TIIE FISHES OF MALABAR. 
31 
Fins—Spinous portion of dorsal, occupies more than half the base of the fin, where it can be 
received into a groove. Spines strong, each alternate one being broadest on the opposite side of 
the fin. Interspinous membrane deeply notched. Fourth spine slightly longer than third or fifth, 
which are equal in height. Pectoral pointed, fifth ray the longest, and reaching (when the fin is 
deflected) to second anal spine, but when resting in its natural position extending to opposite fifth 
anal ray. Ventral spine moderately strong, and equalling the fourth dorsal in length, first ray 
prolonged. Second anal spine the longest and strongest, being five-sevenths longer than the first, 
and nearly the length of the first spine longer than the third; the spinous portion and first few 
rays can be received into a groove at their base. The anal commences opposite first ray of 
dorsal, and ends opposite its termination, between this and the commencement of the caudal the 
finless portion equals the base of the soft rays of the anal. Caudal rather deeply emarginate. 
Scales—Widest from above downwards, placed in horizontal rows, some extending forward 
as far as the orbits and over the cheeks, and some covering the base of the soft rays of dorsal, 
caudal and anal fins. 
Lateral line—Proceeds backwards and upwards for the first nine scales, then curves downwards 
to opposite end of dorsal, from whence it proceeds direct to the caudal on to which fin it is 
continued about half its length, curving upwards and crossing the lowest rays of the upper lobe. 
Colours—Greyish, the external margin of each scale being marked with a darker tinge. 
Abdomen silvery. Fins margined with dark grey, also a line of the same colour passes along the 
centre of the soft portions of the dorsal, and anal. Pectoral dirty yellow. Eyes silvery. Specimens 
captured in October appear greyish black, but become brighter after death, and the pectoral is of 
a dirty reddish yellow. 
Very common in Malabar until July, when it gives place to the Diagramma nigrum, both of 
which are known as “ Black rock fish,” and are excellent eating. The C. Calamara grows to 
twelve inches and upwards in length. 
Habitat—Seas of India and Malaysia. 
Genus Ciretodon, Artedi. 
Branchiostegals, six: pseudobranchke. Body much compressed and elevated. Eyes moderate. 
Mouth small, with lateral cleft: muzzle short or of moderate length. One dorsal, with the spinous and soft 
portions equally developed, none of the spines elongated. Anal with three or four spines and equally 
developed with the soft dorsal. Ventral with one spine and five rays. The vertical fins more or less 
covered with scales. Preopercle either entire or finely serrated, no spines. Teeth villiform, none on 
palate. Scales large or of moderate size, finely ctenoid or smooth. Lateral fine continuous. Air bladder 
with horns or two divisions. Intestines with many convolutions. Pyloric appendages in moderate 
numbers. 
ClRETODON PPwETEXTATUS. 
Ciletodon pr 2 Etextatus, Cantor , Catal. p. 156, pi. 3; Gunther , Catal. ii. p. 22. 
B. vi. D. 26?28- P- 15. v. 1. A. 2 o_W C. 17. L. 1. 20. L. tr. 16. 
Length of head f, of pectoral of caudal y T , of base of dorsal f, of base of anal y of total 
length. Height of head of body J, of hard dorsal y, of soft dorsal of ventral l, of anal y of 
total length. 
