Aplodactylus punctatus, _Cuv. et Val._ Hist. des Poiss. tom. viii. p.
352. pl. 242.
This very remarkable fish was first sent from Valparaiso, by M.
D’Orbigny, where it was also observed by M. Gay. Mr. Darwin’s collection
contains a specimen, which has unfortunately lost the number attached to
it; but as he made a collection on that coast, it was probably obtained
in the same locality. The description given of it in the “Histoire des
Poissons,” is so detailed as well as accurate, and the figure so exact,
that it is quite unnecessary to annex that of the present individual. I
may merely observe that the number of simple rays at the bottom of the
pectorals, which appears to be a character of some importance, and which
has led to the generic name of _Aplodactylus_, amounts in this specimen
to six, being two more than was observed by M. Valenciennes in his,
though the total number of rays in this fin is the same. I may also
allude to the circumstance of the dorsal being invested at the base with
a thickened membrane on each side, closely covered with small scales,
which extends over nearly its whole length, but is most conspicuous
along the spinous portion. This character is not mentioned by M.
Valenciennes. Neither does he mention the rows of minute scales, which
occur between the rays of all the fins, except the ventrals.
Mr. Darwin’s specimen of this fish is eleven inches in length. The
following is the fin-ray formula:
B. 6; D. 15—1/21; A. 3/8; C. 17. &c.; P. 9—vi; V. 1/5.