THE FISHES OF MALABAR. 
2G3 
situated they are sharp. On the-anterolateral ridges there are no spines, for the first two or three 
rings, then they become well developed. The lateral ridges are moderately spined in their whole 
extent, except on the ring opposite to the last antero-lateral one. The postero-lateral ridges have 
rather prominent spines at their upper rings, but they are not constant, neither are the number of 
body rings, which vary one or two, more or less. The caudal is quadrangular, angles rather 
thickened, scarcely spined. The anterior ridge of the body and the two antero-lateral ones coalesce 
at the anal fin. The postero-lateral ones commence separately from the occipital crest: passing out¬ 
wards they form with the first ring an acute angle, and are continued downwards on either side of 
the back for eight more rings, when they bulge outwards for three more, and on this portion the 
dorsal fin is placed. All the sides and back of the body are slightly concave. 
Colours—Brownish, opercles slightly bluish, fins transparent. Iris white, with some brown 
lines radiating from the pupil. 
Not very common in Malabar, except in rocky situations. Grows to eleven or twelve inches 
in length ; is commonly known as the “ Horse fish.” 
Habitat—Seas of India, Malaysia, China, and Australia. 
Sub-Fam. 8YNGNATHXDA3, Kaup. 
Group SYNGNATHINA, Kaup. 
\ 
Genus ICHTHYOCAMPUS, Kaup. 
Body heptagonal: dorsal surface slightly or very concave, caudal nearly as wide as body. Head short, 
with a shorter compressed sharp-ridged snout. Operele round, swollen, higher than wide. Fins four or 
live. The supero-lateral ridge of the back is continuous with that of the caudal region. The anus is 
situated under the commencement of the dorsal fin. Males furnished with a caudal egg pouch, which is 
open throughout. 
ICHTHYOCAMPUS PONTICERIANUS. 
Typhlus Ponticerianus, Bibron , Mus. Paris. 
Ichthyocampus Ponticerianus, Kaup , Catal. Brit. Mus. p. 31. 
D. 24. P. 16-17. A. 2. C. 8. Body rings, 15. Caudal rings, 38 to 40. 
Length of head including snout of the total length: from the anterior margin of the orbit 
to the end of the snout is very slightly longer than the distance from the anterior margin of the 
orbit to the posterior extremity of the operele. The length of the body is scarcely \ of the total 
length, and not half so long as the caudal portion. 
Eyes—Round, diameter ^ of length of head, nearly 3 diameters from end of snout, I of a 
diameter apart anteriorly, but more so posteriorly. 
The supero-lateral ridge of the back is continuous with that of the caudal portion : the infero- 
lateral ridge of the body is continuous with the same on the caudal : the inferior margin of the 
body has a very moderately prominent ridge. The lateral line curves downwards in the last part 
of its course, and then passes horizontally along the first caudal ring. 
Body moderately elongated, heptagonal, back nearly flat, the caudal portion being about two 
and a third times longer than the body, which is slightly higher than it is wide. 
