288 MR. F. DAY ON THE FISHES OF COCHIN. _ [Mar. 14, 
of Cochin, which have arisen amongst those who have incautiously 
handled them ; but whether due to their irregular and jagged nature, 
or their poisonous character, has always been a disputed point. 
PLoTosus ANGUILLARIS (Bloch). 
Moorghee (Mal.). 
B.xii. D.493. P.5- V.; A.66. C. 13. 
Length of specimens from 7 to 738; inches. 
Not uncommon in the backwaters and estuaries; eaten by the 
lower classes of natives. Wounds occasioned by their pectoral spines 
do not appear to be dreaded in Malabar. 
SAcCOBRANCHUs SINGIO (Buch. Ham.). 
Kahree meen (Mal.). 
Bi, is D7 a Bee nes g Re Os, Ae FE Moths 
Length of specimens from 3 to 14,3, inches. 
These fish, known as the “ Bichu ka Mutchee”’ (Hind.) or Scor- 
pion-fish, are greatly dreaded by the natives of Malabar. As soon 
as they are perceived in the nets, their pectoral spines are broken off 
by a blow with a stick ; consequently it is difficult to procure unmu- 
tilated specimens, as the fishermen will rather cut the meshes of their 
nets and let them escape than endeavour to capture them. 
Inhabits all sluggish pieces of water ; and the young are found in 
all inundated paddy-fields. Eaten by the natives. 
Wa.taco attu (Schn.). 
Wahlah (Mal.). 
B. xix.-xxi. D.>. P. 3. V.8. A. 87-90. C.17. 
4 13—14° 
Length of specimen 13 inches. 
Common in the rivers: rather rich eating, salt well, and adapted 
for curries ; but are reputed to be irritating to the intestinal canal. 
Captured up to 33 feet in length, and even occasionally larger. Very 
voracious ; take a bait freely. 
Watraco maraparict (C. & V.). 
Mungee wahlah (Mal.). 
Boe Dek Po 0 68... 819. 
1 
Length of specimens from 5,4, to 12,8; inches. 
Length of head + of total, of pectoral fin 1, of caudal 4, of base 
of anal 2. Height of head +4, of body 4, of dorsal fin +/;, of anal -/5 
of total length. Diameter of eye 1 of length of head, eyes 14 dia- 
meter apart, nearly one diameter from end of snout. 
Gape of mouth very wide, being three times its antero-posterior 
length. Muzzle rounded in front; lower jaw the longest, curving 
upwards in its centre, so that when closed its upper margin is com- 
pletely in advance of the upper jaw, and even ascending to a higher 
level. Cleft of mouth only extends half the distance to the eye, the 
