176 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 



FAMILY OPHIOCEPHALIDJE. 



(Giinth. Cat. vol. iii.) 

 (Or snake-headed fishes.) 



Are found only in the East Indies. They are a 

 fresh-water family, and of carnivorous habits. 



Like the Labyrinthici they are able to exist for a 

 long time out of the water, they afford a light and 

 wholesome but rather insipid diet. They are long in 

 shape, with a large mouth, the head and body being 

 covered with scales. They have long dorsal and anal 

 fins, without any spines, teeth in the jaws, and on the 

 palate. 



1. Ophiocephalus punctatus. 



Hab. India generally, in ponds. 1 foot. 



Char. This fish is not considered so good for eating 

 as 0. striatus. 



Colour dirty green, with a dark stripe, and dark 

 bars. Black dots scattered over the lower half of 

 the body. 



Scales 40. Dorsal rays 29 to 32. Anal 20 to 22. 



2. Ophiocephalus gachua. 



Hab. India generally. 8 inches to 1 foot. 



Colour above greenish with several indistinct bands 

 descending obliquely forwards from the back to the 

 lateral line. Pectoral fin with transverse bars. 



Char. Scales 40 to 46. Dorsal rays 34 to 37. 

 Anal 21 to 23. 



