1 84 9 . ] Catalogue of Malayan Fishes. 1197 



oblong, the greatest vertical diameter, at the second-third of the total 

 length, slightly exceeds % of the total. The body is covered by 

 upwards of 67 longitudinal series of scales, of which there are about 81 

 on a line between the gill-opening and the caudal. The scales are small 

 rounded with about 15 radiating lines at the radical part ; the posterior 

 margin is closely ciliated. The lateral line consists of simple tubes. 

 It commences at the lower margin of the lower orbit, ascends in the 

 shape of the letter S to the upper extremity of the preopercle, then 

 slightly descends to above the posterior angle of the opercle, when it 

 suddenly rises describing a short arch, terminating above the point of 

 the pectoral. From thence it proceeds straight along the middle of 

 the side to the point of the posterior margin of the caudal fin. The 

 dorsal fin commences opposite the anterior angle of the upper orbit ; 

 the distance from the muzzle equals the horizontal diameter of the 

 upper eye. All the rays, except the three last ones, are undivided, 

 and with a single series of small scales along the anterior margin ; the 

 points of the rays project a little beyond the membrane, so as to give 

 the fin a fringed appearance. The longest rays are contained 2\ times 

 in the length of the head : they are situated at the commencement of 

 the posterior half of the fin, the distance of which from the caudal is 

 \ of that of the anterior ray from the muzzle. The root of the caudal 

 is covered with small scales ; the posterior margin is pointed in the 

 centre, the two rays of which are the longest, f of the head. The pos- 

 terior four or five anal rays are divided ; the rest are simple and resem- 

 ble the dorsal. The extent of the base of the anal is about \ less than 

 that of the dorsal. The left ventral is situated a little nearer the gill- 

 opening than the anal ; the two first rays are undivided ; the second, 

 the longest, is \ of the head, and extends to the second anal ray. The 

 right ventral is a little farther back, the first ray commencing opposite 

 the third ray of the left fin. The two upper pectoral rays are undivided ; 

 the third, the longest, slightly exceeds \ of the head. Single individuals 

 occur at Pinang, at all seasons. They are eaten by the natives. 



Gen. Hippoglossus, Cuvier, 1817. 



Fins resembling those of Platessa ; form generally more elongated ; 

 jaws and pharynx with teeth, in most species strong and sharp. 



