
(Type, Astyanax argentatus Baird & fiirard.)
Body oblong or elevated, compressed, covered with moderate
scales; belly rounded; mouth rather small; anterior teeth strong,
incisor-like; lateral teeth small; premaxillary and mandibular teeth
about equal in size, with a compressed, notched crown, the former
in a double, the latter in a single series; nostrils of each side close
together, separated by a valve only; lower pharyngeals very slender,
curved, armed with a single series of slender, hooked teeth; gill
openings wide; gill membranes not connected, free from the isthmus;
origin of the dorsal fin about midway between tip of snout and base
of caudal.
FAMILY VI. CHARACINID^E. 85
The species of this genus, which inhabit the streams of Mexico,
are extremely variable. In the collections studied by me, I am
unable to recognize more than two species.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF TETRAGONOPTERUS.
a. Anal fin short, its rays 18 to 23 mexicanus 85
aa. Anal fin longer, its rays 24 to 27 aneus 86
80. Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi.
Tetragonopterus mexicanus Filippi, Guerins Rev. Mag. Zool., 1853,
1 66; Mexico: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 335: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
125; Rio Ixtla, Puente de Ixtla, Morelos: Meek, Field Col.
Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 86; Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; Cuicatlan;
Venta Salada.
Astyanax argentatus Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1854, 27; Comanche Spring and Brownsville, Texas: Girard,
Mex. Bd. Sur., 74, pi. vin, figs. 5-9, 1859; mouth of the Rio
Grande: Giinther, Cat., v, 380, 1864: Garman, Bull. Mus.
Comp. Zool., 1881, 92; tributaries of Lago del Muerto and
spring near Monclova.
Tetragonopterus fulgens Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat. Zool., ix, 1868,
62; Province of Cuernavaca: Vaillant & Pellegrin, Bull. Mus.
Hist. Nat. Paris, 1904, 325; Cuernavaca.
Tetragonopterus argentatus Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1894, 60; Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S.
Fish Comm., 1900, 125; Rio Verde, near Rascon, San Luis
Potosi; Rio Tamesin, Tampico: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub.
65, 1902, 86; Chihuahua; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.
Tetragonopterus nitidus Vaillant & Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat.
Paris, 1904, 324; Cuernavaca.
Rio Balsas and Rio Tehuacan to the Rio Grande. (Lerdo ; Santiago
Papasquiaro; Monterey; San Juan; Montemorelos ; Linares; Garza
Valdez ; La Cruz ; Santa Engracia ; Victoria ; Rio Verde ; Forlon ; Valles
Rascon; Cuautla; Yautepec; Jojutla; Atlixco; Matamoras; Chietla.)
Head 3^ to 4; depth 2%" to 3; D. 9 or 10; A. 20 to 23; scales
8-34 to 37-6. Body elongate, compressed, the dorsal and ventral
outlines similar; head rather small; snout bluntish; mouth terminal,
small ; the free straight portion of the maxillary 3 X m head ; snout
3 to 3^; eye 3 to 3^! origin of dorsal fin about midway between
tip of snout and base of caudal fin (in most specimens nearer tip of
snout); base of dorsal i> in its longest ray, 2 in head; pectorals
86 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
nearly or quite reaching ventrals, i^ in head; ventrals to vent, i^
in head ; base of anal equals the length of the head ; origin of adipose
fin over the last ray of the anal; caudal fin forked, the lobes equal;
least depth of caudal peduncle 2% in head; lateral line complete,
nearly straight; gill rakers short, rather slender, about 17 on the first
gill arch; vertebrae 16 + 17=33.
Color light olivaceous above, silvery below; a broad bluish silvery
band becoming darker posteriorly from upper edge of gill opening to
base of caudal fin ; an oblong black caudal spot extending on the mid-
dle rays of caudal fin ; a dark humeral blotch. Length about 4 inches.
This species is very abundant and variable. Specimens from the
Rio Nazas, the upper waters of the Rio Conchos and from the Rio
Panuco average a little deeper than those from the other localities.
Those found in streams where vegetation is the most abundant are
the darker in color. The females are full of eggs, indicating that
the spawning season is the latter part of May and early in June.
Eggs small, the diameter of each .035 inch.
81. Tetragonopterus aeneus Giinther.
Tetragonopterus ceneus Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1860,
319; Oaxaca, Mexico: Gunther Cat., v, 326, 1864; Oaxaca:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 333.
Tetragonopterus oaxacanensis Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat. Zool., ix,
1868, 62; Oaxaca.
Lowland streams south of the city of Vera Cruz and of the Rio
Balsas. (Otopa; Cordoba; Motzorongo; Refugio; El Hule; Obispo;
Perez; Sanborn; San Juan Evangelista; San Geronimo; Tehuantepec.)
Head 3^ to 4; depth 2% to 3; D. 10; A. 24 to 27; scales 8 or 9,35
to 38-6. Body elongate, or rather deep, compressed; head short;
mouth small; in some of the larger specimens the outer cusps of the
upper teeth protrude through the skin of the upper lip; snout short,
blunt, 4 in head; eye 2f ; maxillary rather slender, its posterior por-
tion nearly vertical and about ^ diameter of the eye; no teeth on
maxillary; origin of the dorsal fin midway between tip of snout and
base of caudal, or slightly near the snout; longest dorsal ray slightly
longer than the head; tip of pectorals reaching ventrals; pectoral i
in head; tips of ventrals not quite reaching anal; lateral line complete,
slightly decurved; caudal fin deeply forked.
Color light olivaceous, a silvery band on sides, ending in an oblong
caudal spot extending on middle rays of the caudal fin ; this band
is darker in dark colored specimens; a black humeral spot with trace
of a second one behind it. Length about 4 inches. Streams south of
Cordoba and south of the Rio Balsas.
FAMILY VI. CHARACINID^. 87
In form this species is very variable, usually the deeper specimens
are more compressed than the more elongate ones. The darker speci-
mens are from Refugio and Motzorongo, the lighter from San Juan
Evangelista. The former were taken in a shady stream, the latter
on the edge of a sand-bar. This species is very abundant in the
lower portions of all streams examined by me south of Vera Cruz.
36. Hemigrammus Gill.
Hemigrammus Gill, Ann. N.Y. Lye. Nat. Hist., 1858,420. (Type,
Hemigrammus unilineatus Gill.)
Body elongate, much compressed; belly before ventrals rounded;
head moderate; snout pointed; teeth in both jaws uniserial, pointed,
with one to three cusps ; teeth on maxillary 0-5 ; gill membranes not
connected, free from the isthmus; gill rakers long and slender, nu-
merous; lateral line incomplete.
82. Hemigrammus compressus sp. nov.
Type, No. 4641, F. C. M., i^i inches in length; El Hule, Oaxaca.
Basin of the Rio Papaloapam. (El Hule; Obispo.)
FIG. 25. HEMIGRAMMUS COMPRESSUS Meek.
Head z^A', depth 2^; D. u; A. 25 or 27; scales 45 to 48. Body
deep, much compressed; ventral region rounded before and behind
ventrals; mouth moderate; maxillary slender, its tip reaching vertical
from pupil, its length 2% in head; teeth in jaws in one series, con-
ical; snout short, its length slightly more than y z diameter of eye;
dorsal fin high, its longest ray slightly more than length of head,
its base i^ in head; origin of dorsal fin -midway between base
of caudal fin and anterior margin of eye; pectorals i^ in the head,
their tips reaching slightly past base of ventrals ; ventral fins slightly
shorter than pectorals; caudal peduncle very slender, its least depth
88 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
3 in base of anal fin; base of anal fin 3^ in body; anal fin falcate, its
longest rays equaling the length of the head; the lateral line incom-
plete, on 4 to 10 anterior scales; caudal fin widely forked.
Color light olivaceous, body and fins sprinkled with black dots,
being more numerous on dorsal region and region near anal fin; basal
half of anterior dorsal rays black; anal fin with many dark dots. The
largest specimen obtained is 1.75 inches in length.
Subfamily Characinse.
37. Rceboides Giinther.
Rceboides Giinther, Cat., v, 347, 1864. (Type, Epicyrtus microlepis
Rheinhardt.)
Body oblong, rather elevated, covered with small scales; belly
rounded in front of ventrals ; pectoral and ventral fins near each other ;
humerus dilated or produced into a process before pectoral fin ; mouth
wide, with conical .teeth in the premaxillary, maxillary, and mandible;
those on the mandible uniserial, on the upper jaw uniserial or biserial;
front of jaws with short, conical, tooth-like processes directed forward;
no teeth on palate; nostrils close together, separated by a membrane
only; gill openings wide, the membranes separate and free from the
isthmus; gill rakers slender lanceolate; adipose fin present; verte-
brae i2-f 22 =34.
83. Roeboides guatemalensis (Giinther).
Anacyrtus guatemalensis Giinther, Cat., v, 347, 1864; Rio Chagres;
Huamuchal: Giinther, Fishes Cent. Amer., 479, pi. 82, fig.
4, 1869; Huamuchal.
Rceboides guatemalensis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 338.
Rivers of the Pacific slope of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and Cen-
tral America. (San Geronimo.)
Head 3^; depth 3; D. 9; A. 50; scales 86. Body elongate, profile
rather gibbous at the nape; head small, subconical; mouth large;
maxillary long and slender, its tips reaching vertical from posterior
margin of the pupil, its length z in head; snout equaling diameter of
eye, 3^ in head; origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer tip of snout than
base of caudal fin; ventrals long and slender, i in head, their tips
reaching anal ; ventrals i y$ in head ; caudal fin deeply forked ; lateral
line straight, complete.
Color olivaceous; sides with a silvery band; a faint" dark blotch
above lateral line over middle of pectoral ; a larger blotch below lateral
line above origin of anal; a faint caudal blotch; no markings on the
fins. Length about 3 inches.
One specimen 3 inches in length was taken by me at San Geronimo.
Order v. Symbranchia.
THE SYMBRANCHOID EELS.
Body eel-shaped; premaxillary, maxillary, and palatine bones
well developed and distinct from each other; no paired fins; vertical
fins rudimentary, reduced to folds of the skin; gill openings confluent
in a single slit; no air bladder; vertebrae numerous, the anterior ones
not modified.
Family VII. Symbrancliidre.
THE SYMBRANCHOID EELS.
Body eel-shaped, naked, the abdomen very long, longer than the
tail; snout short; eyes small, anterior; teeth small; palatine teeth in a
band; gill openings confluent in a narrow slit; 4 gill arches; gills
well developed ; gill membranes free from the isthmus ; no accessory
breathing sac ; shoulder girdle attached to the skull by a well-developed
bifurcate post-temporal.
38. Symbraiiclms Bloch.
Symbranchus Bloch, Ichthyologia, ix, 87; 1795. (Type, Symbranchus
marmoratus Bloch.)
The description of the genus is included in that of the family.
84. Symbranchus marmoratus Bloch.
Symbranchus marmoratus Bloch. Ichth., ix, 87, pi. 418, 1795 ; Trop-
ical America: Gunther, Cat., vm, 15, 1870; Mexico; Vera Cruz:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 342: B.
A. Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 539; Santa Maria.
Tropical streams from Vera Cruz to the Amazon.
Body elongate; snout short, rounded or pointed; eyes small, rather
close to the end of the snout; gill opening narrow, not extending to the
edge of the ventral surface, generally transverse, arched, frequently
appearing as a longitudinal slit unless drawn out; vertebras 79 + 57 =
136.
Color brownish, variously marbled, sometimes immaculate.
Length 3 to 5 feet.
Order VI. Apodes,
THE EELS.
Body eel-shaped; premaxillaries atrophied or lost, the maxillaries
lateral; vertebras numerous, no to 250, the anterior ones not mod-
jfied; no ventral fins; tail isocercal; gill openings comparatively
small, lateral. To this order belong the larger number of our eel-
like fishes.
Family VIII. Angiiillidre.
Body elongate, eel-shaped; skin covered with rudimentary em-
bedded scales, usually linear in form, arranged in small groups, and
placed obliquely at right angles to those of neighboring groups; pec-
toral -and vertical fins well developed, the latter confluent around the
tail; gill openings lateral and vertical; teeth in cardiform bands on
jaws and vomer.
39. Aiiguilla Shaw.
COMMON EEL; ANGUILLA.
Anguilla Shaw, General Zoology, iv, 15, 1804. (Type, Murczna
anguilla Linnaeus.)
Body elongate, compressed posteriorly; head long, conical, moder-
ately pointed, the rather small eye well forward and over the angle of
the mouth; teeth small, subequal in bands on each jaw and a long
patch on the vomer; lower jaw the longer; gill openings rather small,
slit-like, and partly below pectorals; lateral line well developed; nos-
trils well separated, the anterior with a slight tube; dorsal fin con-
fluent with anal around tail ; pectorals well developed.
85. Anguilla chrysypa Rafinesque. COMMON EEL; ANGUILLA;
FRESH-WATER EEL.
Anguilla. chrysypa Rafinesque, Amer. Mon. Mag. & Crit. Rev.,
1817, 120; Lake George; Hudson River; Lake Champlain:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 348.
Anguilla tyrannus Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 75, pi. XL, 1859; Mata-
moras; mouth of the Rio Grande.
This species is quite abundant in all streams east of the Rocky
Mountains from Canada to Tampico; it is also common in salt and
brackish water along the adjacent coasts, and in the West Indies.
(San Juan.)
90
FAMILY VIII. ANGUILLID^E. 91
Head 2 to 2^ in trunk; the fin rays and scales very numerous.
Body elongate, rather robust; distance from origin of dorsal to vent
i % to 2 in head.
Color brown above, nearly plain, often tinged with yellowish, paler
below, the color very variable. Length 4 to 5 feet.
This species is apparently abundant in the streams of Mexico
north of Tampico. Two specimens were taken by me in the river at
San Juan.
Order vii. Isospondyli.
THE ISOSPONDYLOUS FISHES.
Anterior vertebrae simple; opercular bones distinct; ^haryngeal
bones not falciform; jaws well developed, the maxillary broad, always
distinct from premaxillary, and forming part of margin of upper jaw;
no barbels ; gills 4 ; ventral fins abdominal.
KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF ISOSPONDYLI.
a. Adipose fin none; no lateral line; ventral sur- PAGE
face compressed to an edge which is armed
with bony serratures; stomach short, mus- .
cular, like the gizzard of a fowl; last ray of
dorsal fin produced into a filament Dorosomatida 92
aa. Adipose fin present; lateral line present; ven-
tral surface rounded; stomach siphonal, not
gizzard-like ; last ray of dorsal fin not produced
into a filament Salmonidcc 95
Family IX. DorosomatidaB.
THE GIZZARD SHADS.
Body short and deep, strongly compressed, covered with thin
deciduous cycloid scales ; belly compressed to an edge which is armed
with bony serratures; head rather small, without scales; no lateral
line; gill membranes not united, free from the isthmus; pseudo-
branchia large; dorsal fin short, its last ray produced into a long fila-
ment; anal fin long and low; stomach short, muscular, like the
gizzard of a fowl. Mud-eating fishes of warm regions.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF DOROSOMATID^E.
a. Maxillary short, in two pieces, with ,a notch PAGE
on outer margin Dorosoma 9 2
aa. Maxillary long, curved, in three pieces, and
without a notch on its outer margin Signalosa 94
4O. Dorosoma Rafinesque.
THE GIZZARD SHADS.
Dorosoma Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 39, 1820. (Type, Dorosoma
noiata Rafinesque = Megalops cepedianum Le Sueur.)
Body short, deep, and strongly compressed; dorsal and ventral
outlines similar; head rather small; snout blunt, overlapping the small
92
FAMILY IX. DOROSOMATID^;. ~ 93
inferior oblique mouth; maxillary narrow and short, with a single
supplemental bone, not extending to opposite middle of the eye;
maxillary with a notch on outer margin; caudal peduncle slender.
Mud-eating fishes, having no value as food.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF DOROSOMA.
a. Scales small, 69 to 73 in lateral series; anal .PAGE
rays 36 to 38 "..... anale 93
aa. Scales larger, 56 to 60 in lateral series; anal
rays 30 to 34 exile 94
86. Dorosoma anale sp. nov.
Type, No. 4637, F. C. M., 7^ inches in length; El Hule, Oaxaca.
Atlantic streams of Mexico south of the city of Vera Cruz. (Otopa;
El Hule; Perez; San Juan Evangelista.)
Head 3^ to 4>(; depth 2^ to 3; D. 12; A. 36 to 38; scales 25-69
FIG. 26. DOROSOMA ANALE Meek.
to 73. Body much compressed, deep, profile with a slight angle at nape ;
dorsal region elevated; eye large with a well-developed adipose eyelid,
its diameter 3^ in head; snout very short, its length. about one-half
diameter of eye ; origin of dorsal slightly nearer tip of snout than base
of caudal; ventral scutes i8-f-io; least depth of caudal peduncle 2f.
Color brownish on upper third of body, light silvery below; a
black spot on shoulder; fins all plain. Length about 12 inches.
All of the specimens collected by. me have a long anal fin. The
specimen recorded from Montecristo by Evermann & Goldsborough
Dr. Evermann informs me has 32 rays in the anal fin. The smaller
scales of this species readily distinguishes it from the next one.
94 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
87. Dorosoma exile Jordan & Gilbert. GIZZARD SHAD; HICKORY
SHAD.
Dorosoma cepedianum exile Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1882, 585; Galveston, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 416.
Dorosoma mexicanum B. A. Bean, Proc. US. Nat. Mus., 1899,
539; Lago de Cademaco, south of Vera Cruz: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 416: Meek, Field Col.
Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 87; La Antigua.
Lowland streams which flow into the Gulf of Mexico north of the
city of Vera Cruz. (San Juan; Forlon; Valles.)
Head 4%', depth 2^ to 3; D. 12; A. 30 to 34; scales 29-56 to 60.
Body deep, compressed, the back elevated; ventral scutes i8-f-n;
origin of dorsal fin midway between tip of snout and opposite tips of
last anal ray; dorsal fin slightly behind ventrals, its filamentous ray
about as long as head ; least depth of caudal peduncle 2f m head.
Color bluish brown above, silvery below; a black spot on the
shoulder. Length about 1 2 inches.
41. Signalosa Evermann & Kendall.
Signalosa Evermann & Kendall, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1897
(Feb. 9, 1898) 127. (Type, Signalosa atchafalayce Evermann &
Kendall Chatoessus mexicanus Giinther.)
Body short, deep and compressed, the form somewhat elliptical;
ventral outline more strongly curved than the dorsal; mouth small,
terminal, oblique, the lower jaw scarcely included; maxillary in three
pieces, broad and curved and without notch in outer margin; bran-
chiostegals 5; pseudobranchiae large; gill rakers short and very nu-
merous, about 340 in number ; no teeth ; adipose eyelid present ; last ray
of dorsal filamentous.
88. Signalosa mexicana (Giinther).
Chatoessus mexicanus Gunther, Cat., vn, 409, 1868; Mexico and
Central America.
Dorosoma mexicanum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 416.
Signalosa atchafalaya Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1898, 2809.
Louisiana to Central America, in lowland streams which empty
into the Gulf of Mexico. (Valles; Obispo; El Hule; Perez.)
Head 3^ to 4; depth 2^ to 3; D. n or 12; A. 24 to 26; scales
15-42. Body rather deep, compressed; mouth terminal, rather large;
no teeth ; maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of pupil,
FAMILY X. SALMONID^;. 95
its length 3 to 3 in head; origin of dorsal fin midway between tip
of snout and tip of last anal ray ; last ray of dorsal 3 in body ; pectoral
1^3 in head, reaching base of ventrals; ventrals' 23^; base of anal fin
equaling length of head; scutes well developed, 15 or 16 + 9; scales
large, thin, deciduous; caudal fin forked; least depth of caudal pedun-
cle 2>^ in head.
Color brownish above, light silvery below, the opercles and ad-
joining region with considerable yellowish; a black humeral spot; fins
all plain. Length about 6 inches.
Mr. C. Tate Regan, of the British Museum, has kindly reexamined
the types of Chatoessus mexicanus Giinther, and he informs me that
Signalosa atchajalayce Evermann & Kendall is the same species.
Family X. Sal HI on Ida".
THE SALMON FAMILY.
Body elongate, covered with cycloid scales; head naked; mouth
terminal, large or small, the maxillary forming its lateral margin;
maxillary with a supplemental bone; premaxillaries not protractile;
teeth various, sometimes wanting; pseudobranchiae present; gill
membranes not connected, free from the isthmus; branchiostegals
10 to 20; no barbels; dorsal fin small, placed near the middle of the
body, its rays 9 to 15; adipose fin present; caudal fin forked; lateral
line present; abdomen rounded in outline; air bladder large; stomach
siphonal; pyloric cceca numerous; ova large, falling into cavity of the
body before exclusion.
The fishes which belong to this family are confined to the northern
regions, one species ranging as far south as Durango.
'Subfamily Salmoninae.
4:2. Salmo (Artedi) Linnaeus.
SALMON AND TROUT.
Salmo (Artedi, Genera Piscium) Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. x, 302,
1758. (Type, Salmo salar Linnaeus.)
Body elongate, somewhat compressed; mouth large; jaws, pala-
tines, and tongue toothed; vomer flat, its shaft not depressed, a few v
teeth on chevron of the vomer, behind which is a somewhat irregular
single or double series of teeth (in migratory forms deciduous with
age); scales small, more than 100 in the lateral series; dorsal and
anal fins short, of 10 to 12* rays each; sides and median fins black
spotted.
The species of this genus are confined to the colder portions of the
northern hemisphere. Of the three species on the Atlantic side of
96. FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
North America, one Salmo salar Linnaeus is anadromous, while the
other two, Salmo scbago Girard and Salmo ouananiche McCarthy, are
land-locked ; those in the Rocky Mountains and western streams with
few exceptions remain in fresh water, the exceptions comprise a few
species which usually inhabit the streams near the sea, and which
spend a portion of their time in salt water. All of the species are
very variable and difficult to distinguish. ' The almost infinite varia-
tions of these fishes are dependent on age, sex, sexual development,
food, and the properties of the water." The young are barred.
The size of these fishes seems to depend largely on the extent of
water and the abundance of food. The water also has a marked
influence on colors. Trout found in shaded streams with clear rapid
water are brightly colored, and profusely spotted with black; those
which spend considerable time in brackish or salt water are silvery
and with few or no spots.
89. Salmo irideus Gibbons. RAINBOW TROUT.
Salmo irideus Gibbons, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1855, 36; San Leandro
Creek, Alameda Co., California: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 500.
Headwaters of Pacific coast streams of Durango north to Wash-
ington.
Head 4; depth 3^3 ; D. 10; A. 9; scales 135. Body rather robust;
head moderate; mouth large; maxillary reaching posterior margin of
eye, its length 2% in head; diameter of eye 3?; length of mandible
if; origin of dorsal fin .slightly nearer tip of snout than base of
caudal ; length of pectoral i ^ in head ; ventral i ? ; least depth of
caudal peduncle 2^ in head; branchiostegals 10.
Color olive brown, darker above; sides with a few scattered dark
blotches; a few small black spots on upper and posterior part of
caudal peduncle; dorsal fin with black spots, none on other fins; basal
YT, of anal dark; ventrals with a dark shade; specimens 3 inches in
length with 9 or 10 pale marks on the side, the dorsal fin black spotted,
but no spots on other fins.
Four specimens collected June, 1902, by Mr. E. Heller at San
Antonio, Lower California, the longest specimen 5 .80 inches in length.
This species reaches a weight from ]/?. (in small mountain brooks) to
6 pounds.
There is a species of trout found in the streams on the Pacific
slope of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Chihuahua and Durango. I
have not seen any specimens of this trout and so, provisionally at
least, regard it as this species. Mr. John Ramsey, General Manager of
the R.-G., S.-M. & P. R. R., informs me that a trout is quite abundant
FAMILY X. SALMONID.E. 97
in the upper tributaries of the Rio Yaqui. Mr. A. V. Temple also
told me trout were found in the Pacific coast streams west of the city
of Durango. In the American Naturalist, 1886, 735, I quote the fol-
lowing from Prof. E. D. Cope: "The most southern salmon. I owe
to' my friend, Professor Lupton, two specimens of a black-spotted
trout from a locality far south of any which has hitherto yielded
Salmonidae. They are from streams of the Sierra Madre, of Mexico,
at an elevation of between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, in the southern part of
the State of Chihuahua, near the boundaries of Durango and Sinaloa.
The specimens are young, and have teeth on the basihyal bones, as
in Salmo purpuratus, which they otherwise resemble."
Order VIII. Haplomi.
THE PIKE-LIKE FISHES.
Anterior vertebrae simple; mesocoracoid wanting; the coracoids
normally developed; opercular bones, well developed; ventral fins
abdominal; pectoral fins placed low; dorsal fin more or less posterior,
the first ray sometimes stiffened and spine-like; no adipose fin; head
usually covered with cycloid scales like those on the body ; mouth with
teeth. Fishes chiefly inhabiting fresh water.
Family XI. Poeciliidw.
THE KILLIFISHES.
Body elongate, or deep and compressed behind, depressed forward,
and covered by rather large cycloid scales; head scaly, at least
so above; mouth terminal, small, lower jaw usually the longer; pre-
maxillaries extremely protractile ; teeth conical, or incisor-like, usually
confined to the jaws, sometimes on vomer; lower pharyngeals separ-
ate, with cardiform, rarely molar teeth; gill membranes somewhat
connected, free from the isthmus; gill rakers very short and thick;
branchiostegals 4 to 6; pseudobranchiae none; dorsal fin single, behind
the middle of the body; caudal fin not forked; ventral fins abdominal,
rarely absent; air bladder, if present, simple.
The species of this family are usually of small size, some are ovip-
arous, others viviparous. In the oviparous forms, the males and
females are more nearly alike in size and color, and the anal fin of
both sexes is similar in form and position. In many of the viviparous
species the anal fin of the male is placed well forward and modified
into an intromittent organ, and the male is about half the length of
the female. In other viviparous forms the anal fin of the male has
the same position as that in the female, but differs from it in having
the first five or six rays short and stiff, and separated from the rest of
the fin by a shallow notch ; the sexes differ in color, but are of about the
same size. In some species the alimentary canal is about as long as
the fish; in others it is several times as long.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF PCECILIIDvt.
a. Intestinal canal comparatively short, little
convoluted, usually less than one and one-half
times the total length of the body (2 in Chap-
alichthys) ; teeth little movable ; dentary bones
firmly united; species chiefly carnivorous.
98
FAMILY XI. POECILIID.E. 99
b. A few of the anterior teeth in each jaw much PAGE
enlarged, canine-like Cynodonichthys 101
bb. Anterior teeth in each jaw subequal, none
canine-like.
, c. Outer series of teeth enlarged, pointed, or a
few of the anterior' ones compressed, incisor-
like, none of them notched, bicuspid or tri-
cuspid.
d. Anal fin of the male similar to that of the
female; pharyngeal bones and teeth not
enlarged; species oviparous.
e. Teeth in more than one series, usually a
larger outer 'series, behind which is a band
of smaller teeth; no caudal ocellus; body
oblong; dorsal fin variable in size and in-
sertion F-undulus 102
ee. Teeth arranged in a single series; dorsal
fin inserted in advance of anal, its rays 9
to 13 . . . Lucania 109
dd. 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 shallow notch ;
species viviparous, the young usually of
large size at birth.
f. Dorsal and anal fin each of less than 18
rays; body elongate, not much com-
pressed Zoogoneticus 109
ff. Dorsal and anal fins each of 19 or more
rays ; body compressed Girardinichthys 115
cc. Outer series of teeth incisor-like, bicuspid
or tricuspid.
g. Outer series of teeth bicuspid with a
band of villiform teeth behind them,
h. Intestinal canal about i^in total length
of body; the teeth very firmly attached . .Characodon 118
hh. Intestinal canal about 2 in total length
of body; teeth less firmly attached. . . .Chapalichthys 123
gg. Outer series of teeth tricuspid, no villi-
form teeth behind them; dorsal fin short,
of 10 to 12 rays, the first ray slender
and rudimentary Cyprinodon 124
ddd. Anal fin of the males placed well forward
and modified into a sword-shaped intro-
ioo FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
mittent organ; teeth all pointed, arranged PAGE
in bands; species viviparous, the young of
moderate or large size at birth.
i. Eye normal, the pupil not divided by a
partition; dorsal fin inserted more or less
behind the front of the anal.
j. Jaws not produced into a beak; lower
jaw prominent, longer than the upper;
the males much smaller than the females,
k. Dorsal fin long, of 14 to 16 rays; anal
short Pseudoxiphophorous 127
kk. Dorsal fin short, of 6 to 10 rays; anal
fin short.
I. Alimentary canal less than twice length
of body.
m. Anal fin not falcate, its first three
rays not produced, the longest being
less than the length of head Gambusia 128
mm. Anal fin falcate, its first three rays
much produced, the longest longer
than the head Paragambusia 133
II. Alimentary canal more than twice the
length of the body Glaridickthys 134
jj.Jaws produced into a moderate beak;
dorsal and anal short, each of 9 to n rays . .Belonesox 135
ii. Eye divided into two portions by a hori-
zontal cross partition; vertical fins short,
of 9 to ii rays Anableps 135
aa. Intestinal canal elongate, usually coiled on
ventral and right side, with numerous convolu-
tions ; dentary bones loosely joined ; teeth mov-
able; species chiefly mud-eating,
n. Outer series of teeth bicuspid, with villi-
form 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.
o. Body robust, oblong, depth 3 to 4 in length
of body; gill rakers long and slender, 35 to
40 on the first gill arch; vertebrae 19 + 17
= 36 Goodea, 136
FAMILY XI. POSCILIID^E. 101
oo. Body deep, compressed, depth 2^3 to 3^ m PAGE
length; gill rakers rather short, stiff, about
20 on the first gill arch; vertebrae 16+18=34 Skiffia 141
nn. Outer series of teeth pointed : anal fin of the
male placed well forward and modified into an
intromittent organ; species viviparous,
p. Teeth in a single series.
q. Dorsal fin inserted in advance of the anal . . .Platypcecilus 144
qq. Dorsal fin inserted more or less behind the
front of the anal Heterandria 147
pp. Teeth in more than one series; dorsal fin in-
serted over or in advance of anal, its rays
much elevated in the male,
r. Dorsal fin short, of less than 7 to n rays;
teeth of the inner series in both jaws entire Pcecilia 149
rr. Dorsal fin long, of 12 to 1 6 rays,
s. Caudal fin normal, alike in both sexes, or
with the lower angle merely sharp in the
male Mollienesia 154
ss. Caudal fin in the males with its lower lobe
much produced and sword-shaped Xiphophorus 156
Subfamily Fundulinae.
43. Cyiiocloiiichthys gen. nov.
Type, Cynodonichthys tennis Meek.
Body elongate, depressed anteriorly, compressed posteriorly;
head broad and flat; lower jaw the longer; teeth in villiform bands,
a large canine-like tooth on each side in front of upper jaw; a few
smaller and similar teeth in front of lower jaw; dorsal fin posterior, its
origin over posterior third of anal; margins of caudal fins formed by
tips of short basal rays; head entirely scaled. A very peculiar fish,
quite unlike any other member of the family, /ovw? dog, nd(>\> tooth,
r/8u<; fish.
90. Cynodonichthys tenuis sp. nov.
Type, No. 4643, F. C. M., 1.6 inches in length; El Hule, Oaxaca.
Head 3^; depth 4^; D. 8; A. u; scales 10-38. Body elongate,
depressed anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; head broad, much de-
pressed; interorbital flat, 2 in head; snout short, 4 in head; upper jaw
the longer; teeth in jaws in villiform bands, upper jaw with a well-
developed canine-like tooth on each side ; some of anterior teeth of
lower jaw canine-like; eye small, 37^ in head; premaxillary pro-
iO2 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL V.
tractile, its exposed part very small, with a short, fleshy, blunt-like
protuberance on each side; gill membranes not connected, free from
the isthmus; head entirely covered with scales; 30 scales in a series
from snout to origin of dorsal fin; dorsal fin posterior, its origin
FIG. 27. CYNODONICHTHYS TENUIS Meek.
over posterior third of anal; origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer tip
of caudal than origin of pectoral fin ; base of dorsal 3 in head ; base of
anal 2 ; pectoral i > ; ventrals very short, 3^2 in head, their tips nearly
reaching anal fin; caudal fin rounded, its first outer rays short, and
gradually increasing in length, forming the margins of the fins.
Color dark brownish, pectoral fins dark; dorsal fin with about 3
narrow cross-bars made up of small faint dark spots; lower margin
of caudal fin light.
One specimen only of this species was taken.
While collecting at El Hule this specimen was taken in one of the
early hauls of the seine. I saw it was quite different from any other
fish I had collected in Mexico and made an extra effort to secure more
of them, but was unable to do so. I also spent one day afterwards
collecting at Perez and one at Obispo, but was unable to secure more
specimens of this fish. A short siege of fever, and the hard rains
made it impossible for me to do further collecting then in that region.
44. Fuuclulus Lacepede.
KlLLIFISHES.
Fundulus Lace"pede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 37, 1803. (Type, Fundulus
mudfish Lace"pede.)
Fontinus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896,
633- (Type, Fundulus seminolis Girard.)
Body rather elongate, compressed behind; mouth moderate, the
lower jaw projecting; jaws each .with two or more series of pointed
teeth, usually forming a narrow band; bones of the mandible firmly
united ; scales moderate ; gill opening not restricted above ; preopercle
preorbital and mandible with mucous pores; dorsal and anal fins
similar, small; origin of the dorsal fin either in front of, above, or
FAMILY XI. PcECiLiiDyE. 103
behind that of the anal ; ventrals well developed ; air bladder present ;
intestinal canal short, i to i> times the length of the body; anal fin
of male not modified, it being similar in size and position to that
in the female; oviparous.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF FUNDULUS.
a. Scales large, 31 to 38 in the lateral series. PAGE
b. Body without cross-bars; anal rays 13 to 16.
c. Body rather slender; depth 4 to 4^; dorsal
rays 12 or 13; scales 34 or 35.
d. Anal rays 14 to 16; depth 4 [guatemalensis] 103
dd. Anal rays 13 ; depth 4^ [punctatus] 104
cc. Body rather robust, head 3^; depth 3%";
dorsal rays 14; anal rays 15; scales 11-30;
origin of dorsal midway between tip of cau-
dal and orbit oaxacaz 104
bb. Body with cross-bars; anal rays' 9 to n. ;
scales large, 30 to 33 in the lateral series,
f. Body with about 23 narrow undulating
silvery bars, narrower than the inter-
spaces; fins nearly plain; scales 10-31 vinctus 105
ff. Body with 7 to 15 narrow, dark, vertical
bars X to ^3 as wide as interspaces, and
not very dark; scales 11-33 similis 105
aa. Scales small, 35 to 48 in the lateral series,
g. Dorsal rays 10 to n ; anal rays 9 to n ; depth
3* to 4 #.
h. Scales 35 to 38 in the lateral series ; depth
3t to 3f heteroclitus 106
hh. Scales 41 to 46 ; depth 4 to 4^3 grandis 107
gg. Dorsal rays 1 3 to 15; anal rays 1 3 to 17; depth
4X to s 2 A- ^
i. Scales in lateral series 37 to 39; dorsal rays
13 or 14; anal rays 16 or 17 [labialis] 107
ii. Scales in lateral series 47 to 60.
j. Scales in the lateral series 47; depth 5^ extensus 108
j j . Scales in the lateral series 6 o ; depth 4 % to 4 %" zebrinus 1 08
Sub'genus Fundulus Lac6pede.
Fundulus guatemalensis Gunther.
Fundulus guatemalensis Gunther, Cat., vi, 321, 1866; Lago de Duenas; Lago
de Amatitlan; Rio Gujalote (all in Guatemala): Gunther, Fishes Cent.
Amer., 483, pi. 86, figs. 3 and 4, 1869; Lago de Duefias; Lago de Ama-
titlan ; Rio Guacalate (all in Guatemala) .
A dini a guatemalensis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U.S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 660.
Zoogoneticus guatemalensis Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 94.
104 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Guatemala.
Head 4; depth 4; D. 12 or 13; A. 14 to 16; scales 12-32 to 35. Body moder-
ately elongate; head thick and broad; interorbital area broad, slightly convex,
its width being a little less than half its length; snout broad, obtuse, lower jaw
slightly projecting beyond the upper; mandible longer than eye; diameter of eye
about equaling length of snout, 4 in head; origin of dorsal fin midway be-
tween tip of caudal and posterior margin of orbit, slightly in advance of anal;
dorsal fin of male higher than that of female; basal half of caudal fin scaly.
Color brown above and on sides; pale below; females with a very indistinct
dark band along the side; fins plain; anal with a light margin. (Giinther.)
Length about 3^ inches.
Two years ago I suggested that this species and also Fundulus labial-is
Gunther, probably belonged to Zoogoneticus . Mr. C. Tate Regan* has since
reexamined the types and finds that both species belong to Fundulus.
Fundulus punctatus Gunther.
Fundulus punctatus Gunther, Cat.,vi, 230, 1866, Chiapas: Gunther, Fishes
Cent. Amer., 482, pi. 86, fig. 5, 1869; Chiapas: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 637.
Guatemala and southern Mexico.
Head 4; depth 4^; D. 12; A. 13; scales 12-34. Body little elongate; head
broad, interorbital area slightly convex, its width 2 in head; snout broad,
obtuse, much depressed, the lower jaw scarcely projecting beyond the upper;
mandible longer than eye; upper lip of moderate breadth; eye small, 4^ in
head; origin of dorsal slightly nearer extremity of caudal than orbit, over the
i gth scale in the lateral series ; dorsal fin slightly in advance of anal ; pectoral fins
not reaching base of ventrals, shorter than head (without snout) ; caudal fin
subtruncate, scaly on its basal half.
Color brownish olive, paler below; each scale, especially those on the tail, with
a vertical dark purplish violet spot on the center; dorsal with 3 or 4 series of
blackish dots, anal with a whitish margin. Length about 3^ inches.
Through the courtesy of Dr. B. W. Evermann, of the Bureau of Fisheries, I
have been permitted to examine a number of specimens of this species, which
were collected by Dr. Gustav Eisen in July, 1902, in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala,
at an altitude of about 4,500 feet. These specimens agree very well with the
description given by Dr. Gunther, except in the absence of spots on the dorsal
fin.
91. Pundulus oaxacas Meek.
Fundulus oaxaccs Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 90;
Oaxaca.
Basin of the Rio Verde in Oaxaca.
FIG. 28. FUNDULUS OAXAC/C Meek.
No. 3721, Field Columbian Museum.
*Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., 1904, 257.
FAMILY XL PCECILIID^E. 105
Head $ l /; depth 3^; D. 14; A. 15; scales 11-30. Body robust,
profile from nape slightly concave; top of head broad, slightly convex;
snout not much depressed, 3^3 in head; lower jaw slightly the longer;
teeth pointed, in a band in both jaws, the outer series the larger;
eye small, 4^ in head; interorbital space 2! in head; origin of the
dorsal fin slightly in advance of the anal, midway between tip of
caudal fin and posterior margin of the eye; base of dorsal 2^3 in head,
its height slightly more than half the head; pectoral ij in head;
ventral 2 l / 2 in head; caudal fin subtruncate; peritoneum black;
alimentary canal shorter than the total length of the fish.
Color brownish olive, a dark spot in the middle of each scale;
these spots more prominent on the posterior half of the body
of males from i% to i ^ inches in length ; males usually with a row
of spots on base of the dorsal and anal fins ; young with a few faint
dark cross bars on the sides, becoming a faint dark lateral band in
the larger females. Length about 2^ inches.
This species is so far known only from the type locality. Time
of spawning about the third week in May. A female 2.05 inches
in length contained 100 eggs.
92. Fundulus vinctus Jordan & Gilbert.
Fundulus vinctus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882,
355; Cape San Lucas, Lower California (probably from pools
about La Paz) : Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 637.
Southern portion of Lower California.
Head 3^; depth 4^3'; D. 12; A. n; scales about 10-31. Body
little elongate, compressed posteriorly; head large, very broad and
somewhat depressed above; mouth moderate; teeth in narrow bands,
the outer much enlarged ; interorbital space 2 in head ; dorsal fin a
little in advance of the anal, its origin midway between base of caudal
and occiput; pectoral 1^3 in head; caudal i^; scales comparatively
large.
Color olivaceous, with about 23 narrow silvery bars with undulat-
ing edges, the bars narrower than the darker interspaces; fins all
plain. (J. & G.) Length about 2^ inches.
This species is known only from the type locality, which is prob-
ably La Paz instead of Cape San Lucas, as given in the original
description. (Jordan.)
93. Fundulus similis (Baird & Girard). SAC-A-LAIT.
Hydrargyra similis Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.
1853, 389; Indianola, Texas: Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur.,
1878, 400; Rio Grande, Brownsville, Texas.
io6 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY,' VOL. V.
Fundulus similis G-iinther, Cat., vi, 323, 1866: Jordan & Ever-
man, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 638.
Brackish and fresh waters along the gulf coast from Florida to
Mexico north of the Rio Panuco. (Linares ; Victoria.)
Head 3^; depth 3%" to 4f; D. n to 13; A. 10; scales 11-33.
Body slender, the outlines scarcely arched; adults deeper than young;
head very narrow and long, narrowed forward; snout 3 in head;
mouth small, maxillary not reaching vertical from anterior nostril;
teeth very small, in villiform bands, the outer series not at all en-
larged; eye small, 4 to 5 in head; origin of dorsal midway between
tip of caudal fin and eye, slightly in advance of anal; pectoral i%
in head ; ventrals 3 X m head ; caudal subtruncate.
Color of male olivaceous, lighter below; sides with 10 to 15 narrow
dark bars y$ to y$ as wide as interspaces; a large, diffuse, dark,
humeral spot; dorsal dusky, a small occellated spot on last dorsal
ray in the young; female olivaceous, sides paler, with metallic
luster; white below; 7 to 15 very narrow black bars on sides not ex-
tending on the back, scarcely broader than pupil. Length about
3^ inches.
The largest specimen taken by me is 3.75 inches in length. Spawn-
ing time not known.
94. Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus). KILLIFISH.
Cobitis heteroclitus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. xn, 500, 1766;
Charleston, South Carolina.
Fundulus heteroclitus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 640: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 126; Lagoons, Tampico: Evermann & Goldsborough,
Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 149; Progreso.
Abundant in lagoons and brackish waters along the coast from
Tampico to Maine. It probably does not enter fresh water.
Head 3 to 3^; depth 3! to 33; D. n; A. 10 or u; scales 13-35
to 38. Body short and deep; anteriorly broad, posteriorly com-
pressed, the back 'elevated, the caudal peduncle robust; head rather
short, broad, and flat on top; snout bluntish, 3> in head; teeth in
bands, the outer series enlarged; eye small, 4 to 5 in head; origin
of dorsal midway between tip of caudal and tip of snout (3) or eye
(?); caudal fin truncate; least depth of caudal peduncle 2 in head;
pectorals i^ in head; ventrals 2^.
Color of males dull dark green above, more or less orange below;
sides with numerous, quite narrow, ill defined silvery spots, most
distinct posteriorly, and with conspicuous white or yellow spots
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^E. 107
irregularly scattered; vertical fins dark, with numerous small round
pale spots ; dorsal often with a blackish spot on its last ray ; females
nearly plain olivaceous above, lighter below; sides often with about
15 dark cross-bars or shades, more definite in the young. Length
about 6 inches.
95. Fundulus grandis Baird & Girard.
Fundulus grandis Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
l8 S3. 3 8 9'. Indiaiiola, Texas: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 69, pi.
xxxvi, 1859: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1901, 149; Progreso.
Fundulus heteroclitus grandis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 641.
Fresh and brackish water lagoons of coast of Gulf of Mexico.
Read 3; depth 4 to 4^; D. 10 or n; A. 9 or 10; scales 14 or 15
40 to 46. Body rather robust, compressed posteriorly ; interorbital
broad, 3 in head; eye 5^ to 6; snout 3> to 3^; longest dorsal ray
(3) 2 to (?) 2 y z .
Color males dark green above, paler posteriorly; sides with many
small, round, pearly spots, some of them often in vertical series; pos-
terior y traces of 8 or 9 narrow, pale cross-bars alternating with broader,
faint, dusky ones; belly yellowish; base of caudal with numerous small
white spots ; dorsal olive with many small, white spots ; female olive
and silvery, with minute speckles below; sides usually with traces of
12 to 15 narrow, silvery, vertical bars, less than half as wide as the
dusky interspaces ; no white spots on body or fins ; fins mostly dusky
olive, nearly plain. Length about 6 inches.
This species has been taken on the coast of Texas and of Yucatan,
and no doubt occurs in fresh water and brackish lagoons along the
eastern coast of Mexico.
Fundulus labialis Gunther.
Fundulus labialis Gunther, Cat., vi, 319, 1866; Rio San Geronimo, Guate-
mala; Yzabel: Gunther, Fishes Cent. Amer., 48, 1869, Rio San Geronimo;
Yzabel: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 644.
Guatemala.
Head 4 to 4^3 ; depth 4^; D. 13 or 14; A. 16 or 17; scales 15-37 to 39- Body
rather slender, head broad, slightly convex, its width being less than half of
the head; snout broad, obtuse, depressed; jaws equal in front; mandible very
short; upper lip well developed, broad, extending to the angle of the mouth;
diameter of the eye less than the length of the snout, about 4 in the head; origin
of dorsal fin midway between tip of caudal fin and eye, opposite anal fin; caudal
fin truncate, its basal third scaly.
Color uniform brownish olive above, paler below; sometimes irregular,
cloudy markings on the tail ; fins plain ; the anal fin in male black at the base and
bright yellow on its marginal half; upper margin of dorsal fin of male yellow-
ish. (Gunther.)
Known onlv from the above account.
io8 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Subgenus Fontinus Jordan & Evermann.
96. Fundulus extensus Jordan & Gilbert.
Fundulus extensus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882,
355; Cape San Lucas (probably from La Paz), Lower Cali-
fornia: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896,646.
Coast of Lower California.
Head 3^; depth 5^; D. 15; A. 13; scales 12-47. Body usually
elongate, moderately compressed, head slender, not very broad, the
interorbital width i\ in head; mouth rather large; the teeth moder-
ate in a band, the outer considerably enlarged; eye large, 3^" in
head; origin of dorsal fin in front of anal, midway between eye and
base of caudal; pectoral 1^3 in head; caudal fin truncate; caudal
peduncle much longer than head.
Color plain, somewhat translucent, with no markings anywhere,
except traces of some very narrow dark bars on the sides; fins low
and plain. (Jordan & Gilbert.) Known only from the types.
97. Fundulus zebrinus (Jordan & Gilbert).
Hydrargyra zebra Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 60;
tributaries of Rio Grande, between Fort Defiance and Fort
Union, New Mexico: Gunther, Cat., vi, 324, 1866: Jordan,
Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878, 664; Brownsville, Texas.
Fundulus zebrinus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U.' S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 646.
Streams from the mouth of the Rio Grande north to western
Kansas, Dakota, Iowa, and Kentucky.
Head 3^ to 3^; depth 4^ to 4^; D. 14 or 15; A. 13 or 14; scales
21-60. Body long and slender; head moderate; snout not much
elongate, its length 3^ in head; teeth in bands, the external series
much enlarged; eye 4 to 4% in head; interorbital width 2^ in head;
origin of dorsal fin midway between tip of snout and tip of caudal
fin; a little more anterior in the males; origin of dorsal fin opposite
that of anal in males, a little in advance in females; caudal fin trun-
cate; in males the margins of the scales are rough, with minute
tubercles.
Color greenish above, side's and below silvery white, the sides
tinged with sulphur yellow; sides with 14 to 18 dusky bars from
back to ventral region, occasionally meeting on the ventral line;
these bars varying much in width, being rather narrower in females,
and with half bars usually between them; the interspaces as wide
as the bars or usually wider; fins usually dusky, plain. Length
about 3 inches.
FAMILY XI. PGECILIID^E. 109
45. Lucaiiia Girard.
Lucania Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 118. (Type,
Limia venusta Girard.)
Body oblong, compressed; mouth moderate, its cleft short and
very oblique; lower jaw prominent; each jaw with a single series of
conical teeth; scales large, usually less than 30 in the lateral series;
gill openings not restricted ; the dorsal fin above or slightly in advance
of the anal; anal fin of male like that of female, not modified into an
intromittent organ nor with first rays short and stiff.
98. Lucania venusta (Girard).
Limia venusta Girard, U. S. Mex. Bd. Sur., ^ I) pi. xxxix, figs.
20-23, 1859; Indianola, Texas.
Lucania affinis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 118;
Matamoras, Tamaulipas.
Lucania venusta Giinther, Cat., vi, 310, 1866: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 665.
Lagoons and inlets along the gulf coast of Mexico, north of Tam-
pico.
Head 3%', depth 3^/2', D. n or 12; A. 9 or 10; scales 8-26. Body"
rather strongly compressed, the dorsal and ventral outlines about
equally arched; head narrow, compressed, flattened above the eyes;
snout compressed, short, and vertically rounded, its height greater
than its width; movith very small, protractile forward, the lower
jaw much projecting in open mouth; mandible heavy, short, and
strongly convex; less than diameter of orbit; teeth small, firm and
conical in a single series; eye large, 3 in head; origin of dorsal fin
nearly midway between tip of snout and base of caudal; origin of
anal fin opposite middle of dorsal; pectorals i^ in head; ventrals if;
caudal fin slightly rounded; caudal peduncle long and slender, its
least depth about 2 in head.
Color of male light olive, pale on the belly; sides with some silver
luster and with indistinct trace of an obsolete dusky lateral stripe.
Length about 2 inches.
46. Zoogoiieticus Meek.
Zoogoneticus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 91. (Type, Pla-
typcecilus quitzeoensis B. A. Bean.)
Body little elongate, rather deep, somewhat compressed; mouth
moderate, the lower jaw projecting; jaws each with bands of pointed
teeth, the outer series the larger; scales moderate; gill openings not
restricted; dorsal fin usually large, of more than 12 rays; anal fin of
no FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
male with its first 5 or 6 rays short and stiff and separated from
the rest of the fin by a shallow notch; dorsal fin of male higher than
that of female; viviparous. The ovary is a strong membranous sack,
with several infolded partitions; in this the young develop and
reach a comparatively large size when they are born, which is during
May and June.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ZOOGONETICUS.
a. Four to six black spots about as large as eye PAGE
on lower half of caudal peduncle; 2 similar
black spots at base of caudal ................ cuitzeoensis no
aa. No black spots on lower half of caudal pedun-
cle ; not more than one black spot at base of
caudal.
b. Sides of body with 7 to 9 well defined black
bars each about as wide as the interspaces ......... dugesi in
bb. Sides of body without well-defined cross-bars.
c. Anal fin longer than the dorsal; dorsal rays
12 to 14; anal rays 14 to 17.
d. Scales large, 32 to 35 in the lateral series;
head very thick and broad, 3^ m length;
dorsal rays 13 or 14; anal rays 1 5 ; scales
1 2-3 5 ............................. . [pachycephalus] 112
dd. Scales smaller, 37 to 39 in the lateral series. -
e. Origin of dorsal fin midway between tip
of caudal fin and tip of snout; head large,
3 ^ in length ; depth 3 ; dorsal rays 14 ; anal
rays 16 ; scales 16-38 ....................... robustus 112
ee. Origin of dorsal fin midway between tip
of caudal fin and opercle ................... maculatus 113
cc. Anal fin shorter than the dorsal; dorsal rays
17; anal rays 14.
f . Origin of dorsal fin midway between base of
caudal and posterior margin of opercle ; head
324 ; depth 3^ ................................. diazi 114
ff. Origin of dorsal fin midway between base
of caudal and preopercle; head 3^; depth
winiatus 115
99. Zoogoneticus cuitzeoensis (B. A. Bean).
Platypcecilus quitzeoensis B. A. Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1898, 540, fig. i; Lago de Cuitzeo, Michoacan: Jordan &
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2873.
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID.E. in
Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 91;
Ocotlan; La Barca.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 29. ZOOGONETICUS CUITZEOENSIS (B. A. Bean).
No. 48209 (Platypeecilus quifzeoensis B. A. Bean), U. S. National Museum.
Head 3^; depth 3 to 3^; D. 13 or 14; A. 13 to 15; scales 11-30.
Body compressed, the back somewhat arched; usually in larger
specimens an angle at the nape; head rather small; interorbital space
flattish, its width 2% in head; mouth moderately large, chin promi-
nent; lower jaw projecting; outer series of teeth large; snout 4^3 in
head; eye 3f; origin of dorsal fin midway between tip of caudal and
tip of snout, and in advance of ventral; pectoral fin if in head;
ventral 2; caudal fin truncate; caudal peduncle rather deep, its least
depth 1^3 in head.
Color light brownish tinged with red; on the middle of sides of
female to opposite tip of pectoral usually with three faint dark
spots, also four to six dark bars on lower half of caudal peduncle,
and a dark spot on upper portion of caudal peduncle above last bar;
color of the males more uniform and much darker than that of the
females ; the spots or bars so conspicuous on the females being scarcely
noticeable on the male; dorsal and anaj. fins tipped with yellow; the
caudals and tips of ventrals blackish; pectorals light; fins of the
female pale. Length 2^ inches.
100. Zoogoneticus dugesi (Bean).
Fundulus dugesii Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1887, 373, pi.
xx, fig. 5; Guanajuato: Garman, Memoirs Mus. Comp. Zool.,
1895, 101.
Adinia dugesii Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 661.
Zoogoneticus dugesii Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 92;
Lagos; Patzcuaro.
112
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 3^; depth 3; D. 17; A. 13; scales 12-29. Body rather
robust anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; back little arched; head
rather large; interorbital area flattish; its width 2^ in head; mouth
FlG. 30. ZOOGONETICUS DUGESI (Bean).
No. 37831, U. S. National Museum.
rather large; upper series of teeth large; lower jaw the longer, chin
prominent; length of snout 4^ in head; diameter of eye 4; origin of
dorsal slightly in advance of origin of anal, midway between tip of
caudal fin and posterior margin of eye; pectoral fin T.% in head;
ventral 2%; caudal peduncle short, its least depth 2 in head.
Color light brownish; sides with about 8 dark cross bands, about
equal to the interspaces; the bars not always of equal width. Length
about 2>2 inches. .
The young are born about the last week of May.
Zoogoneticus pachycephalus (Giinther).
Fundulus pachycephalus Giinther, Cat., vi, 321, 1866; Guatemala: Giinther,
Fishes Cent. Amer., 483, pi. 86, fig. 6, 1869; Guatemala.
A dinia pachycephalus Jordan &Evermann, Bull. 47, U.S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 660.
Zoogoneticus pachycephalus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub., 65, 1902, 94.
Guatemala.
Head 3^3 ; depth 3^ to 3*; D. 13 or 14; A. 15; scales 12-35. Body rather
deep, head very thick and broad; interorbital space very broad, slightly convex,
its width 2 in head; snout broad, obtuse; lower jaw slightly projecting beyond
upper; mandible longer than eye; eye 4 in head; origin of dorsal fin slightly
in advance of anal, midway between tip of caudal and posterior margin of the
orbit; caudal fin subtruncate.
Color brownish above and on sides, each scale darker on tip; an indistinct
dark band along middle of tail ; fins plain, anal fin with the lower margin whitish.
(Giinther.)
Known only from the above description.
101. Zoogoneticus robustus (Bean).
Fundulus robustus Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1892, 285, pi.
XLIV, fig. 2; Guanajuato: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 644: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1900, 126; Lago de Chapala: B. A. Bean, Proc. U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1898, 541; Lago de Cuitzeo, Michoacan.
FAMILY XI. POSCILIID^;. 113
Zoogoneticus robustus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 9.2;
Ocotlan; Patzcuaro; Zirahuen.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 31. ZOOGONETICUS ROBUSTUS (Bean).
No. 43760, U. S. National Museum.
Head 3 to 3^; depth 3 to 3^/3'. D- 13 or 14; A. 14 to 16; scales
15-38. Body robust anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; head broad,
interorbital area nearly flat, its width 2^ in head; mouth rather
large; lower jaw the longer; chin prominent; snout 3^ in head; eye
4 to 4 y* in head; origin of dorsal fin slightly in front of anal and mid-
way between tip of caudal fin and tip of snout; pectoral fin i^ in
head ; ventral fin 2 ^ in head ; caudal fin truncate ; least depth of caudal
peduncle 2 in head.
Color light brownish, much speckled and variegated with darker;
on young specimens a tendency to form a narrow dark lateral band
on posterior half of body; fins all plain. Length about 5^ inches.
This species is the largest member of the genus on the Mexican
Plateau. Females 4^ to 45-3 inches in length, contain from 20 to 38
young, each from .67 to .75 inches in length. The' young are born
in May.
102. Zoogoneticus maculatus Regan.
Zoogoneticus maculatus Regan, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., 1904,
256; Rio Santiago, Mexico.
Head 3 (in total length); depth 3^ to 3^; D. 13 or 14; A. 15;
scales 36 to 38; mouth moderate, the lower jaw prominent; length
of snout equaling diameter of eye, 4 to 4^ m head; interorbital 2^
to 2^; origin of dorsal fin about midway between posterior edge of
preopercle and base of caudal, its longest ray a little longer than
the base of the fin, 2 in head (or less) ; origin of the anal a little behind
that of dorsal, the first 6 rays in male, short, stiff, and of equal
ii4 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
length ; pectoral fin to */$ the length of the head ; ventrals reaching
vent ; caudal truncate ; caudal peduncle i ^3 to 2 times as long as deep.
Color brownish above, silvery below, with dark spots which are
most conspicuous posteriorly; fins immaculate; total length 84 mm.
Three specimens from the Rio Santiago, Mexico. (Regan.)
103. Zoogoneticus diazi Meek.
Zoogoneticus diazi Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 93;
Patzcuaro; Zirahuen.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Fie. 32. ZOOGONETICUS DIAZI Meek.
No. 3618, Field Columbian Museum.
Head 3^3; depth 3^; D. 17; A. 14; scales 13-34. Body elongate,
robust, compressed; back much elevated, forming a prominent angle
at the nape; top of head slightly convex; interorbital width 2^ in
head; snout bluntish, 4 in head; mouth large, teeth conical in a band
in each jaw. the outer series being the larger; lower jaw 'the longer;
chin very prominent; eye moderate, 3^ in head; dorsal fin slightly
in advance of the anal, its origin midway between base of caudal
and posterior margin of opercle; base of dorsal ig in head, its height
2 (in male if) in head; pectoral fin if in head; ventral 2f ; alimentary
canal scarcely as long as .the body; peritoneum pale.
Color light olivaceous, young much mottled with darker; the
darker in form of irregular cross-bars on the sides; many of the
larger specimens in life with a reddish tinge over the body, fading
to nearly a uniform light olive ; fins all plain ; the males a little duller
and of a more uniform color than the females. Length about 3
inches.
Abundant where found. One female 3 inches in length contained
28 young, each .60 inches in length. A second female 3.15 inches
in length contained 47 young, each .43 inches in length. The young
are born the last of May and early in June.
FAMILY XL PCECILIID^E. 115
104. Zoogoneticus miniatus Meek.
Zoogoneticus miniatus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 94;
Chalco.
Vallev of Mexico.
FIG. 33. .ZOOGONETICUS MINIATUS Meek.
No. 3680. Field Columbian Museum.
Head 3^; depth 3%', D. 17; A. 14; scales 14-32. Body elongate,
compressed ; head rather narrow, interorbital width 3 in head ; mouth
rather large; lower jaw slightly the longer; teeth conical .in a band,
the outer series being the larger; snout 4^ m head; eye 2^3 in head;
dorsal fin slightly in advance of anal, its origin midway between base
of caudal fin and the middle of preopercle; intestinal canal short,
about as long as oody. i
Color olivaceous, much mottled with darker; no distinct lateral
band; sides with irregular dark blotches, the last one forming an
indistinct black caudal spot. Length about i^ inches. Known only
from the type locality.
47. G-irarcliiiichthys Bleeker.
Girardinichthys Bleeker, Cyprin., 481,1860. (Type,Girardinichthys
innominatus Bleeker.)
Limnurgus Giinther, Cat., vi, 309, 1866. (Type, Limnurgus varie-
gatus Giinther = Girardinichthys innominatus Bleeker.)
Body robust; mouth small, its cleft nearly vertical; teeth small,
pointed, in one or more series in each jaw; dorsal and anal fins long,
the former slightly in advance of the latter; intestinal canal on left
side, not coiled, about the length of the body; peritoneum spotted,
not wholly black; gill membranes partly united, free from the isthmus;
anal fin of the male with its first 6 to 8 rays short and stiff and sepa-
rated from the rest of the fin by a shallow notch; viviparous.
n6 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
105. Girardinichthys innominatus Bleeker.
Lucania sp. Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 118; City
- of Mexico.
Girardinichthys innominatus Bleeker, Cyprin., 484, 1860; City of
Mexico.
Limnurgus variegatus Giinther, Cat., vi, 309, 1866; City of Mexico.
Girardinichthys innominatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 666: Garman, Memoirs Mus. Comp.
Zool., 1895, 39. pl- J t fig- U (teeth); City of Mexico: Meek,
Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 95; Chalco; Texcoco; Xochi-
milco.
Characodon geddesi Regan, Ann. & Mag., Nat. Hist., 1904, 257;
Texcoco, Mexico.
Valley of Mexico. Abundant in the lakes, canals, and ditches.
(Viga Canal.)
Head 4; depth 3 to 3^3 ; D. 1 8 to 23; A. 20 to 26; scales 16-40 to 44.
* Body rather robust, deep, compressed, back not much elevated;
head flat above; usually in larger specimens an angle at the nape;
interorbital 2 in head; snout 4; eye 4; mouth small, lower jaw the
longer, chin prominent; teeth rather strong, conical, in a band rather
than in a single series; origin of dorsal fin midway between base of
caudal and posterior half of opercle (?) or eye (6\ and slightly in
advance of origin of anal fin ; the fins all small ; pectoral i % in head ;
ventrals 3 ; caudal fin rounded ; least depth of caudal peduncle i ^
in head; gill rakers short and stiff, about 15 on first gill arch.
Color grayish to dark brownish, some males being almost entirely
black; sides variegated with darker, usually in the form of indefinite
bars; young specimens usually with a dark spot slightly in advance
and a little above anal; the color of this species is extremely variable.
Length about 2^ inches.
My attention has been called by Dr. Theo. Gill to the fact that
the viviparity of this fish was noticed as early as 1769, a published
account of it appearing in 1772. The reference to this account,
and a translation of it by Dr. Theo. Gill, appears in his Bibliography
of the Fishes of the Pacific United States, Bull. 1 1, U. S. Nat. Museum,
1882, 8, which I here quote in full.
" 'Voyage en Californie pour 1'observation du passage de Ve"nus
sur le disque du soleil, le 3 juin, 1769; contenant les observations
de ce phe"nomene at la description historique de la route de 1'auteur
a travers le Mexique. Par feu M. Chappe d'Auteroche
Re'dige' et public" par M. de Cassini fils . . . A Paris : chez Charles-
Antoine Jombert. 1772." (4, half title, title, 170 (2) pp., plan, and
2 pl. Sabin.)'
FAMILY XI. PCECILIIDVE. 117
"Translated as follows :
"A voyage to California, to observe the Transit of Venus. By
Mons. Chappe d'Auteroche. With an historical description of the
author's route through Mexico, and the natural history of that prov-
ince. Also, a voyage to Newfoundland and Sallee, to make experi-
ments on Mr. Le Roy's timekeepers. By Monsieur de Cassini.
London: Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, in The Poultry.
1778. (8, 4p. i., 315 pp., with 'plan of City of Mexico.')
"Extract of a letter from Mexico addressed to the Royal Academy
of Sciences at Paris, by Don Joseph Anthony de Alzate y Ramyrez,
now a correspondent of the said academy, containing some curious
particulars relative to the natural history of the country adjacent
to the City of Mexico. Pp. 77-105.
" It is undoubtedly this work that is meant in the statement that
has so largely gone the rounds of the periodical press, to the effect
that the Californian viviparous fishes were observed during the voyage
for the observation of the transit of Venus, to Lower California, 1769.
A perusal of the accounts given, however, renders it evident that the
fishes in question were not Embiotocids, but rather Cyprinodontids,
probably of the genus Mollienesia. The account by Don Alzate
(pp. 89-9 1 } is as follows:
' 'I send you some viviparous scaly fishes, of which I had formerly
given you an account. What I have observed in them this year is,
'If you press the belly with your fingers, you force out the fry before
their time, and upon inspecting them through the microscope, you
may discern the circulation of the blood, such as it is to be when the
fish is grown up.' If you throw these little fishes into water, they
will swim as well as if they had been long accustomed to live in that
element: The fins and tail of the males are larger and blacker than
those of the females, so that the sex is easily distinguished at first
sight. These fish have a singular manner of swimming; the male
and the female swim together on two parallel lines, the female always
uppermost and the male. undermost they thus always keep at a con-
stant uniform distance from each other, and preserve a perfect
parallelism. The female never makes the least motion, either side-
ways or towards the bottom, but directly the male does the same.'
"To this account is added a footnote (p. 90) containing the following
additional information :
"'Don Alzate has sent those fishes preserved in spirits; their skin
is covered with very small scales; they vary in length from an inch
to eighteen lines, and they are seldom above five, six, or seven lines
in the broadest part. They have a fin on each side near the gills,
n8 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
two small ones under the belly, a single one behind the anus, which
lies between the fin and the single one; the tail is not forked; lastly,
this fish has a long fin on the back, a little above the fin which is
under the belly.
" 'We know of some viviparous fishes in our seas, such as loach,
etc. ; most of these have a smooth skin without any scales. The
needle of Aristotle is viviparous, and yet covered with broad and hard
scales. I have caught some that had young ones still in their womb.
As to these viviparous fishes, it is a particular and new sort, and we
are obliged to Don Alzate for making us acquainted with it. It breeds
in a lake of fresh water near the City of Mexico.'
"This is, so far as known, the earliest notice of the viviparity of
Cyprinodontids. The mode of consorting together (exaggerated in
the account) is common to a number of representatives, of the family,
and is alluded to by Prof. Agassiz in a name (Zygc^iectes , i. e., swim-
ming in pairs) conferred on one of the genera of the family."
Subfamily Orestiinse.
48. Characodoii Giinther.
Characodon Gunther, Cat., vi, 308, 1866. (Type, Characodon
lateralis Gunther.)
Body rather deep, compressed; mouth small; teeth small, fixed,
the outer series bicuspid, with a villiform band behind them; origin
of dorsal fin nearly opposite that of the anal ; anal fin with its first 5 or
6 rays short and stiff and separated from the rest by a shallow notch ;
alimentary canal short, i to 1% times the total length of the fish;
species viviparous.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CHARACODON.
a. Dorsal and anal fins very long, each of more PAGE
than 20 rays multiradiatus 119
aa. Dorsal and anal rays shorter, each of less than
20 rays.
b. Scales large, 30 to 35 in the lateral series,
c. Dorsal fin slightly in advance of origin of
anal, its origin about midway between tip of
caudal and tip v of snout,
d. Anal rays 13 ; scales 30 to 32 ; about 9 teeth
in the upper jaw and about 14 in the lower ei^eni 119
dd. Anal rays 15 or 16; scales 35; about 14
teeth in the upper jaw and about 16 to 18
in the lower . . .variatus 120
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^. 119
cc. Dorsal fin slightly behind origin of the anal, PAGE
about midway between tip of caudal fin and
opercle
e. Head 3)^; dorsal rays 10 or n; anal rays
13 to 16; scales 12-35 later alis 121
ee. Head 3 to 3^; dorsal rays 12; anal rays 12
or 13 ; scales n or 12-32 garmani 121
bb. Scales small, 50 in the lateral series, origin of
dorsal fin midway between base of caudal
and base of pectoral, anal fin inserted below
seventh ray of dorsal furcidens 122
106. Characodon multiradiatus sp. nov.
Type, No. 4523, F. C. M., 1.50 inches in length; Lerma, Mexico.
Girardinichthys innominatus Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull.
U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 149; Lago de Lerma, Mexico.
Basin of the Rio Lerma. (Lerma.)
Head 3^ to 4; depth 2^ to 3^; D. 26 to 30; A. 26 to 30; scales
about 45. Body moderately elongate, somewhat compressed; head
small, mouth moderate; jaws with incisor-like bicuspid teeth; diameter
of eye slightly greater than the length of the snout, 3^ in head; dorsal
fin long, its base equaling length of head (?) to ^ longer (<3) ; origin
of dorsal in advance of anal, midway between base of caudal and
eye (?) to nearer tip of snout than base of caudal ($) ; pectoral fin
small, its length i}4 in head; ventral 2 in head; gill rakers short,
less than diameter oi the eye, about 15 on first gill arch.
Color dark olivaceous, the darker markings with a tendency to
form crossbars ; a dark blotch on side above space between ventral and
anal fins; margins of median fins on male black. Length about 1.80
inches.
This species in general form and color resembles Girardinichthys
innominatus Bleeker, with which it has been previously identified.
107. Characodon eiseni Rutter.
Characodon eiseni Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 266; Rio
Santiago, Tepic: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1898, 2831; Tepic.
Lowland streams of Jalisco and Tepic.
Head 3,^; depth 3><; D. n to 13; A. 13; scales 12-30 to 32. Body
rather deep, somewhat compressed; mouth almost vertical when
closed; anterior teeth bicuspid, the villiform teeth not developed;
about 9 teeth in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower; eye 3 in head; in-
sertion of the dorsal in the middle of the total length; origin of anal
I2O
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
under the fourth ray of -the dorsal; caudal fin broad, truncate; depth
of caudal peduncle 2 in head.
Color, male with a broad indefinite lateral band; female with dark
blotches on sides usually forming distinct cross bands (J. & E.).
Length about i ^ inches. Known only from the type locality.
108. Characodon variatus Bean.
Characodon variatus Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1887, 370, pi. xx,
fig. 10; Guanajuato: Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1892, 286;
Guanajuato: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 62;
Rio Lerma. Salamanca, Queretaro: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 669: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S.
Fish Comm., 1900, 126; Rio Verde, Aguas Calientes: Meek,
Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 96: Aguas Calientes: Lagos.
Ocotlan; Celaya; Huingo.
Characodon ferrugineus Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1887, 372,
pi. xx, figs. 3 and 4. Guanajuato.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 34. CHARACODON VARIATUS Bean,
No. 37?>o8, U. S. National Museum.
FIG. 35. CHARACODON VARIATUS Bean. 5
No. 37810 (Characodon ferrugineus Bean), U. S. National Museum.
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^;. 121
Head 3^; depth 3; D. 13 or 14; A. 15 or 16; scales 15-35. Body
elongate, somewhat compressed; head broad, usually a slight angle at
the nape; mouth small, lower jaw projecting; chin prominent; snout
3^ m head; teeth fixed, outer series bicuspid; eye 3^2 in head; origin
of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and middle of opercle
(?) or posterior margin of eye (6), slightly in advance of origin of
anal ; pectoral fin i y 2 in head ; ventral fin 2 ]/$ ; caudal fin emarginate ;
least depth of caudal peduncle 2 in head.
Color light brownish, the male with a more or less prominent dark
lateral band usually broken into blotches ; dorsal and caudal fins black
with a light yellow border ; scales of upper part of body with dark cen-
ters forming lateral stripes along the rows of scales; color of female
more variegated ; sides with spots and blotches ; a row of black spots
on the lower half of the caudal peduncle ; fins all pale ; young specimens
spotted and much resembling the young of Zoogoneticus robustus
(Bean), but with larger spots. Length about 3^ inches.
The most abundant and the best known species in the genus.
The young are born the last of May. The alimentary canal in some
specimens is scarcely the length of the fish, in others about 1% times
its length. One female 2,20 inches in length contained n young, each
.55 inch in length; a second one 2.50 inches in length contained 23
young, each .46 inch in length; a third 2.70 inches in length contained
37 young, each .40 inch in length.
109. Characodon lateralis Gunther.
Characodon iaterali S, Gunther, Cat., vi, 308, 1866; Central America:
Gunther, Fishes of Cent. Amer., 480, pi. 82, fig. 2, 1869: Jordan
& Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 668: Pellegrin,
Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901, 205; Estado de Jalisco.
Lowland streams from Central America north to the State of Jalisco.
Head 3^; depth 3; D. 10 or n; A. 13 (?) to 15 or 16 (<$), scales
12-35. Body elevated, the neck somewhat arched; head thick and
broad, the snout obtuse, as long as the eye; about 20 teeth in each jaw,
their tips indistinctly notched ; eye 4 in head ; origin of the dorsal fin
a little nearer end of caudal than of occiput, a little behind anal;
caudal fin small, truncate or slightly convex.
Color brownish olive with a darker band running from eye to the
root of the caudal ; this band sometimes broken up into a more or less
regular series of brownish spots. (Gunther.)
110. Characodon garmani Jordan & Evermann.
Characodon lateralis Garman, Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., xix, 1895, 36,
pi. i, fig. 9 (not Characodon lateralis Gunther) ; Parras, Coahuila,
Mexico.
122 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Characodon garmani Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1898, 2831.
Spring and headwaters of the Rio Mezquital near Durango, spring
at Labor and the Rio Nazas at Parras. (Durango; Labor.)
Head 3^; depth 2^ to 3; D. 13; A. 13; scales 13-33. Body
robust, somewhat compressed; snout short, 4 in head; lower jaw the
longer, chin prominent; diameter of eye 3^3 ; interorbital area 2^ in
head ; origin of dorsal to base of caudal about 2 ^ in its distance from
tip of snout; origin of anal slightly in advance of that of dorsal; pec-
toral fin 2 in head; ventrals 3^; caudal fin rounded; least depth of
caudal peduncle 2 in head.
Color olive reddish to light brownish; males uniform or with bars
on caudal peduncle, sides of females more or less barred or blotched
and lighter in color than males ; usually on sides a dark broad lateral
band, more broken up in bars on females than on males; on males the
dorsal and caudal fins with a dark band near tip bordered with lighter ;
in life the larger males red, occasionally males with only one or two
black blotches on the sides; the color very variable. Length about
i^ inches.
The young are born early in June. It is quite probable that the
specimens described by Prof. Garman are from Durango instead of
Parras.
111. Characodon furcidens Jordan & Gilbert.
Characodon furcidens Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus..
1882 , 354 : Cape San Lucas, Lower California : Garman, Memoirs,
Mus. Comp. Zool., xix, 1895, 3^ 5 Cape San Lucas (probably from
the lagoons at La Paz) : Jordan & Evermann. Bull. 47, U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 670; Cape San Lucas; Colima: Pellegrin, Bull.
Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901; Rio San Pedro, Tuxpan, Jalisco.
Lowland streams of Jalisco and Colima and the southern portion
of Lower California.
Head 4; depth s; D. 15 to 17; A. 13; scales about 15-50. Bodv
comparatively elongate, not much compressed, the head rather low
and broad, depressed, interorbital area slightly more than two in head,
anterior teeth large, firmly fixed and bicuspid ; a band of minute teeth
behind them; eye rather large, 3^ m head, origin of dorsal fin mid-
way between base of caudal and pectoral : origin of anal under seventh
dorsal ray : pectoral fin i % in head ; ventral fin 2 : caudal fin obliquely
truncate, very slightly emarginate; caudal peduncle comparatively
long and slender.
Color of males profusely mottled with darker; sometimes nearly
plain; vertical fins each with several brownish bars or blotches and
FAMILY XL PCECILIID^;. 123
each with a dusky subterminal bar; a narrow dark line along middle of
each row of scales on the back ; females with several short dark bars on
the posterior halt of the body; some dark specks on caudal peduncle.
(Jordan & Evermann.)
49. Chapaliclithys Meek.
Chapalichthys Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 97. (Type,
Characodon encaustus Jordan & Snyder.)
Body rather deep, compressed; caudal peduncle long and slender;
about half to three-fourths of the dorsal fin in front of oiigin of anal;
origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and anterior
margin of the orbit ; dorsal fin of male higher than that of female; anal
fin with its first five or six rays short and stiff and separated from the rest
of the fin by a shallow notch; teeth in 2 series, the outer enlarged,
bicuspid and firmly attached; the inner series small, and in small
patches; alimentary canal elongate, convolute or irregularly in 3 coils
on the right side, its length nearly twice the length of the fish; peri-
toneum black, caudal fin truncate; gill rakers long and slender; verte-
brae 18-1-19=37; viviparous.
This genus has the long alimentary canal of Goodea and the firm
bicuspid teeth of Characodon; the dorsal fin is considerably more ad-
vanced in this genus than either Goodea or Characodon.
112. Chapalichthys encaustus (Jordan & Snyder).
Characodon cncaustus Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 126, fig. 7, Lago de Chapala, Ocotlan, Jalisco: Jordan &
Evermaim, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1901, 3150; Pellegrin,
Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901, 205; Estado de Jalisco.
Chapalichthys enraiistus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 97;
La Barca; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 36. CHAPALICHTHYS ENCAUSTUS (Jordan & Snyder).
No. 6163, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 3^ to 3$; depth 3^ to 3^; D. 16; A. 15 or 16, scales 13-
34 or 35. Body oblong, compressed; head moderate; interorbital area
nearly flat, its width 2f in head; lower jaw the longer; chin promi-
124 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
nent; outer series of teeth enlarged, firm, and bicuspid; snout 4 in
head; eye 3; dorsal fin high, its origin slightly nearer base of caudal
than tip of snout ; about half of the fin in front of origin of anal ; pec-
toral fin i^ in head; ventral fin 1^4, caudal peduncle long and
slender, its least depth 2 in head;. the caudal fin slightly emarginate.
Color light brownish with 8 or 9 spots along the middle of the sides,
occasionally forming short bars, each sometimes broken in the middle,
forming two bars; usually a large black spot about the size of pupil
above and a little forward of the origin of the anal; fins all plain.
Length about 4 inches.
One female 2.70 inches in length contained 21 young, each .40 inch,
in length. The young are born the latter part of May.
5O. Cypriiiocloii Lacepede.
PURSEY MINNOWS.
Cyprinodon Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 486, 1803. (Type,
Cyprinodon variegatus Lacepede.)
Prinodon Rafinesque, Analyse de la Nature, 1815, 88. (Type,
Cyprinodon variegatus Lacepede.)
Body very short and stout, the dorsal region elevated; mouth
small; teeth incisor-like, tri cuspid, in a single series; scales large,
dorsal fin inserted in advance of anal; ventrals small or wanting; gill
openings restricted; the opercle above adnate to shoulder girdle: ali-
mentary canal little longer than the body. Oviparus. Spawning
time June and July.
This genus comprises a group of small chubby fishes inhabiting
fresh or brackish waters. They are found living in small springs and
isolated bodies of water in the desert regions of southwestern United
States and northern half of Mexico, where no other fishes are found.
The species are very variable. It would perhaps be quite as well to
regard the species listed below as varieties of Cyprinodon clegans.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CYPRINODON.
a. Color markings on the side with a tendency to PAGE
form cross-bars,
b. Scales 28 in'the lateral series; dorsal rays 8 or
9; anal 8 to 10.
c. Dorsal fin yellow; caudal fin light, much
speckled with darker eximins 125
cc. Dorsal fin dark, or with anterior half yel-
lowish; caudal fin plain, not speckled with
darker * elegans 125
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID.E. 125
bb. Scales 24 or 25 in the lateral series; dorsal PAGE
rays 9 to n ; anal 10 or 1 1 macularis 126
aa. Color markings on side with a tendency to form
longitudinal bands latijasciatus 126
113. Cyprinodon eximius Girard.
Cyprinodon eximius Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 158:
Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua: Woolman, Bull U. S. Fish Coinm..
1894, 59, Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 673 ; Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Cyprinodon elegant Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 59;
Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua: Garman, Memoirs, Mus. Comp.
Zool., 1895, 23; Rio Grande; Rio Chihuahua: Jordan & Sny-
der. Bull. U. S Fish Comm., 1900, 127; lagoons near Tam-
pico: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 97 (in part); Chihua-
hua, San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez; San Jose; Ahumada.
North, central, and northeastern Mexico, from the Rio Panuco to
the Rio Grande. (Sauz.)
Head 3^; depth 2^/3 ; D. 8 or 9; A. 9 or 10; scales 11-28. Body
deep, compressed; head small; snout bluntish; interorbital convex,
2)^ in head; diameter of eye equals snout 3^ in head; origin of dorsal
fin midway between base of caudal and anterior margin of the orbit;
base of dorsal fin i^ in head, pectoral fin 1^3 in head; ventral fin 2^ ;
caudal fin truncate; least depth of caudal peduncle i ^ in head.
Color of adult male dark brownish; sides with about 5 indistinct
dark bars, much wider than the inter-spacing; dorsal and anal fins
nearly white; caudal light, much variegated with black and with a
broad dark margin; tips of anal and pectoral black; females lighter,
variegated with darker with a tendency to form vertical bars , last
rays of dorsal with a black blotch ; caudal fin of female variegated or
speckled with black. Length about 2.% inches.
Spawning time in July.
114. Cyprinodon elegans Baird Girard.
Cyprinodon eh^ans Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
I 853, 3 8 9; Comanche Spring, Texas: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur.,
66, pi. xxxvii, figs. 1-7, 1859; Comanche Spring, Texas: Jordan
& Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 675: Evermann
& Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 149; Lago de
Santa Maria, Chihuahua: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65', 1902,
97 (in part); Colonia Juarez; Guzman; Santa Maria; Minaca.
Cyprinodon eximius Bean, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., 1898, 168;
San Diego, Chihuahua.
126 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Northern Mexico, in the basin of the Rio Grande.
. Head $]/$', depth 2 to 2^3; D. 9; A. 8 or 9; scales 12-28. Body
deep, compressed; snout bluntish; interorbital convex, 2*^ in head;
eye equals length of snout, 3% in head, origin of dorsal midway be-
tween base of caudal and preorbital ; base of dorsal i V z in head ; pec-
toral iy$ in head; ventral 2^; caudal fin truncate; least depth of
caudal peduncle i^ in head.
Color of males dark brownish with from 6 to 10 rather indistinct
vertical bars ; caudal plain with a black margin ; anterior half of dorsal
yellowish, its last rays dark; pectorals, ventrals, and anal tipped
with black; females lighter, marbled with darker, which has a ten-
dency to form cross-bars, and also an indefinite lateral band ; dorsal and
anal with a black spot on last rays. Length 2.50 inches.
This species spawns in July.
115. Cyprinodon macularius Baird & Girard.
Cyprinodon macidarius Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Sci. Phila.,
1853, 389; Rio San Pedro, Arizona: Gilbert & Scofield, Proc.
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 498; spring-fed pond at Lerdo. Mexico.
Basin of the Rio Colorado.
Head 3 to 3^; depth 2 to 2g ; D. 9 to n ; A. 10 or n ; scales 24 or
25. Body of adults deep, the young more slender; length of snout
about equaling diameter of eye, about 3^3 in head; origin of dorsal fin
midway between base of caudal and occiput.
Color variable; males with back and sides uniformly dusky, the
lower parts lighter; all of the fins in most brightly colored individuals
broadly margined with black ; females with the lower half of the sides
as well as belly lighter, often silvery white ; the sides crossed by black
bars, which are wide along the middle of the body, but becoming much
narrower than the interspaces on the lower half of the sides, these
bars varying in number and size and often alternating with narrower,
fainter, and shorter ones; fins light; the dorsal either with or without
a black blotch on its posterior ravs; the males sometimes show dusky
bars. (Gilbert.)
116. Cyprinodon latifasciatus Garman.
Cyprinodon latiiasciatus Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881,
92 ; Pairas, Coahuila, Mexico: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U.
S Nat. Mus., 1896, 676.
Rio Nasas and the headwaters of the Rio Mezquital. (Labor;
Durango.)
Head 3^; depth 2^3 ; D. 9; A. 9 or 10; scales 11-26. Body robust,
deep, moderately compressed; head short, snout bluntish; mouth
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID.E. 127
small, terminal, interorbital slightly convex, 2^ in head; eye small,
equaling the length of the snout. 3/^3 in head; origin of dorsal fin mid-
way between base of caudal and anterior margin of orbit; base of
dorsal 2 in head; pectoral 1^3 in head; ventral 3 in head; caudal fin
rounded; least depth of caudal peduncle r^ in head.
Color of adult males very dark to light brownish; caudal fin plain
with a narrow black band at tip; ventrals and anal plain, tipped with
black; dorsal fin dark; females are much lighter, the larger ones much
speckled with small dark dots; faint dark bands on middle of side
along rows of scales; a black blotch on last rays of dorsal and anal;
the smaller females more or less blotched with darker, but much less
than in the preceding species. Length about 2.55 inches. The fe-
males taken are full of quite mature eggs.
The specimens from Labor average larger than those taken in the
river at Durango. Professor Garman gives dorsal rays 12'; anal rays
ii. No doubt he counted the rudiments as well. There is some
doubt as to whether or not Prof. Garman's specimens really came from
Parras, Coahuila I am inclined to believe the types of this species,
also the types of Characodon garmani Jordan & Evermann came from
near Durango.
Subfamily Gambusiinse.
51. Pseudoxipliophorus Bleeker.
Pseudoxiphophorus Bbeker, Irhthvol. Ind. Prod. Cupr., 483, 1860.
(Type, Xiphophorus bimaculatus Heckel.)
P'vcilioides Steindachner, Sitzgsber. Akad. Wiss. Wien, 1863. 176.
(Type. Xiphophorus bimaculatus Heckel.)
Body elongate, robust; head flat, depressed forward; dorsal fin
long, its base about one-half longer than head; anal fin of male
modified into an intromittent organ; teeth conical, in a band on each
jaw, the outer series enlarged; gill rakers short and stiff, about 16 on
first arch those on upper portion of the arch the longer; alimentary
canal short, less than the length of the body; vertebra? 18 + 14=32.
One species known, viviparous.
117. Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus (Heckel).
Xiphophorus bimaculatus Heckel, Sitz. Akad. Wiss. Wien, 1848,
196; Mexico.
Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculalus Gunther, Cat., vi, 333, 1866: Gar-
man, Memoirs, Mus. Comp. Zool., xix, 1895, 81, pi. in, fig. 6
(teeth), pi. vni, fig. 9 (male) ; Mexico: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm. 1894, 65; Rio Blanca, Orizaba: Jordan & Evermann,
128 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat Mus., 1896, 678: B. A. Bean, Proc. U. S.
Nat. Mus. 1898, 541; Mirador: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65.
1902, 98; Jalapa.
Pseudoxiphophorus pauciradiatus* Regan, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist.,
1894, 256; Orizaba, Vera Cruz.
Streams of the eastern slope of Mexico from Jalapa to the Isthmus
of Tehuantepec. ''Jalapa ; Xico ; Cordoba ; Otopa : Motzorongo ; El Hule ;
Obispo; Perez; Sanborn.)
Head 4; depth 3^ to 4; D. 13 to 15 ; A. 8 or 9; scales 9-30. Body
elongate, rather robust, not much compressed; head depressed for-
ward; interorbital nearly flat, i in head; snout 2^ to 3; eye 3^;
origin of dorsal fin in advance of anal (?), midway between base of
caudal and tip of snout, or slightly nearer base of caudal; the base of
the dorsal very long, about y* longer than the head ; pectoral fin short
and broad, 1^3 in head; ventral fin 2 in hea.d; caudal fin rounded ;
caudal peduncle robust, 1% in head.
Color dark brownish; posterior margin of each scale black, making
prominent outlines on scales ; a large black blotch on upper y$ of base
of caudal ; some black on membrane of dorsal fin ; a black band across
middle of anal. Length about 3% inches.
This species is very variable, and is quite plentiful in all streams
of Vera Cruz from Jalapa to Sanborn. At Xico, the highest point
from which I made collections, it was the only species taken. The
largest specimens collected are from Cordoba, the longest being about
3.50 inches. One female from Cordoba, 3.35 inches in length, con-
tained 45 eggs, each .115 inch in diameter. The young are probably
born in May.
52. (rambusia Poey.
GUAZACONES.
Gambusia Poey, Memorias, i, 382, 1855. (Type, Gambusia punctata
Poey.)
Body elongate, more or less compressed; mouth moderate, the
lower jaw projecting; each jaw with a band of pointed teeth, the outer
*Mr. C. T. Regan admits two species in this genus. He says: "It
(Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus Heckel) differs from Pseudoxiphophorus pauci-
radiatus Regan in having a longer head and longer snout, and in the dorsal fin
with 14 to 1 6 rays commencing midway between tip of snout and base of
caudal, its base about ^ of the total length. P. pauciradiatus Regan has D.
ii to 13, origin of dorsal nearer base of caudal than to tip of snout, the length
of its base about 4 times in the total length."
The species is very variable. In some specimens in the museum collection
from Cordoba the base of the dorsal fin is longer than head, in others equal to
or shorter, the number of rays in dorsal fin is 13 to 15, very seldom 12 or 16.
This species ranges from about 6,000 feet to sea level.
FAMILY XL PCECILIID.E. 129
ones being the larger ; teeth not movable ; scales large ; dorsal and anal
fins usually small, the dorsal in advance of the anal ; anal fin of male
much advanced, and modified into an intromittent organ which is
about as long as head ; alimentary canal short, usually about the length
of the body; branchiostegals 6; vertebrae about 32.
This genus comprises a group of small fishes living in swamps,
ponds, and small streams of southern United States, Cuba, Mexico,
and Central America. They are viviparous and feed on insects, seeds,
and crustaceans.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF GAMBUSIA.
a. Body with from 2 to 6 narrow, dark vertical PAGE
bars from medial line of dorsal to or below
axis of the body fasciata 129
aa. Body without narrow dark vertical bars on its
upper half.
b. Side with a broad dark interrupted band,
made up of short vertical bars ; origin of dorsal
fin to base of caudal 2 in its distance to tip of
snout gracilis 130
bb. Side with a narrow dark continuous band or
streak,
c. Scales in the lateral series 30 or more; head
3/4 to 3^4 i n the body affinis 130
cc. Scales in the lateral series 26 to 28; head 4^
in the body \ infans 131
bbb. Sides without band or streak except on
middle of caudal peduncle ; scales 8-3 2 bonita 132
118. Gambusia fasciata sp. nov.
Type, No. 4715, F. C. M., 2.1 inches in length; San Geronimo,
Oaxaca.
Pacific slope streams of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. (San
Geronimo; Tehuantepec.)
FIG. 37. GAMBUSIA FASCIATA Meek.
130 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Head 4^4', depth 3! to 4; D. 7 ; A. 7 ; scales 8-32. Body elongate,
not much compressed; head small, flat above; interorbital 2 in head;
mouth small; jaws about equal; teeth in jaws in a band, the outer
series enlarged; all of the teeth conical; snout 3^ in head; eye 3 in
head ; origin of dorsal to base of caudal i K m its distance from tip of
snout, about midway between base of caudal and middle of pectoral fin ;
anal fin (?) in advance of dorsal; pectoral fin i% in head; ventral 2% ;
caudal fin truncate; least depth of caudal peduncle \% in head; ali-
mentary canal i| times total length of the fish; peritoneum black.
Color light brownish ; a dark vertebral streak ; side with from 3 to 5
narrow vertical bars which extend from dorsal region to middle of side,
occasionally one or two bars reaching ventral region ; a black spot on
first two dorsal rays near their base ; region in front of anal and basal
half of first rays black; iris black; a dark line on under side of
caudal peduncle. Length 2 inches.
One female contained 27 eggs, young quite well developed.
119. Gambusia gracilis (Heckel).
Xiphophorus gracilis Heckel, Sitzgsber. Akad. Wiss. Wien, 1848,
300; Orizaba, Mexico.
Gambusia gracilis Garman, Memoirs, Mus. Comp. Zool., xix, 1895,
85; Mexico and Central America: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 683: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65,
1902, 99; Puente de Ixtla; Balsas.
Streams on both sides of the divide south of the City of Mexico.
(Cuautla; Yautepec; Jojutla; Chietla.)
Head 4; depth 3^3 to 3; D. 6; A. 9; scales 8-30. Body rather
slender, not much compressed; head small, mouth small, lower jaw
the longer, teeth in the outer series enlarged; snout pointed, 3^ in
head; diameter of eye 3 > ; origin of dorsal fin (?) behind that of anal,
its distance from base of caudal i ^ in distance from tip of snout ; pec-
toral fin i % in head ; ventral 2 ; caudal fin rounded ; least depth of
caudal peduncle if in head; peritoneum dark; alimentary canal
shorter than the length of the fish.
Color dark brownish, each scale with light edgings; no spots on the
fins ; a broad dark lateral band more or less broken up into short ver-
tical bars; iris black. Length about 2 inches.
The young are probably born early in May.
120. Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard).
Heterandria affinis Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1853, 390; Rio Medina and Rio Salada, Texas.
Heterandria nobilis Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1853, 390; Comanche Spring, Rio Grande.
FAMILY XL PCECILIID.E. 131
Gambusia nobilis Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 71, pi. xxxix, figs.
8 ii, 1859; Comanche Spring: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1894, 60; Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Gambusia speciosa Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 121;
Rio San Diego, a tributary of Rio San Juan near Cadereita,
Nuevo Leon.
Gambusia gracilis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 121;
Matamoras.
Gambusia senilis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 122;
Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Gambusia patruelis Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881, 93;
Monclova, Mexico: Garman, Memoirs, Mus. Comp. Zool., 1895,
84; Mexico.
Gambusia affinis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 680: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 127; lagoons near Tampico: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub.
65, 1902, 98; Jimenez; Santa Rosalia; Chihuahua; San Andres.
Lowland streams of the south Atlantic states and Gulf coasts to
the Rio Panuco and to the Rio Conchos in Chihuahua. (Sauz; Mon-
terey; Garza Valdez; La Cruz; Santa Engracia; Forlon; Valles.)
Head 3^ to 4; depth 3^ to 4; D. 7 or 8; A. 8; scales 9-32. Body
rather robust, not much compressed; head rather large, flat .above,
interorbital 2 in head; snout 3 in head; lower jaw the longer; teeth in
jaws in bands, the outer series enlarged; diameter of eye 3 in head;
origin of dorsal fin o\nr middle of last ray of anal, its distance from
base of caudal i % in its distance to tip of snout ; pectoral i % in head ;
ventrals 2% in head; caudal fin truncate; least depth of caudal
peduncle iX m head; alimentary canal about as long as the body;
peritoneum dusky.
Color light olive, edges of scales dark; a faint dark lateral streak or
dusky band on sides ; sides and belly dusted with black dots ; a narrow
band downward and backward from eye; occasionally some dark on
anal fin; other fins plain. Length about 2 inches.
One female 1.6 inches in length, collected the last week in May,
contained 22 eggs, eye spots not formed.
121. Gambusia infans Woolman.
Gambusia infans Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 62, pi. 2,
fig. 3; Rio Lerma, Salamanca, Guanajuato: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 680: Meek, Field Col.
Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 99; Celaya; Ocotlan; La Barca; Huingo.
Gambiisia affinis Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901, 205;
Lago de Zacoalco, Estado de Jalisco.
132 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM -ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 38. GAMBUSIA INFANS Woolman.
No. 45570. U. S. National Museum.
Head 4^; depth 3^"; D. 7 ; A. 7; scales 8-28. Body robust,
moderately compressed; head small, flat above, its interorbital width
2 in head; snout 4 in head; mouth small, lower jaw the longer; teeth in
jaws in bands, outer series the larger; diameter of eye 3 in head; origin
of dorsal over last anal rays, its distance from base of caudal 1^3 in
distance from tip of snout ; pectoral i l /^ in head ; ventral 2 ^ ; caudal
fin truncate; least depth of caudal peduncle i^ in head; alimentary
canal about i X times the length of fish ; peritoneum dusky,
Color light olivaceous ; edges of scales darker ; a narrow dark stripe
on body; belly and sides not punctulate with dark dots; fins all plain.
Length about 2 inches.
The young of this species are born about the middle of June.
122. Gambusia bonita sp. nov.
Type, No. 4630, F. C. M., 2.5 inches in length; Refugio, Vera
Cruz.
Upper tributaries of the Rio Papaloapam. (Motzorongo; Refugio.)
FIG. 39. GAMBUSIA BONITA Meek.
FAMILY XL PceciLiiDyE. 133
Head 3^ ', depth 3^ ; D. 7 or 8; A. 9 ; scales 8-32. Body elongate,
somewhat compressed, profile from tip of snout to origin of dorsal a
straight line; head moderate, mouth rather large, oblique; the lower
jaw the longer; teeth conical, in a band, the outer series enlarged;
snout 3^4" m head; eye 3 in head; origin of dorsal to base of caudal \%
in its distance from tip of snout, about midway between base of caudal
and base of pectoral fin; anal (an females) well in advance of dorsal;
pectoral 1% in head; ventral 2%; caudal fin slightly rounded, least
depth of caudal peduncle if in head; alimentary canal shorter than
length of fish; peritoneum black; vertebrae 15 + 16=31.
Color dark olivaceous above, white below; on darker portion of the
body each scale has a light margin forming lateral stripes along the
rows of scales; caudal fin usually tipped with black; a narrow dark
streak on middle of caudal peduncle, this more prominent on the
males; iris black. Length about 2^ inches.
One female 2.36 inches in length contained 38 partially hatched
eggs.
The young, are probably born in May.
53. Paragambusia gen. nov.
Type, Gambusia nicaraguensis Giinther.
Anal fin falcate, its first 3 rays much produced, longer than
head, otherwise essentially as in Gambusia.
123. Paragambusia nicaraguensis (Giinther).
Gambusia nicaraguensis Giinther, Cat., vi, 336, 1866; Lake of
Nicaragua: Gunther, Fishes Cent. Amer., 483, pi. 82, fig. 3,
1869; Lake of Nicaragua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 682.
Southern Mexico and Central America. (Otopa; Boca del Rio; El
Hule; Obispo; Perez.)
Head 3^; depth 2^; D. 6; A. 10; scales 10-26. Body rather
robust, much compressed; head small, depressed; interorbital flat, i^
in head; snout wedge-shaped, 3^ in head; teeth pointed; diameter of
eye 3 in head ; origin of dorsal fin (?) almost entirely behind anal, its
distance from base of caudal 2 in its distance from tip of snout; anal
fin of female with its first 3 or 4 rays produced and falciform, the longest
ray equaling distance from tip of snout to base of pectoral fin ; pectoral
fin equals length of head; ventral 2 in head, one of its rays slightly
produced; caudal fin rounded; least depth of caudal peduncle i^ in
head ; peritoneum black ; alimentary canal less than length of the fish.
134 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Color light brownish; dorsal and caudal fins spotted with black
dots ; in the larger females the produced anal rays are black ; a dark bar
downward and backward from eye. Length about 2 inches.
Female 1.20 inches in length, collected last week of April, con-
tained 1 8 eggs in which only the eye spots were shown.
54. Glaridichthys Garman.
Glaridodon Garman, Mem. Mus. Comp. Zoology, xix, 1895, 40.
(Type, Girardinus uninotatus Poey.)
Glaridichthys Garman, Amer. Nat., 1896, 232 (substitute for Glari-
dodon; preoccupied).
Body moderately elongate, compressed; caudal peduncle of mod-
erate depth; head depressed, slightly arched; snout short, blunt; chin
steep; mouth directed upward; lower jaws the longer, firmly united;
an outer series of broad, cusped, hooked teeth firmly set in each jaw,
behind these a band of smaller ones, sharp, pointed, expanded and
hooked near the apex; anal fin in advance of dorsal; intestine long;
scales large. (Garman.)
124. Glaridichthys latidens (Garman).
Glaridodon latidens Garman, Memoirs, Mus. Comp. Zool., xix, 1895,
42, pi. v,vfig. ii (teeth); Chihuahua.
Head about 3^; depth about 3>^; D. 8; A. 10; scales 28 to 30.
Body moderately elongate, compressed; snout short, blunt, rounded;
chin very steep; mouth rather wide, arched transversely, directed
upward; teeth chisel-shaped, hooked and strong in the outer series;
inner teeth in bands, pointed, commonly expanded near the apex as if
2 or 3 cusped; eye large, longer than snout, 3 in head; dorsal origin a
little behind the middle of the total length, above middle of the base of
the anal; ventrals Very small, not reaching anal; pectorals moderate,
reaching behind bases of ventrals; caudal as long as head, subtruncate
or convex ; vertebrae 13-4-19=32.
Color light olivaceous, darker on back, silvery on opercles; throat
and belly apparently somewhat lighter along the middle of the flank ;
narrow brown vertical bars on the sides, more distinct behind the ab-
domen, one of them situated below the extremity of the base of the
dorsal ; fins clouded with brownish ; top of head dark ; a dark line from
anal to caudal; in cases a smaller line on the middle of the side; the
brown color in punctulations, sometimes arranged toward the edges
of the scales. (Garman.)
I do not know this species, and I am inclined to think there is some
mistake in the locality given for it. I do not believe this genus is
represented in northern Mexico.
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^E. 135
55. Beloiiesox Kner.
Belonesox Kner, Sitzgsber. Akadi. Wiss. Wien, 1860, XL, 419.
(Type, Belonesox belizanus Kner.)
Body elongate, not much compressed; head broad, flat; jaws
much produced; mouth large; premaxillaries forming an elongate
triangular plate, but not ankylosed; mandible long, somewhat prom-
inent; each jaw with a broad band of cardiform teeth; anal fin before
dorsal; anal fin of male modified into an intromittent organ.
125. Belonesox belizanus Kner.
Belonesox belizanus Kner, Sitzungsber. Wiss. Wien, 1860, 419,
Balize: Giinther, Cat., vi, 33, 1866, Mexico; Lago de Peten:
Garman, Memoirs, Mus. Comp. Zool., xix, 1895, 80; Mexico:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 684.
Southern Mexico and Central America. (Boca del Rio; Otopa;
El Hule; Obispo; Perez.)
Head 2 to 3 ; depth 5 to 6; D. 8 or 9; A. 10; scales 18-56 to 63.
Body elongate, not much compressed; head long, slender, and much
depressed forwards; interorbital area 3^ in head; upper surface of
premaxillary plate 3 in head; snout 2 in head; eye 5 to 5>; origin of
dorsal fin about opposite' last ray of anal, its distance from base of
caudal af in its distance to tip of snout ; pectoral 2-^ in head ; ventral
3 T *Q; caudal peduncle slightly compressed, its least depth 3 in head;
caudal fin rounded.
Color light brownish, almost uniform above and below; the scales
on upper half of sidev each usually with a black center, forming dark,
interrupted lateral stripes 1 , a black spot at base of caudal. Length of
females about 8 inches; the males less than half as large as females
One female 7^ inches in length, taken at Obispo, contained 129
young, each .85 inch in length; a second female 4.35 inches in length
contained 26 eggs in which the eye spots and outline of the young were
formed. With the possible exception of Goodea luitpoldi, this is the
largest member of the family in Mexico.
Subfamily Anablepinae.
56. Anableps (Artedi) Bloch.
FOUR-EYED FISHES; CUATRO Ojos.
Anableps (Artedi) Bloch, Ichthylogia, vm, 7, 1795. (Type, Ana-
bleps tetropthalmus Bloch =Cobitis anableps Linnaeus.)
Body elongate, depressed anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; head
broad and depressed, with the supraorbital part very much raised;
cleft of mouth horizontal, of moderate width; both jaws armed with a
136 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
band of villiform teeth, those of the outer series being largest and
somewhat movable; the integuments of eye divided into an upper
and lower portion by a dark colored transverse band of conjunctiva;
pupil also incompletely divided into two pair of lobes projecting from
each side of the iris; nasal opening produced into a short tubule
depending from each side of the mouth ; dorsal fin behind anal ; anal
fin of male modified with a thick and long scaly conical organ with
an orifice at its extremity; alimentary canal but little convoluted;
vertebrae about 46.
126. Anableps dovii Gill. FOUR-EYES; CUATRO Ojos.
Anableps dowei Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 4; Panama.
Anableps dovii Giinther, Cat., vi, 338, 1866: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 685; Chiapam, Guatemala: B. A.
Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 541; Tequisistlan, 40 miles
from the sea: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1901, 150; Tehuantepec River at Tehuantepec.
Rio Tehuantepec to the Isthmus of Panama.
Head 4; D. 9; A. 10; scales 65 to 70. Body elongate, head flat, de-
pressed.
Color blackish brown, with a well-defined broad golden band along
the sides from axis of pectoral to the base of the caudal; fins pale.
Length 7 or 8 inches.
According to Mr. E. W. Nelson, the individuals of this species
swim always at the surface and in little schools arranged in platoons
or abreast. They swim headed against the current and feed upon
floating matter which the current brings them. They may make
slight headway up stream or may gradually float down stream at a
speed less than that of the current. They are easily frightened, and
when a school becomes scattered, and after the cause of their fright
has disappeared, the individuals will soon rejoin each other. The
species is viviparou's. A female 7 inches in length, collected in April,
was examined by Dr. Evermann, who found it to contain 9 young,
each 1.5 inches in length.
Subfamily Goodinse.
57. G-ooclea Jordan.
Goodea Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 299. (Type. Goodea
atripinnis Jordan.)
Xenendum Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1899, 127.
(Type, Xenendum caliente J. & S. =Goodea atripinnis Jordan.)
Body elongate to rather robust ; dorsal fin posterior, about over anal
fin ; anal fin of males with its first 5 or 6 rays short and stiff and sepa-
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^;.
137
rated from the rest of the fin by a shallow notch; teeth in two series,
the outer very loose and bicuspid ; intestinal canal long, coiled on right
side, about four times the length of the body; peritoneum black; gill
rakers numerous, about 40 on first arch.
a.
aa.
bb
cc
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF GOODEA.
Dorsal fin longer than the anal; dorsal rays
15; anal rays 12; scales small, more than 40;
about 19 in a cross series; body elongate, its
depth 3^ to 4; scales 20-55 ; a prominent dark
lateral band; vertical fins with black bars
Anal fin equal to or longer than the dorsal;
scales larger, less than 50 in the lateral line;
no prominent dark lateral band ; no black bars
on vertical fins.
Body rather slender, its depth 3% in. length;
scales moderate, 15-45; dorsal rays n; anal
rays 15; caudal peduncle slender, its least
depth if in head
. Body rather deep, its depth 3 to 3^ in body;
scales large, 35 to 44; dorsal rays 13; anal
rays 14; caudal peduncle deep, its least depth
about 2 in head.
Dorsal fin slightly in advance of anal, its
origin to base of caudal if in its distance
from tip of sno-it .
Dorsal fin slightly behind ventrals, its origin
from base of caudal 2 in its distance from
tip of snout
.whitei 137
.toweri 138
. .luitpoldi 139
.atripinnis 140
127. Qoodea whitei sp. nov. MIXPAPATL.
Type, No. 4547, F. C. M., 2.8 inches in length; Yautepec.Morelos.
Upper tributaries of the Rio Balsas. (Cuautla; Yautepec.)
FIG. 40. GOODEA WHITEI Meek.
138 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Head 4^; depth 3^ to 4; D. 14 to 16; A. 12; scales 18-55. Body
rather elongate, not much compressed, back not much elevated; inter-
orbital space slightly convex, its width 2 in head; snout 3^ in head;
diameter of eye 3 ; origin of dorsal in advance of anal midway between
tip of caudal and tip of snout ; distance from origin of dorsal to base of
caudal if in its distance to tip of snout; fins rather large; pectorals
i % in head ; ventrals 2 ; caudal fins slightly emarginate ; caudal pe-
duncle slender, its least depth 2 in head.
Color brownish above, the posterior portion of each scale darker,
giving a finely speckled appearance; a narrow blackish lateral band
extending from above the opercle nearly to base of caudal, the pos-
terior portion of the band more distinctly defined posteriorly ; beneath
this band the body is mostly straw color with a variable number of
small brown specks; dorsal dusky, with a submarginal line of black,
the margin plain; base of caudal fin dotted with several transverse
rows of dark dots and usually a clearly defined narrow black sub-
marginal band, the tips plain; anal with a central short black bar;
ventrals usually plain, sometimes with black tips. I take pleasure
in 'naming this fish for Mr. E. A. White, of the city of Mexico, in recog-
nition of many favors received through his courtesy.
128. Qoodea toweri sp. nov.
Type, No. 4519, F. C. M., 2.38 inches in length; Rio Verde, San
Luis Potosi.
Upper tributaries of the Rio Panuco. (Rio Verde.)
FlG. 41. GOODEA TOWERI Meek.
Head 4; depth 3^; D. n; A. 13; scales 15-45. Body elongate,
moderately compressed, back little elevated; head rather small; inter-
orbital flat, 2 in head; snout 4 in head; mouth rather small; the an-
terior series of teeth bicuspid ; eye 3 in head ; origin of dorsal fin behind
ventrals, midway between tip of caudal and middle of opercle; the
distance from origin of dorsal to base of caudal 2j J in its distance to
tip of snout; fins small; pectoral if in head; ventrals 2; the dorsal
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^E.
139
fin in the male higher than in the female, and its position slightly more
forward; caudal fin slightly truncate; caudal peduncle slender, its
least depth if in head.
Color dark brownish above, lighter below; where the light and
dark colors meet the side more or less speckled; a narrow dark shade
on middle of caudal peduncle. Length about 3 inches. Named for
its discoverer, Dr. W. L. Tower, of the University of Chicago.
129. Goodea luitpoldi (Steindachner) .
Characodon luitpoldi Steindachner, Einige Fischarten, Mex., 1895,
12, pi. 3, figs. 3~3b.; Lago de Patzcuaro, Michoacan: Garman,
Memoirs Mus. Comp. Zool., 1895, 37: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2832: Pellegrin, Bull. Mus.
Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901, 205 ; Lago de Zacoalco, Estado de Jalisco.
Xenendum xaliscone Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 128, fig. 9; Lago de Chapala, Ocotlan, Jalisco: Jordan &
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3153.
Goodea luitpoldi Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 101 ; Ocotlan;
La Barca; La Palma; Patzcuaro.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FlG. 42. GOODEA LUITPOLDI (Steindachner).
No. 6148 (Xenendum xaliscone), Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 4^ to 4^"; depth 3 to 3^; D. 12 or 13; A. 14 or 15; scales
17-40 to 42. Body rather robust, much compressed posteriorly; head
small; interorbital area slightly convex, if in head; snout 3^; eye
3 y* ; origin of dorsal fin midway between tip of caudal and posterior
margin of eye, in advance of ventrals; distance from origin of dorsal
to base of caudal equals if distance to tip of snout; fins rather large;
pectorals i % in head ; ventrals i ^ ; caudal fin slightly rounded ; caudal
peduncle deep, much compressed, its least depth i in head.
Color dark brownish above, lighter below; -fins all plain. Length
about 8 inches.
One female 5.15 inches in length from Patzcuaro contained 31
young, of about equal length, longest 1.14 inches. There was no
140 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
modification of the anal fin in any of these young, as found in the adult
male. This modification of the anal fin is probably found with the
development of the sexual organs. The young are born the last of May.
130. Goodea atripinnis Jordan.
Goodea atripinnis Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 299; Leon,
Guanajuato: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 685.'
Xenendum caliente Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 127, fig. 8; Rio Verde, Aguas Calientes: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3152.
Goodea calientis Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 100; Aguas
Calientes; Lagos; Celaya; Acambaro; Huingo; San Juan del Rio.
Basin of the Rio Lerma, and of the Rio San Juan, a tributary of
the Rio Panuco on the Mexican plateau.
FIG. 43. GOODEA ATRIPINNIS Jordan.
No. 6147 (Xenendum caliente }. & S.), Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 3^ to 4; depth 2^ to 3 ; D. 13; A. 14; scales 13 or 14-35 to 3^.
Body rather robust, much compressed posteriorly; interorbital space
slightly convex, i^ in head; snout 4 in head; eye 3 ^ to 4 in head;
origin of dorsal fin midway between tip of caudal and nape; distance
from base of caudal to origin of dorsal 2 in distance from the latter
point to tip of snout ; origin of dorsal slightly behind that of anal fin ;
fins rather large ; pectorals i y in head ; ventrals 2 in head ; the caudal
fin slightly rounded at tip; caudal peduncle deep, much compressed,
its least depth if in head.
Color dark olive brown, lighter below, each scale with a dark
angular band, giving the fish a somewhat speckled appearance; the
young are slightly mottled in color; fins all plain; color of the sexes
practically alike. Length about 4 inches.
One female 3.50 inches in length contained 44 young, each .53 inch
in length. The young are born during the last half of May.
FAMILY XL PCECILIID.E. 141
58. Skiflia Meek.
Skifjia Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 102. (Type, Skiffia
lermcB Meek.)
Body compressed, deep ; dorsal fin in advance of the anal, its middle
over anal; teeth loose, outer series large, bicuspid, followed by a band
of small villiform teeth; alimentary canal elongate, its length 2 to 3^
times the length of the body; peritoneum black; gill rakers long,
rather stiff, about 20 on the first arch; vertebrae about 16 + 18=34;
anal fin of male with its first 5 or 6 rays short and stiff, and separated
from the rest of the fin by a shallow notch; dorsal fin of male higher
than that of female.
A group of small fishes with much compressed bodies.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF SKIFFIA.
a. A black bar at base of caudal (inconspicuous PAGE
in some males of lermce, which have a uniform
coloration and a very dark head) .
b. Body light olivaceous in females; a dark spot
on hinder margin of each scale on upper half
of the body, these spots forming lines along
the rows of scales; dorsal fin usually black,
margined with yellow; D. 16; A. 15; scales
12-33 multipunctata 141
bb. Body light olivaceous in females, mottled
with dark, nearly plain on lower half of body;
males nearly pMm; head usually quite dark;
D. 13; A. 14; scales 14-37 lermaz 142
aa. No black bar at base of caudal.
c. Body much variegated; no dark lateral band;
D. 14 or 15; A. 13 or 14; scales 13-34; ali-
mentary canal 3 times total length of the
body variegata 143
cc. Color uniform with a dark lateral band bi-
furcated on the anterior third of body; D.
16; A. 16; scales 11-32; alimentary canal 2
to 2% times total length of body; origin of
dorsal fin midway between base of caudal
and nape bilineata 144
131. Skiffia multipunctata (Pellegrin).
Xenendum multipunctatum Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris,
1901, 205; Estado de Jalisco.
Skiffia multipunctata Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 103;
Ocotlan.
142 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 4; depth 2^ ; D. 16; A. 15; scales 12-32. Body deep, much
compressed; interorbital slightly convex, 2 in head; snout short,
rather pointed, 4 in head; mouth small, lower jaw slightly the longer;
eye large, 3 in head; dorsal fin slightly in advance of the anal, its origin
midway between base of caudal and eye; base of dorsal i^ in head;
height (in female) 1%, somewhat higher in the male; anterior portion
of dorsal shortened as in Skiffia lermaz; pectoral i }/$ in head ; ventral 2 ;
alimentary canal coiled on right side, its length 3^ times total length
of the fish; peritoneum black; gill rakers long and rather stout; 20 on
the first gill arch; vertebrae 16-1-18=34.
Color of female light olivaceous; a dark spot on hinder margin of
each scale on upper half of body, forming lines along the rows of scales
much as in species of Mollienesia; a prominent black bar at base of
caudal fin; male nearly uniform in color, with the anal and dorsal fins
black, margined with yellow; black caudal bar indistinct. Length
about 2^4 inches.
This species reaches a length of 2.50 inches, and is known only
from the Lerma basin, near Ocotlan. The young are born during the
latter half of May.
132. Skiffia lermae Meek.
Skiffia lermce Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 102; Celaya;
Patzcuaro.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 4; depth 2^ to 3^; D. 13; A. 14; scales 14-37. Body deep,
much compressed; head small; snout pointed, 4 in head; mouth small,
the lower jaw the longer; eye large, 3 in head; interorbital slightly con-
vex, its width 2^4" in head ; dorsal fin slightly in advance of anal, mid-
way between base of caudal and posterior margin of the orbit ; base of
dorsal 2 in head, its height in females i>> slightly higher in the males;
pectoral 1^3 in head; ventrals 2 in head; gill rakers stout, 20 on the
first arch; alimentary canal coiled on right side, its length 3^" times
the total length of the body; peritoneum black; vertebras 16-1-18=34.
Color of females light olivaceous above, much mottled with darker,
nearly plain on lower half of the 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 nearly
uniform dark-olivaceous, the anterior half of some specimens being
nearly black ; the black caudal bar much less conspicuous than on the
females; a dark line on the under side of the caudal peduncle in both
sexes. Length about 2.50 inches.
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM.
PLATE VIII, ZOOLOGY.
SKIFFIA LERM/E Meek. '
No. 3623. Field Columbian Museum.
SKIFFIA LERM/E Meek. $
No. 3622, Field Columbian Museum.
FAMILY XI. PCECILIIDVE. 143
This species probably occurs throughout the Lerma basin. One
female taken about May 20 contained 30 young, each of which was
about .34 inches in length.
133. Skiffia vuriegata Meek.
Skiffia variegata Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 104; Zira-
huen; Chalco.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 44. SKIFFIA VARIEGATA Meek.
No. 3612, Field Columbian Museum.
Head 3! ; depth 2|; D. 14; A. 13; scales 13-34. Body deep,
compressed; top of head convex; interorbital 2% in head; mouth
small, lower jaw the longer; dim rather prominent; snout 4 in head;
eye large, 3 in head; origin of dorsal slightly in advance of anal; its
origin midway between base of caudal and posterior margin of orbit;
base of dorsal .fin i% in head; height (in male) T.% in head, being
somewhat lower in the female; anterior dorsal rays short, increasing
gradually to the eighth or ninth ; pectoral i ^3 in head ; ventral 2 ;
caudal fin truncate; alimentary canal coiled on the right side, its
length 3 times total length of the body ; peritoneum black.
Color olivaceous, much mottled; an indistinct dark lateral band,
more or. less broken in some specimens ; four or five light brownish
spots on the lower portion of the caudal peduncle, the under surface
dark; color of the male more uniform and darker than that of the
female; no black bar at base of caudal; chin black. Length about
2.25 inches.
The young of this species are born about the middle of May. A
female about two inches in length will give birth to about 20 young,
each being about .50 inch in length.
144
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
134. Skiff ia bilineata (Bean).
Characodon bilineatus Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1887, 371, pi.
20, fig. 2; Rio Lerma, Guanajuato: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 668.
Skifjia bilineatus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902; Huingo.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 45. SKIFFIA BILINEATA Bean.
No. 37832, U. S. National Museum.
Head 3%; depth 3; D. 16; A. 16; scales 11-32. Body robust,
dorsal region somewhat elevated; head broad, depressed; interorbital
space nearly flat, 2 in head; snout short; outer series of teeth bicuspid,
loose, but less so than in other species of the genus; origin of dorsal
fin in advance of anal, midway between base of caudal and the nape ;
opercle connected by a membrane to the shoulder ; pectoral fin i X m
head; ventral 2 ; alimentary canal elongate, slightly less than 2> times
the total length of the body ; peritoneum black.
Color brown above, lighter below; a dark lateral band divided on
anterior third of body, the posterior half more or less broken into 12
to 15 short, irregular bars, a few extending almost to dorsal fin; the
upper half of the body with a few fine punctulations. Length about
i. 60 inches.
A female 1.50 inches in length contained 27 young, white and very
slender, each being .32 inch in length. The young of this species are
evidently born the last of May and early in June.
Subfamily Pceciliinse.
59. Platypoecilus Gunther.
Platypcecilus Gunther, Cat., vi, 350, 1866. (Type, Platypaecilus
maculatus Gunther.)
Body deep, compressed; dorsal fin slightly in advance of anal;
teeth loose, movable, in a single series in each jaw; alimentary canal
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM.
PLVTE IX, ZOOLOGY.
PLATYPCECILUS MACULATUS Gi'mther
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^. 145
long, coiled on the right side ; anal fin of the male modified into an intro-
mittent organ; gill rakers short, about equal to diameter of pupil;
vertebrae 26 to 28; sexes similar in size and color. This genus com-
prises, so far as known at present, three species. They are small
fishes, none exceeding 2 inches in length. The two species taken in
eastern Mexico live in ponds or bayous among water-plants ; to collect
them successfully the net must be heavily leaded so as to rake well
the bottom.
So far as color markings are concerned these fishes are more va-
riable than any others known to me. Viviparous.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PLATYPCECILUS.
a. Body deep, .compressed, its depth 2> to 2^. PAGE
b. Caudal peduncle deep, its least depth 3^ in
the length of the body; depth of body 2% maculatus 145
bb. Caudal peduncle slender, its least depth 5 in
the length of the body; depth of body 2%
to 2$4 variatus 146
aa. Body slender, elongate, its depth 3^ . nclsoni 147
135. Platypoecilus maculatus Gunther.
Platypcecilus maculatus Gunther, Cat., vi, 350, 1866, Mexico: Gar-
man, Memoirs, Mus. Comp. Zool., 1895, 48; Mexico: Jordan &
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 686.
Lowland streams of Mexico which empty into the gulf south of
the city of Vera Cruz. (El Rule ; Ob'spo ; Perez.)
Head 3^; depth 2%; D. 10; A. 7; scales 9-23. Body deep, com-
pressed; profile from tip of lower jaw to dorsal fin a straight line, the
highest point at origin of dorsal fin; head rather small; interorbital
area flat, its width 2 in length of head; lower jaw slightly the longer;
eye 3 in head; snout 3^ in head; teeth loose, small, conical, in a single
series in each jaw; dorsal fin slightly in advance of anal, its origin
midway between base of caudal and posterior margin of the eye;
longest dorsal ray (?) i^/z in the head to (3) 1^3 in head; caudal
peduncle very deep, its least depth 3^3 in the length of body; dis-
tance between the last dorsal ray and base of caudal slightly less than
the least depth of the caudal peduncle; caudal fin rounded; anal fin
with falcate margin, its first rays (?) iX m the head; tips of pectorals
reaching middle of ventrals, 1^3 in head; ventrals reaching past anal,
1% in the length of head; intestinal canal elongate, coiled on the
right side in 10 or 12 coils; gill rakers short, the longest about equal
to diameter of the pupil ; vertebras 14+12=26; anal fin of the male
modified into an intromittent organ, its length i>^ in the length of
the head.
146 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Color olivaceous, some specimens blotched with black; others with
i to 3 black spots about y$ size of the eye on the sides; occasional
specimens with a large black blotch on side behind shoulders; some
with a large black spot at base of caudal fin; this spot very small in
others and in some specimens wanting; a broad black crescent on base
of caudal rays; often the spot or crescent or both wanting; occa-
sionally these markings reduced to the tips of the crescent or to the
base of marginal rays of the caudal fin ; dorsal fin black ; anal and ven-
tral rays'with black tips; pectorals light. Length about i^ inches.
The color markings of this species are very variable, more so than
of any other species I have examined.
136. Platypoecilus variatus sp. nov.
Type, No. 4501, F. C. M., 1.35 inches in length; Valles, San Luis
Potosi.
Basins of the Rio Panuco and Rio So to la Marina, in 'owland
streams. (Garza Valdez; Santa Engracia; Victoria; Forlon; Valles;
Rascon.)
Head 3^; depth 2^ to 2^; D. 10; A. 6 or 7 ; scales 9-25. Body
oblong, compressed ; profile from front of dorsal to tip of snout slightly
convex, the highest point at origin of dorsal fin; interorbital area flat,
its width 2 in head; lower jaw slightly the longer; eye 2^ in head;
snout 4 in head; teeth loose, conical, in a single series; dorsal fin in
advance of anal, its origin midway between base of caudal and pupil ;
longest dorsal ray in both sexes, iy m head; caudal peduncle mod-
erately compressed, its least depth 5 in length of the body; distance
from last dorsal ray to base of caudal y$ greater than least depth of
caudal peduncle; caudal fin slightly rounded; anal fin with a slightly
convex margin; longest anal ray (in ?) 1% in head; tips of pectorals
reaching slightly past base of ventrals; length of pectoral fin i in
head; tips of ventrals reaching origin of anal, if in head; alimentary
canal coiled on right side as in the preceding species; gill rakers
1 5 , the longest equaling diameter of pupil ; vertebrae 14+14 = 28; anal
fin modified into an intromittent organ, its length if in the head.
Color olivaceous, the upper half or two-thirds of the body much
mottled with darker; some specimens with a black caudal spot, in
some specimens large, in others very small. Length about 2 inches.
The color markings of this species vary greatly. The black cres-
cent and the black caudal spot may both be present or one or the
other or both may be absent. One large male, the largest taken,
1.87 inches, has four distinct black vertical bars on the middle of the
sides of the body; it also has the black blotch and crescent at base of
caudal fin; a second large male (1.70 inches), has the black bars on
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM.
PLATE X, ZOOLOGY.
f, ,-
PLATYPCECILUS VARIATUS Meek.
No. 4486, Field Columbian Museum.
XlPHOPHORUS HELLERI Gunther.
No. 4668, Field Columbian Museum.
FAMILY XL PCECILIID.E. 147
sides, but has neither the black caudal spot nor the crescent ; the fourth
black bar on left side is bifurcate in its lower half; dorsal fin with a
black band across its middle and another at the tips ; tips of anal rays
black; ventrals and pectorals plain.
137. Platypoecilus nelson! sp. nov.
Type, No. 51484, U. S. National Museum, iX inches in length;
Papayo, Guerrero.
Basin of the Rio Balsas.
FIG. 46. PLATYPCECILUS NELSONI Meek.
Head 3$-; depth 3-^; D. 7; A. 6; scales 10-28. Body elongate,
moderately compressed; head large, snout pointed, 3^ m head; inter-
orbital slightly convex, 2 in head; mouth small; teeth close set, conical,
their tips bent slightly backward; diameter of eye 3^; origin of the
dorsal fin midway between base of caudal and posterior margin of the
opercle ; pectoral i % in the head ; ventrals 2 ; caudal fin rounded ; least
depth of caudal peduncle if in head; no lateral line, many of the
scales with pore-like depressions ih their centers.
Color olivaceous, with a few faint vertical bars on posterior half of
body ; center of each scale lighter, the margins making faint longitu-
dinal stripes along rows of scales. One specimen has two ink-like spots
at base of caudal; a second specimen has only the upper one, the other
two have none. Longest specimen 1.86 inches.
The only specimens of this species known were collected by E.
W. Nelson at Papayo, Guerrero, on April 20, 1903, and were kindly
loaned to the Museum by Dr. B. W. Evermann.
6O. Heteraiiclria Agassiz.
Heterandria Agassiz, Amer. Jour. Sci. & Arts, 1853, 135 (Limia
r ormosus Girard).
B^ody rather slender ; mouth very small; the lower jaw short, its
bones not united; snout short; both jaws with a single series of slender,
148 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
movable teeth ; scales large ; dorsal fin inserted behind anal ; anal fin of
male placed well forward and modified into an intromittent organ ;
alimentary canal elongate, convoluted, not in definite coils, its length
about iX times the length of the fish.
A group of small fishfes found in ditches and swamps of the warmer
parts of America. Viviparous.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF HETERANDRIA.
a. Origin' of dorsal fin nearer base of caudal than PAGE
base of pectoral fin; spots on sides about as
large as orbit pleurospilus 148
aa. Origin of dorsal fin midway between base of
caudal and posterior margin of opercle ;. spots
on sides about as large as pupil lutzi 148
138. Heterandria pleurospilus (Giinther).
Girardinus pleurospilus Giinther, Cat., vi, 355, 1866; Lago de
Duenas: Giinther, Fish. Cent. Amer., 486, pi. 77, fig. i, 1869;
Lago de Duenas, Guatemala.
Heterandria pleurospilus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 688.
Southern Mexico and Central America, in west coast streams. (San
Geronimo.)
Head 4%; depth 3^; D. 7 or 8; A. 7 or 8; scales 8-28. Body
rather robust, compressed posteriorly; head broad; interorbital area
'nearly flat, 1% in head; snout 4 in head; eye 3; origin of dorsal fin
slightly behind that of anal, nearer base of caudal than base of pec-
toral fin; pectoral equals length of head; ventral if in head; caudal
fin slightly truncate; caudal peduncle rather deep, its least depth i^
in head.
Color light brownish, sides with 8 to 1 1 black spots on sides, each
about as large as eye ; some being broken up in two or more spots ; a
few specimens with a partial second row; fins all plain. Length about
2X inches.
A well marked species.
139. Heterandria lutzi Meek.
Heterandria lutzi Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 106; Oaxaca;
Cuicatlan ; Venta Salada.
Rivers of southern Mexico on both sides of the divide. (Motzorongo ;
Otopa; El Hule; Perez; Tehuantepec.)
Head 4^; depth 3^; D. 7; A. 8; scales 8-29. Body elongate,
rather slender; head depressed anteriorly, giving it a wedge-shaped
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID.E.
149
FIG. 47. HETERANDRIA LUTZI Meek.
No. 3718, Field Columbian Museum.
appearance; snout 3^ in head; eye large, 3^ in head; teeth movable,
in one series, conical, curved backward at the tips; origin of dorsal
slightly behind that of anal in females, midway between base of caudal
fin and posterior margin of opercle ; base of dorsal 3 in head ; its height
i Y* ; pectoral i y ; ventral 2 ; caudal fin truncate ; caudal peduncle
slender, its least depth i^ in head; alimentary canal much convoluted,
not in definite coils, its length about 1^2 times the total length of the
fish; peritoneum black.
Color olivaceous, a narrow dark lateral band broken into small
round or oblong spots, each scarcely as large as pupil; iris black; a nar-
row dark streak on under side of caudal peduncle; a faint vertebral
streak, more conspicuous in the young. Length about 3,K inches.
One female 2.59 inches in length contained 40 young; each about
.35 inch in length. The males are about half as large as the females.
61. Poecilia Bloch & Schneider.
Pcecilia Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichthy. ,452,1801. (Type, Pcecilia
vimf>ara Bloch & Schneider.)
Body oblong, often rather deep; mouth small, transverse, with
weak jaws; teeth small, in narrow bands, the outer teeth enlarged,
curved, and movable; scales large; dorsal fin small, of 7 to n rays; anal
fin short, in female nearly opposite dorsal, in males advanced and
modified into a sword-shaped intromittent organ ; alimentary canal long ;
vertebrae about 28. Sexes about e.qual in size.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF P(KCIL1A.
a. Anal rays 9 or 10; sides with a black lateral PAGE
stripe as wide as eye ; scales 8-29 occidentalis 150
150 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
aa. Anal rays 6 to 8. PAGE
b. Side with a black band made up of more or
less distinct spots about as large as eye ; dorsal
rays 9; anal rays 6; scales 9-28 latipunctata 150
bb. Side without black band.
c. Origin of dorsal nearer tip of caudal than tip
of snout ; dorsal rays 7 to 9 ; anal rays 6 to 8 ;
scales 9-24 to 28.
d. Head large, 3^ to 3^ in body; depth 2^
to 3 % butleri 151
dd. Head small, 4^ in body ; depth 3 1 / to 4^ presidionis 152
cc. Origin of dorsal nearer tip of snout than tip
of caudal.
e. Least depth of caudal peduncle 6 in length
of the body ; head 4 ; depth 3^ ; dorsal rays
8 or 9 ; anal rays 6 or 7 couchiana 152
ee. Least depth of caudal peduncle 5 in the
length of the body; head 3^; depth $y z ;
dorsal rays 9 ; anal rays 8 sphenops. 153
140. Poecilia occidentalis (Baird& Girard).
Heterandria occidentalis Baird & Girard, Proc Acad. Nat. Sci.
Phila., 1853, 390; Rio Santa Cruz, Tucson, Arizona: Jordan &
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 689.
Girardinus occidentalis Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 73, pi. xxxix, fig.
16-19, 1859; Rio Santa Cruz: Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.
Phila., 1859, 119; Rio Santa Cruz, Tucson, Arizona.
Girardinus sonorensis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859,
120; San Bernardino Creek, tributary of the Rio Yaqui.
Poecilia occidentalis Garman, Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1894, 61;
San Bernardino Creek, Arizona: Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci.,
1896, 261; Opsura (Rio Yaqui); Hermosillo: Rutter, ibid., 267;
Rio Santiago, Tepic.
Rivers of Sonora and southern Arizona.
Head 3>; depth 3^ to 4; D. 7 or 8; A. 9 or 10; scales 8-29. Body
deep, elevated in front of dorsal; origin of dorsal nearer base of caudal
than tip of the snout, slightly in advance (?) of anal.
Color brownish above, dotted with black ; silvery below ; with a black
lateral stripe as broad as eye from shoulder to caudal ; a narrow black
line along lower margin of tail; fins plain, without spot or blotch.
141. Poecilia latipunctata sp. nov.
Type, No. 4484, F. C. M., 2% inches in length; Forlon, Tamaulipas
Basin of the Rio Panuco. (Forlon.)
FAMILY XL PCECILIID.E.
FlG. 48. PCECILIA LATIPUNCTATA Meek.
Head 3^; depth 3.^; D. 9; A. 6; scales 9-28. Body elongate,
moderately compressed; head rather small, depressed; interorbital
flat, iX m head; snout equals diameter of eye, 3^ in head; mouth
small; teeth small, outer series not much enlarged; origin of dorsal mid-
way between base of caudal and posterior margin of the orbit ; pectoral
1 ^ in head ; ventral 2 ; caudal fin' rounded ; least depth of caudal
peduncle i> in head.
Color olivaceous ; a black band on sides made up of spots about as
large as pupil; iris black; dorsal and caudal fins on largest specimens
(?) with dark dots. Longest specimen 2.15 inches.
A female 1.75 inches contained 16 eggs with outline of young;
about one-half of the egg was absorbed.
142. Poecilia butleri Jordan.
Pcecilia butleri Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888, 330; Rio
Presidio, near Mazatlan: Jordan, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895,
412; Rio Presidio, Mazatlan: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 691: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull.
U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 151 ; salt water in Gulf of Tehuantepec,
Salina Cruz.
Fresh and brackish waters of Pacific coast from Mazatlan to
Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Head 3^ to 3^; depth 2^ (adult) to 3^ (young); D. 9; A. 6 to
8; scales 9-24 to 26. Body rather deep, compressed, the straight an-
terior profile rising considerably above the dorsal; interorbital width
2 in head; snout equals diameter of the eye, 3 in head; teeth in two
series, well separated, the inner series smaller and more closely set;
origin of dorsal midway between base of caudal and front of eye;
longest dorsal ray i^ ($), i% (?) in head; pectoral i% in head.
Color of males, green with a pale blue spot on each scale, sur-
rounded by bronze shades; no dark cross-bars except in the young;
152 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
dorsal and anal pale orange, with many small round black dots; lower
fins, pale; color of female similar to male, but paler; no cross bands;
a faint dark spot behind pectoral ; caudal nearly plain ; dorsal and anal
less spotted than in the male. Length about 3 inches.
143. Poecilia presidionis Jordan & Culver.
Pcecilia presidionis Jordan & Culver, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895,
413, pi. 29; Rio Preside, Sinaloa: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 697 ; Rio Presidio, Sinaloa.
Fresh and brackish waters of Sinaloa.
Head 4^; depth 3^ to 4^; D. 7 or 8; A. 7; scales 9-28. Body
rather elongate, the profile scarcely rising in front of the dorsal fin;
interorbital space broad, 2 in head; diameter of the eye equals the
length of the snout, 3^ in head; teeth small, in two well separated
series; those of the inner row small, close set; origin of dorsal fin nearer
tip of caudal than tip of snout ; middle of dorsal over origin of anal (?) ;
fins all low and short; longest dorsal ray iX in head; pectoral iX m
head; caudal truncate.
Color (?) green sh above ; sides with violet sheen ; 3 or 4 black
cross-bars usually very distinct, sometimes obsolete in large examples;
one or two oblong spots before these in the place of other bars; last
ray of the dorsal with a trace of a dark ocellus; fins otherwise plain;
males without cross-bars and with the lower fins reddish.
144. Poecilia couchiana (Girard).
Limia couchiana Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 116;
Rio San Juan at Cadereita, near Monterey, Nuevo Leon.
Poecilia couchiana Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 695.
Headwaters of the Rio San Juan, near Monterey, very abundant
in a large spring in the city of Monterey. (Monterey.)
Head 3f; depth 3; D. 9; A. 7 or 8; scales 10-27. Body robust,
moderately compressed; back moderately elevated, head small, inter-
orbital if in head; teeth loose, in one series; snout 3X1 eve 3; origin
of dorsal fin much in advance of anal, midway between base of caudal
and eye; pectoral fin T.% in head; ventral if in head; caudal fin
rounded; caudal peduncle iX m head; alimentary canal elongate,
coiled on the right side.
Color dark brownish on upper two-thirds of body; below white,
with a few black specks; each scale on upper half of body with light
centers. Length about i^ inches.
One female 1.75 inches in length contained 22 eggs. The young
are probably born early in June.
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^E. 153
145. Poecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes.
Pcecilia sphenops Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., xvm,
130, 1836; Vera Cruz: Garman, Memoirs Mus. Comp. Zool.,
1895, 59, pi. iv, fig. 13; Mexico and Central America: Jordan
& Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 694.
Molienesia fasciata Muller & Troschel, Mon. Akad. Wiss. Berlin,
1844, 36; Mexico.
Gambusia modesta Troschel, Muller's Reise in Mexico, in, 639,
1865 ; Mexico.
Gambusia plumbea Troschel, ibid., in., 640, 1865; Mexico.
Pcecilia mexicana Steindachner, Sitzber. Akad. Wiss. Wien., 1863,
178; southern Mexico: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 692: B. A. Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898;
Santa Maria, Vera Cruz.
Pcecilia limantouri Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 129, fig. 10; Rio Tamesin, Tampico: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3153: Meek, Field Col.
Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 106; Puente de Ixtla; Balsas; La Antigua:
Fowler, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, 320; Victoria, Ta-
maulipas.
Lowland streams of eastern Mexico, from Monterey to the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and in the Rio Balsas, Rio Tehuantepec
and Rio San Geronimo. (Monterey; San Juan; Linares; Garza
Valdez; La Cruz; Santa Engracia; Victoria; Forlon; Valles; Rascon;
Jojutla; Vera Cruz; Boca del Rio; Otopa; El Hule; Obispo; Perez;
S.an Juan Evangelista; San Geronimo; Tehuantepec.)
FlG. 49. PCECILIA SPHENOPS Cuvier & Valenciennes.
No. 6165 (Pcecilia limantouri J. & S.), Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 3^ to, 4; depth 33^; D. 9 or 10; A. 8 or 9; scales 9 or 10-
25 to 27. Body robust, compressed; back not much elevated ; head
moderate; interorbital area nearly flat, i^ in head; snout 3^ in head;
eye 3 to 3X1 teeth in 2 series in both jaws, the outer series a single
154 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
row, small, pointed, and loosely attached; dorsal fin in advance of
anal, midway between base of caudal and posterior margin of eye;
the dorsal fin in old males extremely high, its longest rays a half
longer than head; pectoral i i-io in head; ventral i^', caudal fin
rounded, in old males much expanded and fan -like; caudal peduncle
very deep, i in head in females to about equaling length of head
in old males ; alimentary canal very elongate, coiled on the right side.
Color light brownish above, belly a shade lighter; the edges of the
scales usually light, forming more or less indistinct lateral stripes
along the rows of scales. Length about 3 inches.
In general coloration this species is very variable. In some
specimens nearly half the scales on the side have black centers ; males
usually have light vertical bars, and the dorsal and caudal fin with
many black spots arranged in regular rows, the fins being transversely
barred, and the edges are light yellowish, sometimes with a narrow
dark border. The caudal and dorsal fins of males may have dark
blotches. Some of the males may have dark blotches scattered over
the side of the body and caudal and dorsal fins; occasionally these
blotches may be so numerous as to form the body-color of the fish.
The color of the females is more uniform than that of the males. -A
very variable and widely distributed species. It is probable that a few
of the Pcecilia described from Central America belong to this species.
62. Mollieiiesia Le Sueur.
Mollienisia Le Sueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1821, 3, pi. in.
(Type, Mollienisia latipinna Le Sueur.)
Body rather stout; mouth small; mandible very short, its bones
united, the dentary being movable; outer edge of both jaws with a
narrow band of small teeth, the outer series long, slender, and
movable, with tips curved and slightly compressed; dorsal fin over
or in advance of the anal (in female); the anal fin of the male
placed forward and modified into an intromittent organ ; lower angle
of caudal in the male slightly produced; alimentary canal elongate,
with numerous convolutions; dorsal fin of male very high; vertebrae
17 + 13=30.
Small mud-eating fishes of swamps near the coasts from North
Carolina to Mexico.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF MOLLIENESIA.
a. Head large, 3^ in body; dorsal rays 12 or 13; PAGE
origin of dorsal fin over that of anal in females formosa 155
aa. Head 3 % to 4 in body; dorsal rays 13 to 16;
origin of dorsal fin in advance of anal in female .... latipinna 155
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^;. 155
146. Mollienesia formosa (Girard).
Limia formosa Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 115;
Palo Alto, Mexico.
Mollienesia formosa Gunther, Cat., vi, 1866, 349.
Mollienisia formosa Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 699.
Northeastern Mexico.
Head $J4> depth 3^; D. 12 or 13; A. 10. Body rather stout;
snout short; dorsal in male longer than high, its first ray about
opposite anal; female with dorsal nearly as high as long, the anal
opposite its front.
Color olivaceous; scales with brown spots; dorsal fin with trans-
verse series of blackish spots; other fins plain. (Girard.)
147. Mollienesia latipinna Le Sueur.
Mollienisia latipinna Le Sueur, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1821,
3; New Orleans: Garman, Memoirs Mus. Comp. Zool., 1859,
50, pi. v, fig. i, teeth; pi. vm, fig." 12: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 699: Jordan & Snyder, Bull.
U. S. Fish Comm., 1900, 131; Lagoons near Tampico.
Pcecilia lineata Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 70, pi. xxxv, figs. 9-11,
1859; Rio Grande, near Brownsville, Texas.
Limia matamorensis Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859,
116; Matamoras, Tamaulipas.
Lowland streams and lagoons, from Yucatan to South Carolina.
(La Vega, Tamaulipas, E. W. Nelson.)
Head 3^ (?) to 4 (3); depth 2^ (?) to 3 (<$); D. 13 to 16;
A. 8; scales 9 or 10-26. Body oblong, much compressed in males,
nearly of equal height from dorsal backward ; greatest height of body
about % more than that of caudal peduncle; females with a more
distended abdomen and more slender caudal peduncle; head very
small, depressed, not narrowed forward; mouth very small, vertical;
teeth small, movable, in a band, the outer series the larger; eye 3^ to
3X in head; dorsal fin in males enormously high; the longest ray
2^2 in body; dorsal in females low, longest ray about 1% in head;
origin of dorsal in front of that of anal, its origin to base of caudal
2 l s times to tip of snout; anal fin ($) very small, that of male
modified into an intromittent organ; caudal fin rounded; intestinal
canal elongate, about 2^2 times the length of the fish.
Color of male, light olive green marbled with darker and spotted
with pale green ; each scale on back and sides with an oblong, blackish
spot, these forming continuous lengthwise stripes; head dusky above;
156 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
opercle and cheek minutely speckled; an orange stripe above opercle;
lower parts of head mostly orange ; dorsal with about 5 series of linear
blackish, horizontal spots forming interrupted lines; a large roundish
dark spot above middle of fin or membrane between each pair of
rays ; many round brown spots between these and above them ; caudal
with a narrow black margin; dorsal and caudal fins of females oliva-
ceous, with indistinct narrow cross bands formed by a series of smalfr
dark dots or rays. Length about 3 inches.
The male of this species with his highly colored dorsal fin is a
fish of remarkable beauty.
63. Xiphophorus Heckel.
Xiphophorus Heckel, Sitzgsber. Akad. Wiss. Wien, 1848, i, pt.
3, 163. (Type, Xiphophorus helleri Heckel.)
Body elongate, not much compressed; dorsal fin in advance of
the anal in females; teeth in two series, the outer enlarged, loose;
the lower rays of the caudal fin of the male produced into a long,
sword -shaped filament; anal fin of male placed forward and modified
into an intromittent organ; alimentary canal in about four coils on
right side, its length about twice that of the fish; vertebrae 16 + 14
= 30-
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF XIPHOPHORUS.
a. Anal fin long, with 8 or 9 rays; edges of scales PAGE
on upper part of body not especially dark, very
faint,
b. Body slender, its depth 3^"; least depth of
caudal peduncle 2]^ in head jalapa 156
bb. Body more robust, its depth 3^ to 3 ; least
depth of caudal peduncle 2^ in head lielleri 157
aa. Anal fin short, with 7 rays ; edges of scales on
upper part of body very dark, making their
outlines very distinct montezuma 158
148. Xiphophorus jalapre Meek.
Xiphophorus jalap Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 107;
Jalapa.
Streams of Central Vera Cruz, at an altitude of about 5,000 feet.
(Jalapa).
Head 4; depth 3^; D. 13; A. 9; scales 8-28. Body elongate,
not very robust, but with a deep caudal peduncle; head flattish, de-
pressed forward, being wedge-shaped; interorbital broad, convex, 2
in head; mouth rather small, lower jaw the longer; outer series of
FAMILY XL PCECILIID^E. 157
teeth pointed and loose, followed by a band of smaller conical pointed
teeth, eye large, 3 in head; origin of dorsal fin well in advance of the
anal, midway between base of caudal fin and middle of snout; base
of dorsal i| in head; longest dorsal ray if (?) to if (5) in head;
pectoral if in head; ventrals i^; caudal sub-truncate; caudal
appendage of male pointed, its length if in the length of the body;
caudal peduncle slender, its least depth 2^ in head; modified anal
of the male short and thick, its length i^ in head, a notch on under
side near its tip.
Color of female olive brown above, nearly plain white below, a
narrow lateral band passing around snout on upper half of the body ;
each scale with a dark center, giving faint brownish lines on the sides ;
dorsal fin with two rows of black spots near the base; other fins plain;
color of male similar to that of the female, except the dark lateral
band extending on caudal fin and forming the upper black margin
of caudal appendage; a second lateral band from lower angle of
pectoral to origin of the anal fin, and a dark streak on ventral surface
of caudal peduncle, forming the lower black margin of caudal appen-
dage ; in life the middle of the caudal appendage and the lighter portion
of lower half of the body is a bright yellow; dorsal fin of both sexes
spotted. Length about 4 inches.
This species is smaller than X. helleri; it is more slender and the
male has the second lateral band from angle of pectoral to origin of
the anal fin. Known only from the type locality, where it is abundant.
149. Xiphophorus helleri Heckel.
Xiphophorus helleri Heckel, Sitz. Akad. Wiss. Wen, 1898, 163;
Rio Chisoy; Cordoba: Gunther, Fishes Cent. Amer., 485, pi. 87,
figs. 2-6, 1869; Rio Chisoy: Garman, Memoirs Musi Comp.
Zool., 1895, 68, pi. iv, fig. 14, teeth, pi. vm, fig. 4; Mexico
and Central America: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 701.
Xiphophorus helleri Var. g Giinther, Cat., vi, 350, 1866; Rio
Chisoy, Guatemala.
Xiphophorus guntheri Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 702.
Lowland streams of southern Mexico and Guatemala, which
empty into the Gulf of Mexico. (Cordoba; Otopa; Motzorongo;
Refugio; El Hule; Obispo; Sanborn.)
Head 4f to 4f; depth 3 to 3^ ; D. 12 or 13; A. 8 or 9; scales
9-30. Body elongate, compressed; head small; interorbital slightly
convex, if in head; snout 3^ in head; eye 3^3 in head; origin of
dorsal fin slightly nearer tip of snout than base of caudal, about >
158 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
of the fin in advance of origin of anal ; pectoral fin i % in head ; ventrals
(6) i to (?) i^a in head; modified anal fin of male with a hook
near its tip, the length of the fin i> in head; caudal appendage
pointed, i% to 2 in body; caudal peduncle deep, much compressed,
least depth i in head.
Color light brown, lighter below; the lower half of the body in
life a bright yellow, which extends to the tip of the caudal filament.
The caudal filament is bordered above and below with black; a dark
lateral band from snout to upper third of caudal fin forming the black
on the upper part of the caudal filament; some specimens with from
2 to 4 vertical bars on the side near the tip of the pectoral fin ; dorsal
fin in both sexes much spotted with black. Length about 5 inches.
Some of these fishes have large black blotches on sides and on
fins, which appear like large ink stains. This peculiar blotching
forms the basis of the description of the nominal species of Xipho-
phorus guntheri Jordan & Evermann.
Eggs of females taken the last week of April have the eye spots
and the outline of the body formed.
150. Xiphophorus montezumae Jordan & Snyder.
Xiphophorus montezumce Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 131, fig. ii ; Rio Verde, near Rascon, San Luis Potosi:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3156.
Basin of the Rio Panuco. (Rascon.)
X
FlG. 50. XIPHOPHORUS MONTEZUM/E Jordan & Snyder.
No. 6145, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 4 to 4^ ; depth 3 to 3,^ ; D. 1 1 to 13 ; A. 7 ; scales 9-27 to 29.
Body robust, deep, compressed, dorsal region somewhat elevated;
head broad; interorbital space slightly convex, 2 in head; snout $%',
eye 3 ; origin of dorsal midway between tip of snout and base of caudal ;
pectoral (3) equaling length of head to (?) i% in its length; origin of
anal fin under middle of dorsal; caudal appendage pointed, its length
almost equal to length of body.
FAMILY XI. PCECILIID^E. 159
Color yellowish olive; a rather faint lateral band extending from
snout to upper third of caudal fin, above this a light band ; the scales
on upper fourth of body with dark edges, forming stripes along the
rows of scales; specimens occasionally With a dark caudal spot, and
some have a few dark blotches on the side ; caudal appendage bordered
above and below with black; dorsal fin with black spots, the other
fins plain. Length about 2^ inches.
Females taken May 6th with developed eggs. One specimen 1.74
inches in length contained 16 eggs.
Order ix. Synentognathi,
Lower pharyngeal bones fully united; ventral fins abdominal,
without spine; no mesacorocoid ; lateral line concurrent with the
belly, peculiar in structure; air bladder without duct in the adult;
vertebrae numerous, the abdominal ones much more numerous than
the caudal.
Family XII. Belonidre.
THE NEEDLE FISHES.
Body elongate, very slender, little compressed, covered with
small thin scales; both jaws produced in a beak, the lower the longer,
very much so in the young; each jaw with a band of small sharp
teeth ; no finlets ; dorsal and anal fins opposite each other ; air bladder
present; pectoral fins on axis of body; vertebrae numerous.
This family comprises a group of voracious carnivorous fishes
which bear considerable resemblance in form to the Garpikes. They
are found in all warm seas, a few species entering fresh water.
t>4. Tylosurus Cocco.
Tylosurus Cocco, "Lettere in Giornale Sci. Sicilia, xvn," 18, 1829.
(Type, Tylosurus cantrainii Cocco.)
Body elongate, very slender, not much compressed; both jaws
prolonged into a beak; each jaw armed with a band of small, sharp
teeth, besides which is a series of longer, wide-set, sharp, conical,
unequal teeth; no teeth on vomer or palatines; lateral line running
along the side of the belly, becoming median on caudal peduncle;
ventral fins small, inserted behind the middle of the body; caudal
fin lunate or forked.
> i Species numerous, chiefly American, the following one entering
the eastern rivers of Mexico south of Vera Cruz.
151. Tylosurus marinus (Walbaum). GAR FISH; NEEDLE FISH.
Esox marinus Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, in, 88, 1792 (after the
Sea Snipe of Schopf ) ; Long Island.
Belone truncata Gunther, Cat., vi, 244, 1866.
Tylosurus marinus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 714.
Very abundant on our Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to Yucatan;
often ascending rivers far above tide water. (San Francisco; Perez.)
160
FAMILY XII. BELONID^;. 161
Head 3; depth about 18; D. 14; A. 15; scales about 300. Body
slender, not compressed; snout 4|; interorbital slightly concave,
its width 2^3 in posterior part of head; upper jaw from center of eye
twice the length of the rest of the head; lateral line passing into a
slight keel; caudal peduncle depressed.
Color greenish, sides silvery; a dark silvery lateral band; a dark
bar on anterior part of opercle. Length about 4 feet. A very good
food fish.
Order x. Lophobranchii,
THE LOPHOBRANCHS.
Body elongate, covered with bony plates, which are firmly con-
nected forming a carapace; gills tufted, composed of small,
rounded lobes attached to the gill arches; gill openings small; snout
produced, bearing the small, toothless mouth at its end; pectoral
fins elevated ; ventrals wanting. An interesting group of small fishes
found in warm seas.
Family XIII. Syngiiathidw.
THE PIPE FISHES.
Body elongate, usually slender, covered with bony plates, which
are firmly connected; head slender, the snout long, tube-like, bearing
the short, toothless jaws at the end; gill openings small; tail long,
provided with a small caudal fin; males with an egg pouch usually
placed on the underside of the tail, sometimes on the abdomen;
dorsal fin single, nearly median, of soft rays only; pectorals small or
wanting; ventrals none; anal fin small.
The egg pouch of the male is formed of two folds of skin which
meet on the median line of the ventral surface. The eggs are received
into this pouch and retained until sometime after hatching, when the
pouch opens and the young fishes escape. Very few species of this
family are found in fresh water.
65. Siphostoma Rafinesque.
Siphostoma Rafinesque, Caratteri Nuovi Generi, 18, 1810. (Type,
Sygnathus pelagic^ Osbeck.)
Body elongate, very slender, 6 or 7 angled, not compressed,
tapering into a very long tail ; the dorsal keels of the trunk not con-
tinuous with those of the tail; snout long and slender; jaws short and
toothless; caudal fin present, small; pectorals present, short and
broad; ventrals none; anal small; the females deeper than the males,
with a more robust trunk and a more distinct ventral keel.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF SIPHOSTOMA.
a. Tail shorter than the body; body rings 19-1-24; PACE
dorsal rays 44 brevicauda 1 63
aa. Tail twice as long as the body; body rings
14 -f- 37 or 38; dorsal rays 38 starksi 163
162
FAMILY XIII. SYNGNATHID.E. 163
152. Siphostoma brevicaudum sp. nov. PIPE FISH.
Type, No. 4586, F. C. M., 5.9 inches in length; Boca
del Rio, Vera Cruz.
Head $ l /$\ depth 23; D. 44, on 2 + 7 rings; body rings
18 or 19 + 24. Body rather robust; snout slender, with
a low median and two lateral keels on upper surface and
a deep groove on under side; distance from gill opening
to anterior margin of the orbit \% in the snout; diameter
of eye 2 in postorbital part of head; a prominent ridge
across middle of opercle; body with 7 keels, those -on mid-
dle of sides reaching the dorsal keels below just back of
vent; a second short lateral keel begins opposite origin of
dorsal fin, meeting the one above it opposite posterior end 5
of dorsal fin; base of dorsal fin equals distance from tip w
of snout to posterior margin of orbit; shields without
spines; body longer than the tail; total length 5.9 inches; j
length of tail 2.5 inches.
Color olive brown, head darker; two rows of black |
spots of four each on under side of snout. Length about CD
6 inches. 5
Three specimens of this species were taken in brackish >
water at Boca del Rio.
~s.
S
153. Siphostoma starksi Jordan & Culver.
Siphostoma starksi Jordan & Culver, Proc. Cal. Acad.
Sci., 1895, 416, pi. xxx ; Rio Presidio, Presidio:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 771: Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 263;
San Jose del Cabo, Lower California.
Pacific coast streams, Rio Presidio to Rio San Geroni-
mo. (San Geronimo.)
Head 10%', depth 21; D. 38, on o + 10 or n rings;
body rings 14 + 37 or 38. Body rather stout; head
scarcely carinate above; snout very short, with a slight,
smooth keel; no keel on opercle; belly slightly keeled;
two lateral keels on body confluent into one behind; tail $$
twice as long as the body.
Color dark olive, much mottled with darker, but without distinct
markings; belly yellowish. Length about 6 inches.
A small species entering fresh waters. One specimen taken by
me at San Geronimo is 4.2 inches in length.
Order XI. AcanthopteH.
THE SPINY-RAYED FISHES.
Anterior vertebrae unmodified; one or more fins with spines;
ventral fins usually placed anterior, normally attached to the pelvis
and typically with one spine and five soft rays, sometimes fewer or
wanting, sometimes without spine or with many rays, or otherwise
modified; gill openings normal, large; scales usually ctenoid.
KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF ACANTHOPTERI.
a. Eyes symmetrical, one or more fins with spines; PAGE
dorsal fin short, its combined spines and rays
less than 30.
b. Lateral line present; ventral fins not close
together, the outer rays the longer.
c. Dorsal fins 2, well separated, the first of 3 to
8 spines; no well developed lateral line;
some scales often with rudimentary mucus
tubes.
d. Anal fin with one weak spine ; dorsal spines
3 to 8, flexible; stomach not gizzard-like;
alimentary canal short; species carnivorous. .Atherinidce 165
dd. Anal spines, 2 or 3 ; dorsal with 4 stiff
spines, the last one being much shorter
than the others; stomach gizzard -like ;
alimentary canal long Mugilida 185
cc. Dorsal 'fin single, or, if 2 fins, the spinous
slightly separated from the soft portion;
lateral line more or less developed.
e. Lateral line not interrupted; nostrils 2 on
each side.
f. Maxillary not sheathed by the preorbital,
or only partially covered by its edge ; ven-
tral with its accessory scale very small, or
wanting,
g. Anal spines 3 to 9 ; dorsal fins confluent ;
body usually much compressed Centrarchidce 189
gg. Anal spines i or 2; dorsal fins 2 , slightly
separate; body but slightly compressed Percidce 196
ff. Maxillary slipping for most of its length
under the edge of the preorbital, which
164
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINIDJE. 165
forms a more or less distinct sheath; PAGE
ventral with an accessory scale; lateral
line usually extending on the caudal fin.
h. Anal spines 3, the second long and very
strong. ,
i. Vomer and palatines with teeth; pre-
opercle with 2 margins, the posterior
one strongly toothed Centropomida 198
ii. Vomer and palatines without teeth; pre-
opercle with single margin Hcemulida 199
hh. Anal spines 2 ; lateral line extending on
the caudal fin Scianidce 202
ee. Lateral line interrupted, usually ceasing
opposite the posterior part of the dorsal,
and then recommencing lower down on
the caudal peduncle; anal fin with 3 or
more spines; dorsal fin single, the spinous
portion usually longer than the soft por-
tion. Cichlidce 204
bb. No lateral line; ventral fins close together,
separate, or fully united, the inner rays the
longer Gobiida 225
aa. Eyes unsymmetrical, both on same side of the
head ; fins without spines ; dorsal fin very long,
of more than 40 rays Soleida 234
Family XIV. Atheriiiidse.
Body elongate, somewhat compressed, covered with scales of
moderate or small size, and usually cycloid; no lateral lines; some
scales often with rudimentary mucus tubes; mouth moderate, ter-
minal; premaxillary usually protractile; opercle without spines or
serrations; gill openings wide, the membranes not connected; free
from the isthmus; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth; pseudobranchiae
present; dorsal fins 2, well separated, the first of 3 to 8 slender flexible
spines, the second of soft rays; ventral fins small, abdominal, of one
spine and 5 soft rays: pectorals inserted high; air bladder present;
no pyloric cceca.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF ATHERINID^E.
a. Belly before ventrals not compressed to an
edge ; pectoral fin equal to or shorter than the
head.
i66 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
b. Origin of spinous dorsal in front of origin of PAGE
. the anal fin ; base of the anal usually shorter
than head '. Chirostoma 1 66
bb. Origin of spinous dorsal over or behind origin
of anal fin.
c. Scales cycloid; iris silvery Menidia 181
cc. Scales with crenate edges; iris black Melaniris 183
aa. Belly before ventrals compressed to an edge;
pectoral fin much longer than head Thyrina 184
66. Chirostoma Swainson.
Chirostoma Swainson, Class'n Fishes, etc., 243, 1839. (Type,
Atherina humboldtiana Cuv. & Val.)
Atherinoides Bleeker, Verhand. Batav. Gen., Japan, xxv, 40, 1853.
(Type, Atherina vomerina Cuv. & Val. = Atherina humboldt-
iana Cuv. & Val.)
Atherinichthys Bleeker, 1. c., 40. (Type, Atherina humboldtiana
Cuv. & Val.)
Heterognathus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854, 198.
(Type, Atherina humboldtiana Cuv. & Val.)
Lethostole Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 792.
(Type, Chirostoma estor Jordan.)
Eslopsarum Jordan & Evermann, Check-list Fishes, 330, 1896.
(Type, Chirostoma jordani Woolman.)
Body elongate, slightly compressed; mouth more or less oblique,
terminal; the upper jaw curved near its middle; premaxillaries very
protractile; spinous dorsal near middle of the body, in advance of
origin of anal fin; gill rakers rather long and slender, 14 to 27 on first
gill arch; peritoneum black; alimentary canal short, shorter than total
length of the body; vertebrae 36 to 44.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CHIROSTOMA.
a. Scales large, less than 45 in the lateral series; PAGE
edges of scales entire (occasionally crenate in
bartoni) ; vertebras usually less than 40 ; species
of small size.
b. Mouth small, very oblique; snout short, 4 in
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 series jordani 169
bb. Mouth larger, less oblique; snout longer, 2%
to 3^3 in head.
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID^E. 167
c. Base of anal much longer than head, its ray PAGE
19 to 21 ; scales 40; origin of spinous dorsal
nearer tip of snout than base of caudal fin mezquital 170
cc. Base of anal equal to or shorter than head,
d. Origin of spinous dorsal over tips of ven-
trals, midway between base of caudal and
nostril.
e. Body robust, its depth 4^ in the length
of the body; base of anal i-J- in the head,
its rays 16 or 17; scales 11-38 to 40; teeth
large, sharp, in two definite rows in each
jaw; gill rakers long and slender, 3 + 11 to
14 on first arch arge 171
ee. Body slender, its depth 6 in the length of
the body; scales 10-42; anal rays 15; gill
rakers long and slender, 4+17 on the first
arch bartoni 172
dd. Origin of spinous dorsal over middle of ven-
trals, being nearer tip of snout than base of
caudal by a distance equal to the diameter
of the eye; base of anal if in the head, its
rays 13 or 14; gill rakers 4 + 18=22; teeth
very small attenuatum 172
ddd. Origin of spinous dorsal over space between
tips of ventrals and origin of anal fin, mid-
way between base of caudal and posterior
margin of orbit ; base of anal fin equaling
length of the head, its rays 20; teeth large,
in a single row, except near tip of upper
jaw; few anterior teeth large, canine-like
scales 12-42 ; gill rakers 4+13 labarca 173
aa. Scales smaller, more than 45 in the lateral
series; edges of the scales usually crenate;
vertebrae more than 40.
f. Scales entire ; base of anal about if in length
of head, its rays 13 to 19; snout 3 to 3^ in
length of head,
g. Origin of spinous dorsal nearer tip of snout
than base of caudal fin.
h. Anal rays 17; gill rakers 4+21 =25; scales
12-48; body light, translucent, sl'ghtly
compressed; depth 5^; origin of spinous
i68 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
dorsal s ightly nearer tip of snout than PAGE
base of caudal patzcuaro 174
hh. Anal rays 13 or 14; gill rakers 4 + 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 diam-
eter of eye zirahuen 174
gg. Origin of spinous dorsal midway between
base of caudal fin and anterior margin of
orbit, or nostril; anal rays 17 to 19; scales
15-54; gill rakers 4-1-15=19; species of large
size humboldtianum 175
ff. Scales with crenate edges; origin of spinous
dorsal nearer base of caudal than tip of the
snout; anal rays 18 to 24.
i. Snout short, 3^ in length of the head, being
equal to or shorter than the diameter of
the eye; species of small size.
j. Scales in lateral series 49, transverse 13;
anal base equals the length of the head, its
rays 21 chapaltz 176
jj. Scales in the lateral series 62, transverse 14;
base of anal fin i^ in the length of the
head, its rays 19 grandocule 176
ii. Snout long, 2^ to 25^ in the length of the
head; diameter of eye 4 % to 5^ in head; spe-
cies of large size.
I. Upper jaw decidedly longer than the lower,
mandible 2% in the head; tip of snout
black; base of anal fin iX in the head, its
rays 19 or 20; scales 15-53 to 56; teeth
large, not in definite rows; snout 2% in
head ; diameter of eye 5 Y$ ; gill rakers 5 + 19 prome'.as 177
II. Lower jaw decidedly longer than the upper;
mandible if to 2^ in the head; tip of jaws
not black (dusky in some specimens) .
m. Scales between dorsal fins very small,
more than 20 in a series between the
fins; scales 22-60 to 70 ; gi 1 rakers ?+23 ;
teeth large anteriorly, canine-like, not
arranged in definite rows; mandible 2 in
head sphyr&na 177
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID.E. 169
mm. Scales in the region of dorsal fins larger, PAGE
less than 15 in a series between the two
fins.
n. Scales in the lateral series 54 to 60.
o. Lower jaw projecting but little beyond
the upper, mandible about 2^ in head,
p. Teeth weak, in patches, not arranged
in definite rows; gill rakers 4+23;
scales 18-56 to 60; mandible 2% in
head Lucius 178
pp. Teeth large and strong, in two definite
rows, the larger teeth on inner row of
upper jaw and outer row on lower;
mandible 2^ in head; gill rakers
5 + 20; scales 2058 lermce 179
oo. Lower jaw projecting much beyond
the upper; mandible if in the head;
teeth on jaws small, in bands; scales
19-54 to 57; gill rakers 5 + 20; base of
anal fin 1% in head, its rays 20 ocotlana 180
nn. 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
-ifA in head, its rays 18 to 19 estor 180
Subgenus Eslopsarum Jordan.
154. Chirostoma Jordan! Woolman.
Chirostoma brasiliensis Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 299;
Lago de Chapala.
Chirostoma jordani Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894, 62;
Rio Lerma, Salamanca, Guanajuato, and 64, City of Mexico:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 793 : B. A.
Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 540; Lago de Cuitzeo,
Michoacan: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 112; Chalco;
Texcoco ; Xochimilco ; Aguas Calientes ; Lagos ; Ocotlan ; Acam-
baro; Huingo.
Atherinichthys brevis Steindachner, Anz. der Kais. Akad. vViss.,
Wien, 1894, 149; Lago de Cuitzeo, Michoacan.
Eslopsarum jordani Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 133; Rio Verde, Aguas Calientes: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 3157: Evermann & Goldsbor-
ough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900; Yautepec, Morelos; these
170 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
specimens were gotten in the markets, having been sent there
from the Lerma basin.
Basin of the Rio Lerma and the Valley of Mexico. (Viga Canal.)
FIG. 52. CHIROSTOMA JORDANI Woolman.
No. 45572, U. S. National Museum.
Head 3$ ; depth 4,5/3'; D. iv, 8 or 9; A. 16 to 18; scales 37 or 38.
Body elongate, moderately compressed; snout short, its length 4 in
head; mouth small, very oblique, the maxillary scarcely reaching an-
terior margin of the eye; teeth minute; diameter of eye 3^ in the
head ; origin of spinous dorsal midway between base of caudal and
anterior margin of the orbit ; anal fin long, its base slightly longer than
head ; scales with entire edges ; pectoral fin i ^ in the head ; ventral i g ;
scales at the nape not much reduced in size.
Color light olivaceous ; a narrow blue stripe on sides ; edges of scales
on upper half of body with black dots. Length about i 1 /* inches.
This species is smaller, more abundant, and more widely distributed
than any other member of the genus. It, with the other small species
and the young of the larger ones, is dried and shipped in large quan-
tities to the larger cities, where it is used for food.
155. Chirostoma mezquital sp. nov.
Type, No. 4389, F. C. M., 2^ inches in length; Durango, Du-
rango.
FIG. 53. CHIROSTOMA MEZQUITAL Meek.
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID^;. 171
Head 4.K; depth 5^; D. iv-io; A. 19; scales 11-40 to 42. Body
elongate, not much compressed; snout short, its length 3^ in head;-
mouth small, quite oblique; maxillary scarcely reaching vertical from
front of eye; jaws equal; teeth small, in one series in each jaw; eye
large, 3 in head; interorbital 3 in head; origin of spinous dorsal over
middle of ventrals, about a distance equal to diameter of eye nearer
tip of snout than base of caudal ; anal fin long, its base nearly one-half
longer than head; scales with entire edges; pectoral i^ in head; ven-
trals i ^3 ; a few scales at the nape reduced in size.
Color light olivaceous, a narrow blue strip on the side; edges of
scales on upper half of body with black dots; very few dark dots on
scales on lower half, except near base of anal fin. Length about 3
inches.
This species is more nearly related to the preceding than to any
other; it is more slender, and the spinous dorsal has a more forward
position. At present it is the only member of the genus in Mexico
known outside of the Lerma basin. A few specimens were taken
from the Rio Mezquital near Durango.
156. Chirostoma arge (Jordan & Snyder).
Eslopsarum arge Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
113, fig. 12; Rio Verde, Aguas Calientes: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3158.
Chirostoma arge Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65 ? 1902, 112; Aguas
Calientes; Lagos.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FlG. 54. CHIROSTOMA ARGE (Jordan & Snyder).
No. 6154, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 4%; depth 4%; D. iv-8; A. 16 or 17; scales 11-38 to 41.
Body rather robust, deepest part just anterior to base of ventrals;
mouth rather large, oblique; lower jaw projecting slightly beyond the
upper; snout pointed, its length 3 in head; teeth large, sharp, in
two definite rows on each jaw, none on vomer or palatines; maxillary
reaching vertical from anterior margin of the orbit ; diameter of eye 2%
172 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
in head ; origin of spinous dorsal midway between base of caudal and
nostril; pectoral ij/2 in head; ventral 2$; anal fin moderate, its base
i in the head; lateral line represented by a few partly developed
pores on fifth row of scales; gill rakers long and slender, 14 on first
arch; vertebrae i8-f 18 =36.
Color silvery ; a dark lateral band, not prominent in pectoral region ;
scales edged with dark dots; snout, top of head, and upper part of eye
dusky; dorsal and caudal dusky. Length about 2^ inches.
157. Chirostoma barton! Jordan & Evermann.
Chirostoma humboldtianum Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879,
299 (not of C. & V.) ; Rio Lerma, near Guanajuato.
Chirostoma bartoni Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 793; Rio Lerma, near Guanajuato: Evermann & Golds-
borough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 152; Rio Lerma, near
Lerma, Mexico: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 112;
Lerma.
Basin of the Rio Lerma. (Lerma.)
Head 4; depth $% to 6; D. iv-io; A. i, 13 to 15; scales 11-41.
Body elongate, moderately compressed, the back rounded; snout
pointed, 3f in head; mouth moderate, oblique, the lower jaw slightly
projecting; the mandible 2-^ in the head; maxillary 3^; diameter of
eye 4 in head ; origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer tip of snout than base
of caudal; pectorals if in head; ventrals 2; base of anal if; scales
cycloid or occasionally crenate, a few on nape reduced in size; gill
rakers slender, 21 on first gill arch.
Color silvery, with scattered punctulations ; a narrow dark lateral
band. Length about 4 inches.
A few specimens were taken at the fish hatchery near Lerma.
This species was first described from specimens taken in the Rio Lerma
near Guanajuato.
158. Chirostoma attenuatum Meek.
Chirostoma attenuatum Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 112;
Patzcuaro.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 4^; depth $}4; D- V-Q; A. 13; scales 11-42. Body rather
slender, not much compressed; lower jaw slightly the longer; mouth
small, oblique; maxillary reaching vertical from front of orbit; teeth
very small, numerous in both jaws, those in the upper jaw mostly in
two series, in a band in lower jaw; snout pointed, 3^ m the head;
mandible 3 ; interorbital space 3 ; origin of spinous dorsal over middle
of ventrals and nearer tip of snout than base of caudal by a distance
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID^;. 173
greater than diameter of eye; eye 3|; length of pectoral fin i> in
head; ventral 2^; base of anal if; caudal peduncle long and slender;
scales large, with entire edges, those on the nape slightly reduced in
size; gill rakers 4+18=22; vertebrae 23 + 20=43.
FIG. 55. CHIROSTOMA ATTENUATUM Meek.
No. 3631, Field Columbian Museum.
Color light olivaceous, translucent; smallest specimens (2^ inches
in length) darker, more opaque; silvery band on sides narrow, incon-
spicuous under the pectoral fin, being widest on anterior part of the
caudal peduncle. Length about 4 inches.
Common in Lago de Patzcuaro, not taken elsewhere.
159. Chirostoma labarcx Meek.
Chirostoma labarca Meek, Field Qol. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 113; La
Barca; La Palma.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 3$; depth 4%', D. iv-io; A. 20 or 21; scales 11-41. Body
slender, compressed; snout rather long, pointed, its length 2$ in
head; lower jaw slightly the longer; eye $% in head; interorbital 3;
mouth moderate, not very oblique, maxillary reaching slightly
beyond anterior margin of the eye; length of the mandible 2 l / z
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; length of
pectoral fin 134 in head; ventral fins 2 in head; gill rakers 4 + 13 =17.
Color 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.
Length about 4 inches.
Apparently not abundant, known only from a few specimens taken
at La Barca and La Palma.
J74
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
160. Chirostoma patzcuaro Meek.
Chirostoma patzcuaro Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 113;
Patzcuaro.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 56. CHIROSTOMA PATZCUARO Meek.
No. 3628, Field Columbian Museum.
Head 4%; depth 5^; D. v-io; A. 17 ; scales 12-48. Body slender,
moderately compressed; mouth oblique; snout short, pointed, its
length 3 ^in length of head ; lower jaw slightly projecting beyond upper
mandible, 2% in head; diameter of eye 3%" in the head; teeth small,
numerous, in a narrow band on anterior part of each jaw, becoming
laterally, in two series ; origin of spinous dorsal slightly nearer tip of
snout than base of caudal ; base of anal fin i % in length of the head ;
pectoral 1^2', ventral 2^"; scales moderately large, edges entire, those
at the nape slightly reduced in size; gill rakers 4+21 = 25.
Color light olivaceous, translucent; lateral band narrow. Length
about 4 inches.
This species resembles Chirostoma chapala, from which it differs
in having a less oblique mouth, a shorter anal fin, and a less com-
pressed body. At present it is known only from Lago de Patzcuaro,
where it is apparently scarce.
161. Chirostoma zirahuen Meek.
Chirostoma zirahuen Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 114;
Zirahuen.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 57. CHIROSTOMA ZIRAHUEN Meek.
No. 3609, Field Columbian Museum.
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID/E. 175
Head 4^; depth 5^3 ; D. v-io; A. 13; scales 12-54. Body elon-
gate, 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, 3X m length of the head; interorbital
broad, 3 in head; teeth very small, in a narrow band in each jaw;
origin of the dorsal fin nearer tip of snout than base of caudal by a
distance greater than diameter of eye; base of anal fin i^ in head;
pectoral i y$ ; ventral 2 ; scales with entire margins ; caudal peduncle
long and slender; gill rakers 4 + 17 = 21; vertebrae 23 + 18 = 41.
Color dark olivaceous above, lighter below; opaque. This species,
characterized by its dark opaque color, its terete body, the backward
position of the dorsal fin, and the short anal, is one of the darkest
found in the Lerma basin. Length about 4 inches. It is the most
abundant species in Lago de Zirahuen.
Subgenus Ohirostoma Swainson.
162. Chirostoma humboldtianum (Cuv. &Val.). PESCADA BLANCA.
Atherina humboldtiana Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., x,
479> J 835; lake near City of Mexico.
Atherina vomerina Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1. c. ; lake near City of
Mexico.
Atherinichthys humboldtianus Giinther, Cat., in, 404, 1861.
Chirostoma humboldtianum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U, S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 793: Evermann, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington,
1898, 2; Laguna de Juanacatlan, Jalisco: Jordan & Snyder,
Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900, 134; Lago de Chalco: Evermann
& Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 152 ; La Laguna,
Jalisco: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 114; Chalco;
Xochimilco; Patzcuaro.
Basin of the Rio Lerma and the Valley of Mexico. (Viga Canal;
Xochimilco.)
Head 3^; depth 4%" to 5^; D. iv-n to 13; A. 17 to 20; scales
15-54. Body elongate, rather robust, not much compressed; snout
pointed, 3 in head; mouth moderate, lower jaw projecting; mandible
2 1- in head; teeth in jaws in bands, the outer slightly enlarged; occa-
sionally i to 3 canine teeth on vomer; eye 4 to 4^ in head; origin of
spinous dorsal midway between base of caudal and anterior margin of
eye or nostril; pectoral if; ventral 2^; scales usually cycloid, oc-
casionally more or less crenate; gill rakers long and slender, about 20
on the first gill arch; vertebrae 23 + 19=42.
Color brownish olive, sometimes quite translucent; a narrow dark
silvery lateral band; specimens from lakes with much vegetation are
very dark. Length about 12 inches.
176 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
This is one of the largest species in the genus. It is very abundant
in the lakes near the City of Mexico, and in this region is the most im-
portant food fish. By far the larger number of white fishes (Pescadas
blancas) offered for sale in the markets of the City of Mexico belong
to this species.
163. Chirostoma c ha pa hi- Jordan & Snyder.
Chirostoma chapalce Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.
1900, 135, fig. 13; Lago de Chapala, Ocotlan, Jalisco: Jordan
& Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3159: Pellegrin,
Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901, 205; Estado de Jalisco:
Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 115; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 58. CHIROSTOMA CHAPAL/E Jordan & Snyder.
No. 6155, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 4; depth 5^! D. iv-io; A. 21; scales 13-49. Body slender,
compressed, its deepest part below first dorsal; snout pointed, its
length 3 ; mouth oblique, the lower jaw slightly the longer; maxillary
not quite reaching vertical from anterior margin of the orbit; teeth
minute, in bands, not arranged in definite rows; no teeth on vomer or
palatines; diameter of eye 3$ in head; origin of spinous dorsal mid-
way between base of caudal and nostril ; pectoral i % in head ; ventrals
2^; base of anal fins equals the length of the head; lateral line on
eighth row of scales, not well defined; scales with crenate edges, the
scales on nape and before pectorals reduced in size; the others quite
uniform; gill rakers long and slender, 30 on first gill arch; vertebrae
24+20 = 44.
Color silvery, translucent; a dark lateral band; scales on dorsal
region edged with dark dots. Length about 4 inches.
Very abundant in Lago de Chapala and neighboring region.
164. Chirostoma grandocule Steindachner.
Chirostoma grandocule Steindachner, Anzeiger der Kais. Akad. d.
Wiss. Wien, 1894, 149; Lago de Patzcuaro, Michoacan: Jordan
& Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2839: Meek,
Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 115; Ocotlan; La Palma; Patz-
cuaro.
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID^E. 177
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 3 f-; depth 5^ : D. v-n; A. 19; scales 14-62. Body elongate,
compressed; snout pointed, 3 in head; lower jaw slightly the longer;
mandible 2% in head; mouth rather small, oblique; teeth in jaws in
narrow bands, none canine-like; no teeth on vomer or palatines; eye
3^ in head; origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer base of caudal than tip
of snout ; pectoral i y z in head ; ventral 2 % in head ; base of anal i y^, ;
scales small, edges slightly crenate, those in nape and before pectoral
fin much reduced; gill rakers slender, about 27 on first gill arch; verte-
bras 23 + 20=43.
Color light brownish, translucent; a dark silvery lateral band;
scales with few dark punctulations. Length about 5 inches.
This is the most abundant member of the genus in Lago de Patz-
cuaro. It is probably quite widely distributed throughout the Lerma
basin.
165. Chirostoma promelas Jordan & Snyder.
Chirostoma promelas Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 136, fig. 14; Lago de Chapala (market of Guadalajara):
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3160:
Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 182;
Lago de Chapala: Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901,
205; Estado de Jalisco: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902,
115; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 3f; depth 4f; D. iv-n; A. 19 or 20; scales 15-53 to 56.
Body elongate, compressed; head slender, triangular; mouth large,
very little oblique; snout pointed, 2> in the head, upper jaw the longer;
maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin of the orbit; teeth
large, not arranged in definite rows, none on vomer or palatines';-diam-
eter of eye 5 y$ in head ; origin of spinous dorsal midway between base
of caudal and nostril ; pectorals i ^ in head ; ventrals 2 % ; base of anal
\y% in head; scales with crenate edges, those on nape and in front of
pectorals much reduced in size; gill rakers slender, 24 on first gill arch.
Color silvery, translucent, a distinct dark lateral band; scales on
upper part of the body with dusky edges ; snout and jaws black. Length
about 7 inches.
This is the only member of the group which has the upper jaw de-
cidedly longer than the lower. Only a few specimens known.
Subgenus Lethostole Jordan & Evermann.
166. Chirostoma sphyrasna Boulenger.
Chirostoma sphyrcena Bonlenger, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., 1900, 55;
Lago de Chapala: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 116.
178 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Chirostoma diazi Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
137, fig. 15; Lago de Chapala (Guadalajara market): Jordan &
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3161.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 59. CHIROSTOMA SPHYR/ENA Boulenger.
No. 6157 (Chirostoma diazi J. & S.). Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 3^; depth 5; D. v-n; A. 20; scales 20-63 to 70. Body
elongate, moderately compressed; head large; upper jaw the longer;
snout 2^ in head; mouth large; teeth large anteriorly, growing grad-
ually smaller posteriorly, some canine-like, not arranged in definite
rows, no teeth on vomer or palatines; origin of spinous dorsal midway
between base of Caudal and eye; scales crenate, those on the dorsal
region very small, about 20 in a series between the dorsal fins; base of
anal if in head.
Color light silvery, translucent; a narrow dark silvery lateral band.
Length about 8 inches.
The small scales between the dorsal fins easily distinguishes this
species from those most nearly related to it.
167. Chirostoma lucius Boulenger.
Chirostoma lucius Boulenger, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., 1900, 54;
Lago de Chapala: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 15; La
Barca; Ocotlan; La Palma: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull.
U. S. Fish Comm., 1902, 152; Lago de Chapala, Guadalajara
market.
Chirostoma crystallinum Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 139, figs. 16 and 17; Lago de Chapala, and Guadala-
jara: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U.S.Nat. Mus., 1900, 3162.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
Head 3^"; depth 4$; D. -13; A. 23 or 24; scales 17-56. Body
elongate, compressed; head pointed; snout 2f ; mouth large, the lower
jaw projecting; mandible 2% in head; teeth in bands in each jaw, all
small, none canine-like; no teeth on vomer or palatines; eye 5^ in
head; origin of spinous dorsal midway between base of caudal and
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID.E.
*
179
FIG. 60. CHIROSTOMA LUCIUS Bouienger. ,
No. 6159 (Chirostoma crystallinum }. & S.), Leland Stanford Jr. University. ,
anterior margin of orbit ; pectoral i ^ in head ; ventral 2^ ; base of anal
i^s in head; scales large, a few at nape and pectoral region reduced,
the edges of all slightly crenate; scales between dorsal fins very large;
gill rakers long and slender, 27 on first gill arch.
Color light silvery, translucent; a dark lateral silvery band; scales
on upper part of body with few dark dots. Length about 10 inches.
Known at present only from Lago de Chapala and its environs.
168. Chirostoma lermae Jordan Snyder.
Chirostoma lermaz Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
142, fig. 19; Lago de Chapala: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3163: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65,
1902, 1 1 6; La Palma; Ocotlan.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 61 . CHIROSTOMA LERMXE Jordan & snyder.
No. 6159, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 3 y% ; depth 5 ^ ; D . i v or v-i o to 1 2 ; A. 19 to 22; scales 1 8-5 6 .
Body elongate, slender, not much compressed; snout long and pointed;
mouth large, the lower jaw slightly projecting; mandible 2^ in head;
teeth large and strong, in definite rows : the larger teeth on the inner
row of the upper jaw and the outer row of the lower; origin of dorsal
fin midway between base of caudal fin and eye; pectoral i^ in head;
ventral 3 ; scales with crenate edges, those in region of nape and pec-
toral fin much reduced.
Color light silvery, a dark silvery lateral band; few punctulations
on scales on dorsal region. Length about 12 inches.
This species is easily recognized on account of its strong dentition.
Known only from Lago de Chapala.
i8o FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
169. Chirostoma ocotlanse Jordan & Snyder.
Chirostoma ocotlana Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 140, fig. 18; Lago de Chapala, Ocotlan: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3163: Pellegrin, Bull.
Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1901, 205; Estado de Jalisco: Meek,
Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 116; Ocotlan; La Palma.
Basin of the Rio Lerma.
FIG. 62. CHIROSTOMA OCOTLAN/E Jordan & Snyder.
No. 6160, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
Head 3/4', depth 4%', D. v-i2; A. 20 to 24; scales 17 to 19-54 to 57.
Body elongate, somewhat compressed; head broad, profile with slight
angle at nape; mouth large, the lower jaw much projecting; mandible
1 1 in head; teeth small, in bands in both jaws; no teeth on vomer or
palatines; eye 4^ to 4^ in head; origin of dorsal fin midway between
base of caudal and anterior margin of the eye ; pectorals i % in head ;
ventrals 2^; base of anal fin iX m head; scales with crenate edges,
those on nape and about base of pectoral fin much reduced in size;
gill rakers long and slender, about 25 on first gill arch; vertebrae 44.
Color light silvery, translucent; sides with a narrow dark silvery
band; scales on upper part of body with few punctulations. Length
about 12 inches.
This species is easily recognized because of its much projecting
lower jaw.
170. Chirostoma estor Jordan.
Chirostoma estor Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 298; Lago
de Chapala: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
141.
Atherinichthys albus Steindachner, Anzeiger de Kais. Akad. Wiss.
Wien, 1894, 148; Lago de Patzcuaro, Michoacan.
Lethostole estor Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 792, and 1900, 3165.
Chirostoma album Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1900, 3165.
Basin of the Rio Lerma and the Valley of Mexico. (Xochimilco )
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID.E. 181
Head^f; depth 5; D. v-i2; A. 18 to 20; scales 19-75. Body
elongate, compressed; snout rather depressed, its length 2^ in head;
mouth large, lower jaw slightly the longer; mandible 2| in head;
teeth in a band, not close set, some slightly enlarged, canine-like;
occasionally a few canine-like teeth on vomer; eye 5 to 5^ m head;
origin of dorsal fin midway between base of caudal fin and nostril;
pectoral i% m head, ventral 2^ ; base of anal fin if in head; scales
small, with crenate edges, those on nape and breast much reduced;
lateral line represented by a few pores; gill rakers slender, about 26
on first arch; vertebrae 23 + 20=43.
Color light brownish, translucent; a dark silvery lateral band;
individuals taken in lakes with much vegetation very dark with
anterior half of head often black. Length about 12 inches.
Of the larger fishes of this group this one is the most widely dis-
tributed. It is one of the most important market fish in the regions
where found.
67. Meiiidia Bonaparte.
Menidia Bonaparte, Fauna Italica, about 1836. (No type indicated,
Atherina menidia Linnaeus probably intended.)
Body elongate, more or less compressed; head compressed; belly
before ventrals more or less rounded, not compressed to an edge;
mouth small, the gape. curved, very oblique, the maxillary quite or
entirely slipping under preorbital; teeth in jaws in band or in more
than one series, none on vomer or palatines; premaxillaries freely
protractile ; dorsal fins short ; first dorsal over or in front of anal fin ;
no scales on dorsal and anal fins.
A large group of small fishes belonging to salt or brackish water,
a few species entering fresh water.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF MENIDIA.
a. Anterior rays of soft dorsal and anal produced,
longest anal rays equaling depth of body; pec- PAGE
toral fin as long as head sallei 181
aa. Anterior rays of soft dorsal and anal scarcely
produced, longest anal ray less than depth of
body; pectoral fin shorter than length of head lisa 182
171. Menidia sallei (Regan).
Atherinichthys sallei Regan, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1903, 60;
Mexico.
Distribution not known.
Head 5 (in total); depth less than length of head; D. iv-i, 8; A. n,
19; scales 10-43. Diameter of eye greater than length of snout, 2f
182
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
in head; interorbital width equaling postorbital part of head, 2f in
length of head; lower jaw somewhat shorter than upper; maxillary
extending to vertical from anterior margin of eye; origin of spinous
dorsal above that of anal ; anterior rays of soft dorsal and anal pro-
duced, longest anal rays equaling depth of body; pectorals falcate,
as long as head; origin of ventrals midway between posterior oper-
cular margin and first anal ray; caudal emarginate.
A sharply defined silvery lateral band as broad as a scale. One
specimen 75 mm. in total length from Mexico (Regan).
It is quite probable that this species is a resident of salt water.
172. Menidia lisa sp. nov. LISA.
Type, No. 4633, F. C. M., 2.1 inches in length; Refugio, Vera
Cruz.
Basin of the Rio Papaloapam. (Refugio; El Hule.)
'i 'v \ A \ \ x \ ^ > \ ^ ^ ^ ^ Y v Y"T vS i vS^v^
r^^^^g
FIG. 63. MENIDIA LISA Meek.
Head 3^ to 4; depth 4^ to 5; D. iv or y-i, 8 or 9; A. i, 19 to 21 ;
scales about 42. Body elongate, compressed, belly rounded; snout
pointed, margin of upper lip on level with upper edge of pupil; mouth
moderate, very oblique; premaxillary curved, very protractile; teeth
in two series in each jaw, the outer series the larger; snout very short,
3^ m head; the maxillary reaching about vertical below pupil;
eye large, 2^ in head; origin of dorsal fin midway between base of
caudal and anterior margin of eye, over or slightly behind origin of
anal; base of anal longer than head, 3^ in body; pectoral high, its
length iX in head; ventrals 2 in head; scales thin, deciduous, cycloid
(on all specimens in our collection there are scales on posterior half of
body, on belly, and a band on dorsal region; as the specimens are all
scaled alike it is probable a larger part of the anterior part of the body
is naked) ; caudal fin forked ; caudal peduncle slender ; gill rakers
slender, 15 on first gill arch; vertebrae 17+22=39.
Color light silvery; a narrow dark lateral stripe; spinous dorsal
profusely covered with black dots; iris silvery. Length about 2^
inches.
FAMILY XIV. ATHERINID.E.
68. Melaniris Meek.
183
Melaniris Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1892, 117. (Type, Melaniris
balsanus Meek.)
Body elongate, slender; lower jaw rounded; origin of spinous dorsal
fin behind that of the anal; caudal peduncle short; peritoneum black;
alimentary canal shorter than total length of the fish ; iris black ; ver-
tebrae 17 + 19 = 36.
173. Melaniris balsanus Meek.
Melaniris balsanus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 117;
Balsas.
Basin of the Rio Balsas; not taken above the falls and cascades.
FIG. 64. MELANIRIS BALSANUS Meek.
No. 3706, Field Columbian Museum.
Head 4^"; depth 5^; D. 111-9; A. 21; scales 10-39. Body elon-
gate, slender, not much compressed; snout rounded laterally ; mouth
small, lower jaw slightly the longer; outer row of teeth large, canine-
like, wide apart, behind these a band of small villiform teeth; gijl
rakers 4+13 = 17; vertebras 17-}- 19 = 36; scales large, with entire mar-
gins; 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 ; 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
iX in head; ventrals 2^-
Color olivaceous, rather opaque, dorsal region finely punctulate
with black; a well defined silvery band on sides. Length about 3
inches.
This species is very abundant in the Rio Cocula and the Rio Balsas
at Balsas, It has not been taken elsewhere. It probably spawns in
Mav.
184 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
69. Thyriua Jordan & Culver.
. Thyrina Jordan & Culver, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 419.
(Type, Thyrina cvermanni Jordan & Culver.)
Body elongate, compressed, the abdominal region before ventrals
compressed into a bluntish edge or keel; pectoral fin falcate, longer
than the head; anal fin very long, its origin in advance of spinous
dorsal; scales cycloid.
To this genus belong only the two following species :
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF THYRINA.
a. Anal rays about i, 24; base of anal fin 2%" in PAGE
body ; pectoral 3 X in body ; ventral fins pale .... [evermanni] 1 84
aa. Anal rays about i , 21; base of anal fin 3 in
body ; pectoral 4 >^ in body ; ventral fins black crystalline, 184
Thyrina evermanni Jordan & Culver.
Thyrina evermanni Jordan & Culver, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895, 419;
Mazatlan: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 804.
Brackish water near Mazatlan.
Head 4^; depth 4^ to 5; D. iv-i, 7; A. i, 23 to 25; scales 9-36. Body
elongate, much compressed; the belly sharp-edged, concave on each side below
pectorals, the edge almost carinate; back narrow; mouth small, terminal,
jaws curved; teeth moderate, those in the upper jaw the longer; snout 3! in
head; eye 2%; origin of spinous dorsal over about 6th anal ray, midway be-
tween base of caudal and edge of preopercle; pectoral fin % longer than head;
anal fin long; its base 2^ in body; gill rakers long and slender, numerous;
scales cycloid.
Color light green, much dotted above, translucent below; a dark lateral
stripe; no black on dorsal fin. Length about 3 inches.
This species known only from the estuary at Mazatlan, its type locality.
174. Thyrina crystallina (Jordan & Culver).
Atherinella crystallina Jordan & Culver, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895,
420; Rio Presidio, below Presidio, Sinaloa.
Thyrina crystallina Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1895, 804; Rio Presidio, below Presidio, Sinaloa.
Basin of the Rio Presidio.
Head 4^; depth 4^ to 5; D. iv-i, 8; A. i, 21; scales 11-40. Body
rather deep, compressed, the belly sharp-edged; mouth small, ter-
minal; jaws curved; teeth rather strong, the outer curved, those in the
upper jaw the longer; snout 3X m head; eye 2^; origin of spinous
dorsal behind anal, midway between gill opening and base of caudal;
base of anal one-half longer than head, 3 in body; pectoral | longer
than head; gill rakers numerous, long and slender; scales cycloid.
Color translucent green, with considerable dusky dottings; a dark
silvery lateral stripe; first dorsal and base of anal dusky. Length
inches.
Known only from the type locality.
FAMILY XV. MUGILID.E. 185
Family XV. Mugilidse.
THE MULLETS.
Body oblong, more or less compressed, covered with rather large
cycloid scales; no lateral line, but the furrows often deepened on the
middle of each scale forming lateral streaks; mouth small, the
jaws with small teeth or none; premaxillaries protractile; gill rakers
long and slender; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth; two dorsal fins well
separated, the anterior one of 4 stiff spines, the last one of which is
much shorter than the others; air bladder large, simple; alimentary
canal long; peritoneum usually black; vertebrae 24.
A large family of fishes inhabiting the coasts of warm seas, a few
entering fresh water.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF MUGILID^.
a. Stomach muscular, gizzard-like; front of low-
er jaw angular Mugil
aa. Stomach not gizzard-like; front of lower jaw
not angular.
b. Teeth small, conical, in villiform bands on
jaws, vomer and palatines ; mouth with lateral
cleft, not overhung by the blunt tumid snout.
c. Anal spines 2 Agonostomus 186
cc. Anal spine single . .Neomugil 187
bb. Teeth coarse, broad, truncate, incisors with
their free edges serrate; smaller teeth on
vomer, none on palatines; mouth small, in-
ferior; lower jaw forming a sharp soft edge ....... .Joturus 188
Subfamily Mugllinae.
7O. 3Iugil (Artedi) Linnaeus.
Mugil (Artedi) Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. x, 3161, 758. (Type, Mugil
cephalus Linnaeus.)
Body oblong, somewhat compressed, covered with large scales;
head large, convex, scales above and on sides; mouth small, subin-
ferior, the lower jaw aiigulate; jaws with one or a few series of short,
flexible, ciliform teeth; no teeth on vomer or palatines; eye large, with
an adipose eyelid little developed in the young; stomach muscular,
like the gizzard of a fowl.
The species of this group run in large schools along the shores and
in brackish lagoons of all warm regions. They feed on organic matter
contained in the mud.
i86 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
175. Mil. nil cephalus Linnaeus.
Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, Sys. Nat., Ed. x, 316, 1758; Europe:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 811.
Tropical and temperate seas of America, southern Europe, and
northern Africa. (Tehuantepec.)
Head 3$; depth 3$; D. iv-i, 8; A. in, 8; scales 12-40. Body
elongate, compressed; head broad, depressed; interorbital slightly
convex, its width 2\ in head; mouth terminal, oblique; jaws about
equal; teeth minute; snout rounded laterally; adipose eyelid well
developed; diameter of eye about 4 in head; origin of spinous dorsal
midway between tip of snout and base of caudal; about 20 scales in a
series from tip of snout to origin of spinous dorsal; first dorsal spine
1 2^ in head; pectoral fin nearly reaching front of dorsal, if in head;
ventrals reaching half way to anal fin, i^ in head; caudal forked;
least depth of caudal peduncle 2> in head.
Color bluish brown above, silvery below; dark stripes along the
rows of scales, most prominent on the middle of the sides; fins more or
less dusky, with a yellowish tinge on the ventrals, anal, and caudal; a
black bar at base of pectorals; soft dorsal and anal fins naked.
A salt-water fish which ascends rivers to a considerable distance
above tide-water. One specimen 5 inches in length was taken by me
at Tehuantepec.
Subfamily Agonostominse.
71. Agonostomus Bennet.
Agonostomus Bennet, Proc. Comm. Zool. Soc., 1830, 166. (Type,
Agonostomus telfairii Bennet.)
Dajaus Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., xi, 164, 1836. (Type, Mugil
monticola Bancroft.)
Body elongate, compressed posteriorly; mouth with lateral cleft
extending to opposite anterior margin of eye; snout bluntish, lower
jaw the shorter, included; edge of lower lip rounded, not sharp as in
Mugil; stomach not gizzard-like ; anal spines 2 , the first soft ray slender
and spine-like; villiform teeth on jaws, vomer, and palatines in Amer-
ican species. A small group of fishes inhabiting streams of mountain-
ous regions in tropical countries.
Submenus Dajaus Cuvier & Valenciennes.
176. Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft). TRUCHA.
Mugil monticola Bancroft, Griff. Anim. King. Fishes, 367, pi. 36,
1836.
Agonostoma monticola Giinther, Cat., in, 464, 1861 ; Mexico: B. A.
Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 540; Santa Maria.
FAMILY XV. MUGILID^;. 187
Agonostomus monticola Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 819.
Agonostoma nasutum Gunther, Cat., in, 463, 1861; Rio Geronimo.
Agonostomus nasutus Jordan, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895, 424;. Rio
Presidio, Sinaloa: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 819: Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896,. 263; San
Jose del Cabo, Lower California: Evermann, Proc. Biol. Soc.
Wash., 1898, 2; Ixtapa (12 miles above the Bay of Banderas);
Maria Magdalena Island, 2,500 feet above tide-water; Maria
Cleofa Island, off Jalisco: Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris,
1901, 205; river below Lago de Chapala, Estado de Jalisco:
Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 118; Balsas; Puente de
Ixtla; Cuicatlan.
Fresh waters of the West Indies and the Atlantic and Pacific
streams of Mexico and Central America. (Cuautla; Jojutla, Vera
Cruz; Otopa; Motzorongo.)
Head 3|to 4^; depth 4^ to 4X1 D. iv-i, 8; A. 11, 9; scales 12-42.
Body elongate, not much compressed; head rather conical, somewhat
decurved in specimens 9 or more inches in length; interorbital convex,
its width 2f^in head; snout blunt in large examples, more pointed in
the young; lips very thick in adults, thin in young specimens 2 to 4
inches long; maxillary reaching vertical from front of eye, entirely
hidden when the mouth is closed; diameter of eye about equal to
length of snout, 4 in head; origin of spinous dorsal nearer tip of snout
than base of caudal ; tip of pectoral reaching nearly to spinous dorsal ;
soft dorsal over the last ^ of the anal fin, without scales; anal spines
weak; pectorals inserted above the axis of the body.
Color brownish above, silvery below; each scale with a darker mar-
gin; a silvery band from base of pectoral to caudal fin; very conspic-
uous on fishes in the water; back and sides with many black or dark
colored scales scattered about, making irregular spots; these most
abundant on small specimens from Vera Cruz, and least so on speci-
mens from Jojutla.
There seems to be but little difference in the descriptions of A.
monticola and of A . nasutus; the difference is mainly in the thick and
thin lips, a character much modified by age. In this paper I regard
the specimens from western Mexico ascribed to A. nasutus as being
the adult of the present species.
72. Neomugil Vaillant.
Neomugil Vaillant, Bull. Soc. Philom., iv, 1893-4, 72. (Type, Neo-
mugil digueti Vaillant.)
i88 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Body elongate, not much compressed; mouth widely cleft; maxil-
lary extending beyond anterior edge of orbit; small teeth in many
series in each jaw, the outer series on intermaxillary most developed;
teeth on vomer and palatines; stomach siphonal; walls very thin in
pyloric region; one large and one small pyloric ccecum; pseudo-
branchiae .present.
177. Neomugil digueti Vaillant.
Neomugil digueti Vaillant, Bull. Soc. Philom., iv, 1894, 73; torrent
in the Sierra de las Cacachilas de Santa Cruz, Lower California :
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3165.
An inhabitant of mountain streams of Lower California south of La
Paz.
Head 3; depth 4; D. iv-i, 8; A. i, 9; scales 3-43-11. Body elon-
gate, not much compressed; interorbital 2^ in head; eye 6 in head;
entire head covered with ctenoid scales; mouth deeply cleft; upper
jaw the longer; no adipose eyelid; origin of first dorsal at middle of the
body; origin of anal in advance of soft dorsal. Length about 8 inches.
(Vaillant.)
73. Joturus Poey.
THE BOBOS.
Joturus Poey, Memorias, n, 263, 1861. (Type, Joturus pichardi
Poey.)
Body elongate, not much compressed; head large, snout blunt and
projecting beyond the small, inferior mouth; mouth broad, with little
lateral cleft; lower lip very thick, its edges forming a soft sharp-edged
fold, its outline very obtuse; teeth coarse, blunt incisors, with serrated
edges, arranged in broad patches on jaws and vomer.
178. Joturus pichardi Poey. BOBO.
Joturus pichardi Poey, Mem. n, 263, 1861, Cuba.
Agonostoma globiceps Gtinther, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., 1874, 370;
Misantla, Vera Cruz: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 821.
Fresh-water streams of Cuba, and southern Mexico to Panama, in
swift currents and mountain torrents.
Head 4^ ; depth 3$ ; D. iv-ig; A. in, 9; scales 13 or 14, 42 to 45.
Body elongate, rather robust, a little compressed behind; head large,
gibbous above and anteriorly; snout thick, broad, and blunt, consid-
erably overhanging the small inferior mouth, and entirely below the
level of the eye; maxillary reaching posterior margin of the eye, 2%
in head; mouth broad, but without much lateral cleft; lower jaw in-
FAM. XV. MuoiLiDjE. FAM. XVI. CENTRARCHID^E. 189
eluded; upper lip thick, slipping beneath the snout; lower lip very
thick, its anterior edge forming a sharp-edged fold ; outline of lip very
obtuse; no teeth in the palatines; nostrils roundish, close together, in
front of the small round eye; eye nearer the angle of the mouth than
level of top of head; no adipose eyelid ; all of the fins, including spinous
dorsal, covered with small scales; gill membranes broadly united, free
from the isthmus; caudal forked.
Color dull olivaceous above, without distinqt markings, paler
below. Length about 2 feet.
Family XVI. Centrarchidse.
THE SUNFISHES.
Body more or less shortened, compressed; head compressed; mouth
terminal, large or small; teeth in villiform bands, the outer slightly
enlarged; no canines; teeth present on premaxillaries, lower jaw and
vomer, usually on palatines, also sometimes on tongue, pterygoids and
hyoid ; premaxillaries protractile ; preopercle entire or slightly serrate ;
opercle ending in two flat points or prolonged in a black flap at its
angle; gill membranes separate, free from the isthmus; cheeks and
opercles scaly ; ventral fin with one spine and 5 soft rays ; dorsal spines
6 to 13; anal spines 3 to 9; vertebrae 28 to 35. Fresh-water fishes of
North America. All are voracious and gamy and are good food
fishes. A few species are found in northern Mexico, the most south-
ern range for the family.
KEY TO THE GENERA* OF CENTRARCHID^E.
a. Body comparatively short and deep, the depth PAGE
usually more than f of the length ; dorsal fin
not deeply emarginate.
b. Lower pharyngeals narrow, the width in the
length of toothed portion about 3 in adults;
lateral margin straight or slightly inbent from
tip of posterior spur to anterior extremity of
bone; teeth on lower pharyngeals long and
slender and more or less acuminate ; no red on
margin of opercular flap Lepidopomus 1 90
bb. Lower pharyngeals broad, the width in the
length of toothed portion about 2 in adults;
outer margin a double curve, moderately in-
*For an account of the genera Lepidopomus and Eupomotis, see R. E.
Richardson in Bull. 111. Lab. of Nat. Hist., vol. vn, article in, pages 27 to 35.
The characterization of these two genera and the keys relating to them and
their species are largely taken from that paper.
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
bent posteriorly in front of spur, and more PAGE
or less decidedly rounded anteriorly as the
margin of a lateral ledge-like prominence;
a red spot on lower posterior margin of
opercular flap Eupomotis 193
aa. Body comparatively elongate, the depth in the
adult about X of the length ; dorsal fin low and
deeply emarginate Micropterus 194
Subfamily Liepidopominae.
74. Lepidopomus Rafinesque.
Lepomis Rafmesque, Journ. de Physique, Paris, 1819, 402. (Type,
Labrus auritus Linnaeus.)
Apomotis Rafmesque, Journ. de Physique, Paris, 420, 1819
(Lepomis cyanellus Ra fines que).
Body variously elongate, elliptical, or short and deep, most of the
species being rather robust, the others thin and compressed; mouth
usually rather -large; supplemental maxillary bone well devel-
oped, rudimentary or wanting, best developed in species with largest
mouth; teeth on palatines usually present; lower pharyngeals narrow
and weak, flattened or hollowed out underneath, its width in length
of toothed portion about 3. in adults; inner angle 120 to 140, outer
margin straight or slightly inbent from tip of posterior spur to an-
terior extremity of bone; pharyngeal teeth always long and slender
and more or less acuminate; brilliant colors on posterior margin of
opercular flap, if present, always blending with the adjacent paler
or darker color and not forming a definitely localized spot as in Eupo-
motis; gill rakers well developed, long, stiff, and rough to rather slen-
der, or very soft and weak ; pectorals not longer than head ; dorsal
spines usually low.
This genus is represented in the waters of North America by about
twelve species.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF THE GENUS LEP1DOPOMUS.
a. Opercle more or less stiffened posteriorly, its
osseous portion always distinctly differen-
tiated from a posterior fleshy or membranous
margin, partly or wholly of paler color than
the osseous portion, to which the black of
the opercular spot is entirely or for the most
part confined; a well developed supplemental
FAMILY XVI. CENTRARCHID.E. 191
maxillary bone ; body oblong, depth 2 to .2^" PAGE
in length; scales small, 42 to 50 in lateral series . . . cyanellus 191
aa. Opercle not composed of well differentiated
osseous and membranous portions, the bone
becoming gradually thinner posteriorly and ter-
minating in a flexible osseo-membranous flap;
flap usually considerably produced in adults,
sometimes exceedingly so, and entirely black,
or with only a very narrow pale edging; sup-
plementary maxillary bone very rudimentary
or entirely wanting.
b. Dorsal spines low, the longest but slightly
more than length of snout; gill rakers short
and weak; body very robust anteriorly;
head large ; wavy blue lines on cheeks faint or
absent occidentals 192
bb. Dorsal spines higher, the largest almost equal-
ing or greater than snout and eye ; gill rakers
rather slender and firm,
d. Eye large, 2^ to 3 in head; no dusky spot
on posterior dorsal or anal rays haplognathus 192
dd. Eye smaller, 3 K to 4 in head; dorsal and
anal not large, blotch of dusky near base of
last rays pallidus 193
Subgenus Apomotis Rafinesque.
179. Lepidopomus cyanellus Rafinesque. BLUE-SPOTTED SUNFISH;
GREEN SUNFISH/
Lepomis cyanellus Rafinesque, Jour, de Physique, 1819, 420; Ohio
River: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898,
996.
Pomotis aquilensis Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 7, pi. in, 1-8, 1858;
Eagle Pass, Texas: Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1853, 388; Eagle Pass.
Apomotis cyanellus Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878, 398; Rio
Grande at Brownsville, Texas.
Northeastern Mexico to the Great Lakes.
Head 3; depth 2^; D. x, n; A. in, 9; scales 6 or 7-42 to 5016.
Body rather elongate, becoming deeper with age; head moderately
large ; mouth large ; maxillary nearly reaching vertical from middle of
eye, broad, with a well developed supplemental bone; lower jaw the
longer; opercle more or less stiffened posteriorly, its black osseous
portion always distinctly differentiated from the posterior fleshy, or
192 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
usually paler colored membranous margin; dorsal spines low, the
longest 3 to 4 in head; pectorals short, not reaching anal, \y* in head;
ventrals not reaching anal.
Color greenish with brassy luster on sides; each scale with a blue
spot, these forming pale lateral streaks; a conspicuous dark spot on
posterior base of dorsal and anal; cheeks with narrow blue stripes.
Length about 7 inches.
A very variable and widely distributed species; ranging from
Mexico to the Great Lakes; not found east of the Alleghenies.
Subgenus Lepidopomus Rafinesque.
180. Lepidopomus occidentalis Meek. WESTERN SUNFISH.
Lepomis occidentalis Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 118;
Jimenez; Santa Rosalia.
Rio Conchos and its tributaries in Chihuahua.
Head 2^; depth 2; D. x, n; A. in, 9; scales 7-37-14. Body oval,
compressed, the dorsal outline more arched than the ventral; profile
convex, nearly straight in small specimens, in larger concave above
eyes and convex at nape; mouth moderate, the maxillary reaching
vertical from pupil, its length 3 in head; no supplemental maxillary
bone; lower jaw slightly the longer; eye small, 4^ in head; i^ in
interorbital space; opercle not composed of well differentiated
osseous and membranous portions, the bone becoming gradually
thinner posterior and terminating in a flexible osseo-membranous flap ;
flap usually very long; gill rakers short, 8 on lower part of arch;
dorsal fin rather low, its fourth spine 3^ in head; pectoral short,
rounded, not extending to anal; caudal fin very short, its lobes rounded
and of equal size, its length 1%^ in head.
Color olivaceous above, lighter below, each scale with a light mar-
gin, forming longitudinal lines along the rows of scales; no black mark-
ings on the fins; no blue lines on the cheeks, a few dusky brown ones
being present; opercular flap with a narrow pale border. Length
about 6 inches.'
This species ranges farther southwest than any other member
of the sunfish family. Lepidopomus haplognathus and Micropterus
salmonoides, which occur farther east, range a little farther south.
Spawning time the last of July.
181. Lepidopomus haplognathus Cope.
Lepomis haplognathus Cope, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., 1884 (1885),
168; Monterey, Neuvo Leon: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 1004.
Tributaries of the Rio Grande near Monterey, Nuevo Leon.
(Monterey.)
FAMILY XVI. CENTRARCHID^. 193
Head 2^ to 3; depth 2>; D. x, 10; A. in, 9; scales 7-38-13. Body
elongate, compressed; profile convex; head large; mouth moderate;
maxillary reaching past vertical from anterior margin of pupil, its
length 3^3 in head; no supplemental maxillary; snout short, 3^ to 4
in head; eye very large, 2^ to 3 in head; gill rakers rather strong,
short, about 8 in lower part of angle; opercular flap moderate, without
pale margin; pectoral fin short, not reaching first anal spine, its
length iJ/3 in head; ventral i^; dorsal spines moderate, longest 2^
in head.
Color uniform greenish, the center of each scale darker; no mark-
ings on fins ; a few bluish bands on cheeks. Length about 6 inches.
This species at present is known only from Monterey, its type
locality. Four specimens were taken by me in a spring in Monterey.
182. Lepidopomis pallidus (Mitchill). BLUE GILL; BLUE SUNFISH.
Labrus pallidus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., 1815, 407;
New York.
Pomotis speciosus Girard, Pac. R. R. Sur., 23, 1858; Brownsville,
Texas; Cadereita, Nuevo Leon: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 5,
pi. iv, figs. 5-8, 1859; Cadereita, Nuevo Leon.
Lepomis pallidus Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Sur., 1878, 397; Rio
Grande, Brownsville, Texas: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S.
Nat. Mus., 1896, 1005.
Eupomotis pallidus Boulenger, Cat., i, 1896, 9.
Rio Grande to Florida and the Great Lakes.
Head 2^ to 3^; depth if to 2 1 /,; D. x, n or 12; A. in, 10 or n;
Body comparatively short and deep, compressed (the young more
slender than the elder); head moderate, profile usually forming an
angle above eye; mouth small, the jaws subequal, the maxillary
scarcely reaching vertical from anterior margin of the eye; opercular
flap rather short, and without pale edge; gill rakers moderate, n to 13
on lower portion of gill arch; dorsal spines high, the longest 2 in
head, and usually longer than snout and eye ; pectoral fin about as long
as head, its tip reaching past origin of anal.
Color greenish olive; sides often with chain-like transverse green-
ish bars, which disappear in adult; no blue stripes on cheeks; a dark
blotch on base of posterior rays of dorsal and anal fins ; opercular flap
without pale edge. Length about 12 inches.
75. Eupomotis Gill & Jordan.
Eupomotis Gill & Jordan, Field and Forest, 1877, 190. (Type,
Spar us aureus Walbaum.)
Body deep, more or less compressed, the back elevated; mouth
rather small; no supplemental maxillary bone and no teeth on pala-
194 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
tines; gill rakers always short .sometimes very much reduced; pectoral
fins always longer than head, sometimes extending past middle of anal ;
dorsal spines rather high; lower pharyngeal deep and broad, with
inferior and lateral prominences, never flattened or hollowed under-
neath, width in length of toothed portion about 2 in adults, inner
angle 95 to 111, outer margin a double curve, moderately inbent
posteriorly in front of spur, and more or less decidedly rounded
anteriorly as the margin of a lateral ledge-like prominence; teeth on
lower pharyngeals short and heavy, their upper surfaces very bluntly
rounded or paved ; red or orange on posterior portion of opercular flap
definitely marked off from the paler or blackish portions adjacent,
and not blended with them as in the preceding genus.
183. Eupomotis heros (Baird & Girard).
Pomotis heros Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854,
25; Rio Cibolo, Texas: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 6, pi. n, figs.
1-4, 1859; Rio San Juan, Cadereita, Nuevo Leon.
Eupomotis heros Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 1007: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 47, 1900, 13.
Northeastern Mexico in lowland streams, north to southern Illinois.
Head 2-f-; depth 2\; D. x, 12; A. in, 10; scales 6-40-13. Body
moderately elongate, compressed; anterior profile slightly concave
about eyes, slightly convex at nape; head rather small; mouth small,
maxillary scarcely reaching vertical from anterior margin of the pupil,
its length equaling length of snout, 3^ m head; diameter of eye 4 in
head; opercular flap short, in life a red spot at its lower posterior angle,
the margin pale; dorsal spines strong, the last one 2% in head; pec-
toral fin very long, its tip reaching base of second anal ray, the fin
slightly longer than the head; ventral short, iK i n head; 5 rows of
scales on the cheeks; caudal fin emarginate.
Color light olivaceous with silvery reflections, some of the scales
with darker centers forming indistinct lateral streaks along the rows
of scales; cheeks without blue stripes. Length about 12 inches.
Subfamily Micropterinae.
76. Micropterus Lace"pede.
BLACK BASS.
Micropterus Lace"pede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 325, 1802. (Type,
Micropterus dolomieu Lace"pede.)
Body oblong, compressed, the back not much arched; head ob-
long, conic; mouth very large, its gape extending to near vertical from
posterior margin of eye ; teeth on jaws, vomer and palatines ; preopercle
FAMILY XVI. CENTRARCHID.E. 195
entire; dorsal fin divided by a deep notch, the spines low and not very
strong; scales small, ctenoid.
This genus includes two species found only in North America,
both being among the best of our game fishes. One species only is
found in Mexico. ,
184. Micropterus salmonoides (Lacepede). LARGE -MOUTHED BLACK
BASS; BESUGO.
Labrus salmoides Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., in, 716, 1802; South
Carolina.
Dioplites nucensis Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 3, pi. i, 1859; San Juan
River, Nuevo Leon.
Grystes nuecensis Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1854, 25; Rio San Juan, Nuevo Leon.
Micropterus salmonoides Boulenger, Cat., i, 16, 1896.
Micropterus salmoides Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 1012.
Mexico from Tampico to Florida and north to the Great Lakes
and Red River of the north. (San Juan; Montemorelos ; Linares; La
Cruz; Santa Engracia.)
Head 3 to i, l /Z\ depth 3 to 3X1 D. x, 12 or 13; A. in, 10 or n ; scales
7-65 to 70-18. Body ovate-fusiform, moderately compressed; head
large; mouth large, the maxillary broad and with a well developed
supplemental bone, its tip reaching vertical from posterior margin of
eye; gill rakers longer than gill fringes, 7 or 8 on lower portion of gill
arch ; scales on cheeks in about 10 rows.
Color dark green above, below greenish silvery; a black lateral
band which disappears in the adult; 3 dark oblique stripes across
cheeks and opercles; a few dark spots above and below the lateral
band which breaks up and grows fainter as the fish grows older.
Length about 18 inches.
This species prefers bayous, lakes, and sluggish water. It is not
regarded as good a game fish as the small-mouthed black bass, which
prefers rapid and cooler waters. The angler often finds considerable
difficulty in distinguishing these species, because of the slight differ-
ences between them, and he usually finds less difference in their
fighting qualities.
This species is abundant in the streams of Mexico north of Santa
Engracia. I saw many specimens over a foot in length here and in
the river at La Cruz. So far as known the river at Santa Engracia is
its southernmost range.
196 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Family XVII. Percidse.
THE PERCHES.
Body more or less elongate, terete, or moderately compressed;
mouth terminal or inferior, small or large; the premaxillaries pro-
tractile; teeth usually villi^orm, on jaws, vomer and palatines (occa-
sionally they are absent on vomer and palatines) ; scales usually small,
ctenoid ; opercle usually ending in a flat spine ; branchiostegals 6 or 7 ;
gill membranes free or connected; lateral line usually present, never
extending on the caudal fin ; dorsal fins 2 , the first composed of 6 to 15
spines; ventral fins thoracic, each with one spine and 5 soft rays;
caudal fin truncate, lunate, or rounded.
Subfamily Ethostomatinae.
77. Etheostoma Rafmesque.
Etheostoma Rafinesque, Journ. de Phys. etc., Paris, 1819, 419.
(Type restricted by Cope & Jordan to Etheostoma flabellare P_af.)
Oligocephalus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 67.
(Type, Boleosoma lepida Baird & Girard.)
Torrentaria Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Fish Comm., 1896,
1080. (Type, Etheostoma australe Jordan.)
Rafinesquiellus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Fish Comm.,
1896, 1082. (Type, Aplesion pottsii Girard.)
Body robust or rather elongate, somewhat compressed; mouth
terminal or subinferior; premaxillaries not protractile; teeth rather
strong, usually present on vomer and palatines; gill membranes
separate, or more or less broadly connected; scales moderate or small,
ctenoid; no scales on top of head; scales on belly persistent, of the
ordinary sort ; dorsal spines 7 to 15; anal spines i or 2 ; vertebrae us-
ually 33 to 39.
The darters comprise a large group of small, highly colored fishes
inhabiting the streams of North America east of the Rocky Moun-
tains; one species, Etheostoma pottsii, occurs in a Pacific coast stream.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ETHEOSTOMA.
a. Anal spine single; gill membranes connected; PAGE
scales in the lateral series 58 to 66 australe 197
aa. Anal fin with two spines; gill membranes not
connected,
b. Head rather large, 3^ to 3% in the body;
scales in the lateral series 44 to 50 pottsii 197
bb. Head smaller, 4% in the body; scales in the
lateral series 48 to 54 lepidum 198
FAMILY XVII. PERCID^E. 19?
Subgenus Torrentaria Jordan & Evermann.
185. Etheostoma australe (Jordan).
Aplesion fasciatus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 101
(not Catonotus fasciatus Girard); Chihuahua River, Mexico.
Etheostoma australe Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 362; Chi-
huahua River, Mexico: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1894, 60; Chihuahua: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47. u - s -
Nat. Mus., 1896, 1080: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902,
119; San Andres; Santa Rosalia; Chihuahua; Jimenez.
Etheostoma scovelii Woolman, Amer. Nat., 1892, 261; Rio de los
Conchos, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Headwaters of the Rio Conchos in Chihuahua.
Head 3>^ to 3 2< ; depth 4^ to 4^ ; D. x to xn, 9 to 1 1 ; A. i, 7 or
8; scales 6-58 to 66-n. Body elongate, not much compressed;
mouth small, the lower jaw -the shorter; maxillary reaching front of
pupil; eye small, 3^ in head; snout bluntish, 4 in head; premaxillary
not protractile; gill membranes moderately connected, free from the
isthmus; pectorals large, nearly as long as head; ventrals close to-
gether, \y z in head; head, breast and nape naked; lateral line incom-
plete.
Color light olivaceous, sides with about 10 dusky cross-bars, these
more prominent in the males; the pale interspaces red in life; the
dusky bars alternate with. the pale blotches on the sides; soft dorsal
and anal with dark cross-bars ; spinous dorsal with a dark base and
dark tips, otherwise pale; a dark bar downward and one forward from
the eye. Length about 2>< inches. Spawning time the latter part
of May and in June.
Subgenus Eafinesquiellus Jordan & Evermann.
186. Etheostoma pottsii (Girard).
Aplesion pottsii Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1888, 289;
tributary of the Rio Chihuahua.
Etheostoma micropterus Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888, 289;
Chihuahua, Mexico: Woolman, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1894,
60; Rio Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Etheostoma pottsii Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 1083; Chihuahua: Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902,
119; San Andres; Chihuahua; Santa Rosalia; Jimenez.
Headwaters of the Rio Conchos, Rio Nazas, and Rio Mezquital,
in Chihuahua and Durango. (Santiago Papasquiaro; Durango.)
Head3K to 3 ^ ; depth 3 < tO4^;D. ix to xi, 10 to 12; A. n, 7 or
8; scales 5-44 to 50-10. Body moderately elongate, not much com-
198 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
pressed; head small, mouth rather large, oblique, the maxillary
reaching past anterior margin of the eye; snout bluntish, 4^ in head;
premaxillary not protractile; gill membranes not united, free from the
isthmus; pectorals large, almost as long as the head; ventrals close
together, 1^3 in head; preopercle entire; sides of head, breast, and nape
naked; lateral line straight, incomplete.
Color light olive, sides tesselated with darker; 6 to 9 dark cross-bars
on back, traces of about an equal number on the sides ; a black humeral
spot; a dark streak downward and one forward from eye; soft dorsal
and caudal barred; spinous dorsal with some small dark dots. Length
about 2.10 inches. Females taken May 23 at Durango full of eggs,
evidently about spawning time.
So far as known at present, this is the only darter found in a Pacific
coast stream. Its range is farther south than any member of the
family to which it belongs.
Subgenus Oligocephalus Girard.
187. Etheostoma lepidum (Baird & Girard).
Boleosoma lepida Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1853, 338 ; upper tributaries of the Rio Nueces, Texas.
Pcecilichthys lepidus Jordan, Bull. U. S. Geol. Survey, 1878, 663;
Brownsville, Texas.
Etheostoma lepidum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 1089.
Lower Rio Grande and the streams of Texas, Indian Territory, and
Arkansas.
Head 4^; depth 4^; D. ix, n to 13; A. n, 6 to 8; scales 6-48
to 54-8. Body rather stout, compressed, tapering backward; head
sub-conical; mouth moderate, the jaws equal; maxillary reaching
vertical from anterior margin of the orbit; eyes large; first dorsal
rather low and somewhat connected to soft dorsal; no scales on head,
breast, or nape; lateral line incomplete; gill membranes not connected.
Color olivaceous, with some dark blue bars; scales dusky at base,
sometimes a slight trace of a humeral spot ; dorsal and caudal mottled
or barred. Length 2^ inches.
Family XVIII. Out ropomnhr.
THE ROBALOS.
Body elongate, compressed; dorsal region elevated; abdominal
region straight to angulated base of anal; head depressed, pike-like,
the lower jaw projecting; villiform teeth in bands on jaws, vomer, and
palatines; no teeth on tongue; maxillary broad, truncate behind, with
FAM. XVIII. CENTROPOMID.E. FAM. XIX. H^EMULID^E. 199
a strong supplemental bone; preopercle with a double ridge, the
posterior margin strongly serrate ; opercle without true spines ; scales
ctenoid; lateral line conspicuous; dorsal fins well separated, the first
with 8 spines; anal spines 3, the second strong, the third long and
slender; these fins moving in scaly sheathes; air bladder well devel-
oped; branchiostegals 7. Species all American, one species found in
the rivers of southeastern Mexico far above tide-water.
78. Centropomus Lace"pede.
ROBALOS.
Centropomus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 248, 1802. (Type re-
stricted by Cuvier & Valenciennes to Scicena undecemalis Bloch).
Characters of the genus are included in the description of the family.
188. Centropomus mexicanus Bocourt. ROBALO.
Centropomus mexicanus Bocourt, Ann. Sci. Nat. Paris, 1868, 90;
Gulf of Mexico: Vaillant & Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., 1875, 23,
pi. i, fig. 2: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 1121.
Both coasts of Mexico, ascending rivers to a considerable distance
above tide-water. (San Francisco; Boca del Rio; El Hule; Perez.)
Head 2^; depth 4 to 4^; D. vm-i, 10; A. in, 6; scales 11-69
to 72-16. Body elongate, moderately compressed; mouth large, maxil-
lary reaching nearly to posterior margin of pupil ; preopercle with
sharp teeth on its posterior limb, the two at the angle larger than
the others ; 2 spines at angle of anterior limb ; diameter of eye 5 % in
head; third dorsal spine the longest, 2 in head; second anal spine
very strong, if in head; lateral line well developed; caudal fin forked.
Color olivaceous, lighter below; lateral line blackish; tips of dorsal
and caudal blackish. Length 12 inches or more.
Family XIX. Hfemulidse.
THE GRUNTERS.
Body oblong, more or less elevated, covered with moderate sized
scales, usually ctenoid; lateral line concurrent with the back, usually
not extending on caudal fin ; head large ; no suborbital stay ; premaxil-
laries protractile; maxillary without supplemental bone, for the most
of its length slipping under edge of preorbital; preorbital usually
broad ; no barbels ; no teeth on vomer or palatines ; ventral fin thoracic,
its rays 1.5; pyloric ccecae few; vertebra? usually 10+14 = 24; alimen-
tary canal short. Mostly shore fishes, a few entering fresh water.
200 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
79. Pomadasys Lace"pede.
BURROS.
Pomadasis Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 516, 1803. (Type, Pom-
adasis argentalus Lacepede.)
Rhoncisciis Jordan & Evermann, Check-List, Fishes 387, 1896.
(Type, Pristipoma crocro Cuv. & Val.)
Body oblong, somewhat compressed; mouth rather small, ter-
minal, low, maxillary scarcely reaching eye; premaxillaries protrac-
tile; teeth on jaws only, in villiform bands; cheeks and opercles scaly;
preopercle serrate, the serrae below not turned forward; suprascapula
serrate; scales large, those above lateral line in series parallel with it;
dorsal fin emarginate; second anal spine very strong.
Some of these fishes when taken from the water make a loud, snore-
like sound very much like the noise of a burro or donkey .
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF POMADASYS.
a. Second anal spine not reaching tip of soft rays, PAGE
its length i^ in head"; mouth large, maxillary
reaching to pupil, af in head.
b. Scales small, 65 in the lateral series starri 200
bb. Scales larger, 56 in the lateral series bayanus 201
aa. Second anal spine reaching beyond tips of soft
rays, its length i^ in head; mouth small, max-
illary not reaching to anterior margin of orbit,
its length 3^3 in head templei 201
Subgenus Rhonciscus Jordan & Evermann.
189. Pomadasys starri sp. nov. BURRO.
Type, No. 4693, F. C. M., \\ l /z inches in length; Perez, Vera Cruz.
Head 3; depth 3$-; D. xm, 1.2; A. in, 7; scales 9-65-17. Body
elongate, compressed; ventral outline nearly straight; back arched;
profile slightly concave above the eyes, convex at nape; head pointed;
snout bluntish; mouth rather large, low, its gape horizontal; jaws sub-
equal; maxillary reaching slightly past vertical from anterior margin
of pupil, its length 2^ in head; teeth villiform, a few in upper jaw
enlarged; eye large, its diameter 4^ in head; snout 3 in head; pre-
opercle strongly serrate; origin of dorsal slightly behind origin of
pectoral; dorsal fin deeply notched, longest dorsal spine 2^ in head;
second anal spine strong, its tip not reaching to tips of soft rays, its
length i^ in head; caudal fin emarginate, the upper lobe the longer;
least depth of caudal peduncle 3^ in the head; soft dorsal and anal
FAMILY XIX. H^EMULID^E. 201
scaly at base; head, except portion in front of nostrils, scaly; scales
through ctenoid.
One specimen, i iX inches in length taken at Perez. Named for
Dr. Frederic Starr, who more than any one else has studied the
native Indians of Mexico.
190. Pomadasys bayanus Jordan & Evermann.
Pristipoma humile Kner & Steindachner, Sitsgber. Akad. Wiss.
Munch, 1863, 222; Rio Bayano, near Panama.
Pomadasis bayanus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1898, 1331 ; name a substitute for humile, preoccupied: Gilbert
& Starks, Fishes of Panama Bay, 109, 1904; San Jose del Cabo,
Lower California.
Pacific coast streams, from Cape San Lucas to Panama.
Head 3^5; depth 3^; D. xn, 12; A. in, 7; scales 8-56-20. Body
elongate, elliptical, compressed somewhat, elevated at the nape; an-
terior profile straight from nape to the end of the snout; snout pro-
duced, blunt, rounded, its length 3 to 3 % in head; mouth large, the
maxillary reaching to anterior third of eye, its length 2f in head;
diameter of eye 5 in head; preorbital 6^; dorsal fin deeply notched,
its longest spine about 2^ in head; second anal spine long and
strong, its length i^ in head; soft dorsal and anal sca'ly at the base.
Color uniform olivaceous above, silvery below; fins plain.
The two specimens mentioned by Gilbert & Starks are probably
different species, the smaller one from San Jose del Cabo being appar-
ently closely related to Pomadasys templei. The material I have at
hand does not indicate that the very long second anal spine is charac-
teristic of the young.
191. Pomadasys templei sp. nov.
Type, No. 4504, F. C. M., 6^ inches in length; Valles, San Luis
Potosi.
Head 3^; depth 3^'. D- xm-i2; A. in, 6; scales 7-57-16. Body
elongate, compressed, the ventral outline nearly straight, back arched;
profile from tip of snout to the origin of dorsal nearly straight; head
pointed; snout bluntish; mouth moderate; the maxillary scarcely
reaching vertical from anterior margin of the eye, its length 3^ in
head; mouth little oblique, the margin of the upper lip below the level
of lower margin of eye; snout 3 in head; eye large, 3^ in head; pre-
opercle strongly serrate; a large toothed scale-like process just above
angle of opercle; origin of dorsal over origin of pectoral, its first spine
very short, the spines gradually increase in length to the fourth, which
is longest, if in head; the next to the last spine is 3^3 in head; pec-
202 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
totals 1 1 in head; ventrals produced in a short filament, iX m head;
second anal spine very strong, t% in head, its tip reaching opposite
base of caudal ; caudal fin emarginate ; least depth of caudal peduncle
3 in head; scales on base of caudal fin, a few on base of anal, but none
on dorsal; head, except a portion anterior to nostrils, scaly; scales
strongly ctenoid.
Color light brownish, silvery, lighter below; body with a few faint
longitudinal bands; opercle with an indistinct black blotch; tips of
vertical fins dark. Length about 12 inches.
The longest specimen in the collection of the Museum is 6 inches.
This species was taken by me at Valles and Perez. Named for Mr.
A. V. Temple, who has played an important part in the industrial and
commercial development of Mexico.
Family XX. Sciwnidse.
THE CROAKERS.
Body more or less elongate, compressed ; scales rather thin, ctenoid ;
head prominent and covered with scales ; bones of the skull cavernous ;
mouth small or large; teeth conical, in one or more series, those of the
outer one being sometimes enlarged ; maxillary slipping under the free
edge of the preorbital; no teeth on tongue, vomer, or palatines; pre-
maxillaries protractile; nostrils double; gill membranes separate, free
from the isthmus; lower pharyngeals broad, with enlarged conical or
molar teeth ; opercle usually ending in two flat points ; spinous portion
of dorsal fin smaller than the soft portion ; anal fin with i or 2 spines ;
ventral fins thoracic, i spine and 5 soft rays.
A large family of fishes mostly inhabiting the sandy shores of all
seas, a few species living in fresh water; most of the species reach a
large size.
Subfamily Haploidonotinse.
8O. Haploicloiiotus Rafinesque.
RIVER DRUMS.
Aplodinotus Rafinesque, Jour, de Phys., 1819, 418. (Type,
Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque.)
Body oblong, the back elevated and compressed; mouth rather
small, low, horizontal, the lower jaw included; snout blunt; teeth in
villiform bands, the outer above scarcely enlarged; no barbels; gill
rakers short and blunt; lower pharyngeals very large, united, and
with coarse, blunt paved teeth; second anal spine very strong; pyloric
ccecae 7; vertebrae 10 + 14 = 24.
FAMILY XX.
203
192. Haploidonotus grunniens Rafinesque. FRESH-WATER DRUM;
GASPERGOU.
Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, Jour, de Phys., 1819, 88; Ohio
River.
Amblodon neglectus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 167;
Rio Grande: Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 12, pi. v, fig. 6-10, 1859;
mouth of the Rio Grande; Matamoras, Tamaulipas.
Corvina oscula Gunther, Cat., u, 297, 1860.
Aplodinotus grunniens Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 1484: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1902, 154, fig. 4; Rio Usumacinta, Montecristo.
Larger streams and lakes of the Mississippi Valley and Great Lake
region, south to Chiapas.
FIG. 65. HAPLOIDONOTUS GRUNNIENS Rafinesque.
No. 2364, U. S. Fish Commission.
Head 3^; depth 2^ to 3^; D. x, 30; A. n, 7; scales 9-55 to 60-12
or 13. Body oblong, the back much elevated and compressed; the
profile long, steep, and not much convex; head slightly compressed;
mouth moderate, subinferior, low; maxillary reaching to the vertical
from the middle of the eye ; snout 4 in head ; eye 4^ ', interorbital 3> ;
dorsal fins connected; ventral with its first ray produced into a fila-
ment; caudal fin truncate; gill rakers short, thickish, 20 on the first
gill arch.
Color grayish silvery, dusky above, with indications of two or three
darker bands over the shoulder ; a dark blotch on opercle ; dorsal and
caudal fins same as the body, the upper half of the membranes darker;
other fins pale.
This species is a member of a large family inhabiting the sandy
shores of all seas, and is the only member of the family to which it
2O4 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
belongs confined entirely to the fresh waters of North America. It
reaches a weight of 50 pounds; as food fish it is of little value north,
though of quite good quality south, where it is an important market
fish.
Family XXI Cichlidae.
THE CICHLIDS; "MOJARRAS."
Body elevated, oblong or elongate, covered with rather large
ctenoid scales; lateral line interrupted, usually ceasing opposite the
end of dorsal fin, then recommencing farther down on middle of caudal
peduncle; mouth terminal; teeth in jaws usually conical, sometimes
lobate or incisor-like ; no teeth on vomer or palatines ; nostril single on
each side; premaxillaries freely protractile; maxillary slipping under
the broad preorbital; gill membranes often connected; dorsal fin single,
the spinous portion usually longer than the soft portion ; anal fin with
3 or more spines, the soft part similar to soft dorsal; lower pharyngeal
bones united into a triangular piece with a median suture; bran-
chiostegals 5 or 6; no pseudobranchiae ; air bladder present; caudal
fin lunate or rounded.
This family comprises a large number of fresh-water fishes inhab-
iting the rivers of tropical America and Africa. In form, size, appear-
ance and habits they bear a close resemblance to the sunfishes of the
United States. The species known in Mexico are not regarded as
first class game fishes, though as food fishes they are very good.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF CICHLID^E.
a. Caudal fin rounded, or truncate, its outer rays PAGE
not produced into filaments; pectoral fin short,
rounded, its length ij^ to 1% in the head; no
black blotch on the subopercle.
b. Teeth of the outer series all conic; anal spines
4 to 1 1 Cichlasoma 204
bb. Teeth of the outer series more or less com-
pressed, incisor-like; anal spines 5 to 8 Neetroplus 221
aa. Caudal fin lunate or slightly forked, some of
its outer rays produced into a filament; pec-
toral fin long and pointed, its length about
equal to or longer than the head; a black
blotch on subopercle Thorichthys 222
81. Cichlasoma Swainson.
Cichlasoma Swainson, Nat. Hist. Class'n Fishes, etc., 230, 1839.
(Type, Labrus punctatus Bloch.)
FAMILY XXI. CICHLID.E. 205
Heros Heckel, Arin. Wiener Mus., 1840, 362. (Type, Heros severus
Heckel, etc.)
Herichthys Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854,
2 5- (Type, Herichthys cyanoguttatus Baird & Girard.)
Body oblong or deep, much compressed; mouth rather small,
terminal, low; premaxillary moderately protractile; lower lip with or
without a frenum; jaws with a single series of rather stout conical
teeth, behind which is a narrow band of villiform teeth; gill mem-
branes slightly connected, free from the isthmus; dorsal spines 14
to~i8; anal spines 4 to n; caudal fin subtruncate or rounded, the
outer rays never produced into a filament; pectoral fin short, its
length less than that of head.
The species of this genus are very difficult to capture with a
seine. They are more skillful in dodging a net, running around the
end or jumping over it, than are any other fishes I have ever collected.
They live in clear, running water, coming out in shallow places in
the sunshine. As any one approaches they hasten at once to deep
water, and hide among roots of trees or under overhanging banks.
After a few minutes they cautiously come out and again proceed
to the shallow water. The adult males are provided with a large
hump of adipose tissue between the nape and the spinous dorsal.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CICHLASOMA.
a. Mouth large, terminal, the lower jaw very PAGE
strong.
b. Anterior teeth in outer series much enlarged,
canine-like; lower lip with a frenum; anal
spines 5 ' mento 207
bb. Anterior teeth in outer series not canine-like,
scarcely, if at all, larger than the lateral ones,
c. Anal spines 7 to 9 ; preorbital 4 in head ; post-
orbital 2-j 1 ^.
d. Lower jaw strong, mandible 2 in head;
anal spines 7 or 8 ; lower lip without trace
of a frenum salvini 207
dd. Lower jaw less strong, mandible 2> in the
head; anal spines 9; lower lip with an in-
complete frenum hedricki 208
cc. Anal spines 4 to 6.
f. Body elongate, depth 2^3" to 2^.
g. Sides with 4 to 7 ocellated, vertically
expanded black spots below dorsal fin ;
depth 2% pavonaceum 209
2o6 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
gg. No ocellated black spots on sides. PAGE
h. Lower lip without trace of a frenum,
sides without dark vertical bars beani 210
hh. Lower lip with a frenum, or the an-
terior portion not as free as the
lateral.
i. Lower lip with a well developed frenum;
tips of ventral fins not reaching first
anal spine.
j. Sides with 9 or 10 dark vertical bars;
dorsal spines low, the eighth 3^3 in
head, the last one 2^; bases of ver-
tical fins with a few dark spots steindachneri 210
jj. Sides with about 6 dark vertical bars;
dorsal spines higher, the eighth 2|
in head, the last one 2^ bartoni 211
ii. Lower lip without developed frenum,
the lip not as free anteriorly as later-
ally; tips of ventrals reaching second
anal spine; sides with 7 dark vertical
bars istlanum 212
ff. Body deep, its depth 2 to 2% in the length,
k. Lower lip without a frenum; dorsal rays
13 to 15; sides with about 6 dark verti-
cal bars evermanni 214
kk. Lower lip with a frenum.
I. Head 3^ in body; depth 2; dorsal spines
14 or 15; teeth in outer series dissimi-
lar, some being bluntly conic heterodontum 215
II. Head 3 to 3^; D. xvi; teeth in outer
series similar, pointed.
m. Anal spines 5, soft rays 8 or 9, dorsal
fin with i o or 1 1 soft rays cyanoguttatum 215
mm. Anal spines 4; soft rays n; dorsal
rays 13 rectangulare 216
aa. Mouth smaller, low or subinferior; lower jaw
moderate or weak; maxillary 3 to 4 in head,
n. Mouth terminal, the jaw oblique; jaws sub-
equal,
o. Anal spines 8; tip of ventrals reaching 4th
anal spine,
p. Lower lip without a frenum; a few anterior
teeth canine-like; preorbital 4^ in head. mojarra 217
FAMILY XXI. CICHLID^;. 207
pp. Lower lip with a frenum; preorbital 6 in PAGE
head octo fas datum 218
oo. Anal spines 5 or 6; lower lip with a frenum,
or its anterior margin slightly free,
q. Body deep, its depth 2 to 2%; sides with
7 dark vertical bars ; lateral band faint or
none parma 218
qq. Body elongate; depth 2^ to 2%"; sides
with 7 dark vertical bands, and a con-
spicuous dark lateral band melanurum 219
nn. Mouth very small, subinferior; maxillary 3^
to 4 in head ; lower lip with a broad frenum ;
tips of ventral fins not reaching anal fin;
depth 2%.
r. Preorbital 3/4 in head; soft dorsal of 14 rays . .eigenmanni 220
rr. Preorbital 2^ in head; soft dorsal of 10 or
1 1 rays nebultfer 220
193. Cichlasoma mento (Vaillant & Pellegrin).
Heros mento Vaillant & Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris,
1902, 87; Rio Negro, Southern Mexico.
Head 3; depth 2% to 2|; D. xvi-io; A. v, 7 or 8; scales 6-29-12.
Body rather elongate; lower jaw very strong and prominent; the
outer series of teeth in each jaw large, the anterior ones forming
true canines; lower lip without frenum; eye small, 4^ in head, i%
in interorbital area ; eye nearer snout than posterior margin of opercle ;
6 or 7 rows of scales on the cheeks ; dorsal spines increase to the fifth ;
middle rays of dorsal and anal produced ; the fifth anal spine longer
and stronger than the last dorsal; base of median fins scaly; caudal
rounded; pectoral rounded, 2 /^ length of head.
Color olivaceous, traces of da k punctulations on soft parts of
unpaired fins. Length about 7 inches. (Vaillant & Pellegrin.)
Known only from the type locality.
194. Cichlasoma salvini (Gunther).
Heros salvini Gunther, Cat. iv., 294, 1862; Rio de Santo Isabel,
Guatemala: Gunther, Fish. Cent. Amer., 460, pi. 73, fig. 3,
1869: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898,
1528.
Southern Mexico and Guatemala. (Motzorongo; Refugio; El
Hule; Perez; Obispo.)
Head 2%; depth 2! to 2%; D. xvu, 10 or n; A. vii or vm,
9; scales 6-29-10. Body rather deep, compressed; anterior half of
208 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
profile concave, the rest convex; snout rather pointed, the lower jaw
very strong and longer than the upper; mouth large, maxillary 2^
in head; a few of the teeth very strong and canine-like; lower lip
without trace of a frenum; preorbital 4 in head; postorbital 2j\ in
head; diameter of eye 4^ in head; mandible 2 in head; eighth
dorsal spine 4 in head, the last 3 in head; middle rays of dorsal
and anal produced, nearly reaching tip of caudal fin in specimens
6 inches long ; about to middle of caudal in specimens 3 inches in
length; pectoral if in head; ventral with tips somewhat produced,
about reaching base of 4th anal, i^ in head; soft dorsal and anal,
scaly at the base; cheeks with 5 rows of scales; caudal fin rounded;
caudal peduncle 2^ in head, its length i^ in its depth.
Color light brownish, side with a dark lateral band, more or less
broken into blotches on posterior half; about five indefinite dark
bars on posterior half of body, the region just below dorsal fin some-
what reticulated; a dark blotch on middle of base of caudal fin; two
indefinite bais across profile between nape and dorsal; a dark streak
at upper and one at lower margin of interorbital area; a dark streak
under eye forward to mouth; a few small dark dots on soft dorsal,
anal and caudal fins; a black blotch on middle of side above end of
pectoral and where the first definite bar on side crosses lateral band.
Length about 8 to 10 inches.
Two specimens from Motzorongo have the cheeks reticulated
with blue lines and spots. The dorsal fin is very much produced on
a specimen 5 inches long from Obispo, tip of dorsal fin almost reach-
ing tip of caudal. In a few smaller specimens (2 to 4 inches) the
dorsal rays are little produced, scarcely reaching past base of anal;
individuals from El Hule are the lightest in color, those from Motzo-
rongo the darkest. Specimens less than 3 inches deep have a black
blotch on middle of side.
195. Cichlasoma hedricki sp. nov.
Type, No. 4673, F. C. M., 6.25 inches in length; Obispo, Vera
Cruz.
Abundant in the large rivers of Mexico south of Vera Cruz.
(Vera Cruz; El Hule; Obispo; Perez.)
Head 2^; depth 2^; D. xvn or xvm, 10; A. ix, 8; scales
7-34-12. Body rather elongate, compressed; profile nearly straight
to nape, from nape to first dorsal spine evenly convex; interorbital
convex, 2$ in head; lips thick, the lower with a frenum, not quite
reaching the margin of the lip; lower jaw slightly projecting;
outer series of teeth not much enlarged, far apart; preorbital 4 in
head; postorbital 2^ 6 in head; cheeks with 5 rows of scales; diameter
FAMILY XXI. CICHLID.E.
209
of eye 4^ in the head; dorsal spines rather low; eighth spine 3;?
in head, the last spine 2^ in head; middle rays of soft dorsal produced,
their tips in specimens 3 inches in length reaching about y$ from base
of caudal, in ^pecimens 7 inches in length to or past middle of caudal;
FlG. 66. ClCHLASOMA HEDRICKI Meek.
few scales on base of soft dorsal and anal fins; pectoral fin if in
head; ventral with the tips produced, reaching to base of fifth anal
spine; ventral if in head; caudal fin much rounded; least depth of
caudal peduncle 2^ in head, its length i> in depth. ,
Color dark greenish olive, sides with 8 dark vertical bars, the
first at front of -spinous dorsal, the first three bars with indefinite
outlines; middle of opercle black; a dark lateral band little wider
than eye on side, seldom extending beyond end of pectoral fin; a
dark bar from eyes across snout, one on interorbital region, and 2
others between nape and origin of dorsal fin; soft dorsal and anal
and caudal fins profusely spotted with black; a dark band along
middle of spinous dorsal, a second band above this from tenth spine
to soft dorsal; ventrals dusky, a black ocellated spot at base of
caudal above lateral line. Length about 12 inches.
Named for Mr. D. W. Hedrick, who superintended the construction
of the large railroad bridges between Vera Cruz and Santa Lucretia,
in recognition of the favors received through his courtesies.
196. Cichlasoma pavonaceum (Garman).
Her os pavonaceus Garman, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1881, 93;
Spring near Monclova, Coahuila: Jordan & Evermann, Bull.
47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 1538.
Known only from the type locality.
Head 2^; depth 2>^; D. xvi, 12; A. v, 8; scales 5-32-12. Body
rather elongate; head as deep as long; eye large, wider than pre-
2io FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
orbital, its front behind tip of maxillary; jaws equal; 5 rows of scales
on the cheek; fifth dorsal spine the highest; soft dorsal and anal
reaching caudal; tip of pectorals reaching vent.
Color dark brown flecked with pale; 4 to 7 ocellated, vertically
expanded black spots on side below dorsal fin; an ocellated black
spot on base of tail above lateral line; side with 10 or 12 faint dark
cross bands. (Garman.)
197. Cichlasoma beani (Jordan).
Heros beani Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888, 332; Rio Presidio,
near Mazatlan: Jordan, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895, 473; Rio
Presidio: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1898, 1539: Evermann, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., 1898, 2; Rosario,
Sinaloa.
Lowland streams of Sinaloa and Jalisco.
Head 3; depth 2*^; D. xv, n; A. v, 8; scales 5-29-11. Body
oblong, compressed; head small, profile depressed at interorbital
area, which is flat or slightly concave, its width 2^ in head; snout
rather pointed; lower jaw the longer; mouth moderate, maxillary
3 in head; outer series of teeth enlarged, those in front on upper
jaw canine-like; preorbital 4 in head; postorbital 2^; lips rather
thin, the lower without a frenum; scales on cheeks in about 5 rows;
spinous dorsal low, the eighth spine 3^ in head, the last 2^; middle
rays of dorsal and anal much produced, their tips reaching nearly
to tip of caudal fin; pectorals i^ in head; ventrals with rays pro-
duced, their tips reaching base of third anal spine; caudal fin rounded;
least depth of caudal peduncle 2^ in head, its length i?4 in its least
depth.
Color light olive, the scales with light margins, giving the fish
a spotted appearance; round brownish spots on dorsal, caudal, and
anal fins; ventrals dusky, the pectorals pale; a light line obliquely
downward and forward to maxillary. Length about 12 inches.
Through the courtesy of Mr. B. A. Bean, I have been pernrtted
to examine 5 specimens of this species, which were taken at Tepic,
December, 1902. It is reported to be an excellent food fish.
198. Cichlasoma steindachneri Jordan & Snyder.
Cichlasoma steindachneri Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1900, 143, fig. 20; Rio Verde, Rascon, San Luis Potosi:
Jordan'& Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3173.
Basin of the Rio Panuco. (Forlon; Valles; Rascon.)
Head 2^; depth 2%; D. xv or xvi, 10; A. v, 7; scales 6-32-11.
Body rather elongate, compressed; profile convex, not steep; head
FAMILY XXI. CICHLID^E. 211
pointed, upper jaw slightly the longer; lips thick, the lower with a well
developed frenum; outer series of teeth enlarged, canine-like; mouth
rather large ; maxillary 3 % in head ; mandible 2 ; preorbital 3 % to 4 ;
postorbital 2*^; snout 2^"; interorbital very convex, 3^ in head;
FlG. 67. ClCHLASOMA STEINDACHNERI Jordan & Snyder.
No. 6164, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
cheeks with about 7 rows of scales ; dorsal spines rather low, the eighth
3> in head, the last 2^ ; dorsal and anal rays not produced, their tips
scarcely reaching past base of caudal fin; pectoral fin iX in head;
ventral with rays not produced, their tips not reaching first anal spine;
no scales on base of soft dorsal and anal fins; caudal fin slightly
rounded; least depth of caudal peduncle 2^ in head, its length equal
to its depth.
Color light brownish; sides with about 9 or 10 vertical dark bars;
a dark, irregular band from upper edge of opercle to base of caudal ;
this band more or less broken between the bars ; a black spot on middle
of base of caudal; sides of head usually profusely speckled with dark
dots ; a few of these dots on the lower half of the body ; an indefinite
oblong blotch on middle of spinous dorsal ; base of vertical fins with a
few dark spots. Length about 8 inches.
199. Cichlasoma bartoni (Bean).
Acara bartoni Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1892, pi. XLIV, fig. 3,
286; Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Cichlasoma bartoni Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 1515.
Heros labridens Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 1903, 120;
Huasteca Potosi.
Basin of the Rio Panuco. (Rio Verde.)
Head 2^; depth 2^2 ; D. xv or xvi, loor n ; A. v, 9; scales 7-30-11.
Body elongate, rather deep, compressed; profile convex, not very
212
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
steep, snout pointed; jaws equal; lips thick, the lower with a distinct
frenum; mouth rather small, maxillary 3^ in head; mandible 2$ ;
snout 2%; preorbital 4 in head; postorbital 2^ in head; interorbital
convex 3^ in head; diameter of eye 4 in head; eighth dorsal spine
FlG. 68. ClCHLASOMA BARTONI Bean.
2^ in head, last dorsal spine 2^ in head; middle rays of dorsal fin
not produced, their tips reaching slightly beyond base of caudal fin;
pectoral fin i % in head ; ventral rays not produced ; length of ventral
1^3 in head, tips not reaching first anal spine; caudal fin rounded;
least depth of caudal peduncle 2^; its length i>6 in its depth.
Color dark brownish, sides with about 6 dark indistinct vertical
bars; no lateral band, or a very faint one; a dark caudal spot, sides of
head usually with small dark dots, these sometimes forming reticula-
tions on sides of head and above it ; very few or no dark dots on soft
dorsal, anal, or caudal fins. Length about 8 to 10 inches.
This species is more robust and has a less pointed snout than
Cichlasoma steindachneri, which it most resembles. It has coarse,
blunt pharyngeal teeth. A number of specimens examined by me
were taken in the Rio Verde at Rio Verde by Dr. W. L. Tower of the
University of Chicago.
200. Cichlasoma istlanum (Jordan & Snyder).
Heros istlanus Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm. 1900, 144,
fig. 21 ; Rio Ixtla, at Puente de Ixtla: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900, 3174: Meek, Field Col. Mus.
Pub. 65, 1902, 120; Rio Ixtla; Puente de Ixtla, Morelos; Rio
Balsas. Balsas Guerrero.
Basin of the Rio Balsas. (Yautepec; Jojutla; Chietla; Papayo,
Guerrero, collected by E. W. Nelson.)
FAMILY XXI. CICHLIDVE.
213
Head 2^; depth 2^ to 2%"; D. xv or xvi, 10 or u; A. v or vi, 7
or 8. Body elongate, compressed; head large, mouth large and
strong; maxillary 2% in head; the lower jaw the longer; teeth in the
outer series of both jaws enlarged, not numerous; lips thick, no frenum
FlG. 69. ClCHLASOMA ISTLANUM (Jordan & Snyder).
No. 6150, Leland Stanford Jr. University.
in some specimens, a partial one in others; mandible i\ in head;
snout 3f; interorbital convex, 2^ in head; preorbital 3^! post-
orbital 2^; diameter of eye 4%', cheeks with about 6 rows of scales;
eighth dorsal spine 3^3 in head; the last spine 2^ to 3 ; middle rays of
dorsal and anal produced, sometimes reaching past middle of caudal
fin; pectoral fin if in head; ventral fins with rays produced into a
filament in larger specimens, the tips reaching second anal spine; in
specimens where the rays are not produced the tips of the caudal fin
do not reach origin of the anal; caudal fin rounded, the least depth of
caudal peduncle 2^ in head, its length slightly less than depth.
Color nearly black to a light brownish, each scale with an oblong
dark spot in the center; traces on the smaller and lighter individuals
of about 7 dark vertical bars ; smaller individuals (less than 4 inches)
have a black spot on middle of the side, one at base of caudal and one
at upper edge of gill opening; dorsal, caudal, and anal fins spotted with
black; in some specimens the spots on scales very prominent, forming
longitudinal lines on lower half of the body. Length about 1 2 inches.
This species is very abundant in the Balsas Basin, and at present
is the only member of the family known from it. It is quite variable
in color, some specimens from Yautepec being nearly black on the lower
half of the body, or with scattered black blotches. The nuchal hump
is developed quite well in males 7 inches in length. In the speci-
mens from Yautepec the ovaries are little developed and give no
214
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
evidence of approximate spawning time. This species and the large
catfish found in the Balsas Basin are the most important food fishes
of that region.
201. Cichlasoma evermanni sp. nov.
Type, No. 4227, F. C. M., 5.25 inches in length; Tehuantepec,
Oaxaca. (Tehuantepec.)
Rio Tehuantepec. (Tehuantepec.)
FIG. 70. CICHLASOMA EVERMANNI Meek.
Head 2^; depth 2%; D. xiv or xv, 13 to 15; A. v, 8 or 9; scales
7-32-12. Body deep, compressed; the profile rather steep, its an-
terior half slightly concave, the posterior half convex; mouth rather
large, the maxillary 3,^ in head, its tip not quite reaching vertical
from anterior margin of the eye; jaws equal; teeth in each jaw in a
band, the anterior row slightly enlarged; lips moderately thick, the
lower with no distinct frenum, though not quite so free at the sym-
phisis as laterally; preorbital broad, 3% in head; postorbital 2^;
interorbital 2 ^ ; diameter of eye 3 ^ to 4 in head, ; cheeks with 5 rows
of scales; origin of dorsal to tip of snout 2^3 in the body; dorsal
spines gradually increasing in size to about fifth, longest (eighth) 3 in
head; in the largest specimens (5 inches in length) the middle rays of
the dorsal are produced, their tips reaching past the middle of the
caudal fin; in smallest specimens (4 inches in length) tips of dorsal
and anal rays reach slightly past base of anal; pectoral fin i in
head ; ventral with the tips produced in the larger individuals ; tips in
the young scarcely reaching base of first anal spine, in adults to fourth
anal spine; caudal fin truncate; caudal peduncle deep, its least
depth 2 in head, its length i^ in its least depth.
FAMILY XXI. CICHLID^E. 215
Color dark olivaceous, sides with 6 dark vertical bars, each
wider than the interspaces, the first bar across opercle, the second
one begins at base of fourth anal spine; no lateral band, or a very
indistinct one ; no definite blotches on sides ; a small black caudal spot
just above lateral line; vertical fins with some small black spots, or
none on darker specimens; fins all dusky; no bars on profile; many
scales have dark centers. Length about 8 inches. Several specimens
taken at Tehuantepec.
Named for Dr. Barton W. Evermann, in recognition of his services
to American Ichthyology.
202. Cichlasoma heterodontum (Vaillant & Pellegrin).
Heros heterodontus Vaillant & Pellegrin, Bull. Mus. Nat. Hist.
Paris, 1902, 85; Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Head 3-^; depth 2; D. xiv-xv, 12; A. v, 9; scales 6-28-14. Body
deep; jaws subequal; lower lip with a frenum; the teeth in outer series
dissimilar, few cylindro-conical, the others simply cylindrical, with
worn tips, being intermediate between this genus and Neetroplus;
eye 3X m the head, i% in interorbital space, 1^2 to 1^5 in the length
of the snout; cheeks with 5 rows of scales; dorsal spines gradually
increase to the fifth ; the last anal spine is as long and stronger than
the last dorsal spine; caudal fin rounded; base of soft parts of un-
paired fins scaly; pectoral more than ^ length of the head.
Color brownish, with traces of 6 dark transverse bands and a dark
caudal spot; the fins dark with some darker punctulations. Length
about 5 inches (Vaillant & Pellegrin).
203. Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum (Baird & Girard).
Herichthys cyanoguttatus Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.
Phila., 1854, 25; Rio Grande, Brownsville, Texas: Girard, Mex.
Bd. Sur., 30, pi. iv, figs. 9-12, 1859; Laguna, Ft. Brown, Texas;
Matamoras, Mexico; Rio San Juan, near Cadereita and Cader-
eita, Nuevo Leon.
Heros cyanoguttatus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.
1896, 1537: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm., 1900,
144; lagoons at Tampico.
Heros temporatus Fowler, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, 321;
Victoria, Tamaulipas.
Atlantic coast rivers from Texas to the Rio Panuco and Tabasco.
(Monterey ; Montemorelos ; San Juan ; Linares ; La Cruz ; Garza Valdez ;
Santa Engracia; Victoria; Forlon; Rascon.)
Head 3; depth 2^; D. xvi, 10 or n ; A. v, 8 or 9; scales 7-3312.
2i6 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Body deep, compressed; profile with a quite even curve, except in
males with the nuchal hump; mouth moderate; maxillary 2^ in
head ; mandible 2% ', jaws equal, or the lower the longer in males ; outer
series of teeth conical, enlarged; lips moderately thick, the lower with
a f renum ; preorbital 2 g in head ; postorbital 2 1 / ; interorbital very
convex, 2^ in head; diameter of eye 4% in head; cheeks with 5 rows
of scales; eighth dorsal spine 2| in head; last dorsal spine 2-j l ; the
middle rays of dorsal and anal produced, reaching in the male slightly
past the middle of the caudal fin, in female to about middle of caudal
fin; pectoral fin 2% in head; ventral with their rays produced, their
tips reaching third anal spine ; ventrals slightly longer than the head ;
caudal fin rounded; least depth i| in head; length of caudal pe-
duncle 1 1 in the depth.
Color olivaceous, 5 indistinct dark bars on the posterior half of the
body; a black caudal spot, slightly more than half above the lateral
line; many small white spots on sides, being most numerous on head
ventral surface, head and caudal peduncle; white spots on vertical
fins, being most numerous on the base of soft dorsal and anal, and on
caudal fin; ventrals black or very dark; pectorals light. Many half
grown and adult individuals with posterior half of body and ventral
region below base of pectoral fin black. Males of this species, 7
inches long and over, have a well developed nuchal hump. Length
about 12 inches.
At La Cruz I succeeded in catching a large number of adults of
this species. Many of the smaller males and all of the females had no
nuchal hump. All of the larger males had the hump more or less
developed. The sexual organs of the males were undeveloped. The
ovaries of the females of some specimens were a little more developed
than in others, but none were at all near the spawning period, and
there was no evidence that would indicate the approximate time of
spawning.
204. Cichlasoma rectangulare (Steindachner).
Acara rectangularis Steindachner, Chromiden Mexnos, 1864, i ;
Mexico.
Cichlasoma rectangulare Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1896, 1515.
Distribution unknown.
Head $%; depth 2f ; D. xvi, 13; A. iv, n; scales 21-33. Body
moderately elongate, the back considerably arched; profile depressed
before the eye , which is in the middle of the head ; maxillary reaching
front of eye ; outer teeth large, somewhat canine-like ; lower lip with a
f renum; eye 4| in head; preorbital 3^ in head; 7 rows of scales on
FAMILY XXL CICHLID^;. 217
the cheek; dorsal spines rather low and strong; soft dorsal and anal
moderately high and pointed; ventrals longer than pectoral, i-^ in
head ; soft dorsal and anal with small scales at base ; caudal fin rounded.
Color dark brown; a narrow brown vertical streak on each scale
posteriorly; a broad blackish band beginning behind eye running
backward along body to opposite first soft ray of anal, then turn-
ing abruptly to base of caudal; soft dorsal and caudal with alte nate
rows of yellow and dirty blue spots on the membranes; fins mostly
bluish, dotted with black. Length 7^ inches (Steindachner).
Known only from the above account.
205. Cichlasoma mojarra sp. nov.
Type, No. 4718, F. C. M., 2.35 inches in length; San Geronimo,
Oaxaca.
FIG. 71. CICHLASOMA MOJARRA Meek.
Head 2f ; depth 2>^; D. xvi, 10; A. vm, 7; scales 8-32-12. Body
elliptical, compressed; profile with a slight angle between eyes, and
slightly convex from nape to dorsal fin; mouth moderate, maxillary
3 in head; snout 3^ in head; lips rather thick, the lower without trace
of a frenum; jaws equal; mandible 2^ in head; teeth conical, a few
in front canine-like; preorbital narrow, 4^ in head; postorbital 2%
in head; interorbital 3^ in head; cheeks with 5 rows of scales; opercles
scaly; diameter of eye 2| in head; origin of dorsal to tip of snout 2^"
in the body; the first four dorsal spines low, the fourth about f the
length of the fifth, longest (eighth) dorsal spine 2 in head; dorsal
rays not produced, the longest if in head; tip of dorsal opposite tips
of anal when the fins are deflexed; the dorsal and anal rays reaching
about y distance to base of caudal fin; pectorals i-f in head; ventrals
218 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
i/4 m head, their tips slightly produced and reaching base of fourth
anal spine; caudal fin rounded; caudal peduncle deep, its least depth
2^3 in head; length of caudal peduncle about iX in its least depth.
Color light brownish, sides with 7 dark vertical bars, each wider
than the interspaces, the first bar across nape ending in a dark humeral
spot about y$ size of eye, the second bar at base of first four dorsal
spines, the last bar on caudal peduncle; a dark ocellated spot at base
of caudal slightly above middle; a dark spot on fourth caudal bar
below lateral line ; tips of ventrals and anal blackish ; interorbital area
dark; a dark bar on napoin front of the one ending in a humeral spot.
206. Cichlasoma octofasciatum (Regan).
Heros cyanoguttatus Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1902, 157 ; Montecristo, Tabasco.
Heros octofasciatus Regan, Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. Geneva, 1903, 417,
pi. 13, fig. i; Mexico.
Southern Mexico to Honduras.
Head i\ ; depth 2; D. xvn to xix-8 to 10; A. vin to x-8 to 10;
scales 5-29-12 to 14. Body deep, compressed; snout short, about as
long as diameter of eye; lower lip with afrenum; eye large, 3 (young)
to 4 Ys in head, and equaling interorbital width; preorbital straight,
its width ^ to f diameter of eye ; dorsal spines gradually increasing
to the seventh, the others subequal; pectoral i^ in head; tips of ven-
trals reaching fourth anal spine; caudal peduncle short, its depth i^
to 2^ times its length.
Color, seven obscure dark bands on sides, another at base of caudal
fin ; a black spot on third band just below lateral line ; a similar but
smaller spot on upper half of base of caudal ; soft parts of unpaired
fins obscurely spotted; usually some light blue spots on the head,
and one on each scale of. side of body. Length 5 inches. (Regan.)
207. Cichlasoma par ma (Giinther).
Heros parma Giinther, Cat., iv, 285, 1862; Mexico and Guate-
mala: Giinther, Fishes Cent. Amer., 449, 1869; Guatemala.
Cichlasoma parma Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Fish
Comm., 1896, 1519: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S.
Fish Comm., 1902, 156; Montecristo: Meek, Field Col. Mus.
Pub. 65, 1902, 120; La Antigua.
Large rivers of Mexico which empty into the Gulf south of Vera
Cruz. (San Francisco; Vera Cruz; Boca del Rio; Obispo; Perez.)
Head 3; depth 2 to 2>; D. xvi or xvn, 12 or 13; A. vi, 8 or 9; scales
7-33-12. Body rather deep, compressed, profile steep; mouth rather
small, the maxillary not reaching vertical from anterior margin of the
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM.
PLATE XV, ZOOLOGY.
ClCHLASOMA PARMA (Giinthep.
No. 4570, Field Columbian Museum.
FAMILY XXI. CICHLID^;. 219
orbit; maxillary 3^3 in head; mandible 2^3 to 3; jaws equal; lips
moderately thick, the lower with a frenum in large specimens (in small
specimens, 5 inches or less s , the frenum not complete) ; preorbital 4
in head; postorbital 2|; diameter of eye 4^; dorsal spines rather
high, the eighth spine 2^ in head, the last one i ; anal and dorsal rays
not much produced, their tips reaching slightly beyond base of caudal
fin; pectoral fin i^ in head; ventral 1%, its rays slightly produced,
the tips of longest reaching to first anal spine ; least depth of caudal
peduncle 2% in head, its length i% in its depth; caudal fin rounded.
Color olivaceous with 7 dark vertical bars; an indistinct longitu-
dinal band from opercle to base of caudal, ending in a dark spot at base
of caudal fin; fins dusky. Length about 14 inches.
This species resembles C. melanurus. It is deeper and does not
have a prominent lateral band. One of the most abundant species
of Cichlids in southern Mexico.
208. Cichlasoma melanurum (Giinther).
Heros melanurus Giinther, Cat., iv, 1862, 228; Lago de Peten,
Guatemala: Giinther, Fish. Cent. Amer. 450, pi. 72, fig. 3,
1869; Lago de Peten, Guatemala.
Heros fenestratus B. A. Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1892, 541;
Santa Maria, Vera Cruz.
Cichlasoma melanurum Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U.S. Nat.
Mus. 1896, 1523: Evermann & Goldsborough, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1902, 157; Montecristo, Teapa: Meek, Field Col. Mus.
Pub. 65, 1902, 120; Cuicatlan.
Large rivers of tropical America south of the city of Vera Cruz and
Tehuantepec. (Vera Cruz; Otopa; Motzorongo; Obispo; Perez; San
Geronimo.)
Head 3^; depth 2^" to 2%; D. xvm, 10; A. vi or vn; scales 6-34-
ii. Body elongate, moderately compressed, profile rather steep;
head short; mouth moderate, the maxillary not reaching to vertical
from anterior margin of the pupil, 3^ in head; lips thick, a broad
frenum in adult specimens, a shallow groove in young; upper jaw
slightly the longer ; preorbital 3 % in head ; postorbital 2 l /$ ; snout 2 % ;
mandible 2-f to 3 ; diameter of eye 4^ ; seventh or eighth dorsal spine
3^ in head, last spine 2^ ; dorsal and anal rays not much produced,
their tips scarcely reaching past base of caudal; pectoral fin i^" in
head; tips of ventrals not reaching anal, i% in head; caudal fin
rounded; least depth of caudal peduncle 2% in head, its length i> in
its least depth.
Color dark olivaceous; sides with about 7 black vertical bars, each
narrower than the interspaces, sometimes the bands are not all dis-
220 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
tinct ; a broad lateral band running from just above pectoral to middle
of caudal peduncle ; no black caudal spot ; fins dusky, unicolor. Length
about 15 inches.
This species resembles Cichlasoma parma, but it is more slender, and
the dark lateral band is much more prominent.
209. Cichlasoma eigenmanni Meek.
Cichlasoma eigenmanni Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 119;
Venta Salada.
Upper tributaries of the Rio Papaloapam.
Head 3^"; depth 2^; D. xvn,'i4; A. v, 10; scales 6-33-11. Body
elongate; profile convex, not very steep; mouth small, low, terminal;
jaws subequal; maxillary not reaching anterior margin of orbit; its
length 3;? in head; mandible 3^ in head; preorbital 3^3 in head;
postorbital 2%', snout 2^; lips thin, the lower with a broad frenum;
eighth dorsal spine 2^ in head, the last spine 2^; dorsal and anal
rays not produced, their tips scarcely reaching base of caudal; pec-
toral 1^3 in head; ventral if, their tips not reaching vent; least depth
of caudal peduncle z\ in head, its length being about \ greater than
its depth.
Color brownish, six indistinct dark bands on sides; a dark lateral
band which ends in a black spot at base of caudal; fins all plain.
Length 7 inches or over.
210. Cichlasoma nebulifer (Giinther).
Chromis nebulifer Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1860, 318;
Mexico.
Her os nebulifer Gunther, Cat., iv, 297, 1860; Mexico.
Cichlasoma nebuliferun Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1898, 1524.
Eastern lowland streams of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. (San
Juan Evangelista.)
Head 3! ; depth 2%; D. xvn or xvm, 10 or n; A. vi, 8 or 9; scales
6-36-11. Body elongate, much compressed; profile much curved, its
anterior half very steep ; mouth small, subinferior, maxillary 4 in head ;
mandible 3^; lips moderately thick, the lower with a broad frenum;
jaws equal, the anterior teeth rather strong; about 5 rows of embedded
scales on the cheeks; preorbital 2^ in head; postorbital 2^; inter-
orbital very convex, 2 % in head ; diameter of eye 4 in head ; dorsal spines
rather high, eighth 2^ in head, the last spine 2^5 ; middle rays of dor-
sal not produced, their tips reaching base of caudal; pectoral \\ in
head; ventral rays not produced, their tips not reaching to first anal
spine ; ventral i ^ in head ; caudal fin truncate ; least depth of caudal
peduncle 2^ in head, its length about % greater than its depth.
FAMILY XXI. CICHLID^;. 221
Color light olivaceous, sides with about 6 indistinct vertical bands;
side with a dark lateral band on middle of side, ending in a large black
caudal spot; fins rather dark and without spots or any markings.
Length about 14 inches.
NOTE. The two following descriptions are too brief to indicate
their position in the preceding list.
Cichlasoma deppii (Heckel).
Herosdeppii Heckel, Brasil. Fluss-Fische, 382, 1840; Mexico: Gunther, Cat.,
iv, 29, 1862.
Cichlasoma deppii Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 1524.
Head 3^; depth 3; D. xvn, 10; A. vi, 8; scales 17-30. Lower lip with a
frenum; 6 rows of scales on the cheek; dorsal spines 4 in head.
Color brownish; tail with 6 obsolete dark cross bands, the last with a black
spot. (Heckel.)
Cichlasoma montezuma (Heckel).
Heros montezuma Heckel, Brazil. Fluss-Fische, 1840, 383; Mexico: Gunther,
Cat., iv, 296, 1862.
Cichlasoma moniezuma Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Fish Comm.,
1896, 1518.
D. xvi, ii ; A. v, ?; scales 30. Lower lip with a frenum; 5 rows of scales on
the cheek; body with 6 dark cross bands, the last around root of caudal and
marked with a black spot. (Heckel.)
82. Neetroplus Gunther.
Neetroplus Gunther, Fish. Cent. America, 469., 1869. (Type, Neetro-
plus nematops Gunther.)
This genus differs from Cichlasoma chiefly in having anteriorly a
row of flat, incisor-like teeth, behind which is a band of villiform teeth.
In the numerous specimens of Neetroplus carpintis examined by
me, the incisor-like teeth are not always evident, which indicates
some doubt as to the validity of the genus.
211. Neetroplus carpintis Jordan & Snyder.
Neetroplus carpintis Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish Comm.,
1900, 146, fig. 22; Laguna de Carpinte, Tampico; Rio Verde
Rascon: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1900,
Lowland streams of northeastern Mexico, Rio Panuco to the Rio
Grande, abundant. (San Juan; Linares; Garza Valdez; La Cruz;
Santa Engracia; Victoria; Forlon; Valles.)
Head 3; depth if to 2; D. xvi, 10; A. v, 8 or 9; scales 7-33-12.
Body deep, much compressed; profile convex, quite steep; interorbital
convex, 2^" in head; mouth moderate, maxillary 3^ in head; man-
dible 2%; preorbital 2|; postorbital 2^; snout 2f; diameter of eye
4% in head; jaws equal; outer series of teeth enlarged, some being
more or less incisor -like ; lips thick, the lower with a narrow, well devel-
oped frenum; cheeks with about 5 rows of scales; eighth dorsal spine
222 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
2 in head, the last spine i^; middle rays of dorsal and anal fins pro-
duced, their tips in females reaching about middle of caudal, in
the larger males to within y^ of tip of caudal; pectoral fin !> in
head ; ventral fins produced, their tips reaching base of third anal spine,
the fin being slightly longer than the head; caudal fin rounded;
least depth of caudal peduncle 2 in head, its length i^ in its depth.
Color dark brownish, about 5 dark vertical bands on posterior
half of the body; a black caudal spot about % of which is above the
lateral line ; soft dorsal, soft anal and caudal fin with some transparent
blotches; a few dark spots about X si ze f pupil on upper anterior
half of body, a few smaller dark dots on cheek and preorbital areas;
under side of head, breast, base of pectoral and ventrals nearly black.
The larger males (9 inches in length) have a well developed nuchal
hump. Length about 12 inches.
83. Thorichthys gen. nov.
Type, Thorichthys ellioti Meek.
Body deep, much compressed; mouth rather small; caudal fin
lunate, its outer rays produced into a filament; pectoral fin long and
pointed, about as long or longer than head; subopercle with a black
blotch, otherwise as in Cichlasoma. (0pwffxa> y to leap, ^0^?, fish.)
On all specimens of this group collected by me there is no trace of
a nuchal hump. Individuals of the two species here listed from
southern Mexico are not large, as none of those collected by me exceeds
a length of 6 inches. These two species are very variable, though
they represent a quite distinct type of Cichlids. The following species
from Mexico and Central America apparently belong to this group :
Thorichthys aureus (Gunther), Rio Motagua and at Yzabel, Guate-
mala.
Thorichthys afjinis (Gunther), Lake Peten, Guatemala.
Thorichthys fredrichsthali (Heckel), Rio San Juan, Nicaragua.
Thorichthys rostratus (Gill & Bransford), Lake Nicaragua.
Thorichthys longimanus (Gunther), Lake Nicaragua.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF THORICHTHYS.
a. Dorsal spines high, longest i to 2 in head; PAGE
cheeks with small blue spots. helleri 223
aa. Dorsal spines lower, the longest 2f in head;
cheeks with black spots, some of which are
large as pupil ellioti 223
FAMILY XXI. CICHLID^;. 223
212. Thorichthys helleri (Steindachner).
Heros helleri Steindachner, Chromiden Mexicos, 1864, 8; Rio Teapa,
Tabasco, Mexico.
Cichlasoma helleri Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1896, 1521.
Heros maculipinnis Steindachner, Chromiden Mexicos, 1864, 13;
Rio Zanopa, Mexico: B. A. Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1892,
541; Santa Maria, Vera Cruz: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 1529.
Lowland streams of Mexico which empty into the Gulf south of the
city of Vera Cruz. (Otopa ; El Hule ; Obispo ; Perez ; San Juan Evan-
gelista.)
Head 2^; depth 2 to 2^; D. xvi or xvii, 9; A. vn or vin-y or 8;
scales 6-30, 12. ' Body rather deep, much compressed; mouth mod-
erate, maxillary 3^3 in head ; lips rather thick, the lower with a frenum ;
jaws equal, outer series of teeth little enlarged; preorbital 3 to 3^ in
head; postorbital 2%; interorbital 3; diameter of eye 3> in head;
cheeks with about 5 rows of scales; eighth dorsal spine 2^ in head; last
dorsal spine if to 2; middle rays of soft dorsal and anal produced
into a filament which extends about to or past middle of caudal fin;
pectoral fin long and slender, pointed, its length equal to that of
head; ventrals with their tips produced, reaching base of sixth anal
spine, their length slightly more than the length of head; caudal fin
lunate, the tips of outer rays produced into short filaments; least
depth of caudal peduncle 2$ in the head; its length if in its depth;
gill rakers short, about 12 on first gill arch.
Color light olivaceous, sides with 6 rather indistinct dark cross-bars;
a black blotch on third band below lateral line and at extremity of
pectoral fin ; a black blotch on opercle in front of pectoral fin ; side of
head with a few small blue spots, occasionally a few dark dots with
blue centers; blue spots on soft dorsal, soft anal, and caudal fin; mem-
brane of spinous dorsal slightly lighter near its tip. Length about 6
inches.
These little fishes are exceedingly numerous in small isolated
ponds, especially where there is a considerable amount of vegetation.
They are attracted by anything which enters the water and will jump
out of it in an apparently playful mood. Where abundant they are
easily caught in the hand, for as soon as your fingers touch the water
they will come leaping toward you.
213. Thorichthys ellioti sp. nov.
Type, No. 4727, F. C. M., 5^ inches in length; Motzorongo,
Vera Cruz.
224
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Head 2f ; depth 2^ to 2>; D. xvi or xvn, 8; A. vii to ix, 6 or 7 ;
scales 7-30-13. Body rather elongate, compressed; profile nearly
straight to nape, more curved from nape to first dorsal spine; mouth
rather small, maxillary 3^3 in head; jaws equal, outer series of teeth
FIG. 72. THORICHTHYS ELLIOTI Meek.
little enlarged; lips thick, the lower with a frenum; preorbital 3 in
head; postorbital 2J^; diameter of eye 3$ in the head; eighth dorsal
spine 2^ in head; last spine 2 ; middle rays of dorsal produced in
adults, their tips reaching to or past middle of caudal fin; pectoral
long and rather slender, its length i% in head; ventral with its rays
produced, their tips reaching sixth anal spine; length of ventral ij
in head; caudal fin lunate, its outer ray usually produced into a short
filament; least depth of caudal peduncle 2f in head, its length
slightly less than its depth; gill rakers very short, about 12 on first gill
arch.
Color dark olivaceous, sides with 6 indistinct cross-bars; a black
blotch on side below lateral line at extremity of pectoral fin ; no black
caudal spot; a black blotch on opercle just in front of pectoral fin;
cheeks with black spots, some of which have blue centers; some of
these spots as large as the pupil; many of the scales on lower half
of the sides have dark centers forming lateral stripes along the rows of
scales; a few transparent spots on the soft dorsal, soft anal, and caudal
fin; a light stripe near tip of spinous dorsal, a similar one on anal.
This species differs from Thorichthys helleri chiefly in having a
darker color, and in having the large black spots on the side of the
head; the dorsal fin is also lower, and the fish is more elongate.
FAM. XXI. CICHLID^E. FAM. XXII. GOBIID^E. 225
Named for Professor D. G. Elliot, Curator of the Department of
Zoology, Field Columbian Museum, whose kind interest and coop-
eration have much aided and encouraged the writer in the preparation
of this paper.
Family XXII. Gobiidse.
THE GOBIES; "ABOMAS."
Body oblong or elongate, naked or covered with ctenoid or cycloid
scales; teeth usually small; premaxillaries protractile; suborbital
without bony stay; opercle unarmed; preopercle unarmed or with a
short spine; pseudobranchiae present; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth;
gill membranes united to the isthmus ; no lateral line ; dorsal fins con-
nected or not; ventral fins close together, separate, or completely
united, when united forming a sucking disk, a cross fold of skin at
their base completing the cup ; no pyloric cceca ; usually no air bladder.
Carnivorous fishes usually of small size living on the bottoms near
shores in warm regions ; some live in fresh water.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF GOBIIDyE.
a. Ventral fins separate, the rays 1,5; body scaly. PAGE
b. Vomer with a broad patch of villiform teeth;
skull above with conspicuous ridges Philypnus 226
bb. Vomer without teeth, skull without crests,
c. Body short, rather deep; scales large, less
than 40 in the lateral series Dormitator 227
cc. Body long and slender; scales small, more
than 40 in the lateral series Eleotris 228
aa. Ventral fins united, forming a sort of disk
which is free from the belly,
d. Maxillary normal, not produced behind the
oval opening; supraoccipital and temporal
. ridges continuous; scales ctenoid; dorsal
spines 6.
f . Inner edge of shoulder girdle without fleshy
dermal flaps; preorbital region short Gobius 229
ff. Inner edge of shoulder girdle with 2 or 3
dermal flaps; preorbital region very long. .Chonophorus 232
dd. Maxillary much produced backward, ex-
tending beyond gill opening in the adult;
supraorbital and temporal crests not con-
tinuous; scales cycloid Gillichthys 234.
226 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Subfamily Eleotridinse.
84. Phily pirns Cuvier & Valenciennes.
METAPIL.
Philypnus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., xn, 255, 1837.
Type, Gobiomorus dormitor Lacepede.
Body elongate, terete anteriorly, compressed posteriorly; head
elongate, much depressed above; mouth large, lower jaw much pro-
jecting; teeth in jaws small, slender, recurved, the outer scarcely
enlarged; teeth on vomer villiform.in a broad, crescent-shaped patch;
gill openings extencrmg forward to below posterior angle of mouth;
the isthmus very narrow; scales ctenoid, covering most of the head;
no preopercular spine; ventral fins separate, the rays 1,5.
214. Philypnus dormitor (Lacepede). METAPIL.
Gobiomorus dormitor Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., n, 599, 1798;
Martinique.
Eleotris dormitatrix Giinther, Cat., in, 119, 1861; Mexico.
Philypnus dormitor Girard, Mex. Bd. Sur., 29, pi. xn, fig. 13, 1859;
mouth of the Rio Grande: Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.,
1860, 122; mouth of the Rio Grande: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2194: Jordan & Snyder, Bull.
U. S. Fish Comm., 1900, 147; lagoons near Tampico: Meek,
Field Col. Mus. Pub., 65, 1902, 120; La Antigua.
Philypnus lateralis Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, 123;
Cape San Lucas: Jordan, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895, 493; Rio
Presidio and Astillero: Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 264;
fresh water at San Jose del Cabo, Lower California; Jordan &
Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2195; Rio Presidio,
near Mazatlan, Mexico.
Gobiomorus donyitator B. A. Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898,
542; Dominica and Santa Maria, Vera Cruz.
Fresh water streams of tropical America, from Tamaulipas and
Sonora to Panama, not found on the Mexican plateau. (Santa Engracia ;
Forlon; Valles; Rascon; San Francisco; Boca del Rio; Motzorongo;
Obispo; Perez; Tehuantepec; La Vega, Tamaulipas [Evermann]).
Head 2f to 3; depth 5 to 5^; D. vi-io; A. 1,9; scales 50 to 60.
Body elongate, compressed posteriorly; head long, much depressed;
mouth large, lower jaw projecting; interorbital area nearly flat, its
width 4 in head; maxillary 2f to 2^ in head, its tip reaching vertical
from pupil; teeth on jaws in a band, depressible; diameter of eye 6 to
7 in head; distance from tip of snout to origin of dorsal 2^4 in body;
pectoral 1^3 in head; ventral 2% in head; scales on entire body except
FAMILY XXII. GOBIID^;. 227
end of snout; those on anterior part of the body smaller than those
on the posterior part.
Color dark brownish above, lighter below; an interrupted dark
lateral band, in specimens a foot or more in length obsolete; anal and
ventral fins pale, the other fins dusky and distinctly mottled ; spinous
dorsal margined with blackish; head often with dark spots. Length
2 feet or more.
Philypnus lateralis is said to differ from Philypnus dormitor in
brighter color and the more distinct lateral band ; young specimens in
our collection from La Antigua have as distinct a lateral band as do
specimens of the same size from Tehuantepec.
85. Dormitator Gill.
PUNECAS.
Dormitator Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 240. (Type,
Dormitator gundlachi Gill.)
Body robust, somewhat compressed; head broad and flat above;
mouth little oblique, lower jaw little projecting; teeth in jaws, none
on vomer; lower pharyngeal teeth stiff and blunt, the bones with a
broad, flexible, and lamelliform rudimentary gill filament; scales large,
ctenoid ; no preopercular spine ; supraoccipital crest low.
215. Dormitator maculatus (Bloch). GUAVINA; PUNECAS; PARGETA;
LA PAPEQUE.
Sciczna maculata Bloch, Ichth., pi. 299, fig. 2, 1790, West Indies.
Eleotris sima Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., 232, 1837;
Vera Cruz.
Eleotris maculata Gunther, Cat., in, 112, 1861.
Eleotris somnolentus Girard, Proc. Acad. .Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 169;
near the mouth of the Rio Grande.
Dormitator maculatus Jordan, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895, 493 i Ri
Presidio, near Mazatlan: Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896,
265 ; Rio San Jose, San Jose del Cabo, Lower California : Jordan
& Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2196.
West Indies, both coasts of America from South Carolina and Cape
San Lucas to Panama and Para. (Boca del Rio; El Hule; Obispo;
Perez.)
Head 3^"; depth 3^; D. vn-i, 8; A. i, 9 or 10; scales 10-30.
Body robust, somewhat compressed, profile much decurved; head
broad, interorbital nearly flat, if in head; snout bluntish; mouth
terminal, oblique, maxillary reaching vertical from anterior margin
of orbit; teeth in jaws villiform, in bands; no teeth on vomer; eye 4
228 FI^LD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
in head; origin of dorsal fin slightly nearer last ray of soft dorsal, 2^
in body; pectoral nearly equaling length of head; ventral ij/j in head;
caudal fin rounded; least depth of caudal peduncle ig in head.
Color brownish; sides with 8 or 9 light irregular bars running
downward and slightly forward; a dark humeral blotch; a dark bar
on base of pectoral ; a dark streak below eye to posterior angle of the
mouth ; 2 to 4 dark bands from eye and below eye to posterior margin
of preopercle; vertical fins more or less spotted with darker; haired
fins without blotches. Length i to 2 feet.
This species usually inhabits salt or brackish water.
86. Eleotris Bloch & Schneider.
Eleotris Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 65, 1801. (Type, Gobius
pisonis Gmelin.)
Body elongate, slender, compressed posteriorly; head long, flat-
tened above, without spines or crests, and almost entirely scaly ; mouth
large, oblique, the lower jaw projecting; lower pharyngeals rather
broad, the teeth small, bluntish; preopercle with a small concealed
spine below, its tip hooked forward; eyes small, high, anterior; isthmus
broad ; ventral fins separate, rays 1,5; scales moderate, mostly ctenoid,
45 to 60 in the lateral series; vertebra? about 26.
A small group of fishes inhabiting warm seas; a few enter fresh
water.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ELEOTRIS. .
a. Teeth subequal, those of the inner or outer series PAGE
enlarged; scales all ctenoid pisonis 228
aa. Teeth all equal; scales of dorsal and ventral
regions cycloid, those on sides ctenoid pictus 229
216. Eleotris pisonis (Gmelin). GUAVINA TETARD; SLEEPER.
Gobius pison is Gmelin, Syst. Nat., 1206, 1788 (based on Eleotris
capite plagioplateo of Gronow; after Marcgrave & Piso, Hist.
Brasil., iv, 166, 1648; Brazil).
Eleotris pisonis Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1898, 2200.
Streams of the West Indies and of Tropical America, from southern
Florida to Brazil. (Vera Cruz; Boca del Rio.)
Head 3 to 3^; depth 4^; D. vi-i, 8; A. i, 8; scales 60. Body
elongate, not much compressed; head depressed, flat; interorbital
area 3 in head; mouth large, maxillary reaching vertical from the
pupil ; lower jaw projecting; snout 5 in head; jaws with bands of villi-
form teeth, none on vomer and palatines; eye 5K m head; top of
head, opercle, and cheeks covered with scales; a stout, concealed spine
FAMILY XXII. GOBIID^;. 229
projecting downward on edge of preopercle; distance from origin of
dorsal to tip of snout 2^ in the body.
Color brownish; fins with dark spots and wavy lines; ventrals
dusky; two dark stripes behind orbit. Length 6 or 7 inches.
217. Eleotris pictus Kner & Steindachner. GUAVINA.
Eleotris pictus Kner & Steindachner, Abh. Wiss. Wien, 1864, pi.
3, fig. i ; Rio Bayano, near Panama.
Culius cequideus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881,
461 ; Rio. Presidio, near Mazatlan.
Eleotris pictus Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 265 ; fresh waters
at San Jose del Cabo, Lower California: Jordan & Evermann,
Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2201.
Streams of the Pacific coast from Sonora to Panama.
Head 3 to 3^; depth 6; D. vi-i, 7 or 8; A. i, 7 or 8; scales 60.
Body elongate, depressed anteriorly; head especially very broad and
flat; mouth large, broad, very oblique; the maxillary reaching nearly
or quite 'to opposite posterior margin of the eye, its length 2^ to 2^
in head; lower jaw considerably projecting; teeth in jaws equal, in
broad bands, the outer series not all enlarged; eye small, anterior, 6
in head; scales on head mostly cycloid, very small, covering cheek
and opercles and upper part of the head to the eyes ; scales on dorsal
and ventral regions cycloid, those on sides mostly ctenoid; preoper-
cular spine well developed, strong, compressed, directed downward
and forward.
Color dark, dull olivaceous brown, paler below; young mottled
with bluish and speckled with brown; sides without longitudinal
stripes; fins dusky, all of them finely mottled and speckled with
darker, the dark markings on dorsal and anal forming undulated
dark bars. Length about 18 inches. (Jordan & Evermann.)
Subfamily Gobiinse.
87. Gobius Linnasus.
Gobius Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., Ed. x, 262, 1758. (Type, Gobius niger
Linnaeus.)
Gobionellus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 168. (Type,
Gobionellus hastatus Girard.)
Ctenogobius Gill, Fish. Trinidad, 374, 1858. (Type, Cienogobius
fasciatus Gill.)
Body oblong or elongate, compressed behind; head oblong, more
or less depressed; mouth moderate; teeth conical, on jaws only, in
several series, the outer row enlarged; no canines; eyes high, an-
230 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
terior, and close together; opercles without spines; isthmus broad;
shoulder girdle without fleshy flaps; scales ctenoid, covering the body;
cheeks usually without scales; ventral fins completely united, not
adnate to the belly; skull depressed, abruptly widened behind the
eyes, and without median keel.
A large group of small fishes usually found along the shores in salt
or brackish water, few species entering fresh water.
/
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF GOBIUS.
a. Scales large, less than 45 in the lateral series. PAGE
b. Scales large, 30 in the lateral series; soft
dorsal rays 1 1 ; anal rays 12 - . parvus 230
bb. Scales smaller, 42 in the lateral series; soft
dorsal rays 12 ; anal rays 13 claytoni 231
aa. Scales very small, 62 in the lateral series; soft
dorsal rays 13 ; anal rays 14 microdon 231
Subgenus Otenogobius Gill.
218. Qobius parvus Meek. SMALL GOBY.
Gobius parvus Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 121; La An-
tigua.
Brackish water near the city of Vera Cruz. (Vera Cruz ; Boca del
Rio.)
Head 4; depth 4^ ; D. vi-n; A. 12; scales 30. Body short,
robust; head large; snout blunt, rounded, 4^ m head; mouth sub-
inferior, little oblique, its gape extending to vertical from pupil; inter-
drbital area narrow, its width less than half the diameter of the eye ;
eye small, partly superior, 3K m head; dorsal fins not connected, the
spinous dorsal of females low, longest spine a little more than half
head; in male the dorsal spine % to % longer than head; caudal fin
long and pointed, its length 3 (5) to 3^ ($) in body; pectoral
slightly less than length of head ; ventral i \ in head ; scales ctenoid.
Color dark olivaceous, mottled with darker; a dark bar on dorsal
region from base of posterior half of spinous dorsal, followed by three
others from base of soft dorsal and one on caudal peduncle; 5 or 6
narrow dark streaks on lower half of sides, extending downward and
forward to base of anal ; two black spots at base of caudal fin ; dorsal
fins of both sexes barred; caudal fin of females with narrow dark
bars; none on males; anal fin with dark margin. Length about 3.50
inches.
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM.
PLATE XVII, ZOOLOGY.
GOBIUS PARVUS Meek.
No. 3738, Field Columbian Museum.
GOBIUS CLAYTONI Meek.
No. 3740. Field Columbian Museum.
FAMILY XXII. GOBIID^;. 231
Subgenus GrobionellllS Girard.
219. Gobius claytoni Meek. CLAYTON'S GOBY.
Gobius claytoni Meek, Field Col. Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 121; La
Antigua.
Fresh and brackish waters on coast of Vera Cruz. (Vera Cruz; San
Francisco; Boca del Rio.)
Head 3^3; depth 5^; D. vi-i2; A. 13; scales 15-42. Body elon-
gate, subterete, and tapering to caudal; head moderate; snout very
blunt; mouth terminal, broad, its gape horizontal; interorbital width
less than half diameter of the pupil ; diameter of eye equaling length of
snout, 3% in head; no scales on dorsal surface between spinous dorsal
and nape; spinous dorsal low, the longest spine about 2 in head;
caudal fin long and pointed, its middle rays the longest, about %
longer than head; pectoral i% in head; ventral i^'. scales ctenoid;
breast and region under ventrals without scales.
Color light olivaceous, somewhat reticulated above; side with 5
oblong dark blotches, the last and smallest one forming a black caudal
spot; spinous and soft dorsals barred; caudal fin barred; the middle
portion of the ventrals, except a small central light patch, blackish;
some black on posterior half of anal fin ; a narrow dark curved streak
at base of pectoral fin ; a dark stripe on cheek and one downward and
'forward from eye. Length about 3 inches.
220. Gobius microdon Gilbert.
Gobius microdon Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1891, 554; San
Juan Lagoon, north of Rio Ahome, Mexico: Jordan & Ever-
mann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 2227.
Known only from the type locality.
. Head 4%', depth 5; D. vi-i3; A. 14; scales 62. Body and head
compressed, everywhere deeper than wide; snout blunt; mouth low,
terminal, nearly horizontal; the lower jaw very weak, broadly rounded
anteriorly; maxillary reaching vertical from hinder margin of pupil,
about 2 in head ; teeth minute, those in the upper jaw in a single series ;
teeth in lower jaw in two series, the outer somewhat enlarged; inter-
orbital space narrow, less than diameter of the pupil; isthmus wide,
the gill openings extending but little below the base of the pectorals ;
scales small, cycloid anteriorly and on belly, becoming larger poste-
riorly ; scales ctenoid on sides behind middle of spinous dorsal ; belly
wholly scaled; nape scaled forward nearly to orbits, but with a narrow
median naked streak running back to front of dorsal ; breast and sides
of head naked ; dorsal fins not connected, first 4 spines filamentous, the
longest longer than the head; soft dorsal and anal similar, not high.
232 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Color nearly uniform light olive, with minute darker punctulations,
which sometimes form darker margins to the scales ; an oblique dusky
streak on opercle ; 3 or 4 oblique obscure dark cross-bars on spinous
dorsal and 4 or 5 on caudal peduncle; ventral with white pigment.
Length about 2 inches.
88. Choiiophorus Poey.
Chonophorus Poey, Memorias, n, 274, 1861. (Type, Gobius taiasica
Lichtenstein.)
Body elongate, compressed posteriorly; head large, preorbital
region very long; mouth large, nearly horizontal; inner edge of
shoulder girdle with 2 or more conspicuous dermal flaps; premaxillary
and maxillary strong; lips thick; scales small, ctenoid; interorbital
groove with a conspicuous median crest; ventrals united, not adnate
to the belly.
A group of fishes which inhabit the fresh waters of Tropical Amer-
ica and the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the species reach a large size.
I recognize with some doubt three species of this genus in Mexico.
"KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CHONOPHORUS.
a. Scales large, 60 to 75 in the lateral series. PAGE
b. About 15 scales in a series between second
dorsal and base of anal nelsoni 232
bb. About 21 scales in a series between second
dorsal and base of anal .-..-. taiasica 233
aa. Scales smaller, 24-76 to 80 mexicanus 233
221. Chonophorus nelsoni (Evermann).
Awaous nelsoni Evermann, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., 1898, 3; fresh
water pools at Rosaria, Sinaloa: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47,
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1896, 2235.
Streams of Sinaloa.
Head 3>; depth 6; D, vi-n; A. n; scales about 63. Body
oblong, compressed; head large, flat above; maxillary reaching ver-
tical -from posterior margin of pupil; teeth on bands in jaws, some of
the outer a little enlarged; eyes moderate, 5^ in head; scales small,
ctenoid, crowded on anterior part of the body; about 15 scales in a
series between soft dorsal and anal fin; caudal fin rounded.
Color grayish; head mottled and blotched with dark; side with 7
or 8 black blotches, the largest under the middle of the pectoral fin;
dorsals pale, crossed by several lines of black spots; caudal pale, with
FAMILY XXII. GOBIID^;. 233
6 or 7 dark cross-bars; ventral, anal, and pectorals pale. Length
about 4 inches. (Evermann. ")
222. Chonophorus taiasica (Lichtenstein). ABOMA DE Rio; LA
PUJEQUE; MUCHURA.
Gobius taiasica Lichtenstein, Berl. Abhandl., 1822, 166; Brazil.
Gobius dolichocephalus Cope, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. Phila.,
1869, 403 ; near Orizaba, Mexico.
Awaous taiasica Jordan, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895, 494'- Ri
Presidio, Mazatlan; San Jose del Cabo, Lower California:
Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2236:
Rutter, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1896, 265 ; Rio San Jose, San Jose
del'Cabo, Lower California: Jordan & Snyder, Bull. U. S. Fish
Comm., 1900, 147; Rio Ixtla, Puente de Ixtla: Meek, Field Col.
Mus. Pub. 65, 1902, 121 ; La Antigua; Balsas; Puente de Ixtla.
Streams of the West Indies and of the American continent from
Vera Cruz and Mazatlan to Panama and Brazil. It does not occur
on the Mexican plateau. (Cuautla; Valles; San Francisco; Perez.)
Head 3%', depth 5^; D. vi-n; A. n; scales 60 to 75. Body
elongate, not much compressed; snout much decurved; interorbital
very narrow, somewhat convex, its width less than diameter of the
eye; preorbital deep, about 3 in head; mouth large; premaxillary
scarcely reaching vertical from anterior margin of orbit; teeth small,
in bands on jaws; gill membranes broadly united to the isthmus;
branchiostegals 4; origin of dorsal to tip of snout 2% in body; pec-
torals long, 1^3 in head; scales small, ctenoid, those on anterior ^ of
body much smaller than on rest of the body; caudal fin rounded.
Color olivaceous, with irregular dark blotches along middle of the
sides; rest of body above reticulate with darker; lower third of body
nearly plain ; dorsal fins and caudal barred ; other fins plain ; two blue
streaks from eye to maxillary and two or more small ones on cheek.
Length about 12 inches.
A food fish of considerable local importance.
223. Chonophorus rnexicanus (Gunther).
Gobius mexicanus Gunther, Cat., in, 61, 1861; Mexico.
Awaous mexicanus Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1898, 2237.
Distribution not known.
Head 4; depth 6f ; D. vi-i ; A. n; scales 24-76 to 82. Head as
broad as deep, flat above; snout elongate, upper profile oblique; mouth
horizontal, lower jaw included; maxillary reaching to below anterior
margin of the eye; teeth of outer series enlarged; scales small, those
234 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
on the nape and on anterior part of the body very small ; head naked ;
dorsal fins lower than depth of body; caudal fins rounded.
Color yellowish olive, back and sides reticulate with darker; head,
dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins dotted with blackish; 6 cross series of
dots on caudal ; an irregular, small blackish spot on upper part of base
of pectoral (Gunther.)
This species is known only from the above description.
89. Gillichthya Cooper
Gillichthys Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1863, 109. (Type, Gil-
licktnys mirabilis Cooper.)
Body moderately elongate, compressed, covered with small
cycloid embedded scales; belly and head naked; scales in the young
more or less ciliated; eyes almost superior; gape wide, the maxillary
in the adult inordinately developed, prolonged backward to the base
of the pectorals, its posterior part a cartilaginous expansion connected
to an expansion of the skin of the lower jaw, thus forming a channel
backward from the mouth; teeth small, even, and in broad bands;
pectorals large; isthmus broad.
224. Gillichthys detrusus Gilbert & Scofield. LONG-JAWED GOBY.
Gillichthys detrusus Gilbert & Scofield, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1897,
498, pi. 38; Horseshoe Bend, mouth of Colorado River: Jordan
& Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 2251.
Known only from the lower portion of the Colorado River.
Head 3^; depth 5; D. vi-i3; A. n; scales about 25-75. Body
robust, somewhat compressed posteriorly; head large, depressed;
mouth very large, the maxillary 1^3 in head; mandible 1^3 ; snout 4;
interorbital 5^; eye small, 7 in head; dorsal fins not connected, the
space between them equaling half length of spinous portion ; pectoral
1 2^ in head; the post frontals small, projecting very little; least depth
of caudal peduncle 2^3 in head.
Color a very pale olive, some with dark punctulations about the
head and fins ; the pale coloration probably due to their life in shallow
water on the bottom of pale sand. Length about 5 inches.
Family XXIII. SoleicUe.
THE SOLES.
Body oblong or elongate, usually scaly; mouth very small, more
developed on eyed side; teeth in bands, very small or obsolete; edge of
preopercle adnate, concealed by the skin and scales; gill openings
narrow, the membranes adnate to the shoulder girdle above ; paired
FAMILY XXIII. SOLEID^E. 235
fins small or wanting. The species of this family are very numerous
in the warm seas, a few enter brackish, and still fewer inhabit fresh
waters.
Subfamily Achirinse.
9O. Achirus Lace"pede.
Achirus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv,659, 1803. (Type, Achirus
fasciatus Lace"pede.)
Baiostoma Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 413. (Type, Baiostoma
brachiale Bean.)
Body broad, bluntly rounded anteriorly; head small; eyes small,
close together; eyes and color on the right side; mouth small, mostly
developed on the right side; teeth small, on blind side only; gill open-
ings narrow ; scales ctenoid ; some scales on head and anterior part of
the body enlarged, some of those on blind side with hair-like projec-
tions; lateral line straight, simple; dorsal fin beginning on snout;
ventral rays 3 or 4, the fin on colored side connected with the anal by
a membrane.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ACHIRUS.
a. Pectoral fin of right side only present. PAGE
b. Pectoral fin with 4 rays; depth of body i%
in its length; scales 70 in lateral series mazatlanus 235
bb. Pectoral fin with 2 rays; depth of body if
in its length; scales 85 in the lateral series fonsecensis 236
aa. Pectoral fins wholly wanting; scales 66 to 75 fasciatus 236
Subgenus Baiostoma Bean.
225. Achirus mazatlanus (Steindachner). MEXICAN SOLE.
Solea mazatlana Steindachner, Ichth. Notizen, ix, 23, 1869;
Mazatlan.
Solea pilosa Peters, Berliner Monalsber., 1869, 709; Mazatlan.
Achirus mazatlanus Jordan, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895; Rio Pre-
sidio, Sinaloa: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1898, 2698; Rio Presidio, Sinaloa.
Streams of Mexico which empty into the Pacific Ocean.
Head 3^3 ; depth i^; D. 56; A. 42; scales 70. Body broad, oval;
eyes small, the upper in advance of the lower; diameter of eye 7^ m
head; interorbital % diameter of the eye; nostril in a tube, placed just
above the middle of the mouth; pectoral developed on the eyed side
only, with about 4 rays; origin of dorsal on tip of snout; scales of right
side with numerous black hair-like appendages.
236 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Color brownish, with 8 or 9 narrow vertical black bars; fins dark
without distinct markings.
226. Achirus fonsecensis (Giinther).
Solea fonsecensis Giinther, Cat., iv, 475, 1862; Gulf of Fonseca.
Achirus fonsecensis Jordan, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1895, 230; Rio
Presidio, Sinaloa: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat.
Mus., 1898, 2699; Rio Presidio, Sinaloa.
Pacific coast of tropical America, entering rivers.
Head 3X1 depth if; D. 58; A. 44; scales about 85. Body oval;
eyes small, the upper in advance of the lower; interorbital space less
than diameter of eye; no trace of pectoral on left side, the one on
right side small, of about 2 rays; ventral of right side composed of
5 rays, continuous with anal fin; scales on the nape twice or thrice as
large as those on the body; the left anterior part of the head with
numerous tentacles; the right lower lip with distinct slender fringes;
caudal fin rounded, as long as head.
Color brownish olive, with six pairs of deep brown vertical lines,
extending on dorsal and anal fins.
Subgenus Achirus Lacepede.
227. Achirus fasciatus Lacepede.
Achirus fasciatus Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 659, 662, 1803;
Charleston: Jordan & Evermann, Bull. 47, U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1898, 2700.
Solea achirus Giinther, Cat., iv, 476, 1862.
Atlantic and gulf coasts from Cape Ann to the Isthmus of Tehuan-
tepec; ascending rivers to a considerable distance above tide-water.
(Perez.)
Head 4; depth if; D. 50 to 55 ; A. 37 to 45 ; scales 66 to 75. Body
broad, elliptical; mouth small, reaching past front of lower eye; lower
lip on right side fringed; eyes very small, the upper slightly in ad-
vance of the lower; interorbital space with scales; head and body
covered with strongly ctenoid scales : on blind side many scales on and
near head with hair-like appendages; lateral line straight; origin of
dorsal fin on tip of snout; no pectoral fins.
Color, eyed side dusky, more or less mottled, with 7 or 8 narrow
dark vertical streaks; fins with black spots, blind side white. Length
about 5 or 6 inches.
INDEX.
VOLUME V.
PAGE
Aboma de Rio 233
Abomas 225
Abramis 56
Abramis americanus : . 57
Abramis chrysoleucus 57
Abramis crysoleucas , 57
Acanthopteri 164
Acara bartoni 211
Acara rectangularis 216
Achirinse 235
Achirus 235, 236
* Achirus fasciatus 235, 236
Achirus fonsecensis 236
Achirus mazatlanus 235
achirus. (Solea) 236
Acomus guzmaniensis 30
Adinia dugesii in
Adinia guatemalensis 103
Adinia pachycephalus 112
adustus. (Couesius) 82
asneus. (Tetragonopterus) 86
aequidens. (Culius) 229
aestivalis. (Gobio) 81
aestivalis. (Hybopsis) 81
affinis. (Amiurus) 1 1
affinis. (Gambusia) 130, 131
affinis. (Heterandria) 130
affinis. (Lucania) 109
affinis. (Pimelodus) 10
affinis. (Thorichthys) ' 222
Agonostoma globiceps 188
Agonostoma monticola . . . ' 186
Agonostoma nasutum 187
Agonostominae 186
Agonostomus 186
Agonostomus monticola 186, 187
Agonostomus nasutus 187
Agonostomus telfairii 186
Agosia 79
Agosia chrysogaster 80
Agosia oscula 80
aguadulce. (Galeichthys) 9
albidus. (Ptychostomus) 34
PAGE
album. (Chirostoma) 180
Alburnops 62, 65
Alburn ops blennius 62
albus. (Atherinichthys) 180
Algansea 44
Algansea dugesi 45
Algansea lacustris 47
Algansea rubescens. . 46
Algansea sallasi 45
Algansea tarascorum 47
Algansea tincella 44
Algoma amara . 48
Algoma fluviatilis 48
Alligator Garpike 6
altus. (Hudsonius) 80, 81
altus. (Hybopsis) .81, 82
altus. (Notropis) 82
amara. (Algoma) 48
amara. (Dionda) 48
amara. (Hybognathus) 49
Amblodon neglecttis 203
amblops. (Rutilus) 80
Ameiurus 12
Ameiurus dugesi 1 6
Ameiurus lupus 14
Ameiurus natalis 16
Ameiurus pricei 1 6
americanus. (Abramis) 57
Amiurus 12, 14, 16
Amiurus affinis 1 1
Amiurus australis 13
Amiurus catus 15
Amiurus dugesi 15
Amiurus furcatus 10
Amiurus lupus 14, 1 5
Amiurus meridionalis 1 1
Amiurus mexicanus 15
Amiurus natalis 16
Amiurus natalis antoniensis 16
Amiurus pricei 16
Amiurus punctulatus 18
Anablepinae 135
Anableps ._ 135
2 37
238
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
HACK
Anableps dovii 136
Anableps dowei 136
Anableps tetropthalmus 135
anableps. (Cobitis) 135
Anacyrtus guatemalensis 88
anale. (Dorosoma) 93
Anguilla 90
Anguilla chrysypa 90
Anguilla tyrannus 90
anguilla. (Muraena) 90
Anguillida? 90
anisurus. (Catostomus) 34
anomalum. (Campostoma) 42
anomalus. (Rutilus) 40, 42
antoniensis. (Amiurus natalis) ... 16
Aplesion pottsii 196
Aplodinotus 202
Aplodinotus grunniens 202, 203
Apocope 79
Apocope carringtoni 79
Apodes 90
Apomotis 190, 191
Apomotis cyanellus 191
aquilensi", (Pomotis) 191
arge. (Chirostoma) 171
arge. (Eslopsarum) 171
argentatus. (Astyanax) 84, 85
argentatus. (Pomadasis) 200
argentatus. (Tetragonopterus) ... 85
argenteus. (Tetragonopterus) .... 84
argentissimus. (Plagopterus) .... 83
Argyreus notabilis 80
Argyreus osculus 80
Astyanax 84
Astyanax argentatus 84, 85
atchafalayas. (Signalosa) 94, 95
Atherina hvfrnboldtiana 166, 175
Atherina menidia 181
Atherina vomerina 166, 175
Atherinella crystallina 184
Atherinichthys 166
Atherinichthys albus 180
Atherinichthys brevis 169
Atherinichthys humboldtianus . ... 175
Atherinichthys sallei 181
Atherinidae 165
Atherinoides 166
atherinoides. (Notropis) 62
Atractosteus 5,6
Atractosteus lucius 6
Atractosteus tropicus 7
PAGE
atripinnis. (Goodea) 136, 140
atronasus. (Cyprinus) 79
attenuatum. (Chirostoma). 172
auratus. (Carassius) 37
aureus. (Sparus) 193
aureus. (Thorichthys) '. 222
auritus. (Labrus) 190
australe. (Etheostoma) 196, 197
australis. (Amiurus) 13
austrina. (Myxostoma) 35
austrinum. (Moxostoma) 35
austrinum. (Myzostoma) 35
Awaous mexicanus 233
Awaous nelsoni ' . . . 232
Awaous taiasica 233
Azteca 59
azteca. (Aztecula) 60
Aztecula 59
Aztecula azteca 60
Aztecula lermag 60
Aztecula mexicana 61
Aztecula vittata 59
aztecus. (Notropis) 59
Bagre 9, 10, n, 14, 18
Bagre del Balsas 17
Baiostoma . 235
Baiostoma brachiale 235
balsanus. (Istlarius) 17
balsanus. (Melaniris) '. 183
bartoni. (Acara) 211
bartoni. (Chirostoma) 172
bartoni. (Cichlasoma) 211
Bass, Black 194
bayanus. (Pomadasis) . 201
beani. (Cichlasoma) 210
beani. (Heros) 210
belizanus. (Belonesox) 135
Belone truncata 160
Belonesox I3S
Belonesox belizanus 135
Belonida? 160
berlandieri. (Lepidosteus) 6
bernardini. (Catostomus) 32
Besugo 1 8, 195
bilineata. (Skiffia) 144
bilineatus. (Characodon) 144
bimaculatus. (Pseudoxiphophorus)
127, 128
bimaculatus. (Xiphophorus) 127
Black Bass 194
INDEX, VOL. V.
PAGE
Black-nosed Dace 79
blennius. (Alburn ops) 62
Bobos 1 88
Boleosoma lepida 196, 198
bonita. (Gambusia) 132
Bony-tail 53-54
boucardi. (Leuciscus) 62, 67, 68
boucardi. (Nototropis) 67
boucardi. (Rutilus) 67
brachiale. (Baiostoma) 235
brachyptera. (Rhamdia) 21
brama. (Cyprinus) 56
brasiliensis. (Chirostoma) 169
braytoni. (Nototropis) 65
braytoni. (Notropis) 65
Bream 56, 57
brevicaudum. (Siphostoma) 163
brevis. (Atherinichthys) 169
bubalina. (Cyprinella) 71
Buffalo 26
Burros 200
butleri. (Poecilia) 153
caliente. (Xenendum) 136, 140
calientis. (Goodea) 140
calientis. (Nototropis) 65
calientis. (Notropis) 65
Campostoma 40
Campostoma anomalum 42
Campostoma dubium 42
Campostoma formosulum 42
Campostoma nasutum 42
Campostoma ornatum 41
Campostoma pricei 41
Campostomatinas 40
cantrainii. (Tylosurus) 160
Carassius 37
Carassius auratus 37
Carp 37
Carpa 37
carpintis. (Neetroplus) 221
carpio. (Cyprinus) 37
Carpiodes 25
Carpiodes elongatus 28
Carpiodes labiosus 29
Carpiodes meridionalis 26
Carpiodes microstomus 27
Carpiodes tumidus 26, 2 7
Carpiodes velifer 27
Carp-like Fishes 24
carringtoni. (Apocope) 79
239
PAGE
Cat, Channel 10, 1 1
Cat, Chuckle-headed 10
Cat, White 1 1
Cat, Yellow 16
Catfishes 8
Catfish, Tropical 1 1
Catonotus fasciatus 197
Catostomidc-e 24
Catostominag 30
Catostomus 29, 30, 31, 33
Catostomus anisurus 34
Catostomus bernardini 32
Catostomus conchos 33
Catostomus congestus 34
Catostomus cypho 33
Catostomus cyprinus 25
Catostomus guzmaniensis 30
Catostomus nebuliferus 30
Catostomus plebeius 30
Catostomus sonorensis 32
catostomus. (Cyprinus) 31
catus. (Amiurus) 15
Centra.chi6.se 189
Centropomidae 198
Centropomus 199
Centropomus mexicanus 199
cephalus. (Mugil) 185, 186
cepidianum. (Dorosoma) 94
cepidianum. (Megalops) 92
Ceratichthys sallaei 45
Channel Cat 10, 1 1
chapalas. (Chirostoma) 176
chapalae. (Falcula) 58
Chapalichthys 123
Chapalichthys encaustus 123
Characinae 88
Characinidas 83
Characins 83
Characodon 118, 123
Characodon bilineatus 144
Characodon eiseni 119
Characodon encaustus 123
Characodon ferrugineus 120
Characodon furcidens 122
Characod6n garmani 121, 122, 127
Characodon geddesi 1 1 6
Characodon lateralis 118,121
Characodon luitpoldi 139
Characodon multiradiatus 119
Characodon variatus 120
Chatoessus mexicanus 94. 95
240 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGE PAGE
Cheonda modesta -. 55
Cheonda nigrescens 55
chihuahua. (Nototropis) 67
chihuahua. (Notropis) 67
Chirostoma 166, 175
Chirostoma album 180.
Chirostoma arge 171
Chirostoma attenuatum 172
Chirostoma bartoni 172
Chirostoma brasiliensis 169
Chirostoma chapalae 176
Chirostoma crystallinum 178
Chirostoma diazi 178
Chirostoma estor 166, 180
Chirostoma grandocule 176
Chirostoma humboldtianum ... 172, 175
Chirostoma jordani 166, 169
Chirostoma labarcae 173
Chirostoma lerrnae 179
Chirostoma lucius 1 78
Chirostoma mezquital 170
Chirostoma ocotlanse 180
Chirostoma patzcuaro 174
Chirostcaia promelas 177
Chirostoma sphyraena 177
Chirostoma zirahuen 174
Chondrostomatinae 43
Chonophorus 232
Chonophorus mexicanus 233
Chonophorus nelsoni 232
Chonophorus taiasica 233
Chromis nebulifer 220
Chrysogaster. (Agosia) 79. 80
chrysoleucus. (Abramis) 57
chrysoleucus. (Notemigonus) .... 57
chrysypa. (Anguilla) 90
Chub of th*e Rio Grande 55
Chuckle-headed Cat 10
Cichlasoma 204, 221, 222
Cichlasoma bartoni 211
Cichlasoma beani 210
Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum 215
Cichlasoma deppii 221
Cichlasoma eigenmanni 220
Cichlasoma evermanni 214
Cichlasoma hedricki 208
Cichlasoma helleri 223
Cichlasoma heterodontum 215
Cichlasoma istlanum 212
Cichlasoma melanurum 219
Cichlasoma mento 207
Cichlasoma mojarra 217
Cichlasoma montezuma 221
Cichlasoma nebulifer 220
Cichlasoma octofasciatum 218
Cichlasoma parma 218, 220
Cichlasoma pavonaceum 209
Cichlasoma rectangulare 216
Cichlasoma salvini 207
Cichlasoma steindachneri 210
Cichlidae 204
Cichlids 204
civilis. (Hybognathus) 49
claytoni. (Gobius) 231
Clayton's Goby 231
Cliola montiregis 71
Cobitis anableps 135
Cobitis heteroclitis 106
Cochlognathus 57
Cochlognathus ornatus 57, 58
Codoma 68
Codoma ornata 62, 68
Codoma vittata 59
Common Eel 90
Common Gar Pike 5
compressus. (Hemigrammus) .... 87
conchos. (Catostomus) 33
confertus. (Hyborhynchus) 51
confertus. (Pimelocephales) 51
confertus. (Pimephales) 51
congestum. (Moxostoma) 34
congestum. (Myzostoma) 34
congestus. (Catostomus) 34
conirostris. (Pimelodus) 19
Conorhynchus 19
Conorhynchus nelsoni 19
conspersa. (Gila) 55
conspersa. (Tigoma) 56
Corvina oscula 203
couchi. (Dionda) 48
couchi. (Moniana) 71
couchiana. (Limia) 152
couchiana. (Poecilia) 152
Couesius 82
Couesius adustus " 82
Croakers 202
crocro. (Pristipoma) . . : 200
crysoleucas. (Abramis) 57
crysoleucas. (Cyprinus) 57
crystallina. (Atherinella) 184
crystallina. (Thyrina) . : 184
crystallinum. (Chirostoma) 178
INDEX,
PAGE
Ctenogobius . 229, 230
Ctenogobius fasciatus 229
Cuatro Ojos 135, 136
cuitzeoensis. (Zoogoneticus) no
Culius sequidens 229
cupreus. (Pimelodus) 12
cyanellus. (Apomotis) 191
cyanellus. (Lepidopomus) 191
cyanellus. (Lepomis) 190, 191
cyanoguttatum. (Cichlasoma) ... 215
cyanoguttatus. (Herichthys) .205,215
cyanoguttatus. (Heros) 21 5, 218
Cylindrosteus 5,6
Cynodonichthys 101
Cynodonichthys tenuis 101
cypho. (Catostomus) 33
cypho. (Xyrauchen) 33
Cyprinella bubalina 71
Cyprinella macrostoma 72
Cyprinella rubripinna 73
Cyprinidae 36, 53
Cyprinodon 124
Cyprinodon elegans 124, 125
Cyprinodon eximius 125, 126
Cyprinodon latifasciatus 126
Cyprinodon macularius 126
Cyprinodon variegatus 124
Cyprinus 37
Cyprinus atronasus 79
Cyprinus carpio 37
Cyprinus catostomus 31
Cyprinus crysoleucas 57
Cyprinus brama 56
Cyprinus leuciscus 55
cyprinus. (Catostomus) 25
Dace 55
Dace, Black-nosed 79
Dace, Southern 79
Dajaus 186
deppii. (Cichlasoma) 221
deppii. (Heros) 221
detrusus. (Gillichthys) 234
diazi. (Chirostoma) 178
diazi. (Zoogoneticus) 114
digueti. (Neomugil) 187, 188
Dionda 48
Dionda amara 48
Dionda couchi 48
Dionda episcopa 48
Dioplites nuecensis 195
VOL. V 241
PAGE
Diplesion fasciatus 197
dolichocephalus. (Gobius) 233
dolomieu. (Micropterus) 194
Dormitator 227
Dormitator gundlachi 227
Dormitator maculatus 227
dormitator. (Gobiomorus) 226
dormitatrix. (Eleotris) 226
dormitor. (Philypnus) 226, 227
dormitor. (Gobiomorus) 226
- Dorosoma 92
Dorosoma anale 93
Dorosoma cepedianum 94
Dorosoma exile 94
Dorosoma mexicanum 94
Dorosoma notata 92
Dorosomatidas 92
dovii. (Anableps) 136
dowei. (Anableps) 136
Drum, Fresh-water 203
Drums, River 202
dubium. (Campostoma) 42
dugesi. (Algansea) 45
dugesi. (Ameiurus) 16
dugesi. (Amiurus) 15
dugesi. (Zoogoneticus) in
dugesii. (Adinia) in
dugesii. (Fundulus) in
dugesii. (Zoogoneticus) 111
Eel, Common 90
Eel, Fresh-water 90
Eels 90
Eels, Symbranchoid 89
eigenmanni. (Cichlasoma) 220
eigenmanni. (Evarra) 77
eiseni. (Characodon) 119
elegans. (Cyprinodon) 124, 125
elegans. (Gila) 53
Eleotridinae 226
Eleotris 228
Eleotris dormitatrix 226
Eleotris maculatus 227
Eleotris pictus 229
Eleotris pisonis 228
Eleotris sima 227
Eleotris somnolentus 227
ellioti. (Thorichthys) 222, 223
elongatus. (Carpiodes) 28
encaustus. (Chapalichthys) 123
encaustus. (Characodon) 123
242
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
Epicyrtus microlepis
episcopa. (Dionda)
episcopa. (Hybognathus) . . .
episcopus. (Hybognathus) . .
Eslopsarum 166
Eslopsarum arge
Eslopsarum jordani
Esox marinus
Esox osseus
Esox tristcechus
estor. (Chirostoma) 166
estor. (Lethostole)
Etheostoma
Etheostoma australe 196,
Etheostoma flabellare
Etheostoma lepidum '.....
Etheostoma micropterus
Etheostoma pottsii 196,
Etheostoma scovelii
Etheostomatinae
Eupomotis 189, 190,
Eupomotis heros
EupomoUs pallidus
Evarra
Evarra eigenmanni
Evarra tlahuacensis
evermanni. (Cichlasoma)
evermanni. (Thyrina)
exile. (Dorosoma)
eximius. (Cyprinodon) 125,
extensus. (Fundulus)
Falcula
Falcula chapalae
fasciata. (Gambusia)
fasciata. (Molienesia)
fasciatus. (Achirus) 235,
fasciatus. (Aplesion)
fasciatus. (Catonotus)
fasciatus. (Ctenogobius)
feliceps. (Galeichthys) :
fenestratus. (Heros)
ferox. (Lepisosteus)
ferrugineus. (Characodon)
Fine-scale Suckers
Fishes
Fishes, Carp-like
flabellare. (Etheostoma)
Flat-head Minnows
fluviatilis. (Algoma)
fluviatilis. (Petromyzon)
PAGE
88
48
49
48
, 169
171
169
1 60
5
6
, 180
1 80
196
,iQ7
196
198
197
, 197
197
.196
, 193
194
i93
77
77
78
214
184
94
1 26
1 08
58
58
129
153
236
197
197
229
9
219
5
120
3 1
3
24
196
5
PAGE
fonsecensis. (Achirus) 236
fonsecensis. (Solea) 236
Fontinus 102, 1 08
forlonensis. (Nototropis) 70
formosa. (Limia) 155
formosa. (Mollienesia) 155
formosa. (Mollienisia) 155
formosa. (Moniana) 74
formosulum. (Campostoma) 42
formosus. (Limia) 147
formosus. (Nototropis) 74
formosus. (Notropis) 74
Four-eyed Fishes 135
Four-eyes 136
fredrichsthali. (Thorichthys) .... 222
Fresh-water Drum 203
Fresh-water Eel 90
frigida. (Moniana) 75
frigidus. (Nototropis) 75
frigidus. (Notropis) 75
fulgens. (Tetragonopterus) 85
Fundulinse 101
Fundulus 102, 103
Fundulus dugesii in
Fundulus extensus 108
Fundulus grandis .- . 107
Fundulus guatemalensis 103
Fundulus heteroclitus 106
Fundulus heteroclitus grandis .... 107
Fundulus labialis 104, 107
Fundulus mudfish 102
Fundulus oaxacae 104
Fundulus pachycephalus 112
Fundulus punctatus 104
Fundulus robustus 112
Fundulus seminolis 102
Fundulus similis 105, 106
Fundulus vinctus 105
Fundulus zebrinus 108
furcatus. (Amiurus) 10
furcatus. (Ichthyaelurus) 10
furcatus. (Ictalurus) 1 1
furcatus. (Pimelodus) 10
furcidens. (Characodon) 122
Gadus lacustris 12
Galeichthys 9
Galeichthys aquadulce 9
Galeichthys feliceps 9
Gambusia 128, 133
Gambusia affinis 130, 131
INDEX,
PAGE
Gambusia bonita 132
Gambusia fasciata 129
Gambusia gracilis 130
Gambusia infans 131
Gambusia modesta 153
Gambusia nicaraguensis 133
Gambusia nobilis 131
Gambusia patruelis 131
Gambusia plumbea 153
Gambusia punctata 128
Gambusia senilis 131
Gambusia speciosa 131
Gambusiinae 127
Gar Fish 1 60
garmani. (Characodon) ..121,122,127
garmani. (Nototropis) .. . .' 73
garmani. (Notropis) 73
Garpike, Alligator 6
Garpike, Short-nosed 6
Garpike, Tropical 7
Garpikes . . 4, 5
Gaspergou 203
gavialis. (Lepisosteus) 5
geddesi. (Characodon) 116
gibbosa. (Moniana) 71
Gila 53
Gila conspersa 55
Gila elegans 53
Gila minacae 54
Gila robusta 53
Gila Trout 53
Gillichthys 234
Gillichthys detrusus 234
Gillichthys mirabilis 234
Girardinichthys 115
Girardinichthys innominatus
115. "6, 119
Girardinus occidentalis 150
Girardinus pleurospilus 148
Girardinus sonorensis 150
Girardinus uninotatus 134
Gizzard Shad 92
Glaridichthys 134
Glaridichthys latidens 134
'Glaridodon 134
Glaridodon latidens 134
globiceps. (Agonostoma) 188
Gobies 225
Gobiidas 225
Gobiinae 229
VOL. V. 243
PAGE
Gobiomorus dormitator 226
Gobiomorus dormitor 226
Gobionellus 231
Gobionellus hastatus 229
Gobio aestivalis 81
Gobius 229
Gobius claytoni 231
Gobius dolichocephalus 233
Gobius mexicanus 233
Gobius microdon . 231
Gobius niger 229
Gobius parvus 230
Gobius pisonis 228
Gobius taiasica 232, 233
Goby 230
Golden Shiner 57
Gold-fish 37
Goodea 123, 136
Goodea atripinnis 136, 140
Goodea calientis 140
Goodea luitpoldi 135, 139
Goodea toweri 138
Goodea whitei 137
Goodinae 136
gracilis. (Gambusia) 130
gracilis. (Hybopsis) 80
gracilis. (Moniana) 71
gracilis. (Ptychocheilus) ........ 52
gracilis. (Xiphophorus) 130
grandis. (Fundulus) 107
grandis. (Fundulus heteroclitus) . 107
grandocule. (Chirostoma) 176
Graodus 62
Graodus nigrotasniatus 62, 68
grunniens. (Aplodinotus) . . . .202, 203
grunniens. (Haploidonotus) 203
Grunters 199
Grystes nuecensis 195
guatemalensis. (Adinia) 103
guatemalensis. (Anacyrtus) 88
guatemalensis. (Fundulus) 103
guatemalensis. (Roeboides) 88
guatemalensis. (Zoogoneticus) ... 103
Guavina 227, 229
Guavina Tetard 228
Guazacones 128
gundlachi. (Dormitator) 227
guntheri. (Xiphophorus) 157, 158
guzmaniensis. (Acomus) 30
guzmaniensis. (Catostomus) 30
244
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGE
Haemulidae 199
haplognathus. (Lepidopomus) ... 192
haplognathus. (Lepomis) 192
Haploidonotinas 202
Haploidonotus 202
Haploidonotus grunniens 203
Haplomi 98
Hard-jaw Minnow 58
hastatus. (Gobionellus) 229
Haustor 12, 13
hedricki. (Cichlasoma) 208
helleri. (Ciolilasoma) 223
helleri. (Heros) 223
helleri. (Thorichthys) 223, 224
helleri. (Xiphophorus) 156, 157
Hemigrammus 87
Hemigrammus compressus 87
Hemigrammus unilineatus 87
Herichthys 205
Herichthys cyanoguttatus 205, 215
Heros 205
Heros beani 210
Heros cyanoguttatus 215, 218
Heros deppii 221
Heros fenestratus 219
Heros helleri 223
Heros heterodontus 215
Heros istlanus '. 212
Heros labridens 211
Heros maculipinnis 223
Heros melanurus 219
Heros men to ' 207
Heros montezuma 221
Heros nebulifer 220
Heros octof asciatus 218
Heros parma 218
Heros pavonaceus 209
Heros salvini 207
Heros severus 205
Heros temporatus 215
heros. (Eupomotis) 194
heros. (Pomotis) 194
Heterandria 147
Heterandria affinis 130
Heterandria lutzi . 148
Heterandria nobilis 131
Heterandria occidentalis 150
Heterandria pleurospilus 148
heteroclitus. (Cobitis) 106
heteroclitus. (grandis, Fundulus) . 107
heteroclitus. (Fundulus) 106 intermedius. (Leuciscus) 56
PAGE
Heterognathus 166
heterodon. (Nototropis) 50
heterodontum. (Cichlasoma) .... 215
heterodontus. (Heros) 215
Hickory Shad 94
Horned Pouts 12
Horny Heads 80
Hudsonius altus 80, 81
humboldtiana. (Atherina) . . . . 166, 175
humboldtianum. (Chirostoma) . 172, 175
humboldtianus. (Atherinichthys) . 175
humile. (Pristipoma) 201
Hybognathus 48
Hybognathus amara 49
Hybognathus civilis 49
Hybognathus episcopa 49
Hybognathus episcopus 48
Hybognathus melanops 49
Hybognathus nuchalis 48
Hybognathus punctifer 49
Hybognathus rasconis 50
Hybognathus serenus 48
Hybopsis 80
Hybopsis aestivalis 81
Hybopsis altus 81, 82
Hybopsis gracilis So
Hyborhynchus confertus . . . 51
Hydrargyra similis 105
Hydrargyra zebra 108
Hyperoartii I
hypselura. (Rhamdia) 22
hypselurus. (Pimelodus) 22
Ichthyaelurinae 10
Ichthyaelurus 10, 13
Ichthyaelurus furcatus 10
Ichthyaslurus meridionalis 1 1
Ichthyaelurus punctatus 11,14
Ichthyobinae 25
Ichthyobus tumidus 26
Ictalurus 10
Ictalurus furcatus 1 1
Ictalurus meridionalis 12
Ictalurus punctatus 10, 1 1
Ictiobus meridionalis 26
Ictiobus tumidus 26
infans. (Gambusia) 131
innominatus. (Girardinichthys) . .
15. "6, 119
intermedia. (Tigoma) 56
INDEX, VOL. V.
PAGE
irideus. (Salmo) 96
Isospondyli 92
Isospondylous Fishes 92
istlanum. (Cichlasoma) . 212
istlanus. (Heros) 212
Istlarius 17
Istlarius balsanus 17
jalapa?. (Xiphophorus) 156
jordani. (Chirostoma) 166, 169
jordani. (Eslop^arum) 169
Joturus 188
Joturus pichardi 188
Juilis 44
Killifish 106
Killifishes 98, 102
labarcae. (Chirostoma) 173
labialis. (Fundulus) 104, 107
iabiosus. (Carpiodes) 29
labridens. (Heros) 211
Labrus auritus 190
Labrus pallidus 193
Labrus punctatus 204
Labrus salmoides 195
lacustris. (Algansea) 47
lacustris. (Gadus) 12
Lampetra i
Lampetra spadicea 2
Lampreys i
lateralis. (Characodon) 118, 121
lateralis. (Philypnus) 226, 227
laticauda. (Rhamdia) 21
laticaudus. (Pimelodus) 21
latidens. (Glaridichthys) 134
latidens. (Glaridodon) 134
latifasciatus. (Cyprinodon) 126
latipinna. (Mollienesia) 155
latipinna. (Mollienisia) 154, 155
latipunctata. (Pcecilia) 150, 151
lepida. (Boleosoma) 196, 198
Lepidopominae 190
Lepidopomus 189, 190, 192
Lepidopomus cyanellus 191
Lepidopomus haplognathus 192
Lepidopomus occidentalis 192
Lepidopomus pallidus . 193
Lepidosteidae 4
Lepidosteus 5,6
245
PAGE
Lepidosteus berlandieri 6
Lepidosteus osseus 5
Lepidosteus platystomus 6
Lepidosteus tristoechus 5,6
Lepidosteus tropicus 7
Lepidosteus viridis ' 7
lepidus. (Poecilichthys) . . 198
lepidum. (Etheostoma) 198
Lepisosteus 5
Lepisosteus ferox 5
Lepisosteus gavialis 5
Lepisosteus osseus 6
Lepisosteus platostomus 5,6
Lepisosteus tristoechus 7
Lepisosteus tropicus 7
Lepomis 190
Lepomis cyanellus 190, 191
Lepomis haplognathus 192
Lepomis occidentalis 192
Lepomis pallidus 193
Leptops 1 8
Leptops olivaris 18
lermag. (Aztecula) 60
lermae. (Chirostoma) 179
lermas. (Notropis) 60
lermas. (Skiffia) 141, 142
Lethostole 166, 177
Lethostole estor 180
Leuciscinas 52
Leuciscus 55
Leuciscus boucardi 62, 67, 68
Leuciscus intermedius 56
Leuciscus lutrensis 62, 71
Leuciscus niger 56
Leuciscus nigrescens 55
Leuciscus purpureus 56
Leuciscus tincella 44
leuciscus. (Cyprinus) 55
limantouri. (Poecilia) 153
Limia couchiana 152
Limia formosa 147, 155
Limia matamorensis 155
Limia venusta 109
Limnurgus 115
Limnurgus variegatus 115,116
lineata. (Poscilia) 155
Lisa 34, 182
lisa. (Menidia) 182
longimanus. (Thorichthys) 222
Long-nosed Garpike 5
Lophobranchii 162
246
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY. VOL. V.
PAGE
Lophobranchs 162
Lucania 109, 1 16
Lucania affinis 109
Lucania venusta 109
lucius. (Atractosteus) 6
lucius. (Chirostoma) 178
lucius. (Ptychocheilus) 52
luitpoldi. (Characodon) 139
luitpoldi. (Goodea) 135, 1 39
lupus. (Ameiurus) 14, 15
lupus. . (Amiurus) 14
lupus. (Pimelodus) 14
lutrensis. (Leuciscus) 62, 71
lutrensis. (Nototropis) 7 1 * 73
lutrensis. (Notropis) 72
lutzi. (Heterandria) 148
macrostoma. (Cyprinella) 72
macrostomus. (Nototropis) 72
macrostomus. (Notropis) 72
macularius. (Cyprinodon) 126
maculata. (Sciaena) . 227
maculatus. (Dormitator) 227
macula las. (Eleotris) 227
maculatus. (Pimelodus) 10
maculatus. (Platypoecilus) ... 144, 145
maculatus. (Zoogoneticus) 113
maculipinnis. (Heros) 223
Manjuari 6
marinus. (Esox) 160
marinus. (Tylosurus) 160
marmoratus. (Symbranchus) 89
Marsipobranchii. . i
matamorensis. (Limia) 155
mazatlana. (Solea) 235
mazatlanus. (Achirus) 235
Megalops cepedianum 92
Melaniris 183
Melaniris balsanus 183
melanops. (Hybognathus) 49
melanurum. (Cichlasoma) 219
melanurus. (Heros) 219
Menidia 181
Menidia lisa 182
Menidia sallei 181
menidia. (Atherina) 181
mento. (Cichlasoma) 207
mento. (Heros) 207
meridionalis. (Ameiurus) 1 1
meridionalis. (Carpiodes) 26
meridionalis. (Ichthycelurus) .... n
PAGE
meridionalis. (Ictalurus) 12
meridionalis. (Ictiobus) 26
meridionalis. (Sclerognathus) ... 26
Metalote 26,28
Metapil 226
Mexican Sole 235
mexicana. (Aztecula) 61
mexicana. (Poecilia) 153
mexicana. (Signalosa) 94
mexicanum. (Dorosoma) 94
mexicanus. (Amiurus) 15
mexicanus. (Awaous) 233
mexicanus. (Centropomus) 199
mexicanus. (Chatoessus) 94, 95
mexicanus. (Chonophorus) 233
mexicanus. (Gobius) 233
mexicanus. (Tetragonopterus) ... 85
mezquital. (Chirostoma) 170
microdon. (Gobius) 231
microlepis. (Epicyrtus) 88
Micropterinas 194
Micropterus 194
Micropterus dolomieu 194
Micropterus salmoides 195
Micropterus salmonoides 192, 195
micropterus. (Etheostoma) 197
microstomus. (Carpiodes) 27
milneri. (Nocomis) 82
minacae. (Gila) 54
miniatus. (Zoogoneticus) 115
Minnow, Hard-jaw 58
Minnows 36, 48
Minnows, Flat-head 50
Minnows, Pursey 124
Minomus platyrhynchus 30
Minomus plebeius 30
mirabilis. (Gillichthys) 234
Mixpapatl 137
modesta. (Cheonda) 55
modesta. (Gambusia) 153
mojarra. (Cichlasoma) 217
Mojarras 204
Mollienesia 117. 142, 154
Mollienesia fasciata 153
Mollienesia formosa 155
Mollienesia latipinna 155
Mollienisia 154
Mollienisia formosa 155
Mollienisia latipinna 154, 155
Moniana 62, 70
Moniana couchi 71
INDEX, VOL. V.
PAGE
Moniana formosa 74
Moniana frigida 75
Moniana gibbosa 71
Moniana gracilis 71
Moniana nitida 65
Moniana rutila 71
montezuma. (Cichlasoma) 221
montezuma. (Heros) 221
montezumae. (Xiphophorus) .... 158
monticola. (Agonostoma) 186
monticola. (Agonostomus) ...186,187
monticola. (Mugil) 186
' montiregis. (Cliola) 71
Mountain Suckers 30
Moxostoma 34
Moxostoma austrinum 35
Moxostoma congestum 34
Muchura 233
Mud-cat 1 8
mudfish. (Fundulus) 102
Mugil 185
Mugil cephalus 185, 186
Mugil monticola 186
Mugilidas, 185
Mugilinag 185
Mullets 185
multipunctata. (Skiffia) 141
multipunctatum. (Xenendum) . . 141
multiradiatus. (Characodon) .... 119
Muraena anguilla 90
Mylopharodontinae 51
Myxostoma austrina 35
Myzostoma 34
Myzostoma austrinum 35
Myzostoma congestum 34
nasutum. (Agonostoma) 187
nasutum. (Campostoma) 42
nasutus. (Agonostomus) 187
natalis. (Ameiurus) 16
natalis. (Amiurus) 16
natalis antoniensis. (Amiurus) ... 16
natalis. (Pimelodus) 12,16
nazas. (Nototropis) 70
nebulifer. (Chromis) 220
ncbulifer. (Cichlasoma) 220
nebulifer. (Heros) 220
nebuliferus. (Catostomus) 30
Needle Fishes 160
Neetroplus 215, 221
Neetroplus carpintis 221
247
PAGE
Neetroplus nematops 221
neglectus. (Amblodon) 203
nelsoni. (Awaous) 232
nelsoni. (Chonophorus) 232
nelsoni. (Conorhynchus) 19
nelsoni. (Platypoecilus) 147
Nematognathi 8
nematops. (Neetroplus) 221
Neomugil 187
Neomugil digueti 187, 188
nicaraguensis. (Gambusia) 133
nicaraguensis. (Paragambusia) . . . 133
niger. (Gobius) 229
niger. (Leuciscus) ". . 56
nigrescens. (Cheonda) 55
nigrescens. (Leuciscus) 55
nigrescens. (Tigoma) 55
nigrotagniatus. (Groadus) 62, 68
nigrotseniatus. (Notropis) 68
nitida. (Moniana) 65
nitfdus. (Tetragonopterus) 85
nobilis. (Gambusia) 131
nobilis. (Heterandria) 131
Nocomis milneri .' 82
notabilis. (Argyreus) 80
notata. (Dorosoma) 92
Notemigonus 57
Notemigonus chrysoleucus 57
Nototropis 62, 75
Nototropis boucardi 67
Nototropis braytoni 65
Nototropis calientis 65
Nototropis chihuahua 67
Nototropis forlonensis 70
Nototropis formosus 74
Nototropis frigidus 75
Nototropis garmani 73
Nototropis heterodon 50
Nototropis lutrensis 71, 73
Nototropis macrostomus 72
Nototropis nazas 70
Nototropis orca 69
Nototropis ornatus 68
Nototropis robustus 66
Nototropis santamaria? 74
Nototropis santarosalias 75
Notropis 62
Notropis altus 82
Notropis atherinoides 62
Notropis aztecus 59
Notropis braytoni ,65
248
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGE
Notropis calientis 65
Notropis chihuahua 67
Notropis formosus 74
Notropis frigidus 75
Notropis garmani 73
Notropis lermae 60
Notropis lutrensis 72
Notropis macrostomus 72
Notropis nigrotaeniatus 68
Notropis orca 62, 69
Notropis ornatus 68
Notropis rasconis 50
Notropis robustus 66
Notropis santamariae 75
Notropis santarosalias 75
nuchalis. (Hybognathus) 48
nuecensis. (Dioplites) 195
nuecensis. (Grystes) 195
oaxacas. (Fundulus) 104
oaxacae. (Rhamdia) 20
oaxacanensis. (Tetragonopterus) . 86
occidentalis. (Girardinus) 150
occidentalis. (Heterandria) 150
occidentalis. (Lepidopomus) .... 192
occidentalis. (Lepomis) 192
occidentalis. (Pcecilia) 150
ocotlanas. (Chirostoma) 180
octofasciatum. (Cichlasoma) 218
octofasciatus. (Heros) 218
Ojos, Cuatro 135, 136
Oligocephalus 196, 198
olivaris. (Leptops) 18
olivaris. (Silurus) 18
orca. (Nototropis) 69
orca. CNotropis) 62, 69
Orcella 62, 69
Orestiinae 118
ornata. (Codorna) 62, 68
ornatum. (Campostoma) 41
ornatus. (Cochlognathus) 57, 58
ornatus. (Nototropis) 68
ornatus. (Notropis) 68
oscula. (Agosia) 80
oscula. (Corvina) 203
osculus. (Argyreus) 80
osseus. (Esox) 5
osseus. (Lepidosteus) -. 5
osseus. (Lepisosteus) 6
ouananiche. (Salmo) 96
pachycephalus. (Adinia) 112
PAGE
112
pachycephalus. (Fundulus)...
pachycephalus. (Zoogoneticus) . . 112
pallidus. (Eupomotis) 193
pallidus. (Labrus) 193
pallidus. (Lepidopomus) 193
pallidus. (Lepomis) 193
Pantosteus 30
Pantosteus plebeius 30
Paragambusia 133
Paragambusia nicaraguensis 133
Pargeta 227
parma. (Gichlasoma) 218, 220
parma. (Heros) 218
parvus. (Gobius) 230
patruelis. (Gambusia) 131
patzcuaro. (Chirostoma) 174
pauciradiatus. (Pseudoxiphoph-
orus) 128
pavonaceum. (Cichlasoma) 209
pavonaceus. (Heros) 209
pelagicus. (Syngnathus) 162
Perches 196
Percidas 196
Pescada Blanca 81
Pescadito 55
Petonte 14
Petromyzon fluviatilis i
Petromyzontidae i
Phenacobius 76
Phenacobius scopifer 76, 77
Phenacobius teretulus 76
Philypnus 226
Philypnus dormitor 226, 227
Philypnus lateralis 226, 227
pichardi. (Joturus) 188
pictus. (Eleotris) 229
Pike-like Fishes 98
pilosa. (Solea) 235
Pimelocephales 50
Pimelocephales confertus 51
Pimelodinas 19
Pimelodus affinis 10
Pimelodus brachypterus . 21
Pimelodus conirostris 19
Pimelodus cupreus 12
Pimelodus furcatus 10
Pimelodus hypselurus 22
Pimelodus laticaudus 21
Pimelodus lupus 14
Pimelodus maculatus 10
Pimelodus natalis 12,16
INDEX,
PAGE
Pimelodus quelen 20
Pimelodus wagneri 22
Pimephales 50
Pimephales confertus 51
Pimephales promelas 50, 51
Pipe Fishes 162
Pisces 3
pisonis. (Eleotris) 228
pisonis. (Gobius) 228
Plagopterinae 83
Plagopterus 83
Plagopterus argentissimus 83
platostomus. (Lepisosteus) 5,6
Platypcecilus 144
Platypoecilus maculatus 144, 145
Platypoecilus nelsoni 147
Platypoecilus quitzeoensis no
Platypoecilus variatus 146
platyrhynchus. (Minomus) 30
platystomus. (Lepidosteus) 6
plebeius. (Catostomus) 30
plebeius. (Minomus) '. 30
plebeius. (Pantosteus) 30
Plectospondyli 24
pleurospilus. (Girardinus) 148
pleurospilus. (Heterandria) 148
plumbea. (Gambusia) 153
Poecilia 149
Pcecilia butleri 150
Poecilia couchiana 152
Pcecilia latipunctata 150, 151
Poecilia limantouri 153
Pcecilia lineata 155
Pcecilia mexicana 153
Pcecilia occidentalis' 153
Poecilia presidionis 152
Poecilia sphenops 153
Pcecilia vivipara 149
Pcecilichthys lepidus 198
Pceciliidae 98
Pceciliinae 144
Pcecilioides 127
Pomadasis argentatus 200
Pomadasis bayanus 201
Pomadasys 200
Pomadasys bayanus 201
Pomadasys starri 200
Pomadasys templei 201
Pomotis aquilensis 191
Pomotis heros 194
Pomotis speciosus 193
VOL. V. 249
PAGE
Popoche 43
popoche. (Xystrosus) 43
pottsii. (Aplesion) 196
pottsii. (Etheostoma) 196, 197
Pouts, The Horned 12
presidionis. (Poecilia) 152
pricei. (Ameiurus) 16
pricei. (Amiurus) 16
pricei. (Campostoma) 41
pricei. (Villarius) 16
Prinodon 124
Pristipoma crocro 200
Pristipoma humile 201
promelas. (Chirostoma) 177
promelas. (Pimephales) 50, 51
Pseudoxiphophorus 127,
Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus
127, 128
Pseudoxiphophorus pauciradiatus.. 128
Ptychocheilus 52
Ptychocheilus gracilis 52
Ptychocheilus lucius 52
Ptychostomus albidus 34
Pujeque 233
pulchella. (Tigoma) 55
pulchra. (Tigoma) 55
punctata. (Gambusia) 128
punctatus. (Fundulus) 104
punctatus. (Ichthyaslurus) n, 14
punctatus. (Ictalurus) 1 1
punctatus. (Labrus) 204
punctatus. (Silurus) 1 1
punctifer. (Hybognathus) 49
punctulatus. (Amiurus) 18
Punecas 227
purpuratus. (Salmo) 97
purpureus. (Leuciscus) 56
Pursey Minnows 124
quelen. (Pimelodus) 20
quitzeoensis. (Platypcecilia) 109
quitzeoensis. (Platypoecilus) .... no
quitzeoensis. (Zoogoneticus) .... in
Rafinesquiellus 196, 197
Rainbow Trout 96
rasconis. (Hybognathus) 5
rasconis. (Notropis) 50
Razor-back Suckers 33
rectangulare. (Cichlasoma) 216
rectangularis. (Acara) 216
25
FIELD COLUMBIAN
Red-horse Suckers 34
Rhamdia 20
Rhamdia hypselura 22
Rhamdia laticauda 21
Rhamdia oaxacae 20
Rhamdia wagneri 22
Rhinichthys 79
Rhinichthys simus 79
Rhomboganoidea 4
Rhonciscus 200
River Drums 202
Robaio 198, 199
robusta. *Gila) 53
robustus. (Fundulus) 112
robustus. (Nototropis) 66
robustus. (Notropis) 66
robustus. (Zoogoneticus).ii2, 113, 121
Rceboides 88
Roeboides guatemalensis 88
rostratus. (Thorichthys) 222
rubescens. (Algansea) 46
rubripinna. (Cyprinella) 73
rutila. (Moniana) 71
Rutilus amblops 80
Rutiius anoaialus 40, 42
Rutilus boucardi 67
Sac-a-Lait 105
salar. (Salmo) 95. 96
sallaei. (Algansea) 45
sallaei. (Ceratichthys) 45
sallei. (Atherinichthys) 181
sallei. (Menidia) 181
Salmichi 67
Salmo 95
Salmo irideus 96
Salmo ouanahiche 96
Salmo purpuratus 97
Salmo salar 95. 96
Salmo sebago 96
salmoides. (Labrus) 195
salmoides. (Micropterus) 195
Salmon 95
Salmon* White 52
Salmonidse 95
Salmoninae 95
salmonoides. (Micropterus) ..192,195
salvini. (Cichlasoma) 207
salvini. (Heros) 207
santamaria;. (Nototropis) 74
santamarise. (Notropis) 74
MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAGE PAGE
santarosaliae. (Nototropis) 75
santarosaliae. (Notropis) 75
Sarcidium 76
Sarcidium scopiferum 76
Sardina 58
Sciaena maculata 227
Sciaena undecimalis 199
Scisenidae 202
Sclerognathus meridionalis 26
scopifer. (Phenacobius) 76, 7 7
scopiferum. (Sarcidium) 76
scovelii. (Etheostoma) 197
sebago. (Salmo) 96
seminolis. (Fundulus) 102
senilis. (Gambusia) 131
serenus. (Hybognathus) 48
severus. (Heros) 205
Shad, Gizzard 92, 94
Shad, Hickory 94
Shiner, Golden 57
Shiners 62
Short-nosed Garpike , . 6
Signalosa 94
Signalosa atchafalayse 94. 95
Signalosa mexicana 94
signifer. (Stypodon) 51
Siluridae 8
Silurus olivaris 18
Silurus punctatus 1 1
Silurus viscosus 1 8
Silvery Minnows 48
sima. (Eleotris) . . .< 227
similis. (Fundulus) 105, 106
similis. (Hydragyra) 105
simus. (Rhinichthys) 79
Siphostoma 162
Siphostoma brevicandum 163
Siphostoma starksi 163
Skiffia 141
Skiffia bilineata 144
Skiffia lermae 141, 142
Skiffia multipunctata 141
Skiffia variegata 143
Sleeper 228
Solea achirus 236
Solea fonsecensis 236
Solea mazatlana 235
Solea pilosa 235
Soleidae 234
Soles 234
somnolentus. (Eleotris) 227
INDEX,
PAGE
sonorensis. (Catostomus) 32
sonorensis. (Girardinus) 150
Southern Dace 79
spadicea. (Lampetra) 2
Sparus aureus 193
speciosa. (Gambusia) 131
speciosus. (Pomotis) 193
sphenops. (Poecilia) 153
sphyrasna. (Chirostoma) 177
Spiny-rayed Fishes 164
starksi. (Siphostoma) 163
starri. (Pomadasys) 200
steindachneri. (Cichlasoma) 210
Stone-roller 42
Stypodon 51
Stypodon signifer 51
Suckers 24
Suckers, Fine-scaled 31
Suckers, Mountain 30
Suckers, Razor-back 33
Suckers, Red-horse 34
Sunfish 192
Sunfishes 189
Symbranchia 89
Symbranchidag 89
Symbranchoid Eels 89
Symbranchus 89
Symbranchus marmoratus 89
Synentognathi 160
Syngnathidae 162
Syngnathus pelagicus 162
Tachysurinae 9
taiasica. (Awaous) 233
taiasica. (Chonophorous) 233
taiasica. (Gobius) 232, 233
tarascorum. (Algansea) 47
telfairii. (Agonostomus) 186
templei. (Pomasys) 201
temporatus. (Heros) 215
tenuis. (Cynodonichthys) 101
teretulus. (Phenacobius) 76
Tetard, Guavina 228
Tetragonopterinae 84
Tetragonopterus 84
Tetragonopterus aeneus 86
Tetragonopterus argenteus 84
Tetragonopterus argentatus 85
Tetragonopterus fulgens 85
Tetragonopterus mexicanus 85
Tetragonopterus nitidus 85
VOL. V. 251
PAGE
Tetragonopterus oaxacanensis .... 86
tetropthalmus. (Anableps) 135
Thorichthys 222
Thorichthys affinis 222
Thorichthys aureus 222
Thorichthys ellioti 222, 223
Thorichthys fredrichsthali 222
Thorichthys helleri 223, 224
Thorichthys longimanus 222
Thorichthys rostratus 222
Thyrina 184
Thyrina crystallina 184
Thyrina evermanni 184
Tigorna conspersa 56
Tigoma intermedia 56
Tigoma nigrescens 55
Tigoma pulchella 55
Tigoma pulchra 55
tincella. (Algansea) 44
tincella. (Leuciscus) 44
tlahuacensis. (Evarra) 78
Torrentaria 196, 197
toweri. (Goodea) 138
tristoechus. (Esox) 6
tristoechus. (Lepidosteus) 5,6
tristoechus. (Lepisosteus) 6
Tropical Catfish 1 1
Tropical Garpike 7
tropicus. (Atractosteus) . 7
tropicus. (Lepidosteus) 7
tropicus. (Lepisosteus) 7
Trout 95
Trout, Gila 53
Trout, Rainbow 96
Trucha 186
truncata. (Belone) 160
tumidus. (Carpiodes) 26, 27
tumidus. (Ichthyobus) 26
tumidus. (Ictiobus) 26
Tylosurus 160
Tylosurus cantrainii 1 60
Tylosurus marinus 160
tyrannus. (Anguilla) 90
undecimalis. (Sciama) 199
unilineatus. (Hemigrammus) 87
uninotatus. (Girardinus) 134
variatus. (Characodon) 120
variatus. (Platypoecilus) 146
variegata. (Skiffia) 143
2 5 2
FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM ZOOLOGY, VOL. V.
PAC;E
variegatus. (Cyprinodon) 124
variegatus. (Limnurgus) 115,116
velifer. (Carpiodes) 27
venusta. (Limia) 109
Villarius price! 16
vinctus. (Fundulus) 105
viridis. (Lepidosteus) 7
viscosus. (Silurus) : . 18
vittata. (Aztecula) 59
vittata. (Codoma) 59
vivipara. (Poecilia) 149
vomerina. (Atherina) 166, 175
wagneri. (Pimelodus) 22
wagneri. (Rhamdia) 22
Western Sunfish 192
White Cat 1 1
White Salmon 52
whitei. (Goodea) 137
xaliscone. (Xenendum) 139
Xenendum 136
Xenendum caliente 136, 140
Xenendum multipunctatum 141
Xenendum xaliscone 139
Xiphophorus 156
Xiphophorus bimaculatus 127
Xiphophorus gracilis 130
PAGE
Xiphophorus guntheri 157, 158
Xiphophorus helleri 156, 157
Xiphophorus jalapae 156
Xiphophorus montezumae 158
Xyrauchen 33
Xyrauchen cypho 33
Xystrosus 43
Xystrosus popoche 43
Yellow Cat 16
Yuriria . . 80
zebra. (Hydrargyra) 108
zebrinus. (Fundulus) 108
zirahuen. (Chirostoma) 174
Zoogoneticus 104, 109
Zoogoneticus cuitzeoensis no
Zoogoneticus diazi 114
Zoogoneticus dugesi in
Zoogoneticus dugesii . in
Zoogoneticus guatemalensis 103
Zoogoneticus maculatus 113
Zoogoneticus miniatus 115
Zoogoneticus pachycephalus ...:.. 112
Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis . in
Zoogoneticus robustus 112, 113, 121
Zy gonectes 118
