THE FISHES OF MALABAR. 
225 
Body ratlier elongated, the profile slightly ascends to above the shoulder, from whence it 
proceeds nearly straight to the upper surface of the caudal. The slope of the lower is about the 
same as that of the upper surface of the head. The abdominal profile is more convex than that of 
the back. 
Snout rather large. Upper jaw overhangs the lower. The posterior extremity of the maxilla 
extends to under the anterior margin of the orbit. The intermaxillaries form an acute angle, into 
which the triangular extremity of the lower jaw is received : the symphysis of the lower jaw has a 
tubercle which fits into a corresponding notch in the upper jaw. Opercle nearly twice as high as 
wide r posterior margin convex, and advances so far forward in its upper portion that it joins the 
anterior without leaving any appreciable superior margin. 
Teeth—None. 
Fins—Pectoral commences just posterior to the anterior superior angle of the opercle : dorsal 
midway between the snout and the base of the caudal: ventral under the seventh dorsal ray: anal 
midway between the base of the ventral, and the end of the scales on the base of the caudal. 
Dorsal fin highest in front, the first three rays undivided, the third the highest in the fin, and the 
last ray which is rather elongated, not quite half its height: the upper margin of the fin concave, 
and along its base are two rows of thirteen obliquely placed scales. Pectoral pointed, with an 
elongated scaly appendage at its base. Ventral triangular, with a long basal scale. Anal very 
small, first three rays undivided, fourth the longest, and more than twice the length of the last ; 
the lower margin of the fin concave, with two rows of scales along its base. Caudal deeply lobed, 
and its centre covered by two semi-lpmar laminae of scales. 
Scales—Small, covering the body : a row along the base of the dorsal and anal fins, and 
covering the base of the caudal. There are some rows of enlarged scales over the nape. 
Lateral line—Consists of a simple tube in each scale : at first it curves slightly downwards, 
and then passes nearly straight to opposite the end of the ventral, and from thence quite straight 
to the centre of the caudal. 
Numerous csecal appendages. “ Air vessel very large, spindle-shaped, terminating behind 
“ in an elongated point: the anterior margin is straight, with short pointed processes on each 
“ side.”— (Cantor.) 
Colours—Summit of head and back of a brilliant glossy blue, fading into silvery on the 
abdomen: snout light brown. Dorsal and caudal rays greyish, which as well as the membranes 
are dotted with light brown: both these fins are margined with black. The caudal semi-lunar 
laminse of scales pale slate colour, the pectorals and ventrals white, with the anterior halves of 
their external surfaces minutely dotted with dark brown, their elongated appendages bright 
silvery. The anal white, with the anterior half dotted with black. Iris silvery, orbital half pale 
brownish. 
Usually captured at Cochin in the backwater during the S.W, monsoon. It grows to a large 
size and is excellent eating : it is termed the White mullet at Vizagapatam, but is inferior in flavour 
to the true mullet: it is also said to be called the Milk fish. 
Habitat—Seas, estuaries, tanks, and mouths of some rivers of India and Malaysia. 
