1 96 Apodal Fishes of Bengal. 



branous expansion representing an adipose dorsal, commences almost 

 as far forward as the vent. This species attains about 2 feet or upwards 

 in length, and is of gross proportions. 

 Hab. — Bengal. 



PNEUMABRANCHUS ALBINUS. 



Colour uniformly orange yellow, with the exception of a livid ap- 

 pearance about the muzzle, and a black half moon-like zone over the 

 eye, without any appearance of distinct lateral or other lines. Pupils 

 black, irides narrow and bright golden-yellow, surrounded by a livid 

 zone. 



Hab. — Bengal. 



This variety attains about 18 inches in length, and is of 

 more slender form than either of the others. 



While these species are remarkable for the singular trans- 

 formation of the gills, by means of which they are capable 

 of existing either in water or air for a considerable period, 

 those of the following genus are no less singular for the pe- 

 culiar transposition of the eyes, and of the liver ; two or- 

 gans which are usually more constant in their position than 

 any other. 



OPHISTERNON.* N. Gen. 



The head is rounded slightly at the occiput, but depress- 

 ed and elongated in front. The eyes are remarkably small, 

 and placed almost at the extremity of the muzzle. The 

 body is elongated and cylindric, the tail is broad, as well as 

 the adipose expansion forming the dorsal and anal fins ; 

 the former commences before the anus, the latter close be- 

 hind that organ, and both meet to form a round caudal. 



The branchiae of both sides are contained in a single 

 cavity, to which there is one large transverse aperture 

 placed under the throat. The gills consist of four single 



* Which means, the trunk is formed like that of a snake. 



