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Show 1900.] FISHES FROM THE GAMBIA. 515 disposed with greater or less regularity at considerable intervals caudal fin with numerous small round blackish spots. Total length 490 millim. Three specimens. This species is most nearly allied to S. nigrita C. & V., from the Senegal, from which it differs, however, in the larger adipose fin and the longer and more slender branches of the mandibular barbels, as well as in the presence of the ocellar spots on the body. " Never found in main river; chiefly taken in the Kunchow Creek. Eye-spots very bright black with white centre. Upper parts brown." 29. MALOPTERURUS ELECTRICUS Gm. " Is known to the natives of the Gambia by the name of ' Tingo.' It is common. The largest specimen seen was 14 inches in length. Two small specimens 3 inches in length were kept alive for several weeks in an aquarium ; they appeared to browse on the algao, and were capable when even so small of giving a very considerable shock." MUGILIDjE. 30. MUGIL FALCIPINNIS C. & V. " Taken frequently in the Kunchow Creek. No fish in the river can compare with this as food, most of the river-fish being soft-fleshed and tasteless." POLYNEMIDJE. 31. POLYNEMUS QUADRIFILIS C. & V. SPHYRjENID-ffi. 32. SPHYR^ENA GUACHANCHO C. & V. OPHIOCEPHALIDJE. 33. O P H I O C E P H A L U S OBSCURUS Gthr. " Called by the natives ' Pattukoma ' or ' sleeping-fish,' from a curious habit it has when caught in shallow pools by draining the water : it does not attempt to get to the deeper parts of the pools but lies stranded as though dead. If placed in deep water it will suddenly dart away. In these pools it bears from above a striking resemblance to Polypterus, with which it is generally found." GOBIID.E. 34. ELEOTRIS SENEGALENSIS Stdr. CARANGIDJE. 35. TRACHYNOTUS OTATUS L. SCTJENIDJE. 36. CORVINA NIGRITA C. & V. |
