366 TELEOSTEI. ACANTHOPTERYGII. 



there appear to be some darkish spots on the body and fins. 

 Pectoral with vertical bars on its basal third. 

 Nab. Fresh waters of Ceylon. 



Family XL. LABYRINTHICI. 



'.idts, pt., Richardson ; Spirobranchidce, pt., Swainson ; Laby- 

 rinthibranchii, pt., Owen ; Osphromenoidei, pt., Bleeker. 



Pseudobranchiae rudimentary or absent. Gills four. Body 

 compressed, oblong, or elevated. Eyes lateral. Gill-opening rather 

 narrow, the membranes united below the isthmus. A cavity above 

 the third or upper portion of the first branchial arch contains an 

 elaborate apparatus consisting of thin laminae of bone, covered by 

 a vascular mucous membrane, and employed for respiratory pur- 

 poses. Number of dorsal and anal spines variable; ventrals 

 thoracic. Scales ctenoid and of moderate size. Lateral line in- 

 terrupted or absent. Air-bladder present or absent. Pyloric 

 appendages when present few. 



Geographical Distribution. Freshwater and estuary fishes of 

 Asia and South Africa. They can live a considerable period out 

 of their natural element, as they are able to respire atmospheric 

 air directly. They comprise both vegetable and animal feeders, 

 and are often acclimatized in other countries. When domesti- 

 cated they are subject to considerable variation. 



Uses. All are considered good for eating. 



Synopsis of Indian Genera. 



A. Teeth on palate ; opercles and preorbital serrated. 1. ANABAS. 



B. No teeth on palate. 



V. 1/5. Dorsal and anal spines much more nume- 



rous than rays 2. POLYACANTHUS. 



V. 1/5. Spines either fewer than rays, or very 



little more numerous 3. OSPHROMKNUS. 



Ventral reduced to a single filiform ray 4. TRICHOGASTEB. 



1. Genus ANABAS, Cuvier. 



Branchiostegals six. Superbranchial organ well developed. 

 Branchial arches with toothed tubercles. Mouth rather small. 

 Opercles and preorbital serrated. Teeth villiform in jaws and on 

 the anterior and posterior extremities of the vomer ; none on the 

 palatines. Dorsal fin single, the spinous portion of greater extent 

 than the soft ; anal spines numerous, but fewer than the dorsal. 

 Scales ctenoid, rather large. Lateral line interrupted. Air- 

 bladder bifid posteriorly, with either extremity produced. Pyloric 

 appendages few or absent. 



