Additions to the Fish Fauna of New Zealand.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 58, 1928, Page 136

Additions to the Fish Fauna of New Zealand. By L. T. Griffin, F.Z.S. Assistant Curator, Auckland Museum. [Read before the Auckland Institute, 8th April, 1927; received by Editor, 5th May, 1927; issued separately, 10th August, 1927.] (Plates 9–17.) This paper deals with nine interesting species, most of which constitute new records to our fish fauna. Possibly the spear-fishes will claim the most attention, owing to the fact that they are responsible for bringing New Zealand into such prominence of late as a “Big Game Fisherman's Paradise.” Prior to the appearance of Jordan and Evermann's recent paper * Jordan & Evermann, Occasional Papers, Cal. Acad. Sci. xii., 1926., the literature on the subject was scattered, and usually of the most meagre character, either insufficient in detail, or, otherwise so unreliable as to make the task of accurately identifying the various species most difficult. In order to try and determine exactly what species of spear fishes existed in our waters, I was enabled to visit the Bay of Islands in February, 1927, during the height of the season, when many local and overseas anglers were out after big fish. The weather was unfavourable for a good part of the three weeks spent there, but, despite this, I was able to examine the two species described here and several others. I also viewed the remains of a record Broad-bill, Xiphias gladius, captured just prior to my arrival at the Bay, and unfortunately disposed of, except the head and sword. From observations I made, both at the Bay of Islands, and lower on the coast, I am satisfied this species is by no means uncommon in our seas. Altogether, I examined and made accurate notes of ten spear fishes of two species, besides getting measurements of a few extra spears that had been removed from others caught before my arrival. It is the wish of the writer, that the particulars given in these notes may contribute in some way towards clearing up the existing uncertainty in regard to the species of spear fishes inhabiting New Zealand waters. I take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to the many willing helpers at the Zane Grey Sporting Club Camp at the Bay of Islands, and especially to Mr. W. S. Lambe, of Sydney, N.S.W., Mr. J. Holmes, of Russell, and Mr. Fred. K. Burnham and Cox Webb, of California, all of whom did everything possible to assist in my researches.

Family Carcharhinidae. Genus Galeocerdo Mull & Henle, Arch. Naturg. 3, 1, 1837. p. 398 (arcticus). Galeocerdo arcticus, tiger-shark ♀. (Fig. 1.) Squalus arcticus Faber, Naturg. Fish. Iss., 1829, p. 17. G. rayneri Macdon & Barrow. P.Z.S. 1868, p. 368, pl. 32. G. arcticus McCulloch. Check-list, Fish. N.S. Wales, pt. 1, p. 6, pl. 1, fig. 2a. Greatest depth, 4 in total to hypural joint. Upper caudal lobe nearly 2 ¾ in same, and almost equal to distance from anterior margin of first dorsal to anterior margin of second dorsal. Pectoral equals distance from dorsal notch to tip of lower caudal lobe, and 5 ¼ in total length to hypural joint. Body of moderate depth, upper and lower profiles sub-equal. A long low keel on sides originating a little in front of ventral, getting higher posteriorly, its greatest height being about one inch. Anteriorly, it is lost below base of first dorsal. A keel about half an inch high extends along the middle line of back between the two dorsal fins. A crescentic pit at root of upper caudal lobe, with a similar one at base of the lower caudal lobe. Head short, flattened, giving the snout a shovel-like appearance when viewed from the front. Snout short, rounded. Nostrils a transverse slit, with a conical flap attached to the inner side of anterior margin. Mouth somewhat oblique, large, crescentic. A long labial fold in upper jaw. Teeth in jaws sub-equal, about 22 in each jaw, oblique, deeply notched on outer margin, serrated on both sides of the basal half, the tips smooth, directed outwards. Eye small, round, 3 in snout, placed above centre of mouth. Nictitating membrane wide, the upper half coarsely granular. Spiracle small, vertical, linear, situated about twice the orbital width behind the eye. Gill-slits 5, the 4th and 5th above anterior margin of pectoral. Origin of first dorsal fin a little nearer pectoral than centre of fish. The fin is low, thickened. Second dorsal origin slightly in advance of origin of anal. Pectoral thick, leathery, rounded at extremity. Upper caudal lobe long and rather flexible. Colour: Light slate above, creamy white below, with a pinkish patch on side over the ventral. The stripes on the side were not seen when the fish was first captured, but when dry they were plainly observable; I counted 21 on the body. Anteriorly, the stripes did not reach beyond the upper margin of the gill-slits, getting longer towards the middle of fish, thence, shorter towards the caudal. Described and figured from a specimen captured on rod and line by Dr. Newland, of Adelaide, while the latter was engaged in big game fishing in New Zealand waters. The weight of this fish was 544 pounds. Its length from tip of snout to the hypural joint 9 feet, greatest depth of body 2 feet. McCulloch describes it as a common and dangerous species, which attains a length of sixteen feet, and that it is widely distributed throughout temperate and tropical seas, often appearing in harbours

and estuaries on the Australian coast. So far as I am aware, this is the first of its kind to be placed on record in New Zealand, but, from my talks with fishermen, I have every reason to believe it to be fairly plentiful in our waters where it is known as the shovel-nose. On examing the contents of the stomach of this fish, it was found to contain two very large crayfish, Jasus edwardsii, one blue penguin, Eudyptula minor, and a large coarse-haired dog, the size of a collie. Locality: Cape Brett, Bay of Islands, Auckland Provincial District. Family Muraenidae. Genus Gymnothorax Bloch. Gymnothorax meleagris Shaw. (Fig. 2.) Muraena meleagris, Shaw, Nat. Misc. pl. 220; Gen. Zool. 4, I, p. 32; Richards. Voy. Ereb. & Terr. Fish. p. 93. Thyrsoidea meleagris, Kaup, Apod. p. 91 (copied from Richardson). Thyrsoidea chlorostigma, Kaup, Apod. p. 89. Muraena chlorostigma, Bleek. Nat. Tyds. Ned. Ind. 15 p. 160. Gymnorthorax chlorostigma, Bleek. At 1. Icht. Mur. p. 97, pl. 34, fig. 2. Head, 4 in trunk, or 7 ¾ in total. Height of body 6 ½ in trunk, or 12 ¾ in total. Eye, 12 ½ in head, or 2 ½ in snout; gill-opening rather more than twice diameter of eye. Anterior nassal tube ½ diameter of eye. Snout 4 ¾ in head; mouth 2 in same. Body high, moderately compressed, covered with very thick leathery skin. Occipital region elevated, somewhat gibbous in front. Snout blunt, fleshy on top and sides. Cleft of mouth extends far behind the eye. Anterior nassal tubes short, not reaching tip of snout. A series of 3 widely open pores on mandible, and 5 similar ones on ramus. A single large pore above anterior nassal tubes. Teeth stoutly subulate, in upper jaw biserial, outer row unequal in height, with a wide gap about middle of jaw. A series of 5 small conico-subulate teeth on the vomer of unequal height. Palatine teeth 9, the first shortest, two following, longer, thence a series of 6 minute conical teeth on the middle line, the 4th being widely separated from the last two. Teeth of lower jaw are more uniform than those of upper, somewhat smaller, acute, re-curved, about 20 on each ramus with a series of 6 small conico-subulate ones ranged on each side of middle line in front. All teeth depressable. Posterior nostril above anterior portion of eye small, scarcely distinguishable from the single pore above nassal tube. Branchiostegal sac moderately developed. Origin of dorsal fin a little distance before gill-opening. A thick fold of skin extends from it as far as half the distance from gill-opening to eye; the whole fin is extremely thick and leathery. Anal fin low, much thickened and rounded, almost disappearing as it approaches the vent. Colour: Rich chestnut brown, minutely and uniformly speckled or granulated with cream coloured markings of various shapes.

Locality: Described and figured from an adult specimen captured at White Island, in the Bay of Plenty, where several others have been taken in the same locality. Measurements: Total length 1020 mm. long from tip of snout to tip of tail. Snout to vent 525 mm., snout to gill-opening 118 mm., greatest height of body at gill-opening 102 mm. Family Pempheridae. Genus Pempheris Cuvier. Pempheris adspersus n. sp. (Fig. 3). Br. 7; D.vi/X; A.iii/XXXI; V.i/V; P.i/XVII; C.xvi/3x3; L, lat. about 73; L, tr. 10x23; gills 4; gills-rakers long, 28 on lower half of anterior limb. Pseudobranchi present. Depth 2 ½, head rather less than 3 ½ in the length to the hypural joint. Eye 2 ¼ in the head; interorbital width 3 in the eye and rather more than 1 in the snout; depth of caudal peduncle ¾ the width of the eye. Distance between origin or dorsal and end of snout is ½ that from its origin to end of middle caudal rays. Body deep, the profile gently arched to the dorsal fin, thence fairly straight to the tail. Lower profile forms an even curve to origin of the anal, thence, somewhat oblique to the caudal. Maxillary rather longer than diameter of the eye, and reaching backward to posterior margin of the pupil, its distal portion covered with ctenoid scales. Interorbital space convex. Preoperculum with a single strong flattened spine at the angle. Opreculum with three flat points separated by broad excavations. A narrow strip of cycloid scales extends backward from middle of interorbital as far as the origin of the dorsal fin. The rest of the head, with the exception of the tip of snout, is covered with moderate ctenoid scales. A single row of small villiform teeth in both jaws. In the upper, two or three slightly longer hooked cannines are found on its top margin, while the lower jaw has three or four similar ones projecting from the extremity of the ramus. A triangular line of small conical teeth on the vomer; and a band of smaller ones on the palatines. Whole body covered with small ctenoid scales which are smaller on the dorsal surface, and between the interradial membrances of the anal and caudal. Lateral line continuous. It is fairly straight from the caudal to below the fifth dorsal spine where it bends rather steeply downward to the operculum. It continues to the end of the middle caudal rays. Dorsal fin with its origin in the vertical from the lower border of pectoral, high, about 5 ¼ in the total length to end of middle caudal rays. The pectoral reaches backward as far as the last dorsal ray. Origin of ventrals slightly in advance of upper base of pectoral and reaching backward to the anterior margin of the anus. Colour in alcohol: Uniform silvery purple brown on body, covered with minute brown dots which require a lens to view them properly. A few much larger brown dots are found scattered about on the sides of the fish. The ground-colour is somewhat darker on the nape and posterior border of operculum. Dorsal, anal, and caudal, dark

purple brown tipped with black, and covered with minute dark brown dots. Pectoral white, a dark brown band at base. Ventrals white on margins, the middle membrane being light purple and minutely dotted. Described and figured from a female specimen which is 129 mm. long from tip of snout to hypural joint. Another, but smaller female was taken at the same time, a comparison discloses very little difference. In the paratype, the eye is a little lower in the head, otherwise they are comparative. Affinities: This species approaches very closely to Pempheris affinis described by McCulloch in Zool. Res. Endeavour Pt. 1, p. 45, pl. 7, fig. 1. A comparison, however, shows important differences between them, particularly in the nature of the scales, interorbital width, and other points of a more or less distinct character, I therefore feel safe in regarding this as a new species. Locality: Two female specimens taken by hand-line at the Bay of Islands, Auckland Provincial District, March, 1926. Holotype and paratype in the Auckland Museum. Family Thunnidae. Genus Germo Jordan. Germo germo (Lacèpéde); Long-finned albacore. (Fig. 4.) Scomber germo Lacèpéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., 1803, China Sea; after Commerson. Thynnus pacificus Cuv et Val, Hist. Nat. Poiss., 8, p. 133, 1831, after Lacèpéde. Germo germon Fowler, Pro. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil, 1904 (1905), p. 761. Germo alalunga Stead, Fish. Aust. pp. 162–165, 1906 (not Gmelin). Germo germo Stead. Add. Fish. Fauna. N.S. Wales, 1, pp. 20–21, 1907. Thannus (Germo) germo Stead. Edib. Fish. N.S. Wales, p. 95, 1908. Germo germon Waite. Rec. Cant. Mus., Vol. 2, No. 1, p. 19. Germo germo Thomson. N.Z. Journ. Sci. & Tech., Vol. 1, 1918, p. 7, fig. 3. Germo germo Phillipps. N.Z. Journ. Sci. & Tech., Vol. 4, No. 3, 1921, p. 118, and Vol. 5, No. 2, p. 93, 1922. Germo germo Jordan and Evermann, Occas. Papers. Cal. Acad. Sci. 12, 1926, p. 16, pl. 3, fig. 1. D.xiv/I/X—8; A.i/XIII—7; P.XXXV; V.i/V Gills, 4; Gillrakers 22 on lower half of the anterior limb. Depth before ventrals 4 in total to end of caudal peduncle or rather less than 2 in pectoral, but, equal to width of caudal lobes. Eye 5 ¾ in the head, and equal to pre-orbital. Distal end of maxilliary about half the width of the orbit. Width of caudal peduncle ¾ that of the orbit. Caudal lobes subequal to depth of body. Body oblong, robust, wholly covered with small scales, the dorsal and ventral profiles subequal. A high keel on the caudal penuncle, with a low denticulated ridge above and below posteriorly. Lateral line commencing at upper posterior margin of operculum has a high curve

below the anterior portion of the first dorsal, thence sloping gradually to end of pectoral, where it becomes almost straight to keel on peduncle. Head with the snout somewhat acute, the lower jaw a little the longest. Maxillary extends backward as far as the anterior border of the orbit. Anterior nostril small, oval, placed five-eighths of an inch in front of the posterior one which is a vertical slit five-eighths of an inch in length placed just before the eye. Teeth in jaws sub-conical in a single series. Minute villiform teeth are also present on the vomer palatines and tongue. First dorsal with its origin in the vertical from the ventral, the first and second spines highest, rather more than two in the eye, and subequal with the anterior spine of the second dorsal. It is separated from the second dorsal by a space equal to the width of the eye. Second dorsal falcate, followed by eight separate finlets. Anal falcate, somewhat smaller than the second dorsal, followed by seven finlets. Pectoral long, of fairly uniform width throughout, reaching backward to the vertical from the third dorsal finlet, and lying in a half sheath when pressed against the side. Ventral short, its origin a little posterior to that of the pectoral. Colour: Top of head and upper part of back deep blue, below, uniform steel blue including cheeks and operculum. Eye steel blue with an outer ring of vandyke brown. Lower jaw yellowish-silver. Dorsal spines white streaked with blackish brown, the membrane mainly transparent, but streaked at margins with thin blackish brown. Second dorsal dull blackish blue, the finlets behind being pale yellow bordered with black. Anal white, the finlets dull white streaked with lemon yellow. Ventral white. Pectoral uniform purple blue. Described and figured from a specimen caught off Cape Brett by Mr. F. K. Burnham, of California, February, 1927. The total length is 615 mm. from tip to snout to the end of the caudal peduncle. The head is 189 mm. long. Greatest depth 150 mm. Pectoral, 260 mm. Locality and distribution: Cape Brett, Bay of Islands, also recorded from the West Coast Auckland Provincial District. Phillipps records it from Napier and Gisborne. According to others it is occasionally met with in Australian waters, while Jordan & Evermann record it from Japan, Hawaii, and off the coast of Southern California. Family Istiophoridae. Genus Makaira Lacèpéde. Key to the New Zealand Species. Stripes on body broad, indistinct. Dorsal lobe low, little falcate, Median spines moderate, from bottom of groove 5 ¼ in highest. Pectoral markedly falcate. Bony spinules in skin large, pronounced mazara. Stripes on body narrower, very distinct, almost reaching ventral surface. Dorsal lobe high, markedly falcate. Median dorsal spines 4 in the highest. Bony spinules in skin smaller, not so pronounced mitsukurii. Makaira mazara (Jordan and Snyder). Black marlin, ♀. (Fig. 5.). Histiophorus gladius Ramsay (nec Broussonet). P.L.S. N.S. Wales, 5, 1881, p. 295, pl. 8.

Tetrapturus mazara Jordan and Snyder, Journ. Coll. Sci. Imp. Univ. Tokyo, 15, 4, 305, May, 1901, Misaki, Japan. Tetrapturus indicus Stead. Edible. Fish. N.S. Wales, p. 100, pl. 67. Tetrapturus indicus McCulloch. Check List. Fish. N.S. Wales, pt 3, p. 106, pl. 34. Makaira mazara (Jordan and Snyder) Jordan and Evermann, Occasional Papers, Cal. Acad. Sci. 12, 1926, p. 53, pl. 2, fig. 1. D.ii/XXX—7; A.i/VIII—7; P. 20; V.I; Br. 7; Gills, 4. Depth behind pectoral rather more than 5 in total from tip of spear to end of middle caudal membrane, or nearly 3 ½ in body exclusive of head. Head (tip of spear to posterior margin of operculum) nearly 2 in body. Spear to anterior margin of nostril 1 ¼ in rest of head and equal to greatest height of body, subequal with pectoral, and about twice the length of dorsal lobe. Eye including orbital width 6 in head. Maxillary ½ width of eye. Dorsal lobe 2 in body. Median dorsal spines 5 ¼ in longest. Upper caudal lobe ¼ longer than lower, or equal to pectoral. Ventral ½ length of pectoral. Depth of caudal peduncle 2 in dorsal lobe. Body robust, the profile rising rapidly directly above the eye to dorsal, thence sloping gradually to second dorsal. Ventral surface subequal to the dorsal. Skin inclosing numerous lanceolate bony spinules averaging about 16 mm. long. Bucklers on caudal large, flexible. Head: Lower profile and spear somewhat oblique. Tip of lower jaw with a downward curve. Maxillary extends an orbital width behind the eye. Angle of lower jaw almost reaches posterior margin of preoperculum. Cheeks with bony spinules similar to body, but somewhat smaller. Posterior quarter of preoperculum smooth, but, showing broad striae. Operculum smooth. First dorsal with its origin above middle of operculum. The fin lies in a groove which is deep anteriorly, very shallow towards end of fin. Dorsal lobe subfalcate, spines following getting progressively shorter. The first spine is short, bound to the second by thick leathery membrane, while the last is very small, hidden by the groove which terminates at this point. Whole of membrane covered with spots ranging from half an inch to three-quarters in diameter, few of which partly cover the spines. The spots are uniformly round, their margins but little difuse. Second dorsal separated from first by a space equal to two of the eye. The fin is thickened by tough flexible skin, the last spine produced. First anal in a deep groove similar to dorsal which almost hides the fin when folded backward. Second anal slightly smaller than second dorsal, but, similar to it in every other respect. Its origin is a little behind that of the second dorsal. Pectoral markedly falcate, its outer spine longest and sharp on margin. Its origin is the vertical from the fifth dorsal spine, extending backward to the vertical from the nineteenth and twentieth. Ventrals reduced to a single flattened spine, broad at base, tapering to an extremely fine point. They are covered with small flattened papillae on both surfaces. Their origin is below the middle of pectoral base, reaching backward to the vertical from the fifteenth dorsal spine, fitting very perfectly into a narrow groove on the abdomen. They are seldom

equal in length, one usually being half an inch to an inch longer than the other. Caudal similar in character to pectoral, the upper lobe longest; there is a deep notch at the base. Colour: Dorsal blackish blue, getting thinner towards the middle of the height, where it has a light brassy hue over dull silver. Below this, it is dull bluish silver, ending in a narrow white band along the middle of the ventral surface. About fourteen broad indistinct stripes on body, reaching down to middle of operculum anteriorly, getting gradually shorter as they approach the caudal. A few more short and more indistinct stripes are disposed among the others, irregular in shape, and often difficult to define. Cheeks and operculum bluish-silver maxillary the same. Eye brilliant bluish-silver. Lower jaw dirty silver white. Spear blackish-blue above, ochreous on the under surface. Dorsal fin deep violet at base, the membrane brownish in patches with thin streaks of dull blue towards tips of spines. Dorsal spots very dark purple brown. Thickened membrane of anterior part of dorsal blackish-blue. Second dorsal blackish-blue. Anal similar to low dorsal, but without spots. Second anal light greyish-blue. Pectoral dark blue on outer surface, dull greenish silver on the inside. Ventrals black, the papillae covering them. greyish-brown. Caudal similar to outer surface of pectoral. Described and figured from a female specimen weighing 472 lbs. Total length from tip of spear to end of caudal membrane, 9 feet 6 inches. Spear from anterior margin of nostril, 23 ⅝ inches. Greatest height of body 23 ½ inches. Greatest thickness 11 ½ inches. Width of caudal lobes, 37 ½ inches. Identity and variation: This fish agrees so well with descriptions given by Jordan and Evermann, that I have no doubt about it being the same species. It is subject to some variation similar to other members of the family. It approaches very closely to M. marlina, but the very fact that the last named is said to have no stripes on body, or spots on its dorsal fin, excludes it from being this species. According to the descriptions, the variation of the dorsal fin is great, viz: from 40—52. Those I have examined average 32 only. Locality and distribution: From the North Cape to the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, from January to April. The specimen described here was taken off Cape Brett, Bay of Islands, in February, 1927, a locality where many have been taken by anglers during the last few years. It is also said to be abundant in the open waters about Hawaii, from whence it probably migrates to New Zealand and Australian seas. It has only once been recorded from Japan, the original type, from Misaki. Sexual conditions: The reduced state of the ovaries in the specimen described indicate that it was far removed from the breeding condition. Makaira mitsukurii (Jordan and Snyder), Spear-fish. ♂. (Fig. 6.). Tetrapturus mitsukurii Jordan and Snyder, Journ. 4., Coll. Sci. Imp. Univ. Tokyo. 15, pt. 2, 303, pl. 16, fig. 5, 1901, Misaki Sagimi, Japan.

Makaira mitsukurii (Jordan and Snyder). Jordan and Evermann, Occasional Papers, Cal. Acad. Sci. 12, 1926, p. 61, pl. 18. Makaira zelandica, Jordan and Evermann, Occasional Papers, Cal. Acad. Sci. 12, 1926, p. 65, pl. 19, fig. 2. Istiophorus gladius, Phillipps (nec Broussonet). Trans. N.Z. Inst., Vol. 65, 1926, p. 536, pl. 92. D.iii/XXXVIII—6; A.i/XII—5; P.XX; Br. 7; Gills. 4. Depth behind pectoral equal to the dorsal lobe, ¾ length of spear, and about 5 ¼ in total from tip of spear to end of caudal membrane, or rather less than 3 ¼ in body exclusive of the head. Head, including spear, rather more than 1 ½ in body, and little less than 2 in height. Lower jaw ¾ the height of body. Spear from tip to anterior margin of nostril equal to the pectoral, subequal with the upper caudal lobe, or 2 ½ in body from posterior margin of operculum to end of caudal membrane. Pectoral a little shorter than distance from tip of lower jaw to end of operculum. Ventrals ¾ the length of lower caudal lobe, and neary as long as anterior dorsal. Caudal lobes wide, 2 ¾ in the total length. Median dorsal spines 4 ¼ in the longest. Eye, including the orbital width 5 ¼ in rest of head. Maxillary about ⅓ of the eye. Body robust, highest anteriorly beneath the dorsal lobe, thence sloping gradually to the 30th spine. It then rises somewhat, having the appearance of a small hump upon which is placed the second dorsal fin. Greater part of the ventral surface evenly convex except in the position of the two anal fins where it is oblique. About seventeen very distinct stripes about 1 ½ inches wide cover the dorsal surface and sides, most of which almost reach the ventral surface. There are also a few shorter shadow stripes on the dorsal surface only, disposed irregularly between the longer ones. The skin of body is full of small lanceolate overlapping spinules. From the dorsal fin to the spear, the top of the head slopes with a gentle curve. The spear is almost straight, the extreme tip only being slightly upturned. Base of spear before the eye broad, rounded on top, and somewhat flattened below. Tip of lower jaw fits close to the upper when the mouth is closed. Maxillary extends half the width of the orbit behind the eye. Cheeks with small spinules similar to those found on body, but, the broad posterior margin of the preoperculum is mostly smooth, showing marginal striae only. Operculum smooth. First dorsal origin above upper angle of operculum, the anterior portion high, falcate, the three anterior spines bound together by thick membrane. The whole fin is contained in a groove which is of moderate depth anteriorly, about one-eleventh in the height of the body. It gradually decreases in depth towards the posterior portion of the fin. Second dorsal placed on a low hump, behind which, at base of caudal, there is a shallow pit. The first anal is also contained in a groove which hides all but the margin of the first spine when the fin is laid back. Origin of second anal a little behind the origin of second dorsal; it is similar to the latter in every other respect. Pectoral long, moderately straight on its inner margin. Its origin is below the sixth dorsal spine, and it extends backward to the vertical from the twenty-second. The origin of the ventral is below

Fig. 1—Galeocerdo arcticus, Mull & Henle Tiger Shark. ♀ “Greatly Reduced.” [L. T. Griffin, del.

Fig. 2.—Gymnothorax meleagris. Shaw. “Reduced.” [L. T. Griffin, del.

Fig. 3—Pempheris adspersus n. sp. (Female) “Slightly Reduced.” [L T Griffin, del

Fig. 4.—Germo germo (Lacépède). Long-finned Albacore. “Reduced.” [L. T. Griffin, del

Fig. 5.—Makaira mazara (Jordan & Snyder). Black Marlin ♀. “Greatly Reduced” [L. T. Griffin, del

Fig. 6.—Makaira mitsukurii ♂ (Jordan & Snyder) “Spear-fish.” Greatly Reduced. [L. T. Griffin, del.

Fig. 7.—Ruvettus n. sp. “Greatly Reduced” [L. T. Griffin, del.

Fig. 8.—Gobius lateralis Macleay. (var. Obliquus.) [Phyllis Clarke, del

Fig. 9.—Ophioclinus venusta ♀ n sp [L T Griffin, del

the middle of base of pectoral, it extends backward to the vertical from the fifteenth dorsal spine. Caudal with the upper lobe longest. Both lobes are similar in form and structure to the pectorals. Colour: The colour taken from the fish when alive is as follows:—Body above middle of the height to base of dorsal fin, blackish-blue, with a slight bronze outer shade. Near the base of the dorsal fin it is deepest in colour, getting gradually lighter towards the middle of the fish. It then blends into a beautiful pale greenish ceruleansilver which extends as far as base of pectoral, then follows a strip of dull pale bluish-silver as far as the middle line of the abdomen, the latter being pure white. Stripes on sides, pale cerulean-blue of a uniform tint, showing brightly on dark dorsal, but somewhat weaker in tone as they extend towards the ventral surface. The shadow stripes between are of a much lower tone. Dorsal fin with a broad band of bright violet silver extending the whole length of the base, the membrane and spines above are dark purple blue, streaked in many places with ultramarine. Spots on membrane very dark brown, almost black, they are no larger than a pea, some smaller. The anterior spines of the dorsal are mostly blackish-blue, the membrane between streaked with ultramarine. Second dorsal, uniform dark purple-blue, the produced spine blackish towards the tip. First anal with the largest spine light purple-brown, the spines and membrane behind dark brown with ultramarine blue at the base. Second anal similar to second dorsal, but somewhat lighter in colour. Outer surface of pectoral same as back of fish, the under surface being bright silver blue. Ventrals blackish-blue. Caudal dark purple-brown with blue streaks between the rays. Upper surface of spear blackish-blue, the tip light brown. Under parts, and inside mouth, yellowish-pink, almost ochreous. A triangular patch on base of spear before the eye, brilliant silver shot with pale green and cerulean blue. Cheeks and opercles the same colour. Maxillary somewhat deeper. Eye burnished silver streaked with cobalt. Lower jaw dull silver-white, branchiostegal membrane the same, but the rays are frosted with dull silver. Described and figured from a fine male specimen weighing 381 pounds. Total length from tip to spear to end of caudal membrane is 9 feet 6 inches. Tip of spear to anterior margin of nostril 25 ⅝. Greatest depth 18 ½. Stomach contents. When examined, these fish were found to have been feeding on Caranx georgianus, and Mustelus antarcticus. Identity and variation: Having recently examined several of these fine fish, and after making full allowance for variation which I found considerable in the various descriptions as well as in the specimens themselves, I have come to the conclusion that this fish compares more exactly with the descriptions of M. mitsukurii than any other members of the family. The variation between the male and female in size and form is not great, the females being not quite so deep in the body or as thick through as the males. Females of from eight to nine feet in length averaged about 8 ½ inches in thickness, while males of the same length went from 9 to 10 ¾ inches. Males are also deeper

in the body below the dorsal lobe. The spear shows a considerable variation. In seven specimens, six of which were females, I found the following differences in the length of the spear. Measurements taken from tip of spear to anterior margin of nostril:— No. 1 Weight 325 lbs. Spear 25 Inches. No. 2 Weight 318 lbs. Spear 22 Inches. No. 3 Weight 328 lbs. Spear 23 ⅞ Inches. No. 4 Weight 348 lbs. Spear 25 ¾ Inches. No. 5 Weight 316 lbs. Spear 25 Inches. No. 6 Weight 345 lbs. Spear 22 ¾ Inches. Male. No. 7 Weight 381 lbs. Spear 25 ⅝ Inches. The eye also varied in relation to the number of times it would measure in the head. Including the orbital width, it varied from 4 ¾ to 5 ¼ times to posterior margin of the operculum. The dorsal fin counts in all the above mentioned fish varied from 3/37 to 3/39. In one of these specimens the pectoral of one side was three inches shorter than its fellow on the other side. The fin was perfectly formed and undamaged. In the Auckland Museum there is a mounted specimen described by Dr. Starr Jordan from a photograph as M. zelandica n. sp. I have made a careful examination of this fish, and find it agrees in all essential details with M. mitsukurii. The photograph was misleading, as the fins are shrunken and out of position, while the colour is entirely wrong. Sexual condition: The ovaries of females of this species were all found to be in exactly the same undeveloped state as in the previous species described, showing that these fish were far removed from the breeding condition. Locality and distribution: This species is considered the most common and widely distributed of the group. It is common in Japanese waters, Hawaii, and the Santa Barbara Islands. It is said to be found in New Zealand waters during the winter months, but this statement requires verifying. As the records show, it is here from December to April, the greater number being captured during the month of February. It may be taken from the North Cape to the Bay of Plenty on the East Coast of the North Island. The specimen described and figured was caught in February, 1927, off Cape Brett, Bay of Islands, where a large number were captured during the same month in 1926. Family Gempyllidae. Genus Ruvettus. Ruvettus whakari, n. sp. (Fig. 7.) D.xiv/XVIII/1/2; A.xvii/1/2; P.XIII; V.i/V; C.XIX. Br. VII. Above lateral line, about 83 bony scutes between posterior margin of operculum and hypural joint; transverse series of same, about 14 above, and 30 below lateral line taken behind pectoral. Depth before ventrals, 5 ⅓ in total including head; head rather less than 3 ½ in same. Eye rather more than 5 in head, and not quite 2 in snout.

Maxillary slightly more than half diameter of eye. Interorbital space 4 ½ in head. Caudal peduncle as wide as eye and 21 ½ in total. Body moderately compressed, elongate, fusiform, covered with numerous bony dermal productions which are more crowded below lateral line than above it, each terminating in two or more fine spines. They are small along base of dorsal, top of head, operculum and cheeks, but get gradually, larger towards middle of fish, those below lateral line being largest. Scales on anterior portion of cheeks, maxillary, and lower jaw, are more embedded than any of the others. No scales are found on anterior part of head before the eyes, and there is no denticulated keel on the abdomen. Lateral line distinct. Commencing at upper margin of operculum, it bends somewhat steeply downward behind pectoral, then passes fairly straight to caudal peduncle. Maxillary a little short from the verticle of posterior margin of eye. Premaxillary naked on anterior border, but small scales are found on its inner margin. Anterior nostril almost round, situated nearer eye than tip of snout. Posterior nostril an oblong slit, placed a short distance before the eye, its length being ¼ that of the orbit. Teeth re-curved, subulate, the upper jaw with an outer series of 24, the largest of which is only half the length of those in the lower jaw. A group of 5 strong curved teeth on vomer; a row of 14 short curved teeth on outer margin of palatine bones; a single short tooth in centre of anterior margin of palate. Lower jaw projects considerably beyond the upper, furnished with 19 teeth in a single series. All teeth are depressable. Tongue smooth. Posterior angle of preoperculum minutely serrated. Gills 4; gill-rakers very unequal, 13 on lower half of anterior limb, the last of which is elongate, its point furnished with a cluster of minute spines. Origin of dorsal fin in line with upper margin of operculum. The fin is placed in a low groove, and composed entirely of flexible spines, the first, short, less than ½ the width of the eye. They get gradually longer backward, the 6th being longest, equal to the width of the eye. The 5th and 7th are equal, they then decrease gradually backward, the 14th being about ¼ the width of the eye. First three rays of second dorsal are simple, flexible, the remainder branched, the last separated by a wide notch and united by membrane. Separated from the second dorsal by a space ½ the width of the eye is a single finlet, this is followed by two others, separated by a similar space, and united by membrane for about ½ their length. Anal fins similar to second dorsal, but somewhat smaller. Pectoral pointed, reaching backward to the verticle from the 7th dorsal spine. Caudal forked, the upper lobe very little longer than the lower. Colour: Dark purple-grey on dorsal, getting a little lighter towards the middle of the height, thence gradually lighter to abdomen which is a dirty white stippled with light purple. Bony scutes uniform dull cream-colour. Described and figured from a specimen which is 1,120 mm. long from tip of snout to hypural joint. Greatest height behind pectoral 226 mm.; diameter of eye, 56 mm.; width of caudal peduncle, 50 mm. Locality: White Island, Bay of Plenty. Captured by hook and line by the employees of the sulphur-works at that place. From

reports I have received, five others have been taken on the same ground, it therefore appears to be not uncommon with us although never previously recognised. The skeletal structure of this fish shows that it is a species inhabiting great depths. All the bony parts are extremely flexible and sponge-like, and may be bent at any angle without breaking. Poey tells us it can be caught only at a depth of 300 fathoms, while Lowe states it is found at depths varying from 300 to 400 fathoms at Madiera. Poey further states that when one of these fishes is brought to the surface it appears to be surrounded by a globe of phorsphorescent light. The specimen here described was said to emit a bright phosphorescent light from its large eyes only. I have specifically named this fish after the place of its capture “Whakari,” commonly known as White Island, an active volcano in the Bay of Plenty. Holotype in the Auckland Museum. Family Gobiidae. Genus Gobius Linn. Gobius lateralis Macleay var obliquus. (Fig. 8.) Pro. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, 5, 1881, p. 602. Rhinogobius lateralis McCulloch and Waite, Rec. S. Aust. Mus., 1, 1, 1918, p. 48 pl. 2, fig. 3. Gobius lateralis var obliquus McCulloch & Ogilby, Rec. Aust. Mus. 12, 1919, p. 249, pl. 34, fig. 4. D.vi/I/IX; A. I/IX; V.v; P.xv; C.xii, 4/4; L. lat. 30; Gills, 4; Gill-rakers, 7 on lower half of anterior limb; Br. 4. Depth of body behind pectoral nearly 7 in total to the hypural joint; head 5 in same. Eye 5 in the head, and subequal with the snout. Body somewhat compressed, covered with rather large ctenoid scales. Shoulder-girdle smooth. A single row of scales at the base of pectoral. Dorsal and ventral profiles subequal. Head rather flat, a little broader than deep, naked on top, cheeks and operculum also naked. Eyes rather large, almost meeting on top, the interorbital space being less than a quarter the width of the eye. Villiform teeth in both jaws, the upper, with an outer series of longer hooked teeth followed by two rows of much smaller ones behind. Teeth in lower jaw similar to those of the upper, but more minute behind the outer series, with one or two slightly longer ones scattered about. Anterior spines of the first dorsal equal to the anterior rays of the second, the spines and rays following in both fins getting but slightly shorter backward. The second dorsal is separated from the first by an interspace equal to half the width of the eye. Anal origin is the vertical from the first ray of the second dorsal. It is similar to the latter in form, but smaller. The inner rays of the ventral reach the vent. Pectoral large, rounded, reaching backward to the vertical from the interspace between the two dorsal fins. Caudal similar to the pectoral.

Colour: Reddish-yellow, minutely dotted with dark brown on the head, and with dark brown mottling below and before the eye, and behind the preoperculum. A series of dark brown lateral markings on sides of body, commencing behind the pectorals and ending on the caudal peduncle, these are either vertical or oblique, that on the peduncle being nearly triangular. Dorsal, caudal and ventrals barred with dark brown. Anal uniform light brown. Described from a specimen 41 mm. long from tip of snout to the hypural joint. Affinities: This fish closely resembles G. lateralis Macleay, but by careful comparison with its var obliquus, McCulloch and Ogilby, I am of opinion it agrees with the latter description best, and especially so in regard to the colour and form of the lateral markings on the body. The fine place accompanying this description is by Miss Phyllis Clarke. It is so correct according to my specimen, that I have taken the liberty of reproducing it. Locality and distribution: St. Hellier's Bay, Auckland. Five specimens obtained in February, 1927, by Mr. Lansley Pycroft. Also from New South Wales and Lord Howe Island. Family Blenniidae. Genus Ophioclinus Castlenau. Ophioclinus venusta n. sp. ♀. (Fig. 9.) D.xii/XXVII/I; A.ii/XXIII; C.xv, 4/4; P.XIII; V. 2; Br. 5; Gills. 4; Gill-rakers 8, on lower half of the anterior limb. Head 5 ½ in the total to the hypural joint, eye 3 ½ in the head or 1 in snout. Greatest height of body 5 in the total to the hypural joint. Interorbital space subequal with the eye. Ventral equal to 2 of the eye. Body elongate, compressed, taeniiform, with a series of four longitudinal ridges, between which the muscular structure is well marked by many short oblique lines. Scales minute, scarcely apparent, deeply imbedded. Lateral line very short. Commencing at upper angle of operculum, and curving backward to the posterior margin of pectoral where it ends abruptly. Head naked, gill-membrane united, free from isthmus. Eye lateral, large, placed high up near profile. Interorbital space convex. Anterior nostril minute, placed on margin of the preorbital. Posterior nostril also minute, situated just before the eye. No tentacles are found on either nostril. Maxilla very small, reaching backward to the anterior border of the orbit. In the upper jaw, there is a broad fraenum with a cluster of very short pointed teeth in front in about three series. These are followed by fifteen small curved teeth on each side of the jaw. A patch of minute teeth are found on the vomer, none on the palatines. In the lower jaw, there are fourteen small obtuse teeth on each ramus, with a small patch inside anteriorly. Origin of dorsal fin anterior to the middle of the operculum. It is composed wholly of spines, the membrane of the first six being lower than that following behind.

There is a distinct notch between the twelfth and thirteenth spines, otherwise the fin is continuous. Behind the last spine there is a single ray connecting the fin to the caudal. The anal has its origin in the vertical from the sixteenth dorsal spine. It is formed wholly of soft rays, and is not joined to the caudal. Pectoral short about three-quarters the length of the head, the middle rays longest. Caudal pointed, and similar in form to the pectoral. Colour: When seen in the water, this little fish appears to be of a transparent golden colour, very difficult to detect among the surroundings in a rock-pool. At the base of the dorsal fin there are four dark brown patches, each with a small white spot behind. Head, same as body. Fins transparent golden-yellow. A small spot behind the pectoral. Variation: I have two specimens only of this little fish, and by comparing the holotype with the paratype, I find no variation except in colour. The latter, a male, is of a uniform pale golden tint, without spots at base of dorsal, but there is a small brown streak on one side only at the margin of the pectoral. Described and figured from a specimen which is 36 mm. long. from tip of snout to the hypural joint. Depth of body 8 ¼ mm.; eye 2 ¼ mm. Locality: Found in rock-pools at the Bay of Islands, February, 1927. Holotype and paratype in the Auckland Museum. The genus Ophioclinus was defined by Castlenau in 1873, with O. antarcticus as the type of the genus1. Two others appear to be known, O. gracilis, and O. gabrieli2. This is the first time the genus has been recognised in New Zealand, and I do not think this species is at all common here. With two days work spent among the rockpools at the Bay of Islands, I secured only two specimens. 1 O. antarcticus Castlenau. Pro. Zool. Soc. Vict. ii., 1873, p. 69. 2 O. gracilis and O. gabrieli Waite. Rec. Aust. Mus. vi., 3, 1906, p. 207, and 208.