386 Synopsis of the Fresh Water Fishes, 



Ventrals triangular, with one spinous and five soft rays. 

 Pectorals moderate, rounded. 



We accept this genus with the same limits as have been 

 given to it by Mr. Heckel. 



Crenicichla frenata, Gill. 



Vernacular: Brochet. 



The back from the nape to the posterior third of the dorsal 

 fin is straight ; from the latter point, it obliquely descends to 

 the end of the fin, and thence again advances in a straight line 

 to the caudal. The frontal outline from the dorsal fin to the 

 snout descends very gradually, and as far as the eyes, in a 

 slight curve. The head forms two-sevenths of the entire length, 

 inclusive of the caudal fin. The distance from the mouth to 

 the origin of the dorsal is only a quarter of the total length, 

 and exceeds by more than a third the height of the body at 

 the latter point. There are seven series of buccal scales. The 

 anterior portion of the lateral line runs through about twenty- 

 three scales, and the posterior through twelve. 



D. xix.— 13. A. iii., 8. C. 2. 16. 3. V. i. 5. P. 15. 



The color is olive green above, on the sides, and on the head, 

 and whitish beneath ; the demarcation between the upper and 

 lower regions is very well defined, and is on a level with the 

 posterior portion of the lateral line. A moderately broad 

 black band extends from the jaw to the opercular spine, but 

 interrupted at the eye ; on the operculum this band is bor- 

 dered beneath with sky blue. A black spot colors each side 

 beneath the fourth, fifth, an/> sixth dorsal spines, and on the 

 lateral line, which i« ilso bordered with blue beneath, and 

 sometimes even ou the sides and above. On the scales which 

 cover the up^er third of the base of the caudal fin a second 

 spot, mp'gined with yellowish, exists. A number of elegant 



