Ol'IIKHl'PIIALrS, "-''^ 



Fam. 14. Ol'lIIOCErilALID.i:. 



An accessory siipcrbrancliial cavity, but no supcrbrancliial organ. 

 >r()uth protractile, the maxillaries excluded from tlie oral border. 

 \'eutral fin, if present, near the pectoral, with six soft rays ; pelvic 

 bones connected with the clavicular symphysis by ligament. Dorsal 

 and anal fins long, without spines. Ribs not confined to the pnccaudal 

 region, the anterior sessile, the remainder inserted on the parapophyses ; 

 epiplenrals on tlie anterior ribs. Air-bladder present, much elongate, 

 bifid behind, and extending far into the caudal region. 



Asia and Africa. 



1. OPHIOCEPHALUS. 



Bloeli, X:it. Ausl. Fische. vii. p. 137 (1711:5) ; (iiintli. (';d. Fish. iii. p. 4G8 (ISGl) ; 

 Bouleng. Poiss. Bus.s. Congo, p. IKw (I'.IOl ), :uul Fisli. Nile. p. VM {\WT). 



Uody elongate, cylindrical or a little depressed in front, covered with 

 small or moderately large cycloid or feebly ctenoid scales ; lateral line 

 complete, sometimes interrupted. Head depressed, flat and covered 

 with large scales al)ove ; mouth large, with bands of cardiform teeth, 

 often intermixed witli enlarged canine-like teeth in the lower jaw ; 

 teeth on the vomer and palatines. Anterior nostril in a tentacle-like 

 tube. Dorsal and anal fins much elongate. Ventral fius present. 

 \'ertebrae 39-Gl. 



Eastern and South-Easteru Asia ; Tropical xifrica. 



Si/)wpsis of the Species. 



1). 42-10 : A. .^0-:U ; Sc. 74-82; L. 1. 26-.36 , 1. 0. afvicamis, StJr., jx C>\\ 

 D. 40-45 ; A. 2t;-;51 ; Sc. G2-7C> ; L. 1. :U-42 . 2. 0. ohM-unts, Gtlir., p. 70. 

 D. 40-43 ; A. 27-2'.' ; Sc. »3-90 ; L.l. 37-50 . 3. 0. Inmnm, S;uiv., p. 72. 



1. OPHIOCEPHALUS AFllICANUS. 

 Opliiocepkalus obscums (iioii Giintli.), J. A. Sniitli, Proc. 11. Soo. EJiiili. viii. 



1.S73, p. 80. 



Opldncep/iahis afriranus, Steind. Dcnksclir. Ak. Wirn, xli. 1870, p. l.">, pi. iii. 



fio-. 2 ; BoukMig. Poiss. Buss. Congo, p. 3G9 (1001). 



Depth of body 6^ to Ih times in total length, length of head o^ to 



4 times. Head 2 or 2! times as long as broad; lower jaw slightly 



projecting beyond up^ier ; snout numded, 1 to 1^ times as long as eye, 



