158 CHAKACINID2E. 



peduncle deeper than long. Scales 63-71 j^, 14 to 16 between the lateral line and 

 the base of the ventral fin. 



Grey above, white below, with iridescent silvery sheen ; horizontal dark grey lines 

 may run between the series of scales ; some reddish or orange may be present on the 

 ventral, anal, and caudal fins. 



The largest specimen in the British Museum measures 420 millimetres. 



C. lotus appears to have the same distribution as the type species of the genus, but 

 to be everywhere rarer. It is on record from the Lower Nile, the Upper Mle, the 

 White Nile, the Senegal, and the Niger. It has also been recorded from the Kingani 

 River, E. Africa. The following specimens have been used in drawing up the above 

 description : — 



5 Beni Souef, Lower Nile.— Loat, 7-14.9.99. 



6 Mangara, White Nile.— Loat, 2-3.1.01. 

 4 Gondokoro.— Loat, 15.1.02-16.2.02. 



1 Kaedi, Senegal.— Delhez, 1899. 



1 Lokoja, Upper Niger. — Budgett, 1903. 



2 Niger. 



1 K. Benue, north of Ibi.— Norton Smith, 1906. 

 1 Old Calabar.— Dr. Jackson, 1905. 



According to Mr. Loat, the native fishermen do not distinguish between the two 

 species of Cithorinus. At Beni Souef the fish is caught when the Nile is going down, 

 and in winter, but it is very uncommon in summer. The following observation was 

 made at Beni Souef by Mr. Loat : — i: In making a longitudinal incision on either side 

 of the body of a specimen, in order to allow the spirit to penetrate, I cut into several 

 cavities, large and small, lying just above the lateral line and close to the vertebral 

 column, and a quantity of liquid, of a thickish substance and red in colour, oozed out, 

 evidently from these cavities." 



