THE FISHES OF MALABAR. 
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series which are slightly arched in the upper jaw and have vertical denticulations. Those in the 
lower jaw are two-tliirds the breadth of those in the upper but more convex, forming the centre 
of an obtuse angle and parallel to the margin of the jaw. 
Fins—The dorsal commences opposite the end of the ventral, but does not extend so far 
as to opposite its apex. Ventral about three times as long as broad. Tail three or four times as 
long as the body, triangular in shape as far as the sphie, which is serrated and situated just behind 
the termination of the dorsal: beyond the spine the tail is compressed ; in this, as well as in some 
other species, there is occasionally a second spine on the caudal fin a little behind the root of the 
first. 
Scales—None. 
Colours—Greyish olive, sometimes greenish above, covered from beyond the occiput with 
numerous dirty white spots edged with black: abdominal surface white : tail black. Iris golden 
green, teeth greenish yellow. 
In the immature the back is of a deep leaden colour, and the spots hardly apparent. 
Eaten by the Natives. Is captured to upwards of six feet in width, and its flesh is salted. 
Habitat—Red Sea, Seas and estuaries of India and Malaysia. 
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