154 TEN-FINGERED POLYNEME. 



the towns of Achmim^ Girge, and others, repair at 

 intervals to the shores as to a fish-market, and are 

 thus supphed by the country people. 



TEN-FINGERED POLYNEME. 



Polynemus Decadactylas. P. argenteo-fascus, capite ohtus'mimo, 

 oculis maxims, digitis utrinque decern, cauda furcata. 



Silveiy-brown Polyneme, with very obtuse head, very large 

 eyeS;, ten shortish thoracic filaments on each side^ and forked 

 tail. 



Polynemus decadactylus. P. radiis decern liheris jugularihus. 

 Block. t.AOi,, 



This is a species of considerable size, generally 

 measuring from one to two feet : its colour is an 

 uniform deep yellowish brown, darker on the back, 

 and glossed with silver on the sides and abdomen, 

 the silvery tinge appearing like a spot or patch on 

 the middle of each scale : the head is abruptly 

 rounded oft' in front, so as to appear excessively 

 obtuse : the eyes are very large, with a bright 

 silvery iris : the mouth of moderate width, and the 

 tongue smooth and loose : the thoracic filaments 

 are ten in number on each side, and of very mode- 

 rate length, extending only a few inches : the tail 

 is deeply forked. 



This species is a native of the African seas, and 

 is not uncommon about the coasts of Guinea, oc- 

 casionally entering the rivers of that country, and is 

 considered as a wholesome and agreeable fish for 

 the table. . 



V 



