THE GAME FISHES OF THE PERSIAN GULF. 731 



perhaps, as much as anything else, the tracings of gnarled and withered 

 trunks and branches as depicted in the extreme background of a pen and 

 ink etching. The anal and posterior dorsal fins proper and the fringes 

 continuing towards the tail, and the caudal fin itself are tinged and tipped 

 lemon yellow. There is a blackish blotch in each pectoral fin-pit. 



Fins. Anterior dorsal. — Consists of 4 main spines connected by thin 

 membrane, the anterior spine is divided at the base but each of these distinct 

 initial spines unite into one composite spine at their extremities. 



Posterior dorsal. — Firm and of moderate size ; it is continued by a fringe 

 to a point distant from the root of the tail equal to about ^., of the 

 whole length of body. This fringe terminates in a well-defined and com- 

 paratively longer ray. 



Anal. — Situated well back, it is continued by a fringe identical with the 

 posterior dorsal fringe. There are two inconsiderable spines situated 

 anteriorly to anal fin. 



Pectoral. — Looks extremely flimsy and of delicate construction ; it is 

 narrow and curves back gracefully and the span is most noticeable. The 

 length of the pectoral fin of this specimen measured in a direct line from its 

 base to its tip was nine inches. 



Lateral line. — Starts from upper termination of gill opening, and gradually 

 curves downwards to a point vertically above the posterior extremity of the 

 anal fin proper, whence it travels in a straight line to the root of the tail. 

 The posterior portion is devoid of shields ; a keel of small dimensions starts 

 laterally at a spot in line with the terminus of the posterior dorsal and anal 

 fringes and continues to the caudal. The free part of the tail is thus 

 compressed horizontally. 



Anus — is situated anteriorly at the extremities of the pelvic fins. 



Caudal. — Forked. The spread of the caudal fin of this 7|- lbs. fish was S\ 

 inches. 



Scales. — Small. 



Remarks. — The young are vertically banded and can be seen occasionally 

 swimming about near the rocks at Jask. But the observer must approach 

 cautiously. Day makes no mention of yellow spots on the sides of any 

 species of Caranx. but on the Shahbeni this feature is at once distinguishable. 

 Is it not possible that the bands on the young instead of entirely fading are 

 gradually transformed into circular marks which remain in the adult as a 

 permanent characteristic ? 



Let us consider tersely the habits, such as were observed, and the 

 sporting nature of the Shahbeni. 



It would appear that Caranx malabaricus is a cold weather visitant, and 

 this species probably migrates to the open sea about May with the Pirao. 

 It is inadvisable to draw too definite conclusions from experiences gained 

 through the capture of three individual fish ; but certain facts, if they point 

 to the existence of a peculiar trait, are worthy of record. The three 

 Shahbeni captured were all hooked within the six fathom line ; from this 

 circumstance and from independent observation it may be deduced that 

 Caranx malabaricus prefers the shallows where he can feed the more readily 

 on the mullet. The locals aver that the Shahbeni frequently goes about in 

 pairs, and this assertion was confirmed on two separate occasions. A 19 lb. 

 fish was lured to his fate in crystal clear water, and the author's diary 

 gives the following account of the episode : — 



" 1 could see it right away down and a pal was following it about aU over 

 the place ; then a shoal of smaller fish came to have a look at the 'show '. 



1 gaffed him successfully but had to get 's help to lift him into the boat 



— a good Shahbeni of 19 lbs. The second fish was swimming about for some 

 time after his pal had been hauled out. " 



