Volume 7, Plate XXX / Ichthyology (Fish)

Brazilian Rypticus

Rypticus arenatus

Characterized by minute scales covered with an epidermis, few dorsal spines, and an unnotched dorsal fin, these spined-opercled fishes are called Savonnier by the French for the soapy unctuous matter lubricating the skin. The commonest species of the western American seas is eight or nine inches and blackish violet; the Brazilian species, closely resembling it, is of a greyish sandy colour spotted over with small darker specks.