THE FISHES OF MALABAR. 
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border, more so in the old than in the immature; to lay it against the body it makes a semi¬ 
curve. The pectoral spine is from two-thirds to three-fourths the length of the head, serrated 
internally and roughened externally in adults, but in immature specimens moderately serrated 
externally. Ventral small, and extends as far as the base of the anal, the third ray of which 
is the longest, from whence to the last there is a gradual but very slight decrease. There is a 
notch between the end of the anal and the commencement of the caudal fin. Caudal lobed, the 
lowest the largest, and extending the furthest: in some small specimens the lobing is not obser¬ 
vable, the fin being rounded. 
Lateral fine—Faint, passing along the centre of the side. 
Colours—Of a leaden black or dirty green, with dusky or reddish fins, lighter than the rest of 
the body. Under surface lighter than the back. In some localities there is a long yellow streak 
passing above the lateral fine, and another below it. Eyes hazel. Immature specimens are of a 
much fighter colour. 
This fish is held in great dread by the Natives of Malabar, and is commonly known amongst 
the Mahomedans as the Bichu ka mutchee, Hind, or “ scorpion fish/’ so named from the injuries 
inflicted by its serrated pectoral spine. It is believed that lock-jaw is caused by a scratch from 
this spine, and I have personally witnessed most intense phlegmonous inflammation caused by 
wounds received from one of these fish. Consequently, as soon as captured the offensive spine is 
immediately broken off with a piece of stick, and a perfect specimen can for this reason be rarely 
procured. The fishermen dread it so much, that they would rather cut the meshes of their nets and 
let it escape, than endeavour to take it .put uninjured. As this erectile spine can only be laid flat 
by a rounded movement, no direct pressure can have any effect on it. 
It inhabits all sluggish pieces of water, and the immature are found in the paddy fields in the 
low country. It is eaten by the Natives, who consider it highly nourishing. It grows to a foot 
and a half in length. 
Habitat—Fresh waters of India and Cochin China. 
Fam. SCQPELIDiE, Gunther. 
Scopelini, pt, Muller . 
Sub-Fam. SAURINA, Gunther. 
Genus SAURUS, Cuvier. 
Harpodon, pt. Lesueur. 
Triurus, Swainson. 
Branchiostegals, from eight to sixteen. Body elongated, subcylindrical. Eyes of moderate size, lateral. 
Muzzle short. Gape of mouth wide, and cleft very deep, extending far behind the eyes : edge of upper jaw 
formed entirely by the intermaxillaries, which are long and thin : maxillary long, thin, and closely adherent 
to the intermaxillary. First dorsal of a moderate number of rays, nearly central; second or adipose dorsal 
small. Pectoral short. Ventral with eight rays, the internal being the longest, inserted before the dorsal 
and not far behind the pectoral. Anal short or of moderate length. Caudal forked. Teeth numerous and 
pointed, some being elongated and slender, and can be laid downwards and inwards ; they exist on the jaws, 
tongue, and palatine bones, with a single row on the palate, but there are generally none or very few on 
the vomer. Body covered with moderately sized scales. Lateral line entire. A raised keel more or less 
developed along the central fine of the side to the caudal. Gill-openings very wide, gill membrane not 
attached to the isthmus. Csecal appendages few. 
