_S. fuscus, capite et pinnis purpureo-cæruleo tinctis: fronte parum
elevato, æque ac rostro continue et gradatim proclivi; hoc apice
obtuso: maxillis exterius lævibus, marginibus vix crenatis; canino
ad angulum oris in maxillâ inferiore unico, in superiore nudo: lineâ
laterali distinctè ramosâ: pectoralibus subtriangulis: caudali
subæquali, radiis externis mediis vix longioribus._
D. 9/10; A. 3/9; C. 13, &c.; P. 13; V. 1/5.
LONG. unc. 8. lin. 7.
FORM.—General form not very dissimilar to that of the last species,
but the crown and nape less elevated, whence the profile falls in a
more gradual slope: snout, nevertheless, blunt at the extremity.
Depth of the body very nearly one-third of the entire length. Head
about one-fourth of the same. The height of the head is about
four-fifths of its own length. Jaws smooth externally, the true
teeth appearing like minute scales on their surface, the cutting
edges scarcely at all crenated: only one laterally projecting canine
at each corner of the lower jaw, none in the upper. Diameter of the
eye one-sixth of the head.
Dorsal not quite so low as in the last species; its height in the
middle of its length about one-seventh of the depth. Caudal nearly
even, the upper and lower rays being scarcely longer than the
others. Pectorals and ventrals similar, but the scale between the
latter shorter and more rounded. Scales on the body large, the
free portions finely striated and granulated, with a broad
membranaceous border: three large ones at the base of the caudal,
as in the last species. Lateral line distinctly branched, the
ramifications irregular and varying on each scale; in some
instances only one long stem extending nearly to the margin of the
scale, with one or more lateral twigs; in others, two, three, or
even four distinct stems, either simple or ramified.
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Of a nearly uniform dark brown, with some
faint traces of purplish blue about the head and fins, which
possibly may have pervaded some parts of the body also in the recent
state.
Habitat, Tahiti.
This species was taken with the last, and notwithstanding it presents
two or three obvious differences in respect of form, as well as of
colour, it is just possible it may be the same in a younger state. I
think it not improbable that the points of the caudal may elongate with
age, the forehead become more gibbous, and the spinous teeth more
numerous. If it be distinct it would seem to be undescribed; though the
colours not having been noticed in the recent state renders it difficult
to speak with certainty on this point. For the same reason, the specific
character may perhaps hereafter be found to require alteration.