144 gangetic fishes. Order V. 



short, and somewhat triangular. It contains a very strong 

 sharp prickle, smooth on the edges. The pectoral fins are low, 

 small, and sharp above. Each contains a very sharp strong 

 prickle, indented backward on the outer edge. The ventral 

 fins are very small, and rounded. That of the tail extends 

 above and below the whole length of that organ, and is evi- 

 dently composed of a posterior back fin, united with those of 

 the tail, and behind the vent, but no separation of parts can be 

 observed : its extremity is sharpish. 



III. Genus. — Macropteronotus. 



Fishes of the fifth order, with a smooth slimy skin, destitute 

 of scales ; with the mouth surrounded by tendrils ; with one 

 long fin on the back ; with prickles in the pectoral fins ; and 

 with the tail wedge-shaped. 



The two species of this genus, that I have seen, are found in 

 ponds and ditches, and, as these dry up, are caught nestling 

 among the mud. They are very ugly dirty-looking animals, 

 on which account, probably, they are seldom, if ever, used by 

 Europeans ; but the natives consider them as wholesome invi- 

 gorating diet, and employ a broth made of them in curing 

 those troubled with pains in the abdomen. They grow from a 

 foot to a foot and a half in length. Besides the circumstances 

 mentioned in the generic character, these fishes have in com- 

 mon the following appearances : 



Although shorter in proportion, less flexible, and more flat- 

 tened at the tail, they approach a good deal to the eel in 

 form. 



The head is blunt, depressed, broader than the body, but 

 short and smooth. The mouth is surrounded by eight awl- 

 shaped tendrils, of which some are a little longer, and others a 

 little shorter than the head. The mouth extends directly back- 



