Any
Cy
CONTRIBUTIONS
TO THE
FAUNA OF CHILE:
BY
CHARLES GIRARD.
=
ysontal inge;
yw , tut,
Division of Fishes,
U. S, National ituseum
is
ES
75 |
g5tL ae Os a Golson el (pptlien fy Ste
“ishes ditnerng why are /8 47 > fo —é Ss
Ti ose Fa hte hep 230-253
| 39?
CONTRIBUTIONS
FAUNA OF CHILE:
BY
CHARLES GIRARD.
~i
Fay
/ Ca
gu i
SS
Ce ety ey fo ea ve :
rs
' ‘a
os a
a -
5 f 7 S
* d . _ ¢
< 7 ms
oat
_
oy -'
REP Pdbdines*
BY CHARLES GIRARD.
BATRACHIA.
FAMILY OF RANIDZ.
Genus CYSTIGNATHUS, Wazgler.
Gen. cHAR. Vomerine teeth disposed upon a transverse or oblique row more or less inter-
rupted in the middle, and situated either between the inner nares or behind them; tongue cir-
cular, subcircular, or subcordiform, posteriorly entire, and either attached by its whole surface
or very slightly free behind; tympanum distinct; toes either bordered by a membranous fold or
slightly webbed at their base.
Syn. Cystignathus, Wacu. Nat. Syst. Amph. 1830, 202. .
Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1853, 420.
Oss. The genus Cystignathus is here admitted within the limits we have recently assigned to
it on the occasion of the study which we have made of the species of exotic batrachians brought
home by the United States Exploring Expedition, to which we would refer herpetologists.
CYSTIGNATHUS TAENIATUS, Girard.
Prate XXXIV, Figs. 2—11.
Spec. cHAR. Vomerine teeth, situated a little behind the inner nares, well separated upon the
middle of the palate; tongue subelliptical, free posteriorly, and slightly notched upon the
same margin. Greenish yellow, with two dorsal blackish stripes; limbs barred above. A
dark vitta upon the sides of the head, extending from the nostril, across the eye, to the shoulder.
Syy. Cystignathus taeniatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.
Descr. The general appearance of this species is rather short, the head forming about the
third of the entire length—the posterior limbs, of course, excepted. The head is longer than
broad. The snout is subacute and rounded; slightly declive from the eyes forwards and side-
ways. The canthus rostralis is depressed ; the nostrils, very small, are situated nearer to the
tip of the snout than to the anterior rim of the orbit. The eye is well developed and subcircu-
lar, its longitudinal diameter being equal to the interocular space above; the upper eyelid is
minutely granular. The tympanum is quite small, though conspicuous. The tongue is well
developed, in the shape of a subelliptical disk, broadest behind, slightly notched posteriorly,
and free upon nearly the posterior third of its length. The inner nares are subelliptical, ob-
lique, and conspicuous. The vomerine teeth are exceedingly minute, and disposed upon two
very small and subelliptical distant eminences, situated between and a little behind the inner
4 ZOOLOGY.
nares. The openings for the tubes of eustachii are smaller and less conspicuous than the inner
nares. The subgular air-bladders are very much developed. The anterior limbs, when
stretched backwards alongside with the body, bring the tip of the inner finger close to the
groin, beyond which, consequently, the other fingers extend. The fingers are slender, and
their tips slightly swollen. The innermost is stoutish, and shorter than the second, which is
shorter than the fourth—the third being the longest. The palm of the hand is provided with
quite large tubercles ; that at the base of the inner finger is the largest of all. The first pha-
langes are marked beneath by similar tubercles, though more regularly conical in their shape.
The tubercles under the second phalanx of the third and fourth fingers are quite reduced. The
posterior limbs are long and slender, measuring nearly two inches from their origin to the tip
of the longest toe. The foot is narrow, and likewise slender, as well as the toes, which are
free, there being but a rudimentary webbing to be observed between the three middle ones.
The sole of the foot is smooth ; the inner metatarsal tubercle is rather small and conical, and
the outermost still smaller and inconspicuous, Small tubercles exist under the articulation of
the first and second phalanges, except under the inner toe. The second toe is shorter than the
fifth, whilst the third is longer than the latter. The fourth is much the longest. The inferior
surface of the thighs alone is granular or warty; the skin elsewhere is perfectly smooth, save
minute pores which may be observed about the tympanum and on the sides of the back, where
they constitute a narrow band, extending from the occiput to near the groins. The ground
color is olivaceous or greenish yellow. The region between and behind the eyes exhibit traces
of black markings which cannot be defined upon the specimen before us. There is a black,
narrow vitta along the line of the canthus rostralis, terminating anteriorly by an expansion
over the nostrils posteriorly; the vitta when reaching the eye sends off a tapering branch along
the inferior rim of the orbit, behind which the vitta reappears considerably broader, and pass-
ing over the tympanum terminates above the insertion of the anterior limbs. From the upper
and posterior part of the orbit, above the tympanum, originates a blackish stripe, which extends
to the posterior extremity of the body, covering entirely the series of dorsal pores above alluded
to. The bands from either side converge in their extension. The limbs above are barred with
greyish black. The inferior surface of head, body, and limbs is of a uniform dull yellow hue.
This species was obtained in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.
Plate XXXIV, fig. 8 represents the profile of Cystignathus taeniatus, of the size of life.
fig. 9 is a view from below.
fig. 10, inferior surface of the hand.
fig. 11, inferior surface of the foot.
Figs. 10 and 11 are slightly magnified.
FAMILY OF HYLIDZ.
Genus PHYLLOBATES, Dum. & B.
Gen. cHAR. Snout protruding over the lower jaw; tongue free posteriorly upon a considera-
ble portion of its length ; no teeth on the palate ; tympanum visible; tubes of eustachii small;
fingers and toes slightly depressed, entirely free, dilated upon their extremity into a disk
slightly convex below and above, the latter surface being provided upon its middle with a
small groove. Protrusion of the first cuneiform bone very little developed ; transverse apo-
physis of the sacral vertebre not dilated.
Syn. Phyllobates, Dum. & B. Erp. Gén. VII, 1841, 637.
Oxs. The shape of the snout reminds us of Elosia, but the latter is provided with palatine teeth.
fea |
REPTILES.
PHYLLOBATES AURATUS, Girard.
Pirate XXXIV, Figs. 12—15.
Spec. cHar. Tongue narrow and elongated, free for about the half or two-thirds of its length;
anterior limbs, when stretched backwards, reaching the vent with the tip of longest finger ;
inferior surface of thighs granular ; color uniform bluish brown.
Syv. Phyllobates auratus, Grp. Proc, Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.
Descr. The body is elongated and depressed, as well as the head, which constitutes a little
less than the third of the whole length; seen from above, the head is subtriangular, subtrun-
cated anteriorly, and sloping inwardly. The nostrils are small, situated on the sides and tow-
ards the tip of the snout, and not to be seen from above; the sides of the head are declivous.
The eyes are well developed, subelliptical in form, their horizontal diameter being equal to the
distance between the anterior rim of the orbit and the tip of the snout, and comprised a little
over twice upon the distance between the external margins of the upper eyelids. The tym-
panum is well developed, oblong in shape, and vertically situated close to the orbit. The
angle of the mouth extends as far back as the posterior rim of the orbit. The tongue is nar-
row and elongated, posteriorly obtuse, and free for about the half or two-thirds of its length.
The inner nares are very large and subcircular, situated far apart on the sides of the roof of
the mouth, which is concave and perfectly smooth, there being no teeth on either the vomer or
palatine bones. The openings for the tubes of eustachii are small, and not conspicuous. The
anterior limbs are slender, the fingers stretching beyond the groin. The fingers are free, slen-
der, depressed, and dilated upon their tips; upper surface of the dilation divided by a medial
groove or furrow. There is a large metacarpal tubercle ; smaller tubercles are observed under
the first phalanx, and under the second of the two external fingers. The palm of the hand is
smooth. The first finger is longer than the second; the fourth is the shortest, and the most
slender of all. The hind limbs are stoutish, one-fourth longer than the body and head
together—the tibia being more developed than the femur. The toes are free, slender, de-
pressed and dilated upon their extremities, and grooved above in the same manner as the
fingers. The sole of the foot is smooth, and the inferior surface of all the phalanges provided
with very small tubercles. The internal metatarsal tubercle is elongated, the external one
rounded ; both of moderate development. The inferior surface of the thighs is granular ; the
skin is otherwise perfectly smooth; its surface, under the magnifying glass, exhibits very
minute pores, scarcely more developed under the belly than on the back. The color above is
metallic golden, whilst beneath a uniform bluish brown predominates.
Collected by the late Professor C, B. Adams, on the island of Taboga, in the bay of Panama.
Plate XXXIV, fig. 12, represents Phyllobates auratus in a profile view, size of life.
fig. 13, is a view from beneath.
fig. 15, a hand, seen from below.
fig. 15, a foot, also from below.
Figs. 14 and 15 are slightly magnified.
OPHIDIA.
FAMILY OF VIPERIDZ.
Genus ELAPS, Schn.
Gen. car. Body slender and cylindrical; tail short and conical; head somewhat depressed—
in most cases continuous with the body, subelliptical when viewed from above, tapering for-
2
6 ZOOLOGY.
wards, and covered above with plates, generally nine in number; no pit between the eye and
nostril ; loral plate present ; mouth moderately cleft, not dilatable; upper jaw furnished on
either side and quite posteriorly with a poisonous fang; scales smooth ; preanal scutella bifid ;
subcaudal scutelle divided.
Syn. Elaps, Scun. Hist. Amph. Nat. and Lit. 1801, 289.
Firz. N. Class. Rept. 1826, 33.
B. & G. Cat. Rept. N. Amer. I, 1853, 21.
Oxs. The characteristic of the genus Hlaps, as given above, we wish it to be understood, is
merely provisional, not having had at our command a sufficient number of the species described
by the different authors. We reserve it for another occasion to revise its diagnosis in a manner
satisfactory both to our mind and to the actual state of herpetology.
ELAPS NIGROCINCTUS, Girard.
Priate XXXYV, Figs. 1—6.
Spec, cHAR. Head subelliptical, broader than the body, which is long and cylindrical; tail
conical, abruptly tapering from its base ; scales smooth, disposed upon fifteen rows; color red-
dish, annulated with jet black; tip of scales blackish; anterior portion of head black; an
occipito-temporal yellowish ring ; tip of tail black.
Syn. Elaps nigrocinctus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.
Descr. The head is slightly detached from the body by a somewhat contracted neck. The
eyes are very small, situated near the upper surface of the head, their diameter being equal to
the width of the suroculary plate. The snout is obtusely rounded. The vertical plate is mod-
erately elongated and subpentagonal, pointed posteriorly ; its anterior margin is sometimes
perfectly straight, at others subconvex, so as to assume a subhexagonal shape. The occipitals
are large, broad, and elongated, subrounded exteriorly, truncated anteriorly, permitting the
posterior angle of the vertical to engage between them. The suroculary is short, a little
longer than broad, and irregular in its outline, which is five-sided; the side limiting the
orbit above being slightly concave, the others nearly straight. The postfrontals are well
developed, broader than long, and irregularly six-sided, sending an angular projection towards
the sides of the head, where it engages between the ante-orbital and postnasal plates, without,
however, reaching the labials. The prefrontals are subquadrangular, broader than long, their
external margin reaching the upper edge of the nostrils. The rostral is broadly developed,
rather short, subpyramidal in form, and concave beneath. The nasals are well developed, the
posterior one being nearly as long as the anterior is high. The nostrils are small and circular,
intermediate between the two nasal plates. The anteorbital is irregularly triangular, rather
elongated, and similar in shape to the postnasal, the anterior angle of which meets its own
posterior angle a little in advance of the commissure between the second and third labials. The
postorbitals, two in number, are nearly equal in size, and subpentagonal in shape. There are
three temporal shields well developed, the posterior one being the largest. We observe seven
upper labials, increasing in size from the first or anterior to the sixth inclusive; the seventh is
a little smaller than the sixth ; the third and fourth forming part of the orbit. There are six
lower labials, of which the fourth is the largest, and much expanded beneath; the fifth is nearly
equal to the third; the sixth is a little smaller than the latter; the second is the smallest.
The symphyseal plate is triangular. The mental shields constitute three pairs; the anterior
two being parallel to one another; the third is obliquely situated along the margin of the
REPTILES. /
fourth, fifth, and sixth lower labials. The body is subcylindrical, a little more slender anteri-
orly than posteriorly. The tail is short, subconical, and tapering to a point; it forms but the
two-twenty-first part of the whole length. The scales are perfectly smooth, constituting fifteen
longitudinal rows, larger in the outermost row, and smallest upon the dorsal line or middle
row. The scales themselves are acuminated posteriorly. On the tail they are shorter, and
truncated posteriorly, constituting seven rows upon its origin, and three only towards its tip.
The abdominal scutelle are two hundred and eighteen in number: the preanal is bifid. The
subcaudal scutellee are all bifid, and constitute thirty-six pairs. The tip of the tail is conical
in the adult state, and somewhat acute in young specimens.
Abd. sc. 217-++ 1. Sube. se. 18. Dors. rows 15. Total length 29 inches; tail 2,%.
The body is reddish, annulated with jet black. The anterior part of the head from behind
the eye is black, then follows a yellow ring, embracing in its width almost the whole length of
the occipital plate, and just behind it the first black ring, embracing the posterior part of the
head and neck, covering about six scales. There are fifteen more black rings hence to the
tail, each covering about three scales. The intermediate red spaces embrace anteriorly four-
teen scales, ten upon the middle region of the body, and eight towards the tail. There is an
obsolete indication of a yellow margin to the anterior two black rings. The scales in the red
spaces are tipped with black on the tail; the black rings are much wider than the red ones,
there being three of each kind; the tip is black. The inferior surface is reddish-yellow sparsely
spread over with small and irregular black spots.
Specimens of this species wére collected at Taboga, on the bay of Panama, Central America.
Plate XXXV, fig. 1, represents Hlaps nigrocinctus, of the size of life.
fig. 2, a view of the head, seen from above.
fig. 3, a side view of the head.
fig. 4, the head, seen from below.
fig. 5, shows the vent and the bifid preanal scutella.
fig. 6, is a portion of the left side of the body, showing the shape and number
of rows of scales.
Figs. 2—5 are slightly magnified.
. FAMILY OF OXYCEPHALIDZ.
Genus DRYOPHIS, Fitz.
Gen. cHaR. Body and tail long and slender. Cephalic plates normal. Eyes large. One
anteorbital plate; several postorbitals. No loral. One nasal, with nostril in its middle. Ros-
tral situated under the snout, which protrudes over the lower jaw. Several labials constituting
the inferior rim of orbit. Dorsal scales smooth. The last two abdominal scutallee bifid; sub-
caudals all bifid.
Syn. Dryophis, Fr1z. N. Class. Rept. 1826, 29 and 60.
DRYOPHIS VITTATUS, Girard.
Prare XXXVI, Figs. 1—6.
Spec. coar. Three postorbital plates, two of which constituting the posterior rim of the orbit,
the third being placed behind them. Fifth, sixth, and seventh, or fourth, fifth, and sixth labials
8 ZOOLOGY.
constructing the inferior rim of the orbit. A black vitta along the upper margin of upper max-
illary plates extending posteriorly along a portion of the neck.
Syn. Dryophis vittatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.
Descr. The entire length of the specimen figured is forty-seven inches, of which eleven belong
to the tail. The head measures about one inch and an eighth. Its upper surface is flattened ;
the inferior one subconvex, and the sides perpendicular. The eye is large and circular, and its
diameter is comprised about six times in the length of the head. The snout is tapering, the
upper jaw protruding considerably over the lower. The rostral plate is rather small, subcres-
centic, convex anteriorly, and depressed upon its middle surface. It is obliquely situated at the
inferior surface of the snout, showing but a very narrow edge in a view from above (fig. 2). The
prefrontals are twice as long as broad upon the middle of their length; they belong exclusively
to the upper surface of the head. The postfrontals are much larger than the latter, one-third
longer upon their upper surface, and extend upon the sides of the head until they reach the
upper labials. The vertical is elongated and slender, subtruncated anteriorly, and subacute
posteriorly, engaging between the inner margins of the occipitals. The latter are as long as
the vertical, but broader anteriorly ; their external margin being defined by an undulating line.
The superciliaries are a little longer than the postfrontals, subtriangular in shape; the summit
of the triangle directed forwards. There is a long and narrow nasal, in which, and rather in
advance of the middle of its length, the nostril opens subangular in shape. There is no loral;
but the lateral expansion of the postfrontals fills up the space between the nasal plate and a
large anteorbital, much broader upwards than downwards, slightly visible in a view from
above (fig. 2). Its anterior angle fits a notch in the posterior margin of the postfrontals, upon
the line of demarcation between the sides and upper part of the head. The postorbitals are
rather small, and three in number; two upon an anterior line, the lowermost being much the
smallest of the two. lar
and compares better with the formula of Percichthys chilensis given further on. The rudimentary
rays of the upper and lower lobe of the caudal are not enumerated by the French ichthyolo-
gists. Itis to be regretted that their formula passed into the ‘‘ Historia de Chile’’ without
verification upon the specimens collected by Mr. Gay, on the ground merely that Cuvier pro-
nounced both species identical. It is true, they are called ¢rucha both in Patagonia and Chile;
but this is one instance in many of vernacular names similarly applied to more than one zoologi-
cal species.
None of the specimens which came under my observation did exhibit roundish black spots
as figured in the ‘‘ Historia de Chile,’’ which may after all become another distinguishing
feature between the trucha of Patagonia and the trucha of Chile. To this, however, I attach
no greater importance than it is worth.
PERCICHTHYS CHILENSIS, Girard.
Pirate XXIX, Figs. 1—4.
Spec. cHaAR. Snout subconical, obtuse anteriorly, and slightly overlapping the lower jaw.
Mouth well developed. Posterior extremity of upper maxillary fetching the vertical of centre
of pupil. Limb of preopercle conspicuously serrated; exterior margin of sub and interopercle
inconspicuously so. Soft portion gf anal deeper than the height of second dorsal. Caudal
moderately emarginated posteriorly. Branchiostegals seven. Ground-color yellowish; upper
regions covered with brownish or blackish diffused spots.
Syn. Percha trucha, Guicu, in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 146; Ictiol. Lam. I bis.
Liga.
Percichthys chilensis, Grp, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1854, 197.
Trucha, vernacular.
Descr. The body is subfusiform, compressed, and more elongated than in the common perch of
the United States. The greatest depth, which corresponds to the origin of the first dorsal fin,
is contained four times and a half in the total leneth; whilst the least depth, taken on the
peduncle of the tail, enters in the same length nearly ten times. The back is uniformly
arched from the nape to the termination of the second dorsal. The peduncle of the tail con-
stitutes almost the fifth of the whole length. The abdominal outline is convex from the throat
to the end of the anal fins. The greatest thickness is a little more than half of the depth;
the thickness of the peduncle of the tail is exactly the half of its depth. The head, which is
subconical, is continuous with both the dorsal and abdominal outlines, if we except a very
slight depression upon the vertex. It forms about the fourth of the entire length. The
28 ZOOLOGY.
snout, which is rounded and obtuse, slightly overlaps the lower jaw, which is thus entirely
concealed when the fish is viewed from above. The mouth is of medium size; its angles do
not reach the anterior margin of the orbit. The posterior extremity of the upper maxillary
extends to a vertical line, which would intersect the pupil. The teeth on both of the jaws, as
well as those on the front of the vomer and on the palatines, are small and more card than vel-
vet-like. They cover an elongated and narrow area along the palatines. The posterior nostril
is the largest, subtriangular in shape, and situated close to the anterior rim of the orbit ; the
anterior nostril is circular, and opens a little in advance of the latter. The eye is subcircular,
approximating the upper outline of the profile; its horizontal diameter enters five times in the
length of the side of the head. The inferior edge of the suborbitals is minutely serrated; these
bones overlap considerably the upper maxillary when the mouth is shut. The limb of the
preopercle exhibits small and closely set serratures upon its ascending branch, whilst the
inferior and horizontal branch is provided with fewer spines directed downwards and slightly
forwards. Minute serratures may be observed upon the exterior edge of both the inter and
subopercles. The opercle is trapezoid, and obliquely traversed by a flattened spine in close
union with that bone, allowing its extremity only to project beyond its margin just above the
upper extremity of the subopercle. The interopercle is a well developed piece of the apparatus
of which it constitutes a part. The thoracic belt is robust; the serratures of the suprascapular
are conspicuous, and the coracoid sends off quite a broad expansion above the base of the pec-
toral fins, the margin of which expansion is provided with minute spines. The branchial
aperture is wide; there being no isthmus under the throat. The branchiostegals, seven in num-
ber, are slender and flattened upon the posterior half.
The distance between the origin of the first dorsal fin and the tip of the snout is equal to _
the combined base of both dorsals. There are eleven spiny rays, eight of which constituting
what may properly be considered as the first dorsal fin; the ninth and tenth seem rather to fill
up the space between the two fins, and the eleventh occupies the anterior margin of the second
dorsal. The first ray is short and equal in height to the eighth, but more slender; the second
is a little higher than the sixth; the seventh being intermediate between the sixth and eighth;
the third is the highest of all, and thrice as high as the first; the fourth is slightly shorter
than the third, and the fifth intermediate between the fourth and sixth. The upper outline of
that fin is consequently very convex. The membrane between the rays is deeply indentated.
There is no vacant area between the first and second dorsals; as already observed, there are
two slender spines, shorter than the eighth, which connect these two fins; their direction or
inclination seems more alike the rays of the second dorsal than those of the first. The eleventh
spine, that which forms the anterior margin of the soft dorsal, is about the same height as the
eighth. The second dorsal is higher than its base is long, though not quite as high as the
highest spine of the anterior dorsal. Its upper margin is slightly convex; its soft rays are
twice bifurcated, except the anterior one, which is simple; the anterior branch of the second
ray remains also simple. The last ray being double, its posterior branch divides but once ;
whilst its anterior portion divides once upon its posterior division, and twice upon its anterior,
alike the other rays. The anal is preceded by three spines; the anterior one being the shortest,
is immediately opposite the anterior margin of second dorsal; the second spine is nearly twice
as long as the first, whilst the third is a little shorter than the second; the membrane which
unites them is deeply indentated. The soft portion of the anal is deeper than the second dorsal
is high, and deeper than its own base, equal, however, in depth to the base of the whole fin,
its spiny rays included, The tips of its soft rays project a little further posteriorly than those
of the second dorsal. The bifurcation of the soft rays is similar to what is observed in the
second dorsal. The caudal is broad and moderately long, being contained about six times and
a half in the total length. Its posterior margin is subcrescentic or else moderately emargin-
ated, the lobes being rather obtuse. The central rays bifurcate thrice upon their length. The
insertion of the ventrals corresponds to the base of the pectorals. The spine which occupies
FISHES. 29
their exterior margin is long and acute, though shorter than any of their soft rays, which
bifurcate thrice, save the posterior one, which divides but twice, and the anterior only once.
Their external margin is broad and rounded. The pectorals are a little longer than the ven-
trals, broad exteriorly when expanded, and composed of soft and slender rays, which bifurcate
but twice upon their length.
Bro av Ue 1) exe VOSS PAN TIDee MO Crane te Se Sia) Wile, br PGs
The scales are well developed, minutely serrated upon their posterior margin, which is con-
vex or rounded. Their anterior margin is subtruncated, whilst their upper and lower margins
are almost rectilinear. Hight distinct rows may be counted between the anterior margin of the
first dorsal and the lateral line, and from twenty-two to twenty-five beneath it and the ventral
line. They diminish considerably in size upon the sides and belly, becoming very minute
under the throat. The upper surface of the head and the cheeks, the suborbitals and maxillary
are covered with them, smaller, however, on the cephalic region proper than on the cheeks, and
quite minute on the maxillary. Those covering the opercular apparatus are again large and
conspicuous, being nearly as large as those of the trunk. The lateral line is very conspicuous;
there are in it from sixty-eight to seventy scales. From the upper part of the opercular appa-
ratus it constitutes a gradually raised curve to nearly opposite the posterior portion of spiny
dorsal; hence the curve is continued, gradually descending to nearly opposite the posterior
margin of the soft dorsal by a series of undulations; then runs almost straightway to the base
of caudal, along the middle of the peduncle of the tail.
The coloration is of a golden yellow; the upper part of the flanks and dorsal region being
brownish or blackish owing to the presence of diffused spots and macule. The fins are uni-
color, greyish yellow. The inferior surface of the head is whitish.
This fish is said to inhabit most of the rivers of the republic of Chile. The specimen figured,
together with several others, was caught in a tributary of the Rio de Maypu, near Santiago.
Plate XXIX, fig. 1, represents, size of life, Percichthys chilensis, seen in profile.
fig. 2, is a scale of the dorsal region.
fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line.
fig. 4, a scale of the abdominal region.
Figs. 2, 3, and 4 are magnified.
PERCICHTHYS MELANOPS, Girard.
Priate XXX, Figs. 1—5.
Spec. cHAR. Mouth of moderate size, posterior extremity of upper maxillary reaching the ver-
tical of the anterior rim of orbit. Palatine teeth occupying but a small area towards the an-
terior extremity of these bones. Opercular spine not very conspicuous. Branchiostegals, six.
Ground-color whitish, minutely and densely dotted with black; dots crowding upon the middle
of the scales under the shape of a central blotch, giving to the whole fish quite a dark hue.
Syn. Percichthys melanops, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 197.
Duscr. This species docs not apparently attain a very large size, judging of it from the fact
that the specimen figured is the largest of the lot collected. It bears a general resemblance to
P. chilensis above described, having the same general shape of the head and body; but the
peduncle of the tail being less developed, its aspect is rather more contracted. The greatest
depth of the body, which corresponds to the anterior margin of the first dorsal fin, is equal to
the length of head, and is contained about three times and three-fourths in the total length;
whilst the least depth, taken on the middle of the peduncle of the tail, enters in that same
30 ZOOLOGY.
length about nine times, or a little over. The greatest thickness stands, in regard to the
length, as one to six or two to thirteen. The dorsal outline is more convex than in Percichthys
chilensis, and mayhap also the belly, which contributes not in a small degree to give to this fish
that more contracted appearance already alluded to above. The head is sub-conical, and par-
ticipates in the short aspect of the body. Its upper surface continues, towards the tip of the
snout, the declivity of the nape with scarcely any inflexion upon either the occiput or the ocular
region. The snout itself is blunt and rounded, slightly overlapping the lower jaw when the
mouth is shut. The upper arcade of the mouth is but little protractile, and, when in the latter
state, causes the maxillaries to move more downwards than forwards. There are minute card-
like teeth on both the upper and lower jaws, and closely set together. Velvet-like teeth may be
observed on the front of the vomer, disposed upon a small triangle. The palatines exhibit a
few rudimentary teeth upon their anterior extremity in contact with the vomer. The palate is
otherwise smooth. The pharyngobranchials are large, elongated, and convex, and closely set
with prickly teeth; the inferior pharyngobranchials are smaller, subtriangular, and slightly
concave, likewise set with similar teeth. The tongue is smooth, flattened, tapering anteriorly.
The mouth is moderate, the posterior extremity of the upper maxillary reaching a vertical
which would pass in advance of the orbit only. The eye is subcircular, and well developed; its
horizontal diameter being contained a little over four times in the length of the side of the head.
The anterior suborbital is broadly developed, overlapping considerably the upper jaw. Its ex-
ternal edge is minutely crenated. The serratures of the ascending branch of the preopercle
are rather more developed than in P. chilensis, though the spines on the lower branch are pro-
portionally of the same size. The opercular apparatus, as a whole, is constructed upon the
same pattern in both P. chilensis and P. melanops. The inferior margin of the sub and inter- ,
opercle are similarly crenated, and a flattened spine may be seen across the middle of the oper-
cle, extending its point beyond the edge of that bone, mayhap a little more acute and more
conspicuous in P. melanops than in P. chilensis, The suprascapular is likewise crerfated, and
the coracoid expansion above the base of pectoral fins, wanting, however, the minute spines ob-
served in P. chilensis. The branchiostegals, six in number, are flattened and curved. The
gill openings communicate together under the throat, being shaped exactly as in P. chilensis.
The distance between the tip of the snout and the origin of the first dorsal is a little greater
than the base of both dorsals. The general structure of these fins is the same as in P. chilensis,
with the exception that the third spine is the longest instead of the fourth. The membrane
between the spines is deeply emarginated. Eight rays constitute, properly speaking, the ante-
rior fin; two are intermediate between the eighth and the eleventh, which is situated at the
anterior margin of the second or posterior fin. The central rays of the latter bifurcate also
twice, and their tips extend evenly with those of the anal. The anal is preceded by three spines,
and its soft rays are bifurcated in the same manner as those of the second dorsal. The poste-
rior margin of the caudal is subemarginated with its central rays thrice bifurcated; it consti-
tutes a little less than the sixth of the entire length of the fish. The origin of the ventrals cor-
responds to a vertical line which would pass immediately behind the base of the pectorals. They
are broad and rounded exteriorly ; their central rays being bifurcated three times, with the an-
terior spine longer than in P. chilensis. The pectorals are rather short, and broad when ex-
panded; their tips do not extend as far backwards as those of the ventrals; the rays are slender
and bifurcate twice.
BroVix- Dex. 10: A DT 5+ C6. @. 7. bibs Vib: P 15.
The scales are of medium development, and very minutely, if at all, crenated upon their pos-
terior margin, which is irregularly rounded. Their anterior margin is straight, and the upper
and lower edges linear and parallel, the scales being much longer than broad. There. are ten
distinct rows between the lateral line and the anterior margin of the first dorsal, besides some
few irregularly disposed near the base of that fin; twenty rows and more may be counted
FISHES. Sil
between the lateral line and the medial region of the belly. The scales decrease in size towards
the occiput and the middle of the back, as well as towards the belly and throat. They are
quite small on the cheeks, and so are those that are observed on the upper surface of the skull,
on the suborbitals and maxillary. On the opercular-pieces they are nearly as large.as those on
the flanks. - The lateral line, in which fifty-eight to sixty scales may be counted, forms an arch
from the upper part of the opercular apparatus to nearly opposite the anterior margin of
the second dorsal, where it reaches the middle of the flanks, hence straight to the base of
the caudal.
A dark blackish hue seems to pervade all the body and head, and yet the ground-color
is whitish, mayhap sometimes yellowish. Innumerable black dots thickly spread over all the
regions contribute to give to this fish its dark appearance. These dots being more particu-
larly crowded upon the posterior third of the scales, it seems as if each scale bore a small spot
or blotch. The upper surface of the head is uniformly dark brown or blackish. The sides of
the head and opercular apparatus appear obsolately maculated. The inferior surface of the
head, the throat, and the belly, exhibit more of the ground-color. The fins are all more or less
yellowish, intensely dotted with blackish, so as to assume the general dark hue of the body
itself, particularly the dorsals and caudal.
This species inhabits the hydrographic basin of the Rio de Maypu. Specimens were procured
from the neighborhood of Santiago.
Plate XXX, fig. 1, represents Percichthys melanops, size of life.
fig. 2 is an outline, viewed from above.
fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region.
fig. 4, a scale from the lateral line.
fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region-
Figs, 3, 4, and 5 are magnified.
yenus PERCILIA, Girard.
Gen. cHAR. General physiognomy percoid; body compressed. Two dorsal fins, contiguous at
their base, broadly separated in their outline. Mouth rather small, or else of medium size;
jaws subequal. Small conical teeth upon the maxillaries, and a few card-like ones on the front
of vomer; none on the palatines. Tongue smooth. A few minute spines along the limb of
preopercle. Opercle without any spines. External edge of suborbitals, sub and interopercle
not crenated. Branchial aperture of either side continuous under the throat. Branchiostegals
5 to 6 in number. Scales quite large and posteriorly ciliated. Cheeks and opercular apparatus
scaly; top of head nearly smooth and nacked. Suborbitals and maxillary scaleless. Insertion
of ventrals behind the base of pectorals. Caudal posteriorly “subcrescentic.
Syn. Percilia, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 197.
Oss. The genus Percilia is a diminutive percoid, essentially charac terized by a small mouth,
the absence of palatine teeth, and an opercular apparatus nearly smooth, there being but a few
minute needle-like spines along the limb of the preopercle. The maxillary teeth differ widely
from those of Perca and Percichthys. The anal has three spiny rays, as in Percichthys, but the
position of the ventrals takes place as in Perca. Its general physiognomy resembles more that
of Percichthys melanops than any other member of the family. The shape of the head and
structure of the mouth denote an affinity with Percichthys, whilst the absence of scales on the
upper surface of the head, the suborbitals, and the (upper) maxillary, remind us of similar traits
in true Perca.
32 ZOOLOGY.
PERCILIA GILLISSII, Girard.
Pirate XXIX, Figs. 5—9.
Spec. cuAR. Snout short and rounded ; mouth small; posterior extremity of upper maxillary
corresponding to the vertical of the anterior rim of the eye. A few minute spines upon the
angle of preopercle. Scales large, conspicuously ciliated posteriorly. Ground-color light red-
dish, or reddish brown, maculated with black.
Syn. Percilia Gillissii, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 197.
Descr. This is a comparatively small species, and in all probability the specimens before us
are full-grown ones. The largest we have seen measure about three inches and a half in total
length, of which the head constitutes the fourth part. The dorsal and abdominal outlines are
convex, giving to the whole profile a fusiform aspect. The peduncle of the tail is moderately
developed, and rather narrow. The greatest depth, measured in advance of the first dorsal, is
contained three times in the length, the caudal fin excluded; the least depth, taken on the
peduncle of- the tail, enters seven times in the same dimension. The greatest thickness equals
half the greatest depth. The body, therefore, is much compressed. The occipital region is
slightly depressed. The snout is short and rounded, and the upper jaw, which is slightly pro-
tractile, overlaps a little the lower one. The mouth is quite small, the posterior extremity of
the upper maxillary extending to a vertical line, which would pass immediately in advance of
the anterior rim of the orbit. The maxillary teeth are small, subcylindrical, slightly tapering
towards their point, and disposed upon several rows. The front of the vomer is provided with |
a subtransverse narrow band of card-like teeth, and not very conspicuous. The palatine bones
are smooth. The pharyngobranchials are well developed, and densely covered with minute
prickles. The tongue is smooth, small, semi-elliptical in shape, and very much -flattened,
mayhap more swollen in a living state. The eye is of medium size, and subcircular ; its hori-
zontal diameter being contained nearly four times anda half in the length of the side of the
head. The preopercle exhibits but a few minute spines upon its limb; the opercle has no
spine at all ; and the inferior cdge of both the sub and interopercle is entire, or else not cre-
nated. The gill openings are continuous under the throat, but there is a membranous expan-
sion between the adjoining branchiostegals, thus filling up a space which is open in the species
of Percichthys, above described. The branchiostegals are five or six in number, flattened, and
recurved. The suprascapular is not visible externally ; the coracoid expands much less above
the base of pectorals than in Percichthys ; and, moreover, these bones are neither provided
with spines nor crenated upon their edges.
The dorsal fins are similar in general appearance to those of the foregoing percoids; the
membrane which unites the spines is deeply emarginated ; but the two intermediate spines be-
tween these two fins do not exist in this species. There are, consequently, nine dorsal spiny
rays. The ninth, which is closely connected with the posterior fin, is the smallest of all; the
eighth comes next, and is but very little higher than the latter ; the others increase in height,
as follows: first, seventh, sixth, second, fifth, third, and fourth. There are instances where
the third is slightly higher than the fourth, as is also the case in Percichthys chilensis. The
second dorsal is not quite as high as the first, though a little higher than its own base ; on the
other hand, the base of the first dorsal is longer than its height. The middle rays bifurcate
twice upon their length, and their tips extend a little further backwards than those of the anal.
The latter is preceded by three spines similar to those in Percichthys chilensis and allied species.
A few of the central soft rays exhibit traces of a bifurcation of the third order; the others
are as in the second dorsal, the external margin of which fin is rounded or subconvex, as is
the case in the anal. The caudal is broad and suberescentic upon its posterior edge, the cen-
tral rays bifurcating three times. The insertion of ventrals is situated behind the base of the
FISHES. 33
pectorals, and their tips extend further backwards. Their spiny ray is well developed, and
the central soft ones bifurcate three times upon their length. The pectorals are short, and
rounded when expanded, composed of slender rays which bifurcate only twice.
Bry —oVvie D> Exit; AT Sed Wet 3s Vb os bie
The scales are large, provided posteriorly with slender and filiform serratures. They are *
higher than long, anteriorly subtruncated, and rounded upon the other sides of their outline.
Four longitudinal rows are observed between the anterior dorsal and the lateral line, and about
twelve rows beneath, between the latter and the middle line of the belly. They diminish in
size towards the occiput and nape, as well as towards the inferior surface of the body. The
largest may be seen upon the middle of the flanks. The upper surface of the head is nacked
and perfectly smooth. Small scales exist on the cheeks, and somewhat larger ones on the
opercular apparatus. The suborbitals and the maxillary are scaleless. The lateral line, in
which there are about thirty-five scales, from the upper part of the opercle to opposite the mid-
dle region of the second dorsal fin, constitutes a depressed and occasionally somewhat undula-
ting arch ; then runs nearly straight towards the base of the caudal fin.
The ground-color assumes either a light reddish or reddish brown hue. The head, dorsal
region, and sides of body and tail, are irregularly blotched with blackish or deep brown—the
blotches being the result of an accumulation of minute dots. The lower surface of the head
and throat are sown over with similar dots sometimes disposed in irregular streaks. The
ground-color of the fins is light yellowish, the rays made blackish by crowded dots ; the pecto-
rals and ventrals less so than the dorsals, caudal, and anal.
Inhabits the Rio de Maypu; specimens were obtained from an aflluent of that river, in the
vicinity of Santiago.
Plate XXIX, fig. 5, represents the profile of Percilia gillissi, size of life,
fig. 6 is an outline, viewed from above.
fig. 7, a scale of the dorsal region.
fig. 8, a scale of the lateral line.
fig. 9, a scale of the abdominal region.
Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are magnified.
- FAMILY OF ATHERINIDZ.
The study of this family, heretofore composed of the single genus Atherina, has led us to
establish several new genera in which the rather numerous species are grouped according to
several structural peculiarities which, though apparently inappreciable on account of their
moderate development, are not to be altogether overlooked.
The genus ATHERINOPsIS is to receive such species in which there are no palatine teeth, with
both jaws equal, and the snout more or less rounded.
Atherina menidia, Linn., and Atherina notata, Mrrcu., will find a place in this genus along-
side with Atherinopsis californiensis, GRD.
The genus Bastiicuruys will be characterized by the protrusion of the upper jaw beyond the
lower one. There are no teeth on the palate.
To this must be referred :
1°. Atherina microlepidota, Jun., from the fresh waters of Chile, described further on. |
2°. Atherina laticlavia, Cuv. and Vau.,* from the coast of Chile, and easily distinguished by
its large scales and its broad silvery lateral band.
3°. Atherina argentinensis, Cuv. and Vau., observed at the mouth of the Rio La Plata and
Bay of Maldonado, and commonly known as Pescadilla del rey.
Hist Nat. des Poiss. X, 1835, 473.
34 ZOOLOGY.
4°. Atherina macrophthalma Aaass.,* A. brasilensis, Cuv. and Vau.; from the bay of Rio
de Janeiro.
5°. Atherina bonariensis, Cuv. and Vau., from Buenos Ayres.
6°. Atherina lichtensteinii, Cuv. and Vau., from Montevideo.
And, in all probability: Atherina regia, Hums.,+ from Peru, and Atherina lessonit, Cuv.
and Vat., from Brazil.
The genus Hrreroenatuus is based upon the elongation of the lower jaw, which projects
considerably beyond the upper one. No teeth on the palate, or else in a rudimentary state only.
Atherina humboldtiana and A. vomeriana, Cuv. and Vat., both from Mexico: whether from the
fresh or salt waters, it is not stated.
In all Atherinopsis, Basilichthys, and Heterognathus, the intermaxillaries constitute the upper
arcade of the mouth at the exclusion of the maxillaries, which are situated behind the latter.
This character will distinguish them at once from Atherina proper.
Genus BASILICHTHYS, Girard.
Gen. cHAaR. Intermaxillaries constituting the upper part of the mouth, the maxillaries
being placed behind. Head and snout subconical; upper jaw protruding beyond the lower.
Small teeth on both jaws; none on either the vomer or palatines. Upper surface of the head
scaly.
Syn. Basilichthys, Grp., Pro. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 198.
Oxs. Like Atherinopsis, the present genus includes species of its family which are unprovided
with teeth of any kind on the upper roof of the mouth. The mouth itself has the sanie general
structure as regards the disposition of the intermaxillaries and maxillaries, but the conical
shape of the head, and the protrusion of the upper jaw beyond the lower, will constitute the
generic feature of Basilichthys.
BASILICHTHYS MICROLEPIDOTUS, Girard.
Pirate XXX, Figs. 6—9.
Spec. cHar. Upper surface of head depressed and subeonvex. Cheeks and upper portion of
opercle covered with conspicuous scales. Origin of anal considerably in advance of anterior
margin of second dorsal. First dorsal opposite the middle of space between anals and ventrals.
Caudal forked. Ground-color yellowish brown, dotted with blackish ; a silvery grey band along
the middle of the flanks.
Syn. Atherina microlepidota, Jen. Zool. of Beagle, IV, Fish. 1842, 78, Pl. xvi, fig. 1, la, 10.
GurcH. in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 253.
Basilichthys microlepidotus, Grp. Acad Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 198.
Peje rey, vernacular.
Drscr. The general form is elongated, subfusiform, and slender; the back being rounded,
whilst the flanks diminish considerably in thickness from the silvery band towards the medial
line of the belly. The greatest depth of the body, measured above the insertion of the ventral
* Pisce. Brazil, 1827, Pl. xlvii, Fig. 1.
t Rec. d’Obs. de Zool. et d’Anat. Comp. I, 1833.
FISHES. 35
fins, is contained between five and six times in the total length; and the least depth, taken on
the peduncle of the tail, near the base of the caudal fin, is about the third of the greatest depth.
The greatest thickness is considerably more than half the greatest.depth. From the origin of
the ventral the body tapers slightly anteriorly, and quite rapidly posteriorly from the anterior
margin of both the anal and second dorsal fins.
The head above is depressed, subconvex, and rather small. In length it constitutes about
the two-elevenths of the whole. It is a little deeper than broad at its base. The mouth is well
developed, the lower jaw being a little shorter than the upper, which is protractile. Several rows
of very small and subconical teeth may be observed on the maxillaries and on the dentaries. °
The palate is perfectly smooth, or without teeth. The pharyngobranchials, upper and lower,
are densely covered with card-like teeth. The tongue is smooth and narrow, and of but me-
dium development. The posterior extremity of the upper maxillary does not quite extend to a
vertical line which would pass through the anterior rim of the orbit. The nostrils are very
small, the anterior one being the smallest, and both of them are nearer to the anterior rim of
the orbit than to the lip of the upper jaw when the latter is in its retracted position. The eye,
though well developed, is small when compared to other species, circular in shape, and its
diameter contained nearly five times in the length of the side of the head. Its upper margin
approximates the line of the profile. The opercular apparatus is rounded, and convex upon its
margin. Conspicuous scales cover its upper margin as well as the cheeks. On the remaining
portion of the opercle, and the sub and interopercles, scales are apparently wanting, owing to
the transparency of the argentine membrane which passes over them. The branchial apertures
are broadly open and continuous under the hyoidal apparatus. The branchiostegals, six in
number, are mostly concealed under the subopercle; the innermost are flattened; the two outer-
most, small and filiform.
The first dorsal is quite small, and composed of slender rays. The posterior margin of that
fin is nearly equidistant between the upper lobe of caudal fin and the extremity of the snout.
The second dorsal is of moderate development, with one anterior rudimentary ray, undivided,
like the second. The central rays bifurcate twice, with a slight indication of a subdivision of
the third degree upon the fourth, fifth, and sixth rays. That fin is a little higher anteriorly
than long, with its upper edge concave, and its posterior margin about half the height of the
anterior. It is situated immediately opposite the posterior portion of the anal. The base of
the anal is much longer than that of the second dorsal, and longer also than the depth of its
anterior margin. Its external edge is likewise concave, and its posterior margin about two-fifths
the height of the anterior. The first ray is rudimentary; the second is simple; the central
ones bifurcate only twice. The caudal is deeply forked with sub-acute lobes. It constitutes the
sixth of the entire length. Its central rays bifurcate three times, with partial indications of a
subdivision of the fourth degree. The ventrals are altogether situated in advance of the first
dorsal; these fins are short and broad exteriorly, when expanded. The anterior ray is the
smallest, and remains undivided; the others subdivide three times. The pectorals are of mod-
erate development and acute posteriorly; their ray subdividing but twice, the uppermost re-
maining simple. They are obliquely inserted below the middle line of the body.
Br. VI: D VI, 11; A16+1; ©3.1. 8.7.1.2; V6; P 15.
The scales are rather small, and subquadrangular in general form; sometimes a little longer
than high, at others a little higher than long. They are posteriorly rounded, and subtruncated
anteriorly. They constitute more than twenty longitudinal rows upon the line of the greatest
depth of the body, and about fifteen rows on the peduncle of the tail. Small and irregular
scales may be observed upon the base of the caudal fin. The scales on the cheeks are equal in
development to those on the nape. On the opercular pieces they are little larger than on the
cheeks. The ground-color is yellowish brown, minutely dotted with blackish. The dorsal
region between the silvery bands has a darker hue than the inferior part of the flank, owing to
36 ZOOLOGY.
a great accumulation of dots over the whole surface of the scales, whilst beneath it there is but
one series of these dots along the very margin of the scales. The caudal, dorsal, and pectoral
fins are greyish yellow; the ventrals and anal are yellowish. The upper surface of head and
snout being dark brown.
This species, which is said to inhabit the fresh waters of Chile, was caught by Mr. Darwin in
the vicinity of Valparaiso. The specimens before us were collected by Lieut. Gilliss in the
Mapocho, an affluent of the Rio de Maypu.
Plate XXX, fig. 6, represents Basilichthys microlepidotus in a profile view, and of the size of
life.
fig. 7 is an outline, viewed from above.
fig. 8, a scale of the dorsal region.
fig. 9, a scale of the abdominal region.
Figs. 8 and 9 are magnified.
FAMILY OF SILURIDZ.
Genus NEMATOGENYS, Girard.
Gen. car. Head very much depressed and large. Body posteriorly compressed; posterior
margin of caudal fin rounded. Anal opposite space between the dorsal and caudal. Ventrals
under the dorsal. Mouth broad, but not deeply cleft; its angle provided with a long barbel.
A second pair of subhyoidal barbels shorter than the buccal ones. A still shorter and prenasal |
barbels constitute a third pair of these appendages. Intermaxillaries and dentaries provided
with a patch of card-like teeth. Pharyngobranchials covered with similar asperities. Eyes
rather small, situated on the upper surface of head. Opercular apparatus without any spines.
Branchial openings continuous under the throat. A spine at the anterior margin of the pec-
toral fins. Skin scaleless.
Syx. Nematogenys, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIT, 1854, 198.
Ons. The most prominent characters by which this genus may be distinguished from Thricho-
mycterus, consist in the presence of one pair of barbels only at the angle of the mouth, another
pair under the head, which is wanting in the latter, and by the absence of prickly or small
spines on the opercular apparatus. The absence of an isthmus under the throat may become
another not less important point of discrimination between the two genera.
NEMATOGENYS INERMIS, Girard.
Puiate XXXII, Figs. 1—3.
Spec. carn. Head large and wedge-shaped: snout anteriorly broad and rounded. Origin of
ventrals opposite the anterior margin of dorsal. Spiny ray of pectorals prickly beneath. Tip
of buccal barbel extending beyond the base of pectorals. Skin beset with minute pustules.
Ground-color yellowish brown maculated with white.
Syn. Trichomycterus inermis, GuicH. in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 312. Ictiol.
Lam. ix, fig. 2.
Nematogenys inermis, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 198.
Bagre or Vagre. Vernacular.
FISHES. 37
Desc. The body is elongated, subquadrangular or subrounded upon its anterior half, very
much compressed posteriorly, and thinning off towards the base of the caudal fin. The greatest
depth, measured in advance of the dorsal fin, is about the eighth of the entire length, whilst
the least depth, immediately behind the anal, enters nine times and a half in the same dimen-
sion. The greatest thickness, at the origin of the trunk, is equal to the least depth, and the
thickness above the anal fin is contained nearly three times and a half in the depth upon that
same region. The head constitutes about the fifth of the total length. It is very much
depressed, and broader than the body anteriorly. Its depth upon the occipital region is a little
less than the half of its length, hence tapering off to the extremity of the snout, being also
declive towards the sides. The mouth is broad, though not deeply cleft; the posterior extremity
of the upper maxillary reaching a vertical line which would pass a little nearer to the anterior
rim of the eye than to the posterior nostril. The jaws are nearly equal, and surrounded with
well developed membranous lips, expanding considerably towards the angle of the mouth, where
a subcylindrical barbel is observed, which extends posteriorly beyond the base of the pectoral
fins. A pair of flattened barbels may be observed under the head, attached to the anterior part
of the hyoidal apparatus, each widely separated from one another. When stretched backwards
in a straight line from their insertion, their tip reaches the edge of the branchiostegal mem-
brane. The nostrils, right and left, are wide apart; the anterior is much the largest, situated
close to the jaw, and provided at its upper and posterior rim with a flattened and tapering
barbel about seven twentieths of an inch long, immediately behind which may be seen the pos-
terior opening, subcircular in shape, and provided upon its upper and posterior rim with a
membranous expansion sufficiéntly large to cover that aperture when let down upon it. The
eyes, situated towards the upper surface of the head, are small, inconspicuous, and elongated;
their longitudinal diameter measuring but a quarter of an inch; their posterior rim being nearly
equidistant between the margin of the upper jaw and the posterior edge of the opercular appa-
ratus. An oblong and rather large patch of card-like teeth exists upon the intermaxillaries ;
the upper maxillaries being toothless. A broad band, posteriorly tapering, of similar but
smaller teeth, may likewise be seen upon the dentary or lower jaw. The roof of the mouth is
smooth; but at the entrance of the esophagus the pharyngobranchials, upper and lower, are
possessed with teeth of the same description, but smaller still than those of the dentaries,
becoming almost velvet-like. The upper pharyngobranchials are subelliptical in shape and
convex, whilst the inferior pair of these bones are subtriangularly elongated and subconcave.
A double row of conical processi are observed, one upon each side of the branchial arches ; the
anterior row more developed than the posterior one. The tongue is short, and provided on each
side with a fleshy expansion. The opercular apparatus is concealed under the skin, without
either spines or serratures of any kind. The branchial apertures are broadly open, and split
to the hyoidal apparatus, without any intermediate membrane connecting the right and left
flaps. The branchiostegals are numerous and slender, those next to the opercular apparatus
are flattened, the others circular—all more or less curved. The membrane which unites them
extends beyond their tips.
The anterior margin of the dorsal fin is nearly equidistant between the extremity of the snout
and the base of caudal. That fin is higher than long, superiorly convex; its central rays are
subdivided three times. The anal resembles the dorsal in general appearance, being deeper
than long, but more acuminated posteriorly. Its central rays bifurcate, likewise, thrice, and
their tips reach the rudimentary rays of the caudal, between the base of which and the origin of
ventral its anterior margin corresponds. The caudal, which constitutes a little less than the
sixth of the entire length, is broad and rounded posteriorly; its central rays bifurcate three
times upon their length; there are numerous rudimentary rays above and below. The insertion
of the ventrals is nearly opposite to the anterior margin of the dorsal. These fins are of medium
size, exteriorly rounded when expanded, and their rays three times bifurcated. The pectorals
are longer and narrower than the ventrals, and inserted near the inferior surface of the body ;
6
38 ZOOLOGY.
their anterior edge being placed a little in advance of the posterior expansion of the opercle.
The spine which occupies this region is well developed, provided with minute prickles beneath,
and with a series of small, subtriangular serratures posteriorly. Its tip is continued to the
margin of the fin under the form of a membranous ray. The soft and articulated rays are bifur-
cated three times. The external margin of these fins is rounded when expanded.
Br. XII; D 10; All; 016.1. 7. 7.1. 12; V6; PL. ¥.
The anterior ray of both the dorsal and anal fins is small and slender, and the second shorter
than the third, which is a little longer than the last of all.
The skin is densely studded with minute pustules, smooth to the touch, and extending to all
the regions, except the lower surface of the head, throat, and belly. The lateral line, from
the opercular apparatus, runs almost straight along the middle of the flanks to the base of cau-
dal fin, undergoing but a very slight inflexion downwards upon the thoracic region. It is much
more conspicuous anterior to the dorsal fin than farther back, where it exists under the shape
of small pores.
The ground-color is reddish, or yellowish brown. The upper surface of head is nearly black ;
numerous blackish and rounded spots or blotches are spread all over the body and sides of the
head, with a tendency towards longitudinal series along the flanks and tail ; the blotches often
being confluent, and inconspicuously defined. On the fins, these spots assume a transverse
arrangement, and give to the latter an irregularly banded or barred appearance. The inferior
surface of the head and belly are whitish, the former regions sometimes maculated. The buccal
and prenasal barbels are black ; the subhyoidal ones whitish, or semi-blackish. The ventrals
and pectorals are lighter beneath than above.
Specimens of this species were collected in an affluent of the Rio de Maypu, in the vicinity of
Santiago. According to Mr. Gay, it is to be found in the fresh waters throughout the republic
of Chile. -
Plate XXXII, fig. 1, represents Nematogenys inermis in a profile view, and nearly the size of life.
fig. 2, is an outline of the fish seen from above, to show the disposition of
the eyes, nostrils, and prenasal barbels.
fig. 3, is a view of the inferior surface of the head, exhibiting the insertion
of the subhyoidal barbels, the continuity of the branchial aperture with the
hyoidal apparatus, and the branchiostegal rays.
Genus THRICHOMYCTERUS, (Humb.) Valence.
Gen. cHAR. Head depressed and rather small. Body anteriorly rounded ; posteriorly com-
pressed. Caudal fin emarginated or subemarginated. Anal under the posterior part of dorsal,
and ventrals in advance of the latter. Mouth small, or of medium size, inferior, and provided
with a double pair of barbels at its angle. No barbels under the head. One pair of prenasal
barbels. Velvet-like teeth upon the intermaxillaries and lower jaw. Palate smooth. Hyes
very small, situated on the upper surface of the head. Opercular apparatus prickly. Branchial
openings not continuous under the throat. Fins without any spiny rays. Skin scaleless and
smooth.
Syn. Thrichomycterus (Humb.), Vatenc. in Humb. Rec. d’ Obs. de Zool. et @ Anat. comp. IT,
1833, 347.
Cuy. et Van. Hist. Nat. Poiss. X VIII, 1846, 485.
GuicH. in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. IT, 1848, 309.
FIRARD, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1854, 198.
FISHES. 39
Oss. The name of Uhrichomycterus was first framed by Hnmboldt,* under the following circum-
stances: Having obtained a fish from the Rio Bogota, in New Grenada, he published a memoir
thereon, in which he says: ‘‘ Je l’ai nommé érémophile, 4 cause de la solitude dans laquelle il
vit a de si grandes hauteurs, et dans des eaux qui ne sont presque habitées par aucun étre vivant.
Les naturalistes qui craignent que de nouvelles espéces de ce méme genre ne viennent A étre
découvertes dans des situations trés-différentes, pourraient changer le nom d’érémophile en celui
de thrichomycterus, tiré des barbillons attachés au nez de ce poisson.”’
Thrichomycterus, therefore, in the estimation of Humboldt, was exactly the synonym of
EBremophilus.
Now, in the second volume of the same work, Valenciennes, after giving us a more complete
description of Hremophilus mutisti, mentions that another fish, generically distinct from the
above, had been obtained from Brazil, and for which he would propose the name of Zhiicho-
mycterus, imagined by Humboldt.
No reference to the history of this generic name being made in the Histoire Naturelle des
Poissons, we have considered ourselves fully justified in relating it here. The transfer of a
name to a thing for which it was not originally intended, if not explained, is liable to throw
a great deal of confusion upon the subject it refers to, and is likewise an infraction to sound
rules of nomenclature.
Many species having been described under the name of Thrichomycterus, we would advise
that it should be retained, rather than to frame another one. The species of T'hrichomycterus
are closely allied to Hremophilus, from which they chiefly differ by the presence of ventral fins.
-
THRICHOMYCTERUS MACULATUS, Cuv. et Val.
Prate XXXIV, Figs. 1—3.
Spec. cHar. Head small and very depressed, declive towards the snout, which is anteriorly
rounded. Mouth small. Maxillary teeth inconspicuous. Upper buccal barbel longer than the
lower, neither of which reaching the base of pectorals. Prenasal barbel as long as the upper
buccal. Opercle and subopercle prickly. Isthmus quite small. Branchiostegals, six. Caudal
subemarginated posteriorly. Skin perfectly smooth. Ground-color yellowish or brownish,
maculated with black. Fins greyish yellow.
Syn. ZVhrichomycterus maculatus, Cuv. et Vau. Hist. Nat. Poiss. XVIII, 1846, 493.
Gutcu. in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 311.
Girard, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1854, 199.
Bagre, or Vagre. Vernacular.
Desc. The species is one of small size. The body is slender and elongated, anteriorly rounded,
and slightly compressed; posteriorly more so. The greatest depth, measured immediately
behind the tip of pectoral fins, is contained nearly nine times in the total length, and the least
depth, taken on the peduncle of the tail, enters in that same length thirteen times. The great-
est thickness, at the anterior portion of the body, is about equal to the depth. The head is
contained six times and a half in the total length. It is much depressed, wedge-shaped, and
equally declive towards the sides. ‘The snout is anteriorly rounded. The upper jaw overlaps
the lower, thus giving the mouth an inferior situation. The latter is small, and surrounded
with thick and fleshy lips, but little extensible upon the upper jaw. A membranous expansion
is to be observed at the angle of the mouth, immediately below the barbels. The latter are
* Recueil d’Observations de Zoologie et d’Anatomie Comparée, &c., Vol. I, 1811, 18.
40 ZOOLOGY.
flattened, thick at their base, and filiform towards their extremity. The upper one is a little
longer than the lower, its tip extending to the posterior edge of the opercular apparatus, when
stretched straightway backwards. The velvet-like teeth constitute an elongated and transverse
patch upon the intermaxillaries. A similar area of similar teeth exists upon the symphysis of
the dentaries, or lower jaw. The palate is perfectly smooth. The pharyngobranchials, upper
and lower, are either smooth or provided with very inconspicuous prickles: as far as we could
ascertain, they appeared to be smooth. The anterior nostril approximates the upper jaw, and
is provided at its external edge with a flattened (at base) and filiform (at tip) barbel, and about
as long as the upper buccal. The posterior nostril, situated a little behind the anterior, is a
little larger than the latter, and provided anteriorly with a very low and thin membrane. The
eyes, which are situated towards the upper surface of the head, and far apart, are very small
and somewhat elongated, nearly equidistant between the margin of the upper jaw and the pos-
terior edge of the opercular apparatus. The cheeks are smooth, like the upper surface of the
head, and the opercular apparatus concealed under the skin exhibits only a small group of
prickles, situated at the upper angle of the opercle. The subopercle is largely developed, and
its surface is covered with very conspicuous club-shaped prickles. The branchiostegal rays are
entirely concealed under the subopercle. They are six in number; the four innermost flat-
tened—all being enclosed in a tough membrane which projects beyond their tips. The
branchial apertures are continuous, but not split under the hyoidal apparatus. The dorsal fin
is situated far back ; its anterior margin being much nearer to the posterior extremity of the
caudal than to the tip of the snout. It is nearly as high anteriorly as its base is long; the
height of its posterior margin is less than the half of the anterior margin. Its upper margin is
subconvex. The origin of the anal is situated opposite the posterior third of dorsal. It is
nearly twice as deep as the extend of its base, and exteriorly convex. The tips of its central —
rays consequently extend farther backwards than those of the dorsal, without, however, reaching
the base of the caudal. The latter constitutes about the eighth of the entire length. It is
posteriorly subemarginated, with its lobes rounded. There are numerous rudimentary rays
which contiibute to give to the extremity of the peduncle of the tail a dilated appearance. The
ventrals are situated in advance of the dorsal; their posterior extremity reaching a vertical line
which would pass immediately in advance of the anterior margin of the last mentioned fin.
The ventrals themselves are small and convex exteriorly, their tips not reaching the vent,
which is situated somewhat in advance of the anterior margin of the anal fin. The pectorals
are likewise short, broad, and rounded exteriorly, their insertion being almost horizontal, and
below the middle line of the body.
Br. VI; D 13; A 8; 010.1. 6.5.1.9; V5; P9.
The anterior three rays of both the dorsal and anal fins are simple and shorter than the
fourth, the first being quite rudimentary. The anterior ray of the ventrals and pectorals is
simple also, and enclosed in a thick membrane. The central rays of all the fins are bifurcated
three times upon their length. The lateral line is very inconspicuous, and visible only upon
the anterior third of the body, where distant pores may be followed from the upper part of the
opercle towards the middle of the flanks, after a slight convexity upwards at its origin. The
skin is otherwise perfectly smooth. It is needless to add that a thick layer of mucosity covers
the whole body, the head, and the fins.
The ground-color is either yellowish or brownish, with small purplish macule spread all
over the head, where they assume a cloudy aspect; also over the body, along the sides of which
obsolete longitudinal stripes are to be seen. Two other stripes, more indistinct still, along the
dorsal line, from nape to origin of dorsal; and three along the sides, the middle one of which
running along the middle region of the body and tail. The inferior surface of the head and
the belly are of a soiled yellow hue. The barbels and the fins are greyish yellow.
Specimens were caught in the Rio Mapocho, near Santiago.
FISHES. 41
Plate XXXIV, fig. 1, represents Thrichomycterus maculatus, size of life, and in profile.
fig. 2 is an outline of the same, seen from above.
fig. 3, the head, seen from below.
THRICHOMYCTERUS MACRAI, Girard.
Spec. cHar. General aspect elongated, subfusiform; peduncle of tail long and slender. Dor-
sal fin elongated, and quite low posteriorly. Anal fin narrow. Ventrals and pectorals rather
small. Caudal posteriorly emarginated. Ground-color greenish brown, with small, pavement-
like blackish spots extending all over the body.
Descr. The general form resembles that of 7. maculatus; the peduncle of the tail is still more
slender, and the posterior edge of the caudal subcrescentic, with the inferior lobe larger than the
upper lobe, The head is contained nearly six times and a half in the total length, which meas-
ures four inches and a half. The base of the dorsal fin is contained three times in the distance
between its anterior margin and the extremity of the snout, and once between its posterior mar-
gin and the base of the caudal; the latter fin being one fourth shorter. The anterior third
of said dorsal fin is higher than the remaining portion, which is comparatively very low. The
origin of the anal takes place opposite the middle of the length of the dorsal ; it is deeper than
long, and rounded upon its external margin, which extends backwards almost evenly with the
posterior margin of the dorsal. The ventrals and pectorals are short and rounded exteriorly.
The buccal and nasal tentacles are shorter than in 7. maculatus. The prickles about the oper-
cular apparatus are but little conspicuous. The head is broad and depressed ; the mouth is
moderately developed.
The ground-color is greenish or yellowish brown ; the upper regions are covered with numer-
ous small blackish spots, assuming a tessellated or else a pavement-like aspect. Beneath, the
color is uniform yellowish or greyish. The fins present the same tint, with a blackish hue
towards their margin.
Three specimens of this species were collected by Lieutenant MacRae near Uspullata, east side
of the cordilleras, at an elevation of about 7,000 feet.
FAMILY OF CLUPEIDZ.
Genus ALOSA, Cuv.
Gen. cHaR. No teeth upon any of the bones constituting the apparatus of the mouth.
Syn. dlosa, Cuv. Régn. Anim. (2d ed.) IT, 1829.
Cuv. et Va. Hist. Nat. des Poiss. XX, 1847, 389.
Oxs. The total absence of teeth in this genus will readily distinguish it from any other of the
same family. It is here admitted as characterized in the ‘‘ Histoire Naturelle des Poissons.”’
The species resemble the herrings in their general appearance; the stomach being rather
large and acute, and the pylorus provided with numerous ceca. The intestine likewise folds
twice upon itself. The air-bladder is large, attenuated at both extremities, swollen upon its
middle region, and communicating with the stomach; its anterior extremity not extending
beyond the third vertebra.
49, ZOOLOGY.
ALOSA MUSICA, Girard.
Priarr XXXI, Figs. 1—4.
Spec. car. Body subfusiform, elongated, compressed, and tapering posteriorly. Origin of
ventrals opposite the middle region of dorsal. Posterior extremity of upper maxillary reaching
the vertical of anterior rim of pupil. Lower jaw longest. Back bluish; sides silvery. ef
rn
er
rn
nyt
ee
locas
at =
ee
oc jeonod
Cee Bic
XK
f
CO
aie
a
leat
yoedxy Wisy
7
'
ry
‘
+
MOCO HoOUN “SAAT OILS Vial G2) 22! ) TAO IRENA SUSE onvoRe
Ai
(Ay OCA A
CORY rrih!
SN) Noni de
RY
Cn
ih,
wpadxy iasy “N
fy
[Beano]
Sy e5|
S]
SV TIAHOT1Nd
“TXXX * Td
Tey
SOT
paeyont He
upedxg wWisy “N’'S’N
i r
: : . = 5 : 2: : A
: ; . ‘ = oe
a, + /
. 6 6 . x.
: * : , : sr,
2 . ‘ be 7"
. . . ‘< ‘ -
= b 3 7 + . .
+ 4 bs =F R :
2 - 4 ra ‘7
: ; . : - -
7 Re . ’ ' : . F
\ -
3 : ‘ : } a
. x M 7 i .
- 5 ¥ ; ; t ;
‘ C p ae 3 ‘
: .
. ry » s o
4 b = 4 ” aes = ? a .
. pn 4 f 4
= - Fe i NG, eat r ore . “3 a
. i r = ae = :
= 7 a = oe = : 3 - ot = Fi F :
, ; A : v
. \ = a ’
i y % :
prea 3 = , ;
.
, 74 ‘ 2
>
* v3 - - =
- + ’ n .
i - ry - x
. $ ; ‘ 2 7
Z Fe ‘
ply
* SINNANI
SAN
r
LOO LVWUN
“ preypMy HE
a]
“TIXXX Td
upedxg iusy “N’S
pay
“VANEAU LATOd
VWNWOLSOTTHCa
" pABUPLL HT
“TI XXXK Td
We edxq sy
ANTS) 1a)
U.S.N. Astr! Exped™ Pik; s JOGRN-
~ a allen ed aares mete hee eae te ee
Dougal Se
J.A.Richard.
Figs. 1-3. TRICHOMYCTERUS MACULATUS, Cuv.& Val. Figs. 4-7. CHEIRODON PISCICULUS, Grd.
Figs. 8-11. CYSTIGNATHUS TABNIATUS, Grd. Figs. 12-15. PHYLLOBATES INOMEVMMiiSy 5 (enashe
<
<
Ee
ce
eS
See
«Se
eK
et
CEE ea
a) E
U.S.N. Astr! Exped™ : _ PL. Xxx
Dougal 5
JH.Richard
‘pip “SNTTMLNVL SIHdOINSVL ‘pay ‘SISNETIHO SANANAHOVL
pieyol q H
RUGUNNUNNE —
ypedxg psy N’S'O
©
en
“THAXKX ‘Td
ttt tha
~SINDISHV Hd
SNHORdOCINAND
PIBUPIY He
padxy wasy NSA
og Teonogd
“XIXXX ‘Td
“LTE 2 ULL]
‘ VLIVNYO
Vv
HALOY O dV
whe av NST
|
.
|
IPL e PSI
U.S.N. Astr! Exped”
ee
Do
S x N
Nia aw Yeon
oe ven
.
i
Ne
Ny
Dougal Sc.
J.H.Richard .
Gree
Figs 5-12. PROCTOTRETUS FEMORATUS ,
Dum & Bibr.
Higs 1-4 PROCTOTRETUS TENUIS,
Grd.
STANTONI ,
=
Figs 13-20. PROCTOTRETUS
oe Wald .
Tre, on he alex
¥
' dai Niyieh
rt ANON
ORY oi
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES
ii i