﻿236 GANGETic FISHES. Order V. 



some large teeth disposed in rows ; towards the root some small 

 ones are scattered. Along the middle of the palate there is a 

 deep furrow, with a long bone on each side ; and on these 

 bones are scattered many small teeth. Each ?iostnl has only 

 one small tubular aperture close to the jaw. The eyes are large, 

 circular, and on the sides of the head. The lower edge of the 

 cheek-bone is indented. The gill-covers are scaly, and consist 

 of one plate, rounded behind, and disclosing the membrane, 

 which contains four slender rays that cannot be distinctly seen. 

 The bones supporting the gills have on their inner edge a row 

 of spines. 



The back transversely taken is convex, and longitudinally is 

 arched, as is the belli/, the edge of which is not indented. The 

 lateral line commences at an oblong shining space on each 

 shoulder, and, bending suddenly down a little way from 

 thence, runs straight along the side above its middle. The 

 scales adhere firmly, are minute, and on the upper parts of the 

 fish are dotted. 



There are only five fins. That on the back is near the 

 middle, is rounded, and contains nine rays ; the first very 

 short, and, together with the second, undivided ; the others 

 are branched. The pectoral fins are shorter than the head, 

 each having twelve rays. The ventral ^ns are minute, situated 

 close to the vent, and united into one, containing two undi- 

 vided rays. The fin behind the vent, united with that of the 

 tail, is covered with scales, and has about one hundred and ten 

 forked rays, nearly of equal lengths. 



3d Species. — Mystus chitala. 

 A Mystus with the upper jaw unarmed, and with four rays 

 in each ventral fin. 



The Chitala (Chitol) is found in the larger fresh water 



