72 
THE FISHES OF MALABAR. 
along its extent, and slightly prominent at symphysis: the posterior extremity of maxilla extends 
to beneath the posterior third of the orbit. Preorbitals, and opercles as in the C. Commersonii. 
A moderately raised ridge extends along the centre of the head. Nostrils rather wide apart ; the 
posterior, which is the largest, rather higher than the orbit: the anterior which is round, on a still 
higher level. 
Teeth—Lancet shaped and laterally compressed, about twenty in the upper, and fifteen in the 
lower jaw in which latter they are the largest, whilst they increase in size posteriorly. Numerous 
villiform teeth on vomer and palate. 
Pins—Pirst dorsal and ventral arise on a line, slightly posterior to the origin of the pectoral: 
the second dorsal commences midway between the snout and the posterior margin of centre of 
caudal fin : anal rather behind it. First dorsal spines weak and ending in soft points, the membrane 
deeply notched. Second dorsal highest in front, with a concave upper margin : anal of the same 
shape : the finlets commence close behind each of these fins and extend to the root of the caudal. 
Pectoral rather pointed. Ventral small. Caudal deeply lobed with a soft elevated keel running 
parallel with the base of either lobe. 
Lateral line—Consisting of small rectangular elevations, proceeds nearly straight, at first in 
upper fourth of body, but becomes more undulating opposite the commencement of the second 
dorsal, and very much so opposite third and fourth finlets : between the keels along the base of 
either caudal lobe is a triangular horizontal keel. 
Colours—Generally the same as in the C. Commersonii, but after death numerous round 
or oval spots of different sizes and irregularly scattered, appear in longitudinal rows along the 
back and upper half of the sides. The membrane of the first seven or nine spines of the first 
dorsal is black, that of the succeeding spines white minutely dotted with brown and edged with 
black. 
Grow to three and a half feet in length, are good eating and salt well: but when under a 
foot in length are dry, from two to two and a-half feet long they are in the best condition, above 
that they become coarse. They should be dressed when quite fresh. They are also one of the 
best fish for making “ Tamarind fish.” Are found in Malabar from October throughout the cold 
mouths. 
Habitat—Seas of India, Malaysia, and China. 
Genus NAUCRATES, Cuvier. 
Branehiostegals, seven: pseudobranchise. Body oblong, subcylindrical. -Eyes lateral. Cleft of 
mouth moderate. Infraorbital bones do not articulate with the preopercle. Two dorsals, the first reduced 
to a few free spines ; ventrals thoracic : no spurious fins : a keel on each side of tail. Villiform teeth on 
jaws, vomer, and palatine bones. Ah' bladder small. Csecal appendages in moderate numbers. 
* Naucrates DUCTOR. 
Gasterosteus ductor, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 489. 
Naucrates ductor, Cuv. & Val. viii. p. 312. pi. 232 ; Gunther , Catal. ii. p. 374. 
Naucrates noveboracensis, Cuv. & Val. viii. p. 325. 
Naucrates Indigus, Cuv. & Val. viii. p. 326. 
Naucrates Koelreuteri, Cuv & Val. viii. p. 327. 
The Pilot fish. 
