176 
INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 
FAMILY OPHIOCEPHALIDiE. 
(Giinth. Cat. vol. iii.) 
(Or snake-lieaded fislics.) 
Are found only in the East Indies. They are a 
fresh-water family, and of carnivorous habits. 
Like the Labyrinthici they are able to exist for a 
long time out of the water, they afford a light and 
wholesome but rather insipid diet. They are long in 
shape, with a large mouth, the head and body being- 
covered with scales. They have long dorsal and anal 
fins, without any spines, teeth in the jaws, and on the 
palate. 
1. Ophiocephalus punctatus. 
Hab. India generally, in ponds. 1 foot. 
Char. This fish is not considered so good for eating 
as 0. striatus. 
Colour dirty green, with a dark stripe, and dark 
bars. Black dots scattered over the lower half of 
the body. 
Scales 40. Dorsal rays 29 to 32. Anal 20 to 22. 
2. Ophiocephalus gachua. 
Hab. India generally. 8 inches to 1 foot. 
Colour above greenish with several indistinct bands 
descending obliquely forwards from the back to the 
lateral line. Pectoral fin with transverse bars. 
Char. Scales 40 to 46. Dorsal rays 34 to 37. 
Anal 21 to 23. 
