1398 Catalogue of Malayan Fishes, [Dec. 



margin of the head and the nostrils. The upper nasal valve extends as 

 far as the inner third of the margin. The distance between the orbital 

 thorns exceeds by J the length of the orbit and spiracle together. The 

 pectoral fins are rounded. The ventrals are subrhomboidal, terminating 

 in an acute point ; the male appendages are somewhat shorter than the 

 inner margins. The posterior dorsal is very little larger than the anterior. 

 The lateral keel commences a little behind the ventrals. The upper 

 surface of the snout, body and fins is covered with small distant scales. 

 They are all directed backwards, and resemble those of Rhina ancylo- 

 stomus. The keel of the snout and the upper surface of the head are 

 covered with minute thorns. Three to five larger thorns border the 

 anterior margin of the orbit ; two the inner margin of the spiracle. 

 The largest thorns are placed at intervals along the spine of the back, 

 and the line extends as far as the posterior dorsal fin. In front of the 

 dorsal series appear two pores, as in Rhina ancylostomus. In each 

 scapular region appears an isolated thorn, and outside of that a second 

 smaller one. The thorns are all compressed, with a broad oval base 

 with radiating lines. The lower surface of the snout is covered with 

 minute somewhat distant scales, which are triangular, with the apex 

 directed backwards. Those of the rest of the lower surface are nearly 

 round, with an indistinct central tubercle. The abdominal surface of 

 the scapular region is on each side marked by an undulating linear 

 furrow. The cavity of the mouth and the large flattened tongue are 

 covered with minute triangular scales. The membranous valve behind 

 the teeth of the upper jaw has a large notch in the centre and a smaller 

 one at each angle of the mouth. The margins of the smaller notches 

 are fringed. 



The following dimensions were taken from a female 1 ft. 4f inch 

 in length. 



From the snout to the internal angle of the nostril, 3f inch. 



From thence to the mouth, Of 



From the mouth to the anus, 3-| 



From the anus to the point of the caudal, 9 



Distance between the nostrils, Of 



Length of the nostrils, I 



Breadth of the mouth If 



Greatest breadth of the disk, 5| 



