530 



STRIATED OPHICEPHALUS. 



Ophicephalus Striatus. 0. nigricans t abdomine pinnisque (libido 



fuscoque striatis. 

 Dusky Ophicephalus, with the abdomen and fins striated with 



dusky and whitish variegations. 

 Ophicephalus striatus. Block, t. 35Q. 



LENGTH about twelve inches: shape rather longer 

 than that of the preceding species : abdomen 

 whitish, varied with obliquely transverse dusky 

 blotches or streaks : dorsal and anal fin of similar 

 proportions to those of the former species, and of a 

 pale colour, marked by numerous obliquely trans- 

 verse narrow dusky stripes : tail, pectoral and vent- 

 ral fins rounded : scales rather large : teeth rather 

 small, sharp, and of equal size. Native of India, 

 inhabiting lakes, where it often grows to a much 

 larger size than first mentioned: it is in equal 

 esteem as a food with the former species, and even 

 recommended as a proper diet for convalescents : 

 native name Wralil. 



