GOUKAMI. 159 



pelvic fins having the inner and outer rays spinous, with three 

 soft rays between. They are herbivorous and do not grow longer 

 than 15 inches ; they are confined to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. 



Fig. 71. — Unicorn-fish, Naseus unicornis. 



In the Osphromenidse there is much variation in the extent of 

 the dorsal and anal fins, the spines of which are in some cases 

 numerous, in others absent ; the pelvic fins may have five soft 

 rays, or the number may be reduced to one. A suprabranchial 

 accessory organ of respiration is present ; it is a paired organ 

 situated in cavities behind the cranium. The fishes are confined 



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mj 



Fig. 72. — Gourami, Osphromenus ulfax. 

 # 

 to the fresh-waters of Africa and Southern Asia. The Gourami, Gourami. 

 Osphromenus olfax, 655, and fig. 72, is the largest fish of the 

 family, and is one of the choicest food-fishes of the East. It is a 



