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 LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS 
 UNIVERSITY SERIES 
 
 Fossil Fishes of Diatom Beds 
 of Lompoc, California 
 
 BY 
 
 DAVID STARR JORDAN 
 
 Chancellor-Emeritus of Stanford University 
 AND 
 
 JAMES ZACCHEUS GILBERT 
 
 Teacher of Zoology, Los Angeles High School 
 
 STANFORD UNIVERSITY, CALIFORNIA 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 FEBRUARY, 1920
 
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 LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS 
 UNIVERSITY SERIES 
 
 Fossil Fishes of Diatom Beds 
 of Lompoc, California 
 
 BY 
 
 DAVID STARR JORDAN 
 
 Chancellor-Emeritus of Stanford University 
 AND 
 
 JAMES ZACCHEUS GILBERT 
 
 Teacher of Zoology, Los Angeles High School 
 
 STANFORD UNIVERSITY, CALIFORNIA 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 FEBRUARY, 1920
 
 THE FOSSIL FISHES OF THE DIATOM BEDS OF 
 LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA 
 
 In a previous paper (Fossil Fishes of Southern California: Leland 
 Stanford Junior University Publications, issued September 16, 1919) the 
 present writers have noted a number of new species of fishes, of Miocene 
 Age, from the deposits at Lompoc. 
 
 Since that time, through the courtesy of Mr. Arthur H. Krieger, 
 director of the Celite Products Company, and his assistants, Messrs. Ed- 
 ward J. Porteous and Edward B. Starr, Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Jordan have 
 successively visited these deposits, making extensive collections. Still 
 later, Mr. Willard J. Classen, a student in Geology at Stanford University, 
 through the kindly interest of Mr. Timothy Hopkins, has spent some time 
 there securing fossil fishes for Stanford University. A large collection of 
 fish has been obtained, this forming the basis of the present paper. 
 
 The Lompoc deposit itself is wholly unique. It lies in Santa Barbara 
 County, California, within an angle on the north side of the Sierra Santa 
 Ynez, a range composed mainly of Miocene sandstones and shales. This 
 angle or ancient bay covers about four square miles. In this space a 
 continuous and almost uniform mass of diatoms has been deposited, to 
 the maximum depth of 1,400 feet. 
 
 The erosion of a stream on the west side has cut this deposit through 
 to its bottom of yellowish sandstone. Over most of this space, the diatom 
 deposits come to the surface, but in places the mass is overlaid by a 
 coarse, hard breccia or conglomerate, containing many bones of whales, 
 and occasionally teeth of sharks. On the extreme west, it is overlaid by 
 limestone in which a species of Pecten is very abundant. 
 
 In places, there are thin layers of flinty rock, apparently of animal 
 origin, interstratified with diatoms. At one horizon, about six feet above 
 the Xyne layer noted below, there is a thin stratum of volcanic glass. 
 Scarcely anywhere in the whole mass does any sand or clay appear. This 
 shows that the deposit was made in quiet water undisturbed by fresh 
 water or rains. It may be noted that in deposits of the Monterey period 
 of the Miocene age, from Monterey to San Diego, diatoms abound, some- 
 times mixed or interstratified with sand or clay as about Los Angeles, 
 at other places forming immense deposits. It has been thought that 
 such deposits when buried under later rocks, as in Kern County and parts 
 of Santa Barbara, are the source of the oil found in these districts. When 
 the deposits are not covered, as at Lompoc, it is presumed that the oil 
 has all evaporated.
 
 6 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 The probable conditions of the deposits at Lompoc are thus indicated 
 by Dr. Albert Mann of the Carnegie Institution at Washington, to whom 
 we have sent specimens of material from various parts of the beds. 
 
 "The samples of diatom material received seem to indicate the follow- 
 ing facts, unfortunately of small value for your fish-deposit problem: 
 
 "1. Marine, with no infiltration of fresh or brackish water forms. 
 
 "2. Not plankton material. Diatoms all large and massive. Heavy 
 sponge-spicules abundant; heavy Radiolaria present, though few. 
 
 "3. Not transported a great distance nor by swift or violent currents 
 to their present position, as the diatoms, though somewhat broken by 
 pressure, show no wear ; also as there is an absence of any appreciable 
 quantity of sand, shells, clay, etc. 
 
 "4. Not a complex of materials from different localities, as the dia- 
 toms, though abundant, are remarkably few in species, being chiefly 
 two species of COSCINODISCUS. 
 
 "5. Slowly and evenly deposited in their present position, with regular 
 fluctuations in quantity (seasonal ?), resulting in the mass being formed 
 of thin laminated plates, easily separable, but uniform in composition. 
 
 "It looks to me as if my samples were laid down in situ, in some 
 quiet, shallow marine bay, into which no considerable quantity of fresh 
 water drained. . . . 
 
 "As to the oil relationship, I do not know a thing. As you know, 
 all sorts of theories, have been advanced regarding the contribution of 
 diatoms to the so-called mineral oils. But I had the good luck last summer 
 at Woods Hole to secure a perfectly pure gathering of plankton diatoms 
 of a single species, unmixed with a single Copepod, Nematode, or any 
 other organism. I secured a solid liter of it, and it is now in the hands of 
 a chemist for the ether extraction of the oil, which will be sufficient in 
 quantity for the first accurate analysis of diatom oil. . . 
 
 "The large amount of oil laid up as a reserve food material by dia- 
 toms is certainly significant. I have found it making fully 50 per cent of 
 the bulk, and I have never found it to be less than 5 per cent." 
 
 The economic use of these deposits, made up of the silicious shells 
 of microscopic plants, known as diatoms, is at present two-fold. The 
 material is cut into bricks, which, being non-conductors of heat, are used 
 as packing about steam-pipes and the like, and sold as Sil-O-Cel. The 
 second use is for filtering liquids. The silicious shells are insoluble, and 
 poured into any fluid, they carry at once to the bottom all solids in suspen r 
 sion. The whole can then be filtered and the liquid is left perfectly clear. 
 This is "Filter-eel," made of the crushed rock. "Celite" is a meaningless 
 trade name, adopted for the output of this particular deposit.
 
 LIST OF SPECIES 7 
 
 Since the period of deposition, the rocks of the Santa Ynez range 
 have undergone some folding, leaving the strata of diatoms nowhere hori- 
 zontal. The Xyne layer stands where examined by us at an angle of about 
 thirty degrees, the north side highest. 
 
 From the natural history view, this stratum is the most remarkable fea- 
 ture of the deposit. At about 950 feet from the bottom, at a certain hori- 
 zon everywhere the same, is a layer of an extinct herring, described by 
 us in a previous paper as XYNE GREX. Individuals lie on the bottom 
 wherever this layer has been exposed. They are all of about the same size, 
 about six inches long, all adult and nowhere mixed with any other fish. 
 Apparently the species swarmed in the bay for spawning purposes, and 
 the entire mass was heated, suffocated, or otherwise killed in an instant 
 and with no evidence of agony or distortion. 
 
 In the rocks above, occasional examples are found, always as im- 
 prints, while those of the main mass have been mostly carbonized and left 
 black or nearly so. The other fishes found in these deposits mainly occur 
 in the upper strata. Only large fishes, a foot or more herrings ex- 
 cepted are found here, these being mainly mackerel, flounders, bass, 
 rock-fish and the like, which were apparently in pursuit of the herring. 
 All of these are described and figured in the pages which follow. This 
 Lompoc fauna contrasts strongly with that described from the impure 
 diatomaceous shales at El Modena and Bairdstown of the same age, but 
 evidently under different conditions. All the fishes of these deposits are 
 immature, evidently residents of shallow bays within the archipelago 
 which now forms the counties of Los Angeles and Orange. 
 
 The species thus far found at Lompoc are the following (new names 
 in italics) : 
 
 Family LAMNIDyE 
 
 1. CARCHARODON ARNOLDI Jordan. 
 
 Family CLUPEID^E 
 
 2. XYNE GREX Jordan and Gilbert (J. Z.). 
 
 3. XYNE fitgeri Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 4. LYGTSMA TFNAX Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 Family SCOMBRID^ 
 
 5. Turio wilburi Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 6. Thyrsion velo.v Jordan. 
 
 7. Thyrsocles KRIEGERI Jordan and Gilbert. 
 7A. Thyrsocles escharion Jordan. 
 
 8. Ocystias sagitta Jordan.
 
 g FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 Family ZAPRORID^E. 
 9. Araosteus rothi Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 Family ZAPHLEGID/E 
 
 10. Zaphleges longurio Jordan. 
 
 Family SERRANIM) 
 
 11. EMMACH.ERE RHACHITES Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 Family SPARID^E. 
 
 12. Rhythmias starrii Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 13. Plectrites classeni Jordan. 
 
 Family SCLENIDjE. 
 
 14. LOMPOQUIA RETROPES Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 15. Lompochites hopkinsi Jordan 
 
 Family SCORP^NIM). 
 
 16. Rixator porteousi Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 17. Rixator inezice Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 Family HEXAGRAMMID^. 
 
 18. HEXAGRAM MOS ACHRESTOS Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 Family OPHIODONTID^E. 
 
 19. OZYMANDIAS GILBERTI Jordan. 
 
 Family PLEURONECTID^ 
 
 20. EVESTHES JORDANL J. Z. Gilbert. 
 
 21. EVESTHES hooveri Jordan. 
 
 22. DIATOMCECA ZATIMA Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 23. Zororhombus veliger Jordan. 
 
 Family BROTULIDyE. 
 
 24. ECLIPES VETERNUS Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 Family . 
 
 25. Atkinsonella strigilis Jordan. 
 
 Family DUSSUMIERIID^. 
 QU^SITA alhambra Jordan and Gilbert. 
 QU.ESITA fragilis Jordan and Gilbert.
 
 CARCHARODON 
 
 Family 
 1. Carcharodon arnoldi Jordan. 
 
 No teeth of sharks have been found in the diatom deposits. In the 
 breccia which overlies part of these beds, shark's teeth occur occasionally 
 among the broken bones of whales. 
 
 We obtained two such teeth corresponding to the form called CAR- 
 CHARODON RIVERSI Jordan, which we take to be a back tooth of the 
 common CARCHARODON ARNOLDI. 
 
 Family CLUPEID-ffi. 
 
 2. Xyne grex Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 (Plates I, II, III) 
 
 In the original description of this species (Jordan and Gilbert, Fossil 
 Fishes S. Cal., p. 25) it is stated that numbers XXIV and XXVIII, 
 Stanford Collections, came from Bairdstown. This is an error: all came 
 from the same stratum as the type slab (CVIII) from Lompoc. 
 
 Outside the mass of this species, which covers four square miles of 
 deposit all at the same geological level, this fish is scantily distributed 
 through the rocks higher up. 
 
 The most remarkable feature of the diatom beds is the evidence of a 
 tremendous catastrophe which overwhelmed millions of individuals of 
 this herring, at a single moment, apparently in the spawning season. 
 
 It is evident that these fishes were gathered together in the sheltered 
 bay in which these deposits occur. At a horizon 950 feet from the base 
 of the deposit is the layer of this species. The individuals are of about the 
 same size (6 to 8 inches) lying flat, not distorted nor much piled. All 
 are in the same horizon and this wherever opened is covered with these 
 fishes. No other species is mixed with them, and there are but few 
 remains of the species in the rocks higher up. Nearly all these specimens 
 are dark brown or black, showing them to have been carbonized. In the 
 rocks above, this and other species are mainly prints merely, the marks 
 of their bones being replaced by diatoms. 
 
 Of this species numerous slabs were obtained, through the energetic 
 help of Messrs. Krieger, Porteous, and Starr, and Mr. John Sells, fore- 
 man. These were taken from a tunnel near the north side of the deposit. 
 The largest slab is about eight feet by four, containing hundreds of 
 individuals. 
 
 The genus XYNE is characterized by a symmetrical herring-like 
 form, the belly, however, compressed and armed with sharp lanceolate 
 scutes, the dorsal nearly median and opposite the ventrals, the bones of
 
 10 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 the head finely striated and enameled. The vertebrae are about 45, a char- 
 acter which separates the genus from the modern forms with sharp 
 ventral scutes. We find no trace of dorsal scutes nor of finlets ; the slen- 
 der ribs are about as long as head and nearly four in length to base of 
 caudal. Intermuscular bones are very evident : the ribs are forked below, 
 and the ventral spinules are well marked. 
 
 We give the record of the most perfect examples found above the 
 horizon in which the multitudes occur. 
 
 No. 110 is about six inches long, the back abruptly broken and the 
 head crushed ; ribs 4^2 in length of body. Vertebras 43 ; 24 behind in- 
 sertion of ventrals. These are nearly under middle of dorsal, as usual in 
 this group. 
 
 No. 116. Eight inches long; is well preserved: mouth large, the 
 lower jaw projecting; ventrals just behind front of dorsal; vertebrae 43; 
 23 caudal vertebras ; depth of body 5 in length. 
 
 24. Broken in three parts, the head much crushed. 
 
 27. Fair. 
 
 36. Two specimens with ECLIPES VETERNUS. Tail and posterior 
 dorsal rays. 
 
 39. Backbone. 
 
 51. Fairly good imprint. 
 
 123. Fair. 
 
 126. Two in bad order. 
 
 153. Bad condition. 
 
 157B. In fair shape; no head nor fins. 
 
 203. Fragments of four fishes. 
 
 243. Fair condition. 
 
 288. Two damaged skeletons. 
 
 3. Xyne fitgeri Jordan and Gilbert, new species. 
 
 (Plates IV, V) 
 
 Besides XYNE GREX, a second species of herring occurs in these 
 deposits. This we may provisionally refer to the same genus. It is deeper 
 in body, with the head much heavier, the form much less symmetrical. 
 The vertebras are 45 in number, rather heavier than in XYNE GREX, and 
 the anterior vertebrae seem loosely connected, becoming readily crushed 
 out of place, or as in the type example bowed into an arch. The ribs 
 are longer than in XYNE GREX, nearly as long as head, about 3^4 in length 
 of body. 
 
 The form of the head and the tendency to curvature of the back- 
 bone, with the less symmetrical form of the body, may indicate generic 
 distinction for this species, but it is certainly a near relative of XYNE.
 
 XYNE 11 
 
 The two species (possibly identical with each other) already described 
 by us from El Modena and Carpinteria (LLIMMA ELMODEN.E * and EL- 
 LIMMA BARBARA) are certainly nearer XYNE than ELLIMMA; and may be 
 temporarily assigned to XYNE, with which they agree in general traits 
 and especially in the number of vertebrae (.44). The ribs are longer than 
 in X. GREX or X. FITGERI, being about 3% to 3^ in length of body. It is 
 very doubtful whether these species belong to the group of double-armed 
 herring, the presence of dorsal scutes being uncertain. In this group 
 the Eocene genera, DIPLOMYSTUS, KNIGHTIA, ELLIMMA, and ELLIMICH- 
 THYS, find their place. 
 
 The type of XYNE FITGERI is a specimen (No. 167) seven inches long, 
 lacking the upper and low T er fins. 
 
 Body heavy forward with large head. Head 2% in length to base 
 of caudal ; depth about 2%- Head very large, with steep, straightish pro- 
 file; eye moderate; lower jaw long, low, protruding; maxillary 1% in 
 head. Vertebrae 43, the first 24 forming a notable arch, its arc 21/2 times 
 its height, a character apparently due to distortion, as only partially shown 
 in other specimens. Vertebrae rather longer than deep, ribs many, very 
 slender, U/4 in head, nearly 3*4 in body ; some intra-muscular bones ; neu- 
 rals and hsemals moderate, interspinal bones weak and mostly obliterated ; 
 pectoral fins narrow, inserted low ; dorsal, anal, ventrals, and scales wholly 
 obliterated except for the lanceolate sharp ventral scutes which are about 
 15 in number; caudal strong, well forked, the lobes 1% in head, the 
 rays slender, about twenty-five to be counted. 
 
 This specimen is preserved in duplicate, the other half (167B) being 
 exactly like it. The species is named for Mr. August Fitger, the excel- 
 lent proprietor of the Lompoc quarries. 
 
 A second specimen (26) is in fair condition, 6 inches long, the ver- 
 tebral column elevated anteriorly, but not perfectly arched ; dorsal and 
 ventral present, the ventral just behind front of dorsal. Head 3 in length ; 
 depth 3 ; vertebrae 43. 
 
 Another specimen (No. 241), 4i/ 2 inches long, has the head large 
 and with steep profile. The head is, however, crushed back on the body, 
 so that the dorsal fin is close behind it, and the anterior vertebrae are dis- 
 located and scattered about the nuchal region. There are 25 to 28 ver- 
 tebras behind the line of insertion of dorsal. The vertebral column in 
 this species seems exceptionally fragile, for when not arched, it is usually 
 broken or distorted. 
 
 A specimen 3% inches long (the total fish about five) (No. 205), 
 with the head and tail broken, much resembles the type of ELLIMMA EL- 
 
 * We may here note that in the original description of ELLIMMA ELMODEN^E 
 "head 2y 2 in length" is a misprint for "head 3%."
 
 12 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 as figured by Jordan and Gilbert. It is, however, unquestion- 
 ably a member of this species. The dorsal, pectoral, and ventral fins 
 are fairly preserved, as are also the vertebrae and the ribs. There are 
 eight vertebras before the ventrals. Ribs about 22. Vertebrae rather 
 deeper than long, those anteriorly a little elevated. 
 
 Other specimens are the following: 
 
 29. Probably the same, body only, anterior vertebrae out of place. 
 
 44. Vertebral column little arched; pectoral complete, short, 2y 2 in 
 head; about 15 scutes before ventrals. 
 
 124. Fair; head large, broken; ventrals a little nearer gill opening 
 than base of caudal. Caudal well forke'd, anterior vertebrae moderately 
 arched, vertebrae 45, dorsal and anal wanting. 
 
 140. Young the vertebral column little arched. Vertebrae about 
 40 poor condition. 
 
 507. In fair condition, much like No. 26. The backbone not arched, 
 but undulated. 
 
 146. Column a little arched; paired fins wanting. 
 
 149. Bad order ; column little arched. 
 
 150. Broken head. 
 
 196. An example with a big head, deep body, and .median dorsal. 
 Vertebrae about 40. the column somewhat arched anteriorly: belly with 
 strong scutes. 
 
 244. Broken torso, showing 15 ventral scutes. 
 
 235. Shows a short dorsal nearer head than base of caudal; spinal 
 column little arched, broken, apparently very fragile. The whole struc- 
 ture very weak. 
 
 274. Broken torso, vertebral column somewhat arched. 
 
 278. Part of a large example. No new features. 
 
 291. Part of side no arch in vertebral column. 
 
 314. Broken skeleton and head. The vertebral column a little arched 
 anteriorly. 
 
 324. Head and torso much broken. 
 
 411. Fair condition; shows ventral scutes and paired fins. Head 
 large, 3y 2 in length, depth 3 ; 13 scutes before ventrals. 
 
 In addition to those noted above there are numerous fragments more 
 or less definitely referable to this species. 
 
 4. Lygisma tenax Jordan and Gilbert. 
 No. 79. Seven inches long. 
 
 Head and vertebral column, the head badly crushed, the vertebral 
 column intact and much twisted as in the original types: neural and
 
 LYGISMA 13 
 
 haemal spines strong, interhaemals, interneurals and fins lost; head large, 
 with large orbit, median in position; lower jaw prominent; pectoral in- 
 serted low. Vertebras about 40, reduced posteriorly, longer than deep and 
 constricted. No scales or scutes preserved. 
 
 We identify this specimen doubtfully by the tough antf twisted 
 spinal column, which seems to be a distinctive trait. 
 
 No. 121 shows the head with some of the vertebrae, of the same 
 species. 
 
 Family SCOMBRID^ 
 
 Next to the evidence of the extraordinary catastrophe which over- 
 whelmed the herring known as XYNE GREX, the most remarkable feature 
 of the Lompoc beds is the presence of five different species of mackerel 
 predatory fishes, doubtless lured into the bay to feed on the herring. 
 
 All of these forms are related to the living species known as 
 Spanish mackerels, SCOMBEROMORUS Lacepede (CYBIUM Cuvier). But 
 differences in the vertebral column, the dentition and the interspinal bones, 
 necessitate the recognition among them of four distinct genera. To 
 these, we assign the names of TURIO (WILBURI), THYRSION (VELOX), 
 THYRSOCLES (KRIEGERI), and OCYSTIAS (SAGITTA). 
 
 The six genera of SCOMBRID^; found in the Miocene deposits of 
 Southern California may be thus compared with each other and with the 
 living genera of this type. 
 
 (a) Anterior vertebrae simple, not "trellis-like" ; teeth not serrate, nor 
 greatly enlarged ; posterior vertebrae not held immovable by backward ex- 
 tensions from apophyses ; no canine teeth ; body without corselet of modi- 
 fied scales, as far as known. 
 
 (fe) Vertebrae few, about 28 in number; dorsal spines about 10 in 
 number, slender, close-set. (Allies of SCOMBER.) 
 
 (c) Interspace between dorsals short, not more than the length 
 of two vertebrae ; body rather deep, tapering backward ; the depth about 
 3^ in length ; teeth unknown ; opercular region short. TUNITA. 
 
 (cc) Interspace between dorsals long; as long as four or more verte- 
 brae ; body elongate, tapering slowly backward ; depth about 4% in length ; 
 interhaemals slender and short, weak. 
 
 (d) Opercular region moderate, teeth unknown (supposedly conic 
 and pointed, close set). AUXIDES. 
 
 (bb) Vertebrae about 28; dorsal spines about 20. Opercular region 
 very long, longer than distance from front of eye to edge of preopercle ; 
 teeth compressed, wide set, about 20/20 on each side; body moderately 
 elongate, the depth about 5 in length ; dorsal spines slender, close-set, the 
 anterior elevated. (Ally of EUTHYNNUS.) TURIO.
 
 14 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 (bbb) Vertebra numerous, 40 to 55, subquadrate, strongly grooved; 
 post-ocular region not expanded, shorter than rest of head ; dorsal spines 
 low, slender. (Allies of SCOMBEROMORUS). 
 
 (<?) Vertebra 40 to 42, rather strong, deeper than long, the depth 
 of one about equal to one-third the distance to the base of the soft dorsal ; 
 opercle strongly striate; interneurals short, slender, and weak. 
 
 (/) First dorsal of about 10 spines ; body rather robust ; teeth conic, 
 pointed subequal, in bands, 35 to 40 on each side of jaw ; depth about 5 in 
 length. THYRSION. 
 
 (//) First dorsal of about 22 slender spines; body very slender, the 
 depth about 7 in length ; teeth unknown. OCYSTIAS. 
 
 (ee) Vertebrae 46 to 48; deeper than long. Interhaemals very long 
 and rather strong, arranged in a parallel grate-like series, reaching about 
 % distance to backbone. Vertebrae 22 + 25 = 47 ; body rather robust, 
 the depth about 5 in length. 
 
 (#) First dorsal of 15 to 20 slender spines; teeth compressed, well- 
 spaced ; probably about 35 on each side. THYRSOCLES. 
 
 (gg) First dorsal of 15 to 18 low, slender spines. 
 
 (A) Teeth scarcely compressed, about 25 in each side; depth S 1 ^ in 
 length. CHRIOMITRA. 
 
 (hh) Teeth much compressed, wide-set, about 12 in each side; inter- 
 hsemals of moderate length, close-set, parallel and nearly straight, depth 
 4y 2 in length. SCOMBEROMORUS. 
 
 Of the other generic names applied to fishes of this group, ACANTHO- 
 CYBIUM Gill (PETUS), with broad, serrated teeth, and the body robust, is 
 well defined. LEPIDOCYBIUM (Gill) (FLAVOBRUNNEUM), with canine 
 teeth, is doubtless also valid. APODONTIS (Bennett) (IMMUNIS), scantily 
 described (teeth conical, wide-set), is probably a typical SCOMBEROMORUS, 
 as is also CYBIUM (Guvier) (COMMERSONI). CHRIOMITRA is, no doubt, 
 a valid genus, with interhaemal as in THYRSOCLES and numerous gill- 
 rakers. 
 
 The fossil genus SCOMBERODON van Beneden (Bull. Acad. Royale, 
 Belgique (2), XXXI, 504-512, 1871) is based on a huge mackerel found 
 in the clays of Rupelian age (Oligocene) at Boom and Rupelmonde in 
 Belgium. It is allied to ACANTHOCYBIUM and remotely to SCOMBERO- 
 MORUS, but its teeth are very large, entire, unequal, and subconic, set in 
 extremely massive jaws. The teeth are relatively few, about 18/18 in each 
 jaw. The caudal vertebrae are remarkable in having a special bone cov- 
 ering, depriving them of all mobility, as in the tunnies. This character is 
 not found in the Miocene genera nor in SCOMBEROMORUS. The species in 
 question, SCOMBERODON DUMONTI, must have reached the length of seven 
 feet (two meters). There seems to be no doubt of the validity of the 
 genus SCOMBERODON.
 
 TURIO 15 
 
 Turio (Jordan and Gilbert), new genus. 
 (Type: TURIO WILBURI Jordan and Gilbert.) 
 
 Mackerels of rather small size, with the body moderately elongate, 
 the vertebrae about 28 ; longer than deep and not strongly grooved. Head 
 long, apparently pointed; mouth large; traces of a strong lower jaw; the 
 opercular region much expanded, its length about 1^ in rest of head and 
 greater than distance from front of eye to edge of preopercle ; teeth com- 
 pressed, rather wide-set, smaller than in SCOMBEROMORUS, the number 
 about 25/25 on each side. First dorsal anteriorly high, of about 20 slender 
 spines ; interhaemals short, slender, and not straight, almost hair-like. This 
 genus has the vertebral column of SCOMBER and AUXIDES, differing from 
 these, as well as from THYRSOCLES, in the very much longer opercular 
 region. From TUNITA, which has also high dorsal spines it is separated 
 by the much longer first dorsal. It differs from THYRSOCLES in the form 
 of the dorsal fins and in the very much weaker interneurals, in the much 
 more slender vertebrae, in their smaller number and in the weakness of 
 the lateral ridges. The opercular region is much longer in TURIO than 
 in THYRSOCLES and the head perhaps more pointed. 
 
 The dentition of AUXIDES, which genus TURIO much resembles, is 
 unknown, but that genus is presumably related to SCOMBER, which has 
 conical teeth, in bands. The nearest ally of TURIO is probably EUTHYN- 
 NUS. 
 
 We propose for this genus the name TURIO, a wand or shaft, the 
 the Latin equivalent of vpgig, the root of THYRSITES. 
 
 5. Turio wilburi Jordan and Gilbert, new species. 
 (Plates VI, VII) 
 
 Type 49A. Body with 28 vertebrae, head broken, showing wide mouth 
 and a gill arch with filaments. Head 3^ in length ; depth 3% ; three 
 spines of dorsal perfect; the third very long, 1% in head, 7 or 8 others 
 lying down, the total number indicated by interneurals being 20 ; 13 rays 
 of soft dorsal shown, a short interspace between; vertebrae constricted, 
 longer than deep, with three grooves. Caudal wide, forked, on a slender 
 peduncle ; neurals and haemals long ; interneurals and interhaemals very 
 short and slender, almost hair-like ; those above in pairs ; ribs very oblique, 
 short. Ventrals I, 5, the stout spine long. Specimen a foot long. 
 
 No. 21 is a body without head, 11 inches long. This specimen 
 shows 26 vertebras from the front of the spinous dorsal, 15 from the 
 front neural spine of the first anal ray ; these are relatively slender, longer 
 than deep and somewhat constricted, with no conspicuous lateral ridges,
 
 16 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 and with moderate, not very oblique, neurals and hsemals ; the interneu- 
 rals and interhaemals notably short and slender; the interneurals very 
 much smaller than in THYRSOCLES. Ribs slender, short, directed strongly 
 backward ; hypural plate obscure'. First dorsal of about 20 spines, these 
 very slender, close-set, and rapidly shortened to the last, the first three 
 high, nearly equal to depth of body at base, which is 5% times in dis- 
 tance from the snout to base of caudal. Second dorsal showing about 
 12 slender rays; the distance from its front to front of first dorsal 2% in 
 distance from front of first dorsal to base of caudal; distance between 
 dorsals 3% in this measurement ; insertion of anal under about fifth ray 
 of second dorsal. Caudal strong, widely forked, its rays 15 + 15, its lobes 
 equal, Sy 2 in length of body, the outer rays much shortened. 
 
 Another specimen, apparently of the same species (No. 178), shows 
 the head and body to the second dorsal fin. It is in poor condition, being 
 crushed and distorted, the long head badly broken, a few teeth, com- 
 pressed, formed as in SCOMBEROMORUS, preserved, but the fins all twisted 
 from their natural position and none well preserved. About twelve ver- 
 tebrae precede front of soft dorsal. 
 
 A counterpart (No. 177) shows crushed head only, with straight 
 profile, pointed snout, longer than eye, which is twice in distance to 
 front of opercle, and 2% in breadth of opercle behind it, thus nearly 
 6*4 in head. The long straight gape extends beyond the eye. Opercu- 
 lar region very long, the distance from gill opening to preopercle greater 
 than distance thence to front of eye. 
 
 Occasional rather small narrowly triangular compressed teeth occur 
 along the edges of both jaws, rather less narrowed and crowded anteriorly 
 than in THYRSION VELOX. 
 
 Another specimen (180) shows the head and anterior parts badly 
 damaged, with but few vertebrae preserved, these longer than deep, and 
 with traces only of first dorsal and anal fins. 
 
 Pectoral well preserved, of about eighteen rays, inserted high ; ven- 
 trals well developed but broken, inserted before pectoral ; posterior part of 
 head rather long. 
 
 Another head with part of body (No. 7) seems to belong to this 
 species. Head long, with pointed snout and long jaws on which a few 
 compressed, spaced teeth are shown, the length of head greater than 
 depth of body. The opercular region very long, much longer than in 
 THYRSOCLES. Preopercle with an enlarged angle turned downward, as 
 in the types of AUXIDES, but the striae on its surface very fine, much 
 finer than in AUXIDES. 
 
 First dorsal with slender close-set spines, apparently about 20 in 
 number ; pectorals and ventrals present but distorted. Vertebra slender,
 
 THYRSION 17 
 
 longer than deep, somewhat constricted, the first neural spines of the 
 dorsal attached to the first vertebra. Eleven vertebrae preserved. 
 
 No. 6. Broken fish 14 inches long. Vertebrae 13 + 25 = 28, 
 longer than deep, smaller anteriorly, more or less three-grooved, part 
 of them nearly plain. Head much broken, 3% in length to base of 
 caudal ; depth about 5^ in length ; preopercle with fine striae on exserted 
 part; pectorals much broken; ventrals just behind their insertion; first 
 dorsal with 8 spines preserved, slender, close-set; soft dorsal well sep- 
 arated, small, of about 12 feeble rays preserved. The interneurals of 
 both dorsals very short and slender, a little shorter than the slender inter- 
 haemals. Caudal broken, forked. Same slab with a small sample of 
 XYNE GREX. 
 
 No. 180. Fragments of a large fish, apparently TURIO, in bad con- 
 dition. 
 
 10B. Backbone with anal fin, 7y& inches long. 
 
 The species is named for Dr. Ray Lyman Wilbur, President of 
 Stanford University. 
 
 Thyrsion Jordan, new genus. 
 (Type THYRSION VELOX Jordan.) 
 
 This genus is characterized by the general form of the Spanish 
 mackerels, the depth about five times in length to base of caudal, the 
 vertebras strong, 40 in number. The interspinal bones weak, the spinous 
 dorsal of 10 to 20 weak spines, and the teeth conical, in bands. The 
 number of dorsal spines cannot be ascertained. 
 
 6. Thyrsion velox Jordan. 
 (Plates VIII, IX) 
 
 The type of the species (No. 153) shows the head and anterior part 
 of the body. The whole part preserved, 9 inches long. Head large, 
 with long pike-like jaws, its length half more than presumable depth of 
 body at front of first dorsal. Depth of head about 1% in its length; jaws 
 very long, apparently pointed, the tips broken, the maxillary 1% in head. 
 Teeth in upper jaw sharp, entire, even, close-set, rather narrowly triangu- 
 lar or possibly conical in form, 50 or 60 on each side in upper jaw, none 
 of them canine-like, and perhaps all in one row; more likely in bands. 
 Anterior teeth narrowed and crowded; lower jaw strong, its teeth partly 
 preserved, similar to those above, opercle large, rounded. 
 
 Fourteen vertebrae preserved, these rather small and squarish; 10 in 
 the length of upper jaw ; the neural spines slender, directed rather evenly 
 backward ; haemal spines smaller. First dorsal with but three slender,
 
 18 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 shortish spines preserved, the first longest, inserted behind pectorals over 
 the sixth vertebra; its interneural springs from between first and sec- 
 ond; pectoral little below vertebral column, of about 18 rays of moderate 
 length, the upper longest, the lower rays 'rapidly shortened; about 2% 
 in head ; a trace of ventrals just before insertion of pectorals, eye oblit- 
 erated; no trace of scales. 
 
 No. 127. Fourteen inches long. 
 
 This specimen shows the whole body with crushed head, soft dorsal 
 and anal lost; vertebrae certainly 40, all much deeper than long, with 
 fine grooves. Head long, conic, pointed, 3^ in body. Depth about 
 5% ; postocular part of head rather long, about as long as snout, opercle 
 strongly striated. Teeth obliterated ; pectorals lost, ventrals moderate, 
 apparently I 5. First dorsal slender, represented by about six close-set 
 spines, the first of those over ninth vertebra; interneurals slender and 
 weak. Anal, with interhsemals, wholly lost; caudal forked, damaged. 
 Caudal peduncle less slender than in THYRSOCLES. The caudal with rudi- 
 mentary rays at base. 
 
 If Nos. 127 and 153 are really of the same species, the teeth are 
 materially different from those of SCOMBEROMORUS. 
 
 The fish has much in common with ZAPH LEGES and may prove to be 
 not a mackerel at all. 
 
 Ocystias Jordan, new genus. 
 (Type: OCYSTIAS SAGITTA Jordan.) 
 
 A large mackerel with the body very slender, the depth 6% in length, 
 the vertebrae 21 + 21 s= 42, as deep as long, the posterior more elongate, 
 all sharply grooved. Head moderate, the opercle not expanded, less than 
 half postorbital part of head; teeth unknown. First dorsal of about 22 
 slender spines, the soft dorsal inserted close behind it ; interneurals very 
 short and slender, curved, almost hair-like. 
 
 This genus resembles SCOMBEROMORUS in form, and in the form of 
 the spinous dorsal; its interhsemals are much more slender than in that 
 genus. The vertebrae are fewer in number than in SCOMBEROMORUS. 
 Whether the teeth are those of SCOMBEROMORUS is as yet unknown. The 
 body of no other known mackerel is quite as slender. 
 
 7. Ocystias sagitta Jordan, new species. 
 
 (Plate X) 
 
 Type (No. 20) 27 inches long, the whole fish, with damaged head. 
 
 Body very long and slender, even for a mackerel, more elongate 
 
 than in THYRSOCLES or TURIO. Head 5y 2 in length to base of caudal ; 
 
 depth 7%. Head broken, the opercle rounded, the posterior part of head 
 
 much shorter than in TURIO.
 
 OCYSTIAS 19 
 
 Vertebrae 21 +21=42, the anterior hour-glass shaped, as deep as 
 long, the posterior larger and more elongate, sharply grooved. 
 
 Dorsal fins separate, the first beginning behind base of pectoral, of 
 about 22 very slender spines, rather wide-set, the anterior highest, 2% in 
 depth of body. Soft dorsal low, of 16 or more slender rays, anal similar, 
 beginning just behind front of first dorsal. The number of rays not 
 certain. No trace of finlets; -pectorals rather broad, of 15 or more rays, 
 broken ; ventrals obliterated. Caudal rather large, wide forked, the 
 equal lobes about 5 in body; neural and haemal spines rather strong, 
 especially mesially ; the last few vertebras with but traces, indicating a 
 very slender caudal peduncle. Interneurals all short and small, shorter 
 than the dorsal spines and rays, interhaemals also very small and slender, 
 shorter than the rays, about five times in depth of body at that point, 
 very oblique, contrasting sharply with the strong, long, parallel inter- 
 haemals of THYRSOCLES ; ribs slender, very oblique. 
 
 With much resemblance to the associated THYRSOCLES and THYRSION, 
 the present species is sharply distinguished by the very short and weak 
 interhaemals and interneurals, by the many-rayed first dorsal fin and by 
 the relatively short tail. From TURIO, which has also weak interneurals, 
 it is separated by the more numerous and shorter vertebrae; it is the 
 most slender species of the mackerel family yet known. For this species 
 is proposed the name of OCYSTIAS SAGITTA (oxvatog, swiftest). 
 
 Thyrsocles Jordan and Gilbert, new genus. 
 (Type: THYRSITES KRIEGERI Jordan and Gilbert (1919). 
 
 Large mackerels with the body rather elongate, the depth about 4% 
 in body, the vertebrae about 22 -f- 25 = 46 in number, quadrate in form, 
 little constricted, each about as deep as long, each conspicuously three- 
 ridged. Head large, the opercle moderate, occupying less than half post- 
 orbital part of head ; mouth large, with small, compressed, wide-set teeth 
 so far as ascertainable. First dorsal weak, of 10 to 20 slender spines, 
 not much elevated. Interhaemal bones unusually long, parallel, the an- 
 terior curved, the others straight, forming a conspicuous grate-like struc- 
 ture, these bones extending two-thirds the distance to the back bone, and 
 more than one-third depth of body at insertion of anal, which is well 
 behind front of soft dorsal. 
 
 This genus may be regarded as an ally of SCOMBEROMORUS, having 
 similar vertebrae and interhaemals, but the anal farther back, and the 
 teeth smaller and apparently much more numerous. The number of 
 dorsal spines is uncertain. In SCOMBEROMORUS (MACULATUS, CA VALLA, 
 COMMERSONI examined) the interhaemals are strong and parallel, much as
 
 20 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 in THYRSOCLES, but rather shorter, % to % depth of body at insertion of 
 anal. In these species the teeth are large, wide-set, about 11 to 13 on each 
 side. 
 
 8. Thyrsocles kriegeri Jordan and Gilbert. 
 (Plates XI, XII) 
 
 Of this species we have a fine example (No. 303). Body without 
 head, well preserved, fifteen inches long. Depth under front of anal 2% 
 times in distance to base of caudal ; anal inserted below eighteenth verte- 
 bra, under middle of second dorsal ; neurals nearly straight ; anal fin with 
 about 18 slender rays, the first not falcate, the rays progressively short- 
 ened, the interhaemals very long, slightly curved, parallel, the haemal spines 
 bent strongly backward. Body deeper than in the type of T. KRIEGERI, the 
 depth 4 in length of body proper, the caudal peduncle seeming stouter, 
 an appearance due to the crushing together of the last five vertebrae. 
 Pectoral with about 25 rays, the upper longest, the fin very broad, the 
 lower rays very rapidly shortened, the lowest not one-tenth the length 
 of the upper, which are 2^ in depth of body. Ventrals I, 5, well devel- 
 oped, inserted slightly before pectoral, nearly % length of pectorals. 
 Vertebrae probably 22 -j- 24 = 46, little constricted, about as deep as 
 long, the last four or five smaller. No hypural plate. Caudal deeply 
 forked, its rays about 15 -f- 15, the lobes about equal to the depth of 
 body. The soft dorsal with about 15 rays. No trace of scales or 
 finlets. First dorsal obliterated, and only the anterior interneurals 
 showing. In this specimen the upper edges of the vertebral centra are 
 turned backward from the axis. 
 
 No. 306, in duplicate. Twenty inches long, the whole fish about 25. 
 A large fish, the head altogether crushed, but showing compressed mod- 
 erately spaced teeth in a single row. Vertebrae 40 or more, deeper than 
 long. Neurals and haemals strong; first dorsal lost; second rather high, 
 with strong parallel interneurals reaching more than half way to back- 
 bone. Interhaemals long, slender, curved, oblique, parallel. Anal fin in- 
 serted much behind soft dorsal ; ventrals misplaced, apparently I, 5 ; pec- 
 torals broken. 
 
 No. 51. Sy 2 inches long, preserved in duplicate. Each half is the 
 imprint of the middle of the body. It shows twenty-three vertebrae, quad- 
 rate, little constricted, with three strong lateral ridges on each side, ap- 
 pearing as grooves in the imprint. Soft dorsal and anal preserved, the 
 first with about 20 rays (19 interneurals showing), the latter with about 
 18, 12 interhaemals showing very distinctly. 
 
 No. 327 shows 25 vertebrae of the side of the body without head or 
 fins. Neurals and ribs are well shown, with a trace of the spinous dorsal 
 and some small ctenoid scales, perhaps belonging to some other fish.
 
 THYRSOCLES 21 
 
 No. 316 represents a section of the vertebral column, with 22 verte- 
 brae, these short, quadrate, with three strong ridges (grooves) on the 
 side, a characteristic of THYRSOCLES. The long interneurals and many 
 ribs are preserved, but not the head or fins. 
 
 No. 29. Vertebrae quadrate, with deep grooves ; first dorsal mostly 
 lost ; second very perfect, with long, straight interneurals, about 23 rays ; 
 22 long, straight interhaemals ; ribs very short and oblique; interneurals 
 and interhaemals much larger than in TURIO. 
 
 7 A. Thyrsocles escharion Jordan, new species. 
 (No plate) 
 
 About half our specimens of Thyrsocles (280, 15, 20) differ from 
 the type in the relatively shorter interhaemal bones, which become rapidly 
 shortened from the first, the eighth being not more than half the first, 
 which is 21/2 to 2% in depth of the body at the front of anal, this depth 
 being equal to the length of eleven or twelve vertebrae, the body being 
 rather deeper than in T. KRIEGERI. 
 
 In T. KRIEGERI (303, 306, 51) the interhaemals are much longer and 
 nearly equal in length, the eighth being nearly as long as the first and 
 about half depth of body at front of anal, this depth equal to length of 
 nine vertebrae. 
 
 The type specimen (No. 280) of this fine species, 15 inches in length, 
 shows fairly well all parts behind the head. 
 
 Vertebrae 22 -f- 25 = 47, short, subequal, quadrate, little constricted 
 about as deep as long, each with three ridges and grooves along its side. 
 Body fairly robust, depth 4% in body (from gill opening to base of 
 caudal). Caudal peduncle slender, about 2 l /2 in greatest depth. 
 
 Pectoral rays about 16, the fin rather broad, the lower rays shortened ; 
 ventrals mostly obliterated, apparently just behind pectorals ; first dorsal 
 mostly obliterated, the spines slender, close-set, inserted before pectorals, 
 the interneurals weak, about 10 spines traceable at the bases ; interspace 
 between dorsals considerable ; soft dorsal with rather long and strong 
 interneurals, nearly straight, the fin broken; interneurals 16; the fin 
 rays at least as many, probably about 20, the last rays and interneurals 
 obliterated ; anal with long, strong interhaemals, the anterior ones very- 
 oblique, and all parallel, making a conspicuous grate-like appearance. In- 
 sertion of fin rather behind middle of second dorsal ; the fin rather high, 
 apparently falcate, of about 20 rays; caudal widely forked, of about 20 
 rays on each side. The lobes % more than greatest depth of body. In 
 this specimen the axis of each vertebral centrum is turned forward above.
 
 22 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 and the interhaemals are shorter than in 303 and 306 and shorter than in 
 the type of T. KRIEGERI. 
 
 No trace of finlets or of scales preserved. 
 
 It is evident that this species cannot be placed in the genus THYRSITES, 
 the form of the first dorsal and pectoral being quite different, the caudal 
 fin being much stronger. 
 
 (loxotptov, a small grate, or gridiron.) 
 
 Side of a large example (No. 12), 20 inches long in life, the frag- 
 ment 12 inches without head or tail, but showing the strong quadrate 
 vertebrae, as deep as long, with the dorsals and anal fin ; distance from 
 front of first dorsal to front of anal l / 5 more than depth of body below 
 second dorsal. First dorsal of 15 to 20 slender spines, the count not 
 exact; soft dorsal falcate, with 17 rays evident and probably 4 or 5 
 more lost, there being 21 interneurals corresponding to rays. Anal rays 
 not to be counted, probably about 25, the first interhaemals very oblique, 
 curved backwards, the others long and parallel ; first interhsemal inserted 
 nearly under front of soft dorsal, the first anal ray nearly under middle 
 of dorsal fin ; vertebra strong, sub-quadrangular, deeper than long, each 
 with two strong lateral ridges, between 45 and 50 in all, but some at 
 both ends broken, about 12 having interhaemals along base of anal fin. 
 The caudal vertebrae (16 preserved) must have been about 24. 
 
 No. 23 is a fragment about 10 inches long of a large fish, with 
 quadrate vertebrae, each three-ridged, along the side. The head and tail 
 are wanting. 
 
 The pectoral fin shows twelve or more rays. The soft dorsal shows 
 about 14 interneurals and a few anal rays show. 
 
 Another specimen (in duplicate, 69 A and 69B) seems to belong to 
 THYRSOCLES ESCHARION. It shows the anterior region, a head wholly 
 crushed, with twelve vertebrae, short and quadrate. A few dorsal spines 
 may be traced. The posterior part of the head is relatively short, a char- 
 acter which, with the numerous vertebrae, will distinguish the species 
 from TURIO. 
 
 No. 15. Body with tail, well preserved ; interhaemals relatively short ; 
 vertebral axis turned forward above. A typical example, much like No. 
 280. 
 
 12B. Posterior region showing well, 20 dorsal rays, and anal rays 
 24. Interneurals and interhaemals typical. 
 
 No. 318. The tail of a fairly large fish, the caudal itself entirely 
 crushed and displaced. It shows 19 vertebrae, each quadrate, deeper 
 than long, with three longitudinal ridges and grooves, the neural and 
 haemal spines rapidly shortened behind. 
 
 For purposes of comparison we add the following notes on living 
 species :
 
 ZAPH LEGES 23 
 
 SCOMBEROMORUS MACULATus (Mitchill). Vertebrae 47, rather deeper 
 than long, moderately grooved. Interhaemals 15, short, straight, parallel, 
 close-set, a little more than Va depth of body above anal fin. Tail with 
 neural spines ; teeth, 12 -{- 12 in each jaw, wide-set, compressed, those in 
 front smaller but not crowded. Maxillary half head or a bit more. 
 Postorbital part of head a little shorter than eye and snout; opercle very 
 short, 2 l /4 in postorbital part of head. Dorsal spines slender, low, well 
 spaced. Second dorsal inserted nearer opercle than caudal. 
 
 This species is closely related to SCOMBEROMORUS REGALIS (Bloch) = 
 S. PLUMIERI Lacepede, the type of the genus SCOMBEROMORUS of which 
 (Lacepede), type of CYBIUM from the Philippines, is an exact synonym. 
 SCOMBEROMORUS COMMERSONI has the interhaemals strong, straight, paral- 
 lel, % depth of body; teeth on each side 12, subequal, much compressed. 
 SCOMBEROMORUS CA VALLA (Cuvier and Valenciennes), the big kingfish of 
 the Florida Keys, has the interhaemals similar but shorter, 14 depth of 
 body ; teeth 12 on each side, much compressed, subequal. 
 
 Family ZAPHLEGID^ 
 Zaphleges Jordan, new genus. 
 
 (Type ZAPHLEGES LONGURIO Jordan.) 
 
 Body elongate, symmetrically formed, much as in SPHYR^ENA; head 
 moderately elongate ; mouth large ; teeth rather small, slender, conical, 
 pointed, somewhat spaced, about 60 on the side of the lower jaw; teeth 
 in upper jaw and roof of mouth obliterated ; no evidence of canines ; ver- 
 tebrae small, slender, longer than deep, about 54 in number ; interneurals 
 strong ; interhaemals obliterated ; dorsal fins separate, the first not far 
 behind head, of about 9 slender spines ; soft dorsal rather long, not ele- 
 vated ; anal apparently similar, inserted behind its front, with two slender 
 spines; pectorals moderate, inserted opposite middle of opercle; ventrals 
 directly below pectorals ; their rays apparently I, 5 ; caudal fin large, well 
 forked, with short, strong basal rays like fulcra ; scales cycloid, of mod- 
 erate size, the number probably about 60, but no accurate count possible. 
 This genus resembles the section of elongate APOGONID^:, DINOLES- 
 TES, SCOMBROPS, and TELESCOPIAS. But, with many vertebrae, it has no 
 near affinity to any of these, and the teeth, so far as preserved, are small 
 and equal. The resemblances to the herring on the one hand and to 
 the mackerels on the other are fallacious. From ATHERINID/E and SPHY- 
 R^ENID/E it differs in the strictly thoracic ventrals. Its vertebrae are much 
 more numerous than in any of these forms. (ZacpXeyng, full of fire, vig- 
 orous.)
 
 24 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 9. Zaphleges longurio Jordan, new species. 
 (Plate XIII) 
 
 Type No. 100, a very fine example, 18V 2 inches long, showing the 
 entire fish, the head crushed, the first dorsal, ventrals, anal, and ribs 
 injured. 
 
 Head 3% in length to base of caudal ; depth 61/4 ; head moderate, 
 rather pointed ; half of lower jaw preserved ; this with about 60 slender, 
 pointed teeth apparently in one row, rather small anteriorly; no trace 
 of canines; part of gill arches with fringes preserved; bones of head 
 apparently all entire. 
 
 First dorsal inserted not far behind head, somewhat displaced in 
 the type ; 8 or 9 slender, low, close-set spines preserved ; one or two longer 
 detached spines preserved behind it, these probably not belonging to 
 this fish. Soft dorsal of about 25 slender rays, the anterior longest ; anal 
 fin detached, partly obliterated, the interhaemals all lost ; first two rays 
 apparently short, slender spines ; about 12 rays preserved, its insertion 
 behind front of soft dorsal ; caudal fin very long and strong, well forked, 
 its lobes equal, exceeding depth of body, outer rays much shorter, like 
 fulcra, the number 9, 10 10, 9, the peduncle not very slender, with 
 strong neural and haemal spines on each vertebra. Pectoral fin inserted 
 opposite curve of opercle, rather broad and shortish, of 16 to 18 rays, the 
 fin not symmetrical, the lower rays rapidly shortened. Ventrals inserted 
 just below pectorals, largely obliterated. 
 
 Vertebrae about 54, slender, constricted, longer than deep ; the neural 
 and haemal spines rather strong; ribs lost; interneurals of soft dorsal 
 long, rather strong, and very oblique. 
 
 Scales preserved in various parts of the body, rather small, cycloid 
 (apparently about 60 in a row). 
 
 Note on ZELOSIS Jordan and Gilbert, new genus : Type CLUPEA HAD- 
 LEYI Jordan and Gilbert (Fossil Fishes of Southern California, p. 29). 
 The fish described by us a CLUPEA HADLEYI is certainly not a true herring, 
 and it bears a striking resemblance to ZAPHLEGES LONGURIO in its general 
 form, squamation, vertebral column, and rudimentary caudal rays. But its 
 ventral fins are plainly abdominal (not clearly shown in the plate), there 
 is no trace of spinous dorsal, the caudal fin is much smaller with much 
 shorter caudal peduncle. The dorsal and anal fins are far back and op- 
 posite each other as shown by the interspinals. It may be made type of 
 a genus ZELOSIS (ZsXom?, imitation). 
 
 (Plate XXIX)
 
 AR^OSTEUS 25 
 
 Family ZAPRORID-ffi (?) 
 
 Araeosteus Jordan and Gilbert, new genus. 
 
 (Type: AR^OSTEUS ROTHI Jordan and Gilbert.) 
 
 Body elongate, rather robust. Head unknown, the bones striate ; ver- 
 tebrae about 43, slender, hour-glass shaped, not grooved. Interneurals 
 and interhsemals moderate, very oblique; dorsal fin of 30 to 40 rays, all 
 simple and flexible, subequal, the fin continuous; anal with about 15 
 rays all simple ; other fins lost. 
 
 The location of this genus is uncertain. In its vertebral column it 
 resembles some COTTID.E. The dorsal fin has analogies among the dolphin- 
 like fishes and among the allies of the blennies. But on the whole the long 
 series of simple rays suggests most strongly the Pacific Coast genus, 
 ZAPRORA Jordan. Nothing, however, is known of the vertebral column 
 of the very rare type of that genus, ZAPRORA SILENUS Jordan, thus far 
 found only about Vancouver Island. The affinities of ZAPRORA are not 
 yet determined. 
 
 On the whole, it seems safest to assume that AR^OSTEUS is an ally 
 of ZAPRORA, which is probably a last relic of a disappearing group. 
 
 (Analog, slender; oateov, bone.) 
 
 10. Araeosteus rothi Jordan and Gilbert, new genus and species. 
 (Plate XIV) 
 
 Type No. 315. Part of a fish 10 inches long to end of anal, the head 
 crushed, showing strong striae on opercles. Head 3^/2 to end of anal ; 
 depth 4%; vertebrae slender, not grooved, hour-glass shaped, 10+ (7) 
 + 13 to middle of anal, probably about 43 in all. First dorsal of 15 to 
 20 slender spines, rather wide set. Second with 15 to 20 slender rays, ap- 
 parently simple, no sign of branching anywhere. No evidence that the 
 spines and soft rays are differentiated. The last rays certainly and per- 
 haps some intervening spines are lost. The fin was most likely continuous. 
 Interneurals moderate, oblique, in pairs. Interhaemals very oblique, rather 
 strong, the fin inserted far behind front of soft dorsal. Anal showing 
 about 15 rays, all simple. Some or all of interhsemals and interneurals in 
 pairs, two springing from one neural or one haemal, one or often two be- 
 tween each two interhaemals and interneurals, mostly longer than the 
 haemals and neurals ; ribs slender, very oblique. 
 
 This seems to be the same as No. XI, from Lompoc, an indetermined 
 specimen figured in our Fossil Fishes of Southern California. (Named 
 for Almon Edward Roth of Stanford University.)
 
 26 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 Family SERRANID^. 
 
 Emmachaere Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 (Type: EMMACH^RE RHACHITES Jordan and Gilbert.) 
 
 Allied to STEREOLEPIS Ayres, but with stronger dorsal spines. Body 
 robust, the depth about equal to length of head, nearly three times in 
 length to base of caudal ; caudal region tapering rather rapidly. Mouth 
 large, the lower jaw projecting, the teeth bluntish, in broad bands, no 
 serrations or spines on head as far as known. Vertebrae 24, strong, about 
 as deep as long, strongly grooved; spinal bones, strong and with inter- 
 neurals dagger-shaped (dilated at base). Dorsal rays X, I, 16, the fin 
 deeply notched, the spines very strong, the median longest, 2*/2 in head ; 
 soft dorsal with its base about equal to that of the spinous part, its 
 base nearly horizontal, the rays about as long as the spines. Anal III, 
 8 or 9, the second spine strongest, but not longer than third. Caudal 
 broad, subtruncate, with large hypurals and no median split. Ventrals I, 
 5 inserted just before pectorals ; pectoral broad and rounded, unsymmet- 
 rical. The broken specimen on which this genus was based ( 1919) is now 
 supplemented by two large examples. 
 
 11. Emmachaere rhachites Jordan and Gilbert. 
 (Plates XV, XVI) 
 
 Our best example (No. 220) is \9y 2 inches long; complete except 
 for the crushed head. Head 3% in length ; depth about the same ; form 
 robust, tapering posteriorly. Vertebrae 94-15 = 24, rather strong, about 
 as deep as long, somewhat constricted, with a strong double groove on the 
 lower side of each ; neurals and hsemals strong, even ; interneurals of 
 spinous dorsal almost as long as neurals, dagger-shaped, one between each 
 pair of neurals, dilated at base, those of soft dorsal much smaller, also 
 shorter, mostly two between each pair of neurals; interhaemals strong, 
 the anterior very long, dagger-shaped, the second somewhat enlarged, one 
 between each pair of haemals ; ribs small. 
 
 Lower jaw strong, apparently projecting, 2% in head, with moderate 
 rather broad bands of teeth preserved; sides of head with imprints of 
 rather large scales. Dorsal fin continuous, deeply notched, the first of 
 10 strong spines, the median longest, about 2y 2 in head. Soft dorsal with 
 its base scarcely longer than that of the spinous part, with a slender spine 
 and 15 or 16 soft rays, its base nearly horizontal, the rays about as long 
 as the spines. Anal inserted slightly behind soft dorsal, its three spines 
 strong, the second strongest, about as long as third. Spines graduated, 
 the rays about III, 8 or 9 ; base of anal somewhat shorter than that of
 
 EMMACH^RE 27 
 
 soft dorsal. Caudal broad, not forked, apparently subtruncate ; hypurals 
 broad, without open median space behind. Ventrals I, 5, inserted 
 just before pectorals, the fin well developed. Pectoral rays about 16, the 
 fin broad and rounded, a little more than half head, unsymmetrical, the 
 upper rays longest. 
 
 A second specimen (No. 311) shows the side of a large fish, the 
 part preserved 17 inches long, head crushed. Vertebrae about 24, strong, 
 constricted and grooved. Anterior neurals very strong. Dorsal deeply 
 notched, apparently X, I, 15, the spines very strong, the longest 2% in 
 depth ; a strong imprint marks the second spine, much stouter, though 
 shorter, than third, with long, stout, dagger-shaped interneurals dilated 
 at base ; soft rays lower, but high. Second dorsal spine twice height of 
 last. Anal probably about III, 10, the spines broken. Soft dorsal inter- 
 neurals mostly double. Body formed like a large bass. Depth a little 
 more than length of spinous dorsal. Soft dorsal and anal with the base 
 nearly horizontal, not set obliquely as in BANJOS and HAPALOGENYS. 
 
 This fish must belong to the SERRANID^:, though having stronger 
 dorsal spines than any living species. It may be nearest STEREOLEPIS, the 
 giant bass or Jewfish of Japan and California, but the spines are stronger 
 and the anal fin longer than in that genus, the ventrals farther forward. 
 
 Family SPARID^E. 
 Rhythmias Jordan and Gilbert, new genus. 
 
 (Type: RHYTHMIAS STARRII Jordan and Gilbert.) 
 A genus of SPARID.E, having the broad-elliptical form of the living 
 genus LAGODON. Head rather large, obtuse, the upper profile evenly curved, 
 its length nearly 3 in body ; depth about 2y 2 . Mouth and teeth unknown ; 
 bones of head apparently without spines or serrations. Vertebrae about 25, 
 small, longer than broad, the spines even ; interneurals short and slender, 
 dilated at base, one or sometimes two between each pair of neurals ; second 
 interhaemal somewhat enlarged. 
 
 Dorsal fin low, continuous, scarcely notched, the rays about XIII, 
 12 or 13; no antrorse spine before first spine; middle spines highest; anal 
 rays about III, 8, the second spine strong and curved, higher than third 
 or than the soft rays ; pectorals narrow ; ventrals thoracic, inserted just 
 behind pectorals. Caudal I, 5, forked, the lobes very long. Scales 
 unknown. 
 
 This genus is no doubt an ally of SPARUS, but its exact position can- 
 not be determined until the teeth can be examined. The caudal fin is larger 
 than in any living sparoid fish. (pvdfrn, symmetry).
 
 28 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 12. Rhythmias starrii Jordan and Gilbert, new species. 
 (Plate XVII) 
 
 The type (No. 175), 7% inches long, shows the whole fish, the 
 head, however, badly damaged and the fins imperfect. 
 
 Head rather large and blunt, 2% in length to base of caudal ; depth 
 2%; upper profile forming an even curve from snout to caudal; snout 
 rather blunt ; mouth broken, apparently small ; eye moderate, as long as 
 snout and apparently 4 in head; no spines on head; vertebrae 10 -f- 15 = 
 25, small, longer than broad, with two narrow grooves, neural and haemal 
 spines moderate, directed evenly upward and backward; interneurals 
 slender, dilated at base ; second interhaemal enlarged. Dorsal fin low, con- 
 tinuous, scarcely notched, the spines XIII, the middle ones a little the 
 highest; the first dorsal spine over second vertebra, the rays not to be 
 counted. Anal low, with the second spine strong, curved, apparently 
 higher than any soft rays; pectoral obliterated; ventrals displaced, ap- 
 parently I, 5: caudal injured, its outline apparently lunate; no scales 
 preserved. 
 
 The species is named for Mr. Edward B. Starr of the Celite Prod- 
 ucts Company of Lompoc. 
 
 A similar specimen is No. 43, 10 inches long, 12^2 in life, the side of 
 a large porgy, without head. Depth 2^ in body from gill opening to base 
 of caudal about as long as deep, each with a conspicuous median groove 
 (ridge) : 10+15 = 25 (probably 24) preserved; neurals slender, similar 
 to the haemals ; interneurals small, those posteriorly double or divided. 
 
 "Dorsal fin continuous, somewhat notched, 10 rather slender spines 
 present, the fourth longest, about 3% in depth of body ; soft dorsal ap- 
 parently short, its rays obliterated ; probably not over 10 in number. 
 
 Anal with three spines, the second and third about equal, the rays 
 apparently not more than 8; second interhaemal a little enlarged, rather 
 longer than its spine, which is shorter than longest dorsal spine and 3% 
 in body. Caudal very long, forked, its lobes 1% in depth of body. Ven- 
 trals just behind pectorals, I, 5, well developed ; pectorals rather narrow, 
 crushed. 
 
 This specimen seems to have the dorsal spines rather higher than 
 in the type, and the anal spine smaller. This difference may be due to 
 imperfections in preservation. 
 
 Another (22A) is in poor condition, 13 inches long. Interneurals 
 small, oblique, those of first dorsal moderate, one for each pair of 
 neurals, each vertebra with two narrow ridges and three grooves. Verte- 
 brae 24, strongly grooved. Dorsal with 10 to 12 low spines preserved, 
 and 15 to 20 low soft rays. Anal about III, 18, the second spine longest 
 but still short : caudal long, subtruncate. Spinous dorsal with rather
 
 FLECTRITES 29 
 
 long and strong interneurals. Second dorsal with interneurals short 
 and weak. Ventrals well developed, with a strong spine, inserted well 
 behind pectorals, but attached to a very strong and long pelvic bone. 
 Pectorals moderate. Head obliterated. 
 
 Five more specimens, since examined, are without antrorse dorsal 
 spine, the sole character by which PLECTRITES can be separated from 
 RHYTHMIAS. But in no case are we sure that it was actually absent. 
 
 Plectrites Jordan, new genus. 
 (Type: PLECTRITES CLASSENI Jordan). 
 
 Spariform fishes with a sharp horizontal spur directed forward, at 
 the base of the first dorsal spine. Body elliptical, compressed, rather 
 deep. Head not preserved, the depth of body about 3^ in length to base 
 of caudal. Vertebrae about 30, deeper than long, slightly grooved, neural 
 strong; interneurals straight, not expanded at base, those in front well 
 separated, two or three for each pair of neurals ; those under soft dorsal 
 short, close-set, parallel, two or three for each pair of neurals ; interhaemals 
 all short and weak. 
 
 Dorsal continuous, scarcely notched; the rays low, D. XII, I, 11. 
 Anal opposite soft dorsal. Other fins lost. 
 
 13. Plectrites classeni Jordan, new species. 
 (Plate XVIII) 
 
 Type No. 313, part of side of fish, 8^2 inches long. Body regularly 
 elliptical, compressed, deepest mesially. Depth about 3% ; head lost, ver- 
 tebrae about 25, deeper than long, slightly grooved ; neurals rather strong, 
 interneurals straight, not expanded at base, those in front well separated, 
 those under second dorsal close together, short and parallel. 
 
 Dorsal with a sharp antrorse spine at base of first spine and almost 
 as long. It is attached at the base of the first spine and to the same inter- 
 neural. Dorsal spines thirteen. The first spine ^4 length of fourth, the 
 rest shortened behind, connected closely with second dorsal, which is low, 
 even, with slender rays. D. XII, I, 11. 
 
 Anal opposite soft dorsal, its interhaemals all short and weak ; ven- 
 trals and pectorals lost; a few moderate scales. This fish has the dorsal 
 fin and its antrorse spine much as in the SPAROID genera, STENOTOMUS 
 (STENESTHES) and LAGODON. The presence of this spine with a rather 
 more elongate body alone separates this genus from RHYTHMIAS. The 
 antrorse dorsal spine is found also in AMBASSIS, SCATOPHAGUS, ACAN- 
 THURUS and SIGANUS, but the present genus is evidently sparoid. 
 
 The species is named for its discoverer, Mr. WILLARD J. CLASSEN of 
 Stanford University.
 
 30 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 Family 
 14. Lompoquia retropes Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 (Plate XIX.) 
 
 Only the original type yet found. The body is largely covered with 
 small, thin scales, smaller below. Vertebrae 14 + 10, as in CYNOSCION, 
 its nearest living relative. 
 
 Lompochites Jordan, new genus. 
 (Type: LOMPOCHITES HOPKINSI Jordan.) 
 
 A long and slender fish, apparently belonging to the SCI^NID^:, but 
 quite as likely a CARANGOID. Head about 4 in length, the depth 4 1 / ; 
 mouth rather large, the teeth unknown. Vertebrae 14+10 = 24, little 
 constricted and with a broad ridge between two grooves. Neurals and 
 hasmals slender; interneurals slender and sharp, one for each neural 
 anteriorly, two between each pair posteriorly, these shorter and more 
 oblique, interhsemals stronger, forked, one for each pair of hsemals. 
 
 Dorsal fins separated; the rays about XII, 20, the first short, the 
 second long and low. Anal apparently II, 18; ventrals inserted well be- 
 hind pectoral, much as in LOMPOQUIA. Caudal lost; no scales preserved. 
 
 15. Lompochites hopkinsi Jordan, new species. 
 
 Type No. 101, a shadowy impression of a large fish, complete but 
 very faint, ten inches long to base of caudal. A long, slender fish, the 
 head 4% in length ; depth 4% ; the head rather long and low, the mouth 
 apparently rather large, the maxillary perhaps reaching front of eye; 
 bones of head obscure, except that one gill arch is uncovered showing the 
 prints of its fringes ; vertebras longer than deep, 10 -j- 14, little con- 
 stricted; with a broad rounded median ridge between two grooves, not 
 showing the two narrow ridges and three grooves so evident in the type 
 of LOMPOQUIA RETROPES. 
 
 Neural and haemal spines slender, even ; ribs evident ; dorsal appar- 
 ently divided, the first dorsal short, of 10 to 12 slender spines ; soft (dorsal 
 long and low, of 15 to 20 slender rays; first dorsal inserted behind 
 ventrals over the fifth vertebra, its interneurals springing from the third ; 
 anal apparently with two small spines and about 18 rays; caudal lost;
 
 LOMPOCHITES 31 
 
 pectoral mostly obliterated; ventrals inserted well behind it, just before 
 first dorsal spine with a long pelvic bone, much as in LOMPOQUIA RETROPES. 
 
 A renewed study indicates that LOMPOCHITES may be one of the 
 CARANGID^E; perhaps nearest ELAGATIS. 
 
 Named for Mr. Timothy Hopkins, founder of the Hopkins Marine 
 Station. 
 
 Family 
 
 Rixator Jordan and Gilbert, new genus. 
 (Type: RIXATOR PORTEOUSI Jordan and Gilbert.) 
 
 The species described below as RIXATOR PORTEOUSI would certainly 
 come under the head of SEBASTODES as defined by Jordan and Evermann. 
 But that genus covers a great variety of forms and must be subdivided, 
 and the present species is allied to the type-group. 
 
 The following generic characters are shown by R. PORTEOUSI : Body 
 rather elongate, compressed, the back straight, scarcely arched, with a 
 very large head, 3 in length, the depth about 4*4 ; mouth large, the cleft 
 extending beyond eye ; larger than in SEBASTOSOMUS and ROSICOLA ; lower 
 jaw prominent, with bands of even, pointed teeth. 
 
 Vertebrae 24 (25), large, mostly longer than deep, strongly grooved; 
 neurals and hsemals strong; interneurals long and strong, expanded or 
 dagger-shaped at base, especially anteriorly, one and sometimes two pos- 
 teriorly between each pair of neurals. Interhaemals small, slender, and 
 very oblique except the second, which is robust and very long, half head ; 
 two or three set irregularly between each pair of haemals. Dorsal con- 
 tinuous, deeply notched, its rays XII, I, 13. Anal rays III, 6, or possibly 
 7, the second spine very long and strong. Pectorals broad, rounded. 
 unsymmetrical. Caudal broad, subtruncate, the hypural plates large, 
 about two on a side, with an open median split which separates the caudal 
 rays in the skeleton. 
 
 Cranium unknown ; armature of head and squamation of body, with 
 character of gill rakers, undetermined. Among living forms the species 
 in question is certainly nearest typical SEBASTODES, but the second anal 
 spine and its interhaemal are greatly enlarged. 
 
 In SEBASTODES proper the cranial ridges are very small, mostly with- 
 out spines at tip, the jaws unequal ; the cranium thick, very broad between 
 the eyes, somewhat convex ; scales moderate ; gill rakers long and slender. 
 Vertebrae 24, besides the small vertebra which forms the base of the ex- 
 panded hypural ; the vertebrae, especially the mesial ones, notably longer 
 than deep; parietal bones not meeting. Anal inserted under middle of
 
 32 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 soft dorsal, its rays II, 9 to III, 12. In SEBASTODES the anal spines are 
 quite small, with small second interhsemal, and the anal fin has more rays 
 than in related forms. 
 
 This genus, RIXATOR (no cranial characters being available) seems 
 to differ from ROSICOLA Jordan and Evermann in the very long second 
 anal spine and weaker skeleton. From the less nearly related SEBASTO- 
 MUS Gill (ROSACEUS), with which it agrees in these regards, it is sep- 
 arated by the smaller number of vertebrae, 24 (25) instead of 27. Those 
 who choose may regard ROSICOLA and RIXATOR alike as sections of SE- 
 BASTODES. 
 
 The genus RHOMARCHUS (ENSIGER), described by us in 1919, seems 
 related rather to SCORP^ENA than to these SEBASTINE forms. It has much 
 stronger dorsal spines and the second anal spine still longer. The count 
 of 18 vertebrae in the type is evidently an error, some six of the body ver- 
 tebrae being crushed. 
 
 The group of Rock-fish or Rock Cod (SEBASTINJE), allies of the 
 Rose-fish (SEBASTES MARINUS) of the Atlantic, forms a most conspicuous 
 feature of the living fish fauna of both shores of the North Pacific. 
 About fifty-three species are known from the American shores and 
 twenty-two others from Japan. 
 
 These fish differ enormously among themselves, especially in cranial 
 characters; but these features are subject to a variety of intergradations 
 defying all attempts at sharp division. All possess thirteen dorsal spines, 
 three anal spines, a broad, divided hypural plate, and small rough scales. 
 These facts have led Jordan and his associates, Gilbert, Evermann, and 
 Cramer, to refer the whole assemblage to the single genus SEBASTODES, 
 characterized by the presence of 13 dorsal spines and 27 vertebrae. Mean- 
 while these authors have recognized the groups defined by Gill and by 
 Eigenmann as subgenera. 
 
 A recent study of these fishes made by Dr. Jordan at Monterey in- 
 clines him toward a revival of some of these suppressed genera, especially 
 of the groups called SEBASTODES, ROSICOLA, SEBASTOSOMUS, SEBASTOMUS, 
 HISPANISCUS, PTEROPODUS and SEBASTICHTHYS. 
 
 The number of vertebrae is not uniformly 27 as supposed. In most 
 of the species, but not in all, the number is 27, counting the smaller one, 
 which forms the base of the hypural plate. He finds 27 (26 -}- 1) verte- 
 brae in SEBASTOSOMUS (MYSTINUS, FLAVIDUS) in PTEROPODUS (VEXILLARIS, 
 
 ATROVIRENS, NEBULOSUS, CARNATUS and CHRYSOMELAS) , as Well as in 
 
 SEBASTOMUS (ROSACEUS and CONSTELLATUS). 
 
 But in the species called SEBASTODES (PAUCISPINIS, GOODEI) and 
 ROSICOLA (PINNIGER, MINIATUS) the vertebrae number but 25, including 
 the hypural one. The elongate form of the body, the low, straight outline
 
 RIXATOR 
 
 33 
 
 of the back, with the great size of the mouth, the small anal spine, besides 
 the almost spineless cranium, sufficiently define SEBASTODES. 
 
 16. Rixator porteousi Jordan and Gilbert, new species. 
 (Plates XXI, XXII, XXIII) 
 
 Type No. 300. A complete large fish with crushed head, 18 inches 
 long. Head very large, about 3 in length, depth about 4*4 ; maxillary iy 2 
 in head, extending to just beyond eye; orbit 3% in head; snout about 
 3^4 ', jaws unequal, the lower prominent, both with small, even, close-set 
 conical teeth, as far as shown. Form relatively elongate, the outline of 
 the back straight, scarcely arched. 
 
 Vertebrae 10 +15 = 25, rather large anteriorly, as deep as long, 
 posteriorly longer, grooved; neurals and hsemals strong, even; interneu- 
 rals strong, all more or less dagger-shaped, expanded at base, extending 
 half way or more to backbone. 
 
 Interhsemals much smaller, slender and very oblique, reaching about 
 one-third distance to backbone, the second interneural excepted, which is 
 robust and very long, very oblique, about half length of head, and equal to 
 depth of body at insertion of anal, D. XII, I, 13, A. Ill, 7, or possibly 6. 
 Dorsal continuous, deeply notched, with 12 strong spines in its first part, 
 the third spine longest, 2% in depth of body, the first spine very short. 
 Second dorsal I, 13, the rays high, subequal, about as high as longest 
 spines, the second strongest, longer than third, 2 in depth of body 
 (broken in type), first spine more than half second, the fin inserted farther 
 back than in related species, nearly under middle of soft dorsal, about as 
 in SEBASTODES. 
 
 Pectorals broad, rounded, very long, unsymmetrical, of about 18 rays, 
 7y 4 in length of body, nearly % of head, almost as long as in ROSICOLA 
 PIN NIGER ; ventrals lost ; caudal broken, subtruncate, rounded, split mesial- 
 ly, with strong hypurals, about 3 on each side, of about 24 rays, the outer 
 shortened ; soft rays of all fins much branched. No bones of head with 
 serrate edges. No trace of scales. This species is apparently nearest the 
 living SEBASTODES GOODEI Eigenmann. It differs from those called ROSI- 
 COLA (PINNIGER, MINIATUS) in the larger mouth, straighter back, longer 
 vertebrae and most posterior position of the anal fin. 
 
 To RIXATOR PORTEOUSI we refer two smaller examples, which differ 
 from the type only in the very slender interneurals ; a matter probably of 
 age. 
 
 No. 243 is a small fish, lacking the head, the part preserved 5 
 inches long, of depth of about 4y 2 in length from front of spinous dorsal. 
 Vertebrae 10 (7 preserved) -f- 14 or 15 = 25, slightly longer than broad, 
 especially posteriorly ; each vertebra somewhat grooved ; neurals and 
 haemals moderate : interneurals straight, simple, distinctly expanded at
 
 34 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 base ; interhaemals small, except the second, which is much enlarged, bear- 
 ing the very long, curved second anal spine, the length of which is greater 
 than depth of body above it. 
 
 Head large ; body oblong ; the back scarcely elevated ; mouth rather 
 large, with sharp, even teeth ; vertebrae 24 or 25, small, deeper than long, 
 each with a median groove; neural and haemal spines moderate; inter- 
 neurals simple, straight, not much dilated, those under soft dorsal smaller ; 
 interhaemals, except the second, weak, oblique. Dorsal continuous, rather 
 low, deeply notched, the rays about XII, I, 13. The spines strong, the 
 longest spine not longer than those next to it, and not double length of 
 next-to-last spine; last spine as long as soft rays, which taper rapidly 
 backward. Dorsal apparently XII, I, 3 or 4, I, 14 ; the soft rays not to be 
 counted; anal rays III, 7, the number uncertain. Caudal not forked; ven- 
 trals and pectorals detached and broken. 9 
 
 No. 246. Body with broken head, 9 inches long. Vertebrae apparent- 
 ly 25 ; depth about 5 ; head about 314 in length, bones all entire, neurals 
 and haemals meeting them at an angle, and mostly not so long. Second 
 interhaemals very long and strong; interneurals all simple, not at all ex- 
 panded at base, those behind quite slender. Dorsal spines XIII, the first 
 small-one, third highest 1% in depth ; fin notched, the rays XII, I, 13 or 14. 
 Anal mostly lost, its second spine enlarged, its oblique interhaemal ^ depth 
 of body. Caudal truncate, mesially divided, the number of soft rays 
 about 16. This specimen is finely preserved. 
 
 17. Rixator ineziae Jordan, new species. 
 (Plate XXII, fig. 2) 
 
 Some of our specimens of RIXATOR seem to differ from the type. In 
 R. PORTEOUSI, the anal, as in SEBASTODES, is inserted posteriorly, its first 
 spine about under middle of soft dorsal, the second spine usually extend- 
 ing beyond the soft dorsal rays ; the body is slender, the depth at front 
 of anal about equal to longest dorsal spine. In the other form, which 
 I may call RIXATOR INEZIAE, the anal is inserted about under front of soft 
 dorsal, as in nearly all the other SEBASTINE fishes, its long spine not ex- 
 tending beyond dorsal, and the depth of body at front of anal more than 
 longest dorsal spine, these spines rather higher than in R. PORTEOUSI. 
 
 Type No. 45B, 7y 2 _ inches long, the body without head, the whole fish 
 about 9 inches, the counterpart, 45 A, similar but fractured. Depth 1% in 
 distance from front of anal to caudal ; about 3% in distance from snout to 
 base of caudal. Vertebrae 10 -f 14 = 24, constricted, about as deep as 
 long, with a median groove ; neural and haemal spines moderate, straight ; 
 interneurals simple, slender, but apparently expanded at base. 
 
 Dorsal fin continuous, XII, I, 14, deeply notched, the spines high, 
 slender, stiff; 13 present (12 in the duplicate), these much higher than
 
 RIXATOR 35 
 
 the soft rays, which number about 14, and nearly equal to depth of body. 
 The anterior soft rays are high, the posterior rather rapidly shortened; 
 anal with the second interhsemal very strong, more than half depth of 
 body, supporting the very strong curved second spine, which is twice the 
 first spine and longer than the third, % depth of body, as long as dorsal 
 spines. Seven soft rays preserved, these rapidly shortened behind; pec- 
 torals very broad, of about twenty rays, broken behind; ventrals just 
 below them, apparently I, 5. Caudal fin large, subtruncate ; hypural 
 rather broad ; no trace of scales. 
 
 No. 341, whole small fish with broken head, 7 l / inches. Vertebrae 
 24, a little longer than deep, each with 3 grooves ; caudal lost, ventrals 
 I, 5, under broad pectorals. D. XII, I, 12 or 13, an accurate count. A. Ill, 
 about 8. Dorsal spines high. Second anal spine large, with strong inter- 
 haemal. 
 
 No. 76. Fragment, showing some dorsal spines and large anal spine. 
 
 No. 310. Pectoral and ventral fins of a large fish. 
 
 No. 323. Eight spines of the first dorsal, with a few vertebrae. 
 
 No. 141. The head and part of the body 7 inches long, preserved 
 in counterpart, the total length about 10 inches ; seems to belong to 
 RIXATOR INEZI^E. 
 
 Head large, as long as body from gill opening to front of anal fin ; 
 jaws long, apparently subequal, armed with small, sharp, even teeth. 
 Maxillary about reaching front of eye, and apparently 3 in head; preo- 
 percle apparently entire ; opercle large, nearly smooth, without evident 
 spine; upper part of head crushed; greatest depth of body 1% in length 
 of head. 
 
 Body vertebrae 14 to front of soft anal ; 7 present behind these ; 3 or 4 
 lost, the actual number probably 10 -f- 14 or 15 = 25 ; vertebrae small, 
 deeper than long, each with a median groove with moderate neural and 
 haemal spines ; ribs rather short ; interneurals simple, straight, directed 
 slightly backward and with a thin wing; those of soft dorsal smaller, 
 scarcely winged or "dagger-shaped" ; interhaemals weak. Dorsal fin 
 deeply notched, XIII, I, 13, but continuous, the anterior part of 12 spines, 
 the third being longest, 2 1 / 4 in head ; last spine a little longer than first, 
 4% in head ; first dorsal spine close behind head, attached to first inter- 
 neural. First ray of second dorsal a slender spine, 2^4 in head ; the first 
 soft ray high, the others progressively shorter to the last, which is not 
 Vi the longest ; anal inserted behind soft dorsal, its rays damaged ; the 
 spines lost, although a trace of a strong interhaemal is present, with a 
 mark below it, a trace perhaps of the second spine. Pectoral very broad, 
 the rays 15 or more, the fin 2% in head; ventral fins lost. Some traces 
 of small scales on side of head.
 
 36 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 Family HEXAGRAMMID^. 
 
 18. Hexagrammos achrestus Jordan and Gilbert. 
 (Plate XIX) 
 
 The original type of this species is from Lompoc. The block on 
 which it occurs was unfortunately cut in two just before the middle of 
 the body. The parts remaining agree with the genus HEXAGRAMMOS. 
 
 Another block (No. 301), with counterpart, was also secured. This 
 represents 10 inches taken from a larger fish, and further forward, the 
 species apparently the same ; the only difference we notice is that in the 
 type of H. ACHRESTUS the slender interneurals are thrust between the 
 neurals, while in the present specimen they meet nearly tip to tip. This is 
 probably due to the fact that No. 301 shows the spinous dorsal fin, while 
 the type (No. CXL) shows mainly the soft dorsal. 
 
 In No. 301 the head is crushed; the pectoral rounded, very wide, 
 with about 18 rays, scarcely procurrent below. Vertebrae very large, 
 deeply grooved, deeper than long; 16 shown, the pectoral reaching eighth ; 
 neurals simple, strong, slightly longer than interneurals, which are simple, 
 straight, sharp, and well spaced, one interneural for each neural and 
 meeting its neural squarely. Dorsal spines beginning over opercle, mod- 
 erate, slender, well spaced, 16 of them apparent. Opercles apparently 
 entire. Total number of vertebrae probably about 45 to 50. In living 
 species of HEXAGRAMMOS (DECAGRAMMUS, SUPERCILIOSUS) there are 
 50 to 52. 
 
 Family OPHIODONTID^E. 
 
 19. Ozymandias gilberti Jordan. 
 (Plate XXIV) 
 
 No. 332 is part of the large fish supposed to be OZYMANDIAS GILBERTI 
 Jordan (Fossil Fishes of Southern California, p. 44, pi. XXI). It con- 
 sists of a fragment, 8V 2 inches long, with 12 large quadrate vertebrae 
 from near the head, with their appendages. Vertebrae without ridges or 
 grooves on the side, the median portion on each side a little prominent. 
 The neurals are strong, directed well backward, well separated, with two 
 dagger-shaped interneurals between each pair below first dorsal ; these 
 corresponded to a long first dorsal fin of a dozen rays or more ; ribs well 
 separated, very strong, curved strongly backward, each as long as six 
 vertebrae. Body of even depth, the dorsal and ventral outlines seeming 
 straight. 
 
 A broad, shortish pectoral fin of 12 to 15 rays detached from body, 
 on side of belly.
 
 OZYMANDIAS 37 
 
 It is not certain that this specimen belongs to OZYMANDIAS, nor is it 
 clear in what family it should be placed. The vertebrae and interneural 
 structures agree very closely with those of the living genus OPHIODON 
 Girard (O. ELONGATUS), which now inhabits California waters. This is 
 the sole representative of its family among recent fishes. 
 
 Family PLEURONECTID^ 
 
 Evesthes J. Z. Gilbert (1910). 
 (Type: EVESTHES JORDANI Gilbert.) 
 
 A genus of flounders, allied to HIPPOGLOSSINA Steindachner and 
 EOPSETTA Jordan and Goss, with fewer vertebras than HIPPOGLOSSOIDES 
 and smaller and more oblique mouth. 
 
 Eyes normally on the right side ; mouth rather large and very oblique ; 
 body deep, compressed, the depth about half the length. Vertebrae 32 to 
 36, three of the anterior ones having very large, expanded neural spines 
 curved forwards ; dorsal rays slender, about 65 to 80 in number. Ventral 
 fins far behind eye ; hypural plate of many united slender neural and 
 haemal spines, its disk strongly striate. 
 
 20. Evesthes jordani Gilbert. 
 (Plate XXIV) 
 
 A fine example (No. 509), &y% inches long. Body short and deep, 
 with short body cavity and very large head. Head 2% in length ; depth 
 2 to base of caudal ; mouth very large, the jaws equal, straight, the max- 
 illary 1% in head; lower jaw with strong, sharp teeth subequal, well 
 spaced, seemingly in a single row. Vertebrae rather small, more elongate 
 posteriorly, the number 10 -f- 22 = 32 ; hypural plate strong ; anterior 
 neurals directed somewhat forward ; posterior more backward ; inter- 
 haemals all double, about as long as haemals, two to each haemal spine, and 
 attached to its tip. Vertebral column anteriorly bowed downward, more 
 than in type of E. JORDANI. Interhaemals slender, two to each neural, 
 as usual among flounders. 
 
 Eyes probably on the left side, there being no trace of them in the im- 
 print, which is that of the right side ; dorsal fin beginning over the eye, 
 the fin low anteriorly, becoming higher behind. Body region very short, 
 21/0 in head, the anal beginning almost under front. 
 
 This specimen is without doubt identical with EVESTHES JORDANI, de- 
 scribed some years since, from Lompoc, by Dr. J. Z. Gilbert. The genus 
 EVESTHES, as Mr. C. L. Hubbs has shown, is not far from the living genus 
 HIPPOGLOSSINA Steindachner of tropical America. The downward curv- 
 ing of the anterior vertebrae is characteristic of both.
 
 38 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 Another example (No.. 220), 7% inches long, lacking the dorsal re- 
 gion, evidently belongs also to EVESTHES JORDANI. The anal fin is better 
 preserved, having apparently 38 rays, caudal large, rounded, 1% in 
 head, of about eighteen rays. Pectoral inserted high, about 2^4 in head, 
 ventral and scales obliterated. 
 
 A well-preserved example, No. 510, is 10y 2 inches long. In this 
 specimen the three expanded, curved neural spines shown in E. HOOVERI 
 are plainly evident, though less marked than in the latter species. These 
 show faintly in No. 509, but cannot be made out on the original type. 
 
 The vertebral column in No. 510 is not at all decurved anteriorly. 
 Anal rays definitely 42 ; vertebrae 32. Pectoral rays 16. 
 
 The hypural plate in this specimen is strongly striate, made up of 
 many coalescent slender neurals and hsemals. This structure is oblit- 
 erated in the original type of the species. 
 
 Still another example, with head and thoracic region only (No. 296), 
 shows the complete pectoral fin of about 13 rays, 2*4 in head. Eleven 
 dorsal vertebras well arched. The body cavity very short, 2*4 in head ; 
 maxillary half head. The fish was about as large as the others the part 
 preserved six inches long. 
 
 Another specimen (No. 33) shows part of the head with twenty-one 
 vertebra;, the insertion of the anal being about under the tenth, the fins, 
 interneurals and interhaemals being all lost. 
 
 No. 276 is a fragment of the same species. 
 
 21. Evesthes hooveri Jordan, new species. 
 (Plate XXVI) 
 
 Type No. 512, 9*4 inches long, in a fine state of preservation. Body 
 deep, the head 2% in length, the depth 1%, the anterior profile even. 
 Head blunt, as deep as long ; mouth rather large, very oblique, the maxil- 
 lary extending to below eye, 2% in head, being much shorter than in 
 EVESTHES JORDANI. Orbit about equal to snout, 5 in head; the imprint 
 being on the left side of the fossil, the eye was on the right side of the 
 fish. Interorbital ridge narrow, a somewhat elevated ridge. Vertebral 
 column not bent downward anteriorly, the vertebrae 35 in number. 
 Three of the anterior neural spines much expanded, curved and bent 
 forward, all the others slender, needle-like; interneurals all short, thin, 
 hair-like, placed at angles with the neurals and much more numerous, 
 2 to 4 in each interspace. 
 
 Haemals much longer than neurals, the first three or four expanded 
 and joined to form a curve or "pelvic bone" about the belly, extending to
 
 EVESTHES 39 
 
 front of anal; several of those farther back bifurcate, each bearing sev- 
 eral fine interhsemals, each with a slender ray ; vertebrae smaller behind ; 
 no anal spine. 
 
 Dorsal rays about 75, 'the fin low, beginning over the eye; the rays 
 all very slender, the short anterior ones turned forward and inserted 
 much before the enlarged neurals ; ribs few, short, hair-like. Anal 
 rays about 57, not certainly counted. Ventrals with about 5 rays, 
 inserted far behind eye, apparently just before pectorals, which are oblit- 
 erated ; caudal peduncle short. Caudal moderate, rounded, the hypural 
 as in EVESTHES, made up of slender coalescent neurals and haemals, 
 the surface, therefore, strongly striate. 
 
 The species is named for Theodore J. Hoover, Professor of Mining 
 in Stanford University. 
 
 Zororhombus Jordan, new genus. 
 (Type: ZORORHOMBUS VELIGER Jordan.) 
 
 A near ally of the living genus BOTH us Rafinesque (RHOMBUS 
 Cuvier), differing in the excessively high dorsal fin and rather more pos- 
 terior insertion of the ventrals. 
 
 Form broadly and regularly elliptical, the depth two-thirds the length 
 to base of caudal ; eyes on the left side, mouth large, terminal, with coni- 
 cal teeth. Vertebrae small, deeper than long, 37 in number. Neurals 
 strong, two interneurals, each supporting a ray between each pair ; inter- 
 haemals similar, the anterior very oblique. Dorsal beginning on head, 
 much elevated posteriorly, the longest rays two-thirds length of head. 
 Dorsal rays about 80 ; anal about 65 ; ventral separated from anal and ex- 
 tended along ridge of abdomen, a little in advance of pectorals, the rays 
 6 or 7. Caudal separate from dorsal and anal, the peduncle short. 
 , clear; QouBog, brill or turbot.) 
 
 22. Zororhombus veliger Jordan, new species. 
 
 (Plate XXVII) 
 
 Type No. 230. A flounder, S 1 /^ inches long, fairly perfect. Head 
 2% in length to base of caudal; depth iy 2 . Body very deep, broadly 
 elliptical, the dorsal and ventral outlines corresponding. Head large, its 
 outline regular ; mouth large, terminal, the lower jaw prominent. The 
 maxillary a little more than half head; jaws with moderate, conical teeth, 
 a few present ; opercle moderate, striate. Vertebrae rather small, about 
 154-25 = 37 in number, rather deeper than long, moderately grooved, 
 each with a strong, straight neural spine, about a fourth of depth of body, 
 and each corresponding to a pair of interneurals of about the same 
 length, each of which in turn supports a dorsal fin ray. Occasionally a
 
 40 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 third interneural is interspersed. The dorsal fin begins on the head and 
 is greatly elevated posteriorly, but the anterior rays are short, the longest 
 rays iy 2 in head, 2% in depth of body, last rays rapidly shortened. Anal 
 quite similar to dorsal, with long interhaemals, one corresponding to each 
 ray and two to each of the strong, long haemals ; posterior part of anal 
 similarly elevated, about l l / 2 in head. First eight or ten interhaemals short- 
 ened and placed very obliquely; ribs almost obliterated. Body cavity 
 very short, 2% in head, the first haemal and interhaemal enlarged, forming 
 together a sort of curved pelvic bone, bounding the intestinal cavity, 
 as described by Dr. Giinther in PSETTA MAXIMA. No anal spine. Dorsal 
 rays about 80 (76 + ) ; anal rays about 65 ; ventral rays, 6 or 7. Ventral 
 fin small, somewhat in advance of pectorals, well behind eyes, apparently 
 extending along the ridge of the abdomen ; well separated from the anal 
 fin ; pectoral short, broken, of about 13 rays. Caudal mostly obliterated, 
 the dorsal and anal crowding it closely. Eyes apparently on the left side. 
 Several small patches of cycloid scales preserved, much like those of 
 BOTHUS. 
 
 To all appearance this species is an ally of the European brill, 
 BOTHUS RHOMBUS (L), with which it agrees in general form, in num- 
 ber of vertebrae, and in the number of fin rays. It differs, however, nota- 
 bly in the great elevation of the vertical fins. The character of the 
 gill rakers and lateral line cannot be ascertained. We may apparently 
 distinguish the genus ZORORHOMBUS from the European genus BOTHUS 
 Rafinesque (RHOMBUS Cuvier) by the high, sail-like dorsal fin. 
 
 No. 21. A flounder, 81/0 inches long. Back bone with 36 vertebra, 
 some lost ; dorsal beginning at the head, depth nearly or quite half length 
 at head. Vertebral column bent upward at first ; 36 vertebras present, one 
 or two lost. Dorsal low anteriorly, even, beginning on front of head, 
 much elevated; 26 rays over first 12 vertebrae. Other fins mostly de- 
 stroyed. Neurals strong; interneurals divided from below for most 
 of their length. 
 
 This is evidently same as the type of ZORORHOMBUS VELIGER. 
 
 23. Diatomoeca zatima Jordan and Gilbert. 
 
 (Plate XIX) 
 
 The original type of this species, No. 336 (CXXXIII), is a fine speci- 
 men from Lompoc, on a slab unfortunately cut off at both ends for com- 
 mercial purposes. The part preserved is 7 inches long, the whole fish 
 about 14. 
 
 There are, in general, two interneurals between each pair of neurals, 
 each interneural corresponding to a fin ray; the same adjustment holds
 
 ZORORHOMBUS 41 
 
 in regard to the anal fin. The vertebrae are very large and strong for a 
 flounder, deeper than long, with a rough surface but not grooved; the 
 neural and haemal spines are very long and strong; the interneurals very 
 much shorter and weaker than in ZORORHOMBUS. 
 
 Family BROTULID^. 
 
 24. Eclipes veternus Jordan and Gilbert. 
 ( MERRIAMINA ECTENES Jordan and Gilbert.) 
 
 A specimen (No. 190) 4 inches long, the head fairly preserved, snout 
 pointed; jaws oblique, straight, the lower probably the longer; eye large, 
 as long as snout, 3^ in head, crossed by a narrow process, the inter- 
 orbital shelf ; maxillary more than half head, reaching beyond the mid- 
 dle of eye ; bones of head entire ; head almost exactly that of the 
 specimen figured by us as ECLIPES VETERNUS; vertebrae about 34, with 
 a few lost, probably about 40 in all, rather slender, hour-glass shaped, those 
 posteriorly more elongate and smaller, the anterior rather strong with 
 strong neural and haemal spines : pectorals placed high, their tips broken ; 
 dorsal beginning not far behind pectorals, the rays all soft and close set, 
 the fin highest posteriorly where its rays are more than half head ; caudal 
 and last vertebrae lost; a trace of ventrals before pectoral; anal similar 
 to dorsal, but only half as long, the last rays almost equally high. 
 
 The body of this fish agrees fully with our specimens of MERRIAMINA 
 ECTENES, the head is equally evidently that of ECLIPES VETERNUS, the two 
 forms, which at first seemed wholly unlike, being apparently one and the 
 same species. What appeared in ECLIPES to be the large forked caudal is 
 really the elevated posterior rays of the dorsal and anal fins, beyond which 
 the vertebrae plainly extend in No. 190, ending in the type (No. XIII) of 
 MERRIAMINA, with a narrow, truncate caudal fin. The species belongs 
 apparently to the BROTULID^E. Unfortunately the name ECLIPES has 
 page priority over MERRIAMINA. 
 
 A small example with more perfect head (No. 40), but lacking most 
 of the body, shows the head long, with oblique gape and long, straight 
 jaws, the maxillary 1% in head. 
 
 No. 54 is another imperfect specimen. 
 
 Family (uncertain) 
 
 Atkinsonella strigilis Jordan, new genus and species 
 A fossil (No. 511) was provisionally referred by us to LOMPOCHITES 
 HOPKINSI- Renewed examination, however, shows its distinctness, the 
 body being covered with small scales of very peculiar form, a character
 
 42 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 which distinguishes the new genus ATKINSONELLA, of uncertain relation- 
 ship. It is named for William Sackston Atkinson, natural history artist 
 of Stanford University, in recognition of his interest in restorations of 
 these ancient fossils. The type of the species (No. 511) is 9y 2 inches 
 long (in life about 13). The head is crushed, and the anal and caudal 
 fins destroyed : otherwise the specimen is in good condition. 
 
 Head about 4 in length to base of caudal ; depth about 4%. Ver- 
 tebrae longer longer than deep, rather smooth, each mesially constricted 
 and with two ridges and three grooves ; the number probably 24 ( 16 
 preserved). Neural spines moderate, directed upward and backward, 
 the anterior more curved and directed more backward; ribs strong. 
 
 Dorsal fin nearly continuous, the rays about IX, 17, not certainly 
 counted ; first part of 8 to 10 slender spines, the third longest somewhat 
 more than depth of body ; the others progressively shorter ; soft rays 
 long, and apparently all short ; pectoral fin rather short, acute ; the upper 
 rays longest, about 3 times in depth of body. Ventrals inserted just be- 
 hind them; the fin, if correctly interpreted, a little longer than the pec- 
 torals and of about 8 slender rays. Unfortunately this very exceptional 
 character is uncertain as the fin as preserved may be a misplaced fin, 
 possibly a pectoral from the other side. 
 
 Scales small, of unique form, largest on the thorax, and rather loosely 
 attached, being scattered in the matrix about the fish. Each scale is 
 rounded in form, with entire edges, but marked by 6 to 9 sharp ridges 
 which diverge forward and upward, about 100 in a lengthwise series.
 
 QUJESITA 43 
 
 ADDENDUM 
 
 Family DUSSUMIERIID^E 
 
 We may here insert two fossil species just received as these pages 
 pass through the press. 
 
 Quaesita alhambrae Jordan and Gilbert. 
 (Plate XXVIII) 
 
 Type No. 198. A minute fish but three-fourths of an inch long, from 
 a Miocene outcrop of diatomaceous shale near Alhamfora, Los Angeles 
 County, California, presented by Mr. George E. Malcolm. The head, 
 dorsal fin and spinal column are fairly preserved. . 
 
 Body fusiform, elongate. General shape of QILESITA, rather heavier 
 at the nape, decreasing rather rapidly backward. Head large, 2.6 in 
 length to base of caudal, its depth 4^ times in length, depth at nape 
 about 5 in length of body; eye obliterated, the interorbital shelf strong; 
 mouth rather short, oblique, the lower jaw projecting, reaching front of 
 orbit; maxillary about 4j^ in head; no teeth evident; opercle rounded, 
 with five or six strong striae, radiating from above ; preopercle narrow ; 
 cheeks broad. 
 
 Vertebrae large, about 30 in all, the number uncertain, as in part 
 they are rather vaguely defined; each is apparently deeper than long, 
 their strength well maintained backward; the vertebrae are peculiarly 
 formed, looking like a succession of cross-plates, each crossed by a me- 
 dian notch; neurals and haemals obliterated; ribs slender; no trace of 
 interneurals ; hypural plate obliterated ; caudal split, widely forked, its 
 lobes 4 in length of body; % in head; about 16 rays in each lobe, the 
 lobes acuminate. Dorsal inserted just behind middle of body, opposite 
 twelfth vertebra, 6 to 8 rays visible ; trace of ventrals just below it ; anal 
 mostly obliterated, with traces of about 12 rays. No scales preserved. 
 This fish seems allied to QILESITA and other genera referred to the 
 DUSSUMIERIHXE, but the large vertebrae, deeper than long and less than 
 35 in number, may distinguish it generically from all the other fishes of 
 this group. For the present we treat it as a second species of QU^SITA. 
 
 Quaesita fragilis Jordan and Gilbert, new species. 
 
 Type No. 110, a smallish, one and a half inches long, from the San 
 Pedro Hills, one mile west of "Wilmington Road" station on Pacific Elec- 
 tric Railway from Los Angeles to San Pedro. 
 
 Head 2% in length, depth at dorsal S l / 2 times in length, eye 3y 2 in
 
 44 FOSSIL FISHES OF LOMPOC 
 
 head, snout 3 l /2, head large, its depth not less than that of body at dorsal, 
 orbital region crossed by a marked interorbital shelf. Dorsal rays 10, 
 anal 10 to 12 ; vertebrae 20 -f- 14 = 34. Opercle well developed, broadly 
 rounded. Vertebras strong, longer than deep, maintaining their strength 
 well backward, nine or ten before the dorsal. Neurals and haemals 
 strongly developed in the caudal region, but obliterated anteriorly. Hy- 
 pural plate obscure. Head and mouth large, jaws subequal, the mandible 
 reaching to opposite the eye. Dorsal fin relatively large, opposite the 
 moderate ventrals, its insertion very slightly behind the middle of dis- 
 tance from front of eye to base of caudal ; pectorals narrow, slender, in- 
 serted low as in other herring-like fish ; ventrals shorter than pectorals, 
 the number of rays indistinct; anal longer and lower than the dorsal, 
 its rays more numerous ; caudal broadly forked, its lobes long, subequal. 
 a little greater than depth of body, one and one-fifth times in head. 
 
 This little fish is certainly congeneric with QU.ESITA QUISQUILIA, de- 
 scribed and figured by us from Miocene shales at El Modena, California, 
 in our Fossil Fishes of Southern California, Plate XVII. It differs in the 
 rather stouter form and fewer vertebrae. In Q. QUISQUILIA we find 38 
 vertebrae, 13 before dorsal. QU^ESITA ALHAMBR^E, above described, has 
 the head more depressed, the insertion of the dorsal fin much farther back 
 than in Q. QUISQUILIA, and the vertebrae apparently 31. In most respects 
 it is very similar. 
 
 This example is from a diatomaceous shale lying just above a Mio- 
 cene ledge. Its age is almost certainly Pliocene. As to the locality. 
 Dr. Gilbert writes that the fish was secured while on a trip with Mr. 
 Robert Hastings Palmer of Stanford. The reason why he places it as 
 Pliocene is because in Los Angeles city he finds a division line which 
 is likely between the upper Miocene and lower Pliocene, and this outcrop 
 has certain clams in abundance at this particular horizon, similar to those 
 at San Pedro. The superimposed layers of Pliocene lie unconformable 
 to the stratum in question.
 
 SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE, PAGE 13 
 
 Thyrsocles and Thyrsion (page 13). 
 
 Just as these pages leave the press, Mr. Edward J. Porteous of 
 Lompoc has sent to Stanford University a large and perfect example 
 (Xo. 505: 22i/2 inches long) of the fish we have called THYRSOCLES 
 ESCHARION. This has the long jaws and crowded conical teeth of 
 THYRSION VELOX. The two species are in fact identical, and THYRSION 
 seems to be an exact synonym of THYRSOCLES. The name VELOX has page 
 priority and the species (if distinct from T. KRIEGERI) becomes THYR- 
 SOCLES VELOX. THYRSOCLES mentioned on page 7 was first associated with 
 a known species. 
 
 THYRSOCLES, with the neural structures of SCOMBEROMORUS (oblit- 
 erated on plate IX,), is widely separated by the long jaws and close-set 
 conical teeth. 
 
 ZAPH LEGES agrees with it in almost all regards, but has scales larger 
 than in any known mackerel. We have found no scales in THYRSOCLES, 
 but the two genera may prove identical. ZAPH LEGES certainly belongs 
 also to the SCOMBRID.E. 
 
 PLECTRITES (page 28) ; an additional example shows the sides of the 
 jaws beset with molar teeth, as in LAGODON. PLECTRITKS is probably a 
 synonym of RHYTHMIAS, the plectroid spine probably obliterated in the 
 type of R. STARRII. 
 
 Lo: MPOCHITES (page 30) is not related to LOMPOQUIA. It is nearer 
 some of the CARANGID^E, perhaps to ELAGATIS. 
 
 DIATOMOZCA (page 40) certainly cannot belong to the PLEURONECTI- 
 D.K. Xo flounder has its peculiar arrangement of ribs and interh;emals. 
 We find as yet nothing like it, except perhaps in LAMPRIS. 
 
 ECLIPES (page 41) belongs to the GADID.E or perhaps AlK 
 It cannot be a BROTULID.
 
 PLATES
 
 PLATE 1. 
 XYNE (;REX Jordan & Gilbert ; No. 116 (.sl''l'y reduced)
 
 PLATE I\-. 
 XVXK K.TCKK, Jordan & Gilbert: type Xo. 167 (natural sizcj.
 
 --^O:^ 
 
 '- -SSfcf : ^ f 
 
 PLATE \". 
 XVNE FITGERI Jordan & Gilbert; No. 26 (natural size).
 
 PLATE VI. 
 TURIO WILBURI Jordan & Gilbert; type No. 49-A (somewhat reduced).
 
 PLATE VII. 
 TURIO WILBURI Jordan & Gilbert; No. 178.
 
 PLATE ViU. 
 THYRSION VF.I.OX Jordan; type No. 153 (slightly reduced).
 
 -^. v- 
 
 PLATE IX. 
 THYRSIOX VELOX Jordan: No. 127 (reduced one-half).
 
 PLATE X. 
 OCYSTIAS SAGITTA Jordan; type No. 20. (reduced to about one-third).
 
 PLATE XI. 
 THYRSOCLES KRIKGERI Jordan & Gilbert; No. 303 (reduced to two-fifths)
 
 PLATE XII. 
 TIIVRSOU.KS KRII-<;I-:I Jordan & Gilbert; No. 306 (reduced to aliuiil one-lliirdi.
 
 PLATE X11I. 
 
 ZAPHLEGES LONGURIO Jordan; No. 100 (reduced to about two-fifths length) ; ventral 
 fin obscured in the plate.
 
 c 
 
 -" :&..--'"' 
 
 PLATE XIV. 
 AR.KOSTEUS ROTHI Jordan & Gilbert; type No. 315 (two-thirds natural size).
 
 PLATE XV. 
 KMM.UIMCKE RIIAUIITES Jordan & Gilbert; type No. cxt.in (natural size).
 
 PLATE XVI. 
 
 EMMACH^RE RHACHITES Jordan & Gilbert; No. 220 (reduced to about 
 
 size).
 
 PLATE XV11. 
 RHYTHMIAS STARRII Jordan & Gilbert; type No. 175 (slightly reduced).
 
 PLATE XVIII. 
 PLECIRITES CLASSEXI Jordan & Gilbert; type No. 31.5 (slightly reduced }
 
 PLATE XIX. 
 
 LOMPOQUIA RETROPES Jordan & Gilbert; type cxxxix (slightly reduced). 
 HEXAGRAMMOS ACHRESTUS Jordan & Gilbert; type CXL. 
 D]\TOM(ECA ZATIMA Jordan & Gilbert; type cxxxm.
 
 mr^"~ - 
 > 
 
 S^% . 
 
 :-:--rJ^ S%' 
 
 
 PLATE XX. 
 
 LOMPOCHITES HOPKIXSI Jordan & Gilbert: type No. 301 (reduced two-thirds natural 
 
 size).
 
 PLATE XXI. 
 
 KIXAFOR wmnousi Jordan & Gilbert; type No. 300 (one-third size); second anal 
 spine broken.
 
 m 
 
 : *c^ 
 
 
 
 <i- v '-?^r ~v . % V " A ' 
 '~o^^ 
 
 *"*' 
 
 \:t^ v . ; 
 
 
 PLATE XXII. 
 RIXATOR INEZI.E Jordan & Gilbert (young) ; No. 243 (slightly reduced).
 
 PLATE XXIII. 
 
 Figure 1. RIXATOR PORTEOUSI Jordan & Gilbert (young) ; No. 246 (two-thirds 
 
 natural size). 
 Figure 2. RI.NATOR INEZI^E Jordan; type 145-B (two-thirds natural size).
 
 '**- jf ;.-v~" v\ f 
 r .^ ' '^^"'^^^^ > ^ - 
 
 - 
 
 7.W^r**'.<**s*sr . 
 
 ',-- ^ ' X!^ - * \. 
 
 | - 
 
 ~^'"' "t-A?^ \ "> -- V 
 
 r "~W- ^^ssntV'X v 
 
 k ';, /- 
 
 PLATE XXI\ . 
 OZYMANDIAS GILBERTI Jordan; No. 13 (reduced about half) ; identification uncertain.
 
 PLATE XXV. 
 EVESTHES 'JORDAN'! Gilbert; No. 509 (three-fifths natural size).
 
 PLATE XXVIII. 
 SITA ALHAMBR/E Jordan & Gilbert ; type No. 198 (four times natural size).
 
 PLATE XXIX. 
 
 XKI.OSIS M.M,i.F.Y. Ionian & Gilbert; type No. xxxv. "CLL-PKA HA....F.YI." from Kl 
 Modena (slightly reduced) ; the small ventral tins plainly evident in th 
 
 are harelv indicated on the plate.
 
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