1865. ] MR. F. DAY ON THE FISHES OF COCHIN. 293 
in front, serrated behind for its upper half, and of equal length with 
the pectoral spine, which is also granulated in front, serrated for its 
upper third, and strongly serrated posteriorly ; its length equals that 
of the head, as far as the posterior margin of the orbit. Soft dorsal 
two-thirds the height of body. 
Grows to a very large size; is eaten by the natives. 
ARIUS SUBROSTRATUS (Cuv. & Val.). 
Ben, SD. OPS Be Ve Gay AS 20 -. 17. 
7 = 
Length of specimens from 9 to 9-8; inches. 
Length of head -3, of total length. Height of body 4, of head 4 
of total length. Diameter of eye about + length of head, eyes 14 
diameter apart, 24 from end of snout. 
Teeth villiform on intermaxillaries, space covered more than one- 
fourth as wide as long; none on vomer; on palatine in two oval 
patches, placed wide apart, and diverging behind. 
a 
OS 
Upper surface of head granulated ; occipital process longer than 
broad, rather keeled along its centre. Fonticulus long, narrow, and 
sharp at both ends, extending from just behind the intermaxillaries 
to nearly as far as the base of occipital process. Operculum sulcated : 
shoulder-bone depressed in holes, like the marks from a thimble. 
Dorsal spine ending in a soft point, strongly granulated anteriorly, 
serrated in its upper part, also serrated posteriorly in its upper two- 
thirds. Pectoral spine about equal strength with dorsal, rugose ex- 
ternally, serrated posteriorly. 
Colours. A brilliant dark bluish silver as far as the lateral line, 
silvery-white below. Fins yellowish. 
Common ; mostly captured during the south-west monsoon ; eaten 
by the natives. 
