NAJJDJDJE. 3 



some cases " intermixed with these in each jaw are several sharp 

 teeth of a larger size" (Ham. Buch. I.e.). Fins dorsal spines 

 rather strong, their base receivable into a groove, interspinous 

 membrane deeply emargiuate, soft portion of tin similar to that of 

 anal arid almost square; anal spines of moderate strength, the 

 second longest and equal to two thirds length of rays ; caudal cut 

 nearly square. Scales rather smaller on nape than on body, some 

 extend over bases of dorsal and anal rays, an enlarged one at angle 

 of ventral fin and another between the two ventrals. Lateral line 

 interrupted at about the 36th scale. Colour greenish brown 



Fig. 39. Nandus marmoratus. 



with brassy reflections, vertically marbled with three broad patchy 

 bands ; a fourth crosses the free portion of the tail, or occasionally 

 there exists a black blotch there ; some narrow dark bands radiate 

 from the eye. Narrow bands of spots across the soft portions of 

 the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. 



In Assam and to the east of Bengal the bones of the head are 

 more strongly serrated than is usually seen in the other parts of 

 India. 



Hob. Fresh and brackish waters of India and Burma, attaining 

 at least 7 inches in length. This species is common in flitches and 

 inundated fields, where it preys on small Cyprinklce. It is exceed- 

 ingly tenacious of life. 



4. Genus PRISTOLEPIS, Jerdon (1848). 

 Syn. Catopra, Bleeker (1851) ; Paranandtis, Day. 



Branchiostegals six ; pseudobranchiaB absent. Mouth moderately 

 protractile. Opercle with two flat (generally bifid) spines ; pre- 

 opercle and preorbital mostly serrated. Teeth villiform on the 

 jaws and palate, villiform or globular on the vomer, obtusely 

 globular on the base of the tongue, on the roof of the cavity of the 

 mouth (presphenoid), and sometimes on the vomer. Anal fin with 

 3 or 4 spines ; ventrals 1/5. Scales ctenoid, large, extended on to 



