﻿38 GANGETic FISHES. Order IV. 



The hacJi fin contains forty-six rays, each divided into two. 

 The pectoral fins are near the middle, and contain many mi- 

 nute rays, which I cannot number. The ventral fin contains 

 twelve divided rays. The anal fin contains forty rays. The 

 tail fin, although united with the dorsal and anal, is readily dis- 

 tinguished from both. The number of its rays I cannot satis- 

 factorily ascertain. 



2d Species. — Gobioides ruber. 



A gobioides with dorsal and anal fins distinct from that of 

 the tail, the former containing fifty-five rays, and the latter 

 fifty -two. 



This fish I have found in the estuary below Calcutta. The 

 whole is of a strong but dirty red colour. 



The head is rather narrower than the body. Both Jaws con- 

 tain teeth, which are concealed by fleshy lips ; nor, when open- 

 ed, does the upper protrude. The nostrils are not distinguish- 

 able. The rays of the gill membrane are not to be seen, owing 

 perhaps to its thickness. 



The body is covered with small remote scales. 



Each of the pectoral fins has twenty rays. The ventral has 

 ten. The rays of the tail fin are sixteen. 



11. Genus. — Gobius. 



Fishes of the fourth order, with the ventral fins united into 

 one, and with two fins on the back. 



This genus, of which I have observed twelve species in the 

 Ganges, may be divided into three kinds, differing a good 

 deal in their appearance and manner of life. 



1st, Such as resemble eels in the form of their bodies. 



2d, Such as have their pectoral fins inserted into a muscular 



