FORM.—Head moderately compressed, rising considerably at the nape.
Body slender, somewhat ensiform behind, and tapering towards the
tail. Snout of moderate length. Jaws equal, or the upper one perhaps
a very little longer than the lower. Gape reaching as far behind the
eye, as it advances before it. Teeth partially in two rows above, in
one below; sharp and strong at the extremity of the jaws, and on the
anterior part of the vomer. Two tubular orifices at the extremity of
the snout, but only simple pores above the eyes. Three or four large
pores along the edges of the upper and under jaws. Eyes distant one
diameter and a half from the end of the snout. Dorsal distinct,
commencing almost on the occiput, and in advance of the branchial
orifice. Vent before the middle. Anal commencing a little behind it,
and, like the dorsal, distinct, but rather less so.
in. lin.
Length 10 0
Depth, fins not included 0 6
From end of snout to branchial orifice 1 4
From the same to vent 4 3
COLOUR.—(_In spirits._) Rather dark brown, nearly uniform, but here
and there with lighter mottlings. The lower jaw appears to have had
a row of whitish spots encircling the pores.
The species of _Muræna_ above described was taken by Mr. Darwin at Porto
Praya, Cape de Verds. The individual being small, and possibly not
having attained its permanent characters, I have forborne giving it any
name, though I have not been able to identify it in the works of
authors.