188 Apodal Fishes of Bengal. 



jaws are armed with a single row of prominent teeth ; the 

 crown is high and rounded. 



1. TfLERODONTIS RETICULATA. PL vii.fig. 1. 



The crown is high and rounded, the body slightly compressed, the dor- 

 sal commences at the branchial apertures, and the intestinal aperture is 

 placed near the middle. Colour black, marked with white lines disposed 

 in a pentangular form, dividing every part of the body and fins into 

 large pentangular spots. 



Hab. — Malay Coast, where it was obtained at Sandowy by Captain 

 Phayre, Principal Assistant to the Commissioner of Arracan. 



The specimen obtained was 20 inches in length ; it is one 

 of the most striking and remarkable species of apodal fishes 

 hitherto described. 



It is distinguished by the brilliant contrast in its colours, 

 pure ivory black, subdivided by narrow snow-white lines, dis- 

 posed in a pentangular manner over every part of the body, 

 head, and fins, even on the sides and roof of the mouth. 



OPHICARDIDES,* N. Trib. 



The remaining species belong to a very distinct tribe from 

 those just gone over, it may be necessary therefore to preface 

 the description of them, by a few remarks on their general 

 characters and peculiarities. 



The heart is situated far behind the branchial apertures, 

 and not between, or close to these organs as in the last 

 tribe, a peculiarity which of course must affect not only the 

 arterial system of these animals, but every part of their struc- 

 ture and even external form.f 



The effect of this altered position of the heart upon the 

 external form of the present tribe, is to lengthen the body 



* For Etymology, see Gen. Ophicardia. 



f I have already adverted to the circumstance of Mr. Walker having undertak- 

 en an investigation of the comparative anatomy of the Cuchia. The field of inquiry 

 will now be considerably widened, by the undescribed forms closely allied to, 

 though differing essentially from that remarkable animal. The object proposed 

 by Mr. Walker will thus assume an additional degree of interest and importance. 



