396 



SPINY-FINNED GROUP. 



the genus Rhynchobdella, characterised by the striation of the lower surface of the 

 nasal appendage, and the lack of a spine in front of the eye, is confined to India 

 and Burma, where it is represented by R. aculeata, which grows to a length of 

 about 15 inches, and is found in the deltas of all the larger rivers, generally 

 preferring muddy pools. The figured species is, however, of larger size, reaching 

 a couple of feet in length. The flesh of all the spiny eels is stated to be of 

 excellent quality for the table. 



The fish represented in the lower portion of the annexed illus- 

 tration, known as the Baikal oil-fish (Comephorus baikalensis), is 

 the only representative of a genus in regard to the systematic position of 

 which there is considerable doubt; Dr. Giinther regarding it as indicating a 

 distinct family which he at one time placed in the neighbourhood of the oblique- 



Oil-Fish. 



Indian spiny eel (J nat. size). 



Baikal oil-fish (\ nat. size). 



spined blenny, and afterwards near the flying gurnards. In this fish the body 

 is elongate and naked, the head large with a produced muzzle, medium-sized 

 lateral eyes, and small teeth. There are two dorsal fins, of which the first is 

 much shorter than the second, which is similar to the anal ; the pelvic fins are 

 wanting, and there is no papilla near the vent. The gill-opening is wide ; there 

 are four gills, and no air-bladder. The skeleton is very soft ; and the elements 

 of the gill-cover are not distinctly differentiated. In colour this strange fish is 

 uniformly greenish, and its pectoral fins are remarkable for their large size. 

 While the oil-fish presents some resemblance to the dragonets, it differs by the 

 compressed body, the large, broad-snouted head, the elongation of many of 

 the rays of the second dorsal fin, the large pectorals, the absence of pelvic fins, 

 and the forked tail. So far as present information goes, the oil-fish is confined 

 to Lake Baikal, where in winter it retires to the greatest depths, but approaches 



