MustUS. GANGETIC FISHES. 233 



ber of rays contained in the fins, as mentioned in the specific 

 character. In both the hinder fin of the back, and in that be- 

 hind the vent, the first three rays are undivided. 



XV. Genus.— Mystus. 



Fishes of the fifth order, with more than three rays in the 

 membrane of the gill-covers ; with the edge of the belly sharp ; 

 with the fin behind the vent very long, and united with that of 

 the tail, and with one fin on the back. 



The first species described, owing to the long rays of the pec- 

 toral fins, connects this genus in some measure with the Polyne- 

 mus. The second species is the Notopterus of La Cepede, the 

 ventral fins being very small, having escaped his notice ; but, 

 as the animal is provided with these organs, it cannot be dis- 

 tinguished from the genus Mystus. 



The following circumstances, besides these mentioned in the 

 generic character, are common to the fishes of this genus which 

 I have observed in the Ganges. 



They are shaped somewhat like the head of a lance, being 

 much flattened at the sides, and being of a long form, with a 

 considerable depth in the middle, but tapering toward each end, 

 although more slowly toward the tail, as the greatest height is 

 before the middle. 



The head is small, and the under jaw is the shortest. On 

 each side of the upper lip is a considerable flat bone. There 

 are teeth in both jaws. 



The vent is before the middle. The body in all, and part of 

 the head in some species, is scaly. 



1st Species. — Mystus ramcarati. 

 A Mystus with the upper jaw unarmed ; with the first six rays 



Gg 



