TIIE FISIIES OF MALABAR. 199 



border, more so in the old than in the immature j to lay it against tho body it makes a semi- 

 curve. The pectoral spine is from two-thirds to three-fourths tho length of tho head, serrated 

 internally and roughened externally in adults, but in immature specimens moderately serrated 

 externally. Ventral small, and extends as far as tho base of the anal, the third ray of which 

 is the longest, from whence to the last there is a gradual but very slight decrease. There is a 

 notch between the end of the anal and the commencement of the caudal fin. Caudal lobed, the 

 lowest the largest, and extending tho furthest : in some small specimens the lobing is not obser- 

 vable, the fin being rounded. 



Lateral line — Faint, passing along the centre of the side. 



Colours — Of a leaden black or dirty green, with dusky or reddish fins, lighter than the rest of 

 the body. Under surface fighter than the back. In some localities there is a long yellow streak 

 passing above the lateral line, and another below it. Eyes hazel. Immature specimens are of a 

 much lighter colour. 



This fish is held in great dread by the Natives of Malabar, and is commonly known amongst 

 the Mahomedans as the Bichu ha mutchee, Hind, or " scorpion fish," so named from the injuries 

 inflicted by its serrated pectoral spine. It is believed that lock-jaw is caused by a scratch from 

 this spine, and I have personally witnessed most intense phlegmonous inflammation caused by 

 wounds received from one of these fish. Conseciuently, as soon as captured the offensive spine is 

 immediately broken off with a piece of stick, and a perfect specimen can for this reason be rarely 

 procured. The fishermen dread it so much, that they would rather cut the meshes of their nets and 

 let it escape, than endeavour to take it out uninjured. As this erectile spine can only be laid flat 

 by a rounded movement, no direct pressure can have any effect on it. 



It inhabits all sluggish pieces of water, and the immature are found in the paddy fields in the 

 low country. It is eaten by the Natives, who consider it highly nourishing. It grows to a foot 

 and a half in length. 



Habitat — Fresh waters of India and Cochin China. 



Scopelini, pi, Mullet 



Fam. SCOPELID.E, Guntlier. 



Sub-Fam. SAURINA, Oiintlier. 



Genus SAURUS, Cuvier. 

 Harpodon, pt. Lesueur. 

 Triurus, Swainson. 



Branchiostegals, from eight to sixteen. Body elongated, subeylindrical. Eyes of moderate size, lateral. 

 Muzzle short. Gape of mouth wide, and cleft very deep, extending far behind the eyes : edge of upper jaw 

 formed entirely by the intermaxillaries, which are long and thin : maxiUary long, thin, and closely adherent 

 to the intermaxillary. First dorsal of a moderate number of rays, nearly central ; second or adipose dorsal 

 small. Pectoral short. Ventral with eight rays, the internal being the longest, inserted before the dorsal 

 and not far behind the pectoral. Anal short or of moderate length. Caudal forked. Teeth numerous and 

 pointed, some being elongated and slender, and can be laid downwards and inwards ; they exist on the jaws, 

 tongue, and palatine bones, with a single row on the palate, but there are generally none or very few on 

 the vomer. Body covered with moderately sized scales. Lateral line entire. A raised keel more or less 

 developed along the central line of the side to the caudal. Gill-openings very wide, gill membrane not 

 attached to the isthmus. Csecal appendages few. 



