106 



SEERANIDJL 



p. 362 (1895); Pfeff. Thierw. O.-Afr., Fische, p. 2, fig. (1896); Bouleng. 

 Poiss. Bass. Congo, p. 381 (1901) ; Lortet & Gaillard, Arch. Mu«. Lyon, viii. 



1903, p. 188, figs. ; Bouleng. Fish. Nile, p. 452, pis. lxxxiv. & kxxv. (1907). 



Depth of bndy '±\ to 4 times in total length, length of head 2f to 3|- 

 tiiues; shape very variable, the upper outline of the head usually more 

 or less concave. Snout rounded, as long as or a little longer than eye 

 (much longer in very large specimens) ; lower jaw projecting ; eye 4 

 (young) to 7 times in length of head, f to 1^ times in interorbital width ; 

 maxillary extending to below posterior border of eye or beyond, the 

 width of its distal extremity at least three-fourths diameter of eye ; prar- 

 and suborbitals finely serrated ; cheek, gill-cover, and occiput with large 

 scales ; praeopercular border forming nearly a right angle, finely serrated 



Fig. 82. 



Lata niloiicus. 

 Khartum (F. N.). ?. 



on vertical limb, with 3 or 4 strong spines on lower limb, and with 

 one or two still stronger spines at angle ; a single opercular spine ; 

 clavicle with some strong denticulations above the base of the pectoral 

 fin. Gill-rakers rather long, 15 to 17 (including knob-like rudiments) 

 on lower part of anterior arch. Dorsals VII— VIII, I— II 10-14, 

 connected at the base ; spines strong, first and second short, third very 

 strong, longest f (adult) to § (young) length of head, usually as long as or 

 longer than longest soft rays. Anal III 7-0 ; spines short, second and 

 third equal or third longest. Pectoral nearly i to § length of head. 

 Caudal rounded. All the soft ravs of the vertical fins more or less denselv 



