34 
THE FISHES OF MALABAR. 
Genus SCATOPHAGUS, Guv. and Val. 
Cacodoxus, Cantor. 
Branehiostegals, six ; pseudobranchife. Body much compressed and elevated. Two dorsals united at 
their base, the first with ten or eleven spines, and having anteriorly a recumbent one directed forwards: 
the second dorsal covered with scales. Anal with four spines. Snout much compressed and elevated ; 
preopercle spineless. Scales very small. Air bladder simple. Pyloric appendages many. 
SCATOPHAGUS ARGUS. 
Chatodon argus, Linn. Gm. p. 1248. 
Chitsilloo, Bussell , pi. 78. 
Chatodon pairatalis, Ham. Buck. pp. 122, 372.pl. 16, f. 41. 
Chatodon atromaculatus, Bennett , Fislies of Ceylon, pi. 18. 
Cacodoxus argus, Cantor , Catal. p. 163. 
Scatophagus argus, Cuv. & Val. vii. p. 136; Gunther , Catal. ii. p. 56. 
XUTCIIAR CHAR, Mai. 
B. vi. D. 10 I T V p. 15. V. 1. A. j\. C. 16. Yert. fC 
Length, of head of pectoral , of caudal of base of dorsals of base of anal ^ of total 
length. Height of head f, of body of hard dorsal ■§, of soft dorsal jt, of ventral 1, of anal I of 
total length. 
Eyes—Diameter 3 length of head, 1, diameter from end of snout, I f diameters apart. 
The body is somewhat quadrangular, strongly compressed, with its upper margin more curved 
than its abdominal one. The profile is convex from the snout to above the orbits, then it ascends 
at an acute angle to the first dorsal fin, along the base of which it is nearly horizontal. Muzzle 
broad, lips do not cover the jaws. Maxilla extends about half way to the orbit. Preorbital half 
longer than broad, with the posterior portion of its lower margin finely denticulated. Posterior 
nostril oval, close to orbit, and a short distance from the anterior which is rounded. Preopercle 
entire, as are also the sub- and interopercles. Opercle ending in a spine. 
Teeth—In jaws villiform, none on the palate. 
Fins—Dorsal spines moderately strong with a groove at their base into which they can be 
received. The first dorsal occupies three-tenths more of the back than does the second dorsal. 
Interspinous membrane deeply notched: fourth spine the highest: anterior rays much the 
longest. Ventral spine strong and as long as sixth dorsal, first ray prolonged. Anal opposite 
second dorsal, its third spine the strongest, but all about the same length, and can be received 
into a groove at their base, anterior rays the longest. Caudal fanshaped, its central rays 
slightly the longest. Upper pectoral rays the longest. 
Scales—Very minute, covering the soft portions of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, and 
extending over the head and opercles. 
Lateral line — Rather wavy in its course, first slightly ascending, then following the 
curve of the back as far as the end of second dorsal, from whence it proceeds straight. 
Colours—Of a reddish purple, becoming silvery on the abdomen. Large round brownish 
spots are scattered over the whole of the body, but most thickly along the back. The cheeks 
and snout have bluish reflections. First dorsal brownish blue, having a few minute spots; second 
