CLASS PISCES. 221 



Spirobranchus, Cuv. 



The general form of anabas, but the opercula are not 

 denticulated ; the operculum merely terminating in 

 points ; a series of palatine teeth. 



Sp. capensis, Cuv. A diminutive fresh water fish, 

 from the Cape of Good Hope : the only species known. 



Ophicepiialus, Bl. 



Resembles all the preceding genera in most of its 

 characters, and particularly in the cellular conforma- 

 tion of the pharyngeals, which are adapted to retain 

 water. These fishes also creep to a considerable 

 distance from their liquid abodes, but what particu- 

 larly distinguishes and even separates them from all 

 acanthopterygii is the absence of spines in the fins, 

 the first ray of their ventrals at most excepted, and 

 even that, though simple, is not sharp and stiff. Their 

 body is elongated, and almost cylindrical ; their muz- 

 zle short and obtuse ; their head depressed, and fur- 

 nished above with scales, or rather polygonal plates, 

 as in anabas, &c. There are five rays in their bran- 

 chiae : the dorsal occupies nearly their whole length ; 

 the anal is also very long, the caudal rounded, the 

 pectorals and ventrals moderate, and the lateral line 

 uninterrupted. Their stomach is shaped like an ob- 

 tuse sac ; two tolerably long cceca adhere to the 

 pylorus: the abdominal cavity extends above the anal, 

 close to the end of the tail. The jugglers of India 

 exhibit this fish out of water, and even the children 



