﻿112 GANGETic FISHES. Order IV. 



rays contained in the back and vent fins, and in that contained 

 in the pectorals, each of which has twelve. 



7th Species. — Chanda baculis. 



A chanda with two fins of the back united, the second con- 

 taining thirteen soft rays ; with an equal number in the fin be- 

 hind the vent ; with the body short, transparent, and devoid of 

 scales ; and with a yellow mark on the nape. 



This species, which is also found in the north-eastern parts 

 of Bengal, connects strongly the three preceding fishes with 

 the two which follow, resembling the former in colour, and the 

 latter in shape. It seldom exceeds an inch and a half in length, 

 is much compressed, and, in proportion to its length, is higher 

 than the three preceding species, being nearly oval. In regard 

 to colour^ it is so diaphanous that the muscles are visible, form- 

 ing transverse bars on the sides ; but, in other respects, differs 

 little from the three preceding species, only there are no dots 

 on the body, except in a large yellow spot on the nape of 

 the neck. 



The head is of moderate size, narrower than the body, oval, 

 and sharp. The mouth is small and high, and when it opens, 

 forms a short trunk, the upper jaw being the shorter. The 

 teeth are minute, the nostrils have double apertures, and the 

 eyes are high and circular. The bone under the nose has its 

 lower edge indented, as is also the case with the anterior plates 

 of the gill-covers. 



The ridge of the back is sharp, and the tail has a sharp ridge 

 at the insertions of the back and vent fins. The vent is before 

 the middle. 



The two back fins are united, but most clearly distinguish- 

 able. The first slopes gradually from the second to the 

 seventh and last prickle, the first being very short. The first 



