1849.] Catalogue of Malayan Fishes. 1045 



tical diameter of the body in front of the dorsal is 5^ of the total 

 length. 



The dentition resembles that of Otolithus ruber, but the external 

 series of the lower jaw consists of fewer, more distant and stronger 

 conical teeth. The lower jaw greatly projects beyond the upper. In 

 the adult the caudal fin is nearly rounded ; its length is 7f of the total. 

 The pectorals and ventrals are comparatively short, their length equal- 

 ling that of the caudal. The stomach is very elongated, cylindrical, 

 thin. In it were found fishes, shells of a Cerithium, and Crustacea. 

 The air-vessel is very large, broad lanceolate, tapering behind into a fine 

 point. The length is one half of the body, the caudal fin not included. 

 Each side has from 52 to 55 branched processes, the number of which 

 differs not only individually, but from side to side. The lower abdo- 

 minal surface of the body of the vessel is perfectly smooth, and as usual, 

 silky white, but the upper or vertebral surface is longitudinally divided 

 by a narrow furrow, from which proceed a number of distant, back- 

 wards arched, transversal lines or ribs. The intervals between the 

 latter are filled up by short backwards bifurcating raised lines, of which 

 those nearest the central furrow are directed obliquely inwards ; but 

 they increase in length, and become longitudinal towards the margin of 

 the vessel, while those covering the lateral branched processes deviate 

 outwards and are much longer than the rest. Thus the whole of the 

 upper or vertebral surface of the air-vessel presents a kind of raised net- 

 work of singular beauty. This species, although not uncommon, 

 appears at Pinang to be less numerous than the others, which it ac- 

 companies. It is reported to be flavourless, but it is highly valued 

 for the sake of the air-vessel, which yields a considerable quantity of 

 the best kind of isinglass. 



Otolithus versicolor, Cuv. and Val. ? 



Russell CIX. Pottee Kanasah ? 



Otolithus versicolor, Cuv. and Val. V. 64 ? 



Jarang gigi of the Malays. 



Young. Head above and back iridescent greyish green, lighter on 

 the sides ; cheeks and preopercle silvery ; opercle steel-blue ; sides 

 beneath the lateral line silvery white ; lateral line shining silvery ; fins 

 yellowish buff; membrane of the spinous dorsal and marginal half of 

 the soft, of the anal and caudal minutely dotted with black, on the 



