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Family VI. CLUPEIU^E. 



Grill-openings usually very wide : psetidobrauchiaD, when present, 

 well developed. Abdomen mostly compressed, generally into a 

 sharp edge, and usually serrated. Opercular pieces four. Margin 

 of the upper jaw formed mesially by the premaxillaries, laterally by 

 the maxillaries, which are composed of three pieces not ossified 

 together. Barbels absent. A single dorsal with a few or a 

 moderate number of weak rays; anal sometimes many-rayed. 

 Scales on the body; as a rule none on the head. Lateral line 

 mostly absent. Stomach with a " cul-de-sac." Air-bladder more 

 or less simple. Pyloric appendages, when present, numerous. 



The Herrings are well represented in the seas of India, and are 

 largely consumed by the native population. As a rule, they are 

 much more abundant along the Malabar than on the Coromandel 

 coast. 



Geographical Distribution. Found in most seas, and many species 

 enter fresh waters. 



Synopsis of Indian Genera. 



First group. CLUPEINA. 



Upper jaw not projecting. Eyes with free adipose lids. Abdomen 

 serrated. 



A. Anal moderate, with less than 30 rays. 

 Abdominal serration commencing from thorax 



or pectorals 1. CLUPEA. 



Abdominal serration commencing behind pec- 

 torals 2. CORICA. 



B. Anal elongate, with more than 30 rays. 



Dorsal and ventral fins present 3. PELLONA. 



Dorsal present, no ventrals 4. OPISTHOPTERUS. 



Neither dorsal nor ventrals 5. RACONDA. 



Second group. CHATOESSINA. 



Mouth transverse, narrow, nearly or quite inferior; upper jaw projecting 

 over lower. Eyes with free adipose lids. Abdomen serrated. 



Fourth branchial arch with an accessory organ , . 0. CHATOESSUS. 



Third group. ENGRAULINA. 



Upper jaw prominent. Mouth deep. Eyes covered by skin. 

 Abdomen serrated. 



No pectoral filaments 7. ENGBAULIS. 



Upper pectoral rays produced into free filaments. . 8. COILIA. 



