﻿234 GANGETic FISHES. Order V. 



of each pectoral fin elongated far beyond the membrane ; and 

 with ten rays in each ventral fin. 



This elegant fish frequents the salt water estuaries of the 

 Ganges, and grows to about a span in length. When living, it 

 is everywhere of a golden colour, but soon after death this dis- 

 appears. The edges of the tail fin, and of that behind the vent, 

 are black. 



The head is oval, compressed, devoid of scales, and sharp. 

 The jaws do not protrude in opening. The bones of the upper 

 lip are large, and indented on the edges. The teeth are minute. 

 The nose extends a little way beyond the mouth. Each nostril 

 has two small apertures placed close to each other, and without 

 covering. The eyes are far forward. The edges of the cheek- 

 hones and gill-covers are entire. The membranes of the gill- 

 covers are short, and each contains ten rays. The gills reach 

 almost to the end of the lower jaw. 



The back slopes from the fin to the head. The ridge of the 

 belly is toothed like a saw. The lateral line is straight. The 

 scales are large, and entire on the edges. Before the fin of the 

 back is a minute distinct prickle. 



There are six fins. That of the back is before the middle, 

 slopes backward, and contains fourteen rays, of which the first 

 three are undivided, and closely connected, increasing gradual- 

 ly in length from the fii'st to the third ; the others are branch- 

 ed. The pectoral fins are situated low on the sides, and each 

 contains twelve rays, of which the first six are undivided like 

 bristles, and reach to the middle of the tail, while they are join- 

 ed only at their roots by the membrane ; the other six are very 

 short. The ventral fins are half way between the pectorals and 

 vent, and of a moderate size. Each has ten rays, of which the 

 first is a prickle. The fin behind the vent is united with that 



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