MASTACEMBELID^E. 179 



FAMILY MASTACEMBELIDJE. 



(Giinth. Cat. vol. iii.) 

 (Spiny Eels.) 

 Char. Body long, with very small scales. Dorsal 

 fin very long, the anterior portion composed of 

 numerous separate spines. No ventral fins. 



GENUS BHYNCHOBDELLA. 



Char. Head elongate, upper jaw pointed, and 

 terminating in a long fleshy appendage, which is 

 striated beneath. Prseoperculuni without any spines. 



1. Rhynchobdella aculeata. 



Hab. India generally. 1 foot in length. 



From two to nine black, white-edged ocelli along 

 the base of the hinder dorsal fin. 



Char. Dorsal spines 16 to 20. Fin rays 48 to 55. 

 Anal 3 spines, and 44 to 58 soft rays. 



GENUS MASTACEMBLUS. 



Char. Upper jaw with a long movable appendage 

 which is not striated beneath. Preeoperculum with 

 spinous teeth at the angle. 



1. Mastacemblus pancalus. 



Har. Throughout India. 6 inches. 



Char. The caudal fin is separate from the dorsal 

 and anal. Dorsal spines 24 to 26, soft rays 30 to 40. 

 Anal 3 + 31 to 44. 



Colour above green, marked with black and white 

 dots on the body and fins. 



n2 



