THE PISHES OF MALABAR. 281 



series which are slightly arched in the upper jaw and have vertical denticulations. Those in the 

 lower jaw are two-thirds the breadth of those in the upper but more convex, forming the centre 



of an obtuse angle and parallel to the margin of the jaw. 



Fins — The dorsal commences opposite the end of the ventral, but does not extend so far 

 as to opposite its apex. Ventral about three times as long as broad. Tail three or four times as 

 long as the body, triangular in shape as far as the spine,' which is serrated and situated just behind 

 the termination of the dorsal: beyond the spine the tail is compressed; in this, as well as in some 

 other species, there is occasionally a second spine on the caudal fin a little behind the root of tin 

 first. 



Scales — None. 



Colours — Greyish olive, sometimes greenish above, covered from beyond the occiput with 

 numerous dirty white spots edged with black : abdominal surface white : tail black. Iris golden 

 green, teeth greenish yellow. 



In the immature the back is of a deep leaden colour, and the spots hardly apparent. 



Eaten by the Natives. Is captured to upwards of six feet in width, and its flesh is salted. 



Habitat — Red Sea, Seas and estuaries of India and Malaysia. 



2 o 



