95 



tance between the snout and the vent ; length of trunk nearly two 

 thirds of the total. Eyes from 2 to 2| or even 3 diameters from 

 end of snout, and slightly nearer angle of mouth than end of snout. 

 Upper jaw the longer ; cleft of mouth extending some distance 



Fig. 41. Ophichthys boro and tippet teeth. 



behind the eye. Snout rather depressed in the 'young and obtuse 

 in the adult. Teeth granular, in a large patch on maxilla, and in 

 several smaller rows on premaxillaries ; large and in several rows 

 on the vomer ; two outer granular rows in mandible, with an inner 

 pointed row. The form of the teeth is subject to considerable 

 variation : thus they are usually conical in the young, which cha- 

 racter *iay be retained in the adult age (O.hyald)', or the young in 

 some instances have globular-headed teeth ; the number of rows of 

 teeth is not constant. Fins dorsal low ; it commences about the 

 length of the pectoral behind the posterior margin of that fin, and 

 does not quite reach the tip of the tail. Pectoral rounded or 

 pointed, its length equals about one fourth of the distance between 

 the snout and its base. Anal low, not extending to the tip of 

 the tail. Colour greenish olive above, with many minute black 

 spots, becoming greenish white below ; the dorsal fin with a dark 

 edging. 



The natives in some parts of Bengal imagine that this fish 

 proceeds from the ear of a porpoise. Sir Walter Elliot was informed 

 that in some parts of Madras those captured in salt-water creeks 

 were eaten by the natives as a remedy for weakness or pains in the 

 loins. 



When breathing this fish distends its gill-cavities with air taken 

 in at the mouth, while it can also respire that contained in the 

 water. If its gill-openings are kept firmly closed, it takes in air 

 by its mouth ; should its mouth be kept shut it struggles until 

 released so as to be able to respire. If the gills are exposed by 

 removing the gill-membranes, it slowly. moves its branchiae, and is 

 able to respire without taking in air by the mouth. 



Hub. Seas and estuaries of India and Malay Archipelago, 

 ascending large rivers to far above tidal reach. It attains to at 

 least 24 inches in length. 



106. (2.) Ophichthys microcephalus. 

 Ophichthys microcephalus, Day, Fish. India, p. 665 pi. clxx, fig. 2. 



Length of head from 7 3 to 8 in the distance between the end of 

 the snout and the vent ; tail nearly twice as long as trunk (1&). 

 Eyes of moderate size, situated behind the middle of the distance 



