MASTACEMBELIDiE. 
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FAMILY MASTACEMBELIDiE. 
(Gtinth. Cat, yol. iii.) 
(Spiny Eels.) 
Char. Body long, with very small scales. Dorsal 
fin very long, the anterior portion composed of 
numerous separate spines. No ventral fins. 
GENUS RHYNCHOBDELLA. 
Char. Head elongate, upper jaw pointed, and 
terminating in a long fleshy appendage, which is 
striated beneath. Prceoperculum without any spines. 
1. Rhynchobdella aculeata. 
Hab. India generally. 1 foot in length. 
From two to nine black, white-edged ocelli along 
the base of the hinder dorsal fin. 
Char. Dorsal spines 16 to 20. Fin rays 48 to 55. 
Anal 3 spines, and 44 to 58 soft rays. 
GENUS MASTACEMBLUS. 
Char. Upper jaw with a long movable appendage 
which is not striated beneath. Prceoperculum with 
spinous teeth at the angle. 
1. Mastacemblus pancalus. 
Hab. Throughout India. 6 inches. 
Char. The caudal fin is separate from the dorsal 
and anal. Dorsal spines 24 to 26, soft rays 30 to 40. 
Anal 3 + 31 to 44. 
Colour above green, marked with black and white 
dots on the body and fins. 
