ftMrsVtlUVAlVtii ' o 0.^/o,A a.- y^ o B CATALOGUE FISHES BRITISH MUSEUM. ALBERT GUNTHER, M.A., M,D., PH.D., F.Z.S., ETC., ETC. VOLUME FIFTH. LONDON: PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES. 1SG4. CATALOGUE PHYSOSTOMI, CONTAINIXG THE FAMILIES SILURID.E, CHARACINID^, HAPLOCHITONID.E, STERNO- PTYCHID.E, SCOPELID^, STOMIATID^, COLLECTION BRITISH MUSEUM. BV DR. ALBERT GUNTHER. LONDON: PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES. 1S64. /'? ^ /L PKINTED BY TAYLOK K^^ FRANCIS, REP LION COURT, FLEET STREET. PREFACE. Dr. GtJNTHER observes, — "This volume contains the Siluroid fishes, and those families which, being provided with an adipose fin, were formerly associated Avith the Salmonoids. Muller proved them to be distinct families, separating the Characinoids and Scopeloids : however, natural as is the former of these families, very hetero- geneous forms are included in the latter. The genus Salatix, which we shall treat of in the sixth volume, is the type of a distinct family. " The publication of the present volume has been much delayed in consequence of a thorough re-examination of the large family of Siluroid fishes ; the manuscript was finished, when the Trustees of the British Museum acquii'ed the unique collection of Dr. Bleeker's Siluroids, thus rendering necessary a revision of the descriptions and of the systematic arrangement. " If we compare the number of species known at present with that contained in the corresponding parts of Cuvier and Yalenciennes's ' Histoire Naturelle des Poissons,' we find it nearly doubled, viz. : — Total number of species in Cuv. & Yal 492 Total number of species in this volume 1005 Species apparently well characterized in Cuv. it Yal 400 Species apparently well characterized in this volume .... 849 " More than 170 have been added from the Collection of the British Museum, which again has been much enriched by numerous acquisi- tions, of which the following are the more important : — " 1. Tlu< typical specimens of Siluroids described by Dr. P. Bleeker. " 2. The remainder of the typical specimens of Pharyngognaths, de- scribed by the same author, and not contained in the fourth volume of this work. *' 3. A Collection of the Fitches of the E.'-scquibo River, made by H. Eluhardt. Vi PKEFACE. " 4. A second Collection of Freshwater Fishes from Guatemala, from 0. Salvin, Esq. " 5. A Collection of Freshwater Fishes from Nicaragua, presented by Captain Dow, Corr. M. Zool. Soc. " 6. Several smaller Collections from the Upper Nile, made by J. Petherick, Esq. " 7. A Collection of the Freshwater Fishes from Palestine, made by the Rev. H. B. Tristram. "8, A Collection of Indian Fishes, presented by Captain Mitchell of the Madras Museum. " 9. Further Collections of Fishes from Australia and New Zea- land, sent by Mr. G. Krefft. " 10. Numerous small Collections of "West-African Freshwater Fishes, received from various sources. " 11. A Collection of Freshwater Fishes from Eastern Tropical Africa, presented by Dr. Kirk and Ch. Livingstone, Esq. " 12. A large Collection of Freshwater and Marine Fishes from Constantinople, made by Dr. Millingen." JOHN EDWARD GRAY. British Museum, Feb. 28, 1864. ADDITIONS TO THE INDEX OF THE WORKS QUOTED IN THIS AND THE PRECEDING VOLUMES. 1820. Rafinesqiie, C. S. Ichthyologia Ohiensis. Lexington, 8vo. 1829-32. RUppell, E. Besclireibiing uud Abbildimg neuer Fische im Nil. Frankf., 4to. 1835. . Neuer Nachtrag von neuen Nil-Fisclien. In Mus. Senckenb. ii. 1830-36. Rifaud, J. J. Voyage en ilgj'pte, en Niibie et lieux circouvoisins. Paris, fol. 1835. De Joctnnis. Observations sur les Poissons du Nil. In Gut5rin, Mag. Zool. 1838. Heckel, J. Fische aus Casclimir. Wien, 8vo. 1841-43. . Ichthyologie, in Riissegger, Eeisen in Europa, Asien iind Africa. Vols. i. & ii. Stuttg., 8a'o. 1840. Ranzani, C. De novis speciebus Piscimn. Dissert. i. In Nov. Comm. Acad. Scient. Instit. Bonon. vol. iv. 1842, . Dissert, ii.-iv. Ibid. vol. v. 1842. Alessandrini, A. De Branchiis Heterobranchi. In Nov. Conim. Acad. Scient. Instit. Bonon. vol. v. 1844. Valenciennes, in Jncqinmonf, V. Voyage dans I'lnde. Poiss. Atl. Paris, 4to. 1840. Reinhardt, J. Nye .'iydamerikanske Ferskvaudsfiske. In 'N'idensk. Mt'ddel. Naturh. f'oren. Kjubenh. 1854. . Notits om Slsegten Puchi/iinis og de dertil horende Arter. Ibid. 1853-54. Kner, R. Panzerwelse des IIofiiaturalien-Kabinets zu Wien. Denkwiird. Acad. Wien. \'ol. ^i. Loricarinte. ^'ol. vii. Ilyposto- miden. 1858. . IchthyologischeBeitrage. InSitzungsber. Acad. Wiss.AVien, vol. xxvi. . Kritiscbc Bemerkungen iiber Castelnau's Siluroiden. In Wiegm. Arch. 1864. . Specielles Verzeichniss der wiihrendderReiseder 'Novai-a' gesamnielten Fische. In Sitzgsber. Acad. Wiss. Wien, vol. xlix. 1855. Rasileicsly, St. lehthyographia Chinte borealis. In Nouv. Mem. Soc. Nat. Mosc. x. viii INDEX OF THE WORKS QUOTED 1858. Blnker, P. Iclithyolog-i;e Arcliipelagi Indici I'rudroinus. I. SUu- iiiidvt. llatav., 4to. 13(52. . MtSnioire sur les roissons de la cote de Guinee. Harlem, 4to. . Neuvieme article sur la faune iclithyologique de File de Ternate. ^'el•sl. en Mededeel. Akad. AVet. Amsterd. xiv. . Sixieme meiuoire sur la faune iclithyologique de I'lle de Batjan. Ibid. . Notice sur le genre Trachinus et ses especes. Ihid. . Notices Iclitliyologiques (i.-x.). Ihid. . Descriptions de quelques especes nouvelles de Silures. Ibid. lji(3;5. . Deuxieme notice sur la faune iclithyologique de Tile d'Obi. In Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. . Septieme niemoire sur la faune iclithyologique de Tile de Timor. Ibid. . Onzieme notice siu- la faune iclithyologique de Tile de Ternate. Ihid. , Sur quelques nouveaux genres du groupe des Synodontis. Ibid. . Troisieine raenioire sur la fixune ichtliyologique de Tile de Halmahera. Ibid. . Descriptions de quelques especes de Poissons de la Chine. Ibid. . Systema Siluroruni revisuni. Ibid. . Notices Iclithyologiques (i.-x.). Compt. Rend. Acad. Sc. Amsterd. xiv. . Descriptions de quelques especes nouvelles de Silures de Suriname. Ibid. . Treizienie memoire sur la faune ichthyologique de I'ile d'Amboine. Ibid. xv. 1858. Canestrini, G. Ueber die Stellung von OiiMcqjJudus im Systeme. In Verh. zool.-bot. Gesellsch. Wien. 18(30. . Zur Systematik der Percoiden. Ibid. . Zur Systematik und Characteristik der Anabatinen. Ibid. 1862. . Sopra alcuni Pesci del Mediterraneo. In Memor. Accad. Sc. Torin. ser. 2. xxi. I860. . I Gadidi e Macrouridi del Golfo di Genova. Arch. Zool. Anat. ii. . I Blennini, Anarrhichadiui e Callionimini del Golfo di Genova. Arch, per la Zool. ii. 1864. . Studi sui Lepadog aster del Mediterraneo. Ibid. iii. 1860. Steindachner, F, \J ehcr Amphisilc. InVerhand. zool.-bot. Gesellsch. Wien. 1863. . Ueber eine neue Gobius-Art aus dem Adriatischen Meere. Arch, per la Zool. ii. . Beitriige zur Kenntniss der Sciienoldeu Brasiliens und der C^-prinodonten Mexico's. In Sitzgsber. Acad. Wiss. Wien, vol. xlviii. IN TUIS AND THE i'RECEDING VOLrMES. IX 1802. (iihtthcr, A. Descriptions of new species of Keptiles and Fishes. In I'roc. Zool. Soc. . Some remarks on tlie genus Truchinus. In Ann. & INIag. Nat. Hist. October. 1803. . On new species of Fishes from Victoria, South Australia. Ibid. February. . On the European species of the genus Lahra.v. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. September. 1804. . On some new species of Ceiitral- American Fishes. In Proc. Zool. Soc. . Report of a Collection of Fishes from Guatemala. Ibul. . On a Poison-organ in a genus of Batrachoid Fishes. Ibid. 1802. Kroi/er, H. Nogle Bidrag til nordisk Ichthyologi. In Kroyer, Naturhist. Tidssk. Kjobeuh. 18G2. At/re-'f, W. O. On the Californian species of Svbades. In Proc. ■ Calif Acad. Nat. Sc. p. 207. 180;5. . Notes on Sebastoid Fishes occurring on the coast of Cali- fornia. Proc. Zool. Soc. 18()2. Costa, A. Aunuario del Museo zoologico della Universita di Napoli. Napoli, 8vo. 1802. Gill, Th. On a new genus^i«/i'c7(;'//y.s (Fistularidaj). In Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. . Remarks on the relations of genera and other groups of Cuban Irishes. Ibid. . Catalogue of the Fishes of Lower California, collected by Mr. Xantus. Parts 2 & 3. Ibid. . Descriptions of new species of Pinulodince. In Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. . Synopsis of tlie genera of Pimehdiiue. Ibid. . Note on the family of Scombroids. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. . Note on some genera of Fishes of Western North America. Ibid. . Synopsis of the Carangoids of the Eastern coast of North America. Ibid. . On the synonjiny of Elelix. Ibid. . Notice of a Collection of Fishes from California. Ibid. . On the limits and affinity of the family of Leptoscopoids. Ibid. 18(i.'{. . Catalogue of the North American Scifenoid Fishes. Ibid. . Catalogue of the Fishes of Lower California. Part 4. Ibid. — — . Descriptions of some new species of I'ediculati. Ibid. . Descriptive enumeration of a Collection of Fishes from the Western coast of Central America. Ibid. . On an unnamed generic tj'pe allied to Seba,ftc.s. Ibid. . Description of a new generic t\pe of Ophidioids. Ibid. . Synopsis of the Pomacentroids of the Western coast of North and Central America. Ihid. X WORKS QrOTED IN THIS AND THE PRECEDING VOLUMES. 18();i. Gill, Th. Notos on the Labroids of the Western coast of North America. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. . Synopsis of the family of Lepturoids. Ibid. . Synopsis of the North American Gadoid fishes. Ibid. . Descriptions of the genera of Gadoid fish of Western North America. Ibid. . Descriptions of the Gobioid genera of the Western coast of temperate North i\jiierica. Ibid. . On the Gobioids of the Eastern coast of the United States. Ibid. 1862. Cleland, J. Description of several Fishes from Old Calabar. In Edinb. New Phil. Joiirn. April. 1863. Filippi, F. Nuove specie di Animali raccolte in un viaggio in Persia. Arch, per la Zool. ii. 186.3. Kaup. Bemerkiingen iiber Caprodmi, etc. In Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. i. . Ueber einige Arten der Gattung Cludodon. Ibid. . Ueber einige japanische Fische. Ibid. 186.3. Johnson, J. Y. Descriptions of five new species of Fishes obtained at Madeira. Proc. Zool. Soc. . Descriptions of three new genera of Fishes obtained at Madeira. Ibid. 1863. Poey, F. Enumeration of the Fish described and figured by Parra, scientifically named. In Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. . Descriptions des Poissons nouvelles ou peu connues. Ibid, 1863. Cooper, J. G. On new genera and species of Californian Fishes. No. 3. In Proc. Califi Acad. Nat. Scienc. 1863. Garrett, A. Descriptions of new species of Fishes from the Sand- wich I.slands. Ibid. 1863. Siebold, C. Th. E. v. Die Siisswasserfische von Mittel-Europa. Leipzig, 8vo. 1864. Jdckel, A. J. Die Fische Bayerns. In Abhandl. zool. -mineral. Verein. Regensb. SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Order IV. PHYSOSTOMI. Fam. 1. SiLUHiD^. First Subfamily. .SlLURIDiE HOMAI.OPTERiE. First Group. C i, a n 1 1 n a. Page 1. Clarias, Groiior 13 1. anguillaris, L 14 2. gariepinus, Burchell .... 14 (capensis, C. et V. 15) 3. parvimanus, GtJtr 15 4. orontis, Gthr 15 5. lazera, C. et V. IG 6. niacracanthus, Gtln: . . 10, 429 7. xenodon, Gthr 16 8. macromystax, Gt/ir 17 9. sjTiacus, C. et V. 17 10. niagur, Ham. Bitch 17 n. niacrocephalus, Gthr. . . 18 12. fuscus, Lacej) 18, 429 13. abbreviatus, C. et V. 19 14. melanoderma, Blkr 19 15. tevsmanni, Blkr 19 10. liacanthus, Blkr 20 17. brachysoma, Gthr 20 18. nieuhofii, C. et V. 20 19. jagur, Ham. Biich 21 hasselquistii, C et J'. . . 13 dussumieri, C. et V. .... 13 fuscus, C. et V. .-. 13 scnegalensis, C. et V. .... 13 licviceps. Gill 13 2. lletorobi-anchus, Gexrffr. . . 21 1. bidorsalis, Gettfr 21 2. intermedins, Gthr 22 3. tapeiuopterus, Blkr 22 4. longitilis, C. et V. 22 5. isopterus, Blkr 23 0. laticpps, Peters 23 scnegaleusis, C. et /'. . . 21 Second Group. Plotosina. Page 3. Plotosus, Lacep 23 1. anguillaris, Bl. 24, 429 2. canius, Ham. Bitcli 25 3. limbatus, C. et V. 25 4» Copidoglanis, Gthr 25 1. tandanus, Mitch 26 2. obscurus, Gthr 26 3. albilabris, C. et V. 26 5. Cnidoglanis, Gthr 27 1. megastoma, Bichards. . . 27 2. leptm-us, Gthr 28 3. microcephalus, Richards.. 28 niacrocephalus, C. et V.. . 27 Third Group. Chacina. 6. Chaca, C.etV. 29 1. lophioides, C. et V. 29 2. bankanensis, Blkr 29 3. buchaiiani, Gthr 29 Second Subfamily. SlLUniD^ HETEEOPTEBiE. Fourth Group. Siluhina. 7. Saccobranchus, C. et V. . . 30 1. singio. Ham. Buch. . . 30, 429 2. fossilis, BL 31, 429 3. microp.*, Gthr 31 4. microcephalus, Gthr 31 8. Silurus, Artedi 32 1. glanis, L 32, 429 2. dauricus. Pall. 33 2rt. triostegus, Heck 429 3. asotus, L 33 4. atghaiia, Gthr 34 5. Cdchinrliiiicnsis, ('. et J'. . 34 (bcrdmorei, Bli/fh .34) 0. nialabaricus, ('. et 7". . . 34 9. Silurichthys, Blkr 35 1. pliaiosoma, Blkr 35, 429 2. ha.sseltii, Blkr 35 3. lamghur, Heck 36 sinensis, M'CleU. 35 SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Page 10. Wallago, Blh- 3(i 1. attu, Schn 36 2. leerii, Blkr 37, 429 11. Belodontichtliys, Blh: . . 37 1. niacrocliir, Blkr 37 12. TMitropiichthys, B/In- 38 1. vacha, ILiin. Buck 38 l;!. Cryptoplerus, Gthr 38 1. mononema, Blkr 39 2. limpok. Blkr 39 3. amboinonsis, Gthr. . . 40, 429 4. palembaugeusis, Blkr. . . 40 5. scliilbeides, Blkr 41, 429 6. bicirrhis, C. et V. 41 7. macroceplialiis, Blkr. . . 41 8. lais, Blkr 42 9. micropus, Blkr 42, 429 10. micronema, Blkr 43 11. hexapteriis, ^/^/' 48 12. micropogon, Blkr 43 13. bleekeri, Bocourt 44 14. leptonema, Blkr 44 15. gangeticus, Peters 44 , 14. Callichrous, Gtlir 4o 1 . biniaculatus, Bl 4^5 2. ceylonensis, Gthr 40 3. chedira, Ham. Buck 46 4. pabda, Ham. Buck 47 5. ana.stonius, C. etV. .... 47 6. liac-anthus, Blkr 47 7. cauio, Ham. Buck 48 8. pabo, Ham. Buck 48 9. hypophthalnni.s, Blkr. . . 48 10. niacroneina, Blkr 49 macrophtbalmus, Bh/th. . 45 15. Schilbo, Blkr. 49 1. uranoscopus, Biijip 49 2. mystus, C. et V. 50 3. dispila, Gthr 51 4. hasselquistii, C. et V. . . 51 5. senegalensis, C. et V. . . 51 16. Eutropius, Mull, et Trosch. 52 1. niloticu.'i, Riqrp 52 2. congensip, Leacli 52 3. obtusirostris, Gthr 53 4. adansonii, C. et V. 54 5. miirius, Ham. Bach 54 6. dcprcssiro.^tris, Pet 54 taakree, Si/kes 52 17. Ilemisiluru's, Blkr 54 1. lieterorb}niclms, Blkr. . . 54 2. scleronema, Blkr 55 18. Siluranodou, Blkr 55 1. auritus, Geoffr 65 19. Ailia, C.etV. 55 1. bengalensis, Grai/ 56 2. affinis, Gtlu: . . '. 56 20. Scbilbicbthys, Blkr le 1. garua, Ham. Buck 57 21. Lais, Blkr . . . 57 1. hexanema, Blkr 57 22. Pseudeutropius, Blkr 58 1. brachypopterus, Blkr. . . 58 2. atbei'iuoides, Bl 58 3. mitchelli, Gthr 59 4. megalops, Gthr 60 5. longimanus, Gthr 60 6. goongwaree, Si/ke.s 61 (exodou, C. et V. 61) macrophtbalmus, ^/y^A. . 58 buchanani, Val 58 23. Pangasius, C.etV. 61 1. buchanani, C. et V. .... 62 2. djambal, Blkr 62 3. macronema, Blkr 62 4. rios, Blkr 63 5. micronema, Blkr 63 6. nasutu.s, Blkr 63 7. juaro, Blkr 64 delicatipsimiis, Blkr 61 24. Helieophagus, Blkr 64 1. tjinis, Blkr 64 2. waandaraii, Blkr 65 25. Silondia, C.etV. 65 1. gangetiea, C.etV. 65 Third Subfamily. SiLURIDiE .ANOMALOPTEEiE. Fifth Gr. IIypophthalmina. 26. Ilelogenes, Gthr 66 1. marmoratus, Gthr 06 27. Hypophthalmus, C. et V. . 67 1. edentatus, Spix 67 2. longifilis, C. et V. 68 3. marginatus, C. et J\ .... 68 4. fimbriatus, Kner 68 Foui'th Subfamily. SlLURID^ PHOTEBOPTEE^. Sixth Group. Bagrina. 28. Bagrus, Blkr 69 1. bayad, Forsk 69 2. docmac, Forsk 70 29. Ohry.sichthys, Gthr 71 1. aiiratus, Geoffr 71 2. macrops, Gthr 71 3. maurus, C.etV. 72 3«. furcatus, Gthr 430 4. cranchii, Leach 72 5. nigrodigitatus, Lacep. . . 73 6. acutirostris, Gthr 431 30. Clarotes, Kner 73 1. laticeps, Rilpp ..• ■ ■ 73 31. Macrones, Dum 74 1. pelusiu.?, C. et V. . . . . 75, 4;)1 SVSTEMATrt' IXDKX. XIU Page 2. cava-!iU8, Haiti. Biuh. . . 7G .'!. iiiicracantluis, Blhv 76 4. elongatiia, Gthr 77 5. uigriceps, ('. ft V. 77 6. leucopliasis, S/i/fh 78 7. aor, Ham. liin/i 78 8. lamarrii, C. ct V. 79 y. gulio, Ham. BucJi 79 10. iienuinis, C. ct V. 80 lioevenii, Blkr 81 11. planiceps, K. et v. H. . . 81 12. tengara, Ham. Buck 81 13. wolffii, Blkr 82 14. wyckii, Blkr 83 15. batasio, Ham. Bitch 83 16. affiiiis, Blrjth 83 17. tengaua, Ham. Bach 84 18. keletius, C. ct V. 84 19. itehkeea, Sykes 84 menoda, Ham. linch 74 eiythropterus, Bl 75 vittatus, Bl. 75 trachacanthus, C. ct T'. . . 75 oculatus, C. et V. ...... 75 liuibatus, Richards 75 aorinus, Val. 75 cliaudi'auiara, Ham. Buch. 75 32. Pseudobagius, Blkr 84 1. auraiitiaeus, Svlilec/ 85 2. vachellii, Elchards 85 3. fulvi-drac'O, Bichards. . . 85 4. brachysonia, G/hr 86 33. Liocassis, Blkr 86 1. longirostris, Gthr 87 2. crassilabris, Gthr 88 3. poecilopterus, K. et v. H. . 89 4. micropogon, Blkr 89 5. stenonnis, K. et v. H. . . . . 90 34. Bagi-oides, Blkr 90 1. melanopterus, Blkr 90 2. niacropterus, Blkr 91 3. niacracantlius, Blkr 91 35. Bagi-ichthys, Blkr 92 1. hvpselopterus, Blkr 92 30. Rita, ^//c/- 92 1. crucigera, Owen 92 2. pavimentata, Tal. 93 3; hastata, Val. 93 4. kutumee, Sykes 93 5. manillensi.«, C. et V. . . . . 94 rama, Ham. Buch 92 37. Acrochordonichthys, Blkr. 94 1. platycephalus, Blkr 94 2. melauogaster, Blkr 94 3. rug08U9, Blkr 95 4. pleurostignia, 2ilkr 96 5. zonatus, Blkr 95 0. ischnosoiiia, Blkr litj 38. Akysis, 2?/Ar 96 1. variegatiis, Blkr 96 2. pusillus, Ranzani 97 3. niacronema, Blkr 97 39. 01vra,3/'CM 97 1. longicaudata, ilf'f'M. .. 98 40. Brancliiosteus, Gill 98 1. laticeps, jlf'CW/ 98 41. Amim'iis, Gthr 98 1. catus, L 99 2. cantoneusis, C. et V. .... 100 3. nigricans, Lesueiir 100 4. borealis, Richards 100 5. ailurus, Girurd 100 6. punctiilatus, C. et V. .... 101 7. natalis, Lesveur 101 8. nebiilosus, Lesiieur 101 9. liipu.s, Girard 101 bammondii, Abbott .... 102 10. Cauda- fiu'catus, Lesuciir. . 102 11. meridionalis, Gthr 102 12. furcatus. C.etV. 103 13. aifinis, Baird et Gir 103 -^MWvm, Dekay 98 felis, Agass 98 vulpes, Girard 98 autoniensis, Girard .... 98 boyi, Girard 98 confiuis, Girard 98 cupreoides, Girard 98 lynx, Girard 98 puma, Girard 98 vulpeciilus, Girard 98 platycepbalus, Girard . . 98 megalops, Girard 98 notatu.s, Abbott 98 guttatus, Lacep 99 gTacilis, Hough 99 beadlei, Gill i!9 obesus, Gill 9!t niaculatus, Rajin 91) cupreus, RaJin 99 42. Hopladeius, Gill 103 43. Noturu.s, Rafn 104 1. lemniscatu.^i. C. ct T 104 2. flavus, Raf/i 104 3. platycepbalus, Gthr 104 4. occidentalis, Gill 105 gyrinus, Mitch 104 Seventh Group. Pi me lo din a. 44. Sorubim, Blkr 105 1. lima, Schn 105 45. Platystonia, Agass 106 1. planioeps, Agass 106 2. spatula, Agass 100 XIV SYSTEMATIC JXDEX. Page 3. artedii, dthr 100 4. fosciatum, L 107 5. tigrinnum, C. it V. 107 (5. orbignianimi, Val 107 7. coruscans, Ayass 108 8. pardale, Valenc 108 9. tnincatiun, Ac/ass 108 10. vaillantii, C. k V. 1('8 11. affine, C. e< V. ....^...109 emarginatuni, C. et V. . . 106 40. IIemisorubiin,5/A7- 109 1. platvrhynchus, C.et V. 109,431 47. Platystomaticlitliys, B!kr. . 109 1. stui-io, Kiiej- 110 48. Phractocepliahis, Ayass. . . 110 1. lieniiliopterus, 8chn 110 49. riramutaua, Gthr 110 1. piramuta, Kner Ill 2. blochii, C.ctV. Ill 50. Platyniematichthy.9, Blkr. . Ill 1. punctulatus, Kner 112 aragriayensis, Casteln. . . Ill 51. riratiiiga, Gthr 112 1. tilameiitosa, Licht 112 2. reticulata, Kner 113 3. goliath, Kner 113 ilavicans, Casteln 112 rousseauxii, Casteln 112 pimctulata, Casteln 112 52. Sciades, Gthr 113 1. pictiis, M.etT. 113 2. longibarbis, Casteln 1 14 53. Pimelodus, Gthr 114 1. maculatus, Lacep llo 2. omatus, Kner IIG 3. eques, 31. et T. 116 4. cristatus, M.etT. 117 5. modestiis, Gthr 117 ('). elongatus, Gthr 118 7. lateristriga, M. et T. 118 8. seba;, C.etV. 119 9. miilleri, Gthr 119 10. holomelas, Gthr 120 1 1. stegelichii, M. et T. 121 12. gracilis, Valenc 121 13. guatemalensis, Gthr 122 14. brcTiceps, Kner 122 15. wilsoni, Gill 122 16. queleni, Q.etG 123 17. wucbereri, Gthr 123 18. godmanni, Gthr 124 19. micropterus, Gthr 124 20. Dicaraguensis, Gthr 125 21. petenensis, Gthr 126 22. hypselurus, Gthr 126 23. niotagiiensis, Gthr 127 24. laticauda, Ileck 127 25. j)ati, Valenc 128 26. jenvnsii, Gthr 128 27. pentlandii, C. et V. 129 28. Immilis, Gthr 129 29. ciiierasceus, Gthr 130 30. foiiia, M. etT. 130 31. salvini, Gthr 130 32. notatus, Schomh 131 33. polycaulus, Gthr 131 34. exsudans, Jenijns 132 35. sapo, Val. 132 36. hilarii, C.etV 132 37. deppii, M.etT. 133 38. jaTUs, C.etV. 133 39. biifonius, C. et V. 133 40. raninus, C.etV. 133 41. manguras, Valenc 134 42. platycbir, Gthr 134 charus, C. et V. 114 zimgaro, Htimb 114 argentinus, Humb 114 velifer, Humh 114 niaculatiis, Schomh 114 laiikidi, Blkr 114 insignis, Schvmh 114 bahianiis, Casteln 114 54. Pirinampus, Blkr 135 1. tj-pus, Blkr 135 55. Conorh^Ticbus, Blkr 135 1. conirostris, C. et V. .... 136 56. Notoglanis, Gthr 1 36 1. miiltii-adiatus, Kner .... 136 arekaima, Schomh 136 57. Callopbysiis, M. etT. 136 1. lateralis, Gill 136 2. macropterus, Licht 137 3. ctenodus, Aga.'is 137 58. Auchenaspis, Blkr 137 1. biscutatiis, Geoffr 137 Eighth Group. A r 1 1 n a. 59. Arius, Gthr 138 1. thalassinus, Riipp 139 2. gagorides, C. et V. .... 140 3. sagor, Ham. Buch 141 4. doroides, C.etV. 142 5. leptaspis, Blkr 142 6. arioides, C. et V. 143 sona. Ham. Buch 143 7. commersonii, Lacep 143 8. lierzbergii, Bl 144 9. dubius, Blkr 144 10. mesops, C. et V. 145 11 . guatemalensis, Gthr 145 12. a.ssimilis, Gthr 146 hymenorrliinoa, Blkr. . . 146 13. piatypogou, Gthr 147 SYSTEMATIC INDEX. 14. seemanni, Gthr 147 15. surinamensi.'!, Blkr 148 16. proops, C. etV. 148 17. passany, C. et V. 149 18. coerulescens, Gfhr 149 19. trosclielii, Gill 150 20. empliysetus, M. et T. 150 21. valenciennesii, Cast. 150, 154 22. ilavescens, C. et V. .... 151 23. temminckii, C. et V. 151 24. latiscutatus, Gthr ]51 25. luniscutis, C. et V. 152 26. parkeri, Traill 153 27. grandicassis, C. etV..... 153 stricticassis, C. et V..... 154 parmoeassis, C. et V. .... 154 28. heudelotii, C. et V. 154 29. parkii, Gthr 154 30. milberti, C. et V. 155 31. rugispinis, C. et V. .... 156 dieperinki, Blkr 156 32. phrvgiatii.?, C. et V. 156 33. dasvcephalus, Gthr 157 34. truncatus, C. et V. 158 35. caelatus, C. et V. 158 36. sinensis, C. et V. 159 37. venosus, C. et V. 159 38. utik, Blkr 160 39. leptonotaeantliiis, Blkr. 161 40. melanochir, Blkr 161 41. stoi-mii, Blkr 162 42. sumatraniis, Benn 162 43. dussumierii, C. et V. 163 44. k-irkii, Gthr 163 45. touggol, Blkr 164 46. argyropleuron, K. et v. H. 164 47. macrocephalus, Blkr. . . 165 48. liocephalus, Blkr 165 49. polvstaplivlodon, Blkr. . . 166 50. goiiia-^pis,' Blkr 166 51. maeulatus, Thunb 166 52. pidada, Blkr 167 53. macracanthus, Gthr 167 54. gagora. Ham. Bueh 168 55. falcarius, Richards 168 56. niacronotacanthus, Blkr. 169 57. cochinchinensis, Gthr. . . 170 58. microcephalus, Blkr 170 59. nuclialis, Gthr 171 00. laticeps, Gthr 171 61. melanopus, Gthr 172 62. arenatiLs, C. et V. 172 63. fissus, C.etV. 172 04. variolo.su.s, C. et V. .... 173 65. mnltiradiatus, Gthr 173 66. equesti*is, Baird et Gir. . . 173 67. venaticus, Bichards 174 VOL. V. Page 68. vertagiis, Bichards 174 trachipomiis, C. et V. . . 138 chinta, C.etV. 138 penieciis, C. et V. 138 couma, C.et V. 138 subrostratus, C. etV.. . . ■ 138 rostratus, C. et V. 138 belangerii, C. et V. 138 dowii, Gill 138 nigricans, Valenc 138 qnadrimaculatus, Bl. .... 1 j8 jatius, Ham. Bi/ch 138 molliceps, C.etV. 138 pimcticiilatus, C. et V. . . 138 60. Galeichthys, Blkr 174 1. feliceps, C. et V 175 61. Genidens, Casteln 175 1. cuvieri, Casteln 1"5 62. Hemipimelodus, Blkr. . . 176 1. bomeensis, Blkr 176 2. macrocephalus, Blkr. . . 176 3. peronii, C.et V. 177 neUa, C.etV. 176 raanilleusis, C. et V. . . . . 176 63. Ketengus, Blkr 177 1. tvpus. Blkr 177 64. M\va:ic\\i\\\s, Baird et Gir. 177 1. longispinis, Gthr 178 2. marinus, Mitch 178 3. gi-ono^-ii, C. et V. 178 4. nuchalis, Gthr 179 panamensis. Gill 179 65. Paradiploniystax, Blkr. . . 180 1. coniscans, Licht 180 66. Diplomystax, Dinn 180 1. papillosus, C. et V. .... 180 67. Osteogeniosus, Blkr 181 1. militaris, L 181 2. valenciennesii, Blkr 181 3. macrocephalus, Blkr. . . 182 68. Batrachoceplialus, Blkr. . . 182 1. mino, Ham. Buch 182 Ninth Group. B.agahin.\. 69. Bagarius, Blkr 183 1. yan-ellii, Sykes 183 70. Eugh-ptostemum, Gthr. . . 183 1. coum, L 184, 431 71. Gh'ptostenixim, Gthr 185 1. trilineatnm, Bli/fh 185 2. gi-acile, Gthr..' 186 3. platvpogonoides, Blkr. . . 186 4. lonah, Si/kes 187 5. dekkanense, Gthr 187 6. platA'pogon, K. et i\ H. . . 187 7. striatum, M'Clell. 188 reticulatum, M' CMl 188 b SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Page 6. pectinopterum, M' Civil. . 188 telcliitta, Ham. Buck. . . 185 Hara, Bli/th 189 1. aspora, M'Clell 189 2. buchanani, JSli/th 189 3. couta, Ham. Buch 189 Amblyceps, Bhjth 190 1. cfecutiens, Blylh 190 2. tenuispiuis, Bhjtli 190 3. mangois, Ham. Buck .... 190 anisurus, Jf ' Ckll 190 indicus, 3/' CM. 190 Fiftli Subfamily. SlLUHID^ STKNOBRAKCHI/E. Tentli Group. Doeadina. 72. Ageniosiis, Lacep 191 1. militaris, Bl 191 2. sebffi, Gthr 192 3. brevifilis, C. et V. . . 192, 431 3a. axillaris, Gthr 431 4. dentatus, Kmr .... 192, 432 davalla, Scliomh 191 73. Tetranematichthys, Blkr. 192 1. quadrifilis, Kner 193 74. Euanemus, M.etT. 193 1. nuchalis, Spiv 193 75. Aiichenipterus, C. et V. . . 194 1. nodosus, i?/. 194 2. thoracicus, Kner 194 3. tracbycoryste.?, C. et V. . . 195 4. obsciu'us, Gthr 195 5. longimanus, Gthr 195 6. ceratopbysu8, Kner .... 196 7. maculosus, C. et V. .... 196 8. galeatus, L 196 9. robustus, Gthr 197 oncina, Schomb 194 6. Oentroniocblus, Kner .... 197 1. beckelii, Filippi 197 2. aulopvgius, Kner 198 77. Trache'lyoptenis, C. ctV.. . 198 1. coriaceus, C.etV. 198 2. tffiniatus, Kner 198 78. Cetopsis, Ayat^.i 199 1. coecutien.s, Licht 199 2. candira, Ar/ass 199 3. gobioides, Kner 199 79. Asteropby.sus, Kmr 200 1. batraL'hu.s, Kner 200 80. Dora.s, Gthr 200 1. co.«tatus, i 201 2. armatulus, C. et V. 201 3. dentatus, Kner 201 4. bancockii, C. et V. 202 5. muricus. Kner 202 6. affinis Kner 202 Page truncatus, Blkr 203 7. weddeUii, Ca.4eln 203 8. astertfrous. Heck 203 9. beckelii, Kner 204 10. catapbractus, L 204 11. dorsalis, C.etV. 205 12. litbogaster. Heck 205 13. papilionatus, Fit 205 crocodili, Humh 200 castaneo-ventris, Schonib. 200 brunnescens, Schomb 200 81. Oxydoras, Gthr 206 1. ca'rinatus, L 206 2. bumeralis. Heck 206 3. punctatus, Kter 207 4. brevis, Heck 207 5. fimbriatus, Kner 207 6. stenopeltis, Heck 208 7. lipopbtbalmus, Kner. . . . 208 82. Rhiuodoras, Gthr 209 1. niger, Valenc 209 2. kiierii, Blkr 209 3. orbigiiyi, Kriiycr 209 83. SjTiodonti.s, C.etV. 210 1. sorex, Gthr 211 2. macrodon, Geoffr 211 3. serratus, Riip^j 212 4. schal, Schn 212 5. nebulosus. Pet 213 6. oniias, Gthr 213 7. nigi-itus, C.etV. 214 8. bumeratus, C. etV. .... 214 9. ganibiensis, Gthr 214 10. zambesen.sis. Pet 214 11. xipbias, Gthr 215 12. nieiubranaceus, Geoffr. . . 215 Eleveutb Gr. Rhinoglanina. 84. Rbinoglauis, Gthr 216 1. typus, Gthr ... 216 86. Mocbocus, Joannis 217 1. niloticus, Joannis 217 86. Callomystax, Gthr 218 1. gagata, Ham. Bnch 218 Twelftb Gr. Malapterueina. 87. Malapteiiirus, Lacep 219 1. electricus, Gm 219 2. beninensis, Murray .... 220 3. affinis, Gthr 220 Sixth Subfamily. SiLURIDiE PEOTEROPODES. 13tb Group. Hypostomatina. 88. Arges, C.etV. 222 1. sabalo, C.etV. 222 2. bracbycephalu.s, Gthr. . . 222 SYSTEMATIC INDKX. oU. r5tyfroiposarcus, Gthr 238 1. niultiradiatus, Ilanc 238 2. altipirinis, Gthr 239 3. pardalis, Ca.steln 2.'?9 95. Cha3tostomus, Ileek 240 1. serratus, C. et J'. 241 2. spinosus, Custeln 241 3. medians, Ktier 242 4. pictus, Kner 242 5. brachyunis, Kner 243 0. itacua, Va/enc 243 7. niveatus, C 'asteln 243 8. scaphirliraclius, Kner . . 244 9. niystacinus, Kner 244 10. oligo.'^pilu.s, (.'thr 244 11. scbonibiirgkii, Gthr 245 1 -1 ^^go IJ. guacbarote, C. et V. .... 245 13. trinitatis, Gthr 246 14. aurantiacus, Casteln 246 15. nigricans, Ca.steln 246 16. cirrbosus, J'al. 247 17. boplogenv,s, Gfhr 247 18. leucostictus, Gfhr 248 19. cahmiita, C. et V. . . 248, 432 20. gymnorbyncbus, Kner . . 249 21. nudicepa,' M. et T. 249 22. erinaceus, C. et V. . . 249. 432 23. dolicbopterus, Kner .... 249 24. niicropa, Gthr 250 25. loborbyncbus. Heck 250 bufonius, C.et V. 240 teraminckii, C. et V. .... 240 squalinum, Schomb 240 96. Pterygoplichtbys, Gill . . 251 1. duodecinialis,Y'. <>< V. . . 251 2. punctatus, Natterer 251 3. gibbiceps, K7ier 252 Jc. lituratus, Kner 252 97. Ebiuelepis, ?'r 252 1. aspera, Sjnx 253 stngosa, C. et V. 252 98. Acauthicus, Spi.v 253 1. genibarbis, C. et V. 253 2. liystrix, S^nx 253 bystrix, C.etV. 253 99. Loricaria, L 254 1. catapbracta, L 255 2. maorodon, Kner 255 3. Ia3%-iuscula, C.etV. .... 256 4. vetula, Val. 256 5. nudirentris, C. et V. .... 256 6. rostrata, Spijc 256 7. bai-bata, Kner 257 8. maculata, Bl. 257 9. anus, Val. 258 10. paraberuiodon, lilkr 258 11. platycepbala, Kner .... 258 12. acuta, C.etV. 258 13. nudirosti'is, Kner 259 14. depressa, Kner 259 15. acipenserina, Kner .... 260 16. lima, Kner 260 17. brunnea, Hancock 260 platyura, M. et T. 254 caracasensis, lilkr 254 uracautlia, Kner 254 100. Acestra, Kner 260 1. acus, K)ier 261 2. oxyrbynclius, Kner 261 3. amazonuni. Gfhr 261 4. gbidiolus, Gflir 261 101. Sisor, Hant. Bueh 262 1. rbabdopborus, //. H 2(!2 // 2 SXSTE3iAIIC INDEX. Page 102. Eretliistes, M.ttT. .... 263 1. pusilliis, JI.etT. 264 103. Pseudecheneis. £li/th . . 264 1. siilcatuis M-Clell. \ 264 104. Exastoma. Blt/th 264 1. labiatvmi. M- CM. 26-5 2. berdmorei, £li/th 265 NA. 266 266 266 267 267 267 268 269 269 270 270 270 Fourteen til Gr. A s p r e d i x i 105. Bunocephalus, Kner .... 1. TemicosiLS, BI. 2. gronoTii, Blkr. 106. Bxmooephalichtliys, Blkr. 1. hvpsiunLS, Kner 107. Aspredo, Z 1. batraclius, i 2. sicrephonis, C. et V. . . . . 3. cotylophorus, BL 4. nenLatophoms, BUcr 6. filamentosus, C.efV..... 6. tibiceii, C.etV. SeTentt SubfamilT. SH-rETD^ OPISTHOi'TXE^U Irfteentii Group. Nematogextixa. 106. Heptapterus. Blkr 271 L sarinaineiisis. Blkr 271 2. mustelmns. Val. 271 109. Xematc^envs, Girard . . 272 L inennis. Gvick 272 Siiteeitli Group. TbICHOXT CTEEIXA. 110. TiicliomTcteras, Val. . . . L dispar, TscJaedi 2. uLcnlatus. C.etV. 3. aredaros, C.etV. 4. mgricaiis, C.et V. 5. rrrnlatus. C.etV. 6. ta&nia, Kiter 7. ladceps. Sjter iacs:. C.et V. 272 273 273 274 2 4 274 274 274 272 272 llLt-- ^ , 112. Pario-ioiL K. L mierops. Sjter ^eln.. 275 275 Eiiltil >-h-fs.-mTT— SiLrsu)^ EaA3rcHicoi.jE. 17tii Grtstip. STEGOPEiriyA. lis. StescrpL£ii5. BeiiJL. 276 L rEsdic-=^i5. ItfinA 276 Page 1. cirrhosa, C. etV. 277 2. plazae, CasUln 277 Family 2. CHABAcrN'rD.5:. First Group. Ebttheixixa. 1. Macrodon, M. et T. 281 1. trahira, Spix 281 2. intermedius, Gthr. 282 3. micTolepis, Gthr. 282 4. aimara, C.etV. 283 auritiis, C.etV. 281 patana, C.etV. 281 guavina, Val. 281 microcephalus, Agass. . . . 281 teres, C.etV. 281 2. Errthrinus, Gronffv. 283 1. unitseniatus, Spix 283 2. gronovii, C. et V. 284 3. salmoneus, Gronor 284 4. longipiimis, Gikr 28o 5. brericauda, Gthr 285 palustris, Schn 283 cinereus, Gill 283 3. Lebiasina, C.etV. 285 L bimaculata. C.etV. 286 4. Prrrbulina, C.etV. 286 L'filamentosa, C. et V. 286 5. Corynopoma, Gthr 287 1. aibipirme, GiU 287 2. riisei, Gill 287 3. TeedoniL Gill 287 4. seadesii,' GUI 288 Second Group. CrEiiiATiXA- 6. Curimatus, Gthr. , 288 L =pilums, Gthr 288 2. albnmiis, M.et T. 2^ 3. arsrenteus, Crill 2?© 4. gBDbeiti Q.etG 2?© 5. trosclieliL Gthr 290 6. mtlLoideB, JSJner 290 7. CTprin&ides, L. 290 8. esseqtnbfeiias, Gthr. .... 291 9. scbcmobTircrkiL Gthr. .... 291 10. cSiaxui, Ji. et' T. 292 IL vittatus. Kner 292 12. planiro-tris, Grfmot: 2SS 13. latioT. Sjfix 29S 14. laiiceps. C. et V. 298 15. elan^atiK, Spix 293 7. PrC'ctilodni. Apam 294 1. innnerali?. Gtkr 2i>4 2. Timboiies. K/ter 294 3. arge-nteTii. Aga^^ 294 4. Eisri''TazL=. AgtvA 295 ' l^rVpi^. f^thr. 295 ?S 2! Mi 21 1? 2117 2H7 2lt7 2118 2i "S 2118 2!>lt 20H 2Y'lt auo «(»() aoo 21 >8 ;$o] :;oi 801 aoi 801 Third ( Jroup. V i r ii a n i x i n 12. Citharinns, .1/.r^ T. 1. fri'dli'royi, Cui^ 2. laliis, M. ilT. l"'oiirtli ( \ roup. \ N () .s t k m a t i 18. Anosloiim.s, (Irotuni. 1. saliuoneufl, (inmov. 2. villalu.x, C.H V. . 8. ^rnicilis, Ktifi- 4. liiinariilatUH, Kmr 5. faHfiatUH, 'S/>ix . . , (J. tiiMiiatiiM, Kwr . , , 7. i.sdjriiatliiiM, Kirr . 8. nii-sutiiK, Kiirr 14. Hh^vli.uliis, Kmr... !•. IIIKTillcpiri, Klrr 2. arj.'i'iilcu-fii.«ciis, Kiiri IT). l.i-poriiiiiH, NpLr .... 1. I'rfdrrici, /// 2. (ibtii^>idi'ii^, Vii/rnr, 8. mr(.'idcpiM, fi't/ir. . . 4. Ic-clicuaiillii, C ft V. r>. biniaciibitiiM, L'< 381 2. ticuiatus, Jem/us 381 2. Prototroctes, Gthr 382 1. marsena, Gthr 382 Fam. 4. Sternoptychid^?:. Fir.st Gr. Sternopty'CHina. 1. Argyropelecus, Cocco .... 384 1. hemigYmnu.s, Cocco .... 385 2. olfersii. Cur 386 3. dm'Yillii, C. et V. 386 4. aculeatus, C.etV. 386 2. Sternoptyx, Hermann .... 386 1. diaphana, Hcrtn 387 Second Group. Cocciina. 3. Coccia, Gthr 387 1. OYata, Cocco 388 4. Maurolicus, Gthr 388 1. borealis, Miss 389 2. amethystino-punctatus, Cocco 390 3. poweriae, Cocco 390 4. attenuatus, Cocco 390 Third Group. Chauliodontina. 5. Gonostoma, I^a/in 391 1. denudatum, liajin 391 6. Chauliodus, Schn 392 1. sloanii, Schn 392 Fam. 5. Scopelid.^. First Group. Saurina. 1. Sam-us, C.et v. 394 1. gi'iseus, Lon-e 394 2. atlanticus, Johnson .... 395 3. Yarius, Lucep 395 4. intennedius, Spix 390 5. fastens, L 396 (spixiauus, Pocy 397) 6. lucioceps, Ayres 397 7. brevirostris, Poey 397 8. altipinnis, Gthr 397 9. myops, Forster 398 s_^Tiodus, L 394 meleagi'ides. Vol 394 sp. Pai'rre 394 sp. Lienardi 394 2. Saurida, C.etV. 399 1. tumbil, m. 399 2. nebulosa. C. et V. 399 3. argyrophanes, Pich 400 4. undosquamis, Pick 400 SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Page 5. n:randisqiiamis, Gthr. . . 400 tei'ox, Ei/(l. ct Soul. 399 3. Harpodou, Lcsiicur 401 1. nehereus, Ham. Buch. . . 401 4. Aulopiis, Ciw 402 1. filamentosus, BI. 402 2. purpurissatus, Rich 403 5. Chlorophthalmus, Bonap. . . 403 1. agassizii, Bonap 404 6. Scopelus, Gthr 404 1. rissoi, Cocco 405 2. benoiti, Cocco 406 3. paiTimanus, Gthr 406 4. glacialis, Bcinh 407 5. Immboldti, Risso 407 6. boops, Richards 408 7. maci'ocbir, Gthr 408 8. caninianus, C. et V. .... 409 9. metopoclampus, Cocco . . 409 10. rafinesquii, Cocco 410 11. dumerilii, Blkr 410 12. asper, Richards 411 13. siibasper, Gthr 411 (steDatus, Benn 412) 14. maderensis, Loive 412 15. coccoi, Cocco 413 (coruscans, Richards. . . 413) (notatus, Lesiieur 414) 16. bonapartii, Cocco 414 17. macrolepidotus, Johns. . . 414 18. gemellarii, Cocco 415 19. respleiidens, Richards. . . 415 20. caudispinosiis, Johns 416 coruscans, C. et V. 404 brachygnathus, Blkr. . . 404 crocodilus, Risso 404 angustidens, Risso 404 Page 7. Scopelosaums, Blkr 417 • 1. hoedti, Blkr 417 8. Odontostomus, Cocco .... 417 1. hyalinus, Cocco 417 Second Group. Paralepidina. 9. Paralepis, Ri.'iso 418 1. coregonoides, Risso .... 418 2. spbjrfenoides, Risso .... 418 3. borealis, Reinh 419 10. Sudis, Rafn 419 1. hyalina, Rajin 420 Third Group. Alepidosauiiina. 11. Alepidosaurus, Lowe .... 420 1. ferox, Loire 421 2. altivelis, Poer/ 423 3. boreaUs, Gill 423 Fam. 6. Stojiiatid^. First Group. A strokes thin a. 1. Astronestbes, Richards. . . 424 1. niger, Richards 425 2. Ricbardsonii, Poet/ .... 425 3. barbatus, Kner 425 Second Group. Stomiatina. 2. Stomias, Ckv 426 1. boa, Risso 426 2. barbatus, Cm 426 3. ferox, Reinh 426 3. Echiostoma, Lotve 427 1. barbatum, Lowe 427 4. Malacosteus, Ayres 427 1. niger, Ayres 428 Addenda to preceding Volumes. Melampbaes typblops, Zowe. . 433 | Chiasmodus niger, Jo7(«s. 435 1 CATALOGUE FISHES. Subclass I. TELEOSTEI. {CONTINUED.) Order IV. PHYSOSTOMI. All the fin-rays are articulated ; only the first of the dorsal and pectoral fins is sometimes more or less ossified. The ventral fins, if present, are abdominal, without spine. Air-bladder, if present, ^vith a pneu- matic duct. Cfr. Miiller, in Abhanrll. Eerl. Acad. 1844. p. 174. Fam. 1. SILURID.E. Siluroidei, Cur. Rbgiie Anim. Skin naked or with osseous scutes, but without scales. Barbels always present ; maxillary bone rudi- mentary, almost always forming the base of a maxil- lary barbel. Margin of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries only. Suboperculum absent. Air- bladder generally present, communicating with the organ of hearing by means of the auditory ossicles. Adipose fin present or absent. Inhabitants of the fresh waters of all the temperate and tropical regions, some entering the salt water, but keeping near the coast. We give first a synopsis of the Groups, and then one of the Genera. Synopsis of the Groups. First Subfamily. SILURID^ HOMALOPTER^. The dorsal and anal fins are very long, nearly equal in extent to the corresponding parts of the vertebral column. Group A. The gill -membranes are not confluent with the skin of the isthmus, remaining separate to the chin. The dorsal is uni- formly composed of feeble rays, or its posterior portion is modified into an adipose fin Clariina, p. 13. Group B. The gill-membranes are not confluent with the sldn of the isthmus, or united with it by a narrow strip only, remaining more or less separate. The dorsal is divided into two portions : a short anterior with a strong spine, and a long posterior which, like the anal, is confluent with the caudal. Ventrals many- rayed Plotosina, p. 23. Group G. The gill-membranes are confluent with the skin of the broad isthmus, the gill-openings being thereby reduced in extent. The dorsal and anal are divided into two portions : the anterior of the former fin with a strong sjnne, whilst the posterior of both fins are united with the caudal. Ventrals six-rayed. Chacina, p. 29. Second Subfamily. SILURID^ HETEROPTERiE. The rayed dorsal fin is very little developed, and if it is present, it belongs to the abdominal portion of the vertebral column ; the adipose fin is exceedingly small or absent. The extent of the anal is not much inferior to that of the caudal vertebral column. The gill-membranes overlap the isthmus, remaining more or less sepa- rate. Group D. Ventral fins below or behind the dorsal. The abdominal portion of the vertebral column is much shorter than the caudal, and the anterior vertebrae are confluent into one of large size. Silurina, p. 30. Tliircl Subfamily. SILURID.E ANOMALOPTERtE. The rayed dorsal fin is present, but little developed, and belongs to the caudal portion of the vertebral column ; adipose fin exceed- ingly small. The extent of the anal is not much inferior to that of the caudal vertebral column. The gill-membranes overlap the isthmus, remaining separate to the chin. (Jroup E. Ventral fins in front of the dorsal. The abdominal por- tion of the verteliral column is much shorter than the caudal, and the anterior vertebrae remain separate. Hypophthalmina, p. 66. Eoiirth Subfamily. SILURIDiE PROTEROPTER^. The rayed dorsal fin is always present, short, with not more than twelve soft rays, and belongs to the abdominal portion of the vertebral column, being placed in advance of the ventrals ; the adipose fin is always present and well developed, although frequently short. The extent of the atfal is much inferior to that of the caudal vertebral column. The gill-membranes are not con- fluent with the skin of the isthmus, their posterior margin always remaining free, even if they are united with each other. When- ever the nasal barbel is present, it belongs to the posterior nostril. Group F. The anterior and posterior nostrils are remote from each other, and the posterior is provided with a barbel. Bagrina, p. 6!). (jroup G. The anterior and posterior nostrils are remote from each other, none being pro\'ided with a barbel. Pimelodina, p. 10.5. Group H. The anterior and posterior nostrUs are placed close to- gether, without barbel, the posterior witli a valve. Arrina, p. i;i- la-viceps, GUI, Proc. Acad. Naf. Sc. Philad. 1862, p. 139.— West .\frica. — D. 86. A. 61. Head a sixth of total length, maxiUary barbels a third. 14 siLURin^E. The species may be subdivided thus : — A. Caudal free. * The occipital process is promiiieiit, aud angular behind : Ati-ican and Syrian species, p. 14. * * The occipital process is not very prominent, and rounded behind : East Indian species, p. 17. B. Vertical fins united, p. 20. A. Caudal free. * The occipital process is prominent, and angular behind. 1. Clarias angtuUaris. Silurus anguillaris, Linn, in Hasselq. Rcise Palad. p. 415, aud Syst. Nat. i. p. 502. Kamiouth, Sonnini, Toy. ii. p. 289. pi. 22. fig. 2. Heterobranchus anguillaris, Geoffr. iSt.-Hil. JDescript. Eg. Poiss. pi. 16. fig. 1, cop. with soiue slight alterations in Cuv. Reyne Anim. III. pi. 101. fig. 2. D. 69-73. A. 53-55. P. 3/9. Vomerine teeth villifonn, forming a band, which in its middle is narrower than that of the intermaxillaries ; it has not a process be- hind in the middle of its concavity. Head densely granulated aliove, its length being one-fourth, or rather more than one-fourth, of the total. Barbels slender : those of the nostril two-fifths or one-third as long as, and those of the maxiUaries rather shorter than, the head. The pectoral fin extends to, or nearly to, the vertical from the origin of the dorsal ; its spine is short, two-thirds as long as the fin. Nile ; West Africa. a-h, c. Fourteen to eighteen inches long. Upper Nile. From Consul Petherick's Collection. d. Adult. West Africa. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. Hasselquist very distinctly describes the band of vomerine teeth as narrower than that of the intermaxillaries. 2. Clarias gariepinus. Silurus (Heterobranchus) gariepinus, Ptirchell, Travels in the Interior of South Africa, i. p. 425, c. fig. p. 445. ? Clarias capensis, Cuv. 4* Val- xv. p. 377. Clarias capensis. Smith, Ilhtstr. Zool. S. Afr. Fish. c. tab. (not good). ? Clarias mossambicus, Peters, Monatsber. Berl. Acad. 1852, p. 682. (D. GO.) D. 60-69. A. 52-54. P. 1/10. Vomerine teeth villiform, forming a long, continuous crescentic band, which in its middle is as wide as that of the intermaxillaries, and which has not a process behind in the middle of its concavitj'. Head densely granulated above, covered with smooth soft skin in fresh specimens, its length being rather more than one-fourth of the total. Barbels of moderate length, those o^ the nostrils being one- 1. CLARIAS. 15 third of the length of the head, and those of the maxUlaries extending to or beyond the root of the pectoral. The pectoral fin reaches some- what bej'ond the vertical from the origin of the dorsal, and the length of its spine is three-quarters of that of the fin. Port Natal. (Cape of Good Hope ?) (I. Twenty-five inches long: stuffed. Port Natal. From Sir A. Smith's Collection. /', c. Very fine specimens. Port Natal. Purchased of Mr. Th. Ayres. We very much doubt whether our specimens belong to the same species as C. capens'is, C. & V. The latter is said to have seventy-six dorsal and eleven pectoral rays, and the vomerine teeth disposed in two small, distinct, cui'ved bands ; moreover the typical specimen is from the Cape of Good Hope. We have also a stuffed specimen from the Cape ; it has seventy- six dorsal rays, but the vomerine teeth arranged in the same manner as in our specimens from Port Natal. 3. Clarias parvimanus. D. 76. A. 57. P. 1/8. Vomerine teeth villiform, those in the middle of the band conical. The band of vomerine teeth is in its middle rather broader than that of the intermaxillaries ; it has a very short process in the middle of its concavity. Head rather finely granulated above, its length being one-foiu'th of the total. Barbels slender, those of the nostril one-third as long as the head, those of the maxillary shorter than the head. The pectoral fin does not extend to the vertical from the origin of the dorsal ; its spine is short, not quite tWo-thirds as long as the fin. The dorsal does not extend on to the root of the caudal. Nile. a. Twelve inches long. From Dr. E. Riippell's Collection as Ckirias hasselquistii. 4. Clarias orontis. Silurus anguillaris, Russell, Nat. Hist. Alqip. ii. p. -17. pi. 8 (noiL.). Clarias, Gronov. Zoophyl. p. 100. D. 74. A. 54. P. 1/10. Vomerine teeth very small, subconical, forming a band, which is equal in width to that of the intermaxillaries ; it has a very short and obtuse process behind, in the middle of its concavity. Head densely granulated above, its length being a little less than one-fourth of the total. Barbels long, those of the maxillaries being twice as long as the nasal, and as long as the head. The pectoral fin extends to the vertical from the origin of the dorsal fin ; the length of its spine is three-fourths of that of the fin. Eiver Orontes. a. Seventeen and a half inches long. From A. Enssoll's Collection. It) SILURID.K. 5. Clarias lazera. Cuv. 4- VaJ- XV. p. 372 ; IlyHl, Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wlett, 1859, xvi. p. 17. D. 77. A. 58. P. 1/10. Vert. 20/41 (C. 6f V.) ; 17/45 {Hyrtl). Vomerine teeth granular, forining a band, which in its middle is broader than that of the intermaxillaries ; it has not a process behind in the middle of its concavity. Head coarsely granulated above, its length being one-fourth of the total. Barbels long : those of the nosti'il extend nearly to the root of the pectoral, those of the maxil- lary beyond the origin of the dorsal. The pectoral fin extends to, or somewhat beyond, the vertical from the origin of the dorsal ; its spine is short, not quite two-thirds as long as the fin. The dorsal extends to the root of the caudal. NUe. rt, b, c-e. Adult, half-grown, and young. Upper Nile. From Consul Petherick's Collection. f-h. Young. Gondokoro. From Consul Petherick's Collection. i. Dried. Nile. Presented by G. MacLeay, Esq. H. Clarias macracanthus. D. 70-75. A. 54-55. P. 1/9. Vert. 19/4-3. Vomerine teeth granular, forming a band, which in its middle is twice as broad as that of the intermaxillaries, and in the middle of its posterior margin has a very short inconspicuous process. Head coarsely granulated above, its length being a little more than one- fourth of the total. Barbels of moderate length, those of the nostril being two-fifths as long as, and those of the maxillary extending to the end of, the head. The pectoral fin reaches to the vertical from the origin of the dorsal ; the length of its .spine is three-quarters, or rather more than two-thirds, of that of the fin. Nile. o, h-c. Sixteen inches long. -Upper Nile. From Consul Petherick's Collection. d. Adult. From the Collection of the Zoological Society. «. Adult : skeleton. From Dr. E. RiippeH's Collection as CI. hassel- qnistii. 7. Clarias xenodon. D. 68. A. 54. P. 1/9. Vomerine teeth granular, forming a crescentic band, which in its middle is twice as broad as that of the intermaxillaries, and in the middle of its posterior margin has a very short and inconspi- cuous process. The band of mandibidary teeth is as broad as that on the vomer, and composed of villiform teeth anteriorly, and of gra- nular posteriorly. Head coarsely granulated above, its length being rather more than one-fourth of the total. Barbels of moderate length, those of the nostrils being half as long as the head, and those of the maxillarj- extending to the end of the pectoral spine. The pectoral 1. CLARIA9. 17 fin reaches beyond the vertical from the origin of the dorsal, and the length of its spine is four-fifths of that of the fin. Senegal. a. Ten and a half inches long. West Africa. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. 8. Clarias macromystas. D. 78. A. 59. P. 1/9. Vomerine teeth finely granular, forming a band, wliich is not quite twice as broad as that of the intermaxillaries, and which is not pro- duced laterally into posterior processes. The lower jaw with a very broad band of teeth. Head finely granidated, its length being two- ninths of the total. Barbels long : those of the nostrils are as long as the head, and those of the maxillaries extend to the twelfth dorsal ray. The pectoral fin reaches a little beyond the origin of the dorsal, and the length of the spine is four-fifths of that of the fin. Gambia. a. Fine specimen. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. 9. Clarias syriacus. Cuv. 4" I'dl. XV. p. 375. D. 60. A. 52. P. 1/10. The band of vomerine teeth is produced behind into a median pro- cess. Head coarsely granulat«d, its length being two-sevenths of the total. Barbels rather long. (Val.) Syria. •* The occipital process is not very prominent, and rounded behind. 10. Clarias magur. PPSilm'us batrachus, L. St/st. Xat. i. p. 502. PSilurus batrachus, Bl. taf. .370. fig. If; £1- *V/i«. p. .386. .''Marpoo, Bmsell, Fish. Corom. ii. p. 53. pi. 168. PMacropterouotus batrachus, Lacep. v. pp. 84, 85. Macropterouotus magur, Ham. Buck. pp. 146, 374. pi. 20. tig. 45. Clarias marpus, Cuv. iS- Val. xv. p. 378. magur, Cur. S, Val. x v. p. 381 ; Bkek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxv., Nalez. Ichth. Bemj. p. 124. punctatus, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 384 ; Bleeh. Vcrh. Bat. Gen. xxi., Sil. Bntav. p. 53 ; Cant. Mai. Fish. p. 203. ? Clarias batrachus, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 385. Clarias batrachus, Bleek. Prodr. Si/ur. p. 34.3, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 103. tab. 98. fig. 2. D. G4-70. A. 50-53. P. 1/8. Caudal fin free. Vomeriufj teeth villiform, forming a crescentic band, which is as broad as, or narrower than, that of the intermaxil- lary. Head finely granulated above, its length (to the end of the occipital process) being somewhat moie than one-fourth of the totul t Bloch represents a Clarias with very long barbele, those of the maxillarr extending to the ventral fins : if this bo rcalh" the case, the fish represented by Bloch would belong to a distinct species. VOL. V. c 18 SILURID.E. (without caudal); its width between the gill-openings is two-thirds of its length. Barbels long : the nasal extending to the base of the occipital process, and that of the maxillary to, or nearly to, the ex- tremity of the pectoral. The pectoral spine is very finely serrated, the serrature being hidden below the skin ; its length is three-fourths of that of the fin. Bengal, Khasya. East Indian Archipelago. a, b. Adult and half-grown. Ganges. Presented by G. R. Water- house, Esq. — Types of M. magur. Ham. Buch. c. Half-grown. Calcutta. From the Collection of Messrs. von Schla- gintweit. d. Half-grown : skin. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor's Collection. e. Young. Khasya. Presented bj^ Sii' W. Hooker. /. Adult. East Indian Archipelago. From Dr. P. v. Blocker's Col- lection. y~k. Adult and half-grown : stuffed. India. l-m. Half-grown. From the Haslar Collection. 11. Clarias macrocephalus. D. 70. A. 50. P. 1/8. Caudal fin free. Vomerine teeth small, obtusely conical, forming a crescent-shaped band which, in its middle, is rather broader than that of the intermaxillaries, and which has no process behind in the middle. Head finely granulated above ; its length to the end of the occipital process is one-fourth of the total (-with the caudal) ; the height of the body is one-sixth of the total in adult specimens. Occipital pro- cess very obtuse and rounded in adult specimens, rather more promi- nent in younger individuals. The width of the head between the gill- openings is two-thirds of its length (to the end of the occipital process), its width between the eyes is two-fifths of its length. Barbels of moderate length : those of the nostril extend to, or somewhat beyond, the gill-opening ; those of the maxillary to the middle or to the end of the pectoral. The pectoral fin reaches a Little beyond the vertical, from the origin of the dorsal fin ; its spine is nearly smooth, the fine serrature being hidden below the skin ; its length is three-quarters of that of the fin. Uniform blackish brown, lighter below. Siam. a-h, o-d. Adult (12-13 inches long) and haK-grown. Siam. Pur- chased of Mr. Jamrach. 12. Clarias fuscus. Macropteronotus fuscus, Lucep. v. p. 88. pi. 2. fig. 2. Clarias pulicaris, Richards. Voy. Su/ph. Fish. p. 135. pi. 62. figs. 5 & G. D. 59-65. A. 44-47. P. 1/9. Caudal fin free. Vomerine teeth villiform, forming a crescentic band which is narrower than that of the intermaxillary. Head finely granulated above, its length (to the end of the occipital process) being somewhat more than one-fourth of the total (without caudal) ; its 1. CLARIAS. 19 width between the gill-openings is but little more than two-thirds of its length. liarbels long : the nasal extending to the base of the occiiiital process, and that of tlie maxillary to the extremity of the pectoral. The pectoral spine is finely serrated, the serrature being hidden below the skin ; its length is two-thirds, or somewhat less than two-thirds, of that of the fin. China. «. Five and one-third inches long. China. Presented by J. R. Keeves, Esq. — Type of CI. puVicaris. h, c-d. Young. China. e-ff. Young. Hongkong. Presented by J. C. Bowring, Esq. h-i. Young. From the Haslar Collection. 13. Clarias abbreviatus. Cm. Sf Val. XV. p. 886. D. 62. A. 32. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length ; maxillary barbel thick, not extending on to the gill-opening ; nasal barbel longer and more slender. ( Val.) Macao. 14. Clarias melanoderma. Clarias melanoderma, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi., Silur. Batav. p. 54; Prodr. Silitr. p. 341 ; and Ail. Ichth. Silur. p. 102. tab. 97. fig. 2. melasoma(melanosoraa),5/eeA. iVa<. Tydscltr.Ned.Ind. iii.p.427. D. 68-73. A. 51-61. P. 1/9. Caudal fin free. Vomerine teeth obtuse, forming a crescent-shaped band which, in its middle, is rather broader than that of the inter- maxiUaries. Head rather smooth, its length being one-foui'th of the total (without caudal); the occipital process is very obtuse. Barbels long ; those of the nostril reach to the end of the head, those of the maxillary beyond the extremity of the pectoral. Pectoral spine strong, much compressed, rather more than two-thirds of the length of the fin ; its extremity is ai-med with rather strong, recurved spi- nous teeth. Java, Sumatra, Banka, Borneo. a. Adult. Purehased of Mr. Frank. Bleeker has observed two specimens in which the band of vomerine teeth was divided into two by a toothless space in the middle ; another specimen had the last ray of the dorsal and anal fins united with the caudal. 15. Clarias teysmanni. Bkeh-r, Nat. Ti/dscfir. Xederl. Ind. xiii. p. ;344; Prodr. Silur, p. 348; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 104. tab. 99. fig. 1. D. 70-77. A. 60-63. P. 1/7-9. Vert. 16/41. Caudal fin free. Vomerine teeth obtuse, forming a crescent-shaped band which, in its middle, is not broader than that of the intor- maxillaries. Head rather smooth, its length being two-ninths of the c2 20 SILURIDJi. total (without caudal) ; the height of the body is contained from six times and a half to eight times in the total length (without caudal) . Barbels long ; those of the nostril reach to the base, and those of the maxillary to the extremity of the pectoral fin. The pectoral fin does not extend to the vertical from the origin of the dorsal ; pectoral spine moderately strong, rather more than two-thirds of the length of the fin, finely serrated nearly to its extremity. Java, Ceylon. a. Type of the species. Java. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. b, c-e. Adult, half-grown, and young. Ceylon (Point de Galle). /. Adult: skeleton. Ceylon. 16. Clarias liacauthus. Bleeher, Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. ii. p. 430 ; Prodi: Silur. p. 347; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 104. tab. 98. fig. 1. This species is very closely allied to the preceding, but its pectoral spine has the outer edge not serrated, and its depth is contained only six times, or six times and four-fifths, in the total length (without caudal). Sumatra, Banka, Nias, Borneo. a. Type of the species. From Dr, P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 17. Clarias brachysoma. D. 75. A. 60. P. 1/10. Caudal fin free. Vomerine teeth obtuse, forming a crescent-shaped band which is considerably narrower than that of the intermaxil- laries. Head smooth above, with the occipital process somewhat pro- minent, two-thirds as long as broad ; its length is two-sevenths or rather more than one-fourth of the total (without caudal), the height of the body one-sixth. Barbels long ; those of the nostril reach to the end of the head, those of the maxillary beyond the extremity of the pectoral. The pectoral extends to the vertical from the origin of the dorsal fin ; its spine is strong, finely serrated along its outer margin, and two-thirds of the length of the fin. Uniform brown. Ceylon. a-c. From 5 to 6 inches long. Purchased of Mr. Cuming. B. Vertical fins united. 18. Clarias nieuhofii. Bontael, Nieuh. Lant- en Zee-reize, p. 271. Lampreta indica. Will. Ichth. Apjj. p. 4. tab. 6. fig. 2. Clarias nieuliotii, Cuv. ^ Val. xv. p. .386 ; Hi/rtl, Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wim, 1859, xvi. p. 17 ; Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 351, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 105. tab. 99. fig. 1. — — pentapterus, PleeL Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. ii. p. 206. D. 90-97. A. 74-75. P. 1/9. Vert. 19/56. Caudal fin united with dorsal and anal. Vomerine teeth small, obtusely conical, forming a band which is rather broader than that 2. HETEROBEANCHXJS. 21 of the intermaxillary. Head very finely granular above, its length being one-sixth, or somewhat less than one-sixth, of the total (with the caudal). Barbels long ; the nasal extending to the end of the head, and that of the maxillary to, or beyond, the extremity of the pectoral. Pectoral fin short, not reaching the vertical from the origin of the dorsal. East Indian Archipelago. a. Fifteen inches long. Purchased of Mr. Frank. b. Half-grown. Philippine Islands. From Mr. Cuming's Collection. According to Bleeker the number of the dorsal rays would vary between 87 and 106, and that of the anal rays between 69 and 95. 19. Clariasjag^r. Macropteronotus jag-xu', Ham. Bitch. Fish. Gamj. p. 145. Clarias jagur, Cm\ ^- Vol. xv. p. 388. Cossyphus (Phagoriis) ater, M'Clell. Calc. Juiirn. iv. p. 403. pi. 22. fig. 3 (mutilated), and v. p. 225 (EiTata). D. 53. A. 50. Caudal fin imited with dorsal and anal. Ganges. 2. HETEEOBRANCHUS*. Ileterobranchus, Geoffr. St.-IIU. The back is occupied by a long dorsal fin divided into two portions, an anterior which is rayed, and a posterior which is adipose ; anal long. A band of viRiform teeth across the vomer ; cleft of the mouth, the eight barbels, the armature of the head, the gill-apparatus with the accessory organs, the ventral and pectoral fins, as in CJanas. Africa and East Indies. The structure of the dorsal fin is almost the only point of import- ance in which the genus Ileterobranchus difters from Clarias ; how- ever, we must remark, that in well-fed specimens of the latter genus the whole fin assumes an adipose appearance, in consequence of a thick layer of fat deposited along the base ; and that, on the other hand, very distinct traces of rays may be seen in the adipose fin of Heterobranchns. The skeleton docs not differ from that of Clarias, except that the neural spines of that portion of the caudal vertebral column which corresponds to the adipose fin are much longer, the interueural spines, of course, being absent. 1. Heterobranchus bidorsalis. Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Geoffr. Dcscr. Ey. Atl. Poiss. pi. 10. fig. 2. geoffrovi, Cuv. l^- J'af. xv. p. 392. B. 12-13. D. 44. A. 52. P. 1/10. Yert. 21/42. The length of the adipose fin is rather less than two-thirds of the rayed dorsal ; pectoral spine slightly serrated. The na.sal barbels * 1. Heterobranchus senegalensis, Cuv. ij" Va(. xv. p. 397. —Senegal. 22 SILFRIDiE. are half as long as those of the maxillary, which reach only to the giU- opening. Vomerine teeth viUiform, forming a crescentic band. Nile. 2. Heterobranchus intermedius. B. 9. D. 39-41. A. 49-50. P. 1/10. Vert. 19/43. The length of the adipose fin is rather less than two-thirds of that of the rayed dorsal; pectoral spine scarcely serrated. The nasal barbels extend to, or beyond, the end of the occipital process, those of the maxUlaries beyond the root of the ventral fin. Vomerine teeth villifoiTQ, forming a crescent-shaped band, which, in its middle, is much broader than that of the intermaxillaries, and has a short median posterior process. Blacldsh above, whitish below. Otherwise very similar to the other species. Upper Nile. a, h. Adult (15 inches long) and half-grown. Khartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection. c. Adult: skeleton. Khartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection. d. Preparation of the branchial organs and intestines of specimen c. 3. Heterobranchus tapeinopterus. Sleeker, Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Incl. iii. p. 732 ; Prodr. Silur. p. 337; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 101. tab. 97. fig. 1. B. 8. D. 24-27. A. 49-51. The adipose fin is much lower, but rather longer, than the rayed dorsal ; caudal united with adipose fin and with anal. The length of the head is rather more than one-sixth of the total (without caudal). Pectoral spine distinctly serrated. The nasal barbels extend to the base of the pectoral, those of the maxiUaries to, or beyond, the ex- tremity of that fin. (-S/.) Banka and Borneo, rt. Young. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 4. Heterobranchus longifllis. Cuv. ^ Val. XV. p. 394. pi. 447. B. 9-10. D. 29-31. A. 44-46. P. 1/10. The adipose fin commences immediately behind the dorsal and terminates at the root of the caudal ; its length is equal to, or not much less than, that of the rayed dorsal ; pectoral spine distinctly serrated. The length of the anal fin is nearly one-third of the total (without caudal). The nasal barbels extend to the base of the occi- pital process, those of the maxiUaries to the root of the ventral fin ; but they appear to be rather shorter in large specimens. Vomerine teeth vLlliform, forming an arched band which is as broad as that of the intermaxillaries. Blackish above, whitish below. Nile. a. Young: 7 inches long. Nile. h. Young : not good state. Khartoum (rain-water pond). Presented by Consul Pcthcrick. — Vernacular name, Gannoot. 3. PLOTosus. 23 5. Heterobranchus isopterus. Ileterobranchus isopterus, Blfek. Poig.s. Cote cle GninSe, p. 108. tab. 22. macronenia, Bleek. I. c. p. 109. tab. 21. fig. 1, tab. 22. fig. 2. B. 9. D. 31-32. A. 41-45. P. 1/10. Adipose fin rather shorter and lower than the rayed dorsal, com- mencing at a short distance behind it, and terminating immediately before the caudal ; pectoral spine scarcely serrated. The length of the anal fin is considerably more than one-third of the total (without candid). The nasal barbels extend to the end of the head, and those of the maxillaries to or beyond the extremity of the pectoral fin. The vomerine teeth form an arched narrow band, narrower than that of the intermaxillaries. Black above and on the sides ; the caudal and anal fins Math a naiTow whitish margin. West Africa. a-h. Seven inches long. AVest Africa. From the Collection of C. Swanzz, Esq. 6. Heterobranchus laticeps. Peters, Monatsber. Acad. Wiss. Berl. 18.52, p. 682. B. 9-lU. D. 30-3.3. A. 44-45. P. 1/11-12. The adipose fin commences at some distance behind the dorsal, and is continued over and beyond the root of the caudal. The maxillary barbels reach beyond the ventral fins. Anal and caudal fins with red margins. {Pet.) Coast of Mozambique. Hyrtl (Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, 1859, xvi. p. 17) mentions a skeleton in his collection imder the name of U. laticeps ; it has 18 abdominal and 39 caudal vertebrse. Second Group. PLOTOSINA. The gill-membranes are not confluent with the skin of the isth- mus, or united with it by a narrow strip only, remaining more or less separate. The dorsal is divided into two portions : a short anterior with a strong spine, and a long posterior which, like the anal, is confluent with the caudal. Ventrals many -rayed. Coasts of the Indian Ocean and Archipelago ; Western Polynesia and Australia. 3. PLOTOSUS. Plotosus, Lac^p. v. p. 129. riotosus, sp., Cuv. i^- Vul XV. p. 410 ; Kner, Sitzt/sber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 151. A short doi-sal in front, with a pungent spine ; a second long dor- sal is united with the caudal and anal into one fin, which is pointed behind. Teeth in the upper jaw conical, on the vomer molar-like, 24 SILTIRID^. iu the lower jaw mixed. Barbels eight : one immediately before the posterior nostril, which is distant from the anterior, the latter being quite in front of the snout. Cleft of the mouth transverse. Eyes small. The gill-membranes are separate from each other, not attached to the isthmus. Branchial arches without particular carti- laginous posterior processes and without posterior membrane. Ven- tral fins many-rayed. Head depressed. Coasts of the Indian Ocean and Archipelago ; Western Polynesia. 1. Plotosus anguillaris. Vaknt. Amb. iii. p. 602. fig. 496 ; Henard, Poiss. Md. i. tab. 3. fig. 19 ; Hussell, ii. p. 51. pi. 16(5. 8iluriis arab, Forsk. Descript. Anim. p. xvi. uo. 36. Platystacus anguillaris, Block, viii. p. 61. tab. 373. iig. 1 ; Bl. Schn. p. 373. tab. 74; Shaw, Zool. v. p. 30. pi. 99. Plotosus anguillaris, Lacep. v. p. 130. pi. 3. fig. 2 ; Riijyp. N. W. Fische, p. 76 ; Cant. Mai. Fish. p. 264 ; Pete)-s, in Wiegm. Arch. xxi. p. 267; Bleek. Silur. p. 314. Plotosius ikapor, Less. Voy. Coqii. Zool. ii. p. 132. pi. 31. fig. 3, Plotosus marginatus, Bennett, in Life of Raffles, p. 691. lineatus, Cuv. Sf Val. xv. p. 4l2 ; Richards. Fish. CImi. p. 286 ; Schleg. Faun. Jap. Poiss. p. 228. pi. 104. fig. 3 ; Bleek. in Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi., Silur. Batav. pp. 4, 17, 57. castaneus, Cuv. ^ Val. xv. p. 421. castaneoides, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Lid. ii. p. 490. arab, Bleek. Atl. Lchth. Silur. p. 98. tab. 95. fig. 2. B. 12. ID. 1/4-5. 2D.-I-C.-I-A. 169-189. P. 1/11. V. 12. Vert. 12/35. The length of the head is about one-fifth of the total length (with the caudal), the height of the body one-seventh or one-eighth. Barbels not very long : those of the nostril extend to the eye, and those of the maxillary are about half as long as the head. Brown or black, generally with two white longitudinal bands, the upper of which commences at the snout, and runs above the eye along the base of the dorsal fin ; the lower proceeds from the maxillary barbel along the middle of the side of the body. Vertical fins with dark margin. From the eastern coasts of Africa to Japan and Polynesia. a. Adult : skin. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor's Collection. h-c. Adult: not good state. Sumatra. From the Collection of Sir T. S. Raffles. — Types of PI. marginatus. d-f. Half-grown. Borneo. Presented by Capt. Sir E. Belcher. (J, h, i. Adult. East Indian Archipelago. Jc. Adult. Amoy. From Consul Swinhoe's Collection. l-o. Adult : stuffed : bad state. China. p. Adult. Philijjpine Islands. From Mr. Cuming's Collection. q-r. Adult. Feejee Islands. Voyage of the ' Herald.' s. Adult. Moreton Bay. Presented by Mr. Strange. /, ?«. V. Many half-grown and young specimens. tv. .\dult : skeleton. Presented by the Royal College of Surgeons. 4. COPIDOGLANIS. 25 2. Flotosus caniiis. Plotosua canius, Ham. Buck. Fish. Gang. p. 142. pi. 15. fig. 44 ; Cuv. Sf Val. XV. p. 425 ; Bleek. Vcrh. Bat. Gen. xxv., Nalez. Beng. p. 125, Prodr. Silur. p. 318, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 99. tab. 96. fig. 2 ; Kner, Sitzgsher. Wicn. Acad. xvii. p. 157. unicolor, {Kuhl ^ v. Ha.^s.) Cuv. lij- Val. xv. p. 426; Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi., Silur. Batav. p. 58. horiidus, Bleek. I. c. p. 59. viviparus, Bleek. I. c. p. 59. multiradiatus, Bleek. I. c. p. 60. ? Plotosus csesius, Hyrtl, Acad. Wiss. Wien, 1859, xvi. p. 17. B. 12. ID. 1/5. 2D. + C. + A. 244-271. P. 1/10-11. V. 12. Vert. 15/65 {Hyrtl). The length of the head is contained five times and a half in the total length (with caudal), the height of the body nine or ten times. Barbels of moderate length : those of the nostril extend to the nape of the neck, those of the maxillary to the end of the operculum. Eye not covered by the skin, rather small, one-third as long as the snout. The band of intermaxillary teeth is more than twice as broad as long ; the vomerine teeth form a crescent-shaped band. Uniform brownish above. Bengal. East Indian Archipelago. a. Adult : stuffed. Ganges. Presented by G. R. Waterhouse, Esq. b. Half-grown. Ganges. Presented by G. R. Waterhouse, Esq. c. Half-grown : bad state. Calcutta. From the Collection of Messrs. von Schlagintweit. d. Young. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor's Collection. e-f. Three feet long : stuffed. 3. Plotosus limbatus. Ctiv. S; Val. xv. p. 422. 2D.-|-C.-t-A. 224. The length of the head is contained five times and a half or six times in the total length. The nasal barbels extend to the posterior margin of the eye, and those of the maxiUai-y to the gill-opening. Uniform dark-coloured ; fins with the margin black. {Val.) Hindostan. 4. COPIDOGLANIS. A short dorsal in front, with a pungent spine, ; a second long dorsal is united with the caudal and anal into one fin. Teeth in the upper jaw conical, on the vomer molar-like, in the lower jaw mixed. Barbels eight ; nostrils as in Plotosus. Cleft of the mouth transverse. Eyes of moderate size, with a free orbital margin. The gill-membranes are separated by a deep notch, united anteriorly only, the imited portion not being attached to the isthmus. The first branchial arch with a fringed membrane along the hinder edge of its concave side. Ventral fins many-rayed. Head rather compressed. Coasts and rivers of Australia and of the East Indian Archipelago. 26 SILUKIDiE. 1. Copidoglanis tandanus. Plotosus tandanus, Mitchell, Three lUxpe/Hfions into the Interior of East- ern Amtraliu, 2nd edit. i. p. 95. pi. 6. fig. 2 (bad). B. 9. ID. 1/6. 2D. + C. + A. 142. P. 1/10. V. 12. Head and body compressed ; the height of the body is not much less tlian the length of the head, which is a little more than one- fifth of the total. Head as high as broad, its greatest width being three-fifths of its length ; the diameter of the eye is contained five times and a half in the length of the head, twice and a half in that of the snout, and twice in the Avidth of the interorbital space. The nasal barbels are a little shorter than those of the maxillary, and extend to the middle of the eye. The band of teeth of each inter- maxillary bone is twice as broad as long ; the vomerine teeth are arranged in a semicircular disk ; those of the mandibularies form a band which is broadest in the middle ; all the teeth of conical form have a brown tip. The first dorsal fin is nearly as high as the body, and its spine more than half as long as the head. Pectoral spine as strong as, but much shorter than, that of the dorsal fin. Uniform blackish brown above. Rivers of Eastern Australia. a. Fine specimen. New South Wales, From Mr. Schiitte's Col- lection. b. Adult : stuffed. Australia. Presented by the Earl of Derby. 2. Copidoglanis obscurus. ID. 1/6. 2D. + C.-I-A. 226. P. 1/14. V. 15-16. Head not much compressed, but nearly as high as broad, its width being two-thirds of its length. The height of the body is contained eight times and a half in the total length, the length of the head six times and a third ; the diameter of the eye is one-sixth of the height, two-fifths of that of the snout, and three-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. The nasal barbels extend to behind the eye, those of the maxillary to the gUl-opening. Each intermaxillary with a triangular band of teeth which is rather broader than long ; vomerine band crescent-shaped. AU the teeth are white. The first dorsal is placed immediately behind the nape of the neck, and as high as the body ; its spine is more than half as long as the head. Pectoral spine as strong as, but shorter than, that of the dorsal fin. Brown ; fins with black margin. Probably from Australia. a. Seven inches long. From the Collection of the Zoological Society. ? 6. Young : dried. Freycinet's Harbour. Voyage of the ' Herald.' 3. Copidoglanis albilabris. Plotosus albilabris, Cuv. SfVal. xv. p. 427; Bk'ek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. iii. p. 70, Prodr. Silur. p. 319, and Atl, Ichth. Silur. p. 99. tab. 96. fif?- !• 5, CNIDOGLANIS, 27 ? I'lotosus albilabris, Cant. Mai Fuh. p. 265. riotosus niacrophthalmus, Blee.k. Vcrh. But. Gen. xx\.,Silur.Bat. p. 56. ID. 1/4-5. 2D. + C. + A. 203-216. P. 1/12-13. V. 12-13. Head nearly as high as broad, its width being two-thirds of its length. The height of the body is one-seventh or one-eighth of the total length, the length of the head one-sixth ; the diameter of the eye is one-fourth or one-sixth of the length of the head, and equal to, or two-thii-ds of, the width of the interorbital space. The nasal barbels extend to, or beyond, the operculum, those of the maxillary being rather shorter. Each intermaxillary with a subquadi-angular band of teeth which is about as broad as long ; vomerine band cres- cent-shaped. The first dorsal fin is nearly as high as the body, and the length of its spine is two-fiftlis of that of the head or equal to that of the spine of the pectoral fin. Lips white. East Indian Archipelago. a. Adult. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. h. ? Young : skin : very bad state. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor's Collection. 5. CNIDOGLANIS*. Plotosus, sp., Atict. A short dorsal in front, with a pungent spine ; a second long dorsal is united with the caudal and anal into one fin, pointed behind. Teeth in the upper jaw conical, on the vomer molar-like, in the lower jaw mixed. Barbels eight; nostrils as in Plotosus. Cleft of the mouth transverse. Eyes small. The gill- membranes are united below the throat and attached to the isthmus along the entire median line. The second and third branchial arches with a series of long cartila- ginous processes, covering the base of the giU-laminae on the sides facing each other. Ventral fins many-rayed. Rivers and coasts of Australia. 1. Cnidoglanis megastoma. Plotosus megastomus, Bichards. Voy. Ereb. ^- Terr. Fish. p. 31. pi. 21. figs. 1-3 (from a specimen with mutilated tail). B. 11. ID. 1/4. 2 D. -I- C. -I- A. 234. P. 1/9. Y. 10. Head very broad and depressed, its length being one-fifth of the total (with the caudal). Barbels not very long ; those of the nostril and maxillary extending somewhat behind the eye. Lower lip broad, pendent, with lobes, the outer of which is situated below the niax- Ularj' barbel and has the appearance of a short barbel. The inter- maxillary teeth are small, conical, and form two small patches ; those of the lower jaw form a broad band, tapering on the side, the outer series of which is formed by conical teeth, the remainder being molar- * 1. Plotosu9 macrocepliahis. Cuv. cf- Val. xv. p. 428. pi. 440. — Timor. — This fish api)e:ii-s to he allied to Cnidoc/lanis rmgasfoiun. but Valenciennes does not make mention of the pecidiar gill-openiug wliich we observe in the latter species. 28 SILURIDJE. like. Vomerine teeth in a large triangular patch. Eye small, covered by the skin. Uniform blackish brown above. Australia. a. TAventy inches long. Sydney Cove. Antarctic Expedition. — Type of the species. b. Twenty inches long. Sydney. From the Haslar Collection. c. Adult. Kangaroo Island. From the Collection of the Zoological Society. d. Young. Australia. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 2. Cnidoglanis lepturus. 1 D. 1/5. 2 D. + C. + A. 212. P. 1/9. V. 11. Head depressed, its width being three-fourths of its length, which is one-seventh of the total ; tail long, much produced and pointed behind. The nasal and maxillary barbels extend to the end of the head ; lower lip not pendent or fringed. Intermaxillary teeth conical, in two small patches ; those of the vomer molar-like, in a creseentic band ; those of the mandible in two triangular bands, molar-like, with an outer series of conical ones. Eye small. The first dorsal fin is lower than the body and placed at a very short dis- tance from the occiput ; its spine is feebly serrated, one-third, or not quite one-third, as long as the head ; pectoral spine as long and strong as that of the dorsal fin. Uniform black. New South Wales. a. Fourteen inches long. Sydney. From Mr. G. Ivrefft's Collection. b. Thirteen inches long ; stuffed. Australia. Presented by the Earl of Derby. 3. Cnidoglanis microcephalus. Plotosus microceps, Richards. Voy. Ereb. ^ Terr. Fish. p. 31. pi. 21. figs. 4-7. 1 D. 1/5. 2 D.-FC-^A. 210. P. 1/10. V. 12*. Head rather depressed, small, its length being one-eighth of the total length. Nasal barbels long, extending to the dorsal fin, which, however, is placed at a short distance from the occiput. Maxillary barbels reaching the gill-opening ; lower lip without fringes. The intermaxillary teeth form two triangular patches, those of the vomer a crescent-shaped band. Eye rather small. The first dorsal fin elevated and produced into a long point. Brown, with numerous email, round, whitish spots. North-west coast of Australia. a. Type of the species. From Mr. Bynoe's Collection. * These numbers are taken from the same (typical) specimen in which they ■were counted by Sir J. Eichardson. 6. CHACA. 29 Third Group. CHACINA. The gfill-membranes are confluent with the skin of the broad isthmus, the gill-openings being thereby reduced in extent. The dorsal and anal are divided into two portions : the anterior of the former fin with a strong spine, whilst the posterior of both fins are united with the caudal. Ventrals six-rayed. East Indies. 6. CHACA. Chaca, Cuv. ^ Val. xv. p. 444. Head exceedingly large, broad, and depressed ; cleft of the mouth very wide, with the lower jaw prominent, and with bands of villiform teeth in both jaws ; no teeth on the palate. Eyes rudimentary. Barbels six, small : one to each angle of the mouth, and two paii-s at the lower jaw. Gill-opening rather narrow, not extending to the lower side of the head. East Indies. 1. Chaca lophioides. Cuv. (§• Val. XV. p. 445. pi. 451 ; Valenc. in Belang. Voy. Ind. Orient. Zool. Poiss. pi. 4. fig. 2 ; ? Kner, Sitzgsher. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 101. taf. 1. figs. ^6. ID. 1/4. 2D.-I-C.-1-2A. 25 + 104-12. 1 A. 10. P. 1/5. V. 6. Head and body with a few series of short fleshy tentacles. Bengal. (Borneo ?, New Guinea ?) a. Adult: stuffed. Nepal. Presented by B. H. Hodgson, Esq. — This specimen is not sufficieutly weU preserved to enable us to count the fin-rays, and therefore the determination is doubtful. 2. Chaca bankaneusis. Bleeker, Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. iii. p. 455 & viii. p. 165, Pi-odr. Silur. p. 323, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 96. tab. 95. fig. 1. ID. 1/3-4. 2 D.-I-C. + 2 A. 22-24 + 11 + 11-12. 1 A. 9. P. 1/4. V. 6. Head and body granidar, ■\\athout tentacles. Sumatra, Borneo, Banka. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. h, c, d. Adult and half-grown. Borneo. 3. Chaca buchanani. Platystaciis chaca, Ham. Btich. pp. 140, 374. pi. 28. fig. 43. ID. 1/4. 2D. + C. + 2A. 18 + 11 + 8. 1 A. 8. P. 1/5. V. 6. Head and body with series of short fleshy tentacles; eye sur- rounded by a ring of small tentacles. Ganges. a. Adult. Ganges. Erom Mr. M'Clelland's Collection. 30 Second Subfamily. SILURID^ HETEROPTER^. The rayed dorsal fin is very little developed, and if it is present, it belongs to the abdominal portion of the vertebral column ; the adipose fin is exceedingly small or absent. The extent of the anal is not much iaferior to that of the caudal vertebral column. The gill-membranes overlap the isthmus, remaining more or less separate. Fourth Group. SILURINA. The ventral fins are behind or below the dorsal. Old World. 7. SACCOBRANCHUS. Saccobranchus, Cuv. <^ Val. xv. p. 399. Heteropneustes, Mullet: Adipose fin none ; dorsal very short, without pungent spine, placed above the ventrals; anal very long. Jaws and vomer with bands of vUliform teeth ; cleft of the mouth transverse, anterior, of moderate width ; barbels eight. Eyes rather small. The iipper and lateral parts of the head osseous, or covered with a very thin skin. GUI-membranes separated by a deep notch ; gill-cavity with an accessory posterior sac, extending backwards between the muscles along each side of the abdominal and caudal portions of the vertebral column. Ventrals six-rayed. East Indian continent and Ceylon. 1. Saccobranchus singio. Silm-us singio, Ham. Buck. Fish. Gang. pp. 147, 374. pi. 37. fig. 46. Saccobranchus singio, Cuv. 4" Val. xv. p. 400 (pi. 448*). B. 7. D. 6-7. A. 68-70. P. 1/6. V. 6. The height of the body is contained seven times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head (to the end of the operculum) six times and a third. Eye of moderate size, about half as long as the snout. The maxillaiy barbels extend to, or some- what beyond, the extremity of the pectorals. The distance of the dorsal fin from the end of the snout is rather less than one-third of the total length (without caudal). Pectoral spine rather strong, its length being three-quarters of that of the head; the ventral fin * This plate may represent a specimen of S. fossi/is. 7. SACCOBRANCHUS. 81 extends to the third or fourtli anal raj\ A notch between anal and caudal. Bengal. Cochinchina. a-b, c-d, e-g. Adult, half-grown, and young. Ganges. Presented by G. K. Waterhouse, Esq. — Types of the species. h~i. Adult. Calcutta. From the Collection of Messrs, von Schla- gintweit. k. Adidt : stuffed. Calcutta. From Mr. Wyllie's Collection. I. Adult : stuffed. Cochinchina. 2, Saccobranchus fossilis. ? Silurus fossilis, £1. taf. 370. fig. 2 ; £1. Schn. p. 386. D. 7. A. 64. P. 1/6. V. 6. The height of the body is one-seventh of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head (to the end of the operculum) one- sixth. Eye rather small, about one-third as long as the snout. The maxillary barbels extend to the middle or to the extremity of the pectorals. The distance of the dorsal fin from the end of the snout is one-third of the total length (without caudal). Pectoral spine of moderate strength, its length being two-thirds of that of the head. Ventral fin short, reaching to the origin of the anal. Anal and caudal fins scarcely separated by a notch. Hindostan, Nepal, Khasya. «. Adult. Delhi. From the Collection of Messrs. von Schlagintweit. b-d. Half-grown. Khasya. Presented by Sir W. Hooker. e. Half-grown. Nepal. Presented by B. H. Hodgson, Esq. 3. Saccobranchus microps. D. 8. A. 70. P. 1/6. V. 6. The height of the body equals the length of the head, and is one- eighth of the total (without caudal). Eye smaU, about one-third as long as the snout. Barbels very long ; those of the nostril extend to the extremity of the pectoral, those of the maxillary to, or nearly to, the root of the ventral. The band of vomerine teeth is interrupted in the middle. The distance of the dorsal fin from the end of the snout is two-sevenths of the total length (without caudal). Pectoral spine feebly serrated, of moderate strength, its length being two-thirds of that of the head. Ventral fin reaching to the origin of the anal. Anal and caudal fins united. Brown. Ceylon. a-c. From 5-6 inches long. Purchased of Mr. Cuming. 4. Saccobranchus microcephalus. D. S. A. 74. P. 1/7. V. G. The height of the body is one-eighth of the total length, the length of the head one-seventh ; eye of moderate size, half as long as the 32 SILfRID^. snout. The maxillary barbels extend beyond the middle of the pec- toral lin, those of the nostril to the end of the occipital process. The band of vomerine teeth is interrupted in the middle. The distance of the dorsal fin from the end of the snout is contained thrice and a fifth in the total length (without caudal). The pectoral spine is finely serrated along both edges, and as long as the head without snout. Ventral fin reaching to the origin of the anal. A deep notch between anal and caudal fins. Uniform brownish black. Ceylon. a. Ten and a half inches long. Presented by Sir Emerson Tennent, F.R.S. 8. SILURUS. Silurus, sp., Artedi, Synon. p. 110. Silurus et Parasilurus, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 114. One very short dorsal fin, without pungent spine ; no adipose fin ; the anal terminates close to the caudal, or is continuous with it. Barbels four or six : one to each maxillary, and one or two to each mandible. Palatine teeth none ; vomerine teeth in one or two trans- verse bands. Nostrils remote from each other. Head and body covered with soft skin. The eye is situated above the level of the angle of the mouth. Neck not elevated ; the upper profile of the head straight. The dorsal fin is anterior to the ventrals, which are composed of more than eight rays. Caudal roimded. The species may be subdivided thus : — • Barbels six : Silurus, Blkr., p. 32. •• Barbels four: Parasilurus, Blkr., p. 33. The Siluri, as understood by us, inhabit fresh waters of the tem- perate parts of the Palsearctic region, some of the species approaching or entering the northern portion of the Indian continent. * Barbels six. 1. Silurus glanis. Der Wels (der Schaid). Mai (Sweden). r\dvLi, Aristot. ii. c. 13, 15 ; vi. c. 14 ; viii. c. 20, 30 ; ix. c. 37. SiXovpoy, jElian. xiv. e. 25; Athen. vii. 287. Glanis, Plin. ix. c. 43; Salv. f. 2106, 211; Aldrov. v. c. 5. p. 569; Jonston, iii. tit. 2. c. 4. tab. 27. fig. 8 ; Bellon. Ohs. i. p. 125. Siliu-us, Plin. ix. c. 15, 16, 51 ; v. c. 9 ; Auson. 135 ; Rondel, ii. c. 10. p. 180; G('5M«-, pp. 867,872, 1047; Schmev.^.m-, Jonston, tah. 4.7. fig. 7; Willughhy, p. 128; Ray, p. 70; Artedi, Synon. p. 110, and Gewera, p. 82; Marsigli, Dan. iv. c. 4; Sihhald, Scot. III. p. 25; Klein, Pise. Miss. iv. p. 10. no. 1 ; Gronov. Zoopliyl. no. 323. tab. 6. tig. 1. Silurus glanist, L. Syst. Nat. i. p. 501, and Faun. Suec. p. 121 ; Retz. Faun. p. 343; Bl. Fische Deutschl. i. p. 242. tab. 34; Bl. Schn. p. 379; Lacep. v. pp. 56, 59; Reisinger, Ichth. Hung. p. 28; Mei- + Numerous works showing the occurrence of the Wels at certain localities may be found quoted in the elaborate account of the ' Hist. Nat. Poiss." by Cu7. & Val. 8. SILTJRTTS. 33 dituier, uo. 9 ; Pall. Zooijr. Boss.- As. p. 82 ; Citv. S,- Va.. xiv.. p. 323. pi. 409; Cuv. Rhjne Anim. III. Poiss. pi. 96. fig. 1; Miss. Skand. Fiiiin. iv. p. 359; Gronov. Si/st. ed. Gray, p. 134; Rapp, Fische Bodeiisees, p. 12. Mai, Osbcck, Vet. Akad. Handl. 1750, p. 34. tab. 3. Skeleton : Rosenthal, Ichthyot. Taf. t. 9. figs. 1-7. D. 4. A. 90. P. 1/16. V. 12. Vert. 17/51-52. Maxillary barbels miicb longer than the head. Pectoral spine in- distinctly serrated at its extremity. Vomerine teeth in an uninter- rupted band. Anal and caudal broadly united. European rivers east of the Rhine. rt. Fine specimen. Feder-see. From the Stuttgart Museum. 1). Young : skin. From Gronow's Collection. c. Adult: skeleton. Feder-see. From Mr. Gerrard's Collection. (/. Young : skeleton. Berlin. From Dr. A. Giinther's Collection. e. Skull of a very large specimen. Berlin. From Dr. A. Giinther'.s Collection. ** Barbels foiu-. 2. Silurus dauricus. Pallas, in Nov. Act. Petropol. 1787, i. p. 359. pi. 11. fig. 11; Cuv. ^ Val. xiv. p. 351. D. 5. A. 90. P. 1/13. V. 13. Snout obtuse, depressed, rounded, with the lower jaw prominent. The maxillarj- barbels extend to the base of the pectoral, and are four times as long as the mandibulary pari". Pectoral spine serrated along its outer edge ; anal and caudal confluent. (Pall.) Dauria. 3. Silurus asotus. Silurus asotus, Z. Si/st. Nat. i. p. 591 ; Bl. Schn.]^. 378 ; Basil, in Nouv. Mem. Soc. Nat. Mosc. 1855, x. p. 240. tab. 3. fig. 4 (not C. ^ V.). pimctatus. Cant. Ann. 8f 3Ia{/. Nat. Hist. 1842, ix. p. 485. xanthosteus, Richards. Voij. Sulph. Fish. p. 133. pi. 56. figs. 12- 14; Ichth. Chin. p. 281. sinensis, Richards. Ichth. Cliin. p. 281 (not M'Clell.). japonicus, Schleq. Faun. Japan. Poiss. p. 226. pi. 104. fig. 1 ; Richards. Ichth. Chin. p. 281. D. 5-6. A. 76-82. P. 1/14. V. 13. Snout obtuse, depressed, rounded, with the lower jaw prominent. The band of vomerine teeth is scarcely interrupted in the middle, and sometimes subcontinuous. Maxillary barbels not twice as long as the head, mandibidary barbels about half as long. Pectoral spine strong, with the outer edge strongly serrated ; the length of the pec- toral is thi-ce-fifths of that of the head. Anal and caudal fijis confluent. China and Japan. a. Adult. Japan. Purchased of Mr. Frank (jS*. yrtpo)HVi<.s'). h. Young. Japan. From Dr. P. v. Bleekcr's Collection. c. Fine specimen. Chikiang. From Mr. Fortune's Collection. d, e,f-g, h-i. Adult and half-grown. China. VOL. V. D 34 SILUHID.E. k,l,m. Half-grown. Chusan. From the Collection of the East India Company. — Types of S. nunctatus. 11. Adult. Formosa. From Mr. Swinhoe's Collection. 0. Half-grown. Moluccas ('?). Some of the specimens show a distinct interruption in the middle of the band of vomerine teeth, whilst in others the bands are con- fluent. In none of the specimens are the spots described by Cantor visible, 4. Silurus afghana. D. 2. A. 70. P. 1/1.3. V. 10. The upper jaw is longer than the lower ; snout very obtuse, rounded, with the cleft of the mouth extending to below the eye ; the width of the head is three-quarters of its length. The maxillaiy barbels are twice as long as the head, and thrice as long as those of the mandi- bles. Eye small. The dorsal fin is quite rudimentary ; its distance from the occiput is less than the length of the head. Anal and caudal slightly continuous ; caudal rounded. Pectoral obtusely rounded, as long as the head without snout ; its spine without distinct denticula- tions, not quite half as long as the fin. Vomerine teeth in a very narrow, uninterrupted, curved band. Afghanistan. a. Five inches long. From Mr. Griffith's Collection. 5. Silurus cocMnchinensis. Silurus cochinchineusis, Cuv, «^ Val. xiv. p. 352. D. 4. A. 62. P. 1/11. V. 10. Maxillary barbels much longer, mandibulary rather shorter than the head. Pectoral spine scarcely serrated ; pectoral fin shorter than the head. Vomerine teeth forming a band, which is a little inter- rupted in the middle. Anal and caudal close together, but separate. The upper jaw is longer than the lower. Cochinchina. a. Fine specimen, 4 inches long. Silurichthys berdmorei, Blyth, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. xxix. p. 156, is probably identical with this species ; the anal is said to be con- tinuous with the caudal, but distinctly defined. 6. Silurus (?) malabaricus. Silurus malabaricus, Cuv. Sf- Val. xiv. p. 353. D. 4. A. 62. P. 1/13. V. 9. Lower jaw prominent ; the anal terminates immediately before the caudal. Pectoral spine strong and serrated ; pectoral fin rounded. Vomerine teeth in two separate groups. {Val.) Coast of Malabar. It is doubtful whether this species belongs to the genus SUmnis, the short description given by Valenciennes having been taken from specimens in a bad state of preservation. 5». STLURICHTHYS. 35 y. SILURICHTHYS*. Silurichthys, Bhrk. Prodi: >Silur. p. 2(38. One very short dorsal tin, without pungent spine ; no adipose fin ; anal and caudal fins confluent. Barbels four : one to each maxillary and one to each mandible. Palatine teeth none ; vomerine teeth in a short transverse band ; eyes rather small, above the angle of the mouth. Nostrils remote from each other, subequal in form and width. Head and body covered with soft skin. The upper profile of the head straight. The dorsal fin is inserted above, or immediately before, the ventrals. Ventrals composed of eight or less rays ; caudal obliquely cmarginate. East Indian Archipelago. Cashmere. 1. Silurichthys phaiosoma. Sleeker, Prodr. Silur. p. 269, and Atl. Ichth. SUur. p. 81. tab. 87. fig. 2. D. 4. A. 53-56. P. 1/8-10. V. 6-8. The height of the body is contained six times, or six times and a half, in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head six times and a half to seven times and a fourth. The lower jaw is scarcely shorter than the upper. The mandibulary barbels are shorter than those of the intermaxillaries, the latter extending to the middle third of the anal fin. The pectoral is nearly as long as the head, the length of the spine being equal to the distance between the eye and the angle of the operculum ; the spine denticulated posteriorly. Dorsal above the ventrals. Caudal fin obliquely emarginate, vnth. the lobes rounded. Uniform brown ; barbels with brown rings. Banka, BiUton, and Borneo. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Blocker's Collection. 2. Silurichthys hasseltii. Bleeker, Prodr. SUur. p. 270, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 82. tab. 87. fig. 1. D. 4. A. 58. P. 1/9. V. 6. The height of the body is contained six times and a half in the total length (without caudal) , the length of the head seven times and two- thirds. Jaws equal anteriorly. The mandibulary barbels are shorter than those of the intermaxillaries, the latter extending to the middle third of the anal fin. The pectoral fin is nearly as long as the head. The dorsal is inserted before the vertical from the ventrals. Caudal obliquely tnmcated, scarcely cmarginate. Brownish, marbled with black. (BI.) Java (Tysekat). The single specimen known is in the Leydcn Museum. 1. Silurus sinensis {? Larep. v. p. 82. pi. 2. fig. 1), M'CIell. Calc. Journ. iv. p. 402.— Cluisan. d2 36 siLuiUD-i-:. 3. Silurichthys lamghur. Silunis lamghur, Heck. Fische Caschmir, p. 82. tab. 12. figs. 5 & 6. B. 14. D. 4. A. 53. P. 1/12. V. 1/5. The height of the body is nearly equal to the length of the head, and contained four times and two-thirds in the total (without caudal). Lower jaw prominent. The maxillary barbels do not extend to the extremitj' of the pectorals ; those of the mandibles about twice as long as the eye. The length of the pectoral is three-quarters of that of the head ; the spine serrated, half as long as the fin. Dorsal above the ventrals. {Heck.) Cashmere. 10. WALLAGO. Wallago, Sleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 114. One very short dorsal fin, without pungent spine ; no adipose fin ; the anal is very long, and terminates close to the caudal. Barbels four : one to each maxillary and one to each mandible. Snout rather produced ; palatine teeth none ; vomerine teeth in two oblique, longish patches. Nostrils remote from each other. Head covered with skin ; the eye is situated above the level of the angle of the mouth. Neck not elevated, the upper profile of the head being straight. The dorsal fin is either somewhat before or above the ventrals, which are com- posed of more than eight rays. Caudal forked. East Indian rivers. 1. Wallago attu. Plat-vish, Nietih. p. 273. Silurus athu, Bl. Schn. p. 378. tab. 75. WaUagoo, Russell, fig. 165. Silurus boalis, Ham. Buck. Fish. Gang. pp. 154, 375. pi. 29. fig. 49. wallagoo, Cm: ^ Val. xiv. p. 354. asotus, Cm;;. ^ Val. xiv. p. 358 (not L.). Schilbe boalis, Si/kes, Tram. Zool. Soc. ii. p. 368. tab. 64. fig. 2. Silurus miilleri, Bleek. Verhatid. Bat. Genootsch. xxi., Silur. Consp. p. 18. Wallagoo miilleri, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. iii. p. 585, and Verhand. Bat. Genootsch. xxv., Nalez. Hind. Sj- Beng. p. 108. russellii, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 261, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. tab. 86. fig. 1. attu, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 79. D. 1/4. A. 86-93. P. 1/13. V. 10. Vert. 13/56. Snout produced, spatuliform ; cleft of the mouth very wide, extend- ing to behind the eyes ; the lower jaw is rather the longer. Vomer- ine teeth in two veiy oblique series, separated from each other by an interspace. Maxillary barbels not quite twice as long as the head ; mandibulary barbels as long as the snout. Pectoral spine feeble, not serrated exteriorly ; pectoral fin as long as the cleft of the mouth ; anal and caudal close together, but separate, sometimes covered with brown dots. Bengal, Hindostan, Dekkan, Java. a-h. Half-grown. Ganges. — Types of S. boalis, H. B. c. Adult : stufied. Calcutta. From Mr. Blyth's Collection. 11. BELODONTICHTHYS, 37 d-e. Half-grown : stuffed. Ferozepore. From the Collection of the East India Company. /. Adult: stuffed. i. Buck. pp. 196, 378. pi. 19. fig. 64. Bagi-us vacha, Cuv. Sf Val. xiv. p. 392. D. 1/7. A. 50. Cleft of the mouth long, terminating below the eye ; the upper jaw is rather the longer. Barbels not differing much in length from one another, nearly equal to the length of the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines moderately strong, serrated. The ventral is inserted below the hinder part of the dorsal. (//. B.) Bengal. 13. CRYPTOPTERUS. Kiyptopterus, Ki-yptopterichthys, Micronema, Phalacronotus, Hemi- siluvus, sp., Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 116. Dorsal fin quite rudimentary or entirely absent ; no adipose fin ; the anal fin is very long, and terminates close to, or is continuous with, the caudal, which is deeply forked. Two or four barbels : one to each maxillary, and generally another pair on the chin, on a level with the angles of the mouth ; the mandibulary barbels are frequently minute, almost microscopic, and consequently are sometimes entirely absent. Palatine teeth none ; vomerine teeth in a short transverse band, which is generally not interrupted in the middle. Head covered with skin ; mandibles without enlarged muciferous cavities. Ventrals small and short, composed of from six to ten rays. Posterior nostrils not dilated, and not closer together than the anterior. Eyes generally large, always behind, or even partly below, the level of the cleft of the mouth. Air-bladder transparent through the sides of the body. East Indies. Dr. V. Bleeker considers the presence or absence of a rudimentary dorsal filament to be a character of sufiicient importance to base on it two divisions — Kryptopterini and PhaJacronotini — an opinion which I cannot share. Nor does it appear to me that the disappearance of two microscopic barbels at the chin is of any systematic value. These barbels are so rudimentary, that they were overlooked in some instances by Dr. Bleeker himself. Thus, for instance, some of the species of Kruptoptericlithys and all of Phalacronotus, two genera said to be distinguished by the absence of mandibulary barbels, are provided with them. We di\-ide the species into the following groups, to which we do not attribute generic value : — 13. CBYPT0PTERU8. 39 I. Anal separate from caudal. A. Maxillary aud mandibulary barbels well developed, p. 39. 1. C. mouonema. 2. C. limpok. B. Maxillary barbels well developed, much longer than the head ; man- dibulary barbels minute, if present, p. 40. 3. C. amboinensis. 5. C. schilbeides. 7. C. macrocephalus. 4. C. palembangensis. 6. C. bicin-his. 8. C. lais. C. Maxillary barbels short ; mandibulary barbels short, if present (see C hexuptents). a. Head and snout short, p. 42. 9. C. micropus. 10. C. micronema. 11. C. hexapterus. b. Head and snout longish, p. 43. 12. C. micropogon. 13. C. bleekeri. 14. C. leptonema. II. Ansl united with caudal : Pterocryptk, Peters, p. 44. 15. C. gangeticus. 1. Anal separate from caudal. A. Maxillary and mandibulary barbels well developed. 1. Cryptoptems mononema. Silurus mononema, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Genuotsch. xxi., Xiimive Bydt: Silur. Java, p. 8. Kr\-ptopterus mononema, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 287, and Atl. Ichth. -S'i7?^/-. p. 87, tab. 91.%. 1. B. 10-11. D. 2. A. 76-79. P. 1/14. V. 8. The length of the head is contained seven times and two-fifths in the total (without caudal) ; the diameter of the eye is one-fourth of the length of the head. Nape of the neck slightly concave. Jaws equal in length ; cleft of the mouth twice as broad as long. The maxiUaiy barbels extend to the second fom-th of the anal, those of the mandibles to the base of the ventrals. Pectoral fin longer than pectoral spine, nearly as long as the head ; the latter scarcely denti- culated. Dorsal a little in advance of the ventrals. Java. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 2. Cryptoptems limpok, Sihu'us limpok, Bleek. Nat. Ttjdschr. Nederl. Ind. iii. p. 583. Krvptopterus limpok, BUek. Prodr. Silur. p. 286, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 87. tab. 91. fig. 2. B. 11-12. D. 2. A. 70-88. P. 1/14. V. 8-9. The length of the head is contained six times and a half to six times and four-fifths in the total (without caudal) ; the diameter of the eye is one-third or two-sevenths of the length of the head. Xape of the neck very concave. Cleft of the mouth twice as broad as long. The maxillaiy bai'bels extend to the posterior quarter of the anal, those 40 SILUEID.E. of the mandibles far beyond its origin. Pectoral fin longer, pectoral spine rather shorter than the head ; the latter strong, denticulated interiorly. Dorsal above the ventrals. Sumatra and Borneo. a. Type of the species. From Dr. v. Bleeker's Collection. This species appears to have the place behind the head, where the air-bladder is seen through the transparent skin, of a dark colour during life. B. Maxillary barbels well developed ; mandibulary barbels minute, if present. 3. Cryptopterus amboinensis. D. 1. A. 63. P. 1/10. V. 6. The height of the body is contained nearly five times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head six times and a half. • Nape of the neck not elevated. The single rudiment of a dorsal fin is situated a little before the veitical from the base of the ventral. The eye is situated near to the lower profile of the head, and its diameter is one-third of the length of the head. Cleft of the mouth twice as broad as long. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the pectoral ; mandibulary barbels minute. The pectoral is much longer than the head, and extends to the seventh anal ray ; its spine is rather shorter than the head, and distinctly denticulated along its inner edge ; ventral very short, as long as the eye. Caudal forked to its base, each lobe nearly as long as the pectoral. A minute porus axillaris. Coloration imtform ; sides silvery. Amboyna. a. Fine specimen, 4^ inches long. Amboyna. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 4. Cryptoptems palembangensis. Silm-us palembangensis, Bhek. Nat. Tydschr. Nede)-l. Ind. iii. p. 684. Krvptopterichthvs palembangensis, ^/eeA:.JVo(/r. /stus. ( Val.) Senegal. e2 OZ SILITRID^. 16. EUTROPIUS*. Eutropius, BHill. i^- Trosch. Hor. Ichthyol. iii. p. 6. Avery small adipose fin ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine ; anal fin long, terminating at some distance from the candal, which is forked. Barbels eight : one to each maxillary, one to each posterior nostril, and two to each mandible ; the mandibnlary barbels are placed one behind the other. The palatine teeth are present, and form toge- ther with those of the vomer a horseshoe-like band. Nostrils open, not prolonged into tubes, situated at some distance from each other. Head covered with skin. The upper jaw is the longer (except in E. depres$irostris). Ventral ■^dth six rays. Tropical Africa. East Indies. 1. Eutropius niloticus. Hypoplithalmus niloticus, Hupp. Netie Nilfische, p. 6. taf. 1. fig. 1. Bagriis schilbeides, Cuv. S) Val. xiv. p. 389. B. 9. D. 1/6. A. 58-60. P. 1/9. V. 6. The height of the body is contained nearly four times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head five times and a half. The greatest width of the head equals its length without snout. The upper jaw is the longer ; cleft of the mouth twice as broad as deep. Nasal and anterior mandibnlary barbels short ; max- illary barbels much longer than the posterior of the mandibles, not extencUng to the base of the pectoral. The diameter of the eye is one-fifth or one-sixth of the length of the head. The dorsal fin is situated entirely before the ventral, the width of its base being equal to that of the latter. Its height equals the length of the head ; spine slender, serrated posteriorly. The anal fin terminates at some distance from the caudal. Caudal deeply forked, with the lobes pointed. Pectoral spine rather broad, strongly serrated, termi- nating at a rather considerable distance from the ventral. A blackish spot at the origin of the lateral line. Nile. a, h, c, d, e-f. Adult and young. Lower Nile. (/, h-i. Adult and half-grown. Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection. k. Adult. Egj^pt. From Dr. E. RiippeU's Collection. — One of the typical specimens. ?. Adult: skeleton. Nile. Presented by G. Macleay, Esq. 2. Eutropius congensis. Silurus congensis, Leach, in TucJiei/, Narrnt. Exped. Zaire, p. 409 ; Owen, O.-sfeoloff. Cat. Coll. Stoy/. i. pp. 24, 27. B. 10. D. 1/6. A. 58. P. 1/11. V. 6. The height of the body is contained foiu' times and a third in * 1. HTpophthalmus taakree. Si/ies, Trans. Zool. Soc. ii. p. 369. tab. 64. fig. 4. — Dekkan. 16. EUTROPITTS. 53 tho total length (without caiulal), the length of the head five times and a half. The greatest width of the head is three-quarters of its length. The upper jaw is considerably longer than the lower ; cleft of the mouth twice as broad as deep. Barbels short and very thin : those of the maxillary are the longest, extending to the end of the head, and twice as long as the posterior mandibulary barbels ; the latter rather longer than nasal barbels ; anterior mandibulary barbels shorter than the ej^e. Eye covered with a broad circular fold of skin ; its diameter is one-sixth or one-seventh of the length of the head. The ventrals are situated below the hhider half of the dorsal ; the bases of both fins are equal in width. Dorsal fin elevated, with a slender spine, slightly serrated posteriorly, and considerably longer than the head ; the first ray is produced into a filament. The anal terminates at some distance from the caudal, which is deeply forked, the length of a lobe being nearly one-sixth of the total. Adipose fin very small. Pectoral fin elongate, like the dorsal ; its spine is slightly serrated towards its extremity, rather stronger than, but as long as, the dorsal spine ; its first ray produced into a filament ; this fin extends beyond the origin of the anal. Teeth in the jaws and on the palate villiform in broadish bands ; the band on the vomer transverse, more or less confluent ■with those on the palatines. Sides silver3\ River Congo. a. Thirteen inches long. — Type of the species. 3. Eutropius obtusirostris. D. 1/5. A. 54. P. 1/8. y. 6. The height of the body is contained four times and a third in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and two-thirds. The greatest width of the head is three-fifths of its length. Upper jaw considerably longer than the lower ; cleft of the mouth short, not extending beyond the front margin of the orbit. The nasal Ijarbel and the anterior of the mandibulary barbels are short and thin ; the maxillary barbel as long as the head, the hinder mandibulary barbel more than half as long. Eye without adipose eyelid ; its diameter is somewhat less than one-third of the length of the head. The dorsal fin is situated entirely before the ventral ; its spine is serrated posteriorly, and three-fourths as long as the head. The anal fin terminates at some distance from the caudal, which is deeply forked, the length of a lobe being contained five times and a half in the total. The pectoral spine is strongly serrated interiorly, stronger tlian, and as long as, that of the dorsal fin, terminating at some distance from the ventral. Ventral fin lialf as long as the pec- toral. Vomerine teeth in an uninterrupted transverse band, not con- tinuous with the palatine teeth. Silvery, back dark olive. India. a-b. Three inches long. 54 SILTTRID.E. 4. Eutropius adansonii. Bagrus adansonii, Cm. 8,- Val. xiv. p. 391. pi. 414. A. 53. Dorsal and anal spines rather feeble. ( Val.) Senegal. 5. Eutropius (1) murius. The Muri Vaclia. Pinielodus muriiis, Ham. Bucli. Fish. Gang. pp. 195, 378. D. 1/8. A. 42. P. 1/11. V. 6. Vomerine and palatine teetK ? Barbels not longer than the head ; upper jaw a little longer than the lower ; eyes large ; dorsal spine nearly smooth. Silvery, caudal fin blackish. {H. B.) Four inches long. Mahananda Eiver. 6. Eutropius depressirostris. Bagrus depressirostris, Peters, 3Io/uitsber. Acad. Wiss. Bcrliti, 1852, p. 682. B. 10. D. 1/6. A. 56-60. P. 1/10-11. The lower jaw is not shorter than the upper when the mouth is closed ; the hinder mandibulary barbels eqiial in length to those of the maxillaries. The dorsal fin is situated entirely before the ven- tral ; its spine is slender and serrated posteriorly. Mozambique. a. Adult. Presented by Prof. Peters. 17. HEMISILURUS. Hemisiliinis, sp., Bleeker, Prodr. Si'lm: p. 295. Dorsal fin none ; the anal fin terminates close to the caudal, which is deeply forked. Two smaU barbels on the upper jaw. Palatine teeth none ; vomerine teeth in two separate patches. Head covered with skin ; neck elevated, the upper profile of the head being concave. Eye lateral, its lower margin being on the same level with the cleft of the mouth. The upper jaw is the longer. Head compressed, snout not broader than deep. The mandible -with large mucous cavities (as in a Sciaenoid). Ventrals composed of eight or nine rays. East Indian Archipelago. 1. Hemisilurus heterorhynchus. Wallago heterorhjTiehus, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. v. p. 514. Hemisilurus heterorhynchus, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 296, and Ail. Ichth. Silur. p. 94. tab. 93. fig. 2. B. 12-13. A. 90-93. P. 1/16-17. V. 9. The height of the body is contained four times and three-fifths to five times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head nearly six times ; the diameter of the eye is one-fourth or one- fifth of the length of the head. The barbels are fleshy, flexible, 19. A ILIA. 55 and extend to the ej-e ; pectoral about as long as the head, with the spine slender and slightlj' denticulated. Sumatra. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Blocker's Collection. 2. Hemisilurus scleronema. Bleeker, Atl. Ichfh. Silur. p. 93. tab. 101. B. 10. A. 103. P. 1/15-16. V. 8. The height of the body is contained five times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head seven times and a quarter. Barbels cartilaginous, rigid, much shorter than the eye. Pectoral about as long as the head, with the spine slender and slightly denticulated. Java. The single specimen known is in the Leyden Museum. 18. SILURANODON. Silurus, sp., Ciw. Sc Val. Siluranodon, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 255. One short dorsal fin without pungent spine ; no adipose fin ; the anal fin terminates close by the caudal, which is forked. Barbels eight : one at the nostrils, one to each maxillary, and four behind the chin, the roots of the latter being nearly in the same transverse series. No teeth in the jaws or on the palate. Eyes behind and below the angle of the mouth. Neck not elevated. Ventral composed of six rays. Nile. 1. Siluranodon auritus. Oued denne {pftlie Arabs). Silurus auritus, Geoff r. Descr. Eg. Poiss. pi. 11. figs. 1 & 2 ; Ciiv. Sf Val. xiv. p. 308. B. 9. D. 5. A. 80. P. 1/9. V. 6. Vert. ^£^,^. The nasal and maxillary barbels are shorter than those on the chin, which are one-third or one-fourth longer than the head. Pectoral spine rather strong, serrated, and nearly as long as the first ray. Silvery. Nile. 19. AILIA. Ailia, {Gray) Cm: lS- Val. xv. p. 538. Adipose fin exceedingly small ; no otlu^r dorsal fin *. The anal fin terminates at a short distance from the caudal, which is deeply forked. Barbels eight : one between the nostiils, one to each mnx- illarj-, and four immediately behind the chin, the roots of the latter * There is a small hole in tho skin where the dorsal fiii oiiKht to have heen placed ; it is at a short distance from the occiput, and a little before the vertical from the ventral fins. 56 SILURID^. being nearly in the same transverse series. Teeth in the jaws villi- foi'm ; teeth on the vomer minute, in two separate small patches. The nostrils of one side are close together, open, the anterior being quite in front of the snout. Head covered with thin skin. Upper jaw rather longer than the lower. Orbit with a broad circidar eye- lid, behind the angle of the mouth. Ventral composed of six rays. Bengal. 1, Ailia bengalensis. Malapterurus coila, Ham. Buch. Fish. Gany. pp. 158, 375. Silurus (Acanthouotus) cuvieri, Gray, Illustr. Ind. Zool. (very bad ; from a deteriorated specimen). Malapterus (Ailia) benoalensis. Gray, Illustr. Ind. Zool. Ailia bengalensis, Cuv. §• Val. xv. p. 538 ; Bleek. Verh. Batav. Genootsch. XXV., Beng. i^ Hind. p. A. 70-72. P. 14. All the barbels are subequal in length, extending to about the middle of the length of the fish. The pectoral spine is slender, nearly as long as the head, the length of which is one-sixth of the total (without caudal). The height of the body is one-fifth of the total. a-h. Tj-pes of the species. Ganges. Presented by G. R. Water- house, Esq. e-d. Half-grown. Calcutta. From the Collection of Messrs. v. Schlagintweit. 2. Ailia af&nis. A. 60-61. P. 13. Nasal and maxiUary barbels subequal in length, extending to, or nearly to, the middle of the length of the fish ; mandibulaiy barbels rather shorter. The pectoral spine is very slender, as long as the head, the length of which is one-sixth of the total (without caudal). The height of the body is more than one-fifth of the total length (without caudal). Otherwise very similar to A. bengalensis. Himalayas, Assam. a~h. Four inches long. Kulu. From the Collection of Messrs. v. Schlagintweit. c. Three and a quarter inches long. Assam. From the Collection of the East India Company. 20. SCHILBICHTHYS. Schilbe, sp., Cuv. ^ Val. Schilbeichthys, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 255. One short dorsal fin with a pungent spine ; no adipose fin ; the anal fin terminates at some distance from the caudal, which is forked. Barbels eight, as in Ailia. Vomerine and palatine teeth present. Nostrils close together, at the end of the snout, very wide, the pos- terior twice as wide as the anterior. Head covered with skin. The 21. LAIS. 57 upper profile is nearly straight ; neck not elevated ; upper jaw longer than the lower ; orljit with a broad anterior and posterior adipose eyelid, behind the cleft of the mouth. Ventral composed of six rays. Bengal. 1. Schilbichthys garua. Siluiiis garua, ILtm. Buch. Fish. (Jariy. pp. 156, 375. tab. 21. fig. 50. Schilbe garua, Ciiv. vS" Val. xiv. p. 379. pi. 413 (not good) ; Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxv., Hindost. p. 110. B. 7. D. 1/6. A. 30. P. 1/11. V. 6. The maxillary barbels extend to the base of the ventral, those of the chin to the end of the head. Vomerine teeth in an uninterrupted cross-band, scarcely separated from the palatine bands. Dorsal spine slender, strongly serrated. Silvery on the sides, immaculate. Bengal. a. One of the typical specimens. Ganges. Presented by G. R. Waterhouse, Esq. b. Sixteen inches long : stuffed. India. From Capt. Boys's Collection. 21. LAIS. Lais, Bleek. Prodr. Sihir. p. 170. Adipose fin minute ; a short dorsal fin with a piingent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin elongate, ^vith forty or more rays. Barbels six, four of which are at the mandible, in a transverse series behind the symphysis. Teeth on the palate \'ilhform, forming two more or less contiguous transverse ba:ids. The upper jaw is the longer. Eyes large, free, behind, and partly below the angle of the mouth. Caudal forked ; ventral rays six. NostrUs close together, at the end of the snout, wide, the posterior twice as wide as the anterior. East Indian Archipelago. The natural affinity between Lais and SchUUchthys is bo great, that these two genera offer one of the most striking proofs that the presence or absence of a small adipose fin is a character entirely useless for the establishment of higher than generic groups of SUuroid fish, and, if taken by itself, that it leads to a not less artificial system than the presence or absence of teeth on the j)alate. Thus, we see that in Dr. v. Bleeker's system Lais and Schilbichthi/s are referred to two distinct subfamilies — the former to the " Bagrifonnes." 1. Lais hexanema. Pangasius hexanema, Bleek. Xat. Ti/d.schr. Nederl. Ind. iii. p. 589. Lais liexanouia, Bleek. Prudr. Silitr. p. 171, and Atl. Ichth. Hilur. p. 72. tab. 75. fig. 2. B. 8-9. D. 1/7. A. 40-42. P. ^. Occipital process very narrow ; tlic diameter of the eye is one-third 58 siLURm.E. of the length of the head ; the maxillary barbels extend to the ventral or to the anal, those of the mandible to the base of the pec- toral. Dorsal fin lower than the body ; its spine is slender, slightly serrated behind, and two-thirds of the length of the head ; pectorals as long as the head, with a spine which is longer than that of the dorsal. Java, Sumatra, Borneo. a. Adult. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 22. PSEUDEUTROPIUS*. Pseudeutropius, Bleek. Nedeii. Ti/dschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 106. A veiy small adipose fin ; a short dorsal fiji with a pungent spine ; anal fin elongate, terminating at some distance from the caudal, which is forked. Barbels eight : one to each maxillary, one between the nostrils of each side, and four along the front margin of the lower jaw ; the teeth on the palate form a more or less uninten'upted curved band. Nostrils open, not prolonged into tubes, transverse-ovate ; the posterior nearer to each other than the anterior. Eye large, situated behind, and partly even below the angle of the mouth. The lower jaw is the shorter. Ventral with six rays. East Indies. 1. Pseudeutropius brachypopterus. Eutropius bracli;s^opterus, Bleek. Prodi: Silu}; p. 169, and Atl. Ichth. Siliir. p. 71. tab. 75. fig. If. B. 10. D. 1/6. A. 27. P. 1/8. V. 6. The barbels are nearly equally long, extending to, or near to, the extremity of the pectoral fin. The vomerine teeth form a very nar- row band, which is angularly bent, and continuous with the palatine teeth. The dorsal fin is scarcely lower than the body, and the length of its spine is three-quarters or four-fifths of that of the head ; the spine is serrated along its whole posterior side, and anteriorly at its extremity. Pectoral fin nearly as long as the head ; its spine is ser- rated posteriorly. Ventral fins half as long as the head. Silvery, with three indistinct bro^\nush longitudinal bands. Palembang (Sumatra). a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 2. Pseudeutropius atherinoides. Silurus atherinoides, Bl. viii. p. 48. taf. 371. fig. 1; Bl. Sc/vi. p. 386. Pimelodus angius, Ilain. Buck. Fish. Gang. pp. 180, 377. pi. 29. fig. 59. * 1. Eutropius macrophthalmus, Blyth, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. xxix. p. 156. — Tenasserim. 2. Bagi'us buchanani, Vol. in Jacq. Voy. Ind. Orient. Atl. Poiss. pi. 16. fig. 3. — Hindostan. t This figure is sliglitly inaccurate in representing an anterior and posterior pair of mandibulary barbels, wliilst in reality the roots of the four barbels are in a perfectly straight Lijie. 22. PSETTDEUTROntJS, 59 Pimelodu8 xirua, Ham. Burh. pp. 177, 377. BagTus atluiriuoides, Cur. c^ 77//. xiv. p. 39G. angius, Cuv. dy Val. xiv. p. 393. urua, Chtv. Sf Val. xiv. p. 395. exodon, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxv., Himlost. p. Ill (not Val.). D. jig. A. 3G. P. 1/7. V. 6. The length of the head is contained four times and a third in the total (without caudal) ; the greatest width of the head is somewhat more than one-half of its length ; the uppei* jaw is longer than the lower. The maxillary barbels extend to the origin of the anal fin, the nasal barbels to the end of the head ; those of the mandil)les are inserted anteriorly at the chin, and rather longer than the head. The eye is situated behind the angle of the mouth, and partly at the lower side of the head ; its diameter is one-third of the length of the head. The dorsal spine is rather slender, obsem-ely serrated be- hind. Caudal fin with the lobes pointed ; the distance between anal and caudal fins is less than the depth of the hinder portion of the tail. Pectoral spine much stronger than that of the dorsal fin, two- thirds as long as the head, extending beyond the dorsal spine, and armed interiorly with strong spines curved backwards. Yentral in- serted below ttie hinder dorsal rays, not half as long as the head. Silvery, with three or four more or less distinct bands, formed by black dots ; a black spot at the base of the caudal. Bengal. a. Three inches long. Bengal. From the Collection of the East India Company. h. Three inches long. Bengal. Presented by G. R. Waterhouse, Esq. 3. Pseudeutropius mitchelli. D. 1/6. A. 37. P. 1/7. The length of the head is a little more than the height of the body, and one-fifth of the total (without caudal) ; the greatest wadth of the head is somewhat more than one-half of its length ; the upper profile of the head is scarcely concave, the nape being but httle elevated. The upper jaw is longer than the lower ; the maxiUary barbels extend to the ventrals, those of the nostrils and of the mandible to the end of the head. The occipital process is not covered by skin ; it is slender, and joins the basal bone of the dorsal fin, which is triangular, and half as long as the occipital pro- cess ; a fonticulus along the middle of the upper side of the head, extending to the base of the occipital process. Ej^e large, one-third of the length of the head. The distance between occiput and dorsal fin is nearly equal to that between occiput and snout. Dorsal spine slender, two-thirds of the length of the head, finely serrated behind. The distance between anal and caudal fins is rather less than the depth of the hinder portion of the tail. Pectoral spine much stronger than that of the doreal fin, as long as the head with- out snout, not extending backwards to the vertical from the dorsal GO SILURID.E. spine ; it is armed interiorly \vith strong spines curved backwards. Ventral inserted below the hinder dorsal rays, half as long as the head. Sides uniform silvery. Madras Presidency. a-b. Three and a half inches long. Presented by Captain Mitchell. 4. Pseudeutropius megalops. B. 5. D. 1/G. A. 41. P. 1/11. V. 6. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-hfth ; the greatest width of the head is three-fifths of its length. The upper jaw overlaps the lower ; the cleft of the mouth is two-thirds as long as broad. The teeth in the jaws form rather narrow bands, — those of the vomer two qua- drangular patches, which are separated from each other by a linear groove; the palatine teeth form a cuneiform band which is sub- continuous with the vomerine teeth. The nasal barbels extend to behind the eye ; those of the maxillaries are slightly compressed, and situated below the orbit and base of the pectoral, when in repose, and extend beyond the origin of the anal. The mandibulary barbels are inserted immediately behind the front margin of the lower jaw, nearly in the same transverse line, and are of equal length, extend- ing beyond the root of the pectoral. The eye is situated behind the angle of the mouth, and partly at the lower side of the head ; it is provided with a broad eyelid, and its diameter is one-fourth of the length of the head. The dorsal fin is situated entirely before the ventral ; its height is less than the length of the head, and its spine is not much shorter than the first soft ray; the spine is of moderate strength, finely seiTated in front and behind. The distance between anal and caudal fins is more than the depth of the hinder part of the tail. Caudal fin with the lobes pointed, its length being one-fifth of the total. Pectoral spine stronger than that of the dorsal fin, as long as the head, extending to, or nearly to, the ventral, finely serrated exteriorly and interiorly. Ventral small, not quite half as long as the head. Silvery, dark on the back ; a blackish spot corre- sponds to the seat of the air-bladder. Central India. a. Six inches long. Godaveri at Mahadespur, Orissa. Prom the Collection of Messrs. v. Schlagintweit. 5. Pseudeutropius longimanus. D. 1/8. A. ca. 54. P. ±. V. 6. The bands of teeth in the jaws are rather narrower than those on the palate ; the vomerine band is interrupted in the middle, each half being suljcontinuous with the palatine band. The nasal barbels are half as long as the head ; those of the maxillaries extend to, or beyond, the origin of the anal ; the four mandibulary barbels are inserted in a straight transverse line, and as long as, or longer than, the head. 23. PANOASIUS. 61 The eye is rather large, and situated behind the angle of the mouth and j)artl3' at the lower side of the head. The ventral fin is inserted below the posterior rays of the dorsal fin. The dorsal spine is ser- rated behind and granulated in front ; its length is four-fifths of that of the head. The anal fin terminates at some distance from the caudal, which is deeply forked. Pectoral spine stronger, and a little longer, than that of the dorsal fin, serrated interiorly and granulated exteriorly, extending beyond the root of the -ventral ; ventral small, two-fifths of the length of the head. Silveiy, dark olive above. a. Skin : 6 inches long : not good state. India. From the Collec- tion of the Zoological Society. 6. Pseudeutropius goongwaree. Ilvpophthalmus goongwaree, St/kes, in Trans. Zool. Soc. ii. p. 3G9. "tab. C4. tig. 3. D. 1/6. A. 52. P. 1/9. V. 6. All the barbels are longer than the head; the maxillary barbels extend beyond the origin of the anal fin ; mandibulary barbels in a transverse line. Eye rather large, situated behind the angle of the mouth and partly at the lower side of the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated behind. The anal fin terminates at some distance from the caudal, which is deeply forked. Ventral small. Silvery, oHve above. (S;/l-es.) Mota Mola lliver, Dekkan. Barjrus e.vodon (Cuv. &VaL xiv. p. 394 ; Belang. Toy. Ind. Orient. Zool. p. 385. pi. 4. fig. 1) appears to be closely allied to the above species. Valenciennes says that it is " notablement caracterisee par ses dents intermaxillaircs, adherentes a de larges plaques au bout du museau, de manicre a depasser entierement la miichoire inferieure." A. 43-4G.— Bengal. 23. PANGASIUS*. Pangasius, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 45. Paugasius et Pseudopangasius, Bleek. Nederl. TycUchr. Dierk. 18C3, p. 107. Adipose fin very short ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin elongate, with about thirty rays. Barbels slender, four : one at each maxillary, and two immediately behind the symphysis of the mandibles. Palatine teeth separate from those of the vomer. The upper jaw is the longer. Eyes free. An- terior nostrils open, quite in front of the snout. Caudal forked ; ven- tral rays six. East Indies. * 1. Pangasius delicatissimus, BJtek. Atl. Ichthi/ol. i. p. 73. — Known from a figure only, and apparently distinguished by a pearl-coloured longi- tudinal dorsal stripe. — Java. 62 SILTTRID^. 1. Pangasius buchanani. Pimelodiia pangasius, Jlcna. Ihich. pp. 18G, 378. pi. S3, fig. 52. Paugasiiis buchanani, Ciiv. Sf Val. xv. p. 45. pi. 425 ; Bleek. Verhand. Batav. Genootsch. xxv., Hindost. p. 118. B. 9-10. D. 1/7. A. 31. P. 1/11. Head granulated above ; the occipital process is not quite twice as long as broad at the base. Snout obtusely rounded. Barbels shorter than the head ; dorsal and pectoral spines serrated, the latter as long, or nearly as long, as the head. Ganges. a-b. Three feet long : stuffed. Ganges. 2. Pangasius djambal. Bleeher, Verhand. Batav. Genootsch. xxi., SHur. Batav. p. 21 ; Brodr. Silur, p. 181 ; aud Atl. Ichth. Silnr. p. 73. tab. 76. B. 9. D. 1/6. A. 30-32. P. 1/12-13. Scarcely differeut from P. buchanani. Head granulated above ; the occipital process is more than twice as long as broad at the base. Snout obtusely rounded. Barbels shorter than the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated, shorter than the head. Java. a. Fine specimen. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. This specimen has the vomerine teeth, which are represented by Dr. P. V. Bleeker as forming two separate patches, confluent into one, without the slightest trace of a median division. This is another proof that Bleeker's Pseudopanyasius is not entitled to a place in the system. 3. Pangasius macronema. Bleeker, Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ltd. i. p. 11 ; Prodr. Silur. p. 183 ; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 74. tab. 75. fig. 3. B. 10-11. D. 1/7. A. 31-33. P. 1/12. The height of the body is two-ninths or one-fom-th of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-ninths or one- fifth. Head covered with smooth skin above; snout obtusely rounded. The diameter of the eye is about one-third of the length of the head. The maxillary barbels extend to, or beyond, the end of the pectorals, those of the mandible beyond their base. The teeth on the palate are small, villiform, and form four small separate patches. The dor- sal fin is lower than the body; its spine is of moderate strength, serrated, three-fourths of the length of the head. Pectorals scarcely shorter than the head, with their spine as long as that of the dor- sal fin. Borneo and Java. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Blocker's Collection. 1 23. PANGASIUS. 63 4. Pangasius rios. Bleeher, Xat. Tijdich: Kcdvrl. Ind. ii. p. 205 ; Prodi: Silur. p. 184; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 74. tab. 7'J. fig-. 1. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 33. P. 1/13-14. The height of the body is contained five times to four times and a quarter in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head live times. Head covered with smooth skin above ; snout obtusely rounded ; the diameter of the eye is about one-third of the length of the head. The length of the barbels is less than one-half of that of the head. The teeth on the palate form four small separate patches. Dorsal tin lower than the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, shorter than the head, and serrated. Pectorals scarcely shorter than the head, their spine being rather longer than that of the dorsal fin. (Bl.) South Borneo. a. Type of the species : very bad state. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. b. Adult. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 5. Pangasius micronema. Blevher, Verkniid. BatmK Genootsch. xxi., Silur. Jar. p. 8 ; Prodr. Silia: p. 185; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 75. tab. 77. fig. 2. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 29. P. 1/11-12. The height of the body is a little more than the length of the head, which is rather less than one-fifth of the total (without caudal). The occipital process is covered with smooth skin, or longitudinally striated. The maxillary barbels extend to, or nearly to, the opercles, those of the mandible bemg as long as the eye. The teeth on the palate form four longish patches arranged in a crescent. Dcu-sal fin lower than the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, serrated, two- thii-ds or five-sixths of the length of the head. Pectorals scarcely shorter than the head, with their spine rather longer than that of the dorsal fin. Java. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Blocker's Collection. 6. Pangasius nasutus. Pseudopangasius nasutus, Bleck. Versl. Kon. Akad. Wet. xv. p. 72, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 76. tab. 29. fig. ]. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 29. P. 1/11. V. 6. Snout pointed, with the upper jaw projecting. The maxillary barbels are not much longer than those of the mandible, and extend to the base of the pectorals. The vomerine teeth form a band, which is more than t^nce as broad as long, and separate from the oblong palatine patches. The soft dorsal fin is as high as the body ; its spine is strong, two-thirds of the length of the head, and serrated behind. Pectorals shorter than the head. The mucous cavity in tlie axil of 64 SILrKIDJE. the pectoral has a very large opening, divided by reticulated cross- bars into smaller foramina. Borneo. a. Typo of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 7. Pangasius juaro. Pangasius poljiiranodon, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Lid. iii. p. 425. and Prodr. Silur. p. InG. juaro, £leek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. iii. p. 5S9. Pseudopangasius polyiiranodon, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 76. tab. 78. B. 7-9. D. 1/7. A. 35-39. P. 1/12-13. Snoiit rounded, obtuse. The maxillary barbels extend somewhat beyond the head, those of the mandible being as long as the eye. Vomerine teeth in a quadrangular patch, which is but little broader than long, and separate from the oblong palatine patches. The soft dorsal is lowfer than the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, serrated behind, and rather shorter than the head ; pectorals nearly as long as the head. Sumatra and Borneo. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 24. HELICOPHAGUS. Helicophagus, Bleek. Act. Soc. Sc. Indo-Neerl. iii., Sumatra, vi. p. 49. Adipose fin very small ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin elongate, with about thirty rays. Barbels slender, four : one at each maxillary, and two behind the symphysis of the mandibles. Teeth on the palate villiform, in two small separate patches, if present. The upper jaw is the longer. Eyes with a free orbital margin. Nostrils on the upper side of the snout, the posterior being more remote from each other than the an- terior. Caudal forked ; ventral rays six. East Indian Archipelago. 1. Helicophagus t3rpus. Bleeker, Act. Soc. Sc. Indo-Neerl. iii., Stimatra, vi. p. 46 ; Prodr. Silur. p. 176 ; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 78. tab. 79. fig. 2. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 29. P. 1/13. The humeral process is pointed behind ; the maxillary barbels ex- tend to the hind part of the pectoral, those of the mandible to the opercles. Vomerine teeth minute, in two extremely small patches, if present. Dorsal spine strong, serrated, three-quarters of the length of the head ; pectoral spine strong, scarcely longer than that of the dorsal fin, Sumatra. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 25. SILONDIA, 65 2. Helicophagus waandersii. Bleeker, Prodr. Sihir. p. 175, and Ail. Ichth. Silur. p. 77. tab. 80. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 37. P. 1/11. The humeral process longish, obtusely rounded behind ; barbels very short. The vomerine teeth form two small, narrow, divergent patches. Dorsal and pectoral spines strong, serrated, only a little shorter than the head. Sumatra. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 25. SILONDIA. Silundia, Cuv. Sf Vol. xv. p. 48. Adipose fin very short ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven (six) soft rays ; anal fin elongate, with more than forty rays. Barbels minute, two : one at each maxillary. Teeth on the palate villiform, in a crescentic band. Jaws subequal in length. Eyes with a free orbital margin. The posterior nostrils are closer together than the anterior, which are quite in front of the snout. Caudal forked ; ventral rays six. East Indian continent. 1. Sllondia gangetica. Pimelodus silondia, Ham. Buch. pp. 160, 375. tab. 7. fig. 50. Silundia gangetica, Cuv. 8f Veil. xv. p. 49. pi. 426; Bkek. Verh. Batav. Getiootsch. XXV., Hindost. p. 118. Ageneiosus children!, Sykes, Trans, Zool. Soc. ii. p. 375. tab. 66. fig. 3. B. 11-12. D. 1/7. A. 42-46. P. 1/12-13. Teeth in the jaws cardiforra, in two irregular series. Bengal, Dckkan. a-e. Young : tj-pes of the species. Ganges. Presented by G. R. Waterhouse, Esq. /. Four feet long : stuffed. Ganges. 6G Third Sul)family. SILURIDiE ANOMALOPTERiE. The rayed dorsal fin is present, but little developed, and belongs to the caudal portion of the vertebral column ; adipose fin exceed- ingly small. The extent of the anal is not much inferior to that of the caudal vertebral column. The giU-membranes overlap the isthmus, remaining separate to the chin. South America. Fifth Group. HYPOPHTHALMINA. The ventral fins are in front of the dorsal. The anterior ver- tebrae are not united into one. 26. HELOGENES. Helogenes, Giinth. Ann. Sf Mag. Nat. Hist. 1863, xii. p. 44.3. Adipose fin very small ; dorsal fin very short, without pungent spine, inserted behind the ventrals ; anal very long. The upper jaw is a little longer than the lower. Barbels six. A band of small teeth in the jaws, and two patches on the vomer. No dermal bones. Eye very small, covered over by the skin. Gill- openings very wide, the gill-membranes being entirely separate. Pectorals without pun- gent spine ; ventrals six-rayed. British Guiana. 1. Helogenes marmoratus. B. 13. D. 5. A. 42. P. 8. V. 6. Head small, slightly depressed, short, two-thirds as broad as long, its length being contained five and a half times in the total, without caudal ; it is entirely covered with soft skin. Snout broad, obtusely rounded ; cleft of the mouth of moderate width, the maxillary ex- tending backwards to below the anterior margin of the eye. The trunk and tail are compressed, with the upper and lower profiles only slightly convex ; a longitudinal groove rims along the middle of the back from the nape to the origin of the dorsal fin. The greatest depth of the body is just before the origin of the anal fin, where it is contained four times and a third in the total length (without caudal) ; the least depth of the tail is about one-half of the greatest depth of the body. The teeth are minute, cardiform, forming bands in both jaws, the outer series containing somewhat larger and more widely set teeth. 27. HYPOPHTHALMUS. '67 The teeth on the palate form two separate patches, occupying the front of the vomer. The barbels are thin, and of nearly equal length, extending to, or neai'ly to, the middle of the pectoral fin : one is above and a little in front of the angle of the mouth ; the mandibulaiy barbels are placed one close behind the other, nearly in the vertical from the maxQlary barbel. The eye is above the angle of the mouth ; there is a groove below the eye. The dorsal fin is a little behind the middle of the distance between the nape of the neck and the root of the caudal fin ; its height is somewhat less than the length of the head. Adipose fin very small, lobuliform. Caudal forked, with the lobes equal in length and pointed ; their length is about one-fifth of the total. The anal is very long, -vnth fleshy base, extending to the root of the caudal ; its distance from the gill-opening is more than the length of the head. Pectoral as long as the head, extending beyond the base of the ven- tral fin ; the latter reaches slightly beyond the origin of the anal. Blackish brown, finely marbled with black. Essequibo. a-b. Three and a half inches long. Purchased of Mr. Ehrhardt. 27. HYPOPHTHALMUS. H\'pophthalnuis, .sp., Sj»'j-. Hypophthalmus, Ctir. ^- Val. xv. p. 224. ri\'poplithalnuis aud Pseudohypophthalmus, Block. Nederl. Tychchr. 'Dicrk. 1863, p. 109. Adipose fin very small ; dorsal fin short, with seven rays, the first of which is slightly spinous ; anal very long. The lower jaw is rather the longer. Barbels six, those of the mandible long. Teeth neither in the jaws nor on the vomer ; intermaxillaries very feeble. Head covered ^vith skin. Eye of moderate size, situated behind and below the angle of the mouth. GiU-openings exceedingly wide, ex- tending nearly to the symphysis of the mandibles. Air-bladder none. Ventrals .small, six-rayed, inserted before the dorsal. South America. The gill-opening is exceedingly \vide, the gill-membranes being scarcely united in front. The gill-rakers are fine, very long, closely set ; the first branchial arch has only one row of gUl-rakers along its outer margin, the inner margin being lined with a broad mem- brane ; the second, third, and fourth arches have two rows of gill- rakers, the fourth being destitute of lamcllnc, and entirely attached to the thorax, without lea%'ing an open .slit behind. I. Hypophthalmus edentatus. Hj-pophthalmu.^* edentatus, Spix, I'l'sc. Bnts. p. 10. tab. 9. — '- — spixii. Cm: (^ I'al. xv. p. 2.J1 ; Kiwr, Sitzysher. Wien. Acad. xxvi. 1858, p. 446. D. 1/6. A. 72. P. 1/17. V. 7. The length of the head is rather less than ono-fourth of the total p2 .68 SILURIBiE. length (without caudal) . Barbels thin, those of the maxillae scarcely longer than the head. (Agass.) Northern Brazil. 2. Hypophthalmus longifilis. Cui: cy Val. XT. p. 230. B. 14. D. 1/6. A. 64-68. P. 1/15. V. 6. The length of the head is one-fourth of the total length (without caudal). Maxillary barbels longer than the head, extending beyond the dorsal in the young ; mandibulary barbels with a narrow fringe along their inner margin. Dorsal spine much more feeble and shorter than the slender pectoral spine, the length of which is one-half of that of the head. Guiana. a. Adult. Demerara. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. h-c. Adult and half-grown : stuffed. Demerara. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener, d. Half-grown. Surinam. Purchased of Mr. Fyank. 3. Hypophthalmus marginatus. Hypophthalmus marginatus, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 22.5. pi. 439. Notophthalmus marginatus, HyHl, Denkschr. Akad. Wiss. Wien, xvi. 1859, p. 17. B. 14. D. 1/6. A. 63-68. P. 1/14. V. 6. The length of the head is two -sevenths of the total (without caudal). MaxiUary barbels longer than the head, not extending on to the end of the pectoral ; mandibulary barbels compressed, but not fringed. Dorsal spine feeble, half as high as the body ; pectoral spine slender. Top of the dorsal and hinder margin of the caudal black. {Vol.) Cayenne and Surinam. 4. Hypophthalmus flmbriatus. K)ier, Sitzgsher. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 444. fig. .30. B. 13-14. D. 1/6. A. 67-68. P. 17. V. 6. The length of the head is one-fourth of the total (without caudal). The maxillary barbels have a narrow fringe, and extend on to the end of the pectoral ; mandibulary barbels broadly fiinged, the an- terior being nearly half as long as the entire fish. Dorsal fin low, the length of its feeble spine being two-fifths of the height of the body. Pectoral spine flexible. (Kner.) Rio Negro. 28. BAGECS. 69 Pourtli Subfamily. SILURID^E PHOTEROPTERiE. The rayed dorsal fin is always present, short, with not more than twelve soft rays, and belongs to the abdominal portion of the vertebral colunm, being placed in advance of the ventrals. The adipose fin is always present and well developed, although fre- quently short. The extent of the anal is much inferior to that of the caudal vertebral column. The gill-membranes are not con- fluent with the sMn of the isthmus, their posterior margin always remaining free, even if they are united with each other. Whenever the nasal barbel is present, it belongs to the posterior nostril. Sixth Group. BAGRINA. The anterior and posterior nostrils are remote from each other, and the posterior is provided with a barbel. a. Teeth ou the palate present (Bagrina). Old World. 28. BAGRUS. Bagrus, sp., Cuv. Sf Val. xv. p. .388. Bagi-us, Bleel: Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 186.3, p. 20. Adipose fin long ; a short dorsal with a pungent spine and with nine or ten soft rays ; anal fin short, with less than twenty rays. Barbels eight. Teeth on the palate in a continuous baud. The upper jaw is the longer. Eyes with a free orbital margin. Caudal forked : ventral with six rays. Nile. 1. Bagrus bayad. Sihu^is bajad, Forsk. p. 06; Bl. Schn. p. 388. Bayatte, Sonnini, pi. 27 (bad). Porcus bayad, Oeoffr. Dexcr. Ey. Poiss. pi. 15. fig. 1. Baf-Tus bayad, Cm: l^- Val. xiv. p. 397. ? Pimelodus aor. Cur. Rl'gne Anim. 111. Poiss. pi. 96. Sg. 2. B. 13. D. 1/10. A. 13-14. P. 1/9. V. 6. Vert. 16-17/34*. The length of the head is contained thrice and three-fourths in the total. Head broader than high, its greatest width being not qiiitt- one-half of its length. Snout spatulate, its length being one- third of tliat of the head : the upper jaw is slightly the longer. The maxiUary barbels very long, extending to the middle of the adipose * Tlie united three or four anterior vertebra' arc counted as one. 70 SILUEID^. fin. No rugose shield between occiput and dorsal fin. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, half as long as the head, not serrated. The adipose fin commences immediately behind the dorsal, and is twice as long as the latter, and nearly as high as the hinder part of the tail. Caudal deeply forked. Pectoral spine as long and strong as that of the dorsal fin, serrated at the inner side of its extremity ; the pectoral fin extends to the vertical from the first soft dorsal ray ; ventral inserted below the end of the dorsal fin. Nile; (Senegal). a. Fine specimen, 30 inches long. Chartoum. From Consul Pethe- rick's Collection. li-g. Adult, half-grown, and yoimg. Chartoum. From Consul Pe- therick's CoUectiou. /;, i-l: Adult and haK-grown. Lower Nile. I. Adult : stufied. Assouan. From Dr. E. RiippcU's Collection. m-n. Adult : skeletons. Lower Nile. 2. Bagrus docmac. Silurus docmac, Forsk. p. 65 ; Bl. Schn. p. 388. Bagrus docmac, Cuv. 8f Val. xiv. p. 404. bayad, Hyrtl, Denkschr. Acad. TFrn. Wten. 1859, xvi. p. 17 (Hyrtl has evidently confounded this species with B. bayad, Forsk.). B. 13. D. 1/9. A. 13. P. 1/10-11. V. 6. Vert. 3^^^. The length of the head is contained thrice and three-fourths in the total. Head broader than high, its greatest width being two- thirds or three-quarters of its length. Snout spatulate, one-thii-d of the length of the head. The upper jaw is slightly the longer. The maxillaiy barbel very long, extending to the origin or to the middle of the adipose fin. Head and nape covered with soft skin. Dorsal spine not serrated, of moderate strength, its length being two-fifths of that of the head. The adipose fin commences at a short distance from the dorsal, and is nearly twice as long as the latter, and lower than the hinder part of the tail. Caudal deeply forked. Pectoral spine denticidated along its inner side, as strong as, but rather shorter than, the dorsal spine. The pectoral fin extends to the ver- tical from the first or second soft dorsal ray ; ventral inserted imme- diately beliind the dorsal fin. Nile. rt-6, c-f, (/-/.:. Adult, half-grown, and young. Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection. I, m-o, i)-t. Adult, half-grown, and young. Lower Nile. ■u-v. Skeletons of large specimens. Lower Nile. 29. CHRYSICHTHYS. Chrysichthys et Octonematiclithys, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 60. Melanodactylus, Bleek. Nederl. ti/dschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 95. An adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a pun- gent spine and with six soft rays ; anal fin short, with less than 29. ,CHRYSICHTHYS. 71 twenty rays. Barbels eight. Teeth on the palate in two lateral portions, those on the vomer being confluent with the palatine teeth of each side. Jaws equal in length, or the upper the longer. Eyes with a free orbital margin. Caudal forked ; ventral with six rays. Tropical Africa. Adult individuals of the species of this genus show the adipose fin finely striated, the striae being arranged in radiating bundles. This is the commencement of the rayed adipose fin by which the genus Clarotes has been characterized. 1. Chrysichthys auratus. Schal-Abou-R(5aI ; Zamar; Xaxoug-roumi. Pimelodus auratus, Geoffr. Descr. Ei/. Pmss. pi. 14, figs. 3 & 4. ?? Bagrus am-atus, Cuv. lij- Val. xiv. p. 427. ? Bagrus capito, Cuv. Sf Val. xiv. p. 430. B. 9. D. 1/6. A. 10-11. P. 1/8. V. 6. The height of the body is two-ninths of the total length (mthout caiidal), the length of the head two-sevenths ; head entirely covered with thick soft skin, broader than high, its greatest width being three-fourths of its length. Eye of moderate size, its diameter being one-half of the extent of the snout, and rather less than one-fifth of the length of the head. Snout depressed, very broad, its extent being two-fifths of the length of the head ; lips thick ; the iipper jaw is the longer. Nasal barbels very short, as long as the eye ; maxillary barbels longer than those of the mandibles, but shorter than the head. Dorsal spine stout, serrated behind, half as long as the head ; the first dorsal ray rather higher than the body. The base of the adipose fin ecjuals in length its distance from the dorsal, and exceeds that of the latter fin. Caudal fin forked. Pectoral spine very strong, longer than that of the dorsal fin, strongly denticidated interiorly. The teeth on the palate are in a horseshoe- like band, interrupted in the middle anteriorly. Nile. a. Fine specimen. NUe. From Dr. E. Riippell's Collection. — This specimen is 8 inches long, without caudal ; its head is 20 lines, and its eye 5 lines long. This is the species figured by Geoff'roy St.-HUaire, the eye being represented in the figure of nearly the correct size ; the width of the mouth is also properly shown. Valenciennes appears to have de- scribed a second species under the name of B. auratus, and it is probable that his B. mpito was meant for the tji)e figured by Geoff'roy. 2. Chrysichthys macrops. ? Bagrus auratus, Cuv. ^- Val. xiv. p. 4:j0; Ilt/rtl, Denkschr. Acad. Whs. Wien, 1859, xvi. p. 17 (not Geoffr.). D. 1/6. A. 11. P. 1/8. V. 6. Vert. 11/25. This species is very closely allied to C. auratus, but it differs in 72 SILtTEID^. having the upper side of the head covered with thin skin only, so that portions of the bone are nearly naked and granulated ; its eye is considerably larger, the diameter being more than one- fifth of the orbit. The first dorsal ray and the upper caudal lobe are prolonged into filaments. Upper Nile. a. Adult. Nile. Presented by Dr. EiippeU. b-f. Adult and half-grown. Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection. g. Adult: skeleton, Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection. The largest of our examples is 7 inches long, without caudal ; its head is 24 lines, and its eye 6 hues long ; so that a comparison with the measurements given of C aiiratus will show that the latter spe- cies has an absolutely smaller eye. Although both species are so similar that Dr. Eiippell appears to have considered them identical, yet they would enter two different genera of Dr. v. Bleeker's system. 3, Chrysichthys maums. Bagrus maurus, Cuv. 4" Val. xiv. p. 431. D. 1/6. A. 10-11. The head is entirely covered with soft skin. The height of the body is nearly one-sixth of the total length (with the caudal), the length of the head one-fifth. The teeth on the palate are in two short, nearly transverse lines. Dorsal spine as high as the body and half as high as the soft rays ; pectoral spine strongly serrated. Adipose fin half as long as the anal. Dark-coloured. ( Val.) Senegal. 4. Chrysichthys cranchii, Pimelodus cranchii, Leach, in Tzickey, Narrat. Exped. Zaire, p. 409 ; Griff. An. Kingd. Fish. Suppl. pi. 40. Bagrus nigrita, Cuv. i^- Val. xiv. p. 426. pi. 416. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/9. V. 6. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-third ; head much broader than high, its gi-eatest width being three-quarters of its length. Crown of the head striated ; occipital process nearly as long as the basal bone of the dorsal spine, both meeting in the middle of the neck. Snout broad, depressed, spatulate, its length being one-third of that of the head ; jaws nearly equal in length. Vomerine teeth in two separate broad patches, each patch being confluent with the band of palatine teeth of its side. Nasal barbels very short and thin, maxillary barbels as long as the head ; mandibulary barbels rather short, the outer twice the length of the inner. Dorsal fin as high as the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, not serrated, and not quite half as long as the head. Adipose fin considerably shorter than the dorsal ; its distance from the dorsal equals twice the length of the base of the latter. 30. CLAROTES. 73 Caudal forked, Math the lobes obtuselj' pointed. Pectoral spine longer and stronger than that of the dorsal fin, serrated along its inner edge. Ventral shorter than pectoral, not extending on to the anal. • Rivers Congo and Senegal. «. Eight inches long. Congo. From the Congo Expedition. — Type of the species. 5. Cliiysichthys nigrodigitatus. Pimelodus nigrodigitatus, Lacep. v. pp. 103, 108. .Vrius acutivelis, Cuv. i^- Val. xv. p. 85. Melauodactvliis nigrodigitatus, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 95. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/9. Snout pointed, with the upper jaw prominent. Teeth on the palate villifonn, forming a crescent- shaped band interrupted in the middle. Xasal barbel very short, the maxillary barbel extending to the middle of the opercle. Eye large, two-ninths of the length of the head ; its diameter equals the width of the bony parts between the orbits. Occipital process rather narrow, not much longer than the basal bone of the dorsal spine, which is elongate and triangular. Dorsal fin very high ; adijjose fin short. Caudal very long, deeply forked, with the upper lobe longest and much longer than the head. West coast of Africa. (t. Fine specimen. Purchased of Mr. Damon. b. HaLf-gro\\Ti. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. 30. CLAROTES. Clarotes, Kner, Sitziingsber. Wien. Akad. xxvi. p. 313. Adipose fin subdiArided into rays, and with a strong spine in old individuals ; a short doi'sal fin Avith a pungent spine and with six soft rays ; anal fin short. Barbels eight ; branchiostcgal membranes scarcelj- united below the throat. Vomerine teeth in two transverse bamls which are not confiuent TA"ith the palatine teeth. Eyes with a free orbital margin. Caudal forked ; ventral with six rays. Upper 'NUe. This genus is scarcely diflerent from CJiri/sichthi/s, the division of the adipose fin into rays being dependent on age. In all other respects, except in the unimportant modification of the arrangement of the palatine teeth, Clarotes is identical with Chrijsiclithys. 1. Clarotes laticeps. Abu Mesaeka. •Pimelodus laticeps, Riipp. Neue Nil-Jlsche, p. 7. taf. 1. fig. 2, B. 9. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/9. Vert. 14/25. The height of the body is contained from four times and a half to five times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and a fourth. Head much depressed, broad, trun- 74 SILURID^. cated in front, its greatest width being foiu--fifths of its length ; upper jaw overlapping the lower. Nasal barbels slender, not so long as the snout; the maxillary barbels extend to the end of the pectoral, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. The teeth on the palate form four narrow bands of nearly equal length, the vomerine band being interiiipted in the middle and not continuous ■vnth the palatine band. The upper surface of the head coarsely gra- nulated, the granules being arranged in striae. Occipital process not much larger than, and similar in shape to, the triang-ular basal bone of the dorsal spine. Dorsal spine strong, sHghtly serrated along both edges, more than half as long as the head. Adipose tin short, sub- divided into rays only along its upper margin in young individuals ; in old specimens the division into rays extends to the base of the fin, and the first ray is changed into a hard, pimgent spine. Caudal forked ; both lobes equal in length, or the lower rather longer. Pec- toral spine as long as, but stronger than, that of the dorsal fin, serrated along both edges, slightly exteriorly and strongly interiorly. Ventral rather shorter than pectoral. Dark grey above, white below ; a blackish blotch behind the gill- opening ; a broad blackish band along each caudal lobe. The transformation of an adipose fin into one with rays and spines in this fish is a very curious fact. I have no doubt that very young specimens are provided with a fin without any indication of rays. RiippeU, when he described the species from a young specimen (4^ inches long), did not observe anything peculiar in its fins. CJarotes JieiK/linii (Kner, 1. c. taf. 1 & 2, and Hyrtl, ibid. p. 371, and the latter in Donkschr. Wien. Acad. 1859, xvi. p. 1) is certainly nothing but a deformed specimen of the same species ; the arrangement of the gra- nulated plates on the upper surface of the head, as represented by Hyrtl on pi. 2, is exactly the same as in our adult specimen. The species appears to be peculiar to the Upper Nile, although single specimens, like that described by EiippeU, may be carried down towards the mouth of the river. a. Fine specimen, 16 inches long. Chartoum. From Consul Pethe- rick's Collection. — The S2)ine of the adipose fin is completely formed. h. Eight inches long. Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Col- lection.— One-half of the adipose fin is transformed into rays. c-d. Six and seven inches long. Chartoum. From Consul Pethe- rick's Collection. — The division into rays is only visible on the margin of the adipose fin. 31. MACRONES*. Macrones, Dmneril, Ichthyol. Anal. p. 484. Hypselobagrus, Macrones, Hemibagrus, et Aspidobagi'us, Bleek. Ne- derl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 96. Adipose fin long, or of moderate length ; a short dorsal with a * 1. Pimclodus menoda, Hcnti. Buck. p. 203. — Pimelodus corsida, H. B. Fish. 31. MACKONES. 75 pungout spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin short, with less than twenty rays. Barhels eight. Teeth on the palate in a con- tinuuus band ; no labial teeth. The upper jaw is the longer. Orbit with a free circular eyelid. Caudal forked ; ventral with six rays. Asia. This genus may be divided into the following groups: — I. Adipose fin much longer than anal : Hypselobagrus, p. 75. II. Adipose fin not much longer, or shorter than anal. A. A separate interueural shield on the nape : 3Iacru)u's, p. 78. B. No separate intemem-al shield : Hemibayrus, p. 79. I. Adipose fin much longer than anal. 1. Macroues aleppeusis. Mystus, Russell, Hist, of Alejypo, (ed. Angl.) p. 76. tab. 13. fig. 1; (ed. Leyden) p. 89. tab. 5. fig. 6; Gronov. Zoophyl. Pise. p. 126. u. 388. pi. 8«. tig. 6. BagTus halepensis, Cuv. i^- Val. xiv. p. 413. D. 1/7. A. 12. P. 1/8. V. 6. The height of the body is contained five times and a thii'd in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and a half. Head rather broader than high, its greatest width being three-fifths of its length. Snout somewhat depressed, not very broad, its length being two-fifths of that of the head ; the upper jaw is the longer. Nasal barbels small ; those of the maxillaries extend to the origin of the adipose fin. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, scarcely serrated behind, as long as the head, without snout. Dorsal fin rounded above. The adipose fin commences immediately behind, and is nearly thiice as long as, the dorsal : it is lower than the hinder part of the tail. Caudal fin forked, -with the lobes rounded, the upper being the longer. Pectoral spine as long as, but stronger than, that of the dorsal fin, very strongly dentated interiorly. The ventral fin Gang. pi. 1. fig. 72 (without description).— Bagrus corsula,Ci. oc'ulatus, Ci'.v.<^- Val. xiv. p. 424. — Malabar. 6. limbatus, Richards. Ichfh. Chiii. p. 283. — Canton. — The typical specimen is in the Museum of the Philosophical Society of the Uni- versity of Cambridge. 7. ■ aorinus, Valenc. inJacquon. Voy. Ind. Poiss. pi. 17. fig. l.^East Indies. f^. Pimelodus chawArnmass., Ham. Buch. pp. 162, 37S (description faulty). — Silundia chandramara, Cuv. 2. — Batasio chandi-amara, Blyth, Journ. As. Soc. Bcng. 1861, xxix. p. 150. — Kiver Atreyi. 76 SILUUIDiE. is iusertod below the end of the dorsal, and does not extend back- wards to the origin of the anal. River Coic (Aleppo). a. Six inches long : bleached. — One of the typical specimens from A. Russell's Collection. 2. Macrones cavasius. Pimelodus cavasius, Ham. Buck. Fish. Gamj. pp. 203, .379. pi. 11. fig. 67. Bagrus cavasius, Cm. ^- Val. xiv. p. 409 ; Jacqiiem. Voy. Ind. Poiss. pi. 16. fig. 2; BleeJc. Verh. Bat. Ge7i. xxv., Hindost. p. 113. Pimelodus aeengtee, Sykes, Trans. Zool. Soc. ii. p. 374. tab. 66. fig. 2. D. 1/7. A. 11. P. 1/8. V. 6. The height of the body is a little less than the length of the head, and one-fifth of the total (without caudal); head as broad as high, its greatest width being two-thirds of its length ; snout scarcely de- pressed, its extent being rather more than one-third of the length of the head. The upper jaw is the longer ; vomerine teeth in a narrow, uninterrupted, crescent-shaped band. The fonticulus on the upper side of the head extends on to the base of the occipital process, and the latter to the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Nasal barbels short, maxillary barbels extending to the anal or caudal fin ; mandibulary barbels of unequal length, the outer being longer than the head. The dorsal spine is rather feeble, half as long as the head, smooth, not serrated. The soft dorsal fin with broad base, pointed, the first ray being higher than the body. The adipose fin commences immediately behind the dorsal, and is thrice, or nearly thrice, as long as the latter, and lower than the hinder portion of the tail. Caudal fin deeply forked, with the lobes pointed. Pectoral spine as long as the head without snout, strongly serrated interiorly, extending somewhat be- yond the origin of the dorsal. Ventral inserted immediately behind the dorsal, not extending on to the anal. Silvery, the upper part of the dorsal and the maxillary barbel blackish. Dukhun, Mysore, Pondicherry, Bengal. a. Six inches long. Dukhun. From the Collection of Colonel Sykes. h-cl. Four and five inches long. India. 3. Macrones micracanthus. BagTus micracanthus, BleeJi. Vvrli. Bat, Gen. xxi., Silur. Batav. p. 23, and Prodr. Silur. p. 161. Hypselobagrus micracanthus, Bleek. Atl. Iclith. Silur. p. 59. tab. 74. fig. 3. D. 1/7. A. 11-12. P. 1/8-9. The height of the body is one-fourth or one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth ; head a little broader than high, granulated above. The fonticulus on the upper side of the head does not extend to the base of the occipital process, which is narrow, reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. The teeth on the palate form a crescent-shaped band. The nasal barbels 31. MACRONES. 77 extend to the opercles, those of the maxillaries to the tail or to the caudal fin. The dorsal fin is as high as the body ; its spine is slender, half as long as the head, and serrated posteriorly ; the adi])ose fin is twice as long as, and commences at some distance from, the dorsal. Pectorals not much shorter than the head, with a very strong spine, which is serrated interiorly, and much longer than that of the dorsal fin ; ventrals shorter than jiectorals. Java, Sumatra, Eorneo. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 4. Macrones elongatus. D. 1/7. A. 14. P. 1/10. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth ; the greatest width of the head is contained onee and a third in its length, its depth once and thi-ee-fourths ; snout flat, depressed, its length being rather more than one- third of that of the head ; head laot granulated above ; occipital process very short ; the teeth on the palate form a subsemi- circular band. The nasal barbels extend to the eye, those of the maxillaries to the ventrals, the outer mandibulary barbels to the pectoral. The dorsal fin is as high as the bodj', not pointed above ; its spine is of moderate strength, more than half as long as the head, smooth anteriorly and finely serrated posteriorly; the adipose fin commences at a short distance from, and is thrice as long as, the dorsal ; it is lower than the hind part of the tail. Caudal fiji forked. Pectoral spine (broken) stronger than the dorsal spine, strongly ser- rated interiorly and finely granulated exteriorly ; the soft pectoral as long as the head without snout. Yentral fin shorter than pec- toral, not extending on to the vent. Dorsal and caudal fins with a black margin. Singapore. a. Eleven inches long. From the Haslar Collection. 5. Macrones nigriceps. Bagrus nigriceps, Cuv. iSr Vul. xiv. p. 412. singaringaii, Bleck. Vcrh. Bat. Gen. xxi., Silur. Butav. p. 22. heterm-us, lileek. 1. c. p. 28. macronema, Bleek. I. c. p. 22, and Proclr. Silur. p. 157. Hypselobagrus macronema, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 08. tab. 78. D. 1/7. A. 11. P. 1/9-11. Closely allied to M. atvasim. The height of the body is nearly equal to the length of the head, and one-fifth, or rather more than one-fifth, of the total ; head as broad as high, its greatest width being contained once and two-fifths or once and a third in its lengtli. The nape and the occipital process are granulated, the latter extend- ing on to the ba.sal bone of the dorsal spine. Vomerine teeth in an uninterruptod crescent-shaped band. The maxillary barbels extend to the tail or to the caudal fin. The upper jaw is the longer. The 78 siLxmiD^. soft dorsal fin is pointed, as high as, or higher than, the body ; the adipose fin commences immediately behind the dorsal, and is thrice or nearly four times as long. The dorsal spine is slender, more than half as long as the head, slightly tubercular, and serrated at the apex. Pectoral fins rather shorter than the head ; their spine is strong, shorter than that of the dorsal fin, and strongly serrated along its inner edge. Ventrals nearly as long as pectorals. Java, Siunatra, and Borneo. a. Adult. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 6. Macrones leucophasis. BagTus leucophasis, Blyth, Jmirn. As. Soc. Beng. 1861, xxix. p. 148. D. 1/7. A. 10. P. 1/9. Maxillary barbels reaching to the end of the adipose fin. Eyes separated by an interspace equal to the orbit. Occipital process nearly as in M. ynlio. Dorsal spine moderately slender, and pecti- nated behind for its terminal third ; the next two soft rays being- longer than the spine. Adipose fin elongated longitudinally. Fins chiefly black ; body dark brown, passing to sillcy white anterior to the dorsal spine. (BJi/th.) Burmese rivers. Largest specimen 5^ inches long, li inch high at the dorsal spine, and length of dorsal spine 1 jL- inch. II. Adipose fin not much longer, or shorter than anal. A. A separate iuterneural shield on the nape. 7. Macrones aor. Pimelodus aor. Ham. Buck. Fish. Gang. pp. 205, .379. pi. 20. fig. 68. Bagrus aor, Cuv. S," Val. xiv. p. 405 ; Jacquem. Voy. hid. Poiss. pi. 16. fig. 1; Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxv., Hindost. p. 116. Plat3'stoma seenghala, Si/kes, Trans. Zool. Soc. ii. p. 371. tab. 65. fig. 2. Bagrus aoreUus, Bli/th, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. xxvii. p. 283. B. 12. D. 1/7. A. 13. P. 1/10. V. 6. Head and body rather elongate ; the greatest width of the head is contained once and two-thirds in its length. Snout spatulate, its length being two-fifths of that of the head ; the upper jaw is the longer ; interneural shield twice or thrice as long as broad in adult specimens, narrower in young ones. The maxillary barbels are very long, extending to or beyond the adipose fin. Dorsal spine very strong, serrated behind, as long as, or even longer than, the head in fuU-grown specimens, rather shorter in young ones. The adipose fin commences at some distance behind the dorsal, and is not twice as long as the latter, and nearly as high as the hinder part of the tail. Caudal fin deeply forked, with the upper lobe produced. Pectoral spine as strong as that of the dorsal fin, with a finely serrated outer edge, and with a coarse sorrature along its inner margin ; its length 31. MACRONES. 79 is three-fifths of that of the head ; ventral inserted below the end of the dorsal fin. A round black spot on the end of the adipose fin. East Indian continent. a-J. Adult and half-grown : stuffed. Ganges. c. Half-grown. Jamu, Himalayas. From the Collection of Messrs. V. Schlagintweit. d. Adult : stuffed. Seharanpore. From Mr. Griffith's Collection. e-g. Adult and half-grown : stuffed. India. In veri/ young specimens (from 3 to 6 inches long) the dorsal spine is comparatively feeble, much shorter than the first ray, and not much more than half as long as the head. h-l. Young. India. Presented by G. R. Waterhouse, Esq. m. Young. Bengal. From the Collection of the East India Company. 8. Macrones lamarrii. Bagrus lamarrii, Cuv. iff Val. xiv. p. 407. pi. 415. D. 1/7. A. 12. P. 1/9. V. 6. Head and body elongate, the length of the fonner being rather more than one-fourth of the total (without caudal) ; the greatest width of the head is one-half of its length, and the length of the snout nearly one-fourth ; snout spatulate, with the upper jaw longer. Interneural shield twice as long as broad in adult specimens, and four times as long as broad in young ones. The maxillary barbels extend to, or slightly beyond, the dorsal fin. Dorsal spine very strong, granulated, serrated behind, three-fifths as long as the head in old specimens. The length of the adipose fin equals that of the dorsal, and is less than the distance between both fins ; it is lower than the hinder part of the tail. Caudal fin deeply forked, with the upper lobe produced. Pectoral s^nno as strong as, but much shorter than, that of the dorsal fin ; it is granulated, serrated along its inner edge. Ventral fin inserted behind the vertical from the dorsal fin. A round black spot on the end of the adipose fin. Ganges. a-h. Three feet long : stuffed. Ganges. From Capt. Boys's Collection. c^d. Half-grown : stuffed. India. From the Collection of the East India Company. e. Half-grown. Afghanistan. From Mr. Griffith's Collection. B. No separate interneural shield. 9. Macrones gulio. Penne visch, Nieuh. Zee- en Luntr. ii. p. 271c. fig. Pimelodus gulio, Ham. Buch. pp. 201, ."579. pi. 23. fig. 66. Bagrus albilalms, Cuv. i^- Val. xiv. p. 416. fuscus, Cuv. >S)'- Vol. xiv. p. 417 (variety with black mandibiilary barbels). birniannus, Ciiv. Sf Val. xiv. p. 410. gulio, Cuv. (^- Val xiv. p. 418 : Bleek. Vcrh. Bat. Gen. xxv., Nalez. Beng. p. 116, and Prodi: Silur. p. 163. 80 SILTJBIDJE. ? Bagrus abbreviatus, Cnt\ ^ Val. xiv. p. 420. Bagrus abbreviatus, Cant. Mai. Fish. p. 254. giilioides, Bleek. Verh, Bat. Gmi. xxi., Silur. Batav. p. 24. melas, Bleek. I. c. schlegelii, Bleek. I. c. p. 25. rhodopteryg'ius, Bleek. I. c. Aspidobagrus gulio, Bleek. Atl. IcJdh. Silur. p. GO. tab. 74. fig. 2. D. 1/7. A. 14. P. 1/8-9. V. 6. The height of the body is contained from four times and a third to four times and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and two-thirds ; head broader than high, its greatest width being three-quarters of its length ; snout depressed, broad, one-third of the length of the head ; the upper jaw is some- what the longer. The vomerine teeth form a narrow, continuous, crescentic band. Nasal barbels much shorter than the head ; the maxiUary barbels extend to the anal fin ; the outer of the mandible are longer than the inner and than the head. There is a cutaneous interspace between the base of the dorsal fin and the occipital process. Dorsal spine rather strong, strongly serrated behind, more than half as long as the head, but shorter than the first soft ray. Base of the adipose fin rather shorter than that of the dorsal, its length being rather less than one-half of the distance between both fins. Caudal fin deeply forked, the lower lobe being rather the shorter and rounded. Pectoral spine strongly serrated interiorly, as long as the head without snout, extending beyond the vertical from the origin of the dorsal. Yentral inserted behind the dorsal. East Indies. a-b. Skins. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor's Collection as P. abbreviatus. c. Calcutta. From the Collection of Messrs. v. Schlagintweit. d. Ceylon. Purchased of Mr. Cuming. e. India. Presented by W. Masters, Esq. f-m. Ponnay (Madras Presidency). Presented by Capt. Mitchell. 10. Macrones nemurus. Bagrus nemurus, Ctiv. i^- Val. xiv. p. 423 ; Bleek. Verh. Bat. Ge»i. xxi., Silur. Batav. p. 27, and Prodr. Silur. p. 150. sieboldii, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi., Silur. Batav. p. 27. Hemibagrus nemiu-us, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 55. tab. 69. B. 10. D. 1/7. A. 12-13. P. 1/8-9. V. 6. The length of the head is Contained thrice and a quarter or thrice and a half in the total (without caudal) ; head broader than high, its greatest width being equal to its length without snout ; snout spa- tulate, its length being one-third, or rather less than one-third, of that of the head ; the upper jaw is the longer. The band of vomerine teeth is as broad as, or broader than, that of the intermaxiUaiy. Maxillary barbels very long. No rugose shield between occiput and dorsal fin. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, as long as the distance of the eye from the end of the operculum, finely serrated behind. The adipose fin is considerably shorter than the dorsal ; the length of 31. MACRONKS. 81 the dorsal fin is less than its distance from the adipose. Candal deeply forked, with the upjjcr lohe more or less produced. Pectoral spine very strong, serrated interiorly, as long as the head without snout, extendma: to the vertical from the second and third dorsal rays. Ventral inserted behind the dorsal. Java, Sumatra, Banka, Borneo. a, b. Fine specimens. Java. c. Half-grown. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. (I. Young. From Dr. Cantor's Collection. Baqrus hoevenii. (Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi., SUur. Batav. p. 2G ; Prodr. Silur. p. 153; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 56. tab. 70) differs scarcely from B. nemurus in having the body a little more slender, the head a little shorter, and the occipital process rather more dis- tinct. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 11. Macrones planiceps. Bagrus planiceps, {K. Sf v. H.) Cuv. ^- Val. xiv. p. 421 ; Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 154. anisurus, (K. 6f v. H.) Cuv. 8f Veil. xiv. p. 422. iiavus, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi., Silur. Batav. p. 28. Ilemibagrus planiceps, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 56. tab. 71. D. 1/7. A. 14 (11-12, C. 4- v.). P. 1/9. The height of the body is contained six times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times ; the depth of the head is contained twice in its length, its width once and a third ; head not granulated above, nape of the neck covered with skin. Snout much depressed ; vomerine teeth in a continuous cres- cent-shaped l)and ; the maxillary barbels extend to, or beyond, the ventral fins. Dorsal fin scarcely higher than the body ; its spine is half as long as the head, and not serrated : adipose fin as long as the dorsal ; its distance from the dorsal equals its length. Pectoral shorter than the head ; its spine is stronger and longer than that of the dorsal fin, and serrated interiorly ; ventral shorter than the pec- toral. Caudal deeply forked, with the lobes pointed. Java and Sumatra. a. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 12. Macrones tengara. Pimelodus tengara, Ham. Buck. Fkh. Gang. pp. 183, 377. tab. 3. fig. Gl. carcio, Ham. Bmh. pp. 181, 377. bntasius, Ham. Buck. tab. 23. fig. 60 (not descr.). Bagrus tenggara, Cuv. S^ Val. xiv. p. 414; Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxv., Himhst. p. 114. batasio. Cur. <^- Val. xiv. p. 425. B. 10. D. 1/7. A. 12. P. 1/8. V. 6. Vert. 9/22. The height of the body e(iuals the length of the head, and is one- 82 SILUEIDJ!. fourth of the total (witliout caudal) ; head as broad as high, its greatest width being equal to its length without snout ; snout de- pressed, broad, one-third, or rather less than one-third, of the length of the head ; the upper jaw is somewhat the longer. The vomerine teeth form a very narrow crescentic band, subinterrupted in the middle. Nasal barbels half as long as the head ; the maxillary bar- bels extend to, or beyond, the origin of the anal fin ; the outer barbels of the lower jaw are longer than the inner, and extend nearly to the extremity of the pectoral. A triangular bone in front of the dorsal fin is joined by a long, bony, occipital process. Dorsal spine rather feeble, half as long as the head, with both edges serrated at its ex- tremity. The length of the adipose fin e(]uals that of the dorsal, and the distance between both fins. Caudal fin deeply forked, with the upper lobe longest. Pectoral spine strongly serrated interiorly, longer and stronger than that of the dorsal fin, extending beyond the vertical from the origin of the dorsal. Ventral inserted behind the dorsal. Greenish oKve, with three brown longitudinal bands, the middle of which commences from a large blackish ocellus behind the head ; the bands and ocellus are more distinct in young specimens than in old ones. Sometimes a dark spot on the middle of the root of the caudal. East Indies. «. Adult. Java. Purchased of Mr. Frank. 6, c, d. Many specimens. Madras. e. Many specimens. Ceylon. Purchased of Mr. Cuming. /-A. Adult and half-grown. Ganges. Presented by G. E. Water- house, Esq. — Probably types of the species. {. Several young specimens. Calcutta. Prom the Collection of Messrs. v. Schlagintweit. Ic. Adult. Khasya. Presented by Sir W. Hooker. I. Half-grown. Sikkim. From the Collection of Messrs. v. Schla- gintweit. ^rxr-p. Adult. India. q. Adult: skeleton. Ceylon. Purchased of Mr. Cuming. 13. Macrones wolfiai. Bagrus wolffii, Bleek. in Nat. Tydschr. Neclerl. Ind. ii. p. 205, and Prodr. Silur. p. 160. HypselobagTus wolfii, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 58. tab. 74. fig. 1. D. 1/7. A. 14. F.±. The height of the body is contained four times or four times and a quarter in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times or four times and a half ; head as broad as high, granu- lated above ; the occipital process is narrow and extends on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Teeth on the palate in a crescent- shaped band. Barbels long : the nasal barbels extend to the pectoral fin, the maxillary barbels to the caudal. Dorsal fin pointed, higher than the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, two-thirds of the 31. MACROMES. 83 length of the head, granulated in front and serrated behind. The length of the adipose fin equals its distance from the dorsal, and is rather more than that of the base of the dorsal. Pectorals scarcely shorter than the head, with a strong, serrated spine ; ventrals shorter than pectorals. Borneo and Sumatra ; Siam. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. b. Siam. Purchased of Mr. Jamrach. 14. Macrones wyckii. Bagrus wyckii, Bleek. Prodr. Siliir. p. 156. Hemibagrus wyckii, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 57. tab. 72. D. 1/7. A. 13. P. 1/11. The height of the body is contained five times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head three times and two-fifths or three times and a fourth ; head broader than high, its greatest width being contained once and a third in its length. Head smooth above, not granulated or striated ; occipital process short, not extend- ing on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Teeth on the palate in a horseshoe-like band. The maxillary barbels do not extend on to the dorsal fin. Dorsal fin not higher than the body ; its spine is half as long as the head, granulated in front and serrated behind. Adipose fin much longer than, and remote from, the dorsal. Pectoral spine strongly serrated interiorly, rather shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Ventrals shorter than pectorals. River Tjitarum (Java). a. Tyi^e of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 15. Macrones batasio. Pimelodus batasio. Ham. Bach. pp. 179, 377 (not fig.). Batasio buchanani, Bhjth, Juurn. As. Soc. Beng. 1861, xxix. p. 150. D. 1/7. A. 16. Barbels shorter than the head ; two longitudinal stripes on each side, dotted with black; a blackish spot on the shoulder. {H, B.) River Tista. 16. Macrones affinis. Batasio affinis, Blyth, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. 1861, xxix. p. 150. D. 1/7. A. 12. Maxillary barbels scarcely passing the eye ; mandibulary barbels minute. Body with three or four indistinct broad blackish cross- bands ; a black spot on the shoulder, and another on the dorsal fin. {Blyth.) Tenasserim. inches. Total length 3 j Height of the body ^ o2 84 SILURIDJ.. 17. Macrones tengana. Pimelodus tengana, Ham. Tiuch. pp. 176, 377. pi. 39. fig. 58. Bagnis tengana, Cuv. i>f Val. xiv. p. 433. D. 1/7. A. 14. All the barbels shorter than the head ; adipose fin .shorter than the dorsal. Dorsal spine smooth, pectoral spine strongly serrated. {H. B.) A small species, from the Brahmaputra. 18. Macrones keletius. PPBagrus keletius, Cuv. Sj- Val. xiv. p. 411. Bagrus keletius, Bleek. Verh. Batav. Oen. xxv., Hindost. p. 115. D. 1/7. A. 9-10. V.^^. The height of the \>o^ is contained six times and two-fifths in the total length (with the caudal), the length of the head five times and a half ; the depth of the head is nearly equal to its width, and two-thirds of its length. The occipital process is more than twice as long as broad. Snout longer than the eye ; the vomerine teeth form an uninterrupted crescentic band. The maxillary barbels extend to the tail, the outer ones of the mandible are longer than the head. Dorsal fin as high as the body, with the spine slender, smooth, and half as long as the head. The adipose fin commences immediately behind the dorsal, and is twice as long as the head. Pectoral fins a little shorter than the head ; their spine is longer and stronger than that of the dorsal fin, and serrated. {Bl.) Hooghly. 19. Macrones itchkeea. Phraetocephalus itchkeea, Sykes, Trans. Zuol. Soc. ii. p. 373. tab. 67. tig. 1. D. 1/7. A. 12. Snout obtuse, with the upper jaw rounded. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the pectoral. Dorsal spine not serrated. (Sykes.) Described from specimens 2 inches long. Diikhiin. 32. PSEUDOBAGRUS. Pseudobagrus, Bleek. Act. Soc. Sc. Indo-Nederl. vii., Japan, vi. p. 87. Adipose fin short or of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with from five to seven soft rays ; anal fin of moderate length, with twenty or more rays. Barbels eight. No labial teeth ; teeth on the palate villiform, forming a continuous transverse band ; eyes of moderate size or rather small. Caudal fin emarginate or forked ; ventrals with six rays. Japan, China, and Cochinchina. 32. PSEUDOBAGKUS. 85 n. Tlie upper surface of the head is covered with skin. 1 . Pseudobagrus aurantiacus. Bagrus aurantiacus, Schle;/. Faun. Jnpun. Poiss. p. 227. pi 104 fig 2 Pseudobagrus aiu-antiacus, Bhek. I. c. p. 85. • 6- • B. 8. D. 1/6. A. 20-22. P. 1/8. The length of the head is one-fifth of the total (with the caudal) Nasal barbels one-half or two-thirds as long as the head, shorter than those of the maxiUaries. Dorsal fin nearly as high as the body ; dor- sal and pectoral spines of moderate length and strength ; dorsal spine not serrated. Adipose fin as long as the anal. Japan. (t. Half-grown. From Dr. P. v. Bleekcr's Collection. 2. Pseudobagrus vachellii. ? Bagrus (?) bouderius, Richards. Ichth. Chin. p. 283 (from a rude ngure). Bagrus (?) vachellii, Richards. I. c. p. 284. D. 1/7. A. 23-24. P. 1/9. Vert. 11/32. Head smooth above, sometimes covered with loose skin, sometimes with the bones exposed. Occipital process narrow, three orfoiir times as long as broad; basal bone of the dorsal \^^/ spme elongate triangular, more than half as long as the \ 7 occipital process. Cleft of the mouth narrow, inferior; V/ teeth on the palate viUiform, in a crescent-shaped band! Barbels slender : nasal barbels extending to behind the / \ orbit, maxillary barbels to the end of the head. Dorsal fin I as high as the body ; dorsal spine serrated behind, three- I t fourths or four-fifths of the length of the head. Pectoral H. r" spme stronger than, and as long as, that of the dorsal fin, very strongly serrated along its inner margin. Adipose fin longer than the dorsal. China. a Half-giown. Chikiang. From Mr. Fortune's Collection. '', c-d. Half-grown and young. China. ''. Thirteen inches long. From the Haslar Collection. /. Half-gro-\vn : skeleton. ^. Head osseous above. 3. Pseudobagrus fulvi-draco. rimelodiis(?) fulvi-draco, Richards. Ichfh. Cliin. p. 28G. ? Silurus calvnrius, Basil, in Xom\ Mem. Katur. Mosc. 1855, x. p -^41 pi. !). fig. 1 (bad). ^' D. 1/7. A. 20. P. 1/7. Head granulated above ; occipital process subquadrangular. nearly twice as long as broad : basal bone of the dorsal spine triangular, as 86 siluridj:. long as the occipital process ; a suture crosses its middle, and there is another near the extremity of each of its lateral portions. Dorsal fin as high as the body ; dorsal spine slightly serrated behind, as long as the head with- out snout. Pectoral spine stronger, and rather longer, than that of the dorsal fin, serrated along both edges, much more strongly along the interior than along the exterior. Adipose fin as long as the dorsal. Cleft of the mouth rather wide, transverse, with the upper jaw longest ; teeth on the palate \^lliform, in a rather narrow subcrescentic ,„,».3r.>w>,,_^ band. The median groove on the upper surface of the *^'^^!^r head extends nearly to the base of the occipital process. Barbels slender ; nasal barbels half as long as the head, maxillary barbels extending beyond the root of the pectoral. China. a. Six inches long. China. Presented by Dr. A. Giinther. 4. Pseudobagrus brachysoma. D. 1/5. A. 20. P. 1/7. The height of the body is nearly equal to the length of the head, which is contained thrice and a quarter in the total (without caudal). Head granulated above. The occipital process is small, triangular, similar to, but shorter than, the basal bone of the dorsal spine ; the median groove on the upper surface of the head does not extend backwards beyond the level of the orbit. Cleft of the mouth rather wide, with the jaws subequal anteriorly. The maxillary does not extend to the orbit. Teeth on the palate villiform, in a very narrow, transverse, subcrescentic band. Barbels slender, shorter than the head ; nasal barbels half as long as the head. The diameter of the eye is less than the extent of the snout, one-fifth of the length of the head, and two-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin as high as the body ; dorsal spine rather slender, slightly serrated behind, two-thirds of the length of the head ; (pectoral spine broken ;) adipose fin shorter than dorsal: anal with the inferior margin rounded; caudal deeply forked. A large black ocellus, edged with white behind the shoulder ; a blackish streak along each caudal lobe. Cochinchina. a. Skin, 5 inches long. 33. LIOCASSIS. Leiocassis, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 139. A rather long adipose fin ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin short, with less than twenty rays. Barbels eight. No moveable labial teeth ; teeth on the palate in a continuous band. The upper jaw is the longer. Eyes below the skin ; no free circular fold round the orbit. Dorsal spine denticulated, the teeth not pointing upwards ; caudal forked ; ventral with six rays. East Indian Archipelago ; Japan. 33. LIOCASSIS. 87 a. Snout much produced ; occipital process naked. 1. Liocassis longirostris. B. 8. D. 1/7. A. 17. P. 1/9. V. 6. The snout is much produced and conical, so that the mouth is ahout midwa)' between eye and end of the snout. The length of the head is contained thrice and three-fourths in the total (without caudal) ; it is as high as broad, with the crown compressed, the sides obliquely sloping outwards. The eyes are veiy small, without free circular eyelid ; they are much nearer to the extremity of the snout than to the end of the operculum. The width of the interorbital space is two-thirds of the extent of the snout, which is rather more than one- third of the length of the head. The upper side of the head is only slightly granulated ; the median fon- ticulus does not extend to the base of the occipital process : the latter is finely granulated, arrow-shaped, twice as long as broad ; below the skin it extends on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine, which is elongate, tri- angular, and finely granulated. A skinny space between the basal bone and the granulated part of the occi- pital process. Opereles covered with skin. The cleft of the mouth is trans- verse, entirely at the lower side of the snout. The teeth are vilhform, in broad bands : the intermaxillarj' band is four times as broad as long ; the vomerine band is immediately behind, and nearly as broad and long as the former. The posterior nostril is nearer to the eye than to the extremity of the snout, and its barbel is slender, not much longer than the eye ; the anterior nostril is in the upper lip, in front of the maxillary barbel. Max- illarj- and mandibulary barbels small. The gill -membranes are separate nearly to the front of the isthmus. The tnink is slightly compressed, whilst the tail is elongate, tapering. The greatest depth of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), whilst the least depth of the tail is only a little more than one-half of the length of the head. The free portion of the tail, between adipose and caudal fin, equals the base of the adipose fin, and is a little less than one-fifth of the total (without caudal). The dorsal spine is strong, not much shorter than the head ; its serrature behind does not point either downwards or upwards, but 88 SILURID^. is vertical to the spine ; the anal is as long as, and terminates in the same vertical with, the adipose tin. Caudal deeply forked. The pectoral spine is somewhat stronger and shorter than that of the dor- sal fin ; humeral process of moderate size, pointed behind. Mucous cavity in the axil with two foramina. The ventral fins extend some- what beyond the origin of the anal. Japan, rt. Twenty-three inches long. Purchased of Mr. Jami-ach. /3. The upper jaw somewhat longer than the lower ; occipital process covered vnth. thin skin. 2. Liocassis crassilabris. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/8. Snout produced, subconical, with the upper jaw projecting beyond the lower, its extremity and the upper lip being soft and fleshy ; mouth transverse, situated at the lower side of the snout. The length of the head is a little less than one-fourth of the total (without caudal) ; it is nearly as high as broad, with the crown compressed, and with the sides sloping obliquely outwards. Eyes of moderate size, without free orbital margin ; their diameter is one-haK of the length of the snout, and one-third of that of the postorbital portion of the head ; the width of the interorbital space is not much less than the length of the snout. The upper side of the head and the nape are covered with thick skin : the basal bone of the dorsal spine touches the occipital process, and both are nearly of the same length. Teeth viUiform : the intermaxillary band is thrice as broad as long ; vomerine band immediately behind, horseshoe-shaped, as wide as that of the intermaxillaries. The posterior nostril is nearer to the eye than to the extremity of the snout, and its barbel is slender, somewhat longer than the eye. Anterior nostril close to the ex- tremity of the snout, above and inwards from the maxillary barbel, which is half as long as the head ; maudibulary barbels still shorter. The gill-membranes are united for a short distance only. Trunk somewhat compressed, its greatest depth being equal to the length of the head ; the least depth of the tail is only one-third of the height of the body, and the length of the free portion of the tail, between adipose and caudal fins, is one-sixth of the total (without caudal). Dorsal spine rather strong, slightly serrated behind, the teeth pointing downwards ; its length is three-fourths of that of the head ; adipose fin much longer than anal, nearly one-fourth of the total length (without caudal). Caudal with the lobes roimded, not split to the base. Pectoral spine somewhat stronger and shorter than that of the dorsal fin, smooth along its outer edge, but strongly serrated along the inner one ; humeral process pointed behind, half as long as the pectoral spine. The length of the pectoral fin is four-fifths of that of the head. Porus axillaris very distinct. The ventral fins extend to the origin of the anal. Coloration uniform. a. Seven and a half inches long. China. Presented b^- Dr. A. Giinther. 33. LiocASSis. 89 3. Liocassis pcecilopterus. Bagrus p«3cilopteriis, (K. ^- r. //.) Cur. eV Val. xiv. p. 4-'51. ramentosus, Mull. ^- Trosc/i. Jlor. Ichth. iii. p. 7. Leiocassis pcecilopterus, Bleek. Prodr. Siliir. p. 140, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 53. tab. 06. iiy;. 2 (not lionwo, vii. ). B. 10-11. D. 1/7. A. 15-16. P. ^g. The height of the body is contained four times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and two-thirds ; head as high as broad, its greatest width being two-thirds of its length ; the occipital process is elongate, extending on to the basal bone of the dorsid spine ; the ujiper jaw projects beyond the cleft of the mouth, which is nearly straight. Barbels very slender and short ; those of llie maxillarics extend to, or somewhat beyond, the eye. The dorsal spine is of moderate length, serrated behind, its length being con- tained once and a half or once and three-fourths in that of the head. The length of the adipose fin nearly equals its distance from the dorsal, and is less tlian twice the length of the dorsal. Pectoral spine strong, as long as that of the dorsal fin, serrated interiorly. Caudal deeply forked. Brownish, vnth. irregular dark cross-bands ; fins with two broad brown bands. Java. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 4. Liocassis micropogon. Bagrus micropogon, Bleek. Xat. Ti/dsrhr. Xedeti. Ind. iii. p. 94. pcecilopterus, Bleek. I. c. v. p. 445 (not K. ^- v. H.). Leiocassis micropogon, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 142, and Atl. Ichth. Sdur. p. 53. tab. GO. tig. 1. B. 9-10. D. 1/7. A. 15-16. P. 1/8. The height of the body is contained five times and a half or six times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and two-fifths or thrice and three-quarters ; head rather broader than high, its depth being one-half of its length. Occipital process very short, terminating at a great distance from the base of the dorsal. The upper jaw jirojccts beyond the cleft of the mouth, which is nearly straight. Barbels slender and short ; those of the maxillarics extend to the eye only, or to the opercles. The dorsal .spine is of moderate strength, serrated behind, its length being one- half, or lather more than one-half, of that of the head. The adipose fin is more than twice as long as the dorsal, and commences at a considerable distance behind it. Pectoral spine strong, serrated in- teriorly, about as long as that of the dorsal fin. Caudal deeply forked. Brownish, with irregular dark cross-bands ; a brown lateral band running from the head to the caudal ; fins with one or two brown itands. Sumatra, Banka, Biliton, Borneo. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Col- Icelion. 90 SILURID^. 5. Liocassis stenomus. Bagnis stenomus, {Ktihl S, v. Hass.) Cuv. 6f Val. xiv. p. 415. Leiocassis ellenriederi, Bleeh. Act. Sue. Sc. Imlo-Nederl. ix. p. 11. ^ stenomus, Blcek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 54. tab. 67. fig. 3. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 15. P. 1/7. The height of the body is nearly one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-ninths ; head broader than high, and nearly as broad as long. The occipital process is tri- angular, and reaches just to the basal bone of the dorsal fin ; the upper jaw projects a little beyond the cleft of the mouth, which is sHghtly curved. The maxillary barbels and the outer ones of the mandible are longer than the head. Pectoral spine considerably longer and stronger than that of the dorsal fin ; the length of the adipose fin is equal to that of the dorsal, but much less than the space between the two fins. Caudal deeply forked, with the lobes pro- duced into filaments. Java and Sumatra. a. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 34. BAGROIDES. Bagroides, Bleel;. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. ii. p. 204. Bagroides et Pseudobagrichthys, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierh. 186-3, p. 94. Adipose fin long ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and seven soft rays ; anal fin short, with less than twenty rays. Barbels eight. No labial teeth ; teeth on the palate in an uninterrupted band or patch. Head covered with thick skin ; eyes below the skin. No free circular fold round the orbit. Dorsal spine serrated, the teeth pointing upwards ; caudal fin forked ; ventrals with six rays. Gill- membranes united below the throat, but not grown to the isthmus, with a very shallow notch behind. Sumatra and Borneo. a. Adipose fin about as long as the head ; vomerine teeth in a subtrian- gular patch which is roimded anteriorly : Bac/roides, Blkr. 1. Bagroides melanopterus. Bleeker, Nat. Ti/dscJir. Nederl. Lid. ii. p. 204 ; Prodi: Sihir. p. 134 ; and Atl. Ichth. Siln,: p. 51. tab. 66. fig. 3. B. 7-8. D. 1/7. A. 16-17. P. 1/9. The height of the body is contained four- times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and a third or five times ; head as broad as high, its greatest width being contained once and a fourth in its length. Upper jaw prominent. The teeth on the palate are obtuse. Barbels shorter than the head without tentacles ; lateral line with filaments anteriorly. Dorsal fin lower than the body ; its spine is strong, generally shorter than the head, striated. Adipose fin twice as long as the dorsal, the length of which 34. BAGROIDES. 91 equals the distance between both fins. Pectorals as long as the head, with a very strong spine, serrated intei-iorlj' ; ventrals much shorter than pectorals ; caudal deeply forked, with the lobes pointed. Sumatra and Borneo. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. j3. Adipcse fin twice as long as the head ; vomerine teeth in a short, curved, iminternipted band : Pseudohcif/richthys, Blkr. 2. Bagroides macropterus. Bagroides macropterus, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Kederl. Iml. v. p. 515, and Prodi: Silnr. p. 186. Pseudobagrichthys macropterus, Bleek. Atl. Ic/itfi. Siho: p. 50. tab. 67. fig- 1- B. 7. D. 1/7. A. 14. P. 1/9. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (-without caudal), the length of the head one-sixth ; head rather higher than broad, its greatest width being two-thirds of its length ; the upper jaw prominent ; teeth on the palate minute, forming a short sub- crescentic band. Barbels slender, shorter than the bead. Dorsal fin as high as the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, striated, about as long as the head. The adipose fin commences at a short distance from, and is more than four times as long as, the dorsal. Pectorals rather longer than the head ; their spine is stronger than, and about as long as, that of the dorsal fin, and strongly serrated in- teriorly ; ventrals shorter than pectorals. Sumatra (Palembang, Moarakompeh). a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collectioii. 3. Bagroides macracanthus. Bagroides macracanthus, Bleek. Xat. Ti/d-'chr. Nederl. Lid. vii. p. 8S, and Prodr. Sihir. p. 137. Pseudobagrichthvs macracanthus, Bleek. Atl. Ichtk. Siliir. p. 50. tab. 67. fig. 1. B. 7. D. 1/7. A. 14. P. 1/9. Nape of the neck elevated. The height of the body is contained' rather more than four times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head five times and a half ; head rather higher than broad, its width being two-thirds of its length. The upper jaw prominent : the teeth on the palate are very conspicuous. Barbel slender, shorter than the head. Dorsal fin rather higher than the body ; its spine is of moderate strength and much longer than the head. The adipose fin commences at a very short distance from, and is about four times as long as, the dorsal. Pectorals about as long as the head, their spine being as strong a*;, but much shorter than, that of the dorsal fin, serrated interiorly. Ventrals shorter than pectorals. Eastern Sumatra. (t. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 92 SILUEIDJ.. 35. BAGRICHTHYS. Bagrichthys, Bleek. Prodi: Silur. p. 1:10. Adipose fin exceedingly long ; a short, high dorsal fin with a pun- gent spine and seven soft rays ; anal fin short. Trimk much com- pressed and elevated. Barbels eight. Each jaw with a band of villi- form teeth, the lower with long moveable labial teeth besides ; teeth on the vomer in a continuous band. Head covered with skin ; eyes without free orbital margin, below the skin. Caudal fin forked ; ventrals with six rays. East Indian Archipelago. 1. Bagrichthys hypselopterus. Bagi-us hypselopterus, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Ned. Ind. iii. p. 588 c. tab. Bagrichthys h-s-pselopterus, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 131, and Afl. Ichth. Silur. p." 49. 'tab. 68. B.7. D. 1/7. A. 15. P.^. Body compressed, with the nape and the base of the dorsal fin much elevated. All the barbels shorter than the head ; mandibulary barbels with short tentacles. Dorsal fin exceedingly high, the spine and the first ray being twice as long, or more than t^vice as long, as the head ; dorsal spine serrated behind. Adipose fin very long, con- tiguous with the dorsal, higher than the tail. Pectorals as long as the head, with a strong, serrated spine ; ventrals as long as pectorals. Caudal deeply forked, with the lobes more or less produced into fila- ments. Sumatra and Borneo. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 36. RITA*. Rita, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 60. An adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a pun- gent spine and with six (seven) soft rays ; anal fin short. Nostrils distant. Barbels six : two at the maxillaries, two minute ones at the posterior nostrils, and two at the throat. Teeth on the palate gra- nular or molar- like. The upper jaw the longer. Orbit without free, circular eyelid. Caudal forked ; ventral rays six. East Indies. 1 . Rita crucigera. Piraelodus rita. Ham. Biich. p. 165. pi. 24. fig. 53. Ariiis rita, Cuv. ^ Val. xv. p. 88. pi. 429. cruciger, O^cen, Odeol. Cafal. Coll. Surg. i. p. 26. Rita buchanani, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 65, and Verhand. Bat. Gen. xxv., Beng. p. 123. tab. 3. fig. 1. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/10. The upper surface of the head is granulated ; basal bone of the * ). Piuielodus rama, Ham. Bitch, pp. 17(). 377. pi. 3. fig. .^)5. — Brahmaputra. 3G. RITA. 93 dorsal spine well developed, and as long as the occipital process. Maxillary barbels shorter than the head. The teeth on the palate form two subelliptic patches which are confluent anteriorly. Hu- meral process very large, nearly as long as the head, rounded behind. Dorsal and pectoral spines excecchngly strong, the former as long as the head. Adipose fin as long as the dorsal. Bengal. a-d. Adult and half-grown : stuffed. Ganges. e. Adult : stuffed. From Mr. Grifiith's Collection. /. Adult: skin. India. 2. Rita pavimentata. Arius pavimentatus, Valenc. in Jacq. Voij. Ind^s, Atl. Poiss. pi. 17. lig.2 ; Cm. 8f Vtil XV. p. 94. ? Arius ritoides, Citv. Sf Val. xv. p. 92. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/10. The upper surface of the head is covered with skin ; maxillary barbels shorter than the head. The teeth on the palate granular in front, enlarged and molar-like behind, in two subelliptic patches which are confluent anteriorly. The humeral process is three-fifths as long as the head, sharply pointed behind. Dorsal spine mode- rately strong, its length being two-thirds or three-quarters of that of the head. Adipose fin as long as the dorsal. Bengal. a. Nine inches long. East Indies. Presented by Dr. A. Giinther. h. Nine inches long : stuffed. East Indies. From the Collection of the Zoological Society. c-d. Adult and young. Toombuclra River. Presented by Capt. J. Mitchell of Madi-as. 3. Rita hastata. Arius hastatus, Valenc. in Jacq. Voy. Incles, Atl. Poiss. pi. 18. fig. 2 ; Cuv. ^- Val. XV. p. 97. pumilus, Valenc. I. c. fig. 1. D. 1/6. A. 12. Teeth on the palate in two separate patches. Head smooth above. Dorsal spine moderately strong, higher than the body underneath. (Val.) Hindostan. 4. Rita kuturnee. Plivactocephalus kuturnee, Sijkes, in Trans. Zool. Soc. ii. p. .372. tab. 0.5. fig. 3. D. 1/6. A. 12. Maxillary barbels rather longer than the head. Humeral proce.'^s two-thirds as long as the head, narrow and rounded behind. Dorsal and pectoral spines moderately strong, strongly serrated, terminating in long soft filament^. Adipose fin shorter than the dorsal. (>■. 4. D. 1/5. A. y. P. 1/7. The median groove on the upper surface of the head extends on to the base of the occipital process ; there is a triangular impression on each side of its hinder extremity ; occipital process more than twice as long as broad. The greatest width of the body is contained four times and a third or four times and a sixth in the total length. The maxillary barbels do not extend to the end of the opercle. Entirely brownish. Java and Sumatra. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 4. Acrochordonichthys pleurostigma. Pimelodus plem-ostigma, Bleek. Naf. Ti/d-schr. Nederl. Ind. vii. p. 442. Acrochordonichthys pleiu-ostigTua, Bleek. Prodi: Silur. p. 229, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 68. tab. 8:3. tig. 5. D. 1/5. A. 8. P. 1/6-7. The median groove on the upper surface of the head extends on to the base of the occipital process ; a single hoUow on each side of the hinder end of the fonticulus ; occipital process triangular, less than twice as long as broad. The greatest width of the body is contained four times and three-fourths or five times in the total length. The maxillary barbel does not extend to the end of the opercle. A series of several rounded yellow spots along the side. Java. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 5. Acrochordonichthys zonatus. Pimelodus zonatus, Bleek. Nut. Tydschr. Nederl. Ltd. vii. p. 444. Acrochordonichthys zonatus, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 230, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 09. tab". 84. fig. 5. D. 1/5. A. 10. P. 1/7. The median groove on the upper surface of the head extends on to the base of the occipital process ; there are a pair of shallow impres- sions on each side of the hinder part of the fonticulus ; occipital process twice, or more than twice, as long as broad. The greatest width of the body is contained four times and three-fourths or five yO sTU'Rin.T':. times in the total length. The maxillary harhels do not extend to the end of the operele. Trunk and hinder half of the tail hlack. Java. ii. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. IMeeker's Collection. 0. Acrochoi-donichthyB ischnosoma. 7«rt>X-«-, Piw7r. Si'Ivr. p. 2;)2, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 70. tab. 84. fig. 4. D. 1/3. A. 10. l\ 1/7. The n\edian groove o!\ the npper siirfaee of the head tern\inates at ft considerable distance t\\^\\ the base of the occipital process ; occi- pital process elongate-ovate. The groatest width of the bi^l)' is oon- tainled five times and tvro-thinls in the total length. The maxillary barbels extend to the operculum. Entii-ely brownish. Java. rt. 1?ype of the species. From Dr. P. v. lUeeker's OoUcctitm. 38. AKYSIS. Akysia, lifech Pro\ Si7m\ p. 23oy and Atl Ichth. iS^fer. p. 05. tab. '83. %. 1. «. 6. D. 1/5. A. 9. P. 1/5-0. The length of the head is one-fi>urth, or a little less than one- foui-th, of the ttital (without caudal) ; the eyes aro situated betoi^ the middle of the length of the head ; the maxillary barbels extend t6 the root of the pei^tx>ral', the ftv* portion of the tail is twice a^ long as hig-h. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, a little shorttM than the head; adipose fin longer than the dorsal, and equal in le!\gth to its distance ftvm the dorsal ; caudal forked. Yellow, with four bi-oad, irregtilar brown cross-bands ; fins and barbels variegated With bnnvn. Java. ^1. Otteof th'C t.5-pic«i specimens. Fnnn Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Oolleetion :!!», .it.viu, 1)7 I>. l/«. A. 10. IM/7(n. V. fl. Jinvn »uln tiuiil rtntttrirtrly ; tht* mrticillrtry b»rbt«|o ai{t«i'tn aaitl to bt< ont< of llin tyjit's, but dilfiu-ing s. Amiurus punctulatus. PPimelodus jieneu.s, Lesiieur, Mem. Mus. d' Hist. Xat. 1819, v. p. 150- Cut: 1^- Val XV. p. 135. ' Pimelodus punctulatus, C'uv. S,- Val. xv. p. 135. B. 12. D. 1/6. A. 16. P. -!-. V. 8 ' 10-11 "• The lower jaw is the longer ; head one-fifth longer than broad, much depressed, one-fourth of the total length (with the caudal);' the maxillary barbel has a broad base, and does not extend to the end of the head. Dorsal spine feeble, not se2Tated ; pectoral spine stronger, half as long as the fin. Caudal truncated. Brown finely marbled with black. ( Val.) New Harmony, New Orleans. 7. Amiurus natalis. Pimelodus natali.?, Lesueitr, Mem. Mirs. (rili.sf. Nnf. 1810, v. p. 154. Caudal fin subtruncated ; the tail between the adipose and anal fins compressed, as high as the body below the dorsal fin*. North America. ^. Caudal fin deeply forked. " 8. Amiurus nebulosus. ? Pimelodus nebulo&us, Lesumr, Mem. Mits. d' Hist. Nat. 1819 v. p. 149 Pimelodus nebulosus, C'uv. Sf Val. xv. p. 132. ' B. 8. D. 1/6. A. 20-21. P. 1/8. Head not much longer than broad ; the maxillary barbel extends to the end of the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines short, the latter considerably stronger than the fonner. half as long as the head, and serrated interiorly. Adipose fin short ; caudal distinctly forked. North America. a-h. Adult : stuffed. Presented by E. Doubleday, Esq. We can scarcely doubt that we are correct in identifying our specimens with the P. nebulosus of Valenciennes ; but it is'norpro- bable that P. nehulo.v(s of Lesueur is the same species, as that author describes the caudal fin as truncated or nearly truncated, whilst the specimens examined by Valenciennes and by myself have a distinctly forked caudal. 0. Amiurus lupus. Pimelodus hipus, Ginird, in U. S. Pad/. R. R. Exped. Fish. p. 211. D. 1/6. A. 24. P. 1/9. The maxillary barbels extend to about the middle of the pectoral fin. Dorsal spine very obtusely denticulated towards its extremity, ■ 'j^^i"*"-^ specimens of Pimelodes will, an adipose fin liave a layer of fat deijo- sitod along tlie back of the taU. so that tliis part appears unusual'lv elevated It IS not impossilile that Lesueur founded the /'. nat(dis on such a specimen 102 SILURIDiE. pectoral spine very conspicuously so ; caudal fin moderately forked. {Girarcl.) Source of the Eio Pecos. Pimehdus hammondii, Abbott, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1860, p. 568, appears to have a comparatively smaller head than P. lupus, constituting somewhat less than one-fifth of the total length, whilst it is said to be one-fourth in P. lupus. — Kansas. Ictalurus simpsonil, GiU, Proc. Best. Soc. Nat. Hist. 1862, p. 43, appears to me to be identical with P. hammondii. 10. Amiurus cauda-furcatus. Pinielodus cauda-furcatus, Lesueur, Mem. Mu^. d'Hist. Nat. 1819, v. p. 152 (not P. furcatus, Cuv. & Val.). fm'cifer, Cuv. S, Val. xv. p. 139 ; HyiiJ, Dcnhschr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, 1859, xvi. p. 16; Kner, Sitzi/sher. Acad. Wins. JJ'iiti, xxvi. p. 421. olivaceus, Girard, in V. S. Pacif. P. P. Exped. Fish. p. 211. pi. 41. tigs. 1-3, and pi. 42 (iucoiTect). gTaeiosus, Girard, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1859, p. 161. B. 8. D. 1/6. A. 26-27. P. 1/9. Yert. 13/29 (C. Sf V.), 15/30 {Hijrtl). Head one-fourth longer than broad ; the maxillary barbels extend beyond the end of the head. Dorsal spine as long as the head with- out snout ; pectoral spine stronger and rather longer than that of the dorsal fin, denticulated interiorly. Adipose fin short; caudal deeply forked. Ohio, Missouri, and Ai'kansas Rivers. Surinam (?). ((. Half-grown : skin. Ohio Canal. From Dr. ParneU's Collection. h. HaK-grown : skin. Portsmouth, Ohio Eiver. From Dr. ParneU's Collection. c-d. Adult and young : bad state. 11. Amiurus meridionalis. D. 1/6. A. 28-29. P. 1/9. Head one-half or one-thii'd longer than broad ; the maxillary bar- bels extend to the end of the head. The length of the dorsal spine is somewhat less than that of the head without snout, and nearly equal to that of the pectoral spine. Adipose tin short. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth or two-ninths. Snout obtusely rounded, with the upper jaw longer than the lower. The diameter of the eye is one-half or two-fifths of the extent of the snout, and one-third or two-sevenths of the length of the postorbital portion of the head. The band of maxillary teeth is five or six times as broad as long. The outer mandilnilary barbels extend to the posterior margin of the gill-membrane. The distance of the dorsal spine from tiie snout is a little more than one-half of its distance from the caudal fin ; it is finely serrated behind. The length of the base of the adipose fin equals that of the dorsal. Caudal fin deeply 42. IIOl'LABELUS. 103 forked ; the upper lobe is soiucwliut tlie longer, its length being equal to, or a little less than, that of the head. The anal fin termi- nates behind the adipose fin, and its last rays do not extend to the base of the caudal. Axil of the pectoral with a very distinct porus mueosus. The pectoral spine is serrated interiorly, sometimes a little longer, sometimes a little shorter, but always rather stronger than that of the dorsal fin. Pectoral fin longer than ventral, two-thirds or three-fifths of the length of the head. The ventral extends to the origin of the anal. Upper parts brownish, with steel-blue reflexions ; lower parts silvery, with a reddish tinge. Guatemala. a-c. Adidt (15 inches long) and half-grown. Rio Usumacinta. From Mr. Salvin's Collection. 12. Amiurus furcatus. Pimelodus furcatus, Cia: ^ Vol. xv. p. 136 (not P. cauda-fnrcatm, Lesuem-). B. 8. D. 1/6. A. 32-34. P. 1/10. Head one-fom-th longer than broad ; the maxiUary barbels do not extend to the end of the head. Dorsal spine long, rather slender, three-fourths of the length of the head ; pectoral spine shorter, but stronger, than that of the dorsal fin, denticulated interiorly. Adi- pose fin short ; caudal deeply forked. Mississippi, rt. Half-grown : skin. Mississippi. From Dr. Parnell's Collection. nelodus affinis, Bdirrl^- Gi'rard, in Pruc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phi/ad. 1854, 3. -26, and Icht/i. U. S. ^- Mex. Bound, p. 32. pis. 1(3 & 17. 13. Amiurus aflBnis. Pimelodus P- D. 1/G. A. 35. P. 1/10. The length of the head is two-ninths of the total (^^•ithout caudal), the length of the anal one-third. Adipose fin short ; caudal deeply forked. The maxiUary barbels extend beyond the base of the pec- torals. Texas, rt. HaK-grown. Presented by the Smithsonian Institution. 42. HOPLADELUS. Leptops, Opladelus, Ilictis, Pylodictis, etc., Ra/iiicsqtte, Ichth. Ohiens. pp. 04-67. Hopladelus, Gill, Proc. Post. Soc. Xat. Hist. 1862, p. 51. Adipose fin short and thick ; dorsal fin short, with a spine con- cealed in the skin and with six rays ; anal fin of moderate length ; barbels eight ; the lower jaw is the longer. Palate edentulous. Head depressed, oblong, covered with thick skin. Caudal fin slightly cmarginate ; ventral rays nine. Branchiostegals twelve. Xorth America. ■iO-l: SILURID^. The above characters given by Mr. Gill comprise almost every- thing that is known, and that may be relied ujDon, of the fishes of this genus. With regard to the species, the North American writers have left ns in the dark up to the present time, Rafinesquian descrip- tions, headed bj' such specific names as oUvaris, viscos^is, nehulosus, Nmosus, forming the principal portion of the literature existing on this subject. 43. NOTURUS*. Noturus, RaJiHesque, Iclvth. Okiem. p. 67. Scliilbeoides, Bleek. Act. Soc. Sc. Indo-Nedeti. iv. p. 258. Adiposff" fin low, long, cariniform, generally confluent with a series of rudimentary caudal rays running along the free portion of the tail ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin of moderate length. Barbels eight. The upper jaw is the longer. Palate edentulous. Head covered vnth. thick skin above, occipital process very short. Caudal fin obliquely trim- cated ; ventral rays nine. North America. 1. Noturus lemniscatus. Pimelode li\Tee, Lesueur, Mem. Mus. d'llist. Nat. 1819, v. p. 155. Pimelodiis lemniscatus, Ouv. i$- Vcd. xv. p. 144. Noturus lemniscatus, Girard, in Proc.Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1859, p. 158. B. 8. D. 1/7. A. 21. P. 1/10. V. 9. Head nearly as broad as long, one-fifth of the total length ; the diameter of the eye is one-fourth of the width of the interorbital space. The maxillary barbel does not extend to the end of the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines stout, one-half of the length of the soft portions of the fins, scarcely denticulated. Adipose fin continuous with the caudal. (F«?.) North America. 2. Noturus flavus. Rajinesque, Ichth. Ohmis. p. 68. D. 1/7. A. 14. P. 1/7. Barbels half the length of the head ; adipose fin continuous with the caudal, which is truncate. Entirely yellowish, (liaf.) Ohio. 3. Noturus platycephalus. D. 1/7. A. 16. P. 1/11. V. 9. Head only a little longer than broad, much depressed, its length being contained once and a third in the total (without caudal) ; the maxillary barbel extends to the root of the pectoral. There is a shallow notch between the adipose fin and the caudal. The distance between the joint of the pectoral spine and the root of the outer ventral ray is more than the distance between the latter and the * 1. Silurus gyrinus, Mitch., in Amcr. Monthl. Mag. and Crif. Eevieu\ 1818, March, p. 322. — New York. 44. SOKUBIM. 105 cuuiUil till. The band of internmxillury teeth f f~~^ ) has a slender process on each side directed backwards. North America. a-b. From 3 to 4 inches long. Old Collection. 4. Noturus occidentalis. Gill, in Proc. Bod. Soc. Nat. Hist. 186:3, p. 45. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 17-18. P. 1/10. V. 9. Head considerably longer than broad, its length being contained four times and a third in the total (without caudal) ; the maxillary barbel reaches scarcely to the base of the pectoral. There is a shallow notch between the adipose fin and the caudal. The distance between the joint of the pectoral spine and the root of the ventral is less than the distance between the latter and the caudal fin. The band of intermaxillary teeth ( CHI/ ) has no slender lateral process. Platte Itiver. a-b. Young. Presented by the Smithsonian Institution. Seventh Group. PIMELODINA. Proteropterous Siluroids with the anterior and posterior nos- trils remote from each other, and without nasal barbel. 44. SOEUBIM. Sorubini, sp., Spix. Platvstoma, sp., Agassiz. Soriibim, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 186.3, p. 98. Adipose fin short ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with six or seven soft rays ; anal fui of moderate length. Snout very long, spatulate, with the upper jaw projecting, and covered with villiform teeth below. Eyes partly tlirected downwards. The upper surface of the head not covered by the skin. Barbels six. Caudal forked ; ventrals with six rays, inserted behind the dorsal. Gill- membranes not united. Brazil. 1. Sorubim lima. Silurus lima, BI. Schn. p. ;384. Sorubim infrnocularis, .S/*(>, Pise. Bros. pi. 15. Platysloina lima, Ai/aas. in Spix, l^'ar. Brm. p. 24; Ciiv. 8f Vdl. xv. p. 7 ; K/icr, Sifzmif/.shcr. IVien. Acad. xxvi. p. 399. B. 15-16. D. ^^. A. 20-22. P. ^. The greatest width of the head is two-fifths of its length. The length of the projecting portion of the upper jaw is nearly equal to the distance of the eye from the angle of the mouth. Teeth cm the palate in four groups : two triangular on the vomer, and one oltlong on each jialatine bone. The maxillary barbel extends to the middle 106 SILTJRIDJJ. of the pectoral, the outer of the mandible to the gill-opening. Brownish above, with small blackish spots ; a dark band along the middle of the side. Brazil. 45. PLATYSTOMA*. Platystonaa, Agass., in Spix, Pise. Bras. p. 21. Brac'hjplatystoma, Pseudoplat^•stuma, Ileiniplatystoma, Sorubimicli- thy.i, Bleek. Nederl. Tijdschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 21. Adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with six or seven soft rays ; anal fin rather short. Snout very long, spatulate, with the upper jaw more or less projecting. Eyes lateral or directed upwards. The upper surface of the head is not covered by the skin. Barbels six. Caudal forked ; ventrals with six rays, inserted behind the dorsal. Gill-membranes not united. South America. 1. Platystoma planiceps. Sonibim pirauaca, Spix, Pise. Bras. pi. 12. Platystoma planiceps, ^if/oss., in Spix, Pise. Bras. p. 25; Kner, Sitztmys- her. Wien. Acad. xxvi. p. 400. D. 1/6. A. 10. P. 1/10. The upper jaw projects much beyond the lower. The maxillaiy barbels extend to the anal fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the gill-opening. Eyes nearer to the end of the snout than to the angle of the operculum. The width of the snout between the maxillary barbels is one-half of the length of the head. Dorsal spine serrated behind. Caudal lobes pointed. Dark olive above ; head, back, dorsal and pectoral fins with black dots ; an interrupted blackish longitu- dinal band from the axil of the pectoral to the base of the anal. The lower caudal lobe black, the upper with a whitish margin. Rivers Amazons, Solimoens, Rio Negro. 2. Platystoma spatula. Sorubim jaudia, Spix, Pise. Bras. pi. 14. Platj'stoma spatula, Ar/ass., in Spix, Pise. Bras. p. 26. D. 1/6. A. 10. P. 1/10. The upper jaw projects much beyond the lower. The maxillary barbels extend on to the ventrals. Dorsal spine serrated. Uniform brownish ; head, dorsal, pectoral and ventral fins with numerous black dots. (Ag.) Brazil. 3. Platystoma artedii. Mystus, no. 6, Artedi, in Seba, iii. p. 84. tab. 29. fig. 6. Mystus, no. 386, Gronov. Zoophyl. p. 125. D. 1/6. A. 13-14. P. 1/9. The iipper jaw projects much beyond the lower. The maxillary * 1. Platystoma emarginatum, C. 4' f'- xv. p. 2.j. — River tsaii Francisco. 45. PLATYSTOMA. lOT barbels are much longer than the head, and the others also exceed the head in length. Ero-\niish above, spotted Avith darker, the lower parts whitish ; fins with black dots. South America. 4. Platystoma fasciatum. Silurus ftisciatus, part., L. Si/st. Nat. i. p. 505. Silurus fasciatus, Bl. taf. 36(5 ; Bl. 8chn. p. 382. Platystoma fasciatum, Cm. S,- Val. xv. p. 14; Kner, Sitzitiif/sbcr. Wien. Acad. xxvi. p. 401. punctifer, Casteln. Anim. Amer. Sud, p. 40. pi. 19. fig. 2. B. 15. D. 1/6. A. 14. P. 1/9. The upper jaw projects but little beyond the lower. The maxillarj' barbels extend to, or nearly to, the vcntrals, and the outer ones of the mandible as far, or still further, backwards. Brownish above, ■\\-itli blackish cross-bands edged with silvery ; sometimes a longitu- dinal series of blackish oceUi beloAv the lateral line. Vertical and ventral fins with black dots. Teeth on the palate in four more or less confluent patches : those on the vomer irregularly quadrangular ; those on the palatines band-like, long, tapering behind. South America. a. Fine specimen. Essequibo. Purchased of 3ilr. Ehrhardt. /'. Half-grown. Surinam. <•. Two feet long. River Capin, Para. Piu'chased of Mr. Stevens. d-e. Young. River Capin, Para. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 5. Platystoma tigrinum, Citv. i^- Val. XV. p. 10. pi. 422. B. 1(). D. l/(j. A. 11. P. 1/9. The upper jaw projects but little beyond the lower. The teeth on the palate form one-half of an ellipse, the front part of which is very broad, and produced into an obtuse lobe at its extremity; its branches are prolonged behind. The maxiUary barbels extend to the gill- opening. Dorsal spine not serrated. Body with irregiilar, undulated, transverse blackish-brown bands ; vertical and ventral fins with black dots. (Val.) Brazil. (j. Platystoma orbignianum. Valenc. in d' Orbit/. Voi/.Amrr. Mh-id. Poisx. pi. 4. fig. 3 ; Chtv. ^Val xv. p. 12. B. 17. D. ]/G. A. 14. P. 1/9. The upper jaw projects but little beyond the lower. Teeth on the palate in four subcontiguous patches : those on the vomer subtrian- gular ; those on the palatines subcuneiform, tapering beliind. The maxillaiy barbel does not extend to the end of the head, the outer of the mandible reaches to the root of the pectoral. The doi-sal spine is scarcely stouter than the rays, and not serrated : the pectoral .spine 108 SILURID.E. is much stronger, serrated interiorly, two-fifths of the length of the head. Brownish above, with numerous ovate black spots, as large as, or larger than, the eyes ; sides with silvery patches ; dorsal and caudal fins -with black dots. Southern Brazil. a. Skin, .3 feet long. From a Collection made by Ch. Cumberland, Esq., on the river Cipo, a tributary of the Eio dos VUhas which falls into the San Francisco. Minas Geraes. 7. Platystoma coruscans. Marcqr. Hist. Bras. Pise. p. 174 (lower figiu-e), copied bv Willughhy, tab. PI. 7. fig. 2. _ _ Sorubim caparari, Spix, Pise. Bras. pi. 13. Platystoma coruscans, Agass., in Sjnx, Pise. Bras. p. 26. D. 1/6. A. 10. P. 1/10. The upper jaw projects but little beyond the lower. The maxil- lary barbels extend on to the ventrals. Yellowish above, with numerous blackish ocelli, as large as, or smaller than, the eye ; head immaculate ; dorsal and caudal fins with black dots. (Ag.) River San Francisco. 8. Platystoma pardale. Valenc. in iTOrhig. Voy. Amer. Merid.Poiss. pi. 4. fig. 2 ; Cuv. ^ Val. xv. ^' *"" B. 16-17. D. 1/6. A. 13-14. P. 1/9. The upper jaw projects but little beyond the lower. Teeth as in PI. tigrinum. The maxillary barbels extend to the prseoperculum, the outer of the mandible a little further backwards. Brownish ; body and fins covered with, numerous very small black spots. ( Val.) Buenos Ayres. 9. Platystoma truncatum. Agass., in Spix, Pise. Bras. p. 27. tab. 13 a ; Hyrtl, Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, 1859, xvi. p. 17. D. 1/6. A. 10. P. 1/10. Vert. 13/33 {Hyrtl). The upper jaw projects but little beyond the lower. The maxU- lary barbel extends to the middle of the pectoral, the outer ones of the mandible nearly to the gill-opening. Dorsal spine serrated behind. Adipose fin very low. Uniform yellowish ; dorsal and cau- dal fins with black dots. {Ag.) Itivers Japura and Solimoens. 10. Platystoma vaillantii. Cta\ iS" Val. XV. p. 21. pi. 423; Kner, Sitzungsber. Wien. Acad. xxvi. p. 397. B. 11. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/10. Vert. 14/28. The upper jaw projects but little beyond the lower. The maxil- 1 47. PLATTSTOMATICHTIIYS. 109 laiy barbel extends on to the caudal fin, which sometimes is much prolonged, the outer mandibularj' barbel to the ventral or anal. Eye in the middle of the length of the head. Dorsal spine slender, scarcely serrated behind ; pectoral spine very slender, four-fifths of the length of the head ; adipose fin longer than the anal. Uniform brownish. Cayenne and Suririam. a. Adult : stuffed. Demerara. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. b-c. Adult. Demerara. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. 11. Platystoma afRne. Cuv. ^ Vcd. XV. p. 24. B. 11. D. 1/6. A. 13. The upper jaw projects but little beyond the lower. The maxil- lary barbels extend ou to the anal fin. The occipital process does not meet the basal bono of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin rather shorter than anal. Coloration uniform. ( Veil.) Hah. ? 46. HEMISORUBIM. Platystoma, sp., Cuv. i^- Val. Hemisorubim, Bleek. Nederl. Ti/dschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 97. Adipose fin rather long ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with six soft rays ; anal fin rather short. Snout very long, spa- tulate, -ft-ith the lower jaw longest. E}^es directed upwards. Teetli on the palate. The upper surface of the head is not covered by the skin. Barbels six. Caudal forked ; ventrals with six rays. Gill- membranes not united. Brazil. 1 . Hemisorubim platyrhynchus. Platystoma platyrhpichos, Cuv. ^- T'ul. xv. p. 27 ; K/ier, Sifzuiif/sbci: Wien. Acad. xxvi. p. 398. B. 10-11. D. 1/6. A. 11-12. P. 1/9. Vomerine teeth in a semicircular band, palatine teeth in longitu- dinal bands. The occipital process is narrow, and meets the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Dorsal spine slender, finely serrated. The maxillarj' barbel extends to, or beyond, the ventral. A series of five or six roimded blackish spots on each side. Rio Negro. 47. PLATYSTOMATICHTHYS. I'latystoma, sp., Kner. Platystomatichthys, Bleek. Xederl. Ti/dschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 98. Adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with six soft rays ; anal fin rather short. Snout very long, sjiatulate, ^^^th the upper jaw much produced. Eyes with a free orbital edge. Teeth on the jjalatc. Tlu' ujiper surface of tlie 1 10 SILFRID-E. head is not covered by the skin. Barbels six. Caudal forked ; ven- trals with six rays, inserted below the last dorsal rays. GiU-mem- branes not united. Brazil. 1. Platystomatichthys sturio. Platystoma sturio, Kner, Sitzungsher. Wien. Acad. xxvi. p. 395. fig. 9. B. 9. D. 1/6. A. 15. P. 1/9. The projecting part of the upper jaw is two-fifths of the length of the head, and densely covered with villiform teeth below. The max- illary barbels are one-third longer than the whole fish. Adipose fin rather longer than anal. Eio Branco. 48. PHRACTOCEPHALUS. Pliractoceplialus, Affass., in Spix, Pise. Bras. p. 22. Adipose fin subdivided into rays, without spine ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin short. Barbels six. Patches of villiform teeth on the palate ; the upper jaw is the longer. Caudal forked ; ventral with six rays. Tropical America. 1. Phractocephalus hemiliopterus. Sihirus hemiliopterus, Bl. Schii. p. 385. Pirarara bicolor, Spix, Pise. Bras. tab. 6. Phractoceplialus bicolor, Agass. in Spix, Pise. Bras. p. 23. hemiliopterus, Cup. 8f Val. xv. p. 3. pi. 421. B. 9. D. ]/7. A. 9. P. 1/9. Occipital process very large, semicircular ; basal bone of the first dorsal spine large, kidney-shaped. Dorsal spine not serrated. Bro'wnish black above, greyish below, both coloui\s separated by a white lateral band ; the upper parts of the head with black spots ; fins black. Vomerine teeth in a large pentagonal patch, those of the palatine bones in a tapering band. Brazils. a. Thirty-eight inches long : stuffed. h. Fine specimen. Eiver Cupai (Amazon), 800 miles from the sea. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 49. PIRAMUTANA. Piramutana et Pseudariodes, Bleelx. Nederl. Tyclseh: Dierk. 1863, p. 99. A long adipose fin ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with six soft rays ; anal fin short. Barbels six. Teeth on the pa- late ; jaws equal in length. The upper surface of the head granular. Caudal forked ; ventrals with six rays, inserted below the end of the dorsal. Brazil. OO. I'L.VTYXEMATICHTIIYS. Ill 1. Piramutana piramuta. BagTiis piramuta, Knvr, Sitzunf/iihcr. Wioi. Acad. xxvi. p. ?>i<2. Piramutana piramuta, Bhck. 1. c. B. 12-13. D. 1/6. A. 14. P. 1/10. Head nearly a-s high as broad, its greatest Midtli being two-thirds of its length. Ej^e small, in the middle of the length of the head, directed upwards. The occipital process extends one-quarter of the length of the head further backwards than the margins of the occiput, nearly to the basal bone of the dorsal spine, and is almost as broad behind as at its base. The teeth on the vomer form a band, which is separate from those of the palatines. Dorsal spine striated, not serrated, shorter than the dorsal rays, M-hich ai-e one-third lower than the body. Pectoral spine slightly serrated interiorly, as long as the first soft rays and as the rays of the dorsal fin. Ventrals as long as pectorals ; adipose fin nearly twice as long as anal. Caudal deeply forked, mth the upper lobe produced into a filament. The maxillary barbels extend to below the adipose fin, the outer ones of tlie mandible beyond the middle of the pectoral. {Kner.) Barra do Rio Negro and Borba Rio Madeira. 2. Piramutana blochii. Silurus clarias, Bl. taf. 8o. figs. 1, 2 (not L.). callarias, part., £1. Sch/i. p. .379. Pimelodus blocliii, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 188. Alius albicans, Cnv. 8f Val. xv. p. 80; Valenc. in cVOrb. T'oi/. Ame : Merid. Atl Poiss. pi. .3. fig. 2. Ariodes clnrias, Jliill. Sf- Trosch. Hor. IchfJi. iii. p. 10. Pseudariodes clarias, Blcek. I. c. D. 1/6. A. 10-11. The maxillary barbels extend beyond the ventral fins. Adipose fin twice as long as the anal. The teeth on the palate form a patch on each pteiygoid bone, and there is sometimes another pair of very small patches on the vomer. Back light brown, ■\nth darker spots ; a silvery band along the lateral line ; sides below the band spotted like the back. Guiana, Brazils. 50. PLATYNEMATICHTHYS*. Platynematichthys, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 18G3, p. 90. Adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a strong spine and with six soft rays ; anal fin short. Barbels six, broad, band-like. Tomer with a band of villiform teeth. Jaws equal in length. Eyes with a free orlutal margin ; skin not reticulated, covering the whole of the upper surface of the head and neck. Cau- dal forked : vcnti'al ^nth six rays. Brazils. * 1. ? Gaieiclitlivs araguayeiisii?, Casteln. Anim. A'/ii^r. Slid. Poi.'!$. p. 37. pi. 17. fie. •". — Araguav. 112 SILTIRID-E. 1. Platynematichthys punctulatus. Bagrus punctulatus, Kncv, Sitzungsher. Wien. Acad. xxvi. p. 380. uigro-pmictatus, Kner, in Wieym. Arch. 1858, p. 345. D. 1/6. A. 16. P. 1/9. The length of the head is one-fifth of the total (ynih the canclalj, and equals the heiglit of the body; the greatest width of the' head equals the distance of the snout from the praeoperculum. Jaws equal in length, armed with very broad bands of teeth, the bands extending to the outer surface of the jaws. Vomerine band of teeth broadest on the sides; palatines mthont teeth. Barbels very broad, band- like ; those of the maxillaries extend beyond the middle of the pec- toral. Dorsal spine very long, bent, sabre-shaped ; pectoral spine very strong, extending backwards to below the end of the dorsal. Brownish above, whitish below, the brownish part with roundish black spots. {Kner.') Rio Guapore and Rio Branco. 51. PIRATINGA*. Piratinga et Malacobagrus, Bkck. Nederl. Ti/dschr. Dierk. 1863, pp. 99 & 100. Adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a more or less pungent spine and with six soft rays ; anal fin short. Barbels six, filiform. Villiform bands of teeth on the palate. Jaws equal in length, or the upper the longer. Eyes with a free orbital margin. Skin reticulated, covering the whole of the upper surface of the head and neck. Caudal forked ; ventral vdth six rays. Tropical America. 1. Piratinga filamentosa. Pimelodes filanientosus, Lichtenst. in Wiedem. Zool. Mag. i. pt. 3. p. 60. B. 7. D. 7. A. 9. P. 11. Head depressed, with the upper jaw prominent. The maxiUary barbels are about tlirice as long as the entire fish. The upper caudal rays produced into a very long filament. Dorsal and pectoral spines very feeble, scarcely pungent. Cleft of the mouth wide. (Licht.) Brazil. Not having seen either this species or the two following, I think it better to leave them united in one genus, as the distinctive cha- racters known are of no greater value than those of the different species of Pimelodus. Also, Dr. v. Blocker, who names this species Malacobagrus, and the two others Piratinga, has not pointed out any other characters besides those contained in the descriptions of Lichtenstein and Kner. * 1. Bagrus flavicans, Casteln. Anhn. Amer. Sud, Poiss. p. 32. pi. 13. fig. 2, is so badly described that it is impossible to fix its position in the system. 2. rousseauxii, Casteln. p. 32. pi. 14. fig. 1, is another name given to some fish by the same collector. .3. punctulatus, CasfeJn. p. .33. pi. 14. fig. 2. 52. SCIADKS. Hi 2. Piratinga reticulata. Bagrus reticiilatus, K/ier, Sitziaif/sber. Wicn. Acad. xx\\. p. 376. B. 12. D. 1/G. A. 12. P. 1/9. The length of the head is neai'ly one- fourth of the total (with the caudal) ; it is much broader than high, its greatest width being three-fourths of its length ; the upper jaw is the longer. The teeth on the palate form an arched band. Barbels six : those of the max- illaries extend beyond the base of the ventrals, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectorals. Eye nearer to the pricopcrcular limb than to the end of the snout. Dorsal fin as high as the body below ; its. si)ine terminates in a compressed flkiment, and is smooth anteriorly, and serrated posteriorly towards its point. Pectoral spine strong, striated, and serrated. Adipose fin longer than anal. {Kner.) Salto Theotonio on the river xiraguay, Forte do Rio Branco, Rio Madeira. 3. Piratinga goliath. Bagi'us goliath {Heck.), Kner, I. c. p. 379. • B. 12. D. 1/6. A. 11-12. The length of the head is two-sevenths of the total (with the caudal) ; it is broader than high, and two-thirds as broad as long. Jaws equal in length anteriorly. The transverse band of vomer- ine teeth is broader than, and continuous with, the palatine band. Barbels six : those of the maxUlaries extend on to tlie opercle, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. The eyes occupy the middle of the length of the head. Dorsal fin lower than the body below ; its spine terminates in a compressed filament, and is smooth anteriorly, and serrated posteriorly towards its point. Pectoral spine strong, serrated interiorly. Adipose fin but little longer than anal. (Kner.) Salto Theotonio (Brazil). 52. SCIADES. Sciades, sp., Miill ^- Trosch. Hor. Ichtli. £. (3. Leiarius et Sciadeichthys, lileek. Nee vderl. Tydschr. Dicrk. 1803, p. 99. Adipose fin rather long ; dorsal fin Avith a pungent spine and witli ten or eleven soft rays ; anal fin short. Barbels six. Teeth on the palate dlliform. The upper jaw is the longer. Eyes with a free orbital margin. Caudal forked ; ventral rays six. Brazil. 1. Sciades pictus. MiUl <5- Trosch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. S. tab. 1. fig. 1 ; Kiter, Sitzitng.thcr. Wien. Acad. x.wi. p. 38(5. B. 9. D. 1/10. A. 10. P. 1/11. Vomerine teeth in a narrow transverse band ; an ovate patch of villiform teeth posteriorly on each side of the palate. Barbels very long. Doi-sal fin elevated, with the spine slender and longer than VOL. V. I 114 8ILURIB.E. tlie head. Adipose fin rather longer than the dorsal. Brownish, with two curved whitish longitudinal bands ; large dark-brown spots on the dorsal fins ; barbels annulated with white and brown, liarra do Rio Negro. 2. Sciades longibartis. Arius (?) longibarbis, Casteln. Anim. iiouv. ou rures Ame?: Sud, p. 36. pi. 15. fig. 2. D. 1/11. A. 9. P. 1/11. V. 1/5. Teeth on the palate in two separate, transverselj' ovate groups. Barbels very long. Dorsal spine slender, much shorter than the head. Adipose fin as long as the dorsal. Body variegated with grey, black, and white. {Casteln.) Amazons. 53. PIMELODUS*. Pimelodus, sp., Lacep., Cuv. ^ Val. Rhamdia, Pseudorhamdia, et Pseudopinielodus, hleeker, Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 101. Pimelonotus, Pimelodus, et Batrachoglanis, Gill, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. Neio York, 1858, p. 387. Adipose fin weU developed ; dorsal fin short, with a more or less pungent spine and with six, exceptionally with seven or eight, rays ; anal fin short. Barbels six, subcylindrical or slightly compressed. Teeth viUiform, in both jaws, in bands which are broader than long ; palate edentulous. Nostrils distant. Gill-membranes separated by a deep notch at the throat. Ventrals six-rayed, inserted behind the dorsal. Tropical America (Asia?, Sandwich Islands?). We refer the numerous species of this genus to the following divisions, which, however, pass into one another by intermediate foims : — A. Head granulated above; dorsal spine strong: Pseudorhamdia, sp., Bleek., p. 115. B. Head not granidated ; the occipital process extends on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine; dorsal spine feeble: Pseudorhamdia, sp., Bleek., p. 117. * 1. Pimelodus charus, Cuv. ^ Val. xv. p. 159. — Brazil. 2. zungaro, Humboldt, Observ. Zool. ii. p. 1 70. pi. 46. fig. 1 ; C. # V. XV. p. 160. — Zungaro humboldtii, 5/ffA;. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 101. — River Maragnon. — Tliis fish is stated to have ten ventral rays. 3. argentinus, Humboldt, Observ. Zool. ii. p. 171. — Magdalena River. 4. — velifer, Humboldt, I. c. — Magdalena River. 6. maculatus, Schomb. Fish. Guian. i. p. 175. — Rhamdia schomburgkii, Bleek. Prodr. Silvr. p. 208. — Brazils, Guiana. 6. Laukidi, Hchomb. I. c. p. 176. — Rhamdia laukidi, Bleek. I. c. — Brazil, Gruiana. 7. Pimelodus insigiiis, Schomb. I. c. p. 180. pi. 6. — Rio Braneo. — This fish is said to have ten ventral rays like P. zungaro. 8. bahianus, Casteln. Anim. Amer. Slid, Poiss. p. 35. pi. 16. fig. 2. — Bahia. 53. I'lMELODUS. 115 C. The occipital process does not extend on to the Lasal bone of the feeble dorsal spine ; adipose fin longer than dorsal ; body elongate : RhamcUa, Bleeli. 1. American species. ft. Dorsal fin with six soft rays. n. The adipose fin is one-third, or more than one-third, of the total length (without caudal). ««. The maxillary barbels extend considerably beyond the origin of the adipose fin, p. 119. hb. The maxiUary barbels extend to, or nearly to, the origin of the adipose fin, p. 123. /3. The adipose fin is less than one-third of the total length (with- out caudal). aa. The tail above the anal fin is almost as high as the trunk, p. 12G. hh. Tail gi-adually becoming lower from its commencement, p. 128. b. Dorsal fin with seven or eight soft rays, p. 131. 2. Non-American species, p. 133. D. The occipital process does not extend on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine ; body short, stout : Pseudopimeloclus, Bleek., p. 133. E. The occipital process is short ; body moderately elongate ; adipose fin not longer than dorsal : AmphiUus, m., p. 134. A. Head granulated above ; dorsal spine strong. 1. Pimelodus maculatus. ? Seha, iii. 29. 4. ? Mystus, sp., Gronov. Mu^. Ichth. i. no. 84, and Zoophyl. no. 386. Pimelodus maculatus, Laccp. v. pp. 94, 107; (VOrb. Voy. Amer. Merid. Poiss. At/, pi. 1. fig. 1 (not good) ; Cuv. cV Vcd. xv". p. 192 ; JSJier, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad, xxvii. p. 413. ? Mystus ascita, Gronov. Si/.it. ed. Grai/, p. 156 (not Sihirus ascita, L.). Pseudorhamdia ascita, Bleek. Versl. 8f Meded. Acad. Wet. Ainsterd. 1862, xiv. p. 384. D. 1/6. A. 12. r. 1/9. Vert. ~. Head bony above, granulated ; occipital process convex, obtusely keeled, subtriangular, with the apex truncated, much longer than broad, joining the large saddle-shaped bone at the base of the dorsal spine. The maxillarj' barbel is as long as the fish. The length of the adipose fin is one-fifth of tlie total (without caudal). Dorsal and pectoral spines very strong, noarh' equal in length, as long as, or longer than, the head : the pectoral spine is serrated. Caudal deeply forked. Brazil, Surinam. n. Adult. River Capin, Para. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 6, f, d, e-f. Adult and half-grown. Surinam. g. Adult. Surinam. Purchased of Mr. Frank ( = Ps. wsciV^, Blkr.). h-i. Half-grown. Demcrara. Presented by Dr. Hancock. k-1. Adult. Baranquilla, New Granada. From Mr. Kippon's Col- lection. 116 SILURII)^. 111. Adult. West Indies. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. n, o-p. Half-grown. South America. q. Adult: stuffed. 2. Pimelodus ornatus. Pimelodus omatus, Kner, Sitzysber. Wren. Acad. xxvi. p. 411. fig. 18, D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/10. Head finely granulated above ; occipital process obtusely keeled, elongate, triangular, nearly twice as long as broad, extending on to the triangular basal bone of the dorsal spine, which is as long as broad at its base. The length of the adipose fin is one-fifth of the total (without caudal), and its distance from the dorsal is nearly equal to the length of the latter. The maxillarj^ barbels extend to, or nearly to, the end of the tail, the outer ones of the mandible be- yond the root of the pectoral. Snout rather long, broad, depressed, with the upper jaw promi- nent ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is very broad. The eyes are situated somewhat behind the middle of the head, and their diameter is two-thirds of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal and pec- toral spines of moderate strength, equal in length, half as long as the head ; the pectoral spine is serrated along both edges. Caudal fin deeply forked. A broad brown band descends obliquely back- wards from the nape of the neck ; a whitish cross-band behind it ; a brownish longitudinal band along the back, continued on the upper caudal lobe ; another band along the lateral line ; a large black ocellus anteriorly on the middle of the dorsal fin ; the lower caudal lobe with a blackish band similar to that of the upper. Brazil, Surinam. rt-6. Fine specimens. River Capin, Para. Pm-chased of Mr. Stevens. c. Adult. Purchased of M. Parzudaki. 3. Pimelodus eques. Pimelodus eques, Miill. ^ Troscli. Hur. Ichth. iii. p. 5. B. 7. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/9. Head strongly granulated above; occipital process broader than long, extending on to the large triangular dorsal shield. Adipose fin twice as long as the dorsal. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the caudal, the outer ones of the mandible to the end of the pectoral. The length of the head is less than one-fourth of the total (with the caudal) ; the upper jaw but little longer than the lower. The eyes occupy the middle of the head, and their diameter is two- thirds of the width of the interorbital space. The dorsal spine is slender, but little shorter than the rays, serrated. The lower caudal lobe is the longer. Pectoral spine serrated along both edges. A saddle- shaped black spot on the shoulder, below the commencement of the dorsal fin. {M. 6f T.) Guiana. 53. PIMELODUS. 117 B. Head not grauiilated ; the occipital process reaches the basal boue of the dorsal spine, which is feeble. 4. Pimelodus cristatus. Pimelodiis cristatus, 3Iidl. (^ Trosch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 4. D. 1/6. A. 15. P. 1/9. Head covered with very thin skin above ; occiiDital process nar- row, elongate, nearly thrice as long as broad, extending on to the small triangular basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very long, two-fifths of the total length (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal fin is one-half of the length of the latter. The max- illary barbels extend beyond the origin of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible beyond the extremity of the pectorals. The height of the body is contained five times and a half in the total length (without caudal) , the length of the head four times and two-thirds ; snout rather narrow, with the upper jaw somewhat longer than the lower ; the band of intermaxillary teeth tapering on the sides, four times as broad as long. The eye is situated some- what behind the middle of the head (its diameter is one-foui'th of the length of the head, and equal to the width of the interorbital space*). Dorsal spine slender, nearly as long as the head, slightly serrated along both edges ; dorsal fin nearly twice as high as long, and much higher than the body t. Pectoral spine serrated along both edges, three-fourths of the length of the head. Caudal fin cleft to the base, with the lower lobe longest. Coloration uniform. Brazil, Guiana. a. Eight inches long. Guiana. Presented by Sir R. Schomburgk. b. Young. River Capin, Para. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. c-f. Adult, half-grown, and young. Essequibo River. Purchased of Mr. Ehrhardt. 5. Pimelodus modestus. Pimelodus modestus, Giinth. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1800, p. 2.39. pi. 10. fig.C. B. 6. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/8. Head covered with a very thin membrane above ; occipital process narrow, elongate, extending on to the small triangular basal bone of the dors;il spine. Adipose fin long, a little less than one-third of the total length (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal fin is less than the length of the latter. The maxillary barbels extend to the origin of the anal fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the middle of the pectoral fin. The height of the body is contained five times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and two-thirds. The eye occupies the middle of the length of the head, of which its diameter is one-fourth, and equal to the width of the * In a specimen S inches lonfj;. t In a specimen 1.'! inches long the dorsal is much enlarged, the second soft ray being nearly twice as long as the head. 118 SILL'RID^. intoi-orbital space. Dorsal fin somewhat higher than long ; its spine is slender, a little more than half as long as the head, and somewhat shorter than that of the pectoral fin. Caudal fin foi'ked, with the upper lobe longer. Coloration uniform. Esmeraldas. a-b. Types of the species. Purchased of Mr. Fraser. 6. Pimelodus elongatus. Pimelodus elongatus, Gihith. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1860, p. 2.38. pi. 10. fig. B. B. 6. D. 1/6. A. 11. P. 1/9. Head covered with a very thin membrane above ; occipital process narrow, elongate, extending on to the small triangular basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin long, two-sevenths of the total length (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal fin is less than the length of the latter. The maxillary barbels extend nearly to the extremity, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pec- toral fin. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the leng-th of the head rather more than one-fifth. The upper jaw is the longer ; the eye is somewhat behind the middle of the length of the head, of which its diameter is one-fourth ; the width of the interorbital space is rather more than the diameter of the eye. Dorsal fin higher than long; its spine is slender, two- thirds of the length of the head, and longer than that of the pectoral fin. Caudal fin cleft nearly to the base, with the upper lobe longer. An ill-defined blackish streak along the lateral line. Esmeraldas. a-b, c-f, g-l\ Types of the species. From Mr. Eraser's Collection. 7. Pimelodus lateristriga. Pimelodus lateristrigus, 3IulI. 8f Trosch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 3. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/9. Head naked above ; occipital process narrow, elongate, thrice as long as broad, extending on to the small triangular basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin long, two-sevenths of the total length (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is equal to, or rather more than, the length of the latter. The maxillary barbels extend to the origin of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the middle of the pectoral. The length of the head is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal) ; eyes of moderate size, occupying the middle of the head. Dorsal fin much higher than long, with the spine slender, three- fourths of the length of the head. Pectoral spine rather shorter than that of the dorsal fin, strongly serrated along its inner edge, and with a few obtuse denticulations at the extremity of its outer edge. Caudal fin deeply cleft, with the lobes pointed, the upper being the 511 PIJIELODUS. 1 19 longer. A blackish streak from the eye along the lateral line ; dorsal fin with the usual whitish cross-band. Brazil. a-h. Five inches long. Brazil. Presented by Lord Stuart, C. The occipital process does not extend on to the basal boue of the dorsal spine ; body elongate. 1. American species. a. Dorsal fin with six soft rays. a. The adipose tin is one-third, or more than one-third, of the total length (without caudalj. aa. The maxillary barbels extend considerably bejond the origin of the adipose fin. 8. Pimelodus sehae. Seba, iii. pi. 29. tig. .5. Mystus, sp., Grmov. Mm. IcUlu i. p. 34. no. 83, and Zoophyl. p. 125. no. 384. Punelodus sebse, Cm: <^- Val. xv. p. 169 ; Kner, Sitzynher. Acad. Wiss. Wien, xxvi. p. 417; Hijrtl, Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, 1859, xvi. p. 16. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/8. V. 6. Vert. 13/26. Head covered with a very thin skin above, or almost naked ; occi- pital process triangular, much longer than broad, not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very long, its length being contained twice and a third in the total (without caudal) ; it commences immediately behind the dorsal fin. Maxillary barbels extending on to the caudal, the outer ones of the mandible nearly to the ventral. The height of the body is a little less than the length of the head, which is one-fifth of the total (without caudal) ; the lower jaw scarcely shorter than the upper ; the band of iutermaxillaiy teeth is about eight times as broad as long. The diameter of the eye is one- half of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, as long as high, or, in young specimens, rather higher than long. Pectoral spine serrated along both edges, as long as the head without snout. Caudal fin cleft to the base. Coloration uni- form ; dorsal fin blackish, with a white band across the basal portion. South America. «, h, c. Young. Dcmerara. Presented by Dr. Hancock. d. Half-grown. British Guiana. From the International Exhi- bition 1862. «. Adult : not good state. Brazils. Purchased of Mr. Frank. f. Adult. South America. Presented by Sir E. Schomburgk. 9. Pimelodus mtilleri. ? Pimelodus muscidus, Mid/. ^- Tio.ich. Ilor. Ichth. iii. p. 4. D. 1/6. A. 10-11. P. 1/9. V. 6. Head covered with a very thin skin above ; occipital process Iri- 120 SILUEIDJE. angular, rather longer than broad, not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very long, its length being contained twice and a third in the total (without caudal) ; it commences at a very short distance from the dorsal. Maxillary barbels extending not quite to the caudal fin, the outer ones of the mandible to, or beyond, the extremity of the pectoral. The height of the body is contained five times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and a quarter. The lower jaw is scarcely shorter than the upper ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is about eight times as broad as long. The diameter of the eye is one-half of the A\idth of the interorbital space. A small porus axillaris. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, higher than long. Pectoral spine serrated along both edges, as long as the head without snout. Caudal fin cleft to the base. Coloration uniform ; dorsal fin with the usual whitish cross-band. Brazil, ISurinam. rt. Seven inches long. River Capin, Para. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 6. Young. Para. Presented by R. Gi-aham, Esq. c. Half-grown. Surinam. Purchased of Mr. Frank. 10. Pimelodus holomelas. D. 1/6. A. 9-10. P. 1/8. V. 6. Head covered ■with skin above ; occipital process triangular, con- siderably longer than broad, not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very long, its length being contained twice and a fourth or twice and a fifth in the total (without caudal) ; it commences at a short distance from the dorsal. Maxillary barbels extenchng beyond the commencement, or to the middle, of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the middle of the pectoral. The height of the body is contained five times and a half or five times and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times. The lower jaw is distinctly shorter than the upper ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is seven times as broad as long. The diameter of the eye is one-half of the width of the inter- orbital space. No porus axillaris. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, scarcely higher than long. Pectoral spine serrated along both edges, as long as the head without snout. Caudal fin cleft to the base. Uniform black, with a brownish shade, somewhat lighter on the belly. Essequibo. a-d. Adult (12 inches long) and young. From Mr. Ehrhardt's Col- lection. This species is closely allied to P. miiUeri, but may be distinguished by a longer adipose fin, shorter barbels, longer head, lower dorsal fin, and by its dark colours. 53. PIMEL0DTJ3. 121 11. Pimelodus stegelichii. ? Ileterobranchus sex-teiitaculatus, Agass., in Spiv, Pise. Bras. p. 28. tab. 11. Pimelodus stegelichii, Milli. 8f Trosck. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 3. J). 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/9. Head covered ynih. thin skin above ; occipital process triangular, much longer than broad, not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal sjjine. Adipose C^ very long, two-tifths of the total length (without caudal) ; it commences and terminates at a very short distance from the dorsal and caudal fins. The maxillary barbels extend to the middle of the adipose fin, and the outer ones of the mandible to or beyond the extremity of the pectorals. The height of the body is one-fifth or two-elevenths of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head rather less than one- fourth. Jaws subequal in length ; the band of intermaxillary teeth eight times as broad as long. The diameter of the eye is two-fifths of the -width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin as high as long. Pectoral spine serrated along both edges, more than half as long as the head. Porus axillaris minute. The anal fin does not extend to the vertical from the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. Caudal fin cleft nearly to the base. Dark brown ; dorsal fin with the usual Avhitish cross-band. Surinam. a. Adult : stuffed. Demerara. From the Collection of the Zoolo- gical Society. 6. Adult. Surinam. Piu'chased of Mr. Frank. 12. Pimelodus gracilis. Pimelodus gracilis, Valenc. in d'Orh. Voy. Amer. Merid. Poisa. pi. 2. fig. 5; Cm: ^ Val. xv. p. 181; Kner, Sitzgsber. Acad. Wiss. Wien, xxvi. p. 418. D. 1/6. A. 12-13. P. 1/8. Head covered with skin above*. The adipose fin is long, one- third of the total length (without caudal) ; it is separated from the dorsal by an interspace which equals the length of the latter. The maxUlary barbels extend to the middle or to the end of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible beyond the root of the pectoral. The height of the body is rather less than one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-ninths. Eye rather large, more than one-fifth of the length of the head. The upper jaw is the longer. Dorsal fin miich higher than long, its spine being slender, three-fourths of the length of the head. Pectoral spine rather long, strongly serrated. Caudal fin deeply forked, vdih. the upper lobe produced. A blackish band along the lateral line. Brazils. • In the figure quotcil, the occipital process is represented as joining the basal bone of the dorsal spine, whilst Valenciennes and Kner refer this species to that group of Pimrlndui in which tliose two bones are separate. 122 SILURIDiE. 13. Pimelodus guatemalensis. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/9. Head covered \yith tbin skin above. The adipose fin is long, two- fifths of the total length (without caudal) ; it is separated from the dorsal and caudal by a short interspace. The maxillary barbels ex- tend to beyond the origin, or to the middle, of the adipose fin ; the outer ones of the mandible to, or nearly to, the extremity of the pectoral. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (Vithout caudal) , the length of the head one-fourth ; the head is depressed, its greatest width being three-fourths of its length ; the diameter of the eye is one-third of the extent of the snout, and two-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. The least depth of the taU is two- fifths of the length of the head. The lower jaw is a little shorter than the upper ; the band of intermaxillary teeth six times as broad as long. Dorsal fin with the spine veiy feeble, scarcely higher than long. Pectoral fin short, half as long as the head ; its spine is a little longer than that of the dorsal fin. No porus mucosus in the axil. Ventral fin a little shorter than the pectoral. The length of the anal equals that of the dorsal ; its posterior rays extend to the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. The lower caudal lobe is the longer, its length being rather more than one-sixth of the total. Brownish black, the lower parts whitish ; dorsal fin with a very in- distinct lighter longitudinal band. Guatemala. a-h. Twelve inches long. Huamuchal. Lakes with brackish water. From the Collection of Messrs. Godman and Salvin, 14. Pimelodus breviceps. Pimelodus breviceps, Ktier, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. xxvi. p. 418. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/8. Head covered with thick skin. Adipose fin very long, commencing and terminating at a short distance from the dorsal and caudal. The maxillary barbels extend to the anal, the outer ones of the mandible to the posterior third of the pectoral. Snout narrow, somewhat pointed ; the length of the head is con- tained six times and a half in the total (with the caudal) ; the eyes are situated nearly in the middle of the head, their diameter being one-half of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin more than twice as high as long. Porus axillaris small. Caudal fin deeply forked, with the upper lobe longest, its length being more than one- fifth of the total. \Kner.) Marabitanos. 15. Pimelodus wilsoni. Pimelenotus \'il8oni, GiU, in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York, 1858, p. 391. D. 1/6. A. 10. P. 1/8. Head covered with thin skin above ; the occipital process does not 5'.i. PIMELODUS. 123 extend on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very long, commencing at a short distance from the dorsal. The maxillary barbels reach to, or nearly to, the caudal tin. The length of the head is contained five times and two-thirds in the total (with the caudal) ; the diameter of the eye is one-fourth or one-fifth of the length of the head, and three-fourths of the width of the interorbital space. The upper jaw is shorter than the lower ('?). Dorsal spine very slender ; the ventrals are nearly under the last dorsal ray. Caudal forked, Avith the lower xobe longest. Dorsal fin with the usual white cross- band. {Gill.) Trinidad. bb. The maxillary barbels extend to, or nearly to, the origin of the adipose fin. 16. Pimelodus queleni. Pimelodus queleni, Qitou &• Gaim. Vou. Uran. Zuol. p. 228. pi. 49. figs. 3 & 4. sellonis, 3Iull. ^ Trosch. Hor. Ichtli. iii. p 2. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/8. Head covered with thin skin above ; occipital process triangular, much longer than broad, not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very long, its length being contained twice and two-thirds in the total (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is one-fifth of its own length. The maxillary barbels extend to the origin of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the middle of the pectoral. The height of the body is one-sixth or rather more than one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth or somewhat less than one-foiu'th. The lower jaw is but little shorter than the uj^per : the band of intermaxillary teeth eight times as broad as long. The diameter of the eye is two-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, as high as long. Pectoral spine serrated along both edges, more than half as long as the head. No porus axillaris. The anal fin extends to the vertical from the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. Caudal fin cleft nearly to the base ; the lower lobe is somewhat the longer, its lengtli being contained five times and a half in the total. Colora- tion uniform ; dorsal fin with a whitish band across its base. Brazil. a. Half-grown. Erazil. Presented by Lord Stuart. 17. Pimelodus wuchereri. D. 1/6. A. 11. P. 1/8. Head covered with thick skin above. Adipose fin very long, its length being one-third of the total (without caud;il) ; its distance from the dorsal is two-fifths of its own length. The maxillary bar- bels extend to the end of the dorsal, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. 124 SILtJRID^. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head rather more than one-fifth ; head much depressed and broad, its greatest width being four-fifths of its length. Eye small ; its diameter is one-third of the extent of the snout (which equals the -nddth of the interorbital space), and two- sevenths of the postorbital part of the head. The lower jaw is a little shorter than the upper ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is six times as broad as long. Dorsal fin with the spine feeble, longer than high ; the base of the anal is a little shorter than that of the dorsal, and its rays do not extend quite so far backwards as the adipose fin. Pectoral as long as the head without snout ; its spine is three-fourths as long as the fin. Ventral shorter than pectoral. No porus axillaris. Dark brown, with indistinct black spots ; the dorsal and anal fins and the lower parts appear to have been ruddy during life. Bahia. a~d. From 6 to 10 inches long. From Dr. 0. Wucherer's Collection. 1 8. Pimelodus godmanni. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/8. V. 6. Head covered with soft skin above ; occipital process triangular, much longer than broad, not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very long, one-third of the total length (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is one-third of its own length. The maxillary barbels extend to the origin of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. The height of the body is one-sixth or rather more than one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one- fourth or somewhat less than one-fourth. The lower jaw is but little shorter than the upper ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is about six times as broad as long. The chameter of the eye is two-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, rather higher than long. Pectoral spine serrated interiorly and granulated exteriorly, half as long as the head, or even still shorter. No porus axillaris. The anal fin does not extend quite to the vertical from the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. Caudal fin cleft nearly to the base, its lobes being of the same length, one-sixth of the total. Coloration uniform ; dorsal fin with the usual whitish cross-band. Guatemala, Mexico. a-e. Adult and half-grown. Lower Vera Paz. From the Collection of Messrs. Godman and Salvin. d-e. Adult (12 inches long). Eio Motagua. From the Collection of Messrs. Godman and Salvin. /, g-h. Half-grown. Mexico. Purchased of M. Salle. 19. Pimelodus micropterus. D. l/(>. A. 13. P. 1/8. Head covered with soft skin above ; occipital process styliform, 53. puiELonrs. 125 not extending on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin veiy long, its length being contained twnce and three-fourths in the total (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is rather less than the length of the base of the latter. The maxillarj' barbels extend to the end of the dorsal fin, the outer ones of the mandible to beyond the root of the pectoral. The height of the body is contained seven times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and a half. The low-^r jaw is rather shorter than the upper ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is about six times as broad as long. Inter- orbital space concave, its width being equal to twice the diameter of the eye. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, scarcely higher than long. Pectoral fin short, rather more than half as long as the head ; its spine scarcely exceeds the humeral spine in length. A minute poms axillaris. Ventral fin very short, shorter than the pectoral. Anal fin small, the length of its base being equal to that of the dorsal ; its posterior rays do not extend to the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. Caudal fin cleft nearly to the base, short, the upper lobe being less rounded than the lower, the length of which is one-seventh of the total. Blackish ; dorsal fiu with a wliitish band across its middle. Guatemala. a. Seven and a half inches long. River of San Geronimo. From the Collection of Messrs. Godman and Salvin. 20. Pimelodus nicaraguensis. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/9. Head covered with thin skin above. The adipose fin is very long, two-fifths of the total length (without caudal) ; it commences almost immediately behind the dorsal, and terminates at a very short distance from the caudal. The maxillary barbels extend to, or a little beyond, the origin of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. The height of the body is one-seventh of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-ninths ; the head is depressed, rather narrow, its greatest width being two-thirds of its length ; the diameter of the eye is a little less than one-half of the extent of the snout, and two-thirds of the width of the interorbital space. The least depth of the tail is contained twice and two-thirds in the length of the head. The lower jaw is a little shorter than the upper : the band of intermaxillaiy teeth five times as broad as long. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, a little higher than long. The length of the pectoral is two-thirds of that of the head, the length of the spine two-thirds of that of the fin. A minute porus mueosus in the axil. Ventral fin scarcely shorter than the pectoral. The length of the base of the anal is rather more than that of the dorsal ; its posterior rays do not extend to the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. 1 2ij STLURID^. Blackish : lower jjarts whitish ; dorsal fin with a very indistinct lighter longitudinal band. Lake of Nicaragua. a. Eight and a half inches long. Presented by Captain J. M. Dow. 21. Pimelodus petenensis. D. 1/6. A. 11. P. 1/9. Head covered with thin skin above. The adipose fin is rather low, especially anteriorly, but long, its length being somewhat more than one-third of the total (without caudal) ; it is as distant from the caudal as from the dorsal, its distance from those fins being less than the length of the base of the dorsal. The maxillary barbels extend to the origin of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible nearly to the middle of the pectoral. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal) , the length of the head two-ninths ; the head is depressed and rather broad, its greatest width being three-fourths of its length ; the diameter of the eye is one-half of the extent of the snout (which is somewhat more than the width of the interorbital space), and two- fifths of the postorbital part of the head. Tail rather deep, its least depth being more than one-half of the length of the head. The lower jaw is scarcely shorter than the upper ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is six times as broad as long. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, as high as long. The length of the pectoral equals that of the head without snout ; the length of its spine is a little less than one-half of that of the head. A minute porus mucosus in the axil. Ventral fin shorter than pectoral. The length of the base of the anal is somewhat less than that of the dorsal ; its posteiior rays extend nearly to the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. Greyish brown, with a darker band along the lateral line ; dorsal fin with a light longitudinal band. Lake Peten. a. Nine inches long. From the Collection of Messrs. Salvin and Godman. /3. The adipose fin is less than one-tliird of the total length (without caudal). aa. The tail above the anal fin is almost as high as the trunk. 22. Pimelodus hypselurus. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/9. Head covered with soft skin above ; occipital process rather short, triangular. Adipose fin long, one-foui'th of the total length (with- out caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is two-thirds of its own length. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the dorsal, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. The height of the body below the dorsal equals the height of the tail above the anal, and is one-sixth of the total length (without O.'i. PIMKLODUS. 127 caudal), the length of the head rather more than one-fifth. The lower jaw is the shorter ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is about five times as broad as long. The eyes occupy nearly the middle of the head, their diameter being two-thirds of the width of the inter- orbital space. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, higher than. . long. Pectoral spine half as long as the head ; a minute porus axillaris. The posterior anal rays extend nearly to the vertical from the end of the adijjose fin if laid backwards. The free portion of the tail is higher than long. Caudal fin forked, with both lobes rounded, their length being contained six times and a half in the total. Uni- form blackish. Mexico. a. Five inches long. Purchased of M. Parzudaki. 23. Pimelodus motaguensis. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/8. Head covered with soft skin above ; occipital process short. Adi- pose fin long, its length being contained thrice and a fourth in the total (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is a little less than one-half of its own length. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the dorsal, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. The height of the body below the dorsal equals the height of the taU above the anal, and is contained six times and a fourth in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head five times and a half; the greatest width of the head is three-fourths of its length. The lower jaw is the shorter ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is about five times as broad as long. Eye a little nearer to the ex- tremity of the snout than to the gill-opening, its diameter being two-thirds of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin with the spiae veiy feeble, higher than long. Pectoral spine striated, strongly serrated along its inner margin, and entire along the outer one ; a minute porus axillaris. The posterior anal rays do not ex- tend to the vertical from the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. The free portion of the tail is as high as long. Caudal fin forked, with the lower lobe rounded and with the upper slightly pointed ; the upper is the longer, one-sixth of the total length. Upper and lateral parts browTiish, the lower whitish ; dorsal with a white band. Rio Motagua. a. Nine inches long. From Mr. Salvin's Collection. 24. Pimelodus laticauda. Pimelodus laticaudus (Heck.), Kner, Sitzimgnher. JVicti. Acad xxvi. p. 420. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/8. Head covered with soft skin above ; occipital process short. Adi- pose fin long, two-sevenths of the total length (without caudal). 128 SILTTRIDJ!;. The maxillary barbels extend to the ventral, the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. The depth of the tail is but little less than that of the bod}'. The length of the head is contained five times and a half in the total (with the caudal). The lower jaw is the shorter. The eyes are situated somewhat before the middle of the head, and their diameter is two-fifths of the width of the inter- orbital space. Pectoral spine only half as long as the rays. Caudal fin subti'uncated. (Kne)-.) Mexico. bb. Tail gradually becoming lower from its commencement. 25. Pimelodus pati. Pimelodus pati, Valenc, in d'Orb. Voi/. Amer. Merid. Poiss. pi. 1. figs. 7-9; C'Kr. i^- Val. xv. p. 176; Kner, Sitzgsber. Acad. Wiss. Wien, xxvi. p. 416. B. 9. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/12. Snout produced and depressed. Head covered with thin skiu above ; occipital process five or six times as long as broad, not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very low, its length being more than one-fourth of the total (with the caudal). The maxillary barbels extend on to the anal fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the tip of the pectoral. The diameter of the eye is one-fourth of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal spine feeble, about as long as that of the pectoral fin, and as high as the bodj\ Caudal forked. Yellowish, with numerous smaU, rounded, blackish spots. ( Val.) Eio de la Plata, Rio Branco. 26. Pimelodus jenynsii. Pimelodus gracilis, Jenyiis, Toy. Beayle, Fishes, p. 110 (not Valenc). D. 1/6. A. 14-15. P. 1/9. Helmet smooth and not very conspicuous ; occipital process lan- ceolate, three times as long as broad, not extending on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine. The space between the dorsal and the adipose fin a little exceeds the length of the former, the adipose being twice the length of that fin. The maxillaiy barbels extend to the origin of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible beyond the root of the pectoral. The height of the body is contained seven times and a half in the total length (with the caudal), the length of the head six times. The diameter of the eye is contained four times and a half in the length of the head, and once and a quarter in the width of the interorbital space. The pectorals are rather shorter than the head, and their spine is strongly serrated and very little shorter than the soft rays. Dorsal fin one-third higher than long, with the spine slender. Caudal forked, with the upper lobe a little longer than the lower. A dark band along the lateral line. {Jen.) Rio de Janeiro. 53. riMELODUs. 129 27. Pimelodus pentlandii. Pimelodus pentlandii, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 18-5. pi. 435 (adipose fin too long). D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/9. V. 6. Head covered with thin skin above ; occipital process very short. Adipose fin long, its length being contained four times and two-thii'ds in the total (without caudal) ; it is not much longer than its dis- tance from tlie dorsal. Maxillary barbels extending on to the root of the ventral, the outer ones of the mandible to the middle of the pectoral. The height of the body is contained five times and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times. The lower jaw is scarcely shorter than the upper ; the band of inter- maxillary teeth is about seven times as broad as long. The diameter of the eye is two-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, somewhat higher than long. Pectoral spine slightly serrated along both edges, two-fifths of the length of the head. Caudal fin cleft to the base. Coloration uniform ; dorsal blackish, with a more or less distinct whitish baud across the basal portion. High Peru, a-h. Two of the typical specimens, 11 inches long. From Mr. Pent- land's Collection. A .skeleton in Hyrtl's Collection, named P. pentlandii, has 16 abdominal and 24 caudal vertebrae (Denkschr. Acad.Wiss.Wien, 1859, xvi. p. 16). 28. Pimelodus hiunilis. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/9. v. 6. Head covered with thin skin above ; occipital process veiy short. Adipo.se fin long, its length being contained four times in the total (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is two-thirds of its length. Maxillary barbels extending on to the root of the ventral, the outer ones of the mandible to that of the pectoral. The height of the body is contained six times and a third in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and two-thirds. Upper jaw a little longer than the lower; the band of intermaxillary teeth is eight times as broad as long ; the diameter of the eye is one-half of the width of the interorbital space, and one- sixth of the length of the head ; the eye occupies the third sixth of the latter. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, rather higher than long. Pectoral spine slightly serrated along both edges, two-fifths of the length of the head. Caudal fin cleft to the base, with the upper lobe more pointed than the lower. Coloration uniform ; donsal blackish, with a whitish band across its basal portion. Venezuela. T. h-c. Seven inches long. 130 SILUKIDJE. 29. Pimelodus cinerascens. Pinielodus cinerascens, Giinth. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1 860, p. 237. pi. 10. fig. A. B. 7. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/9. Head covered with soft skin above ; occipital process triangular, short. Adipose fin long, two-sevenths of the total length (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is nearly one-fourth of its length. The maxiUary barbels extend nearly to the origin of the adipose fin, the outer ones of the mandible beyond the root of the pectoral. The height of the body is rather less than one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth. Jaws subequal in length ; the baud of intermaxillary teeth is five or six times as broad as long. The diameter of the eye is two-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin with the spine very feeble, as high as long. Pectoral spine less than half as long as the head. A minute porus axillaris. The anal fin extends to the vertical fi'om the adipose fin if laid backwards. Guayaquil and Esmeraldas. a, b. Types of the species. Piu'chased of Mr. Fraser. c. Adult. South America. Presented by Sir R. Schomburgk. 30. Pimelodus foina. Pimelodus foina, Milll. ^- Trosch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 5. B. 6. D. 1/6. A. 11. P. 1/8. Head covered with soft skin ; occipital process very short. Tlie adipose fin commences behind the end of the ventrals, and is twice as long as the dorsal. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the pectorals, the outer ones of the mandible to their root. The length of the head is less than one-fifth of the total (with the caudal). The upper jaw is rather the longer. The eyes occupy the middle of the head ; their diameter equals the space between them, but is twice the width of the osseous part of the interorbital space. Poiiis axillaris minute. Upper lobe of the caudal fin longer than the lower ; pectoral spine strongly serrated. (J/. ^ T.) Guiana. 31. Pimelodus salvini. D. 1/6. A. 11. P. 1/8. Head covered with soft skin above ; occipital process short, tri- angular. Adipose fin long, one-fourth of the total length (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is three-foui'ths of its length. The maxillaiy barbels extend not quite to the extremity of the pectoral, the outer ones of the mandible not quite to the root of the pectoral. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fifth. Jaws nearly equal in length ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is about six times as broad 53. PIMELODUS. 131 as long. The eyes are situated somewhat before the middle of the head ; their diameter is one-fifth of the length of the head, and not quite one-half of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin rounded, as high as long, with the spine very feeble. Pectoral spine very short, not quite one-third of the length of the head. A small porus axillaris. The length of the pectoral is one-half of the distance of its root from that of the ventral. The anal fin does not extend to the vertical from the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. Caudal fin cleft nearly to the base, its lobes being almost of the same length, contained six times and a half in the total length. Colora- tion uniform dark brown. Guatemala, rt. Six inches long. Rio de San Geronimo. From Mr. 0. Salvin's Collection. 32. Pimelodus notatus. Schomburyk, Fishes of Guiana, i. p. 181. pi. 7. B. 9. D. 7. A. 17. P. 1/9. Vert. 44. Head covered with skin above ; dorsal and pectoral spines feeble, the former sometimes produced into a long filament ; adipose fui but little longer than dorsal, widely separate from it. The maxiUary barbels extend to the ventral, those of the mandibles beyond the ex- tremity of the pectoral. Back and dorsal fin vrith numerous small black spots. (ScJiomh.) Amazons, Eio Branco. b. Dorsal Rn with seven or eight soft rays. 33. Pimelodus polycaulus. D. 1/7. A. 15. P. 1/8. V. 6. Head covered with soft skin above ; occipital process short, trian- gular. Adipose fin long, its length being contained thrice and a third in the total (without caudal) ; its distance from the dorsal is somewhat more than one-half of its own length. The maxillary barbels extend to the extremity of the pectoral, the outer ones of the mandible to its root. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fifth. The lower jaw is rather shorter than the upper ; the band of intermaxillary teeth is about six times as broad as long. Eyes situated before the middle of the length of the head, their diameter being one-half of the width of the interorbital space. Dorsal fin rounded, higher than long ; its spine, prolonged into a flexible portion, is very short and feeble. Pectoral fin two-thirds of the length of the head ; its spine is short, somewhat longer than the humeral spine. A minute porus axillaris. Ventral fin rather shorter than pectoral ; the posterior anal rays do not ex- tend to the vertical from the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. Caudal fin two-lobcd, the lobes being equal in length, the upper K 2 132 SILUfilD^E. pointed, the lower rounded, contained six times and a half in the total length. Uniform blackish. Guatemala. a. Five inches long. Rio San Geronimo. From the Collection of Messrs. Godman and Salvin. 34. Pimelodus exsudans. Pimelodus exsudans, Jenyns, Zool. Beagle, Fish, p. 111. D. 1/7. A. 13-14. P. 1/8. Head covered with thin skin above ; the occipital process does not extend on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine and is rather short. The length of the dorsal fin equals its distance from the adipose fin, and is two-thirds of the length of the latter. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the ventrals, and the outer ones of the mandible to the root of the pectoral. The height of the body is rather less than the length of the head, and one-fifth of the total (with the caudal). Head with series of large pores. Jaws equal in length. The eyes are somewhat before the middle of the head ; their diameter is one-fifth of the length of the head, and one-half of the width of the interorbital space. Pec- toral spine serrated, long, but little shorter than the rays. Dorsal fin higher than long ; caudal deeply forked, with the lobes equal in length. {Jen.) ? Eio de Janeiro. 35. Pimelodus sapo. Pimelodus sapo, Valenc. in cT Orb. J'oi/. Amer. Merid. Poiss. pi. 2. figs. 6- 8 ; Cuv. iS" Val. XV. p. 179 ; Kner, Sitzgsher. Acad. Wiss. JVien, xxvi. p. 417. D. 1/7. A. 11. Head covered with thin skin ; occipital process not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin and barbels very long. The lower jaw is rather the longer. The diameter of the eye is two- sevenths of the width of the interorbital space. Caudal fin deeply forked. Eio de la Plata. 36. Pimelodus hilarii. Pimelodus hilarii, Cuv. ?f Val. xv. p. 180. D. 1/8. A. 12. Head covered with skin ; occipital process not reaching the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin long. The upper jaw is but little longer than the lower ; the maxillary barbels extend somewhat beyond the dorsal fin. ( Val.) Brazil. 53. PIMELODUS. 133 2. Non-American species. 37. Pimelodus deppii. rimolodus deppii, Miill. Sf Trosch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 3. B. 7. D. 1/5-6. A. 14. P. 1/9. Head covered ■vnth skin above ; occii^ital process thrice as long as broad, not extending on to the base of the basal bone of the dorsal spine. The length of the head is one-sixth of the total length (with the cavidal). The distance between the dorsal and adipose fins equals the length of the former ; the posterior anal rays extend to the ver- tical from the end of the adipose fin if laid backwards. No poms axillaris ; pectoral spine serrated nearly in its whole length. {M. Sf T.) Sandwich Islands. 38. Pimelodus javus. Pimelodus javus, Cuv. Sf Val. xv. p. 187. D. 7. A. 13. Head covered with skin above ; occipital process not extending on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine. Adipose fin very long, com- mencing immediately behind the dorsal. The length of the maxil- lary barbel is three-fifths of that of the body ; the outer maxillary barbel extends to the extremity of the pectoral. None of the rays spinous ; caudal forked, with the upper lobe longest. (VaJ.) Java. D. The occipital process does not extend on to the basal bone of the dorsal spine ; body short, stout. 39. Pimelodus bufonius. Pimelodus bufonius, Cin: 8( Val. xv. p. 154. D. 1/G. A. 9. P. 1/6. The length of the head is one-foui'th of the total. The band of teeth in the upper jaw is broad, terminating laterally in a tapering portion running backwards. The basal bone of the dorsal spine is narrow, and longer than the occipital process. The maxillary barbel extends to the pra?opercular margin. Pectoral spine very stout, serrated along both edges. Caudal rounded, somewhat emarginate behind. Brown, marbled with darker. Cayenne ; Brazil. a. Skin : 12 inches long. Kiver Cipo, a tributary of the Rio das Vilhas. ilinas Geraes, Brazil. From the Collection of Mr. Ch. Cumberland. 40. Pimelodus raiiinus. Pimelodus raninus, Cut. 8f Val. xv. p. lo7. pi. A-M. U. 1/6. A. 10-11. P. 1/6. Head as broad as long, its length being contained tlirice and two- 134 SILURIDJE. thirds in the total. The band of teeth in the ui^per jaw is of mode- rate breadth, without prolonged lateral portion. The basal bone of the dorsal spine is narrow, about as long as the occipital process. The maxillary barbel extends to the end of the head. Pectoral spine veiy stout, depressed, serrated along both edges. Caudal rounded. Brown, marbled with darker ; a series of white spots along the base of the dorsal and anal fins ; dorsal, adipose, and anal fins blackish brown, with a white margin ; caudal with brown dots, and with a blackish band edged with white posteriorly, across the margin ; the pectorals and ventrals blackish brown. Brazil; Guiana. a. Fine specimen, 4 inches long. From the Collection of the Zoo- logical Society. h-c. Fine specimens. Essequibo. From Mr. Ehrhardt's Collection. 41. Pimelodus mangnrus. Pimelodus maugmais, Valenc. in d'Orb. Voy. Amer. Merid. Poiss. pi. 1. figs. 4-6; Cuv. S,- Val. xv. p. 156. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 9(?). P. ^g. Head broader than long, its length being one-fifth of the total ; lower jaw rather the longer. The maxillary barbels extend scarcely to the praeoperculum. Light brown, dorsal and caudal fins darker. {Vah) La Plata River. E. The occipital process is short ; body moderately elongate ; adipose fin not longer than dorsal. 42. Pimelodus platychir. D. 7. A. 8. P. 10. V. 6. Head and anterior part of the body much depressed ; head rather longer than broad, its length being contained four times and a third in the total (without caudal), the height of the body one-seventh. The posterior part of the trunk is subcylindj'ical, the tail compressed ; the least depth of the latter is less than that of the body. Head entirely covered with soft skin ; eyes very small, partly directed upwards, placed a little nearer to the end of the operciilum than to that of the snout. The width of the interorbital space is less than tlie extent of the snout, which is rounded. Nostrils on the upper side of the snout, the anterior rather remote from the posterior. Cleft of the mouth of moderate width, each jaw with a band of villiform teeth ; the upper is somewhat longer than the lower. The maxiUary barbels extend to the end of the head ; the outer mandi- bulary barbels are at the angle of the mouth, extending to the base of the pectoral ; the inner mandibulary barbels are shorter, and placed immediately behind the margin of the lower lip. Gill-openings wide, the gill-membranes not attached to the isthmus, and onlv OO. CONORHVNCHUS. 135 slightly united in front. The length of the base of the dorsal fin is scarcely more than one-half of its distance fi'om the occiput, and one-third of that from the adipose fin ; it is as high as the body, and its first ray is scarcely spinous. Adipose fin low, not longer than the dorsal, opposite to the anal ; caudal emarginate, with the lobes pointed. Pectorals and ventrals horizontal, with the outer ray dilated and transversely striated, not spinous. The ventrals are not much shorter than the pectorals, and inserted behind the dorsal. The vent is midway between opercle and root of the caudal. Upper parts blackish. West Africa. a-d. From 2-2| inches long. Sierra Leone. Presented by Dr. A. Giinther. 54. PIRINAMPUS. Pinu-ampus, Blcck. Neckrl. Tydschr. Dierk. 18G3, p. 100. Adipose fin long ; dorsal short, with a pungent spine and with six rays ; anal fin short. Earbels six, long and band-like. Teeth villi- form in the jaws ; palate edentulous. Ventral fin with, six rays ; caudal forked. Brazil. 1. Pirinampus typus. Pimelodus pirinampus, Af/ass. m Sjiia:, Pise. Bras. p. 20. tab. 8 ; Kiier, Sif-r/sher. Acad. Tr7.v.s. Wien, xxvii. p. 416. Piuirampus typus, Bleeh. I. c. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/15. Head granulated between the eyes, its hinder part and the neck being covered with skin ; the occipital process extends on to a rather large dorsal shield. Spines of the fins rather slender, that of the dorsal fin prolonged into a filament. The maxillary barbels extend on to the anal fin, and the outer ones of the mandilile are not much shorter. ErazU. A South American species, indicated by Humboldt under the name of Pimelodus harhnncho (Observ. Zool. ii. p. 172), appears to have some similarity with the above species. 55. CONORHYNCHUS. Conostome, sp., Dumeril, Ic/itln/ol. Anal. p. 484. Couorhyuchus, Bleek. ^'c^lc)■l. ti/dschr. Dierk. 186.3, p. 102. Adipose fin very short ; dorsal short, with a pungent spine and with six (seven) raj'S ; anal fin of moderate length. Snout produced, pointed, with narrow mouth ; barbels six. Teeth in the upper jaw minute, the lower and the palate edentulous. Eyes of moderate size. Ventral with six raj^s. Brazil. 136 SILUEID^. 1. Conorhynchus conirostris. Pimelodus conirostris, Cuv. 8f Vol. xv. p. 204. pi. 436. D. 1/6. A. 20. Head granulated above ; occipital process more than twice as long as broad, joining the triangular basal bone of the dorsal spine ; barbels thin, much shorter than the head. Dorsal spine strong, longer than that of the pectoral fin, tkree-quarters of the length of the head. Caudal emarginate. Brazil. a. Skin, 29 inches long. Eiver Cipo, a tributary of the Rio das Vilhas, Minas Geraes. From the Collection of Mr. Ch. Cumber- land. 56. NOTOGLANIS* Adipose fin long ; dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with ten soft rays; anal short. Barbels six. Teeth in the jaws villiform; palate edentulous. The upper jaw is the longer. The ventral fins six-rayed, inserted below the end of the dorsal fin ; caudal forked. Brazil. 1. Notoglanis multiradiatus. Pimelodus midtiradiatus, Kner, in Sitzf/sber. Wien. Acad, xxvii. p. 414. D. 1/10. A. 10. Head granulated above ; the eyes occupy the middle of the length of the head, and their diameter is two-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. The maxillary barbels extend to the anal fin, the outer ones of the mandible to below the dorsal fin. Spines of the fins weU developed ; adipose fin one-thii'd longer than dorsal. Hio Madeira, Rio Facutu. 57. CALLOPHYSUS. Callophysus, Midi. Sf Trosch. Ilor. Ichth. iii. p. 1. Callophysus et Pseudocallophysus, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 186.3, p. 101. Pimeletropis, Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1859, p. 196. Adipose fin very long ; dorsal fin short, ■with a feeble spine and with six rays ; anal fin rather short. Each jaw with a series of small flattish teeth, behind which sometimes another series of smaller ones ; palate edentulous. Barbels six. Ventral fins with six or seven rays. South America. 1. Callophysus lateralis. Pimeletropis lateralis, Gill, I. c. B. 8. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/12. Occipital process elongate, foiir times as long as broad, not ex- • 1. Pimelodus ai-ekaima, Schomhnrgk, Fish. Guiana, \.]i. 178. pi. 5. — Guiana. 58. ArciiENASPis. 137 tending on to the basal bone of the dorsal si)ine. No other teeth behind the front series in cither of the jaws. The maxillary barbels extend to, or beyond, the base of the caudal. Some roundish dusky spots along the side. {Gill.) Amazons River. 2. Callophysus macropterus. Pimelodus macropterus, Lichtemt, in Wiedem. Zool. Mag. i. part 3. 1810, p. 59. Callophysus macropterus, Mull. ^ Trosch. Hor. Iclith. iii. p. 1. B. 7. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/12. V. 6. The occipital process does not extend on to the small basal bone of the dorsal spine. A second series of small teeth behind the front series in the upper jaw ; no second scries in the lower. The maxil- lary barbels extend to the base of the caudal, the outer ones of the mandible not quite to the end of the ventrals. (ilf. 4" T.) Brazil ; Guiana. 3. Callophysus ctenodus. Pimelodus ctenodus, Aijass. in Spix, I'isc. Bras. p. 21. pi. 8 a. D. 1/6. A. 10. P. 1/14. V. 7. The occipital process does not extend on to the small basal bone of the dorsal spine. A second series of small teeth behind the front series in the lower jaw. The niaxiUaiy barbels extend beyond the anal, the outer ones of the mandible beyond the pectoral. (^Afjass.) Brazil. 58. AUCHENASPIS. Auchenaspis, Bleek. Neclerl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1803, p. 101. Adipose fin rather long ; dorsal short, with a pungent spine and with seven rays ; anal short. Snout produced, pointed, with narrow mouth ; barbels six. The teeth of each jaw form a pair of small elliptic patches which arc longer than broad ; palate edentulous. Nostrils distant from each otlicr ; eyes of moderate size. Gill- membrane scarcely notched at the throat. Ventral with six rays. Tropical Africa. 1. Auchenaspis biscutatus. Pimelodus biscutatus, Qeoffr. Dencr. Ef/i/pt. Zool. Poi-sx. pi. 14. figs. 1 &2; Cm: ^- Val. xv. p. 197. occidentalis, Cuv. l^- Val. xv. p. 203. B. 9. D. 1/7. A. 11-12. P. 1/9. Head coarsely granulated above ; occipital process very broad, with the lateral margins convex, joining the very large sadcUo-shaped dorsal plate. Snout produced, pointed, with broad lips and ^Wth a narrow mouth. Barbels cylindrical, shorter than the head, the outer ones of the mandible being shorter than those of the maxil- luries. Dorsal and pectoral .spines strong, nearly equal in length, rather more than half as loim as the head. The length of the adi- 138 SILURIDJi. pose fin is two-seventlis or one-fourtli of tlic total (witiiout caudal) ; it is very high in adult examples. Anal fin mucli higher than long. Caudal subtriuicated. Brownish ; fins with rounded dark spots. Nile ; Senegal. a, b-e. Fine specimens. Chartoum. From Consul Pctherick's Col- lection. /. Adult. West Africa. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. . Bagrus thalassimis, Riipp. X. W. Fischc, p. 75. taf. -0. lig. -. bilineatus, Cuv. iV Val. xiv. p. 434. ] 40 SILVRID^. Bagi-U9 iietuma, Cttv. ^- Val. xiv. p. 438. pi. 417. ? Bagrus Ise-vigatus, Cuv. (^- Val. xiv. p. 439. Alius nasiitus, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 60; Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi. Silur. Jiatav. p. 31. Bagrus rbodonotus, Blcek. I. c. p. 29. carcliariorhyuchus, Bleek. I. c. p. 80. Netuma nasuta, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 9o, and All. Ichfh. Silur. tab.Gl. tlialassina, Bleek. All. Jchth. Silur. p. 28. D. 1/7. A. 16-17. P. 1/11. Vert. 18/27. The height of the body is contained from four times and three- quarters to five times and two-fifths in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and a quarter or thrice and a half. Head much broader than high ; snout obtuse in young specimens ; the adult fish with the upper jaw pointed and projecting much beyond the lower. The teeth on the palate are viUiform, and form a pair of more or less separate subtriangular patches, each of which is composed of three portions. The maxiUary barbels extend to the opercles or to the pectoral. Crown of the head granulated ; occipital process triangular, rather longer than broad, elevated in its middle into a longitudinal ridge ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine is small, crescent-shaped. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, granulated in front, slightly serrated behind ; its length equals that of the head without snout. The soft dorsal fin is as high as the body. Adipose fin very short. Pec- toral spine stronger and but little shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Eed Sea; East Indies. fl. Thirty-two inches long : stuifed. East Indies. From the Col- lection of the East India Company. h. Half-grown. Singapore. From the Haslar Collection. c. Young. Ked Sea. Presented by Dr. E. EiippeU. d, e. Half-grown. Java. /. Half-grown. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. g. Adult (20 inches long) : stuffed. 2. Arius gagorides. Bagrus gagorides, Cuv. ^ Val. xiv. p. 441 ; Blyth, Jmirn. As. Soc. Beng. xxvii. p. 285. trachipomus, Cuv. Hf Val. xiv. p. 443. D. 1/7. A. 17. P. 1/12. The height of the body is rather less than one-fourth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths ; head much broader than high, its greatest width being equal to the dis- tance of the hinder nostril from the end of the opcrcle. The teeth on the palate are in two pairs of confluent patches, those of the vomer being very small, whilst those on the palatine bones are large, broad, and emarginate posteriorly. Six barbels, shorter than 59. ARirs. 141 the head. Crown of the head granulated, the granules being arranged in radiating series ; occipital plate tri- angular, elevated into an obtuse ridge along its middle, rather broader than long ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine is of moderate width, narrowest in the middle, each half slightly bent into an S-shaped form. Dorsal spine strong, as long as the head without snout, granulated in front and obtusely ser- rated behind, as high as the soft dor- sal or as the body underneath. Adi- pose fin somewhat shorter than the dorsal. Pectoral sj^ine as long as that of the dorsal fin, granulated exteriorly and serrated interiorly. Ventral fms much shorter than the pectorals, not extending on to the anal. Caudal deeply forked. Calcutta. a. Twenty-six inches long : stuffed. Calcutta. From the Collection of the East India Company. b. Twenty-four inches long : stuffed. 3. Arius sagor. Pimelodus sagor, Ham. Bxch. p. 169. Bagrus sondaicus, Ciiv. !<,• Vol. xiv. p. 444 ; Cant. Mai. Fish. p. 25.5. javensis, C'uv. Sf Val. xiv. p. 445. sagor, Cuv. ^- Val. xiv. p. 446. Hexanematichthys sundaicus, Bleek. Prodr. Sihir. p. 127, and Atl. Ichth. SUur. p. 26. tab. 62. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/11. The height of the body is contained nearly six times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thi-ee times and three- fourths. Head much depressed, much broader than high, its greatest width being equal to its length without snout. The teeth on the palate are in two pairs of patches, which are confluent, or separated by very narrow interspaces ; the vomerine pair is only half as large as that of the palatine bones. Six barbels ; those of the maxillaries extend to the end, the outer ones of the man- dible to the middle of the pectoral fin. Nearly the whole of the upper surface of the head and of the neck is granulated, the granules being arranged in radiating or concentric lines. Occipital plate lai'ge. as broad as long, subsemicircular ; the basal bone of the dor- sal spine is well developed, butterfly-shaped. Dorsal spine strong, granulated along its anterior surface, scarcely serrated behind, its length being contained once and two-thirds in that of the head : 142 SILITRID^. base of the adipose fin nearly as long as that of the dorsal. Pec- toral spine obtusely serrated along both edges, shorter than the head. Ventral fins much shorter than the pectorals, ex- tending to, or nearly to, the origin of the anal fin. There are some graniilations along the foremost part of the lateral line. Bengal, Pinang, East Indian Archipelago. rt. Adult (17 inches long): stuifed. Bay of Bengal. From Dr. Can- tor's Collection. 6. Young: skin. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor s CoUection. c. Adult. Purchased of Mr. Frank. 4. Arius doroides. Bagms doroides, Cuv. ^ Val. xiv. p. 447. pi. 418. D. 1/7. A. 17. P. 1/10. The upper surface of the head granulated ; occipital process iydce as broad as long, broadly united with the basal bone of the dorsal spine, which is very large, butterfly-shaped. Opercles and front part of the dorsal and pectoral spines gi-anulated. The lateral por- tions of the band of teeth on the palate are ovate, and not triangular. Barbels six ; those of the maxillaries extending to the end of the opercle. Anterior portion of the lateral line covei'ed with a series of granulated small plates. Ventrals shorter than pectorals. ( Val.) Bengal; Pondicherry. 5. Arius leptaspis. Hexauematichthys leptaspis, Bleeh. Atl. Icldh. Silur. p. 27. tab. 65. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/10. The height of the body is contained five times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and two-thirds ; head coarsely gi-anulated above, broader than high, its greatest Avidth being contained once and a sixth in its length. Occi- pital process subtriangular, scarcely longer than broad, with the lateral margins straight, extending on to the basal bone of the dor- sal fin, which is small, narrow, crescent-shaped. Snout obtusely rounded, depressed, nearly twice as long as the eye, with the upper jaw a little longer than the lower. The teeth on the palate form a slightly curved band, those of the vomer being disposed in two , patches near to each other and to those of the palatines ; the latter are small, not much larger than those of the vomer. The maxillary bar])els reach to the end of the pectoral fin. Porus axillaris small. Dorsal fin as high as the body, with a strong, serrated spine. Adi- pose fin much shorter than dorsal. Pectorals shorter than the head, 59. ARius. 143 their spine being two-thirds of the length of the head; ventrals much shorter than pectorals. (BI.) South-western coast of New Guinea. 6. Arius arioides. Bagrus arioides, Cuv. 8f Val. xiv. p. 440. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 21. P. 1/10. The length of the head is one-fifth of the total (with the caudal) • head one-fourth longer than broad. The maxiUary barbel extends to the hinder third of the pectoral,, and the outer of the mandible is nearly as long as the head. The teeth on the palate form two broad triangles, joimng each other anteriorly. Occipital process nearly as broad as long ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine narrow, crescent- shaped. Dorsal and pectoral spines entirely granulated ; the former IS slightly serrated behind, and one-fom-th higher than the body and terminates in a longish soft filament. (Val.) ' Bengal. Blyth identifies this species with Pimelodus sona. Ham. Buch. p. 172 (Joiu-n. As. Soc. Beng. xxix. p. 151), to which opinion we do not accede, as Buchanan, in his descriptions of Silui-oids, always gives the highest number of the anal rays, and says that P. sona has only eighteen. b. South American species. 7. Arius commersonii. Pimelodus barbus, Lacep. v. pp. 94, 106. commersouii, L(wep. v. pp. 05, 108. pi. 3. fig. 1. Bagrus barbatus,Qi/. Uran. Zool. p. 230. pi. 49. figs lSz'> — - commersonii, Valenc. in d'Orb. Voy. Amer. Merid. Pofss pi 3 fig. 1 ; Cm- J- Val. xiv. p. 449 ; Kmr, Sitzungsber. Acad. Wiss. Wien, XXVI. p. 386. Pimelodus versicolor, Castehi. Anim. Amer. Siid, Pom. p 35 pi 16 fig. 3. f f • D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/11. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth ; the greatest width of the head equals its length without snout. The teeth on the palate are in a broad, long, horseshoe-like band, scarcely interrupted in the middle. Six barbels ; the maxillaiy barbels are as long as the head, the outer mandibulary barbels extend to the base of the pectoral. Crown of the head striated ; occipital process elongate, elevated into a ridge along the middle, much longer than broad ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine is narrow, angularly bent. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, as long as the head without snout, granulated in front and scarcely serrated beliind ; the soft dorsal fin pointed, as high as the body ; adipose fin as long as the dorsal. Pectoral spine serrated along both edges. 144 SILURID^. stronger and longer than that of the dorsal fin. Ventral fins much shorter than the pectorals, not extending on to the anal. Brazil. a, h. Bahia. Purchased of M. Parzudaki. 8. Arius herzbergii. yihu-us lierzbergii, Bl. viii. p. 33. tab. 367 ; Bl. ScJin. p. 382. Bagrus herzbergii, Cur. Sf Val. xiv. p. 453. ccelestinus, Midi. Sf Trosch. Hur. Ichth. iii. p. 7. niesops, Kner, Sitzunqsber. Wien. Acad. p. 384. taf. 1. fig. 2 (not C. 8f v.). B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 18-20. P. 1/10. The height of the body is one -sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths. Vomerine and palatine teeth confluent, the vo- merine forming a subquadrangular patch, the pa- latine a rather short, broad band which is notched posteriorly. Six barbels : those of the maxillaries extend to, or nearly to, or beyond the end of, the pectoral fin, the outer ones of the mandible to, or nearly to, its root. Head much depressed, much broader than high, its greatest width being equal to its length without snout ; ^ its upper surface is granulated ; occipital pro- \ \^^ j cess large, triangular, nearly as long as broad, V.-^^y joining the basal bone of the dorsal spine, which / | \ is small, crescent-shaped. Dorsal spine mode- | I \ rately strong, half as long as the head, or a little / | \ more than half as long, slightly serrated. Base / -j V^ of the adipose fin as long as that of the dorsal. Pectoral spine stronger and longer than that of the dorsal fin, ser- rated on both edges. Ventral fins much shorter than the pectorals, not extending on to the anal. Cayenne, Surinam, Para, West Indies. a. Fine specimen. South America. From Sir R. Schomburgk's Collection. b. Young. British Guiana. Presented by Sir R. Sehomburgk. c. Adult. Demerara. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. d-e. Adult : stuifed. Demerara. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. The typical specimens of S. herzbergii, Bl., and of B. ccelestinus, M. & T., are in the Berlin Museum ; Prof. Peters, who has examined them, does not consider them as distinct species. 9. Arius dubius. Netuma dubia, Bleek. Versl. en Medcdeel. Acad. Wet. Amsterd. 1862, xiv. p. 382. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/10. Closely allied to A. herzhergn. The height of the body is contained five times and three-fifths or 59. ARius. 145 five times and four-fifths in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and a third or four times and a sixth ; the greatest width of the head is four-fifths or five-sixths of its length. Occipital process with a median keel, not much longer than broad, extending on to the small basal bone of the dorsal spine. The teeth on the palate form six contiguous patches*. The maxil- lary barbels roach to the base of the ventrals, the outer ones of the mandible to that of the pectorals. Dorsal spine strong, four-fifths of the length of the head, slightly serrated along both edges. Adi- pose fin rather longer than dorsal ; the length of the latter is less than one-half of its distance from the adipose fin. Pectoral spine broader, but not longer, than that of the dorsal fin. Ventral fins much shorter than pectorals. {Bl.) Surinam. 10. Arius mesops. Bagrus mesops, Cur. ^~ Val. xiv. p. 456. D. 1/7. A. 18. The eye is in the middle between the end of the snout and the praeopercular limb. Occipital process twice as hroad as long, termi- nating in a small point which is received in a notch of the nuchal plate. The maxillaiy barbel extends to the middle of the pectoral. Ventrals as long as pectorals. (Val.) Porto Rico. 11. Arius guatemalensis. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/11. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths ; head much broader than high, its greatest width being two-thirds of its length. Eyes of moderate size, situated nearer to the end of the snout than to that of the operculum ; the length of the snout is three-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. Teeth on the vomer separated in the middle, forming a pair of small quadrangular patches which are confluent with those on the palatine bones ; the latter have a subelliptic form. All the teeth villiform. The maxillary barbels extend nearly to the end of the head, the outer ones of the mandible being half as long as the head. Crown of the head granular, the granulations being arranged in radiating streaks. Occipital process some- what broader than long, triangular, with its hinder end truncated ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine small, crescent-shaped. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, not quite half as long as the head, slightly serrated in front and behind ; the first soft ray is longer than ^ the spine, as high as the body. Adipose fin shorter than the dorsal. Caudal deeply forked, with lac upper lobe * They are. app.Tirntly, similar to those of A. her;bergii. vol,. V. I, 146 .SILURID.E. longest, its length being ono-iifth of the total. Pectoral spine ser- rated along both edges, longer and stronger than that of the dorsal. Ventral fin shorter than pectoral. All the fins black. Guatemala. a. Twelve inches long. Guatemala. Purchased of Mr. Frank. h. Fine specimen, 13 inches long. Chiapan. From the Collection of Messrs. Godman and Salvin. 12. Arius assimilis. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. VIO- The height of the body is contained four times and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and three-fifths ; head much broader than high, its greatest width being three-fourths of its length. Eyes rather small, situated nearer to the end of the snout than to that of the operculum; the length of the snout is three-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. The median longi- tudinal fonticulus on the upper side of the head does not extend to the base of the occipital process. Teeth on the vomer but slightly separated in the middle, forming a pair of oblong transverse patches which are confluent with those on the palatine bones ; the latter are short, club-shaped. The band of intermaxillary teeth is five times as broad as long. All the teeth villiform. The maxillary barbels extend nearly to the end of the head ; the length of the outer ones of the mandible is one-half or two-thii-ds of that of the head. Crown of the head granular, the granulations being arranged in radiating streaks. Occipital process broader than long, triangular, with its hinder end concave. The basal bone of the dorsal spine of moderate size, crescent-shaped. Dorsal sjnne of moderate strength, more than half as long as the head, granidated in front and slightly serrated behind ; the first soft ray is longer than the spine and as high as the body. Adipose fin shorter than the dorsal. Caudal deeply forked, with the upper lobe longest, its length being contained five times and a half in the total. Pectoral spine serrated along its inner edge and on the extremity of the outer edge. Ventral fin shorter than pectoral. Sides of the body silvery ; vertical fins grey- ish ; basal half of the inner side of the paired fuis black. Guatemala. a. Fine specimen, 13 inches long. Lake of Yzabal. From the Col- lection of Messrs. Godman and Salvin. Hexanematichtliys hymenor rhinos, Bleek. Versl. & Mededeel. Akad. Wetensch. Amsterd. 1862, xiv. p. 377, appears to be closely allied to the above species, and we should not hesitate to refer our speci- mens to it if the barbels of Bleeker's species were not much longer, those of the maxillarics extending on to the base of the ventral fin, and the outer ones of the mandible to the base of the pectoral. The .specimen in the Leyden Museum is Si inches long. 59. ARius. 147 13. Arius platypogon. D. 1/7. A. IS. P. 1/10. Closely allied to A. assimilis. The height of the body is contained five times and a half in the total length (-without caudal), the length of the head four times; head much broader than high, its greatest width being three-fourths of its length. Eyes of moderate size, their diameter being more than one-half of the extent of the snout, and two-fifths of the postorbital part of the head, which equals the -nddth of the inter- orbital sjiace. The median longitudiiud fonti- cidus on the upper side of the head extends to the base of the orci/jital process. Teeth on the palate continuous ; however, three portions may be distinguished : the central one, which is subpentagonal, broader than long, and notched anteriorly ; and one on each side, which is subtriangular, and much larger than the eye. The band of intermaxil- lary teeth is five times as broad as long. The maxillaiy barbels are comjn'essed in theii* basal \ / half and extend nearly to the middle of the ^ pectoral fin, the outer mandibulary barbels nearly to its root. Crown of the head and nape finely granular ; occipital process much longer than broad, with a low, linear median ridge. The basal bone of the dorsal spine is very small, with only a few granules. Dorsal spine rather strong, a little shorter than that of the pectoral fin, three-fourths of the length of the head, and serrated along both edges ; the first soft dorsal ray is higher than the body. Adipose fin shorter than dorsal. The upper caudal lobe is the longer, its length being contained four times and a third in the total. Porus axillaris present. Ventral much shorter than pectoral, which is nearly as long as the head. Sides of the body silvery ; the inner side of the paii-ed fins black. Guatemala. a-d. Fine specimens (11| inches long). San Jose. From the Col- lection of Messrs. Salvin and Godmau. 14. Arius seemanni. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/10. Closely allied to A. assimiJis. The height of the body is contained four times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and a third : head much broader than high, its greatest width being cipial to its length without snout. Eyes of moderate size, much nearer to the end of the snout than to that of the operculum ; the length of the snout is three-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. The median hnffitmlinal fonticidus on the upper side of the head extends l2 148 SILURID^. to the baite of the occipital process. Teeth on the vomer separated in the middle by a short interspace, forming a pair of small subquadrangular patches which are confluent with those of the palatines. The latter are much longer than broad, elliptical. The band of inter- maxillaiy teeth is five and a half times as broad as long. The maxillary barbels extend nearly to the end of the head, and are about twice as long as the outer ones of the mandible. Crown of the head and nape finely granular ; occipital process broader than long, with a prominent ridge along its middle. The basal bone of the dorsal spine is small, with a few fine granules. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, more than half as long as the head, serrated along both edges ; the first soft ray is as high as the body. Adipose fin rather shorter than dorsal. The upper caudal lobe is the longer, two-ninths of the total length. Porus axillaris present. Ventral fin shorter than pectoral. Sides of the body silvery ; basal half of the inner side of the paired fins black. Central America. a. Pine specimen, 12 inches long. From the Haslar Collection. Collected by Dr. Seemann. 15. Arius surinamensis. Hexanematichthys surinamensis, Bleek. Versl. ^ Medechel. Akad. Wet. Amsterd. 1862, xiv. p. 380. B. 5. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/9. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths ; the greatest width of the head is three-fourths of its length. Occipital process without conspicuous keel along its middle, not longer than broad, extending on to the small basal bone of the dorsal spine. The teeth on the palate form four contiguous patches or bands, the lateral bands being broader and longer than the anterior. The maxillary barbels extend to the base of the pectoral, the outer ones of the mandible somewhat beyond the gill-opening. Dorsal spine strong, half as long as the head, slightly serrated along both edges ; adipose fin as long as the dorsal, its length being less than one-third of the distance between the two fins ; pectoral spine longer and stronger than that of the dorsal fin ; ventral fins much shorter than pectorals. Caudal deeply forked, with the upper lobe longer. {Bl.) Surinam. 16. Arius proops. Bagrus proops, Cuv. 8,- Val. xiv. p. 457. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/11. The eye is thrice as remote from the praeopercular limb as from the end of the snout ; jaws equal in length anteriorly. The teeth on the palate are divided into six portions, the two posterior being large and triangular. The maxillary barbel extends beyond the root of the pectoral. The occipital process is short, one-eighth of the length 59. ARius. 149 of the head (its own length included), and twice and a half as broad as long. The basal bone of the dorsal spine is quadrangular, slightly narrowed in the middle. (VaL) Surinam ; Porto llico. 17. Arius passany. Bagrus passany, Cuv. Sf Veil. xiv. p. 458. D. 1/7. A. 17. Similar to A. proojjs. The eye is close to the end of the snout and remote from the prae- opercular limb ; the lower jaw is the longer. Teeth on the palate and barbels similar to those in A. proops ; occipital process shorter than in that species ; basal bone of the dorsal spine subcrescentic. Ventrals longer than pectorals. ( Val.) Cayenne. 18. Arius caerulescens. D. 1/7. A. 17. P. 1/10. The height of the body is contained about five times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and a half or thrice and two-thirds ; head much broader than high, its greatest width being three-foiu'ths of its length. Eyes rather small, their diameter being one-half of the extent of the snout, two-sevenths of their distance from the gill-opening, and one-third of the width of the Lnterorbital space. The teeth on the palate form a slightly cuiwed band, composed of two vomerine patches which are much broader than long, and of a pair of palatine patches Avhich are subcontinuous with, scarcely broader and longer than, those of the vomer. The bar- bels of the maxiUaries extend to the middle, the outer ones of the mandible to the base of the pectoral. Crown of the head granular ; occipital process broader than long, subtri- angular, subtruncated behind, and slightly raised along the median line ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine is subtriangular, small. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, more than half as long as the head, granulated in front and slightly serrated behind ; the first soft ray is as high as the body. Adipose fin shorter than the dorsal. Caudal deeply forked, with the upper lobe longest, its length being nearly — - equal to that of tlie head. Pectoral spine serrated along its inner edge and on the extremity of its outer edge ; it is as long as the head without snout. Ventral fin shorter than pectoral. Sides steel- blue, iridescent, blackish towards the back, and silveiy below. Ver- tical fins black ; inner side of the paired fins blackish. Guatemala. u-h. Fine specimens, 12 inches long. Huamuchal. From the Col- lection of Messrs. (Jodman and Salvin. loU SILURID^. 19. Arius troschelii. Sciades troschelii, Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1863, p. 171. D. 1/7. A. 16. The height of the body is two-ninths of the total length (withoiit caudal) ; the length of the head enters three times in the length before the end of the anal fin ; its width equals the interval between the snout and upper angle of prjeoperculum. The maxiUary barbels extend to about the middle of the pectoral, the outer ones of the mandible to its base. There are three \-iIliform patches on the palate which are almost contiguous, forming an arch : the median patch is small, rather transverse, and widest towards the front ; the outer arc oblong, subtriangular. The band of the upper jaw is quite wide, the lower nearly half as wide as the upper. The dorsal spine eqiials that of the pectoral, its length being two-thirds of that of the head. The ventrals extend to the origin of the anal. Pius blackish. (GUI.) West coast of Central America. 20. Arius emphysetus. Bagrus (Sciades) emphysetus, Mull. ^- Trosch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 8, and iu Schomb. Brit. Guian. iii. p. 627. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 20. P. 1/11. Head flat, roimded in front ; its length is two-ninths of the total. Eyes very small ; their distance from the end of the head is more than twice as great as that from the snout. Head coarsely granu- lated above ; its occipital process short, four times as broad as long, joining the nuchal plate, which is very large, as broad as long, heart-shaped. The teeth on the palate form a broad transverse band, composed of three divisions : the middle on the vomer is square, the lateral are tapering behind ; there is another band of teeth be- sides, posteriorly and interiorly to the palatine teeth, inserted on each side of the base of the skull. Upper jaw the longer ; barbels six, flattened : the maxiUary barbels extend beyond the dorsal fin, the outer ones of the mandible to the pectoral. Dorsal spine very strong, granulated, serrated at the top and posteriorly. Adipose fin shorter than dorsal. Porus axillaris very small. Ventrals shorter than pectorals. {M.^T.) Surinam ; British Guiana. 21. Arius valencieimesii. Bagrus albicans, Cuv. Sf Vat. xiv. p. 401. pi. 420 (not Arius albicans, Cuv. Sf. Val.). ? Bagrus valenciennei, Casteln. Anim. Amcr. 8ud, Poiss. p. 31. pi. 13. fig. 1 (see p. 154). D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/11. The length of the head is one-fourth of the total length (without caudal) ; head one-third longer than broad. The eye is thrice as distant from the praeopercular limb as from the end of the snout. Jaws equal in length anteriorly. Teeth on the palate in a broad band, with a triangular patch on each side. The maxillary barbel I 59. ARITJS. 151 extends scarcely to the end of the head. Head granulated above. Occipital process very small and short, but joining the very large nuchal plate, the hinder margin of which is deeply concave. Dorsal and pectoral spines strong, granulated, moderately serrated behind ; adipose fin rather longer than dorsal. ( VaL) Cayenne. 22. Arms flavescens. Bagi'us flavescens, Cuv. ^ Val. xiv. p. 4G2. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/11. The eye is much nearer to the end of the snout than to the prse- opercular limb ; upper jaw slightly the longer. The band of teeth on the palate has its lateral portions ovate. The maxillary barbel extends to, or beyond, the middle of the pectoral. Head granulated above ; occipital process very small and short, but joining the largo nuchal plate, which is slightly concave behind. Dorsal and pectoral spines strong, granidated, moderately serrated behind ; adipose fin one-third shorter than anal. {Val.) Cayenne. 23. Arius temminckii. BagTus temmiuckianus, Cuv. ^- Val. xiv. p. 463. B. 6. D. 1/G. A. 21. P. 1/11. The upper surface of the head rather reticulated than granulated ; occipital bone scarcely produced, broadly rounded behind, with a small notch in the middle, corresponding to the jjointed nuchal plate. Doi'sal and pectoral spines granulated in front, and only a little ser- rated behind. The dorsal fin is as high as the body ; adipose fin one- third shorter than anal. The maxillary barbels extend on to the end of the ventrals, the outer mandibulary barbels to the middle of the pectoral. ( Val.) Cayenne. c. African species. 24. Arius latiscutatus. D.1/7. A. 15-17. P. 1/12. Vert.^-|L.. Head rather broad and depressed, coarsely graniUatcd above ; the occipital process is broader than long, subtriangular, ■with the lateral margins undulated and with a median longitudinal ridge ; the fonticulus on the upper side of the head is very narrow and tapering behind, ex- tending to the base of the occi- pital process. Basal bone of the dorsal spine narrow, crescent- shaped. The length of the head is one-fourth of the total (with- out caudal) ; the eye is twice as distant from the end of the oper- culum as from that of the snout : 152 SILURID^. snout very broad, obtusely rounded. The teeth are vUliform : the vomerine band is not quite twice as broad as that of the intermaxillaries, and divided into two by a narrow interspace ; each half is about twice as broad as long, and separated from the palatine patch by a linear transverse groove, which disappears altogether in old age. The palatine teeth V_-;^ I I ^%>_ form a large triangular patch which is ( ' longer than broad ; the patches are broader \ ' ' than the space between them. Dorsal and \ / \ / pectoral spines strong, serrated along both edges ; the former is a httle the shorter, and as long as the head without snout. Adipose fin short ; caudal deeply forked. West Africa. «. Stuffed, 16 inches long. Fernando Po. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. b-c. Skeletons, 52 and 43 inches long. West Africa. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. B. Teeth on the palate gi-anidar. 25. Arius luniscutis. Arius luniscutis, Cuv. ^- Veil. xv. p. 109 ; Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 390. D. 1/7. A. 20-21. P. 1/11. Vert. 18/31. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth; head depressed, much lower than broad, its greatest width being equal to the distance of the hinder nostril from the end of the opercle. Eyes small, situated in the beginning of the middle third of the length of the head ; interorbital space wider than the snout is long. Teeth on the palate in very broad confluent bands, those of the palatine bones separated from each other only by a narrow space ; teeth on the vomer rather obtuse. The maxillary barbels extend to, or nearly to, the end of the head ; the outer mandibulary barbels are half as long as the head. 59. ARirs. 153 Crown of the head granular, the granulations being arranged in radiating streaks. Occipital process subsemicircular, broader than long ; the basal bone of the first dorsal spine is very large, larger than the occipital process, subquadrangular, rather broader than long. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, as long as the head without snout, granulated in front, and scarcely seiTated behind ; the first soft ray rather longer than the spine, as high as the body. Adipose fin longer than the dorsal. Caudal deeply forked, with the upper lobe longest, its length being a little more than one-sixth of the total. Pec- toral spine serrated along both edges, longer and stronger than that of the dorsal. Ventral fin shorter than pectoral. Coloration unifonn. Brazil ; Surinam. «. Fine specimen, 16 inches long. South America. b-c. Adult. Surinam. From the Stuttgart Museum. d. Young, 8 inches long. Brazils. Presented by Lord Stuart. — This specimen difi'ers a little from the larger one, the differences being due probably to age. The patch of vomerine teeth is smaller ami narrower ; the bands of palatine teeth are more separated from each other by a free space in the middle. The basal bone of the dorsal spine is somewhat shorter, or broader. In other respects the specimens are perfectly alike. e. Young. Old Collection. 26. Arius parkeri. Silums parkeri, Traill, Mem. Wern. Soc. 1832, vi. p. 377. pi. 6. fig. 1. Arius quadriscutis, Ctw. ^-Val. xv. p. Ill; Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien.Acud. 1858, xxvi. p. 389. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/11. Vert. 18/31. Occipital process twice as broad as long ; a large subquadrangular nuchal plate, emarginate anteriorly and postei-iorly. The maxillary barbel extends to the middle of the opercle. The teeth on the palate are granular, and form two large ovate patches, which touch each other in their whole length. Dorsal spine slightly serrated ; adipose fin nearly as long as the anal. (VaJ.) Cayenne ; Surinam. II. Teeth on the palate in two generally ■w'idely separate patches ; some- times the vomerine teeth ai'e present, hut widely separate into two small groups which may be continuous with the palatine teeth. A. Teeth on the palate villiform. a. A large intemeural sliield on the nape. 27. Arius grandicassis. Arius gi'andicassis, Citv. ^- Val. xv. p. o4. pi. 427. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/12. A very large bony plate between the occiptit and the basal bone 154 SILURIDiE. of the dorsal senile ; this plate is separated from the occiput by a transverse groove ; it is subquadrangular and nearly as broad as long. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (with- out caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths. The upper jaw projects much beyond the lower. Teeth on the palate in two widely separate triangidar patches. The maxillary barbel extends to the prteopercular margin. Pectoral spine veiy strong, as long as, but stronger than, that of the dorsal. Adipose fin longer than the dorsal. (Val.) South America. Valenciennes briefly mentions two other species which appear to agree with A. gnmdicassis in having a large dorsal plate behind the occiput ; but as they are said to have only six dorsal rays, we dare not refer them to this genus : — a. Arius stricticassis, Cuv. & Val. xv. p. 58. D. 1/6. A. 18. P. 1/12. Dorsal plate thrice as long as broad ; barbels short. — Cayenne. h. Arius 2Mrmocassis, Guy. &Yal.iof. -p. 57. D. 1/6.. A. 15. P. 12. Dorsal plate ovate, narrower in front than behind ; the palatine teeth form two large patches, the anterior and interior angles of which are produced inwards, withoiit touching each other. Barbels rather short. — Bahia. There is evident confusion in Valenciennes's account of these two fishes ; he commences the description of his second species {A. ixirrno- cassis) by comparing it with two preceding species ; and the formula of the fins also is given in an unusual form. Bagrus valenciennei, Casteln. Anim. Amer. Sud, Poiss. p. 31. pi. 13. fig. 1, appears to belong to this group of Siluroids, and is possibly identical with A.parmocassis, or with Bagrus albicans (see p. 150). h. No large interneural shield on the nape. a. African species. 28. Arius heudelotii. Arius heudelotii, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 73. pi. 428. D. 8. A. 16. P. 10. The length of the head is one-third of the total (without caudal) . Crown of the head granulated. The maxillary barbel extends beyond the operculum. Basal bone of the dorsal spine small ; dorsal and pectoral spines strong and very long, serrated along both edges. Adipose fin very short. The upper caudal lobe is the longer, one- sixth of the total length. The teeth on the palate are villiform, and form two small, widely separate patches. ( Val.) Senegal. 29. Arius parkii. D. 1/7. A. 20. P. 1/10. The height of the body is contained five times and a half in the { 50. ARIDS. 155 total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times or four times and a third. Head depressed, broader than high, its greatest width being three-quarters of its length ; snout of moderate length, obtuse, its extent being three-fifths of the width of the in- terorbital space. The eye is situtited much nearer to the end of the snout than to that of the operculum ; its diameter is one-sixth of the length of the head, and two-sevenths of the width of the inter- orbital space. The teeth on the palate are villi- form, and form a pair of separate, irregularly rounded patches. The maxillary barbels extend to the base or beyond the middle of the pectoral fin, the outer ones of the mandible to its root or to its middle. The crown of the head is slightly granulated ; the occipital process is triangular, as long as broad, provided with a sharp median ridge ; basal bone of the dorsal spine small, crescent-shaped. Dor- sal spine long and rather strong, nearly as long- as, or shorter than, the head, slightly serrated in front and behind ; the length of the first soft ray exceeds that of the spine and of the head. Adipose .fin much shorter than dorsal. Caudal deeply forked, with the upper lobe longest, one- fifth of the total length. Pectoral spine as strong and long as that of the dorsal fin, serrated along both edges. Ventral shorter than pectoral. Fins and barbels black. River Niger. ff, b. Eleven and nine inches long. Niger Expedition. c. Thirteen inches long. Lagos. From the Collection of J.Wood, Esq. ^. South American species. 3(». Alius milberti. Arius milberti, Cut: ^ V(d. xv. p. 74 ; Hyrtl, Denkschr. Acad. Wks. Wivn, 1859, xvi. p. 17. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/10. Vert. 19/83. The height of the body is contained five times and a half in the total length (^vithout caudal), the length of the head thrice and two- thirds ; head depressed, much broader than high, its greatest width being eijual to its length without snout. Eyes situated much nearer to the end of the snout than to that of the opcrcle. Teeth on the vomer in two small, separate groups, M'hich are either separate from, or continuous with, the much larger rounded patches of palatine teetli. All the teeth \illiform. The maxillary barbels extend to, or nearly to, the end of the operculum ; the outer ones of the mandible are half as long as the head. Crown of the head granulated ; occipital process rather broader than Ion" tri- angular, with a ridge along tlie middle : the basal bone of the dorsal 156 SILURIB^E. spine is small. Dorsal spine rather strong, three-fii'tlis as long as the head, granulated in front and serrated behind. Adipose fin shorter than the dorsal. Pectoral spine serrated interiorly and to- wards the point on the outer edge. Southern States of North America. a-b. From 11-12 inches long. From the Haslar Collection. 31. Arius rugispinis. Arius rugispinis, Cuv. §- Val. xv. p. 77 ; Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. xxvi. p. 388. D. 1/7. A. 21. P. 1/11. The length of the head is one-fifth of the total (with the caudal). The occipital process is longer than broad, its length being two-fifths of that of the remaining portion of the head. Eye small, its fUameter being one-fifth of the width of the interorbital si)ace. Head coarsely granulated above ; basal bone of the dorsal spine small. Teeth on the palate in two widely separate, rather small, ovate jjatches. The maxillary barbel extends to the middle of the opercle. The spines are very strong, entirely granulated ; that of the dorsal fin is scarcely denticulated. Adipose fin nearly as long as the anal. ( Val.) Cayenne. (Specimens from 12-15 inches long.) Anus dieperinki, Bleek.Versl. & Mededeel. Akad.Wetensch.1862, xiv. p. 375, is perhaps identical with the above species ; its head is longer than it would appear to be in A. ruc/isjnnis, according to Valenciennes's descriijtion, being one-fourth of the total length in the specimen described by Bleeker. 32. Arius phrygiatus. Arius phrygiatus, Cuv. Sf Val. xv. p. 79. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/11. The length of the head is one-fifth of the total (with the caudal) ; the diameter of the eye is one-fifth of the width of the interorbital space. Occipital process much longer than broad, its length being one-third of that of the remaining portion of the head. The maxil- lai-y barbel extends to the middle of the opercle. Teeth on the palate villiform, forming two widely separate ovate patches. Spines of the fins rather strong^ finely serrated along both edges. Adipose fin as long as the anal. (Val.) Cayenne. The typical specimen, 61 inches long, is said to be in the Leyden Museum, but it could not be found by Bleeker when he examined the Siluroids of that genus. 59. ARIUS. 157 ■y. Pacific species. 33. Arius dasycephalus. D. 1/7. A. 23. P. 1/11. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-ninths. Head small, broader than high, its greatest width being four-fifths of its length ; snout of moderate length, rounded, its extent being three-fifths of the mdth of the interorbital space. The eye is situated much nearer to the end of the snout than to that of the operculum ; its diameter is one-sixth of the length of the head, and one-third of the width of the inter- orbital space. Cleft of the mouth narrow. The teeth ^- — ^^^^ on the palate are viUiform, and form a pair of separate, K^,^-—^-^ transverse, quadrangidar patches, each of which is ^^ pp^ broader than long, and again composed of two portions. ^^^ The maxiUary barbels extend to the middle, the outer of the man- dible to the root of the pectoral fin. The crown of the head is coarsely granulated, the gra- nules forming two bands di- verging in front and extend- ing to the snout. There is a pair of prominent, parallel, granulated ridges along the middle of the forehead, reaching to between the nos- trils. Occipital process tri- angular, as broad at the base as long, elevated into a ridge along its middle ; basal bone of the dorsal spine smaU, crescent - shaped. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, three-fourths of the length of the head, slightly serrated in front and behind ; the first soft ray is much longer than the spine and higher than the body. Adipose fin as long as dorsal. Caudal deeply forked, with the upper lobe longest, one-fifth of the total length. Pectoral spine rather stronger, but scarcely longer, than that of the dorsal fin, serrated along both edges. Ventral rather shorter than pectoral. Fins blackish. Sandwich Islands. a. Eleven inches long. Oahu. From the Haslar Collection. — This specimen is a pregnant female ; on opening the left ovarium nine eggs may be seen, developed to the size of a small cherr)\ 158 SILUKIDvE. 8. Eiist Indian species. 34. Arius truncatus. Alius truncatus, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. G4 ; Cant. Mai. Fish. p. 256 ; Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Lid. iii. p. 426, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 33. tab. 56. Cepbalocassis truncatus, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 108. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 23-24. P. 1/9. Vert. 15/33. The height of the body is one-half of the length of the head, which is one-third of the total (without caudal). Head elongate and de- pressed, its greatest depth being two-thirds of its width ; the latter is contained once and two-thirds in its length. Snout broad, of moderate length, spatulate, its length being one-fourtli of that of the head. The diameter of the eye is one-seventh or one-tenth of the length of the head ; interorbital spcice convex ; the upper eyelid is broad, transparent. The teeth on the palate are villiform and confined to the palatine bones, where they form an oblique elliptic short patch on each side. The maxillary barbels extend to, or scarcely // \\ to, the operculum ; the outer and inner mandi- bulary barbels are nearly of equal length, half as long as the head. The crown of the head is granular ; the occipital process is narrow, oblong, about thrice as long as broad ; basal bone of the dorsal spine small, cres- cent-shaped. Dorsal spine strong and long, four- fifths of the length of the head, serrated along both edges ; the first soft dorsal ray as long as the head. Adipose fin very short and elevated. Caudal forked, with the lobes obtusely rounded, short, its length being one-half of that of the head ; the upper lobe sometimes produced into a short filament. Pectoral spine as strong as, but miich shorter than, that of the dorsal fin, serrated along both edges. Ventral shorter than pectoral. Fins whitish. East Indies. a-h. From 9 to 12 inches long. Siam. Purchased of Mr. Jamrach. c-f?. Adult and half-grown: skins. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor's Collection. e. Half-grown. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. /. Adult : skeleton. Siam. Purchased of Mr. Jamrach. 35. Arius cselatus. Arius ccelatus, Cuv. Sf Val, xiv. p. 66 ; Bkeh. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 35. tab. 53. sequibarbis, Cuv. Sf Val. xiv. p. 68. granosus, Cun. 8f Val. xiv. p. 69. coelatoides, Bleek, Verh. Bat. Gen, xxi. Silur, Batav, p. 32. microgastropterygius, Bleek. I. c. p. 33. clypeaster, Bleek. I. c. p. 34. clypeastroides, Bleek. I. c. p. 34. ')9. ARirs. 159 Arius clioiulropteiyiiius, lilcek. 1. c. p. ;55. melanopterygius, Bleek. I. c. xxii. Mudw. p. 10. Cepli.alocassis caelatus, JDleek. Prodi: Sihir. p. 110. D. 1/7. A. 19-20. P. 1/9. The height of the body is one-fourth or one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths or one-fourth. Head broader than higli, its greatest vndth being equal to its length without snout ; snout short and obtuse, its extent being one-half of the width of the interorbital space. Teeth on the palate in two widely separate subtriangular patches of moderate size, the vomerine teeth being more or less confluent with those of the palatines. The maxillary barbel extends to the middle of the pectoral fin, the outer of the manchblc being somewhat shorter. The upper surface of the head slightly granidated. Occipital process of moderate length, not much broader at the base than at its concave end, elevated along the middle. The basal bone of the dorsal spine is small, crescent-shaped. Dorsal spine very strong, particularly in its basal half, which is granulated, tapering from the middle ; it is as long as the head. Adipose fin much shorter than dorsal. Pectoral spine shorter and less strong than that of the dorsal fin. Adipose fin black, with its posterior margin yellowish. East Indies. a. Eleven inches long. Piu'chascd of Mr. Frank. b-c. Seven inches long. Siam. Purchased of Mr. Jamrach. — These specimens have the soft appendage of the dorsal spine produced into a long filament. 36.- Arius sinensis. Arius sinensis, Cuv. ^ Val. xv. p. 72. D. 7. A. 13. Occipital process subquadrangular, elongate. MaxiUaiy barbel as long as the liead ; those of the mandible equal in length, and half as long as the head. (F((?.) China. 37. Arius venosus. I'' Arius venosus, Cuv. Sf V(d. xv. p. (JO. Arius venosus, Bleck. Vcrh. Bat. (ien. xxi. Silur. BuUiv. p. aO, and Atl. Iclith. SUin: p. oo. tab. 54. fig. 1. ItBviceps, Bhck. I. r. p. 38. micrui'optcrygius. Black. I. c. p. 38. niacnu'optcryiz'ius, Bleck. I. c. p. 37. niaiijong, Bleck. I. c. p. .30. niicrouotacauthus, Bleck. I. c. p. 36. Cephalocassis venosus, Bleck. Prodr. Silur. p. 113. D. 1/7. A. 18-19. P. 1/10. The height of the body is one-fifth or a little more than one-fifth 160 SILURID^. of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one- foiirth ; head broader than high, its greatest width being contained once and a fourth or once and a third in its length. The diameter of the eye is one-fourth of the length of the head, and more than one- half of the width of the interorbital space. Occii)ital process trian- gular, rather longer than broad, Avith a keel along its middle ; basal bone of the dorsal spine smaU. Snout not much longer than the ej'e. Teeth on the palate villiform, forming- two triangular patches, which are somewhat smaller than the eye, as long as broad, and approximate to each other anteriorly, their points being directed backwards. The maxillary barbels extend to, or beyond, the root of the pectoral. The soft dorsal fin is higher than the body ; its spine is as long, or nearly as long, as the head, serrated behind, and terminating in a soft filament. Adipose fin shorter than the dorsal. Pectoral spine nearly as long as that of the dorsal fin. Fins yellowish. East Indian Archipelago. a. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 38. Arius utik. Anus utik, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi. Silur. Batav. p. 40, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 34. tab. 51. fig. 2. Cephalocassis utik, Bleek. Proclr. Silur. p. 115. D. 1/7. A. 18-19. P. 1/10. The height of the body is contained five times and a quarter or four times and three-quarters in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and a half; head broader than high, its greatest width being two-thirds of its length. The diameter of the eye is one-fourth or one-fifth of the length of the head, and rather more than one-half of the width of the interorbital space. The oc- cipital process is triangular, but little longer than broad, slightly granulated, and provided with a median keel. Basal bone of the dorsal spine small. Snout longer than the eye. The „^ — ^^^ teeth on the palate are villiform, forming two trian- C-^^ ^-O' gular patches, the point of which is obliquely directed /^ Cx forwards; these patches are much smaller than the ^^"^ ^ eye. The maxUlary barbels extend to the root of the pectoral. The soft dorsal fin is higher than the body ; its spine is slender, two- thirds of the length of the head, serrated behind, and terminating in a soft filament. Adipose fin rather shorter than dorsal. Pectoral spine slender, nearly as long as that of the dorsal fin. Fins yellowish. Java. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v, Bleeker's Collection, 59. ARirs. J61 ^y. Arius leptonotacanthus. Arius leptonotacanthxis, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxii. Madura, p. 11, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 33. tab. 54. fig. 2. Cephalocassis leptonotacanthus, Bleek. Prodi: St'/ur. p. 105. D. 1/7. A. 20. P. 1/11. The height of the body is contained four times and two-fifths in the total length (without caudal), the leng-th of the head three times ; head broader than high, its greatest width being contained once and two-fifths in its length. The diameter of the eye is one-sixth of the length of the head, and two-sevenths of the M'idth of the interorbital space. The occipital process is triangular, shorter than broad, ele- vated along the middle ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine smaU, Snout twice as long as the eye. The teeth on the palate are viUiform, and form two separate elongate patches, slightly bent, narrow, and not much shorter than the 6ye, somewhat convergent posteriorly. The maxillaiy barbels extend to the base of the pectoral, the outer ones of the mandible to the giU- opening. Lateral line bifurcate at the base of the caudal fin. The soft dorsal fin as high as the body, ^\dth its spine rather slender, two- thirds as long as the head, and serrated posteriorly. Adipose fin much shorter than the dorsal. Pectoral fins two-thii'ds as long as the head ; their spine is stronger, but little shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Caudal with the lobes pointed, its length being two-elevenths or one- sixth of the total. Fins yellowish. Madura. «. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. V:£^ 40. Arius melanochir. -Vi'ius melanochir, Bleek. Nat. Tyd.schr. Xederl. Lid. in. p. 590. Cephalocassis melanochir, Bleek. P>-odi: Silur. p. 103, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 30. tab. 52. B. 0. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/12. The height of the body is contained four times and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head foiir times or four times and a half ; the height and the Mndth of the head are contained once and a third or once and two-fifths in its length. The diameter of the eye is one-seventh or one- eighth of the length of the head, and two-fifths or one-third of the width of the interorbital space. The fonticulus on the upper side of the head is much dilated behind, heart-shaped; there is another ovate groove on each side of this dila- tation. Tlie occipital process is narrow ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine small. Snout twice or thrice as long as the eye. The maxillaiT barbels extend somcwliat 162 SILTTRID^. beyond the head, the outer ones of the mandible to the base of the pectoral. The teeth on the palate fonn two widely separate, ,^- — ^ elliptic, oblique patches, which are shorter than the eye. '" The soft dorsal fin is as high as the body ; its spine is very ^ ^ strong, but a little shorter than the head, and serrated along both edges. Adipose fin longer than the anal. Pectorals scarcely shorter than the head, with a very strong spine, which is as long as that of the dorsal fin. Fins yellowish, blackish in the middle. Sumatra and Borneo. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 41. Arius stormii. Ceplialocassis stormii, Bleek. Prodr. Siliir. p. 246. Hemiarius stormii, Bleek. Atl. IcJdh. Silur. p. 29. tab. 100. D. 1/7. A. 16. P. 1/11. The height of the body is contained four times and three-quarters or four times and a half in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and a half. Head depressed, broader than long, its greatest width being contained once and a fourth in its length. The diameter of the eye is one-ninth of the length of the head, and one-third of the width of the interorbital space. Crown of the head granular ; occipital process triangular, rather longer than broad ; basal bone of the dorsal spine small. Snout depressed, thrice as long as the eye, with the upper jaw projecting beyond the lower. The teeth on the vomer form two small, round, separate patches, contiguous with the palatine bands, which are twice as long as broad. The max- illary barbel extends to the opercle. The soft dorsal fin is higher than the body ; its spine is very strong, scarcely shorter than the head, granulated in front and serrated behind. The adipose fin is nearly as long as the dorsal and anal. Pectoral spine very strong, shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Fins yellowish. River Mussi (Sumatra). a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 42. Arius sumatranus. Bagrus sumatranus, Bennett, in Life of Raffles, p. 691. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/9. The length of the head is contained thrice and three-quarters in the total (without caudal) ; its greatest width equals its length without snout. Teeth on the palate in two tri- angular patches, entirely separated along the middle. Six barbels : those of the maxillaries extend to the end of the head, the outer of the mandibles to the base of the 59. ARitJS. 163 pectoral. Crown of the head with some scattered granulations ; oc- cipital plate triangular, elevated along the middle, as long as broad ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine scarcely crenulated. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, as long as the head without snout, ser- rated behind ; the soft dorsal pointed ; adipose fin short. Pectoral spine (broken) scarcely stronger than that of the dorsal fin, serrated interiorly. Ven- tral fins large, extending beyond the origin of the anal, as long as the pectoral. Sumatra. a. Nine inches long : not good state. From Sir S. Raffles's Collection. — Type of the species. B. Teeth on the palate granular or obtusely conical. a. Teeth on the palate in four gi'oups, those of the vomer being present. 43. Arius dussumierii. Arius dussumieri, Cwv. <^ Val. xv. p. 84. D. 1/7. A. 14. The length of the head is two-sevenths of the total (without caudal) ; it is broader than high, its greatest width being three- fouj-ths of its length. Head granulated above ; the occipital process is triangular, sharply keeled along the middle, longer than broad, with the lateral margins nearly straight. The teeth on the palate are obtusely conical, arranged in four patches : a smaller one on each side of the vomer, and a larger one on each palatine bone. The maxillary barbels extend to the root of the pectoral. Dorsal fin higher than the body ; its spine is rather strong, slightly serrated along both edges, and as long as the head without snout ; pectoral spine as strong as that of the dorsal fin. Coast of Malabar. Ceylon. a. Stufifed. Ceylon. From Dr. Kelaart's Collection. 44. Arius kirkii. D. 1/7. A. 17. P. 1/12. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths; head not much de- pressed, granulated above. The occipital process is subtriangular, longer than broad, with straight lateral margins and •with a slight median longitudinal ridge. Teeth on the palate granu- lar, in four patches : each vomerine patch is somewhat rounded and not much smaller than the eye ; its distance from the intermaxillary teeth equals its own diameter ; it is separated by a narrow groove only from the pala- tine patch, which is elongate, tapering behind ; the two palatine patches are convergent behind. The maxillary barbel ex- tends to the middle, the outer one of the mandible to the base, of M 2 1()4 the pectoral. The soft dorsal fin is rather higher than the body ; its spine is strong, two-thii-ds as long as the head, and finely serrated along both edges. The pectoral spine is somewhat shorter, and not stronger, than that of the dorsal. Adipose fin very short. Colora- tion nniforra. Zambesi. ti. 8kin, 8 inches long. Shupanga. Presented by Dr. Kirk. 45. Alius tonggol. Arius tonggol, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi. Silur. Bat. p. 48. crossoclieilos, Bleek. I. c. p. 46. Ariodes touggol, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 83, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 39. tab. 57. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/11. The height of the body is contained five tmies in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and a half or thrice and four-fifths ; head depressed, much broader than high, its width being two-thirds of its length. The occipital process is triangular, with the sides convex, a little longer than broad, and much elevated along its middle ; basal bone of the dorsal spine small. Teeth on the palate granular, forming four separate groups : two small ones on the vomer, and one oblong on each palatine : those on the vomer are half as large as the eye. The palatine bands convergent behind. The maxillary barbels extend to the opercles. The soft dorsal fin is rather higher than the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, its length being contained once and a third in that of the head ; it is granular in front, and serrated behind. Adipose fin shorter than the dorsal ; the pectoral spine is stronger than, and as long as, that of the dorsal fin. Pins yellowish. Java, Sumatra, Bintang, Banka. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. "<»' ,-<:?%o 46. Arius argjrropleuron. Arius argyropleuron, (Kuhl ^ van Hass.) Cuv. 4" Val. xv. p. 104. acutus, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Genootsch. xxi. Sihir. Bat. p. 41. haniiltonis, Bleek. I. c. p. 47. Ariodes acutus, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 87. argyropleuron, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 40. tab. 59. This species agrees with A. ton^fjol in almost every point, but the vomerine teeth are reduced to a rudimentary, minute patch on each side ; and the lateral margins of the occipital process are straight instead of being slightly convex. Java and Sumatra. a. Adult. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. h. Half-grown. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. — Type oi Arius acutus. I i I 59. ARius. 165 47. Alius macrocephalus. Arius macrocephalus, Bhek. J'erh. Hat. Gen. xxi. s macrocephalu.s, Blcek. Prodr. Si/ur. p. 85, and At/. Ichth. Silur. p. .-'/J. tab. 68. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 20. P. 1/11. The hoi^'ht of the body is one-fil\h or two-ninths of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-third; head broader than high, its greatest ^^'idth being three-fifths of its length. The eyes are situated nearly entirely in the anterior half of the head. Occipital process triangular, twice as long as broad ; basal bone of the doi-sal spine small. The vomerine teeth form two minute patches, but are deciduous with age ; the teeth on the palatine bones arc granular, and form an ovate patch on each side, which is about as large as the eye. The maxillary barbels extend to the opercles, those of the mandible to the gill-opening. Dorsal fin nearl}* as high as the body ; its spine is slender, scarcely serrated, two-thirds or three-fifths of the length of the head. Adipose fin much shorter than dorsal ; the pectoral spine is shorter, but scarcely stronger, than that of the dorsal fin, and strongly serrated ; pectoral fins two- thirds of the length of the head. Adipose fin with a black spot superiorly. Java. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Blcekcr's Collection. 48. Arius liocephalus. Arius leiotetocephalus, Blvek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi. Silur. Bat. p. 48. ? Ariodes meyenii, Miill. ^- Trosch. Hot: Ichth. iii. p. 9. Ariodes leioceplialus, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 88, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 40. tab. m. fig. 2. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 15-16. P. y^. The height of the body is contained five times and a fourtli or four times and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thiicc and a half or thrice and two-thii'ds ; head broader than high, its greatest width being contained once and two- fifths or once and one-third in its length. Head nearly smooth above, but slightly granulated in old individuals. The occipital process is ovate, Avith the lateral margins convex, Jiarrowed at its base.. The teeth on the palate are granidar, in four patches : a small patch on each side of the vomer, and an elongate and convex one along each palatine bone ; the palatine patches divergent behind. The maxil- lary barbels extend to the opercle. Dorsal fin about as high as the body ; its spine is strong, nearly smooth behind, and two-thirds or three-quarters of the length of the head. Pectorals shorter than the head, with their spine as long as that of the dorsal fin. Java, Singapore, and Celebes. n. Adult. Purchased of Mr. Frank. Ariodes me'/enii, M. & T., appears to be founded on an did ex- ample of this species. 166 SILURID.E. 49. Arius polystaphylodon. Ariu8 polystaphylodon, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi. Silur. Bat. p. 40. A-riodes polystaphylodon, Bleek. Prod?: Silur. p. 90, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 41. tab. 60. fig. 3. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 15-16. P. 1/12. The height of the body is rather less than one -fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths. Head granulated above ; the occipital process is triangular, much longer than broad, with the lateral margins convex. The teeth on the palate are obtusely conical, arranged in four patches : a small ovate patch on each side of the vomer, and an elongate patch along each palatine bone ; the palatine patches slightly divergent behind. The maxillary barbels extend to the root of the pectoral. Dorsal fin rather higher than the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, slightly serrated behind, and three-fifths of the length of the head. The pectorals are much shorter than the head, and their spine is scarcely longer than that of the dorsal fin. Java and Sumatra. a. Type of the species : very bad state. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 50. Arius goniaspis. Arius goniaspis, Bleek. Act. Soc. So. Ltd. Neerl. iii. Sumatra, vi. p. 44. Ariodes goniaspis, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 01, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 42. tab. 60. fig. 1. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 16. P. 1/11. The height of the body is contained five times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and two-fifths or thrice and three-quarters. Head granulated above ; occipital pro- cess triangiilar, with the lateral margins straight, broader than long. The teeth on the palate are granular, arranged in four groups : a small ovate patch on each side of the vomer, and a flat elongate patch along each palatine bone ; the palatine patches divergent be- hind. The maxillary barbels extend to the extremity, the outer ones of the mandible to the base, of the pectorals. Dorsal fin rather higher than the body ; its spine is of moderate strength, but slightly serrated, and three-fourths or three-fifths of the length of the head. The length of the pectorals is three-fourths or five-sixths of that of the head ; their spine is similar to that of the dorsal fin. Sumatra. a. Young. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Col- lection. b. Teeth on the palate in two groups. a. East Indian species. 51. Alius maculatus. PSilurus maculatus, Thunh. Vet. Acad. Nya Handl. 1792, xiii. n. 31. taf. 1. fiff. 2. 59. ARius. 167 ? Silurua ocellatus, Bl. Schn. p. 379. ? Pimelodus arius, Ham. Buck. pp. 170, 376. Arius arius, Ciw. ^ Val. .\v. p. 102 ; Bleek. Silur. p. 72. gagorides, BUek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi. 8ihir. Bat. p. 42. chondropterygioides, Bleek. I. c. p. 44. angulatus, Bleek. I. c. heckelii, Bleek. I. c. bonieensis, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. ii. p. 67. Pseudarius arius, Bleek. Atl. Iclith. Silur. p. 36. tab. 49. D. 1/7. A. 20-22. P. 1/10. The height of the body is contained four times and two-fifths or five times in the total length (^\^thout caudal), the length of the head thrice and two-fifths or thrice and a quarter ; head rather broader than high, its greatest width being two-thirds or three- quarters of its length. Occipital process granu- lated, subtriangular, scarcely longer than broad. The band of intermaxillary teeth is six times as long as broad ; teeth on the palate granular, in two separate semiovate patches. The maxillaiy barbels are considerably shorter than the head. Dorsal fin higher than the body ; its spine is strong, serrated along both edges, and it is contained once ' and a fifth or once and two-thirds in the length of | the head. Adipose fin rather shorter than dorsal. \\ Pectoral two-thirds or five-sixths of the length of the head, with its spine nearly as long as that of the dorsal fin. Adipose fin with a large black spot. East Indies. a. Adult. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 52. Arius pidada. Arius pidada, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Oen. xxi. Silur. Bat. p. 4."', aud Prodr. Silur. p. 74. vivipai-us, Bleek. I. c. p. 45. Pseudarius pidada, Bkek. Atl. Icldh. Silur. p. 37. tab. 50. This species is very similar to Arius maculatus, but differs in having a somewhat shorter head, the length of which is contained tlirice and two-thirds or four times in the total (without caudal). Java and Sumatra. n. Tyi^e of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 53. Alius macracanthus. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/10. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths. Head as broad as high, its greatest Avidth being two-thirds of its length ; its upper surface is granidated ; a lanceolate smooth groove divides the upper surface of the head into two halves, and docs not quite extend backwards to 1G8 SILUE1D.E. the base of the occipital process ; occipital process triangular, with the lateral margins straight, longer than broad, and with a slight keel along the middle. ^ — -^^ Each half of the intermaxillary band of teeth ^^-^""'-'-^ is twice as broad as long ; no teeth on the vomer ; the palatine teeth are granular, placed far backwards, in two convex, oblong- ovate patches convergent behind. The max- illary barbels extend to the end of the head. Dorsal fin much higher than the body ; its spine is strong and long, five-sixths of the length of the head, finely serrated along both edges. Adipose fin very short, but rather high, deep black in its upper half. Caudal deeply forked. The pectoral spine is nearly as long as the head, and extends beyond the vertical from the last ray of the dorsal fin. Siam. a. Seven and a half inches long. Purchased of Mr. Jamrach. 54. Arius gagora. Pimelodus gagora, Ham. Buch. pp. 167, 376. pi. 10. fig. 54. Arius gagora, Cuv. 6f Vol. xv. p. 99 ; Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. x.w. Bengal, p. 119. D. 1/7. A. 18-19. P. y^. Vert. 16/19. The length of the head is two-ninths of the total length (with the caudal) ; it is broader than high, its greatest width being thi-ee- quarters of its length. The occipital process is granular, longitudi- nally keeled, as broad as long. The maxillary barbels extend some- what beyond the head. The teeth on the palate are granular, and form two separate oblong-triangular patches. Dorsal fin highei' than the body ; its spine is strong, serrated along both edges, and three-quarters or two-thirds of the length of the head ; pectorals rather shorter than the head, their spine being somewhat longer than that of the dorsal fin. Adipose fin with a large blackish spot. Ganges. 55. Arius falcarius. PTachisurus chinensis, Lacep. v. p. 151. pi. 5. fig. 2. ? Pimelodus tachisurus, Ctii\ 8f Val. xv. p. 163. Arius falcarius, Richards. Voy. Sulph. Fish. p. 134. pi. 62. figs. 7- 9. Bagrus criualis, Richards. Ichth. Chin. p. 282. Pimelodus mong, Richards. Ichth. Chin. p. 286. Ai-ius schlegelii, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 146. D. 1/7. A. 18-19. P. 1/11. Vert. 18/27. The height of the body is one-fifth or a little more than one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth or two-sevenths. Head rather broader than high. The snout is much longer than the eye, the diameter of which is one-fifth or one- seventh of the length of the head, and one-third or one-fourth of the width of the interorbital space. The teeth on the palate are granular. 59. Aitius. 1^9 and form a pair of separate triangular patches, eacli of ^■'^^^^Zl^ which is longer than broad, or as long as broad, and not far ^ distant from the intermaxillary band. The maxillaiy bar- CI \ / bels extend to, or somewhat beyond, the opercle. Crown of the head granulated ; occipital process triangular, rather longer than broad, elevated into a ridge along its middle ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine is small, crescent- shaped. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, granulated in front and serrated behind ; sometimes with a long soft filament ; its length is equal to, or rather more than, that of the head without snout. The soft dorsal is higher than the body. Adipose fin shorter than the dorsal. Pectoral spine stronger and but little shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Chinese Seas. a-e. Adult and half-grown. Island of Formosa. From Consul Swinhoe's Collection. /. Fourteen inches long: stuffed. China. Presented by J. 11. Reeves, Esq. (J. Six and a half inches long : stuffed. China. Presented by J. 11. Reeves, Esq.- — Type of the species. /*. Young. Canton. From the Haslar Collection. (. Young. Amoy. From Consul Swinhoe's Collection. k. Seven and a half inches long. From the Haslar Collection. 1. Young. From the Collection of the Zoological Society. m. Adult. Old Collection. H. Adult : skeleton. Foi-mosa. From Consul Swinhoe's Collection. 56. Arius macronotacanthus. jVriiis macronotacanthus, Blcek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi. Silur. Batnv. p. JJJ, and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 32. tab. 55. Cephalocaasis niacronotacantlius, Bleek. Prodr, Silur. p. 10(5. Anus arius, Cant. Mai. Itept. p. 258. D. 1/7. A. 18. P. 1/9. The height of the body is two-ninths of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths ; head nearly as high as broad, its greatest width being contained once and two-fifths in its length. The diameter of the eye is contained five times and a half in the length of the head, and twice and a half in the width of the interorbital space. The occipital process is triangular, shorter than broad ; the basal bone of the dorsal spine small. Snout less than t'W'ice as long as the eye, not projecting beyond the cleft of the mouth. Teeth on the palate obtusely conical or granular, forming two separate elliptic patches, which are as long as the ej'e, and much divergent behind. The maxillary barbels extend to the middle, the outer ones of the mandible to the base, of the pectoral fin. Lateral line bifurcate at the base of the caudal. The soft dorsal fin is higher than the body, with the spine verj' strong, especially at the base, as long as the head, and slightly serrated along both edges. Adipose fin shorter than dorsal. The pectorals are two-thirds as long as the 1 70 SILUKIDJS. head ; their spine is strong, and shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Caudal fin with the lobes pointed, nearly one-sixth of the total length. Adipose fin with a large black spot, the other fins yellowish. Java and Sumatra ; Pinang. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. b-c. Half-grown : skins. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor's Collection. d. Young. East Indies. From the Collection of the East India Company. 57. Alius cochinchinensis. D. 1/7. A. 16. P. 1/11. The length of the head is contained thrice and two-thirds in the total (witho^^t caudal). Head slightly granulated . ^ above ; occipital process rather broader than long, \'^ y subtriangular, vfith the apex truncated, with a slight ridge along the middle, and with the lateral margins straight. The teeth on the palate are granular, form- ing two separate subovate, oblong patches, J \_^ — ^^ sHghtly convergent behind. The maxillary '' ^h, f\ barbels extend to the end of the head, and are black. ^Mi f5'« Dorsal spine rather slender, as long as the head without '^S'i fty^ snout, serrated behind, and terminating in a long soft w W filament ; adipose fin short, black. Pectoral fin much shorter than the head, with its spine rather sti'onger and shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Cochinchina. a. Seven and a half inches long : skin. Purchased. 58. Arius microcephalus. Alius microcephalus, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. ix. p. 423, and Frodr. Silur. p. 77. Pseudarius microcephalus, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 37. tab. 51. fig. 1. B.5. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/10. The height of the body is contained four times and a third to four times and three-quarters in the total length (wdthout caudal), the length of the head four times or four times and a fifth ; head granu- lated above, broader than high, its greatest width being four-fifths or five-sixths of its length ; occipital process scarcely longer than broad, subtriangular. The band of intermaxillary teeth is thrice as long as broad ; teeth on the palate rather large, molar-like, forming two separate subovate patches. The maxillary barbels extend some- what beyond the head. Dorsal fin higher than the body ; its spine is strong, scarcely shorter than the head, and serrated along both edges ; adipose fin nearly as long as dorsal. Pectoi-als scarcely shorter than the head; their spine is somewhat shorter than that of the dorsal fin. Adipose fin with a large black spot. Bandjermasin. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 59. ARius. 171 ^. American species. 59. Arius nuchalis. D. 1/7. A. 21. P. 1/10. The height of the body is one-fifth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth. Head as broad as high, its greatest width being two-thirds of its length ; its ^ ^ upper surface is granulated : the occipital process is triangular, as long as broad, with the lateral margins slightly concave ; it is elevated into an obtuse ridge running along the middle ; the longitudinal groove in the middle of the forehead is rather wide, narrow behind, and does not extend to the base of the occi- pital process. The teeth on the palate are coarsely granular, and form two subtriangular patches of moderate extent, which, sometimes, are subcontinuous with their anterior angles. The maxillary barbels extend nearly to the end of the pectoral. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, slightly serrated along both edges, five-sixths of the length of the head. Adipose fin small, shorter than the dorsal. Pectoral spine as long as, but stronger than, that of .the dorsal. Pectoral fin shorter than the head. British Guiana. a-c. Six inches long. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener, d-f. Young. Presented by Sir R. Schomburgk. 60. Arias laticeps. D. 1/7. A. 22. P. 1/10. The height of the body is contained four times and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times. Head broader than high, its greatest width being three-fourths of its length ; its upper surface is granulated : the occipital process is triangular, as long as broad, with concave lateral margins ; its median ridge is scarcely elevated ; the longitudinal groove in the middle of the forehead is narrow, tapering behind, and docs not extend backwards to the base of the occipital process. The teeth on the _ palate are granular, and form two small, ^•^■^■-^ separate patches anteriorly on the palate. The maxillary /? *^ barbels extend to the middle of the pectoral. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, scn-ated posteriorly, three-quarters of the length of the head. Adipose fin small, shorter than the dorsal. Pectoral spine shorter and stronger than that of the dorsal fin. Ventrals white. Bi-itish Guiana ; Trinidad, rt. Five and a half inclies long. British Guiana. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. h. Eight inches long. Trinidad. Presented by C. Taylor, Esq. 172 SILCRIDJC. 61. Arius luelanopus. D. 1/7. A. 21. P. 1/10. This species is closely allied to A. laticeps, but has the fin-spines shorter. The height of the body is contained five times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and a third ; head somewhat broader than high, its greatest width being three- fourths of its length ; the occiput and nape are finely granulated ; occipital process subtriangular, as long as broad, with the lateral margins somewhat concave, and with the median ridge a little ele- vated. The longitudinal groove in the middle of the crown of the head is indistinct, narrow, linear behind, scarcely extending to the base of the occipital process. The teeth on the palate are obtusely conical, and form two rather small subovate patches, apart from each other, and situated on the front part of the palate. The maxil- lary barbels do not quite extend to the middle of the pectoral fin. Dorsal spine of moderate strength, scarcely serrated anteriorly, equal in length to the distance of the gill-opening from the anterior margin of the orbit, or even somewhat shorter. Adipose fin small, the length of its base being less than that of the dorsal. Pectoral spine nearly as long and strong as that of the dorsal fin, very strongly ser- rated interio^lJ^ Porus axillaris nearly as wide as a nasal opening. The upper (inner) surface of the ventral fins deep black, the lower (outer) white. The inner surface of the pectorals blackish. Rio Motagua. a-h. From 8 to 9 inches long. From Mr. Salvin's Collection. 62. Arius arenatus. Arius arenatus, Cue. 8^ Val. xv. p. lUG. B. 6. D. 1/6. A. 20. P. 1/9. The distance between the end of the snout and that of the occipital process is contained thrice and a third in the total length (with the caudal); basal bone of the dorsal spine small. The teeth on the palate form two large ovate patches which touch each other ante- riorly. The maxillary barbel extends to the middle of the pectoral fin. Adipose fin small. ( Vol.) Cayenne. The typical specimen, 7 inches long, is in the Leyden Museum. 1. 63. Arius fissus. PPimelodus albidus, Sinx, Pise. Bras. tab. 7. fig. _. .''Pimelodus spixii, Agms. in Spix, Pise. Bras. p. 19. PArius spixii, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 76. Arius fissus, Cuv. 8f Val. xv. p. 107. D. 1/7. A. 20-21. The length of the head is one-third of the total (without caudal). The distance between the end of the snout and that of the occipital I 5!l. ARius. 173 process is one-third of the total length (with the caudal); basal bone of the dorsal spine small. The teeth on the palate form two separate siibovate patches. The maxillary barbel extends to, or nearly to, the middle of the pectoral fin. Adipose fin small. Cayenne. a-h. Presented by Professor R. Owen. These specimens having had the cavity of the mouth and of the gills extended in an extraordinary manner, I was induced to exam- ine the cause of it, when, to my great siu-prisc, I found them filled ■with about twenty eggs, rather larger than an ordinary pea, perfectly iminjured, and with the embryos in a forward state of development. The specimens are males, from 6 to 7 inches long, and in each the stomach was almost empty. Although the eggs might have been put into the mouth of the fish by their captor, this does not appear probable. On the other hand, it is a well-known fact that the American Siluroids take care of their progeny in various ways ; and I have no doubt that in this species and in its allies the males carry the eggs in their mouth, depositing them in places of safety, and removing them when they fear the approach of danger or disturbance. G4. Arius variolosus. Arius variolosus, Citv. ^- Veil. xv. p. 107. D. 1/6. A. 22-23. The distance between the end of the snout and that of the occipital process is a little less than one-third of the total length (with the caudal) ; basal bone of the dorsal spine small. The teeth on the palate form two separate patches. The soft parts of the head with numerous small round grooves. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the pectoral. Adipose fin small. (Vol.) Cayenne. 65. Arius multiradiatus. Eagrus (?) arioides, Kner, Sitzgsber. Akad. Wiss. Milnch. 1863, p. 227. D. 1/7. A. 27. The height of the body is contained five times and three-fourths in the total length (with the caudal), the length of the head four times. {Kner.) Itio Bayano (Panama). 66. Arius equestris. Arius equestris, Baiid^- Giraid, Froc. Ac. Xat. (ic. Phihid. 1855, p. 26, and Ichtk. U. S. &■ Mex. Bound, p. 32. pi. 15. D. 1/7. A. 16. P. 1/9. Maxillary barbels extending to the middle of the pectorals. The length of the head is contained four times and three-(]uarters in the 174 SILTJRID^, total (with the caudal). Adipose fin short ; the pectorals extend to the Tertical from the end of the dorsal. {B. 6f Q.) Indianola, Texas. No description of the teeth of this species has been given, so that its position in the system is quite uncertain. Appendix to ARIUS. The two following species have been described by Sir J. Richardson from specimens which were in a very bad state of preservation, and which appear to have been destroyed since they were described. If the characters assigned to them be correct, they would form the types of one or two distinct genera ; but as this is rather doubtful, we give merely an abstract of the original descriptions for the assistance of those who may rediscover them. 67. Arius (?) venaticus. Bagrus venaticus, Richards. Voy. Ereb. ^ Terr. Fish. p. 33. D. 1/9 or more. A. about 30. V. about 8. Head strongly granulated above ; apex of the occipital process, where it meets the small crescentic buckler of the dorsal fin, slightly rounded. Dorsal spine serrated anteriorly and a little undulated posteriorly ; the pectoral spine is equal in length to the dorsal one, and is strongly serrated on both sides. The teeth are villiform. The front of the vomer supports two small roundish dental plates which adhere to each other. The palatine plates are both broader and longer. Barbels six. {Richards.) North-west coast of Australia. 68. Arius (?) vertagus. Bagrus vertagus, Richards. Voy. Ereb. Sf Terr. Fish. p. 33. B.6. D. S-L-. A. 28. V.9? dor 7 The dorsal spine is equal in length to the space between its base and the orbit, and is shorter than the pectoral spine, which is strongly serrated on both sides. Head granulated above, with the occipital process crescentic at the apex. The vomerine teeth are disposed in two small separate plates, and the palatine teeth form a still smaller plate near each corner of the mouth. Barbels six. (Richards.) North-west coast of Australia. 60. GALEICHTHYS. Galeichthys, sp., Cuv. ^- Val. Galeicbthys, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Bierk. 1863, p. 90. Adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft raj's ; anal fin rather short. Head and nape entirely covered with soft skin ; barbels six, four at the man- Gl. OENIDENS. 175 dible. Teeth on the palate fixed ; the upper jaw is the longer. Eyes with a free orbital margin. Caudal fin forked ; ventral with six rays, inserted behind the vertical from the dorsal. South Africa. 1. Galeichthys feliceps. Galeichthys feliceps, Cuv. l<( Val. xv. p. 29. pi. 424. Bagrus capensis, Smith, HI. Zoo/. S. Afr. Pise. ; Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. xxi. p. 76. D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/10. The length of the head is one-fourth of the total (without caudal) ; head thick, short, broad, obtuse, its greatest width being about four- fifths of its length. The teeth on the palate form a long transverse band, slightly interrupted in the middle. Six barbels : those of the maxillaries extend to the pectorals, those of the mandibles are shorter. The upper surface of the head is covered with soft skin ; the occipital process and the basal bone of the dorsal spine become \-isible in dried specimens, and meet each other in the middle of the nape. Dorsal spine of moderate strength and length, smooth. Base of the adipose fin longer than that of the dorsal, but shorter than that of the anal. Pectoral spine strong, compressed, as long as the head without snout, obtusely serrated along its outer edge. Ventral fins much shorter than the jiectorals, not extending on to the anal. Caudal forked, the upper lobe being the longer. Cape of Good Hope. a. Seventeen inches long : stufied. From Sir A. Smith's Collection. 61. GENIDENS. Genidens, Casteln. Anim. nouv. on rares Amer. Sud, Poiss. p. 33. Adipose fin rather short ; dorsal fin short, with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin short. Barbels six. Each jaw with a band of villiform teeth ; teeth on the palate in two separate oblong patches, moveable, not adherent to the skull. Head granu- lated above. Caudal fin forked. Brazils. 1. Genidens cuvieri. Bagrus genidens, Cuv. 8f Val. xiv. p. 452. pi. 419. Genidens cuvieri, Casteln. I. c. p. 33. granulosus, Casteln. I. c. pi. 16. fig. 1 (bad). D. 1/7. A. 19. P. 1/10. The occipital process is triangular, longer than broad, with a pro- minent longitudinal ridge, joining the small crescent-shaped basal bone of the dorsul spine. Barbels of moderate length. The adipose fin is but little shorter than the dorsal. Brazil. a-h. From 7 to 8 inches long. 170 SILURID^. 62. HEMIPIMELODUS*. Hemipimelodus, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 230. Adipose fin of moderate length or short ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin moderately long. Head osseous above ; barbels six. Nostrils very close together. Palate edentulous ; teeth in the jaws vUliform. Eyes below the skin. Caudal fin forked ; ventral with six rays, inserted behind the vertical from the dorsal. East Indies. 1. Hemipimelodus bomeensis. Pimelodus borneensis, Bleek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. ii. p. 430. Hemipimelodus borneensis, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 238, and Ail. Ichth. Silur. p. 43. tab. 82. fig. 3. B. 5. D. 1/7. A. 18-20. P. ^^. The length of the head is one-fourth or two-ninths of the total length (without caudal). The eyes are small, situated between the anterior and middle thirds of the head ; their diameter is one-third of the width of the interorbital space. Head granulated above ; the occipital process is keeled, triangular, longer than broad, extending on to the short basal bone of the dorsal spine. Mouth rather small, transverse. The maxillary barbels extend to the end of the head. Dorsal fin about as high as the body ; its spine is strong, serrated behind, as long as, or shorter than, the head. Adipose fin rather longer than the dorsal, its length being more than half its distance from the dorsal. Pectoral spine strong, as long as that of the dorsal fin. Caudal fin forked, with pointed lobes. Sumatra and Borneo. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 2. Hemipimelodus macrocephalus. Bleeker, Prodr. Silur. p. 239, and All. Ichth. Silur. p. 43. tab. 82. fig. 2. B.5. D. 1/7. A. 19-20. P. 1/10. The length of the head is contained thrice and a fourth or thrice and two-fifths in the total (without caudal) ; the eyes are small, situated between the anterior and middle thirds of the head, their diameter being one-half or two-fifths of the width of the interorbital space. Head granulated above ; occipital process carinated, trian- gular, rather longer than broad, extending on to the small basal bone of the dorsal spine. The maxUlary barbels reach to the opercles. Dorsal fin rather higher than the body ; its spine is strong, serrated behind, two-thirds of the length of the head. Adipose fin scarcely longer than dorsal, its length being one-half of its (hstance from the * 1. Nalla-jellah, Russell, pi. 170.— Pimelodus (?) nella, C'.^V. xv. p. 162.— Coromandel. 2. Pimelodus manillensis, C. ^ V. xv. p. 192. — Manilla. 64. ^:i,uKioHTnYs. 177 dorsal. Pectoral spine as long as that of the dorsal tin ; caudal forked, with pointed lobes. Eorneo and Sumatra. (t. Ty])e of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. 3. Hemipimelodus peronii. Pimelodus peronii, CV;'. ^- Val. xv. p. 101. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 16. P. 1/11. Head covered with soft skin, as broad as long, a little more than one-fifth of the total length (with the caudal) ; the eye is situated in the anterior third of the length of the head, of which it is one- fifth ; intcrorbital space thrice as broad as the eye. The maxillary barbel extends scarcely beyond the end of the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines strong, obscurely serrated. Adipose fin as long as the anal, one-seventh of the total length. Caudal bilobed. ( Val.) India. 63. KETENGUS. Ketengus, Bleek. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxi. Silur. p. 9. Adipose fin short ; dorsal short, with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal of moderate length. Head osseous above ; barbels six, small ; nostrils very close together, the posterior with a valve. Palate edentulous ; each jaw with a single series of closely- set, small, incisor-like, obtusely tricuspid or subtruncated tcetli. Orbit with a circular eyelid. The gill-membranes are united, and entirely grown to the isthmus, having a free posterior margin with- out notch. Caudal fin forked ; ventrals with six rays, inserted behind the vertical from the dorsal. East Indian Archipelago. 1. Ketengus typus. Ketengus tvpus, Bleek. J'erli. Bat.Genootsch. xxi. Silur. p. 9; Natuurk. Tydsch\ Nederl. Ind. i. p. 271; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 44. tab. 82. fig.l. Pimelodus pectinidens, Cant. Mai. Fish. p. 261. B. o. D. 1/7. A. 20. P.^g. Y. 1/5. Head large, very broad, with obtuse snout ; cleft of the mouth very wide ; the upper jaw is the longer. Dorsal spine not shorter than the head. Pinang, Java, Madura, Sumatra, and Borneo. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. h. Young : skin. Pinang. From Dr. Cantor's Colle(;tion. e-d. Half-grown. From the Haslar Collection. 64. .ffiLURICHTHYS. Galeiehthvs, sp., Cuv. df Val. Ailurichthys, Baird 4- Girard, Proc. Acad. Xat. Sc. Phihd. vii. p. 26. Adipose fin short : a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and VOL. v. X 178 .SILURID.E. wdth seven soft rays ; dorsal nnd pectoral spines produced into a long, compressed and striated filament ; anal fin of moderate length. Earbels four : one at each maxillary, band-like, and two at the chin. Teeth on the palate viUiform, in a crescentic band. Jaws nearly equal in length. Caudal forked ; ventral rays six. A short sht between the gill-membranes. Eastern parts of America. a. Occipital process subtriangular, tapering behind. 1. iElurichthys longispinis. D. 1/7. A. 21. P. 1/12. Very similar to yE". marinus and gronovii. The maxillary barbels extend to, or nearly to, the root of the ventral. The teeth on the palate in a narrow band, composed of two vomerine and of the palatine portions ; very narrow interspaces between the single portions. The upper jaw is rather the longer. Pectoral spine much longer than that of the dorsal fin, and as long as the head ; both spines with the soft filaments of variable length. Back olive, sides .silvery. Mexico. a. Eighteen inches long. Old Collection. h. Fine specimen. South America. c. Half-grown. Mexico. From the Haslar Collection. 2. .ffilurichthys marinus. Siku'us bagre, Bl. taf. .365; Bl Schn. p. 377 (not L.). marinus, Mitch. Lit. 8f Phil. Trans. Keio York, i. p. 4.3.S. Galeichthys parrae, Cuv. i^ Val. xv. p. 3-3 ; Hyrtl, Denksrhr. Acad. Wish. Wien, 1859, xvi. p. 17. blochii, Cuv. 8f Val. xv. p. 44. marinus, Dekay, Neio York Faun. Fish. p. 178. pi. 37. fig. 118 (bad). bahiensis, Custeln. Anim. Atner. Sud, Poiss. p. 37. pi. 18. fig. 1 (miserable'description). Ailurichthys marinus, Girard, Ichth. U. S. 8f Mex. Bound, pi. 14, B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 22-24. P. 1/12. Vert. 20/30. The maxillary barbels extend to, or somewhat beyond, the end of the pectoral spine. Pectoral spine longer than that of the dorsal fin, three-fifths or three-quarters of the length of the head. The band of teeth on the palate is subcontinuous. Atlantic coasts of America. a, b. Adult. North America. Purchased of Mr. Warwick. c. Adult : stuffed. North America. Presented by E. Doubleday, Esq. d. Young. .3. .ffilurichthys gronovii. Pison. p. 64 ; Willugh. pi. Jlystus, Grnnor. Zoophyl. no. 383. p. 124. Marcgr. p. 174: Pi.son. p. 64; Willugh. pi. H. 7. fig. 6; Farm, pi. 31. fiff. 1. (>4. ."ELUKICIITnYS. 179 SlliU'us bag-re, L. S;/st. Nat. p. 505. CTiileichthys gronovii, Cue. ^- Vul. xv. p. 40; Kiier, Sifzf/sbi-r. Wicn. Acad. xxvi. p. 392. fig. 8 (air-bladder). eydouxii, Ouv. df Val. xv. p. 43. Bagriis macroiiemus, Raxznni, m Nov. Comm. Acad. Sc. Inst. Bonon. 1842, V. p. 334. tab. 28. Mystus carolinensis, Grotioi\ Syst. ed. Gray, p. 156. B. 6. D. 1/7. A. 29-32. P. 1/12. The maxillary barbels extend to, or beyond, the anal. Pectoral and dorsal spines of nearly equal length, shorter than the head. The teeth on the palate form a band, which is slightly interrupted in the middle and on each side of the vomer. Tropical America. ft. Half-grown. Demerara. Presented by Dr. Hancock as Pimelodus hueru, h. Half-grown. South America. Presented by Sir II. Schomburgk. c-d. Half-grown and young. West Indies. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. e-f. Half-grown : stuffed. West Indies. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. cf. Adult. Purchased of Mr. Frank. h. Half-grown. ^. A large subquadraiiprular buckler on the nape. 4. .ffilurichthys nuchalis. D. 1/7. A. 2Q. P. 1/12. The height of the body is rather less than the length of the head, which is two-ninths of the total (without caudal); the greatest width of the head is three-fourths of its length ; snout longer than the eye, the diameter of which is rather less than one-fourth of the length of the head. The vomerine band of teeth is separated in the middle by a short interspace, each half being as broad and long as the palatine band Avith which it is subcontinuous. The maxillary barbels extend to the root of the ventral, those of the mandible nearly to the pectoral. The dorsal buckler is as broad behind as in front, with rounded lateral margins, each half being bent downwards on the side. Dorsal fin narrow and elevated, the first ray being considerably longer than the spine, which is as long as the head without snout ; pectoral spine equal to the dorsal spine. The origin of the anal fin is much nearer to the base of the caudal than to that of the pectoral. The first pectoral ray is produced into a long filament reaching beyond the origin of the anal. Ventrals extending beyond the vent, their length being three-fifths of that of the head. Iridescent blue above, silvery below. Pacific coast of Panama. a. Fine specimen, 11 inches long. From the Collection of Messrs. Godman and Salvin. This species is perhaps closolj' allied to yEh'rl,Jifh>/s pa)wmeiu'!i.i. ■ n2 180 sii.uKiD.?:. Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Piiilad. 1863, p. 172, but that author de- scribes his species as having the head longer, the ventral fins shorter, and the anal placed more forwards. Besides, the shape of the dorsal buckler in our species is so difierent from that of the other ^lurich- thyes, that probably he would have made it the type of one of his new generic names, if he had had the same species, or one closely allied to it. 65. PARADIPLOMYSTAX. Paradiplomystes, Bkek. Nederl. Tijdschr. Dierk. 186.3, p. 92. Adipose fin short ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal rather short. Barbels two : one to each maxillary, of moderate length, band-like. Bands of small teeth in the jaws and on the palate. Caudal forked. Brazil. 1. Paradiplomystax coruscans. Pimelodes coruscans, Licht., Wiedem. Zool. May. i. pars 3. p. 58. B. 7. D. 1/7. A. 13. P. 1/8. Nuchal shield keeled. The maxillary barbels extend nearly to the middle of the body. The upper jaw is a little longer than the lower. Cleft of the mouth wide ; eye immediately above the angle of the mouth. (Licht.) Brazil. I have not seen this species, which, to judge from the description, must be closely allied to j^lurichthijs. 66. DIPLOMYSTAX. Diplomyste, sp., Dmneril, Ichth. Anahjt. p. 487. Diplomystes, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 92. Adipose fin rather elongate ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine and with seven soft rays ; anal fin rather short. Barbels two, short, fieshy, belonging to the maxillaries. Lips fleshy, covered with papillae, the upper prominent. Bands of viHiform teeth in the inter- maxillary, maxillary, and in the lower jaw; two groups of small obtuse teeth on the vomer. Caudal forked ; ventral fins with six rays, inserted below the end of the dorsal. Gill-openings wide, sub- continuous. Chile. 1. Diplomystax papillosus. Arius papillosus, Cuv. iis. 70. KUCLYPIOSXEHNUM. 183 Ninth Group. BAGARINA. Proteropterous Siluroids with the anterior and posterior nostrils placed close together, and with a barbel between them. East Indies. 69. BAGARIUS. Bagurius, Bleck. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxv. JSeiiff. ^- Hind. p. 121. Adipose fin rather short; a short dorsal wth one spine and six rays; anal fin of moderate length. Barbels eight. The upper jaw is the longer; teeth in the jaws cardiform, unequal in size; palate edentulous. Head naked above. Caudal fin deeply forked ; ventral rays six. Thorax without longitudinal plaits of the skin. East Indies. 1. Bagarius' yarrellii. Pimelodus bagarius, Ham. Buck. pp. 180, .">78. pi. 7. fig. 62 ; Citi\ ^- / «/. XV. p. 146. pi. 433 ; BIcek. J'crh. Bat. Gen. xxi. Silur. Bat. p. 10. Bagrus yarrellii, Si/k£S, Trans. Zool. Soc. ii. p. 370. tab. 65. fig. 1. Bagarius buchanani, Bleck. Verh. Bat. Gen. xxv. Beng.8f Hind. p. 121; Prodr. Silur. p. 212; and Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. 61. tab. 81. B. 12. D. 1/6. A. 15. P. 1/12. Head depressed, with the snout produced and with the upper jaw projecting; eyes small. The band of teeth in the upper jaw nar- rowest in the middle. The maxillary barbel broad at the base, scarcely extending beyond the end of the head ; dorsal and pectoral spines and the caudal lobes produced into long filaments. Body mth broad irregular brown cross-bands. Dekkan ; Madras ; Ganges ; Java. n-k. Adult (5| feet long), half-grown, and young : stuffed. Gauges. /. Young. Madras Presidency. Presented by Captain J. Mitchell. 70. EUCLYPTOSTERNUM. Aclj-ptostenion, Bkek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 18(53, p. 103. An adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a pun- gent spine and with six soft raj'S ; anal fin short. Barbels eight. Teeth on the palate villiform, in two separate patches. The upper jaw is the longer. Eyes smaU, below the skin. Caudal forked ; ventral rays six. Pectorals horizontal, with a thoracic adhesive ap- jiaratus between, which is formed by longitudinal plaits of the skin. Syria. The adhesive apparatus of the thorax has been denied by Bleaker ; it is very distinct in our s])ecimen, which is the tj-pe ; therefore we have been compelled slightly to alter tbe name proposed by Bli.'cker, as it convevs an erroneous idea of the character of the fish. 184 SILVlUDiE. 1. Euclyptostemum coum. Rtissell, Nat. Hist. Alepp. p. 76. pl..l3. fig. 2 ; Granov. Zoophyl. p. 126. no. 387. pi. 8 a. fig. 7. Silurus cous, L. Si/st. Nat i. p. 504 ; £1. Schn. p. 387. Pimelodiis cous, Cuv. ^ Val. xv. p. 140. D. 1/6. A. 11. V.6. Head rather broad, depressed, with the snout elongate, and with the upper jaw projecting beyond the lower. Eye very small, situated behind the middle of the length of the head, directed upwards. The upper siu'face of the head covered with smooth skin. Nostrils rounded, close together, with a barbel between, which is one-third of the length of the head; maxiUary barbels broad at the base. shorter than the head ; a small elliptic patch of teeth on each side of the palate, shorter than the space between the two patches. Dorsal spine stout, not serrated, not quite half as long as the head. Pec- toral spine very strong, with recurved spines along its inner edge, more than half as long as the head. Adipose fin longer than the dorsal. River Coic. a. Ten inches long. Collection. One of the tj^pical specimens from Russell's A skeleton in Hyrtl's Collection, named Art us cons, has 16 abdo- minal and 22 caudal vertebrae (Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, xvi. 1859, p. 17). I 71. OLYPTOiSTERNL'M. 185 71. GLYPTOSTERNUM*. Glyptostemon, sp., M'Clell. C'alc. Journ. Nat. Hist. ii. p. 584. Glyptostemum et Glyptotliorax, Bhjth, Journ. As. Sue. Beng. xxix. p. 154. Adipose fin rather short ; a short dorsal with one spine and with six rays ; anal fin rather shoi't. Barbels eight, those of the maxil- laries very broad at their base. Mouth inferior; teeth villiform, palate edentulous. Head depressed, covered with soft skin above ; eyes small, superior. Gill-opening wide ; giU-membranes separated by an isthmus. Caudal fin forked; pectorals horizontal, with a thoracic adhesive appai;atus between, which is formed by longitu- dinal plaits of the skin, and rather indistinct in old individuals ; ven- trals with six rays. East Indies. Small Siluroids inhabiting mountain-streams. a. Ventral and pectoral rays not plaited below. 1. Glyptostermim trilineatum. ? Glyptotliorax trilineatus, Blyth, Journ. As. Soc. Bcng. 18G1, xxix. p. 154. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/10. v. 6. Head a little longer than broad, its length being contained four times and two-thirds in the total (without caudal). Eyes behind the middle of the length of the head ; occipital process thrice as long as broad. Lips not fringed; the maxillary barbels extend to the end of the head. The free portion of the tail is nearly thrice as long as high. Dorsal spine rather slender, the length of its bony portion being one-half, or less than one-half, of that of the head. Adipose fin longer than dorsal, its length being less than one-half of its dis- * 1. Pimelodus tclcliitta, Ham. Buck. pp. 18.5. 378.— The unpuhlishetl draw- ing shows 11 anal rays, and all the barbels shorter tlian the head. 186 SILUEID^. tance from the dorsal. Pectoral spine broad, strongly toothed ; pec- toral fin terminating at a considerable distance from the ventral. Caudal deeply forked. Greyish brown, a light streak along the ver- tebral line and along each lateral lino. Nepal. (Tenasserim ?) a, h-e. Adult (12 inches long). Nepal. Presented by B. H. Hodg- son, Esq. 2. Glyptosternum gracile. ^ D. 1/6. A. 14. P. 1/10. V. 6. Head rather longer than broad, its length being two-ninths of the total (Avithout caudal). Eyes behind the middle of the length of the head ; occipital process narrow, slender, nearly four times as broad as long. Lips not fringed ; the maxillarj^ barbels extend nearly to the middle of the pectoral. The free portion of the tail is twice as long as high. Dorsal fin pointed, much higher than the body ; dor- sal and pectoral spines not enveloped in skin ; the former is rather strong, serrated behind, four-fifths of the length of the head. Adi- pose fin longer than dorsal, its length being more than one-half of its distance from the dorsal. Caudal fin deeply forked, with the lobes pointed, the lower being the longer, two-ninths of the total length. Anal fin somewhat pointed. The pectoi'al fin extends nearly to the root of the ventral ; its spine is exceedingly broad, and armed with about ten reciu'ved osseous spines. Brownish ; fins light-coloured. Nepal. a. Five inches long. Presented by B. H. Hodgson, Esq. 272. 3. Glyptosternum platypogonoides. Pimelodus platypogonides, Blvek. Nat. Tydschr. Nederl. Ind. ix. p. : Glyptosternon plat>^ogonides, Meek. Prodr. Si/ui: p. 219. Glj'ptothorax platypogonides, Bleek. Atl. Ichth. Silur. p. G3. tab. 8."?. fig. 3. B. 8-9. D. 1/6. A. 12-13. P. 1/9. V. 6. The length of the head is contained four times and a fourth or four times and a third in the total (without caudal) ; its width is once and a fourth or once and a fifth in its length. Eyes in the middle of the length of the head ; occipital process thrice as long as broad. Lips not fringed ; the maxillary barbels extend to the base of the pectorals. The free portion of the tail is more than twice as long as high. Dorsal spine three-fourths of the length of the head, generally slightly serrated behind. Adipose fin longer than dorsal, its length being more than one-half of its distance from the dorsal. Pectoral spine broad, provided with large spinous teeth interiorly ; caudal fin deeply forked. Greenish violet, with blue dots ; lateral line yellow ; dorsal and anal fins with a broad band along the base and along their oiiter portion ; adipose fin and caudal dotted with brown. Sumatra. a. Type of the species. From Dr. P. v. Blecker's Collection. I 71. (JLYPTOSTKKNUM. 187 4. Glyptosternum lonah. JUgrus lonah, Si/kes, in Trans. Zool. Soc. ii. p. 371. D. 1/G. A. 12. P. 1/9. V. 6. Head as long as broad, covered with thin skin above, two-ninths of the total length (without caudal). Eyes somewhat behind the middle of the length of the head ; occipital process four times as long as broad. Lips not fringed ; the maxillary barbels extend to the end of the head. The free portion of the tail is twice as long as high. Dorsal fin higher than the body, with the spine rather slender, I'nveloped in skin, and not quite half as long as the head. Adipose tin longer than the dorsal, and half as long as its distance from the dorsal. Caudal hn forked. The pectoral hn terminates at a consi- derable distance from the ventral ; pectoral spine moderately broad, with a line outer and with a strong inner serrature. Dekkan. a. Type of the species, (i inches long. From the Collection of Colonel Sj'kes. 5. Glyptosternum dekkanense. D. 1/G. A. 11. P. 1/9. V. 6. Head rather longer than broad, its length being two-ninths of tlie total (without caudal). Eyes somewhat behind the middle of the length of the head ; occipital process four times as long as broad. Lips not fringed ; the maxillary barbels extend to the end of the head. The free portion of the tail is two-thirds as high as long. Dorsal fin as high as the body, ^vith the spine rather slender, enve- loped in skin, and half as long as the head. Adipose fin longer than dorsal, and half as long as its distance from the dorsal. Caudal fin forked, its length being contained five times and a half in the total. The pectoral fin terminates at a considerable distance from the ven- tral ; its spine is very broad, and strongly serrated interiorly. Dekkan. «. Three and a half inches long. From the Collection of Colonel Sykes. G. Glyptosternum platypogon. Pinu'lodiis platypogon, (A', t^ v. II. ) Cur. 4- T'ltl. xv. p. 1.52 ; J'a/cnc. in JdciiKon. Vnj/. Ind. Poiss. pi. 18. fig. 3 ; Blcrk. Nat. Ti/dschr. Xc- (hrl. 1)1(1. iii. p. .591. cyanochlorus, Blvck. Vcrh. Bat. (Ivn. xxi. Silnr. p. 11. fTlyptosternon plat_\'pogon, Bleek. Prodr. Silur. p. 217. Cilyptothorax platypogon, Bleek. Atl. Ickth. Siliir. p. 03. tab. 8.S. fig. 2. B. 8-9. D. 1/6. A. 11-12. P. ^. V. 6. The length of the head is contained thrice and two-fifths or four times and a third in the total (without caudal) ; eyes in the middli- of the length of the head ; occi])ital process about twice as long as broad ; lips not fringed ; the maxiUary barbel extends to the base of the pectoral : the free portion of the tail is scarcely linger tlian high. 188 SIT.URIDJi. Dorsal spine two-thirds or tliree-fourths of the length of the liead, generally slightly denticulated behind. Adipose fin longer than dor- sal, its length being more than one-half of its distance from the dorsal. Pectoral spine broad, provided with large spinous teeth in- teriorly ; caudal fin deeply emarginate. Brownish above. Java and Sumatra. a. One of the typical specimens. From Dr. P. v. Bleeker's Collection. b. Java. Purchased of Mr. Frank. fi. The outer ventral and pectoral rays transversely plaited below. 7. Glyptosternum striatum, M^Ckll. Calc. Jotirn. Nat. Hist. ii. p. 587. tab. 6 (upper figs.). D. 1/6. A. 11. P. 1/11. V. 6. Head nearly as broad as long, its length being one-fifth of the total (without caudal). Eyes in the middle of the length of the head ; occipital process thrice as long as broad. Lips not fringed ; the maxillary barbels extend beyond the root of the pectorals. The free portion of the tail is twice as long as high. Dorsal fin higher than the body, obtusely pointed above ; its spine is slender, enveloped in skin, half as long as the head. Adipose fin much longer than dorsal, its length being two-thirds of its distance from the dorsal. Caudal fin deeply forked, with the lobes pointed, the lower lobe being the longer, one-fifth of the total length. The outer rays of the pectoral and ventral fins are very broad, cartilaginous, provided with numerous obliquely transverse folds underneath, of a similar structure to those on the thorax. The pectorals terminate at some distance from the ventrals. Uniform brownish. Assam ; Khasya. a. Three and a half inches long. Khasya. From the Collection of the East India Company. — One of the typical specimens from Mr. Griffith's Collection. b. Three and a half inches long. Assam. From the Collection of the East India Company. M'CleUand, in describing his Glyptosternon retkulatus from Afghan- istan (Calc. Journ. Nat. Hist. ii. p. 584), appears to have had a species very similar to Gl. striatum. 8. Glyptosternum pectinopterum. M'Clell. Calc. Journ. Nat. Hist. ii. p. 587. A. 7. P. 9. The dorsal spine with a row of sharp points along its anterior margin ; the outer pectoral and ventral rays broad, trans- versely plaited below. (M'Cl.) Simla. i HARA. \^() The two following genera are very insufficiently known, and tlieie- fore their position in the system is extremely doubtful. HARA, Ilara, Bli/tfi, Joierii. As. Soc. Beng. xxix. p. 152. Adipose fin of moderate length ; a short dorsal fin with a pungent spine ; anal fin short, with less than 20 rays. Barbels eight, those of the maxillaries being dHated in their basal half. Teeth on the palate villiform, in a band. Eyes small, without free orbital mar- gin, below the skin. Caudal fin forked ; ventrals with six rays. East Indian continent. 1. Hara aspera. Pimelodus asperus, J/' CleU. Culc. Journ. Nat. Hist, iv p 404 tab '>4 fig. 2. D. 1/6. A. 8 (?). P. 1/6. Habit stout. Head osseous above, the occipital region with three parallel bony processes. Maxillary barbels rather longer than the head. Cleft of the mouth below the snout. Dorsal and pectoral spmes very strong, strongly serrated. Caudal forked. Eody and fins transversely variegated with brown and white ; barbels annulated (if'CT.) Chusan. 2. Hara buchanani. Pimelodus hara, Ham. Buch. pp. 190, 378. Hai-a buchanani, Blyth, I. c. D. 1/6. A. 10. P. 1/7. Habit rather stout. Head osseous above, the occipital region with three parallel bony processes. Maxillaiy barbels longer than the head. Cleft of the mouth below the snout ; eyes directed upwards. Dorsal and pectoral spines of moderate strength, serrated ; caudal . forked. Bro\vn, marbled with black; nasal and maxillaiy barbels annulated with black. (//. B.) River Kosi. Three inches long. Hara Jilamentosa (Blyth, 1. c), from Tenasserim, is said to be " very like H. buchanani, but having a long filament continued from the upper segment of the caudal fin." 3. Hara conta. Pimelodus conta, Hatn. Buch. pp. 191, 379. D. 1/4. A. 10. P. 1/7. Habit slender. Head osseous above, the occipital region with three parallel bony processes. Barbels shorter than the head. Cleft of the mouth below the snout ; eyes directed upwards. Dorsal and pectoral spines strong, serrated along both edges. The upper caudal lobe prolonged. Brown : fins spotted ; maxillary barbels annulated with black. {H. B.) River Maliananda. Five inches long. 1 90 yiLTJRiD.^c. AMBLYCEPS*. Amblyceps, Bhjth, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. xxvii. p. 281. Adipose fin shoi-t and low ; a short dorsal fin with a concealed pungent spine and with six soft rays ; anal fin short. Barbels eight. Teeth villiform ; palate edentulous. Head covered with soft skin above ; eyes very small. Lateral line none ? Caudal forked ; no thoracic adhesive apparatus ; ventrals with six rays, inserted behind the end of the dorsal fin. Small Siluroids from the East Indian continent. 1. Amblyceps csecutiens. Blyth, Journ. As. Soc. Ben;/, xxvii. p. 282. D. 1/6. A.6(?). P.^^. Barbels large, those of the maxillaries reaching to the tip of the pectoral fin, and the exterior lower one nearly as long. (Blyth.) . Three inches long. Moulmein. 2. Amblyceps tenuispinis. Blyth, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. xxix. p. 153. D. 1/6. A. 9. Dorsal and pectoral spines short and slender ; barbels thin ; «yes minute ; adipose fin indistinct and pointed posteriorly ; lateral line none. Olive-brown. (Blyth.) Two inches long. Ohazipiu'. 3. Amblyceps mangois. Pimelodiis mangois, Ham. Buck. pp. 199, 379. D. 1/6. A. 8. P. 1/7. The lower jaw is rather prominent ; barbels weU developed, not dilated, those of the maxillaries extending beyond the extremity of the pectorals, the outer ones of the mandible beyond its root. Lateral line none. Tail behind nearly as high as the body ; adipose fin much shorter than the dorsal ; caudal deeply forked, its iipper lobe being the longer, two-sevenths of the total length. Uniform brown. Northern Behar. * 1. Pimelodus anisurus, M'CleJl. Calc. Journ. Nat. Hist. ii. p. 583. — Loodi- anah and Cabul River. 2. indicus, M^Clell. I. c. p. o84. — Loodianah. 72. AGEXIOSCS. I'Jl Fifth Subfamily. SILURID^ STENOBRANCHI^. The rayed dorsal fin is short, if present, belonging to the abdo- minal portion of the vertebral column, the ventrals being inserted behind it (except in JiJiiiwt/hniis). The g^-membranes are con- fluent with the skin of the isthmus. Tenth Group. DORADINA. The anterior and posterior nostrils are remote from each other. Rayed dorsal fin present. South Aineiica and Africa. 72. AGENIOSUS*. Ageneiosiis, Lucep. v. p. 132 ; Cuv. iSj- Val. xv. p. 231. Ceratorliynchus, Agass. Oss. Foss. Ageneiosus et Pseudageueiosus, JBleek. Xederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 108. Adipose fin very short ; dorsal short, with seven rays, the first of which is more or less spinous ; anal long. Teeth villiform, in bands ; palate edentulous. The upper jaw is the longer. Barbels two, at the maxiUaries. Eyes behiud the angle of the mouth, of moderate size, covered by the skin of the head. Gill-opening of moderate width. Ventrals with seven rays, inserted behind the dorsal. South America. 1 . Ageniosus militaris. Silurus militaris, BL taf. 362; BI. Schn. p. 375 (not L.). Ageneiosus militavis, Vnlenc. in (TOrb. Voy. Amcr. Slid, Poiss. pi. 4. fig. 1; Ciiv. iS- J'(d. XV. p. 232; Ktter, Sifzysber. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 437. B. 11. D. 1/6. A. 36. P. 1/13. V. 7. Vert. 15/30. The length of the head is a little less than one-fourth of the total (without caudal) ; head covered with thin skin above ; snout much depressed, spatulate, with the upper jaw longest. The maxiUaries do not terminate in a soft barbel, but they are modified into an erectile, bony, spiny weapon which can be received into a groove, and reaches somewhat behind the angle of the mouth. Pectoral spine half as long as the head, slender, slightly serrated behind ; the dorsal spine is hmger and stronger than that of the pectoral, and serrated along both edges. Caudal forked, llose-coloured, marbled with blackish. Rio de la Plata ; Cujaba. * 1. Hypotlialmus daralla, Scfiomh. Fish. Brif. Giiion. p. 191. pi. 0 (very bad). 1 92 SILURID^E. 2. Ageniosus sebse. Seba, iii. 29. 8. Ageneiosus iuermis, Cm: ^- Val. xv. p. 240. pi. 440 (not Silurus inermis, lil.). B. 11. D. 1/6. A. 38. P. 1/15. V. 7. The length of the head is contained thrice and a third in the total (with the caudal). Barbels very thin, extending on to the eye. Dorsal and pectoral spines very slender, not serrated, rather stiff. The pectoral fin terminates at some distance from the ventral*. (Val) Surinam. 3. Ageniosus brevifilis. Ctiv. ^ Val XV. p. 242; Knei; Sitzgsber. Wim. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 438. B. 11. D. 1/6. A. 34-36. P. 1/14. V. 7. The length of the head is contained thrice and a third (young) or thrice and two-thirds (adult) in the total (without caudal) ; head covered with soft skin above. Two barbels, belonging to the max- illary, not fringed, hidden in a groove. Dorsal spine very slender, pectoral spine flexible. Caudal fin obliquely truncated. The pectoral extends to the ventral, the ventral to the anal. Fins with brown spots ; in young specimens the body also is brown-spotted. Cayenne ; Brazil. a, b-c. Adult, half-grown, and young. River Capin, Para. Pur- chased of Mr. Stevens. d. Adult. 4. Ageniosus dentatus. ? Silurus inermis, Block, t. 366. ? Ageneiosus inermis, Lacep. v. pp. 132, 134. Ageneiosus dentatus, Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 441. D. 1/6. A. 40. P. 1/13. V. 7. The length of the head is one-fourth of the total (without caudal); occipital process naked. Two very short barbels, not fringed. Dorsal spine very slender, crenulated in front ; pectoral spine flexible. Caudal fin deeply forked. The pectoral does not extend on to the ventral ; the latter reaches beyond the origin of the anal. Brownish above, whitish on the sides and belly. Surinam; Brazil. a, b. Adult and half-grown. Para. 73. TETRANEMATICHTHYS. Tetranematichthys, Bleek. Nederl Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 108. Adipose fin very short ; dorsal short, with a pungent spine and six soft rays ; anal long. Teeth villiforni, in bands ; palate edentulous. * The adipose fin (accordino; to the figure) is situated above the anterior half of tlie anal fin. 74. KUANEMUS. 19^ Barbels four, very small : two at the mandible. Eyes behind the angle of the mouth, of moderate size, covered by the skin of the head. \'entrals with seven rays, inserted behind the dorsal. Brazil. 1. Tetranematichthys quadrifilis. Ageneiosus quadrifilis, Kner, Sitzqsber, Wien. Acad, 1858, xxvi. p. 442. fig. 29. D. 1/6. A. 41. P. 1/10. V. 7. The length of the head is one-fom'th of the total (with the caudal); head granulated above. The upper jaw is scarcely longer than the lower ; maxillaiy barbels very thin, shorter than those of the man- dible, which are below the angle of the mouth and extend on to the eye. Dorsal spine feeble, not serrated, longer than that of the pec- toral fin, which is slightly serrated along both edges. The pectorals extend to the root of the ventrals, the ventrals beyond the origin of the anal. {Kner.) Rio Guapore. 74. EUANEMUS. Euanemus, MiiU. S)- Trosch. Hor. Ichih. iii. p. 11. Adipose fin veiy short ; dorsal short, Mnth a jiungent spine and with six soft rays ; anal long. Barbels six, cylindrical : one to each maxillary, the four others in a transverse series immediately behind the symphysis of the mandible. Teeth villiform in the jaws, palate edentulous. Eyes behind, and partly below the level of, the angle of the mouth. The gill-opening does not extend downwards beyond the root of the pectoral, the gill-membranes being united with the isthmus. Bones of the head hidden below the skin. Ventrals with fourteen rays, inserted behind the dorsal. Brazil and Surinam. 1 . Euanemus nuchalis. Hypophthalmus nuchalis, Spix, Pise Bras. p. 17. tab. 17. Auchenipterus nuchalis, Citv. 4" Vol. xv. p. 208; Kner, Sitzqsber. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 423. dentatus, Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 210. Euanemus colymbetes, Midi. <^- TroscJi. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 11. taf. 1. fig. 2. B. 7. D. 1/6. A. 42-45. P. 1/11. V. 14. Head small, one-fifth, or rather less than one-fifth, of the total length (without caudal), covered vnih. soft skin ; groove between the frontal bones very long, extending nearly to the occipital ; hu- meral process short, hidden below the skin. Dorsal spine feeble, slightly serrated behind. Caudal fin with a modei'ately deep incision. The end of the upper caudal lobe black. Brazil and Surinam. (1. Half-grown. River Capin. Para. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. VOL. V. o 194 STLURID.E. 75. AUCHENIPTERUS*. Aucheniptenis, Cuv. ^- Vul. xv. p. 207. Pseiidauchenipterus, Trachycorystes, Parauchenipterus, Aucheiii- ptericlithys, Bkek. Nedert. Tydschr. Dierh. 1863, p. 88. Adipose fin very short ; dorsal fin short, with a pungent spine and with five or six soft rays ; anal fin long. Barbels six, cylindrical, those of the mandible being inserted at some distance from the sym- physis, there being an anterior and a posterior pair. Teeth villiform in bands, or sometimes rudimentary and deciduous ; palate eden- tulous. Eyes above the level of the angle of the mouth. The gill- opening does not extend downwards beyond the root of the pectoral . Ventrals with from six to ten rays, inserted behind the dorsal. Tropical America. 1. Auchenipterus nodosus. Silurus uodosus, Bl. taf. 3C8. fig. 1; Bl. Schn. p. 383. Arius nodosus, Cuv. 8,- Val. xv. p. 70. Auchenipterus furcatus, Cuv. S,- Val. xv. p. 211. nodosus, Midi. Sj- Trosch. Hor. IcJith. iii. p. 11; Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 424. B. 6. D. ^ A. 20-23. P. 1/7. V. 8. Vert. 8/29. The bones of the head and neck cellular, those above the eye swollen and rather prominent. The groove between the frontal bones is open in front. The humeral process does not extend back- wards to the middle of the pectoral spine. Dorsal and pectoral spines very long, much longer than the head, not serrated along their outer margin ; the former Avith a large swelling at its base. Caudal fin deeply forked. Guiana. a-c. Fine specimens. British Guiana. Purchased of Mr. Leadbeater. d, e-f. Half-grown. Dutch Guiana. g. Adult. French Guiana. h, i-k, I. Adult, half-grown, and young. Demerara. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. m-o. Adult : stuffed. Demerara. Piu'chased of Mr. Scrivener. p. Adult: skeleton. British Guiana. Purchased of Mr. Leadbeater. Dr. V. Blocker gives a generic name to this species {Pseudaucheni- ptenis), adding " cirri inframaxillares omnes rictui appi'oximati ; " I find an anterior and a posterior pair of barbels, as in its congeners. 9'' 2. Auchenipterus thoracicus. Auchenipterus tlioracatus, Kner, Sitzqsber. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 425. fig. 22. D. 1/5. A. 26-27. P. 1/8. V. 9. The bones of the head and neck are finely granulated ; nuchal plates tectiform ; an oblong granulated plate on each side of the belly * I. Arius onrina, Schomh.FisJi.B>yy.G?/i(!».i.p.nP<.Y>\.-i. — British Guiana. 7a. AUCHENIPTERUS. 195 below the i^ectoral tin ; a groove between the frontals, open in front. Lower jaw scarcely shorter than the upper; the maxillary barbels extend beyond the gill-opening. The humeral process reaches back- wards to the posterior third of the pectoral spine. Dorsal spine slightly serrated in front, as long as the head. Caudal obliquely truncated. Small Ught spots along the lateral line. (Kner.) Rio Guapore. 3. Auchenipterus trachycorystes. Cuv. ^- Val. XV. p. 215. pi. 437 (from a stuffed example). D. 1/6. A. 20. P. 1/6. V. 9 or 10. The bones of the head and neck finely granulated ; a round groove between the frontals, suiTounded by bone. Lower jaw rather longer than the upper ; maxillary barbels not longer than the head. Pec- toral spine very strong, serrated along both edges, one-seventh of the total length, not extending beyond the extremity of the pectoral process ; dorsal spine nearly as long as that of the pectoral, crenu- lated in front. Caudal truncated. ( Val.) Brazil. 4. Auchenipterus obscurus. D. 1/5. A. 19-20. P. ^g. V. 9. The bones of the head and neck are rather coarsely granulated ; a small round groove between the frontals, smTonndcd by bone. Lower jaw rather longer than the upper ; the maxillary and the hinder mandibulary barbels extend to, or somewhat beyond, the extremity of the humeral process ; the anterior mandibulary barbels are twice or thrice as long as the eye. The humeral process extends back- wards beyond the middle of the pectoral spine. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated, the former along its anterior edge, the latter along both edges ; the dorsal spine is considerably shorter than that of the pectoral fin, the latter being as long as the head, and one-fourth of the total length (^^■ithout caudal). Caudal fin slightly emarginate, the ujjper lobe being scarcely longer than the lower. Lateral line irregularly undulated. Uniform brownish 1)lack. Essequibo. it-h. Eight and a half inches long. I'urchased of Mr. Ehrhardt. 5. Auchenipterus longimanus. D. 1 5. A. 22. P. 1 i;. Y. lU. The l)ones of the head and neck finely granular ; groove between the frontals open in front. Jaws equal anteriorly ; the maxillary barbels extend to the middle of the humeral process, the anterior chin-barbels shorter than the eye. The humoral process extends backwards beyond the middle of the pectoral spine. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated along both edges, the former as long as the hciid. but niufli slioi-ter tlian the ])ect(iral spine, which is sh'ongly 196 SILtJRID-E. compressed, and two-sevenths of the total length (without caudal) ; ventral and anal fins with fleshy base. Caudal slightly emarginate, the upper lobe being rather longer and less obtuse than the lower. A double series of pores along the lateral line, each pore being in the centre of a small round whitish spot. Body deep brown. Para. fl-c. Fine specimens (7 inches long). Iliver Capin. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 6. Auchenipterus ceratophysus. Kner, Sitzysber. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 427. fig. 23. D. 1/5. A. 20. V. 6. The bones of the head and neck finely granular, equally convex ; the lower jaw is the longer ; the maxiUary barbel extends somewhat beyond the root of the pectoral ; humeral process pointing obliquely upwards. Dorsal spine rather short, serrated in front. Anal fin with fleshy base ; caudal obliquely truncated. Head and fins with brown spots. {Kner.) Matogrosso. 7. Auchenipterus maculosus. Auchenipterus maculosus, Cuv. ^ Vol. xv. p. 216. immaculatus, Cuv. 8^ Tal. xv. p. 218. D. 1/6. A. 24. P. 1/7. V. 6. The bones of the head and neck granular ; no groove between the frontals, only a smaU round hole surrounded by bone. The lower jaw is the longer ; the anterior mandibulary barbels are nearly half as long as the head ; the humeral process extends backwards beyond the middle of the pectoral spine. Dorsal spine slightly crenulated in front, shorter than that of the pectoral ; the latter is serrated along both edges, rather shorter than the head, and two-ninths of the total length (without caudal). Caudal fin obliquely truncated. Brown, spotted with dark brown ; sometimes uniformly coloured. Guiana ; northern Brazil. a. Adult. Surinam. Purchased of Mr. Frank. h. Large specimen. Essequibo. From Mr. Ehrhardt's Collection. 8. Auchenipterus galeatns. Seha, iii. 29. 7. Sihirus galeatus, L. Syst. Nat. i. p. 503. ? Silunis galeatus, Block, taf. 369. fig. 1 ; Bl. Schn. p. 384. Auchenipterus punctatus, Cuv. 4" Vfil- xv. p. 219; Kner, Sitzgsher. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 425. D. 1/6. A. 24-25. P. 1/7. V. 6. The bones of the head and neck minutely granular ; a groove be- tween the frontals, open or only slightly closed in front ; jaws sub- equal in length anteriorly ; the anterior mandibulary barbels half I 70. CENTROMOCHLUH. 197 as long as the head ; the humeral process extends backwards to the posterior third of the pectoral spine. Dorsal spine smooth in front, shorter than that of the pectoral fin ; the latter is strongly serrated along both edges, shorter than the head, and two-ninths or one-fifth of the total length (without caudal). Caudal fin obliquelj- truncated. Brown, with dark-brown spots. Guiana ; Brazil. «. Half-grown. British Guiana. Purchased of Mr. Leadbeater. b. Adult. Guiana. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. 9. Auchenipterus robustus. D. 1/6. A. 2S. P. 1/7. V. 6. The bones of the head and neck are coarsely granulated ; groove between the frontals short, ovate, surrounded by bone. The lower jaw is the longer ; the maxillarj' barbels extend to the end of the pectoral ; the anterior chin-barbels not quite half as long as the head. The humeral process extends backwards to the posterior third of the pectoral spine. Dorsal spine much more feeble and shorter than that of the pectoral fin, slightly crenulated in front ; pectoral spine strongly serrated along both edges, as long as the head, and one-fifth of the total length (\vithout caudal) ; ventral and anal fins with fleshy base ; caudal obliquely truncated. No granulated plate on the .side of the belly. Uniform dark brown. Demerara. fl. Nine inches long. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. 7(3. CENTROMOCHLUS. Centromochlus, Kner, Sitzij^ber. Wien. Acad. 1858, xxvi. p. 4'iO. Adipose fin very short ; dorsal fin short,, with a pungent spine and with four or five soft rays ; anal fin very short. Barbels six, cylin- drical, those at the mandible short, and disposed as an anterior and as a posterior pair. Teeth villiforra, none on the palate. The gill- opening does not extend downwards beyond the root of the pectoral. Ventrals with six raj-s, inserted behind the doreal. South America. Small Siluroids. 1. Centromochlus heckelii. Auchenipt«nis lieckelii, Filippi, Gucr. Jier. et May. Zuol. I808, p. 166. Centromochlus megalops, Kiier, I. c. fig. 24. D. 1/5. A. 7. P. 1/6. Head and neck granulated above ; eye very large, one-third of the length of the head ; the maxillary barbels reach to the middle of the pectoral spine. Doi-sal spine serrated behind, rather longer than the head, but shorter than that of the pectoral fin, which is nearly one-third of the total length. Caudal fin deeply forked. Coloration unitbrm. Bogota ; Rio Xapo. .198 SILTJEID.^. 2. Centromochlus aulopygius. Kner, I. c. p. 432. fig. 25. D.jl. A. 9-10. P. 1/4. Head and neck granulated above ; eye of moderate size, one-fourth of the length of the head ; the maxillary barbels reach to the middle of the pectoral spine. Dorsal spine serrated in front, smooth behind, shorter than that of the pectoral fin, which is as long as the head. Caudal deeply emarginate. Back and sides brown ; dorsal and caudal fins with blackish or whitish spots and dots. Rio Guapore ; Essequibo. a-c. Five inches long. Essequibo. From Mr. Ehrhardt's Collection. 77. TRACHELYOPTERUS. Trachelyopterus, Cm: Sf Val. xv. p. 220. Traehelyoptenis et Traclielvopterichthys, Bleek. Neclerl. I'ydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 111. Adipose fin none ; dorsal fin short, with a pungent spine and with four or five soft rays ; anal fin long. The upper surface of the head osseous. Barbels six. Teeth villiform, none on the palate. The gill-opening does not extend downwards beyond the root of the pec- toral. South America. a. Ventral smallish, with six rays : Trachehjopterus, Blkr. 1. Trachelyopterus coriaceus. Cuv. 4- Vul. XV. p. 221. pi. 438. B. 6. D. 1/5. A. 32. P. 1/7. Head and neck granulated above ; the length of the head is rather more than one-fourth of the total (without caudal) ; the lower jaw is the longer. The maxillary barbel extends to the origin of the dorsal ; humeral process short. Dorsal spine rather feeble ; pectoral spine strong, not seiTated along its outer margin. Caudal rounded. {Val.) Cayenne. /3. Ventral large, with sixteen rays : Traclu'lyopterichthys, Blkr. 2. Trachelyopterus taeniatus. Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 18-J8, xxvi. p. 434. fig. 26. D. 1/4. A. 51. P. 1/6. Head and neck granulated above ; the length of the head is nearly one-sixth of the total (without caudal) ; the lower jaw is the longer. The maxillary barbels extend beyond the base of the pectorals ; humeral process long. Dorsal spine granulated, of moderate strength, half as long as the head ; pectoral sjunc longer than the head, com- 78. cKToi'sis. 109 pressed, serrated along- both edges. The ventrals extL'iid beyond the origin of the anal ; caudal subtruncatcd. (Kner.) Rio (juapore. 78. CETOPSIS. Cetopsis, At/ass. in Sptx, Pise. Bras. p. 11. Cetopsis, Heinicetopsis, et Pseudocetopsis, Bleek. Nvderl. Tydsvlir. Diork. 180,3, p. 111. Dorsal fin short, without pungent spine ; no adipose fin ; the anal terminates at some distance from the caudal, which is forked. The upper jaw is the longer. Barbels six : one to each maxillary, and two to each mandible. Vomerine and mandibidaiy teeth obtusely conical, strong, in a single series ; palatine teeth none. Nostrils remote from each other, of nearly equal width ; the posterior is quite on the upper surface of the head, close to its fellow from the other side. Head covered with thick skin. Eye rudimentary, more or less hidden below the skin. Gill-opening very narrow. Brazil. 1. Cetopsis caBcutiens. Silm-us ccecutieiis, Liehtenst., Wieclem. Zoul. JLiff. 1819, i. pt. 3. p. Gl. Cetopsis ccecutiens, Aj/ass. I. c. p. 12. tab. 10. fig. 2,'and tab. A. fig. 5 (anatomy); Kner, Sitzwigsber. Acad. Wins. Wien, 1858, xxvi. p. 409. B. 8. D. 7. A. 22. P. 10. V. 6. Intermaxillary with a band of \alliform teeth. Barbels short. The first dorsal and pectoral rays, in the male, are produced into very long filaments. Uniform greyish. Brazil. a. Fine specimen. River Cupai (branch of the Amazons, 800 miles from the sea). Piu-chased of Mr. Stevens. 2. Cetopsis candira. At/ass. I. c. p. 1-3. pi. 10. fig. 1 ; Kner, Sitziaii/sbcr. Acad. TFiss. Wieti, '1858, xxvi. p. 409. D. 7. A. 29. P. 9. V. 6. Intermaxillary with a single series of teeth. Barbels short. Uni- form greyish. Brazil. a. Fine specimen. River Cupai. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. '6. Cetopsis gobioides. £ner, Sitzmn/sbi-r. Acad. U'iss. Wicii. lNo8, xxvi. p. 407. lig. Hi. Intermaxillary with a band of villiform teeth. Vcntr;d fins unilt-d. The first dorsal and pectoral rays are produced into filaments in the nuxle. Greyish bmwn. Irisanga. 200 SILURID-E. 79. ASTEROPHYSUS. Asterophysus, Kner, Sitzmiysber. Wien. Acad, xxvii. p. 402. A short adipose fin ; dorsal fin short, with a pungent spine and with six (five) soft rays ; anal fin short. Head covered with soft skin above ; barbels six, four of which are at the mandible ; eyes rather small, below the skin. Cleft of the mouth very wide, extend- ing far behind the eye ; teeth in the jaws villiform ; those on the palatines separated by the toothless vomer. The lower jaw promi- nent. The gill-opening does not extend on to the throat. Yentrals ten-rayed, inserted behind the dorsal. Brazil. 1. Asterophysus batrachus. Kner, I. c. p. 403. taf. -5. B. 4-5. D. 1/5(6?)*. A. 13. lM/7. V. 10. Head as broad as long ; the maxillary barbels extend somewhat behind the head. Dorsal and pectoral spines rather feeble ; caudal forked, with the lobes rounded. Coloration uniform. (Kner.) Marabitanos. 80. DORAS t. Doras, sp., Lacep., Cuv. <§• Vol., Kner. Centroehir, Lithodoras, Pterodoras, Platydoras, Acanthodoras, Astro- doras, et Amblydoras, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 84. Adipose fin short, very distinct ; dorsal with a strong spine and with from five to seven soft rays ; anal short. Teeth villiform, fonning bands in both jaws ; palate edentulous. Cleft of the mouth rather narrow ; barbels six, free, and not fringed. Eyes of mode- rate size. Neck with broad dermal bones ; a large humeral process above the pectoral fin ; a series of shields along the middle of the side of the body and tail, each shield with a compressed, prominent, curved central spine. GiU-openings of moderate width, not ex- tending downwards to the throat. Ventral fins with seven rays, in- serted behind the dorsal. Rivers of South America flowing into the Atlantic. The species may be divided into two groups : — * Lateral shields more than twenty, p. 201. ** Lateral shields less than twenty, p. 20.5. * The figure shows sis rays, the description five. t 1. Doras crocodili, Humh. Observ. Zool. ii. p. 184. pi. 48. fig. 2. — Centi-ochir crocodili, Aga&s. in Spix, Pise. Bras. p. 14. — Rio Magdalena. 2. castaneo-ventris, Schonib. Fish. Brit. Guian. p. 16L pi. 3. — River Pasawivi. 3. brunnescens, Schomb. I.e. p. Itjo. Upper Essequibo. so, DOKAS. 201 * Lateral shields more thau twenty. 1. Doras costatus. Mystus, sp., Gronov. Mits. Ichth. ii. p. 24. pi. 5. figs. 1 & 2. Silurus costatus, L. St/st. Nut. i. p. 50(3. Cataphractus costatus, Bl. taf. 376. Doras costatus, Lacep. v. p. 117; Cuv. ^ Val. xv. p. 268. D. i^. A. 11. P. gig. V. 7. L. lat. 31-33. Lateral shields very high, covering the whole side of the body aud tail, coarsely granular, not extending downwards to the base of the anal fin. The humeral spine is about four times as long as high, and reaches nearly to the posterior third of the pectoral spine ; the posterior part of the tail shielded above and below. The maxillary barbel reaches to the end of the humei-al spine. Dark brown ; a yellow band along the lateral line, both bands convergent between the eyes. Dorsal fin with a large blackish blotch. British Guiana ; Brazil. (/. Adult. Biitish Guiana. Presented by Sir R. Schomburgk. b. Young. River Cupai. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 2. Doras armatulus. Doras armatulus, Cin: <5' Val. xv. p. 273 ; Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 185.5, xvii. p. 116. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/6. V. 7. L. lat. 28-29. Lateral shields very high, covered with spines which are directed backwards, the posterior projecting beyond the margin of each spine. The humeral spine is twice as long as high ; the posterior part of the tail shielded above and below. The maxillary barbels extend beyond the base of the pectoral, the outer ones of the mandible being but little, the two inner ones considerably shorter. Eye of moderate size. Brown : a yellowish band commences above the eye, and runs along the middle of the lateral shields to the end of the caudal fin ; a less distinct band runs along the median line of the back. Doi-sal fin with a large blackish blotch above. Brazil (Parana, Rio Guaporc and Rio Paraguay). • 3. Doras dentatus. Doras dentatus, Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 118. taf. 3. fig. 3. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 17. V. 7. L. lat. 31. Lateral shields well developed, the height of the third being more than one-half of the length of the head ; the following gradually become lower, and the last caudal shields are scarcely one-third as high as the third ; each shield with ridges radiating from the base of the large central hook ; the ridges terminate in marginal hook- lets, of which, however, there is only one above and below the cen- tral hook of the middle and hinder shields. The humeral .spine reaches to belnv the second lateral .shield, and is four times as long 202 SILURID^. as high ; it terminates in a point, and its upper and lower margins are prominent, ridge-like, and denticulated. The posterior part of the tail is shielded above and below. The maxillaiy barbel does not reach to the end of the humeral spine ; none of the barbels are fringed. Brown, without yellow lateral band ; a blackish -brown spot behind each hook of the lateral shields. (^Kner.) Surinam. 4. Doras hancocMi. Doras costata, Hancock^ Zool. Journ. iv. p. 242 (not L.). hancockii, Cuv. ^ Vol. xv. p. 279. D. 1/6. A. 9. P. 1/6. V. 7. L. lat. 29-33. Lateral shields very high, covering the whole side of the body and tail, extending downwards to the root of the anal, with numerous I'lugitudiual ridges, each of which terminates in a small marginal point. The humeral process is rather broader than the pectoral spine, and does not quite extend to its posterior third. Hinder part of the tail shielded above and below. Adipose fin without spinous ray. The maxillary barbel reaches to the root of the pectoral. Brown, a lighter band along the lateral line. Demerara ; Brazil. a. Type of the species : stuffed. Presented by Dr. Hancock. h. Adult. River Cupai. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 5. Doras muricus. ? Marcf/rav. p. 174. ? Doras granulosus, Valenc. in Hvmh. Ohserv. Zool. ii. p. 184. ? Doras maculatus, Valenc. in cTOrh. Voy. Amer. Merid. Poiss. pi. 5. iig. 3; Cuv. ^- Vol. XV. p. 281. Doras muricus, Kner, Sitzf/sber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 129. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/9. V. 7. L. lat. 27. Lateral shields rather small, lower than the hinder portion of the tail. Humeral process granulated, slender, much narrower than, and extending to the hinder fourth of, the pectoral spine. Dorsal spine serrated in front and behind. The upper and lower .surfaces of the tail are not shielded ; adipose fin small, without spinous ray. Fins with brown dots ; skin on the back with minute black tubercles. Brazil : Buenos Ayi'es. a. Adult, 21 inches long : stuifed. Demerara '? 6. Doras afiinis. Doras atfinis, Kiwr, Sitzysbcr. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 121. fig. 1. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/5. V. 7. L. lat. 25-26. Lateral shields very high, nearly entirely covered with skin, each with a series of small marginal spines. The humeral process is long, not broader than, and extending to the posterior third of, the pec- toral spine. Tail without shields on its upper and lower surfaces. Caudal fin subtruncated. Dorsal spine without any scrrature. Bar- 80. DORAS. l'0:j bcls simple, those of the maxillary extending to the extremity of the humeral process. Eye of moderate size, the superciliary margin not elevated. Brownish, bodj- and fins ^vith darker spots ; a light Land along the middle of the sides ; caudal fin dark, with a broad light cross-band. (Kner.) Rio Branco and Guaporc. Amhliidoras truncafus, Bleek. (Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1S63, i. p. 18), has been separated from the preceding species, but its cha- racters have not been suificiently indicated. 7. Doras weddellii, ? Doras weddellii, Castehi. Aiiim. Amer. Sud, Poiss. p. 48. pi. 17. fig. 1. D. l/4(?). A. 11. y. 7. L. lat. 27. Lateral shields low, not quite half as high as the hind portion of the tail ; there is a small spine above and below the large one. The free porti(jn of the tail has a series of small scutes above and below. Head broader than high ; its length to the basal bone of the dorsal spine is two-fifths of the total (^vithout caudal), its length to the gill-opening two-sevenths. The height of the body is contained thrice and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal). Snout obtusely rounded ; the maxillary barbels extend beyond the end of the head. Nape broadly shielded, the least width of the nuchal carapace being equal to that of the interorbital space. The humeral process is narrow, pointed behind, extending to the hinder fourth of the pectoral spine ; it is provided ■with a series of small tubercles. Dorsal spine strong, without any serrature, four-fifths of the length of the head. The pectoral si^ine is still stronger and longer, strongly serrated along both ^ edges. Caudal fin forked. Superciliary edge iiot elevated. Brown above, marbled with darker ; an irregular series of small black spots above and below the lateral line. Brazil. a. Four and a half inches long. Santarem. From 'Sir. Bates's Col- lection. 8. Doras asterifrons. Doras asteri&'ous (Heckd), Kner, Sitzunqsbei: Wien. Acad. 1855, xatI. p. 123. fig. 2. D. 1/6. A. 11-12. V.~. V. 7. L. lat. 24-25. Lateral shields high, but partly covered with skin : each Ls pro- vided with a triangular prominent spine above and below the central hook ; several other small spines occupy the posterior margins. The humeral process is long, not broader than, and extending to beyond the middle of, the pectoral spine ; it is tapering and provided with a series of small curved spines. The pectoral spin«? extends backwards to beyond the root of the ventral ; a portion of the bones of the thorax are free, not covered with .skin, striated. Dorsal spine finely ser- rated in front, without denticulations behind ; there is only one verj' small shield on the upper and lower surfaces of the tail, immediately 204 siLtjRiD.i:. before the root of the caudal fin ; the latter but slightly emarginate. Barbels simple ; those of the maxillary extend to the extremity of the humeral process. Eye of moderate size, with the superciliary margin elevated, the interorbital space being concave. Nasal bones with the upper margin iinely but deeply serrated. Brownish, fins ^vith dark spots. R. Negro, R. Guapore, R. Cupai. a. Young. River Cupai. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 9. Doras heckelii. Doras heckelii, Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 125. fig. 4. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/6. L. lat. 29. Lateral shields rather low, nearly covered by skin, out of which only the hooks and spines project ; each shield with a series of mar- ginal spines, of which the one nearest to the hook is the largest. Humeral process striated, slender, tapering, not broader than the pectoral spine, and extending to below the third lateral shield. The pectoral spine reaches somewhat beyond the root of the ventral ; dorsal spine serrated only anteriorly, not behind. Caudal fin slightly emarginate. The upper and lower surfaces of the tail are not shielded. Eye of moderate size, superciliary margin not elevated. The maxillary barbels do not extend to the middle of the pectoral spine. Brownish, with darker spots. (Kner.) Rio Negro. 10. Doras cataphractus. ? Callichthys, sp., Gronov. Mm. Ichth. i. p. 28. tab. 3. fig.s. 4 & 5. ? Silurus cataphractus, L. Sy4. Nat. i. p. 506. ? Cataphractus aniericanus, Bl. Schn. p. 107. tab. 28. Doras cataphractus, Ciiv. i^- Val. xv. p. 276 ; Kner, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 126. ? Doras blochii, Cm: 8f Val. xv. p. 277. ? Callichthys asper, Gi-onov. Syst. ed. Gray, p. 157. D. 1/4. A. 9. P. 1/4. V. 6. L. lat. 25-29. Lateral shields veiy high, each with a single series of small pro- minent spines along and near the posterior margin. The hixmeral process is long, not broader than, and extending to the posterior fourth of, the pectoral spine ; it is tapering and provided with a series of small curved spines. Tail without shields on its upper and lower surfaces. Caudal rounded. Dorsal spine with three slightly serrated ridges, one in front and one on each side ; it is not denti- culated behind. Barbels simple, those of the maxillary extending to the extremity of the humeral process. Eye small. Brownish, with a yellowish band along the middle of the sides of the body and along the median Une of the back. Fins with brownish spots. Rio Guapore and Rio Negro. a. Skin, 4i inches long. From Gronow's Collection. — This is not the typical specimen of the species, described and figured by Gronow, ?. c ; he says that he saw it in Seba's Collection ; and I 80. DORAS. 205 besides, the present specimen is considerably larger than the one figured. Tt appears to be extremely doubtful whether the specimens de- scribed by Gronow and Schneider really had a spine in the adipose fin ; and it is veiy probable that Valenciennes and Kner are right in identifying specimens examined by them, Avithout such a spine, with the species described by the old ichthyologists. ** Lateral shields less than twenty. 11. Doras dorsalis. Doras caiinatus, Valenc. in Humh. Observ. Zool. ii. p. 184 (not synon.). dorsalis, Cuv. Sf Vol. xv. p. 284 ; Kmr, Sitzqsher. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 128. D. 1/6. A. 14. P. 1/8. V. 7. L. lat. 16-17. The antei'ior lateral shields kidney-shaped, the posterior longitu- dinally ovate. The humeral process is short and narrow, extending to the middle of the pectoral spine, and tapering behind. The max- illary barbels reach to the extremity of the humeral spine, and are twice as long as the outer mandibulary barbels. The back between the first dorsal fin and the caudal, and the space between the anal and caudal are shielded, but these shields are sometimes very small ; a shield on each side of the base of the adipose fin. Cayenne ; Para Rio. 12. Doras lithogaster. Doras lithogaster (Heck.), Kner, Sitzungsber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 132. B. 7. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/8. V. 7. L. lat. 16-17. Both jaws with a band of villiform teeth. Barbels not fringed : those of the maxillaries extend scarcely to the operculum, the outer ones of the mandible being one-half shorter than the former, but longer than the inner ones. Eye rather small. The humeral process is short and narrow, terminating in a rounded point, opposite the middle of the pectoral spine. The second lateral shield is the highest, reaching another large one situated along the base of the dorsal fin. A series of shields along the dorsal line, between the dorsal and caudal fins ; another along the lower side of the tail, between ven- tral and caudal fins. All the parts between the series of shields and the sides of the head are covered with more or less scattered small shields. Back clouded with blackish. {Kner.) Forte do Rio Branco. 13. Doras papilionatus. Doras papilionatus, Filippi, in Guer.-Mhiev. Her. Sf Mag. Zool. 1858, D. 1/6. A. 12. L. lat. 18. Five shields on the back between the dorsal and adipose fins, the space between the adipose and caudal being naked. {Fit.) River Amazons. '20ii siLURiDJ-;. 81. OXYDORAS. Oxvdoras, sp., et Doras, sp., Kner. Doras, Bleeh. Kederl. Tt/dscfu: Dierk. 1863, p. 84. Adipose fin short, very distinct ; dorsal mth a strong spine and with six soft rays ; anal short. Teeth rudimentary, sometimes pre- sent in tlie lower jaw only, sometimes entirely absent. Cleft of the mouth rather narrow ; barbels six, fringed and united at the base by a fold of the skin. Eyes of moderate size. Neck with broad dermal bones ; a large humeral process above the pectoral fin ; a series of shields along the middle of the side of the body and tail, each shield with a compressed, prominent, ciu'ved central spine. Gill-openings of moderate width, not extending downwards to the throat. Ventral fins with seven rays, inserted behind the dorsal. Rivers of South America flowing into the Atlantic. 1. Oxydoras carinatus. Siliu'us carinatus, L. Sijd. Nat. i. p. 504 ; Bl Schn. p. 108. Doras ox^Thynchus, Valenc. vi Humh. Ohserv. Zool. ii. p. 184. carinatus, Cuv. (^ Val xv. p. 288. pi. 440 (bad). Oxydoras carinatus, Kner, Sitzgsher. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 144. D. 1/(3. A. 12-13. P. 1/9. V. 7. L. lat. 33. Adipose fin short. Lateral shields small, half covered with thin .■skin ; the upper and lower halves of each shield terminate behind in a simple or bifid or trifid spine. Tail without shields on its upper and lower siu'faces. Humeral process striated, obtuse behind, twice as broad as, and extending nearly to the hinder third of, the pectoral spine. Eye of moderate size, its diameter being rather more than its distance from the posterior nostiil. The bases of the six barbels are united by a broad membrane fringing the lower jaw ; the maxillary barbel is pro\"ided with a series of from six to eight smaller tentacles along its basal half, and extends to the eye ; the mandibnlary are only one-third as long, and have their lower surface covered with papillae. Lower jaw with two patches of minute teeth in front*. Uniform greenish oUve above, whitish below. Surinam. a. Adult : 13 inches long. Surinam. h^c. Fine specimens. Essequibo River. Purchased of Mr. Ehrhardt. 2. Oxydoras humeralis. Doras humeralis (Heckel), Kner. 8ifzim(/sher. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 140. fig. 6. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/8. V. 7. L. lat. 32. The lower profile of the head ascends in a curve similar to that in which the upper descends ; snout pointed. Adipose fin short and small. Latei-al shields rather small and narrow, each provided with a series of marginal spines. Tail without shields on its upper and * Our specimen a. has two or three minute teeth on the right-hand side in the : upper jaw: the otlier side is without anv teeth. * t>| I si. OXVUtlRAS. 20? lower surfaces. Humeral process striated, obtuse behind, nearly halt as broad as long. Eye rather hirge, its diameter being much longer than its distance from the posterior nostril. The bases of the barbels are united by a membrane fringing tlie lower jaw ; those of the maxillaries are provided with small tentacles, and extend to below the eye. No teeth in the upper jaw ; those of the lower quite rudi- mentary. Unifonn brownish above, Avhitish below. (Kner.) Barra do llio Negro. 3. Oxydoras pimctatus. Doras punctatus, Kner, Sitzr/shcr. Wioi. Acad. 18o5, x\\\. p. 136. fig. 10. Corj'doras pimctatus, Hyrtl, DodscJu: Acrid. TI'Us. Wien, 1859, xvi. p:i7. D. 1/6. A. 13. P. 1/7. Y. 7. L. lat. 28-29. Vert. 6/2l. Adipose fin short. Lateral shields rather small, half covered with thin skin, and with the hind margins serrated. Tail without shields on its upper and lower surfaces. Humeral process obliquely trun- cated behind, not much broader than the pectoral spine. Eye rather large, its diameter being equal to its distance from the anterior nostril. Barbels provided with tentacles : those of the maxillaries do not extend backwards to the gill-opening ; the mandibulary barbels are united at the base by a membrane, and sometimes one or two are bifid. A narrow band of small teeth in the lower jaw. the teeth of the upper being scarcely visible, if present. Upper parts of the body and the fins with small blackish spots. {Kner.) Matogrosso ; Rio Guapore. 4. Oxydoras brevis. Doras brevis (Heckel), K)ier, Sitzgsber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 138. fig. 11. D. 1/6. A. 13-14. P. 1/7. T. 7. L. lat. 29-30. Lateral shields of moderate size, not (|uitc half as high as the body. each with a scries of spines along its hinder margin. Humeral pro- cess obliquely truncated behind, much broader than, and extending beyond tlie middle of, the pectoral spine : its point is not much more distant from the root of the caudal fin than from the end of the snout. The upper and lower sm-fiices of the tail are not shielded. Adipose fin as long as anal, without spinous ray. Eye rather large. Barbels short, provided with tentacles ; the four mandibulai-y barbels united by a membrane at the base. Veiy small teeth in the lower jaw only, none in the upper. Reddish brown above, whitish below. {Kner. ) Barra do Rio Negro. 5. Oxydoras fimbriatus. Doras fimbriatus, Ktwr, Sitzi/sbci: Win). Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 134. tig. 5. D. 1/6. A. 11. p! 1/8. V. 7. L. lat. 29-30. Adipose fin short. Lateral shields high, with the hind margins 208 SILURIU^. linely serrated ; the first is very large, reaching downwards to the humeral process and to the thoracic plates, which are naked, and bent upwards on the sides of the body. A single broad shield before the root of the caudal, on the upper and lower surfaces of the tail. The humeral process is elongate, not tapering behind, terminating in a rounded extremity before the first lateral shield. Eye rather large, its diameter being two-thirds of the length of the snout. The maxillary barbels are provided with long tentacles, and extend to behind the base of the pectoral fin ; the four mandibulary barbels are short, and united at their base by a membrane. The upper and lower jaws with a narrow band of minute teeth. Brown, with blackish spots. (Kner.) Rio Guapore, 6. Oxydoras stenopeltis. Oxydoras stenopeltis {Heck.}, Kner, Sitzqsber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 142. fig. 7. D. 1/6. A. 13-14. L. lat. 35-36. Adipose fin short. Lateral shields high, at least half as high as the body, each with several series of small spines ; five or six shields between the dorsal and adipose fins. Humeral process striated, obliquely truncated behind, not much broader than, and extending to the posterior third of, the pectoral spine. Eye rather large, its diameter being equal to its distance from the anterior nostril. The bases of the barbels are united by a membrane : those of the maxil- larj' are provided with a series of small tentacles, and extend to behind the root of the pectoral ; those of the mandible are short and covered with papillae. Teeth none, or quite rudimentary. Brownish above, whitish below. {Kner.) Rio Negro. 7. Oxydoras lipophthalmus. Oxydoras lipophthalmus, Kner, Siizgsber. Wien. Acad. 1865, xvii. p. 147. fig. 8. D. 1/6. A. 12. P. 1/9. V. 7. L. lat. 37-38. Adipose fin short. Lateral shields small, half covered with thiii skin, smooth, with the posterior margin serrated. Tail without shields on its upper and lower surfaces. Humeral process wrinkled, obliquely rounded behind, much broader than, and extending back- wards to the middle of, the pectoral spine. Eye large, covered with an adipose membrane which is produced closely to the hind nostril. The bases of the barbels are united by a broad membrane fringing the lower jaw; all are provided with small tentacles, and the max- illary and outer mandibulary barbels are bifid ; the former extend scarcely to the gill-opening, and the latter are rather more than half as long. Teeth none, or quite rudimentary in the lower jaw. Brownish above, whitish below. Rio Negro ; River Capin. a. Fine specimen. River Capin. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 82. RniNODORAs. 209 82. RHINODORAS. Oxydoras, sp., Kner. Oxydoras et Khiuodoras, Bleek. Nedoi. Tijdschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 84. Adipose fin low, rather elongate, gradually passing into the profile of the back ; dorsal fin with a strong spine and with six soft rays ; anal short. Teeth very small, or entirely absent. Cleft of the mouth rather narrow; barbels six, not united at the base. Eyes small. Neck with broad dermal bones ; a large humeral process above the pectoral fin ; a series of shields along the middle of the side of the body and tail, each shield with a compressed, prominent centi'al spine. GiU-openings of moderate rndth, not extending downwards to the throat. Ventral fins with seven rays, inserted behind the dorsal. Rivers of South America flowing into the Atlantic. 1. Rhiuodoras niger. Doras niger, Valenc. in Htimh. Observ. Zool. ii. p. 184 ; Ctiv. ^ Val. xv. p. 291. Corj'doras edentiilus, Spix, Pise. Brasil. tab. 5. Doras himiboldti, Ayass. in Sjn.r, Pise. Brasil. p. 14. D. 1/6. A. 11-12. P. 1/10. V. 7. L. lat. 24-25. The adipose fin is a long and low fold. Lateral shields longitudi- nally striated, of moderate size, the middle being about half as high as the body. Humeral process granulated, tapering behind, and extending somewhat beyond the middle of the pectoral spine. The upper and lower surfaces of the tail are not shielded. Eye small, its diameter being one-half of its distance from the posterior nostril. The maxillary barbels extend to the eye, and are thicker but not much longer than those of the mandible, A\'hich are not united by a membrane. Teeth none. Blackish oHve ; shields yellowish. River iVmazons. San Francisco River. a. Adult (13 inches long). River Amazons. Piu'chased of Mr. Stevens. 2. Rhinodoras knerii. Oxydoras niger, Kner, Sitzgsher. Wien. Aead. 1855, xvii. p. 1 40 (not Videne.). knerii, Bkek. Nederl Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 14. D. 1/6. A. 11-12. L. lat. 34. This species ajjpears to be distinct from lih. niger, having 34 lateral shields ; otherwise they are very similar to each other. Cujaba. 3. Rhinodoras orbignyi, Oxydoras d"Ovbignv ( Krih/. ), Kwr, Hitzi/sbcr. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 149. fig. 9. * ' Doras d'Orbiguii, Hyrtl, Denk-scfir. Acad. Hiss. Wien, 1859, x>-i. p. 17. Rhinodoras orbignyi, Bleek. Nederl. Tydachr. Dierk. 18(53, p. 14. D. 1/6. A. 12. L. lat. 29. Vert. 10/21. Adipose fin long, rather low, gradually passing into the profile of the back. Lateral shields of moderate height, with the hind margins 210 SILUKID^. serrated. The upper and lower surfaces of the tail are shielded behind the adipose and anal fins. Humeral process striated, sword- shaped, broader than, and extending to the hinder fourth of, the pectoral spine. Eye small, covered by a membrane, as distant from the end of the snout as from the gill-opening. The barbels are free, . not united at the base, provided with very small tentacles ; those of the maxillaries do not extend to the gill-opening. Teeth very small, present in both jaws. Dorsal and caudal fins with dark spots. (Kner.) Eio de la Plata. 83. SYNODONTIS. Synodontis, Cm: ^ Val. xv. p. 244. Bracliysynodontis, Synodontis, Pseudosynodontis, Ilemisjaiodontis, Leiosynodontis, Bleek. Nedeti. Tydschr. Dierk. I860, p. 52. Adipose fin of moderate length, or rather long ; dorsal with a strong spine and ■with seven soft rays ; anal rather short. Teeth in the lower jaw moveable, very thin at the base, and with a slightly dilated, pointed, brown apex ; palate edentulous. Mouth small, mandibles short. Barbels sis, more or less fringed wth a membrane or with filaments. Eyes of moderate size. Neck with broad dermal bones. Tlie gill-openings are of moderate width. Yentrals with seven rays, inserted behind the dorsal. Tropical Africa. Knowing most of the species of Si/nodonfis from autopsy, I cajinot adopt the views of Dr. Bleeker, who has split this natural generic group into five divisions : — a. Synodontis has been restricted by him to a species with long, slender intermaxillary teeth and with ciliated maxillary barbels (S. macrodon). The discovery of a new species {S. sorex) already shows that the characters used for the foundation of this genus are unser- viceable : either it must lose one of the characters on which it is based, or S. sorex would become the type of a sixth genus. h. Pseudosynodontis is created for S. serratus, a species most closely allied to S. schid, which, however, is referred to Hemisyno- dontis. Although I am fully convinced of the distinctness of the two species, I confess that, seeing the great variations in the develop- ment of the spine of S. sclial, I at first entertained some doubts about it, nor did I feel satisfied on this point until I had ascertained by dissection that the one was not the male sex of the other. If these be considered tj'pes of two genera, then we may similarly separate the short- and long-snouted Eels of our rivers. c. Hemi synodontis is created for S. memhranaceiis, S. schal, and S. nigritus. According to Dr. Bleeker's \'iews, this is an assemblage of most heterogeneous fishes, — the S. memhranaceus differing from the others bj' a great extent of the gill-opening, and by a structure of the maxOIary barbels, which is at least of as much importance as the " cirri fimhriati " of Synodontis, Blkr. d. Leiosynodontis is founded on S. macvdosus, the younc/ of Hemi- svnodontis scTud. 83. SYNODONTrs. 211 ('. BrachyAynodontis is created for S. baiensoJa, Eiipp., a sy)iony)» oi Hemi.tynoifonfis nitmhranaceus, and founded on two characters, viz., bipartite maxillary barbels and a slight denticulation of the end of the operculum. The peculiarity of the former is nothing more than the basal dilatation which may be seen in other Synodontes, and the latter character disappears entirely in mature examples. We divide the species of this genus into the following divisions : — I. The gill-opening does not extend downwards beyond the root of the pectorals. A. Maudibidary teeth very slender, longer than the eye, p. 211. B. ]\Iandibulary teeth not longer than the eye, p. 212. II. The gill-opening extends do^\-nwards to the throat, p. 215. I. The giU-opeuing does not extend downwards bej'ond the root of the pectorals. A. Mandibulary teeth very .slender, longer than tlie eye. 1. Synodontis sorex. D. 1/7. A. 12. P. 1/9. V. 7. The gill-opening extends downwards to before the root of the pectoral fin ; snout produced, pointed ; mandibulary teeth very long and slender, as long as the eye, from six to eight in number. Maxil- lary barbels half as long as the head, lined interiorly with a narrow white membrane ; the outer mandibulary barbels two-thirds as long as those of the maxiUae, jirovided -with filaments. The height of the body is rather less than one-fourth of the total length (without cau- dal), the length of the head two-sevenths. Dorsal and pectoral S2)ines slightly crenulated along their outer margins ; humeral process as high as long. The first ray of the dorsal and pectoral fins produced. The adipose fin commences at a short distance from the dorsal, its length being contained thrice and a third in the total (without cau- dal). Caudal fin deeply forked, both lobes being prolonged ; the upper is the longer, one-third, or more than one-third, of the total length. Coloration uniform : a black band along each caudal lobe ; a blackish spot at the base of the hinder half of the dorsal fin. Upper Nile. ft, h. Fine specimens (10 inches long). Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection . 2. Synodontis macrodon. Silurus clarias, Haxsclrj. If. Pal. p. StJO. callarias, part., U!. Scliii. p. 370. Pimelodus synodontis, Geoff r. Desci: Eg. I'ois.s. pi. 12. figs. 5 & 6. Svnodoutis niacrodon, I.<. Geofr. Pom. Nil, p. 156 ; Cm: iS" Val. xv. ■p. 252. B. 7. D. 1/7. A. 13. P. 1,8. V. 7. Tlie gill-opening extends downwards tn bef(n-e tlie i-oot of the 212 SILtJlUD^. pectoral tin ; mandibulary teeth very long and slender, nearly as long- as the eye. Maxillary barbels about as long as the head, provided with long fringes. Dorsal and pectoral spines serrated along both edges ; humeral process not much longer than high. Nile. a. Eight and a half inches long. Presented by Dr. E. RiippeU. This specimen diifers in some respects from those collected by Gcoffroy St.-HUaire: the length of its dorsal siiine is two-fifths of the totnl (without caudal), whilst it is one-fourth in the specimens collected by the French naturalist ; the caudal lobes also are con- siderably longer. 3. Synodontis serratus. Hiippell, Beschreib. neuer Nil-Jische, p. 8. taf. 2. D. 1/7. A. 12-13. P. 1/9. V. 7. The gill-opening extends downwards to before the root of the pectoral fin ; mandibulary teeth rather numerous, much shorter than the eye, in a narrow band. Maxillary barbels longer than the head, lined with a narrow membrane interiorl}\ Dorsal spine longer than the liead (in adult specimens), serrated along both edges. Humeral process longer than high, pointed behind. Dorsal and pectoral spines and the upper caudal lobe produced into filaments. Uniformly coloui-ed ; young dotted with brown. Upper NUe. «, b, c. Adult (22 inches long) and young. Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection. B. Mandibulary teeth not longer than the eye. 4. Synodontis sclial. Sonnini, Voy. Eg. ii. p. 279. tab. 21. fig. 2. Silurus schall, Bl. Schn. p. 385. Pimelodus clarias, Geoffr. Descr. Eg. Poiss. pi. 13. figs. 3 & 4. Synodontis arabi, Cuv. 8f Val. xv. p. 261; Hyrtl, Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wim, 1859, xvi. p. 16. sclial, Hyrtl, I. c. maculosus, Riippell, Beschreib. neuer Nil-Jische, p. 10. taf. 3. fig. 1 (young). D. 1/7. A. 12-13. P. 1/8. V. 7. Vert. ^^. The giU-opening extends downwards to before the root of the pec- toral fin ; mandibulary teeth rather numerous, much shorter than the eye, in a narrow band. Maxillary barbels longer than the head, not fiinged. Pectoral spine stronger and rather longer than that of the dorsal fin, the latter being not serrated in front, and not much longer than the head. Humeral process much longer than high, pointed behind. The distance between dorsal and adipose fins is much less than the length of the base of the former. Old and half- 83. SYNODONTIS. 213 grown specimens of uniform coloration, young ones irregularly spotted and banded with brown. Nile ; Senegal ; Zambesi. a-h. Fine specimens. Lower Nile. From Consul Petherick's Col- lection. c-2. CALLICHTHYS. of the body. Teeth small ; palate (probably) toothless ; cleft of the mouth of moderate widtli, with a maxillary barbel on each side. Eyes very small. Head covered with soft skin. Andes. 1. Astroblepus grixalvii. Htmiboldt, I. c. pi. 7. B. 4. D. 7. A. 7. P. 10. The outer ray of each fin prolonged into a filament. Lips thick, the upper with folds. Uniform blackish olive. {Humb.) Rio de Palace, near Popayan. No specimen is known to exist in a European collection. h. Bodj' completely euirassed : Loricarina. 92. CALLICHTHYS*. Callichthys, L. Ammn. Acad. i. p. 317; Chi: ^ Val. xv. p. 294. Calliclithvs, Iloplosternum, et Hoplosoma {Swains.'), Gill. Callichtlivs, Iloplosternum, et Corydoras {Laccp.), Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dicrk. 18G3, p. 82. Adipose fin short, supported anteriorly by a short moveable spine ; dorsal with a feeble spine and seven or eight rays ; anal short. Teeth minute or entirely absent ; cleft of the mouth rather narrow, with a pair of maxillary barbels on each side, which are united at the base. Eyes small. Head covered with osseous plates ; body entirely pro- tected by two series of large imbricate shields on each side. Gill- openings of moderate width, separated by a broad isthmus. \q\\- trals six-rayed, inserted below the hind part of the dorsal fin. Rivers of the tropical parts of the continent of South America flowing into the Atlantic ; Trinidad. The species of this genus may be divided into the following sub- generic groups : — • Head depressed, broader than liigh ; sides of the head without bristles : Callichthys, p. 220. • • Head depressed ; sides of the head vrith bristles : Sderomystax, p. 229. *•• Head compressed; caudal deeply forked: Corydoras, Lac^p., p. 229. Kner has shown that the strength and length of the pectoral spines are not a specific character in this genus, the males having those spines stronger and longer than the females ; in the latter they are * 1 . Callichthy.s exarat us, Mull. Sf Trosch. in Schomb. Brit. Guian. Hi. p. 630. — Britisli Guiana. 2. chiquitos, Casfeln. Anim. Amir. Slid, Poiss. p. 38. pi. 18. fig. 2. — Chiquitos. The caudal fin is probably incorrectly drawn. 3. splciidens, C'a.sMn. I. r. p. :«(. pi. 18. fig. 3.— Eio Tocantins. 4. taiosb, Cimfehi. I. c. pi. 19. fig. 1, from Chiquitos. — This fish is known from a figure only, and would be the type of a new genus if it be cor- rectly drawn ; the dorsal (in is composed of a strong spine and eleven soft rays. VOL. V. u 226 silctkidj:. sometimes serrated along the inner edge. Young males, again, have, comparatively, smaller spines than old ones. Several species have the lower (thoracic) portion of the humeral bones much dilated, and either entirely naked, or covered only with thin skin ; these plates are larger in old males than in young ones and in females. In all the species a small space in the middle of the upper surface of the snout remains cutaneous, but it is larger, and open in front, in young individuals, whilst it is generally surrounded by bone in mature spe- cimens. * Head depressed, broader than high ; sides of the head without bristles. 1. Callichthys asper. • Tamoata, Marcgr, Hist. Bras, p. 151 ; Willughhy, Ichthyol. tab. N. 13. fig. 6. Callichthys, Linn. Amccn. Acad. \. p. 317. tab. 14. fig. 1. Cataphractus barbatus, KIei?i, Miss. iv. p. 43. no. 5. Callichthys, sp., Gronot\ Mus. Ichth. i. p. 27, and Zoophyl. no. 389. Seba, iii. tab. 29. fig. 13. Sihirus callichthys, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 506. Cataphractus callichthys, Bl. taf. 377. fig. 1; Bl. ScJin. p. 107. Callichthys asper, Quo;/ ^- Gaim. Voy. TJran. Zool. p. 232 ; Cuv. i^ Val. XV. p. 302 ; Kner, Sitzgsber. Wieti. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 107. Iseviceps, Cuv. fy Val. xv. p. 309. loricatus, Gronov. Syst. ed. Gray, p. 157, B. 4. D. II 1. A. 1/6. P. 1/7. V. 6. Vert. 14/13-14. No osseous shields between the pectoral fins ; the lower parts naked. Twenty-eight lateral shields in the upper series, from twenty-six to twenty-seven in the lower. A broadish space along the back behind the dorsal fin is naked, but there is a strip of small scales extending forwards from the adipose fin. The shields below the adipose fin reach upwards nearly to its base. The barbels extend to behind the humeral process. Caudal fin rounded ; pectoral spines covered with fine bristles. Fins with very small blackish specks. Brazil and Guianas. a,h,c. Many specimens. Bahia. From Dr. 0. Wucherer's Collection. d. Young. Para. Presented by R. Graham, Esq. e,f. Half-grown. BrazU. Presented by Lord Stuart. g. Adult : stiiffed. Brazil. Presented by Mrs. Gragan. h. Adult : skin. From Gronow's Collection. i, Jc. Adidt and half-grown. I. Half-grown : stitfFed. m. Adult male: skeleton. Bahia. From Dr. 0. Wucherer's Collection. 2. Callichthys afiinis. D.||l. A. 1/6. P. 1/7. V. 6. Very closely allied to C. asper, but with a smaller number of i 92. CALLICHTHYS. 227 lateral shields, of which there are only twenty-six in the upper series, and from twenty-four to twenty-five in the lower. A naked space on the back, with a strip of small scales before the adipose fin, as in C. asper. The shields below the adipose fin are separated from its base by a naked interspace. The barljcls extend to, or nearly to, the middle of the humeral process. Caudal fin rounded ; pectoral spines covered with fine bristles. Uniform dark greenish olive. Rio Grande. a-d. Adult and half-grown. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 3. Callichthys knerii. Gill, in Ann. Lye. Nat, Hist. Neto York, 1858, vi. p. 394. D.y| 1. A. 1/6. P. 1/7. V. 6. No osseous shields between the pectoral fins, the lower parts being naked. Pectoral spines compressed, strongly serrated on their edge, their external side being beset Avith rather strong, recurved, tooth- like spines. Caudal rays barred with brownish black. {Gill.) Trinidad. 4. Callichthys caelatus. Cuv. Sf Val. XV. p. 308. D. -i- 1 1. A. 1/4. P. 1/7. V. 6. No osseous shields between the pectoral fins, the lower parts being naked. Nuchal plates very large, interparietal and temporal plates with a transverse groove. Caudal fin rounded. Blackish green. ( Val.) Bahia. 5. Callichthys littoralis. Callichthys littoralis, Hancock, Zool. Journ. 1829, iv. p. 244. subidatus, Cuv. cV Vah xv. p. 311. lajviffatus, Valenc. in d'Orb. Voij. Amer. 3Ierid. Atl. Poiss. pi. 5. tig. 2; Cur. c^ Val. xv. p. 314; Kner, Sitzffsber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 109. albidus, Cur. *.V Val. xv. p. 316. Hoplostemum Irevigatiim, Gill, in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York, 1858, vi. p. 390. stevardii, Gill, I. c. p. 401. D.||l. A.y. P.g-Jj^. V. 6. Yert. 12-13/11. A pair of large osseous shields, in old individuals covered with skin, between the pectoral fins. Twenty-four lateral shields in the upper series, and twenty-three in the lower; a series of about nine or twelve small azygos shields runs from the adipose fin nearly to the dorsal, separating the lateral shields of both sides. Infraorbital bone as wide as, or even wider than, the orbit in full-gi'own exami^les, but rather narrower in immature individuals. The barbels extend q2 228 SILURTD^. to, or nearly to, the end of the pectoral fin. Caudal fin slightly forked. Lower parts immaeidate ; caudal without cross-band. Brazil; Guianas; Trinidad. a. Half-grown. Demerara. Presented by Dr. Hancock. — Type of the species. 6, c. Adiolt. British Guiana. Presented by Sir R. Schomburgk. d. Nest of the same, built of grasses. e-h, i, h-l. Adult and half- grown. Demerara. Purchased of Mr. Scrivener. m-n. Half-grown. Trinidad. Presented by — Taylor, Esq. o-t. Adult : stuffed. South America. u, V. Adult. From the Collection of the Zoological Society. w. Adult : skeleton. Presented by the Iloyal College of Surgeons. 6. Callichthys thoracatus. Cuv. ^ Val. XV. p. 309. pi. 443, D.||l. A.^. P. 1/9. V.6. A pair of large osseous shields between the pectoral fins. Twenty- five lateral shields in the upper series, and twenty-three in the lower ; five shields behind the dorsal fin join vidth the corresponding ones of the other side, without being separated by small azygos shields j a series of about five or six azygos shields before the adipose fin. Intta- orbital bone veiy narrow, only half as wide as the orbit. The barbels extend to behind the end of the pectoral fin. Caudal fin subtruncated. Lower parts immaculate ; fins blackish, the caudal with an indistinct broad dark cross-band. - Guianas ; Trinidad ; ? Martinique. a. Adult. British Giuana. Presented by Sir R. Schomburgk. b. Adult : stuffed. Trinidad. Prom the Collection of the Zoological Society. — Veruac. name : Cascadura, or Bush-fish. c-d. Adult: skins. 7. Callichthys longifilis. CaUichthys longifilis, Ctiv. ^' Val. xv. p. 317. personatus, Ranzani, Nov. Comtn. Acad. Scient. Instit. Bonon. 1842, V. p. 322. tab. 24. pictus, 3full. (§■ Trosch. in ScJiomb. Brit. Guiana, iii. p. 630. PCaUiclithys sidcatiis*, Kner, Sitzt/sber. Wien. Acad. 1855, xvii. p. 110. D.||l. A. 7-8. P.gl. V.6. A pair of large. osseous shields between the pectoral fins. Twenty- four to twenty-five lateral shields in the upper series, and twenty- four in the lower ; four shields behind the dorsal fin join with the corresponding ones of the other side, without being separated by small * All our specimens have a shallow gi'oove in tlie humeral process for the reception of tlie pectoral fin, although in other respects they agree better with C. longifilis than with C. svlcafus. -11 I 92. CALLICHTHYS. 229 azygos shields ; a series of about seven azygos shields before the adi- pose lin. Infraorbital bone very narrow, much narrower than the orbit. The barbels extend beyond the root of the ventral. Caudal fin rounded. The soft portions of the lower side with rounded deep- bi'own spots ; dorsal and caudal fins with small black spots, the latter with a whitish band across its base and with a dark one across the middle. Brazil ; Guianas. a-c. Fine specimens. British Guiana. d. Adult. Surinam. Purchased of Mr. Frank. e,f. Half-growTi. River Cupai (Amazons). Purchaj>ed of Mr. Stevens. f/, h. Adult and half- grown. * * Head depressed ; sides of the head with bristles. 8. Callichthys barbatus. Quoi/ (5r Gaijn. Voy. Uran. Zool. p. 234 ; Cuv. ^- Vnl. xv. p. 322. D. i-|l. A. 7. P. 1/10. V. 6. No osseous shields between the pectoral fins ; sides of the head, be- tween the prffioperciiliun and the end of the snout, with stiff" bristles ; mouth very small, protractile ; maxillary barbels reaching to the middle of the operculiun ; caudal forked. Twenty-five lateral shields in the upper series, and twenty-four in the lower ; the shields behind the dorsal fin join with the corresponding ones of the other side ; a scries of five azygos shields before the adipose fin. Dorsal and anal fins with blackish spots. Rio Janeiro. *** Head compressed : caudal deeply forked. 9. Callichthys punctatus. Cataphractus punctatus, Bl taf. 377. fig. 2 ; Bl. Schn. p. 108. C'orvdoras geottrojd, Lacep. v. pp. 1-45, 14(3. Callichthys punctatus, d Orh. \ oij. Amer. Merid. Atl. Ivhth. pi. 5. fig. 1 ; 'Cuv. ii- Val xv. p. 318. D.y|l. A. 8. P. 1/9. V. 6. Head compressed, as high as long, with its upper profile slightly curved. Maxillary barbels reaching to the gill-opening. Twenty- one or twenty-two lateral shields in the upper series, and twenty or twenty-one in the lower : tliere are tliree or four azj-gos shields be- fore the achpose fin. Caudal fin forked. (Dorsal and anid fins with a broad black band ; caudal with four black cross-bands, and with a black spot at its base.) Surinam ; Montevideo. a-h. Young. Essoquibo. From Mr. Elu'hardt's Collection. — Those specimens dift'cr somewhat in coloration : nearly the entire dmsal fin is black, and this colour also extends over some of the shields 230 SILUKIDJJ. below the dorsal fin ; anal and caudal colourless. A blackish vertical bar below the eye ; body minutely punctulated with black. 10. Callichthys paleatus. Callichthys paleatus, Jenytis, Zool. Beagle, Fish. p. 113. D.||l. A. 6. P. 1/7. V. 6. Head slightly compressed, its height being very little less than its length ; the upper profile of the snout curved. Maxillary barbels reaching to beneath the middle of the eye ; two short cirri, only half the length of the maxillary ones, pendent from the reflexed lower lip. Twenty-one lateral shields in the upper series, and twenty in the lower. Caudal fin forked. Yellowish brown, with dusky spots and mottlings ; lower parts whitish. Dorsal and caudal spotted. (Jenyns.) Hah. ? 11. Callichthys seneus. Hoplosoma seneum, Gill, in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York, 1858, vi. p. 403. D.v|l. A.i-. P. 1/7. V. 6. 7 1 0 ' Very similar to C. paleatus, but all the fins immaculate. Trinidad. 93. PLECOSTOMUS*. Plecostomus, sp., Artedi, in Seba, iii. p. 87. Hypostomus, Lacep. v. p. 144 ; K)ier, Hypostom. p. 256. Hypostomus, sp., Cuv. S,- Val. xv. p. 489. Plecostomus et Pseudancisti'us, Bleek. Nederl. Tydschr. Dierk. 1863, p. 78. A short adipose fin is present, being supported anteriorly by a short, compressed, ciu-ved spine ; dorsal fin of moderate length, with eight rays, the first of which is simple, slightly thickened, flexible ; anal fin short ; ventral six- rayed, below the dorsal ; pectoral with a strong spine. Head and body completely cuirassed, the lower parts being sometimes naked ; body rather short, with four or five longitudinal series of large imbricate scutes on each side ; tail not depressed. Snout produced, obtuse in front ; mouth inferior, transverse, with a single series of generally veiy fiiie, bent teeth in both jaws ; palate toothless. Interoperculum without erectile armature. Gill-opening very narrow. Continent of tropical America. * 1 . Hypostomus verres, Cuv. 8( Val. xv. p. 494. — Cayenne. 2. watwata, Hancock, Zool. Journ. iv. p. 246. — Demerara. This species has not more than eight dorsal rays, Hancock having used the old style of writing, D. — , which means that the fin is composed of eight rays, one of which is spinous. — The typical specimen appears to be lost. 93. PLECOSTOMFS. 231 The species may be subdivided thus : — a. Teeth in both jaws very fine, numeroua. • Margin of the snout granulated, without bristles : Pleco- stoDiKS, Blkr., p. 281. ** Margin of the snout with short bristles, which become gra- dually longer posteriorly : Pseiidaucuitrus, Blkr., p. 237. /3. Both jaws with small teeth, few in number, much dilated at the crown: Cochliodon, Heck., p. 238. a. Teeth in both jaws very fine, numerous. • Margin of the snout granulated, without bristles. 1. Plecostomus bicirrhosus. Loricaria plecostomus, L, Si/st. Nat. i. p. 508 ; £1. taf. 374 ; £1. Sch)i. p. 124. Plecostomus, Gronov. Mm. Ichth. i. p. 24. no. 67, and Zoophyl. no. 394. tab. 3. figs. 1 & 2. Ijoricaria fiava, Shaw, Zool. v. p. 38. pi. 101. Hj-postonius plecostomus, Cuv. i^ Val. xv. p. 489 ; Kner, Hypostom. p. 203. Plecostomus biciniiosus, Gronov. Syst. ed. Gray, p. 158. D. 1/7. A. 5. P. 1/6. V. 1/5. L. lat. 26. Head not much depressed, its length being two-sevenths of the total (without caudal) ; a rather prominent ridge runs from the eye to below the nostril, the side of the head below the ridge being slightly concave. Occiput with a rather elevated ridge, scutes of the nape bicarinate. Labial fold of moderate width, not notched behind, covered with minute papilla)*. Interoperculum with minute, very short setiform spines. Thorax and belly nearly entirely covered with minute scutes. The lower caudal lobe is considerably stronger than the upper ; the upper and lower caudal rays are prolonged, and subequal in length. Head with numerous closely-set browu dots ; body and fins with larger round spots, which are most distinct on the abdominal surface. BrazU ; Surinam ; Venezuela. a-c. Adult and half-grown. British Guiana. d. Adult : stuffed. British Guiana. e. Half-grown. Dutch Guiana. Purchased of Mr. Frank. /. Half-groAvn. Cayenne. g. Young. Para. Presented by R. Graham, Esq. h. Half-grown : bad state. Purchased of Mr. Bartlett. ». Adult. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 2. Plecostomus pantherinas. Kner, Hypostom. p. 267. D. 1/7. A. 5. P. 1/6. L. lat. 24-25. The length of the head is only one-third of the total (^\-ith the * The teeth van in munber ; I count from sixteen to twcntv-six in eacli m.in- dible and iutcrmaxillarj in specimens from the same locality. 2'M SILURID^. caudal) ; margin of the snout granulated, except in the middle of its extremity, where it is naked ; a ridge runs from the ixpper angle of the orbit to below the nostril ; occiput elevated, with two keels, each terminating in a point. The free margin of the interoperculum with small spines. Thorax and beUy naked ; scutes of the body keeled ; there are twelve scutes between anal and caudal. The outer pectoral rays extend beyond the base of the ventrals, and are armed with bristles. A few scattered round spots on the head, body, and fins ; they are smallest on the head. (Kne)\) Rio Guapore. This species is kno^ni fi-om a single example only ; it is 3 inches long. 3. Plecostomus horridus. Hvpostomus horridus, Kiicr, Hi/postom. p. 259. taf. 1. PHj'postomus emarginatus, Kner, Hi/postom. p. 260 (female ?) (not Cuv. Sf VaL). D. 1/7. A. 5. P. 1/6. L. lat. 27-28. Head rather depressed, its length being a little less than one-fourth of the total (without caudal) ; occiput with a slight prominence. Eye of moderate size, its diameter being one-third of the width of the iuterorbital space. Interoperculum not armed. Throat, thorax, and belly covered with very smaU scutes. Dorsal fin rather higher than long, the length of its base being much less than its distance from the second dorsal. Caudal fin deeply emarginate, its outer rays being •armed with long setiform curved spines, like the outer pectoral ray. The latter does not quite extend to the base of the ventral fin. Fifteen scutes between the anal and caudal fins. The lateral scutes of the body slightly keeled, each keel terminating in several small hooks. All jjarts with roiind black spots, those on the head being the smallest ; there are two series of these spots in each interradial space of the dorsal fin. {Kner.) Rio Guapore. 4. Plecostomus commersonii. Lacepede, v. pi. -4. fig. 2. Ilj'postonius commersonii, Valenc. in (VOrb. Voy. Amer. Stid, Poiss. pi. 7. fig. 2 (not good) ; Ciw. ^ Val. xv. p. 495. PHypostomus commersouii, EJner, Hypostoni. p. 262. Hvpostomus subcarinatus, Casteln. Anim. Amer. Sud, Poiss. p. 42. Vl. 21. fig. 1. D. 1/7. A. 5. P. 1/6. V. 1/5. L. lat. 30. Head not much depressed, its length being two-sevenths of the total (without caudal) ; no ridge between eye and nostril ; occiput with a rather elevated obtuse ridge ; the median scutes of the nape elevated in the middle and obtusely bicarinate. The middle of the extremity of the snout is naked ; labial fold of moderate width, not notched behind, covered with minute papilla;. Interoperculum with- out any spines. The entire lower side of the head, thorax, and belly 03. PLECOSTOMUS. 233 covered with minute scutes. The lenc/th of the base of the dorsal Jin is more than its distance from the second Jin. There are eight scutes between the two tins. Caudal fin obliquely emarginate. The pectoral spine extends to the second third of the length of the ventral fin, and has its extremitj' covered with very short spines. Sixteen scutes be- tween anal and caudal ; the lateral scutes of the bodj' with slightly serrated keels. Head, back, and fins with numerous broAvn dots ; three or four irregular series of dots in each interracUal space of the dorsal fin ; caudal fin nearly uniform blackish. Erazil, a. Adult. Rio Grande. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 5. Plecostomus punctatus. PHypostouius punctatuS; Cuv. ^- Val. xv. p. 493. D. 1/7. A. 5. P. 1/6. V. 1/5. L. lat. 31. Head rather depressed, its length being one-foui'th of the total (withoiit caudal) ; no ridge between eye and nostril ; superciliary edge not elevated ; occiput with a slight longitudinal elevation along its middle, and somewhat produced backwards ; nuchal scutes incon- spicuously bicarinate. The middle of the extremity of the snoiit is naked ; labial fold of moderate Avidth, not notched behind, covered with minute papillte. Interoperculum without any spines. The entire lower side of the head, thorax, and belly covered with minute scutes. The length of the base of the dorsal is less than its distance from the second Jin; there are nine scutes between the two fins. Caudal fin obliquely emarginate. The pectoral spine extends some- what b(!yond the base of the ventral, and has its hinder portion covered with .small ciu'ved spines. Sixteen scutes between anal and caudal ; the lateral scutes of the body with indistinct keels, each keel terminating in a bundle of veiy small spines. Head, back, and fins Avitli numerous brown dots ; they are arranged in two series betvveen evei-j' pair of the dorsal rays, and in a single series between the caudal rays. Brazil. rcceding species. (Gill.) Trinidad. 288 CHARACINID^:. 4. Corynopoma searlesii. Nematopoma searlesii, Gill, I. c. p. 429, D, 10. A. 26. V. 6. P. 10. Operculum with a triangular spiniforra dilatation which is pro- duced into a very long slender setaceous filament with a compressed expansion at the extremity, extending to behind the dorsal. The dorsal fin commences above the fifth or sixth anal ray, and when bent back, extends beyond the root of the caudal ; it is five times as high as long ; anal fin increasing in height posteriorly. The pec- torals extend as far backwards as the ventrals, beyond the origin of the anal. Coloration as in the preceding species. {Gill.) Trinidad. Second Group. CURIMATINA. Characinidae with an imperfect dentition and with a short dorsal fin. South America. 6. CURIMATUS. Curimatus, sp., Cuv. Regue Anim. Anodus, Spix, Pii^c. Bras. p. 60 ; Midi. Sf Trosch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 6. Dorsal fin placed nearly in the middle of the body ; adipose fin present ; anal rather short or of moderate length ; ventrals below the dorsal. Body oblong or elevated, with the belly rounded or flattened before the ventrals. Cleft of the mouth transverse, lips none, margins of the jaws trenchant. No teeth whatever. Intestinal tract very long and narrow. South America. The species may be subdivided thus : — • * Scales of moderate size ; L. lat. less than 70 : Curimatus, p. 288. ** Scales small; L. lat. more than 80: Anodm, p. 293. * Scales of moderate size ; L. lat. less than 70. 1. Curimatus spUurus. D. 12. A. 9 (without fii-st rudimentary ray). V. 9. L. lat. 33. L. transv. 6/6. The length of the head is contained thrice and two-thirds or four times in the total (without caudal). The upper profile is a little concave above the occiput. Snout scarcely shorter than the eye, the diameter of which is somewhat less than the width of the interorbital space ; eye with a narrow anterior and posterior lid. Caudal lobes longer than the head. The origin of the dorsal fin is considerably nearer to the extremity of the snout than to the base of the caudal. The pectoral terminates at some distance from the ventral, its length G. CUMMATUS. 289 being three-fourths of that of the head. The ventral extends to, or nearly to, the vent. Silvery, with a yellowish band along the lateral line, terminating in a round deeji-black spot at the base of the caudal. The two specimens on which I have founded this species differ most remarkably in the form of the body, although they agree in every other point, so that there can be no doubt that they are of one species. One has the body elevated like a C. Cjiprinokhs, its depth being two-fifths of the total length (without caudal) ; the other has the body oblong, its de])th being contained thrice and a third in the total. Both are of the same length. Essequibo. a-b. Three and a half inches long. From Mr. Ehrhaixit's CoUcction. 2. Curimatus albumus. Anodus alburnus, Midi. ^- Trosc/i. Ilor. Ichth. iii. p. 2G. tab. 4. fig. .3. Curiinalus alburnus, Kncr, Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, 18-jy, xvii. p. 144. D. 12. A. 10. V. 10. L. lat. 36. L. transv. 11. The height of the body is contained twice and three-fourths in the total length (without caud;d), the length of the head thrice and a half. Orbit with an anterior and posterior eyelid. The belly is romided in front of the ventrals, and scarcely keeled behind them. Caudal fin scaly. The pectoral fins do not extend to the venti'als, which reach to the vent. Immaculate, silvery. Lake Amucu (British Guiana) ; Rio Guapore. 3. Carimatus argenteus. Gill, Ann. Lijc. Nat. Hist. New York, 18u8, p. 422. D. 10. A. 8. Y. 9. L. lat. 37. L. transv. 13. The height of the body is contained thrice and one-third in the total length (with the caudal), the length of the head four times and two-thirds. Snout longer than the diameter of the eye, which is contained once and one-third in the width of the interorbital space. The commencement of the dorsal fin is less than a third of the length of the body nearer to the snout than to the end of the caudal. Silvery : a black spot at the root of tlic caudal fin ; a number of black dots cover the inferior third of the membrane between the middle rays of the dorsal, and give the appearance of a i-ounded spot. {QiV.) Trinidad. 4. Curimatus gilberti. Qmii (V (l(dm. Vol/. Umn. Zool. p. 219. pi. -Pi. fig. 1 ; Ci/v. ^- I'al. xxii. p." 10. D. 11. A. 9. V. 9. L. lat. 41. The height of the body is more than one-third of the total lengtli (without caudal) ; the upper profiI(> is a littl(^ concave above the VOL. V. V 290 CHAKACINrDiE. occiput. A bluish band along the middle of the side of the tail, terminating in a blackish spot at the root of the caudal fin. Rio Macacu (Brazil). 5. Curimatus troschelii. Anodus troschelii, Giinth. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1859, p. 418. D, 12. A. 10 (with first rudimentary ray). V. 9. L. lat. 46. L. transv. 7/8. The height of the body is contained thrice and a fourth in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and two-thirds. The upper profile is a little concave above the occiput. Snout not shorter than the eye, the diameter of which is contained once and two-thirds in the width of the interorbital space. Orbit without adipose eyelids. Caudal lobes scarcely longer than the head. The origin of the dorsal fin is a little nearer to the extremity of the snout than to the root of the caudal, and corresponds to the fourteenth scale of the lateral line ; its height is much less than the length of the head. The pectoral terminates at some distance from the ventral, its length being two-thirds of that of the head. The ventral docs not extend to the vent, and its base is below the middle of the dorsal. Belly not keeled behind the ventrals. Silvery, vertical fins more or less blackish ; a round black spot on the end of the lateral line. Western Andes of Ecuador. a. Several specimens. From Mr. Eraser's Collection. 6. Curimatus mtiloides. Kner, Denhschr. Wicn. Acad. 1859, xvii. p. 141. taf. 1. fig. 2. D. 10-11. A. 10. L. lat. 50-53. L. transv. i^. The height of the body is one-third or somewhat less than one- third of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths. The upper profile is not concave. Eye with an ante- rior and posterior lid. The pectoral does not quite extend to the base of the ventral, nor does the ventral reach to the vent — the ventral being rather shorter than the pectoral. Coloration uniform. (Kner.) Matogrosso, Barra do Eio Negro. 7. Curimatus cyprinoides. Salmo cyprinoides, L. Si/st. Nat. i. p. 514. edentulus, Bl. taf. 380 ; Bl. Schn. p. 472. Characiuus cyprinoides, Lacep. v. pp. 272, 274. Curimatus cyprinoides, Cim. ^- Vat xxii. p. 7 *. J!fote. — Charax no. 378, Gronov. Zoopliyl. i. p. 123, is generally quoted as a synonym of this species, but Gronow speaks of " squamae minutissimse," and therefore I consider it as identical with Curimatvs * Valenciennes states in the formula of the fins A. 11, which is evidently an error ; he has confounded it mth the formula given for C. ciliafvs, where he puts A. 9 instead of A. 11. I 0. CTTRIlTATtrS. 291 ahramoides, Kner. Also, the authors of the ' Horae Ichthyologicae ' appear to have examined a distinct species, if their specimens really had thirteen anal rays. D. 11. A. 10*. V. 10-11. L.lat. 5G. L. transv. 15/9. The height of the body is two-fifths of the total length (-nathout caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths. The upper profile is slightly concave above the occiput. Eye with a broad anterior and posterior adipose lid. The pectoral does not extend to the base of the ventral, and the ventral tenninatos at a considerable distance from the vent. Caudal fin forked ; the second and third dorsal rays sometimes prolonged into a long filament. Uniform sUvery. Guianas, Northern Brazil. a-h. Fine specimens, liiver Capin (Para). Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 8. Curimatus essequibensis. Anodus cjpriuoides, iluU. Sf- Trosch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 7 (nmi auct.). D. 11. A. 12-13 (the fii-st rudimentary ray included). Y. 10. L. lat. 51. L. transv. 12/9. Very similar to G. ci/pnnoides. The height of the body is contained twice and two-fifths in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and one-third. The upper profile is slightly concave above the occiput. Snout shorter than the eye, broad ; the diameter of the eye is two-thirds of the width of the interorbital space. Eye with a broad anterior and pos- terior adipose lid. Caudal fin forked, the lobes being a little longer than the head. The origin of the dorsal fin is nearer to the extremity of the snout than to the base of the caudal. The pectoral terminates at some distance from the ventral, its length being contained once and three-fourths in that of the head ; the ventral does not extend to the vent. Abdomen angular before the ventral. Uniform silvery, back bluish. Esscquibo. a-b. Five and a half inches long. From Mr. Ehrhardt's Collection. These specimens have the anterior dorsal rays not prolonged. 9. Curimatus schomburgkii. D. 12. A. 11-12. L. lat. 55. L. transv. 1.3/8. Similar to C. cj/prinoides. The height of the body is contained twice and a half in the total length (-VA-ithout caudal), the length of the head thrice and one-tliird. Tlie upper profile is distinctly concave above the occiput. Snout shorter than the eye; eye with a broad anterior and posterior lid. Intermaxillary broad, the cleft of the mouth being qiute at the lower side of the snout. Caudal fin forked, the lobes being as long as the * In this number the first rudimentary ray is included ; and the last, wliieh is split to tlie base, is reckoned as one. f 2 292 CTrAKAcrsriD-i:. head. The origin of the dorsal fin is a little nearer to the extremity of the snoiit than to the base of the candal. The pectoral extends to, or nearly to, the ventral, its length being two-thirds of that of the head. The ventral does not extend to the vent. Abdomen angular before the ventral. Uniform silvery, back bluish. British Guiana. a. Six inches long. "British Guiana. Presented by Sir E. Schom- buigk. — The anterior dorsal rays are a little prolonged. b. Young. British Guiana. Purchased of Mr. Leadbeater. c. Eleven inches long : skin. Demcrara. From the Collection of the Zoological Society. d. Half-growu. British Guiana. Pui'chased of Mr. Scrivener. e. Young. 10. Curimatus ciliatus. Anodus ciliatus, Mull. ^ Troxch. Hor. Ichth. iii. p. 25. tab. 4. fig. 4. Curimatus ciliatus, Kner, DefikscJtr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, 1859, xvii. p. 14^3. D. 12. A. 11. V. 10. L. lat. 57. L. transv. 25. The height of the body is contained twice and one-sixth in the total length (without caiidal), the length of the head thrice and a half. Orbit with an anterior and posterior adipose eyelid ; its diameter is one-half of the width of the interorbital space. The upper profile of the head and nape is convex, without concavity. Belly rounded before the ventrals, keeled behind them. The pectorals terminate at some distance from the ventrals, and the latter at some distance from the vent. Coloration uniform. {M. Sf T.) Described from specimens 65 inches long ; Essequibo River. 11. Curimatus vittatus. Kner, Denkschr. JVien. Acad. 1859, x\-ii. p. 139. taf. 1. fig. 1. D. 11. A. 10*. L. lat. 56-64. L. transv. '-^^ The height of the body is one-third of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head two-sevenths or a little less. The upper profile is scarcely concave above the occiput. Eye with a broad anterior and posterior lid. The pectoral does not extend to the base of the ventral ; the ventral is longer than the pectoral, reaching nearly to the vent. Back with dark cross-bands ; a dark band along the lateral line, bordered by a light one above and below. (^Kner.) Bio Guapore and Bio Negro. * In this and in other species described by Kner, the first rudimentary ray does not appear to have been counted. 1 , viii. p. 413. tab. 14. fig. 4. Sahuo argcntinus, L. Syst. Nat. i. p. 511 ; Blvch, ial 382. fig. I ; Bl. Schn. p. 403. 344 cnARACixiD^. Characinus argentinus, Lavep. v. p. 272. Piabuca argentina, Cuv. Rh/ne Anhn. ; Midi. <^ Trosch. Hor. Ichth. i. p. 9. taf. 1. fig. 1 ; Cuv. ^ Val. xxii. p. 108. B. 4. D. 11. A. 46. V. 8. L. lat. 82. The length of the head is equal to, or less than, the height of the body, which is one-fifth or one-sixth of the total length (with the caudal). A silvery band along the side, above the lateral line ; a black spot at the base of the caudal fin. Brazil; Surinam. 2. Piabuca spilurus. D. 10. A. 32. V. 8. L. lat. 57. The height of the body is one-sixth of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one -fifth. Fourteen crenulated teeth in the upper jaw as well as in the lower. The origin of the dorsal fin is midway between the occiput and the root of the caudal, and somewhat in front of that of the anal. Silvery iridescent ; caudal with a large rounded deep-black spot on its basal portion. Amazons. a. Two and a half inches long. River Cupai. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. 31. AGONIATES. Agoniates, Midi. <^ Trosch. Hen-. Ichth. i. p. 33. Dorsal fin placed behind the middle of the length of the body, behind the ventrals ; anal rather long. Body oblong, covered with scales of moderate size ; belly strongly compressed. Cleft of the mouth veiy wide. Intermaxillary with a double series of teeth : the outer ones conical, the inner tricuspid ; maxiUarj' long, with a single series of conical teeth of equal length ; mandible with strong teeth in a single series, some of which are canine teeth ; a large canine tooth on each side anteriorly, received in a groove on the palate ; there are a few tricuspid teeth between the anterior canine teeth ; no palatine teeth. Gill-openings wide ; the gill-rakers of the first branchial arch setifonn. British Guiana. 1. Agoniates haleciuus. Mull. Sf Trosch. I. c. tab. 7. fig. 2 ; Cuv. ^ Val. xxii. p. 347. B. 4. D. 11. A. 20. V. 7. L. lat. 39. The height of the body is somewhat less than the length of the head, which is contained four times and two-thirds in the total (without caudal). The last dorsal rays are above the origin of the anal fin. Silvery. (M. 4- T.) British Guiana. 32. ANACTRTUS. 345 Sixth Group. HYDROCYONINA. Characioidse with an adipose fin and a short dorsal, with the teeth in both jaws well developed and conical, with the gill-mem- branes free from the isthmus, and with the nasal openings close together. South America and tropical Africa, 32. ANACYRTUS*. Epicyrtust, Miill. Sf Trosch. Hor. Ichth. i. p. 17. Epicyrtus et Cjiiopotamus, Cuv. Sf Veil. Dorsal fin placed nearly in the middle of the length of the body, behind the ventrals ; anal long, commencing before or below the dorsal fin. Body oblong or rather elevated, covered with small scales ; lateral line complete. Belly rounded in front of the ventrals, which are rather close to the pectorals ; humerus dilated or produced into a process before the pectorals. Cleft of the mouth wide. Teeth conical, in the intermaxillary, maxillary, and mandible ; canine teeth more or less distinct. The intermaxillary and mandibulary teeth form a single or double series ; palate toothless. Nostrils close together, separated by a membrane only. GUI-openings wide, the gUl-mem- branes not attached to the isthmus, sepai'ate ; gill-rakers slender, lanceolate. Central and South America. The species may be divided into the following groujjs : — A. Mandibulary teeth in a single series. 1. Jaws without external tooth-like processes. a. Intermaxillary teeth in two nearly confluent series : Anacyrtus, m., p. 346. h. Intermaxillarv teeth in a single series ; scales very small : Rcestes, m., p. 347." 2. Jaws with external tooth-like processes ; scales very small : Rw- bdidi's, m., p. 347. B. Mandibulary teeth in a double series : Cynopotamu% Kner, p. 348. * Eeinhardt lias described anotlier species with the name of Epicyrtus xenodon, wliich also has the jaws provided with external tooth-like processes. Unfortu- nately I have not access, at present, to the part of the " Videnskabeligo Meddel- elser'fra den Naturhistoriske Forening i Kjobeiihavn, 1849," which contains the description of this species. t Preoccupied. 346 CHAEACINID^. A. Mandibulary teeth in a single series. 1. Jaws without external tooth-like processes. a. Intermaxillary teeth in two almost confluent series : Anacyrtus. 1. Anacyrtus gibbosus. Charax, sp., Grmiov. Mus. Ichth, i. p. 19. no. 53. tab. 1. fig. 4 ; Zoo- phyl. p. 124. no. 380. Salmo gibbosus, L. Syst. Nat. i. p. 513 ; Bl. Schn. p. 419. Epicyi-tus gibbosus, Miill. <§• Trosch. lior. Ichth. i. p. 17. taf. 2. fig. 1 (dentition). Cynopotamus gibbosus, Cuv. Sc Val. xxii. p. 321. pi. 645. Epicvrtus maerolepis, Kner, Denkschr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, 1860, xviii. p. *47. taf. 6. fig. 14 *. D. 11. A. 53-57. V. 8. L. lat. 57-58. Teeth in the intermaxillary in a double series, the two series being so close together as to be almost confluent into one ; no external divergent teeth ; mandibvdaiy teeth in a single series. Back elevated, the tipper profile of the head and nape forming an S-shaped curve. The height of the body is contained twice and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and one- fourth ; the origin of the dorsal fi.n is above the fourth anal ray, the root of the ventral before the middle of the pectoral. Guianas. a. Adult : skin. Type of the species. From Gronow's Collection, h. Adult. Surinam. Purchased of Mr. Frank. c-e. Adult and half-grown. British Guiana. Presented by SLc R. Schomburgk. 2. Anacyrtus pauciradiatus. Similar to A. gibbosus, but with fewer anal rays. D. 11. A. 45-49. V. 8. L. lat. 56. No external divergent teeth ; teeth in the intermaxillary in a double series, the outer series, however, containing only a few teeth, which are almost confluent with the inner series ; mandibulary teeth in a single series ; canine teeth well developed. Back elevated, the upper profile of the head and nape forming an S-shaped curve. The height of the body is contained twice and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and four-fifths. Maxillary straight ; the width of the interorbital space equals the diameter of the eye, which is two-sevenths of the length of the head. The origin of the dorsal fin is midway between the extremity of the snout and the root of the caudal fin, above the second anal ray ; the root of the ventral corresponds to the middle of the pectoral fin. Silvery, with a humeral and caudal spot. Para, a-b. From 4 to 5 inches long. River Capin. Purchased of Mr. Stevens. * Although Kner liimself identifies his specimens with the species described by Gronow, they may possibly belong to A. pauciradiatus, as Kner Las omitted to state the number of anal rays. 32. ANACTKTTJS. 347 b. Intennaxillary teeth in a single series ; scales Tery small : Rcestes. 3. Anacyrtus molossus. Cynopotamus molossus, K)ier,Denkschr.Acad. Wiss. Wien, 1860, xviii. p. 51. taf. 7. fig. 16. D. 10. A. 46-50. V. 8. Intermaxillary and maxillary with a single series of teeth, the former with canines ; teeth of the mandible in a double series, the outer one containing canine teeth, those of the inner being smaU, equal in size. The height of the body is one-third of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head one-fourth. The iipper l)rofile of the head is very slightly concave ; head broad, its width being nearly one-half of its length. Humerus broad, with a notch for the first pectoral ray. The dorsal fin commences midwaj" between the extremity of the snout and the root of the caudal. Pectoral ex- tending nearly to the vent. (Kner.) Brazil. 2. Jaws with external tooth-like processes ; scales very small : Rosboides. 4. Anacyrtus microlepis. Epicyrtus gibbosus, Cuv. ^- Val. xxii. p. 4^3 (not i.). microlepis, Reinh. Vidensk. Meddci. Naturh. Foren. Kjobenh. 1849, p. ; Kner, DenMchr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, I860, xviii. p. 47. taf. 6. fig. 13. D. 11. A. 60. L. lat. 110. Upper and lower jaw with short, conical, tooth-like processes directed outwards ; teeth in the intermaxillary in two rather irregular series, without canines ; maxillary with a few small teeth near its articulation ; mandibular}' teeth in a single series, ■with very small canines. Back elevated, the upper profile of the head being concave. The height of the body is contained twice and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times. Humeral and caudal spots present. Brazil. 5. Anacyrtus guatemalensis. D. 11. A. 51. V. 8. L. lat. 80. L. transv. 19/22. Vert. 12/22. Upper and lower jaw anteriorly on each side with a short, conical, tooth-Kke process directed forwards ; teeth in the intermaxillary, maxillary, and mandible in a single, rather irregular series ; no canine teeth in the upper jaw, those in the lower small and short. Back elevated, the upper profile of the head and nape forming an S-shaped curve. The height of the body is contained twice and three-fourths in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times. The lower jaw is rather shorter than the upper ; the maxUlar}- extends nearly to the vertical from the centre of the eye. The width of the interorbital space is a little less than the diameter of the eye, which is two-sevenths of the length of the head. The humeral process in front of the pectoral terminates in a point anteriorly and posteriorly. 348 CHARACINID^. The origin of the dorsal fin is a little nearer to the extremity of the snout than to the root of the caudal, above the fifth or sixth anal ray ; caudal deeply forked ; the ventral is inserted below the middle of the pectoral, which extends nearly to the origin of the anal. Light reddish oHve with a silvery lateral band. Guatemala. a-b. From 5 to 6 inches long. Chagres River. From the Collection of Messrs. Salvin and Dow. c. Several young specimens. Huamuchal. From Mr. Salvin's Col- lection. <;. Adult: skeleton. Chagres River. From the Collection of Messrs. Salvin and Dow. The length of the abdominal portion of the vertebral column is contained once and four-fifths in that of the caudal ; the first ver- tebra is large, evidently composed of two confluent vertebrae. Ribs well developed. The interhaeraal spines do not correspond with the hsemals, the nine anterior interhsemals being attached to the haemal of the fii'st caudal vertebra. B. Mandibulary teeth in a double series : Cynopotanms. 6. Anacjrrtus argenteus. Hydi-ocyon argenteus, Vd. in cVOrb. Voy. Am. Merid. I'oiss. pi. 9. fig. 1. Cynopotamus argenteus, Cuv. 4" Val. xxii. p. 317. D. 12. A. 53. V. 8. L. lat. 120. Intermaxillary and mandibulary teeth in a double series: the outer series of the intermaxillary is formed by very short conical teeth, the inner by four canine teeth. Edge of the maxillary toothed. The outer series of the mandible contains strong canines, the inner being formed by very small teeth. Back elevated, the upper profile of the head and nape forming an S-shaped curve. The height of the body is one-third of the total length (without caudal), the length of the head a little less than one-fourth. ( Val.) Rio de la Plata. 7. Anacyrtus humeralis. Hydrocyon humeralis, Val. in (T Orb. Voy. Am. Merid. Poiss. pi. 1 1. fig. 2. Cynopotamus humeralis, Cur. ^ Val. xxii. p. 320. D. 11. A. 44. L. lat. 115. Dentition as in A. argenteus. Body oblong, its height being equal to the length of the head, and two-sevenths of the total (without caudal). The upper profile of the head is somewhat concave. A more or less distinct blackish spot on the shoulder ; a blackish band along the root of the caudal and along its middle rays. ( Val.) Buenos Ayres. Kner (Denkschi-. Acad. Wiss. "Wien, 1860, xviii. p. 49. taf. 7. fig. 15) describes a Cynopotamus humeralis, which, however, appears to be distinct, having only 78-95 scales in the lateral line and 45-48 anal rays. % 34. sALMijfus. 349 33. HYSTRICODON. Exodon*, Miill. ^- Trosch. Hor. Ichth. i. p. 31. Dorsal fin placed in the middle of the length of the body, above the ventrals ; anal rather elongate, commencing behind the dorsal fin. Body oblong, covered with scales of moderate size ; lateral Une complete. Belly rounded. Cleft of the mouth rather wide ; teeth conical, in a double series in the intermaxillary, maxillary, and man- dible ; those of the outer series largest, irregular, divergent ; palate toothless. Nostrils close together. GUI-openings wide. Guianas, Brazil. 1. Hystricodon paradoxus. Exodon paradoxus, Mull. ^- Trosch. I. c. taf. 4. fig. 1 ; Kner, Denk-ichr. Acad. Wiss. Wien, 18G0, xviii. p. 46. EpicjTtus exodon, Cia\ ^- Val. xxii. p. 40. paradoxus, Casteln. Anhu. Amer. Sud, Poiss. p. 60. B. 4. D. 10-11. A. 20-22. V. 8-9. L. lat. 37. The height of the body is rather more than the length of the head, and one-third of the total (without caudal). Intermaxillary with a pair of short conical teeth in front, pointing forwards ; caudal fin deeply forked. Body with a silvery band above the lateral Une, and with two large blackish spots, one on the side of the trunk, and the other at the root of the caudal fin. Brazil, Guiana. 34. SALMINUS. Salniinus, Mull. Sf Trosch.f Hor. Ichth. i. p. 16. Dorsal fin placed in the middle of the length of the body, behind the ventrals ; anal long. Body oblong, covered with scales of mode- rate size ; bellj- rounded. Cleft of the mouth wide, maxillary elon- gate. Teeth conical : intermaxillary and mandible with a double series, the teeth in the outer series being much larger than those in the inner ; maxillary toothed along its entire length. Nostrils close together. Gill-opening very wide, the gill- membranes being free and separate. Brazils. 1. Salminus hilarii. Cuv. i^'- Val. xxii. p. 64 ; Casteln. Anivi. Artier. Sud, Poiss. p. GO. pi. 31. fig. 1. D. 11. A. 2.5. V. 8. L. lat. 69. L. transv. 10/8. The length of the head is nearly equal to the height of the body, and somewhat more than one-fourth of the total (^vithout caudal) ; maxillary with about 37 teeth ; operculum two-fifths as long as high. The origin of the dorsal fin is a little nearer to the root of the caudal than to the extremity of the snout. Caudal fin with the middle rays * Preoccupied. t This genus was first characterized by Miiller and Troachel. 350 CHAEACINID^. produced into a short lobe. Each scale with a brownish dot at the base ; a broad black band along the middle of the caudal fin. Brazil. a-c. Adult : skins. Eio S. Francisco. Purchased of Mr. Gardiner. 2. Salminus brevidens. Hydi'ocyon brevidens, Cuv. Mem. Mus. v. p. 364. pi. 27. fig. 1. Salminus cuvaeii, Cuv. 8f Val. xxii. p. 56. D. 11. A. 29. V. 8. L. lat. 80. L. transv. 12/10. The length of the head is somewhat less than the height of the body, or than one-fourth of the total (without caudal) ; maxiUary with from 34 to 36 teeth ; operculum thrice as high as long ; the origin of the dorsal fin is nearly in the middle between the extremity of the snout and the root of the caudal. Caudal fin with the midcUe rays produced into a short lobe. Each scale with a brownish- black spot at the base ; a broad black band along the middle of the caudal fin. Brazil. (v-h. Adult and half-grown, skins. Cipo River. Presented by Ch. Cumberland, Esq. — Vernacular names : Dourado, Tubarana. 3. Salminus maxiUosus. Hydrocyon brevidens, Valenc. in d'Orh. Voy. Amer. Siid, Poiss. pi. 9. fig. 3. Salminus maxillosus, Cuv. ^ Val. xxii. p. 62 ; Castidn. Anivi. Amer. Sud, Poiss. p. 61. pi. 30. fig. 2. ? Salminus orbignyanus, Cuv. Sr Val. xxii. p. 65. D. 11. A. 27. V. 9. L. lat. 105. The middle caudal rays are somewhat produced, and of black colour. Each scale with a brown dot at the base. (Val.) Amazons ; ? Buenos Ayres. 35. HYDROCYON. Hydrocyon, sp., Cuv. Pi-gne Anim. Hydrocyon, Miill. ^- Trosch. Hor. Ichth. i. p. 11. The dorsal fin is in the middle of the length of the body, above the ventrals ; anal of moderate length. Body oblong, compressed, covered with scales of moderate size ; belly rounded. . Cleft of the mouth wide, without lips ; the intermaxillaries and mandibles are armed with strong, pointed teeth, widely set and few in number ; they are received in notches of the opposite jaw, and visible ex- ternally, when the mouth is closed. Palate toothless. Cheeks covered with the enlarged suborbital bones. Nostrils close together, situated in the same cavity. Orbit with an anterior and posterior adipose eyelid. GiU-opening wide, the gill-membranes being united quite in front of the throat. Intestinal tract short. Rivers of tropical Africa. I 35. HTDEOCTON. 351 1. Hydrocyon forskalii. Kelb el bahr ; Kelb el moyeh. Uiaracinus dentex, Geoffr. Descr. Ey. Poiss. pi. 4 fig- 1 Hydrocyou forskalii Ctiv. Mem. Mm. v. p. 364. pi. 28.fi^. 1 ; Mlill txIC-^ sot''' ^'^' '■ P- ^^- *''^- ^- ^^- ^ (^'"^^^ ' ^'"'^- "^ ^ «^- B.4. D.IO. A. 15-16. V.IO. L. lat. 45-48. L. transv. 5i2 The height of the body is contained four times and a half or four times and two-thu-ds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times and one-fourth or four times and two-thirds Ihere are two series of scales between the lateral Hne and the elon- gate scale at the root of the ventral fin. The upper jaw with five or six teeth on each side, the lower with four. Silvery ; generaUy a blackish streak along each series of scales above the lateral Una JNile. West Africa. a-c. Adult and half-grown. Lower Nile. From Consul Petherick's Collection. c7 Half-grown. Egypt. From Dr. E. Riippell's CoUection. e-h. bme specimens. Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Col- lection. i. Adult : stuffed. Old Collection. k. Adult: skeleton. Lower Nile. From Mr. S. S. Allen's Collection. 2, Hydrocyon brevis. B.4. D.IO. A. 16. V.IO. L. lat. 49-50. L. transv. 9/5. Very simUar to R. forskalii, but with a shorter body and with more scales below the lateral hne. The height of the body is contained thrice and a half or thrice and two-thirds in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head four times or thrice and four-fifths. There are three series of scales between the lateral line and the elongate scale at the root of the ventral fin. The upper jaw wdth five or six teeth on each side, the lower with four. Silvery ; each series of scales above the lateral line with a very faint darker longitudinal streak. Upper Nile. a-c. Fine specimens, from 12 to 14 inches long. Chartoum. From Consul Petherick's Collection. Valenciennes appears to have known this species, although he did not distinguish it from If. forskalii ; from his remarks it would appear that it extends also to Western Africa. 352 CHARACINID-E. 3. Hydrocyon lineatus. Hydrocyon lineatus (^Schleg.), Bleek. Poiss. Cote de Guin. p. 125. D. 10. A. 15. V. 10. L. lat. 44-46. L. transv. 8/5. Similar to the preceding two species, but with a comparatively longer head. The height of the body is contained four times in the total length (without caudal), the length of the head thrice and three-foiurths or four times. There are two series of scales between the lateral line and the elongate scale at the root of the ventral fin. The upper jaw with six teeth on each side, the lower with five. Silvery ; each series of scales above the lateral line and the nearest below with a black longitudinal streak. East and West Africa. a-b. Skins, 15 and "I inches long. Unguezi, River Shire. Presented by Dr. Kirk and Ch. Livingstone, Esq. c. Adult. "West Africa. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. 36. SARCODACES. Xiphorhamphus, sp., 3fiUl. 6i- 2'rosch. Dorsal fin placed behind the middle of the length of the body, between veutrals and anal ; anal rather short. Head and body elon- gate, covered with scales of moderate size. Belly rounded. Cleft of the mouth very wide ; teeth conical, in a single series in the in- termaxillary and maxiUary, larger canines being mixed with smaller teeth ; there is a series of smaU teeth on each side of the palate, but they are implanted on a process of the intermaxillary bone, which extends far backwards along the inner side of the maxillary. Man- dible with two series of teeth, the inner being formed by very small teeth implanted on the edge of the inner lamella of the bone. Nostrils lateral, close together, separated by a membrane only, and situated immediately before the eye. GiU-openings wide, the giU- membranes being free and separate ; gill-rakers slender, lanceolate, widely set. "West Africa. 1. Sarcodaces odoe. Salmo odoe, Block, taf. 386. Xiphorhamphus odoe, Miill. 8r Trosch. Hor. Ichth. i. p. 18. Xiphorhynchus odoe, Cuv. 8f Val. xxii. p. 345. B. 4. D. 9. A. 11. V. 9. L. lat. 60. Vertical and ventral fins with black spots. "West Africa. a. Adult. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. h. Adult : skull. Purchased of Mr. Dalton. 38. xirnoRHAMrnus. 353 37. OLIGOSARCUS. Dorsal fin placed in the middle of the length of the body, above the space between ventrals and anal ; anal long. Head and body compressed, oblong, covered with scales of moderate size ; lateral line complete ; belly rounded. Cleft of the mouth wide ; teeth conical, in a single series in the intennaxillary, maxillary, mandible, and on the palatine bones ; some of the teeth in the intermaxillary and mandible are canine teeth. Nostrils close together. Gill- openings very wide, the gill-membranes not attached to the isthmus ; gill-rakers slender, lanceolate. Brazil. 1. Oligosarcus argenteus. D. 11. A. 25. V. 8. L. lat. 43. L. transv. 9/7. The height of the body is nearly equal to the length of the head, which is two-sevenths of the total (the caudal fin not included) ; the depth of the head equals its length without snout ; the width of the interorbital space is a little less than the diameter of the eye, which is one-fourth of the length of the head, and equal to the extent of the snout. Cleft of the mouth wide, the maxillary extending some- what behind the vertical from the centre of the eye ; the intermax- illary has two or three feeble canine teeth on each side, the anterior pair being received between the front canine teeth of the lower jaw, which are twice as strong as the upper ones. The lateral teeth of the mancEble and those of the maxillary and of the palatines are e