13G ZOOLOGY OF TH E VOYAGE OF TH E BEAGLE.
torals reach to the ventrals, and are contained about once and two-thirds in the length of the
head. Caudal deeply forked ; the lower lobe a little longer than the upper one : the base
appears to have been covered with m inute scales. Above the pectorals is a thin membranaceous
lanceolate scale, more than half the length of tbe fin : a somewhat similar scale in the
axillæ of the ventrals, but shorter in proportion ; another below those fins.
C o l o u r .— “ Body silvery: dorsal scales iridescent with green and copper: head greenish;
tail yellow.”—D.
A second specimen agrees with tbe above in form, but is smaller, measuring only inches.
T he colours, when recent, according to Mr. Darw in’s notes, were as follows :— “ Scales silvery
iridescent; back especially greenish; caudal fin yellow : remarkable for a circular dark green
patch behind the gill-cover.”—D.
H abitat, Bahia Blanca.
This species was caught by Mr. Darwin in the net, on a sandbank, at Bahia
Blanca. It is well characterized by its strongly-pectinated scales, and does not
appear to have been noticed by authors ; though it would seem in that respect to
have some affinity with the Clupea Jimhriata of Bowdich.*
E n g r a u l i s r i n g e n s . Jen.
E . capite coxnpresso, gx'andiusculo, quax'tampartem longitxidixiis totius oequante : I'os-
tro acuto, ultra maxillam superiorexn. mediocx'iter prominulo ; mandibuU angustâ,
dentibus latex'alibus (ut etiam in maxillá) minimis : coxpore coxxipx'esso : pinnis ventralihus
infra, vix ante, inilium pinnoe dorsalis exox-iexitibus : squaxnd longissixnâ
mexnbx'axiaccâ super pinnam pectoralem x'etx'ox'smxi producid.
D. ]5 ; A. l.Q; C. 19, &c. ; P. 16; V. 7.
L o n g . u n c . 5.
F o rm — Closely resembling the common Anchovy, but the head decidedly larger and longer, being
one-fourth o f the entire length.f Eye larger, but bearing an equal proportion to the size of
the head ; also rather nearer to the tip of the snout in consequence of this last not being
so acute and much produced. Low er jaw rather narrower, from the greater compression of
the head and body. Maxillary, and its fine serratures on the edges for teeth, similar.
T he depth of the body is about one-sixth of the entire length. The dorsal commences
at the middle point of the length, reckoning this last to the base of the caudal fork and
termmates a little before the commencement of the anal : the first ray is not half the length
o f the second and third, which equal three-fourths of the depth : the fifth and succeeding rays
become gradually shorter than those which precede. T he first ray in the anal is likewise very
short, and scarcely one-third of the next following. The ventrals arise almost directly under
the first ray of the dorsal, being scarcely at all in advance ; when laid back, they do not
reach half-way to the anal. Above the pectoral is a long membranaceous scale equalling, or
very nearly, the fin itself.
* Excursions in Madeira, p. 234, fig. 44.
t In the E . enchrasicholus, it is hardly onc-fourth of the length, excluding caudal.
FISH.
C0L00R .- N 0t noticed in the recent state. In spirits, it appears silvery, with the back and upper
part of the sides deep dusky blue, the two colours separated by a well-defined line.
Habitat, Iquique, Peru.
This is probably an midescribed species of Engraulis ; nor am I aware that
authors have hitherto noticed any from the west coast of America. Mr. Darwin
obtained two specimens which are precisely similar to each other. The species
closely resembles the common European Anchovy,» differing principally in its
larger head, and more backward ventrals in respect to the dorsal.
F abily.-P L E U R O N E C T ID ® .
Mr. Darwin’s collection contains individuals of five species belonging to this
family, besides the drawing of a sixth ; hut the specimens brought home are dry,
and badly preserved. Two appear to have been previously noticed ; but it is
difficult to pronounce upon the other three with certainty, neither do they admit
of being very accurately described. These last, therefore, I shall not venture to
name, hut merely point out a few of their principal characters, adding the
localities whence they were obtained.
The species, of which there is a drawing, I conceive to he certainly new ; and
as its characters are very distinguishable, I shall name it in honour of the gentleman,
one of the officers of the Beagle, by whom the drawing was made.
1. P l a t e s s a O r b ig n y a n a . Val. I
Platessa Orbignyana, Val. in D’Orb. Voy. dans I'Amsr. Mend. Atl. Iclitb. PI. 16. fig. 1.
F orm.— O val ; greatest breadth two and a half times in the length. Eyes on the left side, near
together, .and equally in advance. T eeth in a single i w , sharp-pointed, moderately strong,
rather widely separate; posterior extrem ity of the maxillary cut nearly square. Dorsal commencing
in a lino with tho eyes, and leaving a space between it and the caudal. The lateral
line lakes a sweep over the pectoral. U pper or eye side of the body slightly rough, with the
scales finely ciliated; under side smooth, the scales on this side not ciliated.
C olour.— “ Above dirty reddish brown ; benetitb faint blue : iris yellow.” D.
Length 8 inches 9 lilies.
Habitat, Bahia Blanca, where it is said to be plentiful.
This species agrees so well with the figure of the P . Orbignyana in D'Or-
bigiiy's Voyage, that I have little hesitation in considering it the same,—but as
• I am indebted to Mr. YarreU tor the loan of a specimen ot our common Anchovy for comparison.