154 Apodal Fishes of Bengal. 



which is here named Murcenesox, of which we have several 

 species, occupying in India an equivalent place with the 

 Congers of Europe. 



These three genera have the pectoral fins distinctly de- 

 veloped, and the dorsal and anal united, as well as other 

 common characters. It is proposed to distinguish them as 

 a separate family, which is here named Anguillid^e. 



S, Ophisurus. Of this genus there are several species in 

 India. It possesses, in common with the genus Leptogna- 

 thus of Mr. Swainson, the naked tail caused by the termina- 

 tion of the dorsal and anal before they reach the end of 

 that organ, for which reason it is proposed to form these 

 genera into a family here named Ophisurid^e, sufficiently 

 distinguished from the first by the interruption of the 

 dorsal and anal, as already noticed, as well as by their small 

 pectorals. 



Sphagebranchus imberbis, Laroach, Annal du Museum xiii. 

 Muraena maculosa, Cuv. figured as Ophisurus ophis, Lacep. 

 11, t. 6, f. 2, and Mursenophis Colubrina, Lacep. V. t. 19, f. 

 1, form a third genus, which is here named Ophithorax. It 

 is distinguished by the smallness of the pectorals, and also 

 belongs to the Ophisuridsz. 



4. The genus Murana* it is also proposed to raise to the 

 rank of a family, Mur/enim;. The Bengal species present 

 the palatines so compressed, that the teeth peculiar to these 

 bones occupy the place of those of the vomer. Species in 

 which the teeth of both palatines form a single row along the 

 centre of the roof of the mouth, it is proposed to distinguish 

 as a genus here named Lycodontis. Those in which there 

 are separate ranges of palatine teeth, anteriorly, though they 

 may be united posteriorly, it is ventured to name Thcerodontis. 

 Both these genera are distinguished by the articulation of 

 long, scattered, conical teeth in front of the jaws to a move- 

 able pedicle, by which means they are capable of being raised 

 or retracted, according to circumstances. 



* Cymnothorax Bl. and Murcenophis, Lacepede. 



