1 1 4 TELEOSTBI. PHY8OSTOMI. 



slightly the longer, the width of the gape of the mouth equalling 

 two fifths of the length of the head. Barbels the nasal reach the 

 hind edge of the eVes, the maxillary one half to two thirds as 

 long as the head, the mandibular shorter. Fins dorsal spine 

 rather strong, one third as long as the head and serrated on 

 both sides. Colour chestnut-brown, with two bluish-white longi- 

 tudinal bands, the superior proceeding from above the eye along 

 the base of the dorsal fin, the inferior from the maxilla along the 

 middle of the side of the body. Bleeker observed that these 

 bands entirely disappear in adults. Vertical fins with black edges. 



"Wounds from the pectoral spines of this fish are much dreaded 

 by the natives of India and are said to cause severe inflammation 

 or even tetanus. 



Hab. From the Eed Sea and east coast of Africa through the 

 seas of India to Japan and Polynesia. 



Fourth group. CLAEIINA. 

 6. Genus CLAEIAS, Gronovius. 

 Syn, Macrofiteronotiis, LactSpede ; Cossyphus and Phagwus, McClelland. 



Branch iostega Is seven to nine. Gill-openings wide, the mem- 

 branes not being confluent with the skin of the isthmus, and 

 separated by a deep notch. A dendritic accessory branchial ap- 

 paratus, attached to the convex side of the second, third, and 

 fourth branchial arches, is received into a recess above and behind 

 the usual gill-cavity. Head depressed, gape of mouth of moderate 



Fig. 48.' Clarias magur, showing accessory branchial apparatus. 



extent, anterior and transverse. Eyes small, with a free circular 

 margin. Barbels eight. Teeth villiform in the jaws and in a 

 band across the voiner. Dorsal fin long and spineless, extending 

 from the neck to the caudal fin, with which it is continuous : no 

 adipose fin. Ventral with six rays. Pectoral with a spine. Air- 

 bladder small, transverse, lobed, and enclosed in bone. 



