﻿108 GANGETic FISHES. Order IV, 



with the head naked j and with the body covered with large 

 scales. 



If this fish be different from the Centropomus ambassis of 

 La Cepede, (Hist, des Poissons, Tome IV. page 252,) it is cer- 

 tainly a very similar species. 



The Nalua is found in the fresh water rivers of the lower 

 parts of Bengal, and is high in proportion to its length, al- 

 though not so much in degree as the second species is ; and 

 its back projects more than the belly, although both are pro- 

 minent. Above it is of a pale green colour, and below is dia- 

 phanous with a purple gloss, so that the back-bone is dis- 

 cernible. The cavity of the belly is lined with a silvery mem- 

 brane, visible through the sides ; and the same colour shines 

 on the head and eyes. The first fin of the back in its fore 

 part is dotted with black, and over the back-bone are five or 

 six black spots disposed in a row. 



The head is oval and rather narrow, and between the eyes 

 there runs down a ridge, which, toward the mouth, divides 

 into two. The mouth, when shut, descends almost vertically, 

 and is large. The Jaws are protruded in opening, but scarce- 

 ly form a trunk ; the lower is the longest. The teeth, though 

 small, are distinctly visible. The bones of the upper lij) are 

 pretty large, and widen below. The tongue is sharp, and 

 moves freely. Each nostril has two apertures, the hinder one 

 oblong. The eyes are high, large, and circular. The bone 

 under the nose, and that of the cheek, is indented on the edges. 

 The gill-covers are devoid of scales, and each consists of four 

 plates, of which the two foremost are indented on the edge. 

 They conceal their memhi^anes. 



The back is arched, and forms a sharp ridge. The lateral 

 lines are high, and arched parallel to the back. The vent is 

 nearly in the middle. The scales are large, and adhere firm- 



