SILUEIDJE. 
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FAMILY SILURIDiE. (Giinth. Cat. vol. v.) 
This family is a large one, and very numerously 
represented in Indian waters. It is (like the 
Cyprinidee) essentially a fresh-water group of fishes ; 
but some few species belonging to it are also found in 
salt water, keeping, however, usually near the coast. 
Geographical Distribution. Members of this 
family are found in most tropical and temperate 
regions, including Africa, America, the East Indies, 
and Australia. One species only is found in the south- 
eastern parts of Europe. 
Char. The Siluridse are to be distinguished chiefly 
by the absence of scales ; but they have sometimes 
bony plates on certain parts of the body. 
They are provided with barbels, often of great 
length, and generally numerous (6 or 8). 
They have frequently a second dorsal fin which is 
gristly, or adipose, and without rays, and then* mouths 
are furnished with teeth, which, however, vary much 
in form and disposition. 
GENUS CLAEIAS. 
Hab. Africa and the East Indies. 
Char. No adipose fin. Dorsal fin long, extending 
from the neck to the caudal. Anal long. 
Barbels 8, viz., one pair of nasal, one of maxillary, 
and two pairs of mandibular barbels. 
Pectoral fin with a pungent spine. 
