Trichopodus. gangetic fishes. 115 



rays of the back and vent fins in this species are longer in pro- 

 portion than those of the ranga, and slope more toward the 

 tail, while the intervening membranes in the first fin of the 

 back have an even edge, equal in length to the rays. 



IX. Genus — Trichopodus. 



Fishes of the fourth order, with only one bristle, in place of 

 each ventral fin. 



The six following fishes are evidently of the same genus with 

 the Trichopodus triehopterus of La Cepede, (Hist, des Poissons, 

 Tome III. p. 129,) from which they differ in having the end of 

 the tail fin rounded ; but form a very natural well defined ge- 

 nus, which agrees with the last described in every thing, ex- 

 cept the form of the ventral fins. These in reality are placed 

 before the pectorals ; so that, in strictness, this genus should be 

 placed among the jugidar fishes next to the Oligopodus of La 

 Cepede, (Hist, des Poissotis, Tome II. p. 311.) From its strong 

 affinity, however, with the three preceding genera, and with 

 that which follows, I have imitated La Cepede in placing it in 

 the thoracic order. 



The species of trichopodus, which I have seen, are all very 

 beautiful, and are common in the ponds, marshes, and ditches 

 of the Gangetic provinces ; but they are all small, are no where 

 found in great quantity ; and, therefore, although eaten by all 

 ranks using fish, and thought palatable, they are not of conse- 

 quence. They all possess the following characters. 



They are of an oblong form, but have a considerable height, 

 while their sides are much compressed, and nearly vertical. 

 They are rough to the feel, opaque, and variegated with bright 

 and agreeable colours. 



Their heads are oval, rather small, and covered with scales 

 even on the throat, while some of the bones have indent- 



