52 



This species was observed by the author to indicate a union be- 

 tween the shad-fishes and the loaches (Cobites). 

 Genus Braxchiosteus Gill. 



SYNONYMY. 



Olyra sp. McClelland, Calcutta Journal of Natural History, vol. ii. 



Body elongated and subcyliudrical. Head oblong and depressed, 

 especially at the snout. The supraoccipital is undoubtedly free pos- 

 teriorly. Mouth quite wide ; lower jaw prominent and protruding 

 beyond the upper. Branchiostegal membrane with about thirteen 

 rays. Anterior dorsal fin without a large spine. Anal fin of moderate 

 length, with about fifteen rays, increasing in length posteriorly. 

 Caudal fin not lanceolated. Ventral fin with about seven rays. 



This genus appears to have some affinity with the North American 

 Hnpladeli. It has the same large number of branchiostegal rays, 

 nearly the same form of head, the prominent lower jaw, and the com- 

 paratively short anal fin. One of the distinguishing characteristics 

 of the Asiatic genus is the smaller number of ventral rays. Even if 

 Dr. M'Clelland has overlooked the first simple one, there is one less 

 than in the genus Hopladelus, and the same number as in the Amiuri 

 and Ictaluri. 



A single species has been discovered in the Kasyah Mountains. 



Type Branchiosteus laticeps Gill. 



Syn. Olyra laticeps McClelland. 



In addition to the preceding genera, Dr. Bleeker has named a 

 group Gagata, and has referred to it a number of East India species, 

 chiefly described by Hamilton Buchanan, which he was unable to 

 refer to any other genus. No generic characters are given, and the 

 group is stated to be formed for species with eight barbels, which can- 

 not be placed elsewhere. It would be to some doubtful whether a 

 name of a group, which has been formed of such elements and on 

 such principles should be retained for any natural genus. This must 

 be decided hereafter when the affinities and characters of the species 

 referred to are known. 



Besides the genera that have been admitted as members of the 

 group, it may perhaps be found that several others, such as Hemi- 

 pimelodus and Rama., are natural associates of the genera here grouped, 

 but we are too imperfectly acquainted with them and have not the 

 requisite data to decide now. 



Group Akyses Gill. 



Head covered by the skin ; nostrils distant ; the posterior cirrated, 

 the anterior subtubular. Skin of the body glandular or verrucose. 

 Teeth pluriserial, small and acute, arranged in a single or bipartite 

 band on the jaws. Ventral fin with one simple and five branched 

 rays. Natatory bladder absent. Anal fin of moderate length. 



