Key for the identification of the East African marine fishes to family level

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Authors Matthes, H.

Download date 04/10/2021 10:02:11

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/35452 / ,~.

~I' •.• SPONSORS Hydrobiologists from East, Central and West Mrica with substantial support from other Mrican countries, Fishery Scientists in the United States, Canada, U.K., Europe and the Soviet Union.

EDITOR Dr. John Okedi, Director E.A.F.F.R.O., Jinja, Uganda.

SUB-EDITOR S. WanaIl'ibwa (Mrs.)

EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. L. Obeng, Director, Institute ofAquatic Mr. W. A. Sichone, Fisheries Department, Biology, Achimota, Ghana. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Mr. :N. Odero, Director, FIsheries Division, Mr. V. O. Sagua, Director, Kainji Lake Nairobi, Kenya. Research Project, Nigeria. Mr. S. N. Semakula; p,ermanent Secretary, Mr. R. E. Morris, Director, EAMFRO Ministry of Resources, Kampala, Zanzibar. Uganda. Professor A. F. De Bont, Universite de Professor Mohamed Hyder, University of Kinshasa, Republique Democratique du Nairobi, Kenya. Zaire. Professor W. B. Banage, University of Mr. G. E. B. Kitaka, Deputy Director zambia, Lusaka. EAMFRO, Zanzibar. Professor A. M. A. Imevbore, University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

PROGRAMME The Mrican Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and Fisheries will only accept original and well supported ideas on techniques, methodology and research findings frorp. scientists, fishery officers, fishery economists and sociologists. The Journal will therefore strengthen the Mrican research scientist by making research ;vaterial available and also increasing the awareness and utility of a.quatiQ resources. ~ts quality will conform to International standards, and will be published in English and French. .

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SUBSCRIPTION Annual subscription within East Africa Shs. 35. Outside East Mrica, East Mrican Shs. 70, US $ 10.00. KEY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE EAST AFRICAN MARINE FISHES TO FAMILY LEVEL

DR. H. MAT1H~S Kunduchi Fisheries Institute P.O. Box 23126, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Present address: 15 spoghdlan Driehus (Valsett) Holland

INTRODUCTION i.e.: I have endeavoured to produce a field A-a key to the families of shatks and rays key, using pradical!y only external characters. (Chodrichthyes). easily visible, measurahle or at least ob­ B-a key to the orders and/or sub-orders servable under a low-power magnifying of bony fishes (). lens. This has proved very difficult and hence C-a key to the families of Teleosts. it is absolutely necessary to carefully read This will facilitate its practical use, since the explanatory notes first, before attempting workers in the field who are already familiar to use the key. with the fishes can skip one or more parts TIlis key is relevant only /0 the E. African and go directly to the section 'required if marine Fi.l'hf'.I' already recorded or likely he is sure of the higher category into which to occur in this area and hence covers the the specimen to be identified t~l1s. Western Indian Ocean from Somalia to Simple line drawings have been provided Mozambique, excluding Mauagascar, Sey­ as necessary to illustrate salient morpho­ chelles, etc. logical chatacters. It is hoped to plOduce TIle brackishwater fishe;; as well as the likewise a key to the genera jn the ncar strictly marine ones are-included. No Cyclo­ future. stomes have been recorded from E. African waters and this key wiH therefore only cover EXPlANATORY NOTES TO THE the cartilaginous and bony fishes. "KEYS" Family names as used in SMITH (1965) Just like in most determination keys this are bracketed after the name used here, one is based on the "either-or" principle, jf it differs. i.e. there is a single alternatIve at each point. The orders/sub-orders have been keyed A specimen ~ither fits all the characten out in the sequence in which they occur recorded, or fails to conform to one or more in the modern classification as proposed by characters and you should then proceed to GREENWOOD e, ai, 1966. the next number. keeping this up until the The key consists essentially of three parts, fish to be identified does fit all the characters, 94 DR. H. MATIHES

Because of the close similarity of many anal and caudal and dorsal and caudal fins. FINLET; Sma characters. it is essential to have a clear CIRRI: Fringes a round mouth, usually of a single bl I I and unambiguous understanding of every smaller structures than barbels. and Anal fin: word in the key. The terminology used is CLASPERS: Male reproductive organs FIN FORMUI as precise as possible and eJ'ery word is attached to the ventral fins of sharks, A. XII 16 signijicam. The following definitions and skates, rays and chimaeras. (roman num illustrations will help to make everything COMPRESSED: Flattened from one side V-1-18~ clear and should be referred to when identi­ to the other. 2nd Dorsal fying difficult specimens. CONFLUENT: Joined together. rays; single, If any category is not keyed out further, CTENOID: Refers to scales with rough splny rays a e.g. no further than sub-order, either the edges, due to being minutely spinolis roman num characters used are sufficient to identify or pectinated. single rays the family (mentioned in brackets) or that CYCLOID: Refers to scales with smooth D. XXlII category (subord., Fam.) has not been edges, not· ctenoid, but concentrically with 23 spin recorded with certainty from our area. striate. and 16 soft DENTATE: With tooth-like notches. separate finl EXPLANATION OF TERMS DENTICLE: A little tooth; denticulate; A range ADIPOSE EYELID: Broad fatty eyelid, scales in Chondrichthyes. press.ed as covering most or part of eye. DEPRESSED: Flattened vertically, as in o - I ID­ ADIPOSE FIN: Fleshy fin-like projection all skates and rays. (0) 12 = on the back behind . DEPTH: Usually refers to maximum vertical 2nd Dorsa AIR, BLADDER: A sac filled with air diameter of body and to the proportional soft rays, placed below the backbone. Also called relation length/depth; i.e. depth: 4 means to 12 finl . the fish is 4 times longer than deep. followed b; ANAL; Refers to the vent or anus. DEXTRAL: Referring to right-handed lIat between fil ANAL FIN; Fin on median line of body fishes. In this family at an early stage (+)itmea' behind vent; noted in key as: A. one-eyed migrates and comes to lie next into two, ANAL PAPiLlA: A fleshy projection at to its fellow on either the left or right FOREHEAI the vent. side of the fIsh, The fish lies either on its GILL ARC BARBEL: Long, slender, fleshy projection left or right side after completion of the gills are I around the mouths of certain fishes; eye migration. A fiatfish with both eyes GILL MElI may be single (median) on the chin, or on the right side is designated dextral. supported period, or up to 4 pairs, as in . DORSAL: Relating to the back. Dorsal closing g BICUSPID: Two-pointed, usually refers to fin noted as: D. GILL SU­ teeth. ELECTRICAL ORGAN: e.g. in the electric back part BRANCHIOSTEGALS: Bony rays sup­ ray, situated in body on each side of head forward porting membranes under the head below consisting of specialized cells with many its simply the opercular bones. Mostly used to nerves. In shark' determine generic or family characters. EMARGINATE: Slightly forked or notched, formed : CANINES: Any conical teeth in jaws larger especially with reference to the caudal each side or longer than others. fin. GILL RA CARDIFORM; Refers to slender teeth EXOSKELETON: Outer skeleton, or such jectionSj set closely like those of a card or comb. hard parts of the body surface as scutes arch. V CAUDAL FIN: Fin at or on the tail; and scales. numero noted as: C. FALCATE: Sickle-shaped, often with reo or entir CAUDAL PEDUNCLE: Region between ference to the pectoral fin. IMBRIC1

I KE'i FOR EAST AfRICAN MARINE FISH 95

icaudal fins. FINLET: Small. detached fins composed on a roof. ~h. usualJy of a single brached ray hehind the Dorsal INFRAORBITALS: Arch of small bones rbels. and Anal fins, e.g. in Srnmbridae (Tunas). along lower roge of eye. ive organs FIN FORMuLA: Counts of fin rays, e.g. INTEROPERCLE: Membrane bone at­ of sharks, A. XII 16 ~ Anal with 12 spiny rays rached between prcoperde and bran- (roman numerals) andJ6 soft rays; D. chiostegals. aI one side V + I 8 ~ first Dorsal with 5 spines: INTERORBITAL: Space between the 2nd Dorsal with one spine and 8 soft orbits. rays; single, but not necessarily strongly ISTHM US: Support of chest with the with rough spiny rays are sometimes noted in smaH throat; usually between the branchial ely spinous roman numerals, e.g. D. iv 10 (with 4 cavities. singh:': rays and 10 soft, branched rays); KEEL: A raised ridge, usually on calldal lith smooth D. XXlII -1 I 16 + R ~ 1st Dorsal peduncle in fish~s. mcentrically with 23 spines, 2nd Dorsal with one spine : A series of muciferous and 16 soft rays, followed hy a series of tubes along each sid.e of the body forming )tches. separate finlcts. a raised line; noteo in scale counts as; denticulate; A range of fimay counts may be ex­ L.L. pressed as follows: D. IX- XXXV -:­ LL'NATE: form of n~w moon or crescent­ ::any, as in o - II 0~20i (0)- 12/A. 8~20 + shaped. Usually refers to a broad and (0) 12 ~ 1st Dorsal with 9-35 spines; shallow-forked caudal fin. num vertical 2nd Dorsal with 0-1 spine and 1O~20 MANOrBLE: Lower jaw. proportional soft rays. followed by (0) ~ unusual) MAXILLARY: Upper jaw. Often called th: 4 means to 12 fill1ets/Anal with 8~20 soft-rays the maxilla. Technically the outermost or n deep, followed by (0) to 12 finlets. If the, sign hindmost bones of the upper jaw. ·handed flat between fin ray counts is bracketed thus MOLARS: Grjnding t~eih) usually posterior, early stage (+) it means the fin is not clearly separated in the jaws. to lie next into two, but i~ notched to its base. MUCIFEROUS: Producing or containing ,n or right FOREHEAD: Frontal curve of head. mucus or slime. :ither on its GILL ARCHES; Bonv arches to which NAPE: Neck above and next to the occiput. • lion of the gills are attached. NICTITATING MEMBRANE: Third • both eyes GILL MEMBRANES: Thin wall of skin or inner eyelid. I dextral. supported by the bran~hiostegals and OCCIPITAL: Relating to the occiput or ck. Dorsal closing gill-openings below. back of the head above. GILL SLIT: Opening under or hehind OCELLATE: Eye-like coloursPQts, usually '. -. the electric back part of head. usually clieft obliquely roundish with a lighter or darker border. de of head forward toward. chin: on some fishes OPERCLE: Back membrance bone on side with many its simply a minute lateral pore (restricted). of head covering branchial cavity. Also • In sharks and rays the gill opening are called or gill-cover. ,r notched, formed as several vertical slits along ORBIT: Bony eye-socket. he caudal each Side of the pharynx. ORO-NASAL GROVE: A deep cleft in GILL RAKERS: Variously formed pro­ the skin bet..veen mouth and nostril m I, or such Jections along the inner edge of the gill some sharks. as scutes arch. Vary from long and exceedingly PALATE: Roof of the mouth. numerom bristles to a few blunt rudiments PALATJNES: Pair of membrane bones on with re- or entirely absent. mouth roof, one on each side~ extending IMBRICATED: Overlapping, like the slates backwards from vomer. 96 DR. H. MAITHES

PECTINATE: Toothed Ii ke a comb. RETICULATE: Marked like a network. PELVIC FIN. PECTORAL: Relating to the breast. ROSTRUM: A snout projecting far over PECTORAL FINS: First or upper paired mouth. fins, corresponding to front limbs of SCUTE: External bony or horny plate: ~ other ; noted as: P. keeled and/or spiny scales on ventral abdomino' PELAGIC: Living in or on high seas (open midline of c1upeid fishes. water). SECOND DORSAL: Posterior or soft PHARYNGEAL BONES: Paired, often part of a dorsal fin when the two parts ~ fused, bones lying between the gill arches are separate. in the rear of the pharynx. usually bearing SEGMENTED: Divided into sections, but thoracic teeth. not separate--e.g. soft fin rays, segmented : Special high producing by fine transverse lines, or said to be organs on the body and head of certain articulate. • ~ deep-sea fishes. SERRATE: Notched like a saw. jugular PLACOID: Type of scale, or denticle, SINISTRAL: who have both eyes found in Chondrichthyes, consisting of on the left side are sinistral. a basal plate embedded in the skin, with a SOFT DORSAL: Posterior part of dorsal fin projecting cusp. when composed of soft rays. POST-OCULAR: Behind the eye, post­ SOFT RAYS: Articulating rays of fin, ~ orbital. usually branched always segmented. filamentous i PREMAXILLARRIES: Bone on each SPINE: A sharp projecting point. When I side of front of upper jaw, generally in a fin usually unbranched, inarticulate larger than maxiIlaries and bearing all and more less stiff and sharp-pointed. or most of the teeth. SPINOUS DORSAL: Front part of dorsal PREMOLARS: Small grinding teeth, be­ fin when composed of spinous rays. tween canines and true molars. SPIRACLES: Openings in head and neck, ~ PREOCULAR: Before the eye (pre-orbital). as in sharks and rays. PREOPERCLE: Membrane bone lying in STANDARD LENGTH: Measurement from modified into front of opercle, more or less parallel to it tip of snout to base of tail, noted as: S.L. sucking disc 0 PREORBITALS: Usually large paired STELLATE: Star-like or with radiating membrane bones before the eyes. ridge,. PROBOSCIS: Like a small elephant trunk. STRIATE: Striped or streaked. CAUDAL FIN· PRODUCED: Extended, brought forward. SUBORBITAL: Below the eye; also sub­ /uMW?fBZ- PROTRACTILE: Capable of being out- orbital bones. wards forwads and/or downwards, e.g. SUBORBITAL STAY: Bone extending ~ the mouth parts of many fishes are pro­ from one of suborbitals across cheek absent. tractile. towards preopercle. l/1/lIJ2ij7~ PSEUDOBRANCHIATE: Small gills on SUPERO-LATERAL: Situated just off the inner side of opercle, but not functioning top (superior) side; e.g. eyes: nearly on ~ as such. top of head. confluent RADIATING: Lines, making up a fan­ SYMPHYSIS: Point of junction of two shaped figure. funning from the centre parts, e.g. of lower jaw as tip of chin. ~ of a scale or bone to the margin. TAIL: Generally part of body posterior RA Y: Cartilaginous rod supporting mem­ to anal fin, but usually po,.terior to the rWldcd brane of a fin. vent. RECURVED: Curved upwards. TENTACLE (Supra-orbital): Short, often KEY FOR EAST AFRICAN MARINE FISH 97

arked like a network. PELVIC FI N. out projecting far Over

bony or horny plate; czeo=I iny scales on ventral sma LL abdominal pointed leid fishes. GILL OPENING. AL: Posterior or soft I fin when the two parts

'ivided into sections, but produced thoracic :. soft fin rays, segmented normal (w,,~e.) se lines, or said to be ~ ~ led like a saw. ish who have both eyes jugUlar truncate: are sinistral. >sterior part of dorsal fin restrict~d to sidt"S )f soft rays. ticu!ating rays of fin, always segmented. e:morginote: )Iojecting point. When 111amentous very restricted (pOf.r:) mbranched, inarticulate tiff and sharp-pointed. " Front part of dorsa! SUCKING. DISC. j of spinous rays. (Echeneidae) ngs in head and neck, forked rays. fH: Measurement from modified into , of tail, noted as, S.L. sucking disc and fused. '!~)L~ ~e or with radiating lunate (CRESCENTIC) ,r streaked. serrations / spines CAUDAL FIN. • EYE. w the eye; also sub- (on pre-opercle. operculum) y, Bone extending lfbitals across cheek absent. normal operaium Situated just off the (moderate) e.g. eyes: nearly on

confluent of junction of two jaw as tip of chin. of body posterior ~ large ally pocterior to the rOlllded bila!) , Short, often 9l; DR. H. MATfHES

filled sk MOUTH. serrate e.g. m B THORAC A THORACI molariform e called w c not protractile pectorals superior TRUNCA' pavementM d.ep TUBERCl ~ B§5b pimple. c granular VENT: An terminal closed protractilq ~ 0) VENTAL: VENTRAL ~ cardiform behind r ~ ~~1 mod e: rate limbs of inferior setiform • PELVIC open protractile ~ ..0". VFRTICAI IE ---... M5M ~ line of 1 tube-like LU~E. ~ fused anal and .Iongole VILLIFOR bC·~_ teeth in ' VOMER: 1 b.ok o ~"Ii" ~ laries in I L '" FIN RAYS. TEETH. ..I-lik. KEYS: Bon conical o"~,,. ~ J4, PECTORAl.. FIN· Chimaeras) small (\ denticles (pt '> I J canine or tong 5piny ...... ~ ~ Bones ossif j( naked or moderate high bicuspid ~ etc, rl 50ft ~ ~ euspidol' SECTION large ~ ~ 1. --4-6 I rr median various tricuspid ~~ - One gi obliqu.c (i ....=-. bony r incisor "-:C;- box low 2. -Gill-s ~ Gill-sli rr 3. -Anal horizontal I abot. -No P (\. ~ 4. -6--7 E blunt expand.d -5 gill 5. -Mou eye): KEY l"'OR EAST AFRICAN MARINE FISH 99

filled skin projection, usually above eye Fam. Hexanchidae (Hepfranchidae e.g. in Blennoidei. (2 genera: Hexanchus & Heptran­ THORACIC: Relating to the chest. chias) THORACIC (FINS): Pelvic fins are so -Mouth subinferior; body & tail called when attached immediately below long and tapering . pectorals. Fam. Chlamydoselachidae deep TRUNCATE: Abrupt, cut square. (One & species: Chlamydo­ TUBERCLE: Small excrescence like a sefachus anguineus). pimple. 6. -No spine in front of dorsal fins .... 7 VENT: Anus. -A strong spine before each dorsal VENTAL: Relating to the abdomen. VENTRAL FI NS: Paired fins below or ·...... Fam. J!eferodonlidae moderate behind pectorals, corresponding to hind (2 genera: He/erodon/us & Gyro­ limbs of otl:er vertebrates, also termed pleurades, the former in E. A.) PELVIC flns. Noted as: V. 7. -Nictitating membrane (movable VERTICAL FINS: Fins of the median eyelid) present . 8 line of the body, such as the dorsal, -No nictitating membrane . 9 anal and caudal. 8. Head of normal shape . elqngate VILLTFORM: Usually of slender crowded · .....Faro. Carcharinidae (Gafe­ teeth in velvety bands. orhinidae, Triakidae, Scylliogaleidae). VOMER: Bone immediately behind maxil- (At least 11 genera in E.A.) laries in front part of roof of mouth. -Head hammershaped . ·li ke ·...... Faro. Sllhyrnidae KEYS: Bones Cartilaginours; gill-slits I (in (2 genera: Sphyrna & Eusphyra, 'ECTORAL FIN. Chimaeras) or 4-7; skin bearing imbedded the former in E.A.) denticles (placoid scales) . 9. Tail not as long as body or, ifas long, ...... section A: Chondrichthyes body spotted or barred . Bones ossified (calcified) one gill-slit; skin 10 high naked or I:earing ordinary scales, spines · Tail as long as body; color uniform etc. . . sections B & C: Tefeostei. ·...... Fam. Alopiidae. • (One genus: Alopias.) SECTION A: Chondrich/hves. 10. Last gill-slit clearly in front of 'dian I. -4-6 gill-slits; teeth distinct, of pectoral fins . 11 various shapes/sizes . - Last gill-slit over or behind 2 pectoral origin . 13 One gill-slit; teeth fused into a few 11. Gill-slits about half as long as bony plates . 23 pectoral fin . 12 w 2. -Gill-slits lateral . 3 - Gill-slit about as long as pectoral Gill-slits ventral in position . 17 Fam. Ce/orhi"idae (Halsydridae) 3. -Anal fin present . 4 -No Anal fin . 15 (One genus & species: Cetorhinus 4. -6-7 gill-slits 5 maximus.) landed - 5 gill-slits . 6 12. - No keel on caudal peduncle 5. -Mouth inferior (lower jaw below ·...... Fam. Charchariidae eye): body & tail of normal sh ape (2 genera: Carcharias (Odontaspis) & 100 DR. H. MATHIES

Mitsukurina, the former in E.A.) or tail fin not all rounded and/or 2. - Teeth -A keel on ped uncle . short & thick ...... 20 to mout] Fam. ISt/ridae 19. - Electrical organ present; body and u,ually I. (3 genera: Carcharodon, lsufus & tins rounded; tail short & very thick to 34 in Lamna, the 2 former in EA.) ·...... Fam. Torpedinidae water Tr, 13. - Caudal peduncle not keeled (3 genera in E.A.: Narke, Heteronarce is tube~l] 14 & Torpedo, mainly in deeper water). small tel - One or more keels on each side of - No. electrical organ present; restricted peduncle . body or tail fin not all rounded Pectoral ·...... Fam. RhiJlcodontidae and/or short & thick...... 20 - Not so (One genus and species: Rhincodon 20. - Dorsal fins small, distinct, near 3. - Body] typus) end of .tail, which is somewhat compre'i)~ 14. Oro-nasal grooves present (between short & thick . 100 rays nostril and mouth) ... ·...... Fam. RaHdae rays var ...... Faro. Orectolobidae (One genus, in deep waters in E.A.: (At least 3 genera in E. A.: Raja.) -Not so StegoslOma, Nebrius & Chilo· - Dorsal fin feeble or absent, tail 4. - Anteri scyllium) thin ...... 21 to form' - Oro~nasal grooves absent. . 21. - Snout normal ...... 22 restricte( ·...... Faro. ScylinrhiniJae - Snout produced as a fleshy flap or behir (S general in E."".) on each side Fam. Mobulidae IS. Pectoral fins normal ...... 16 (2 genera: Manta & Mubula.) - Not s( - Pectorals flattened & expanded 22. - Head elevated above pectorals 5. - MOllt · .... '... . Fam, SqualiniJap snout . (One genus: Squatilla.) Fam. Myliobatidae (Aerobatidae). - Not s( 16. Each dorsal fin with a spine .... (4 genera in E...... ) 6. - Peet, ·...... Fam. Squalidae - Head not elevated above pectorals and/or (At least 3 genera in EA.} ...... Fam. Dasyalidae. into a - Dorsals without spines (4 genera in E."".) along I, Fam. Scymnorphinidae (Dalattidap) 23. - Snout normal; tail long & tapt::ring - Nots ·...... Fam. Cliimaeridae 7. - A. I' (2 genera in E."". Echil10rphillus & (One genus: Chimaera, deep water) silvery Scymnorhinus (= Dalatias.) - Snout produced into a proboscis photop 17.- Body elongate; snout pointed with a skiny flap turned down and (usually) . 18 back; tail of norma! heterocercal - Not, - Body not elongate but rounded (upturned) type . or angular, greatly widened laterally · , Fam. Ca/lorl1ynchidae 8. - A. 8- 19 (One genus: Cal/orhynchus, deep 1S. - Snout long, bony and toothed. water.) (Fam. ·...... Fam. Pristidae - Not (One gen us: Pristis.) SECTION B: Teleostean order/sub-Orders: 9. - BOI - Snout normal (soli) . 1. - Body asymmetrical; eyes on same separa Fam. Rhillobatidae (Rhinidae) (6 side of head ...... 37 low 0 genera: 3 in E."". Thynchobalus, - Body symetrical; eyes (when \\hen Rhinobalus, & Rhina.) present) on opposite sides of head Pelvic - No electrical organ present; body 2 KEY FOR FAsr AFRiCAN MARINE lJSH 101

rounded and/or 2. - Teeth strong and stout (relative (Subord. Anguilloidei-p. 106 ...... 20 to mouth size) few in number, - Not so ...... 10 lresent; body and u,uaJly less than 12 in each jaw (up 10. - Caudal fin absent; Pelvics present, oort & very thick to 34 in lower jaw of some deep­ abdominal . am. TorpedinMae water Triocanthidae, but then mouth (arke, Heferonarce is tube-like often fused, in a (very) Order Notacanthi/ormes -- p. 107 in deeper water). small terminal mouth; gill openings - Notso II organ present; restricted and situated in front of II. - A. 9-44; D. 11-23 or I 12-16 lOt all rounded Pectoral base _. 38 (Thryssa): lateral line absent; ick 20 - Not so . 3 silvery; depth 2.75-7; no adipose I, distinct, near 3. - Body naked, ribbonlike (cxrcmely fin , Order Clupe~formes h is somewhat compressed); Dorsal very long (over (Subord. Clupeoidei-p. 108)...... 100 rays), originating on head, first -Notso 12 Farn. Rajidae rays variably elongated .... 12. A. 7-22; D. 9-12; mouth small waters in E.A.: 31 to very small, not reaching eye­ -Not so . 4 level; depth 4-7.5; adipose fin or absent, tail 4. - Anterior Dorsal spinels) modIfied present; Pectoral normal ...... 21 to form a lure on head; gill-openings ...... Subord. Argentinoidei...... 22 restricted and situated above, below (Fam. Argentinidae; Genus s a fleshy flap or behind Pectoral base . Argentina.) . Farn. Mobulidae 22 -Notso 13 "'obula.) _. Not so . 5 13. - A. & D. in the following com­ bove pectorals binations respectively: 11-32/ 6-23; ...... 5. - Mouth tiny, at end of tube-like snout . 32 33-49/53-74; 40/22; 55-63/8-11 e (Aembatidae). - Not so . 6 and 6-7; 4-6jVI-X + 7-10; mouth very large to enormous, extending 6. - Pectoral fins greatly enlarged .bove pectorals well beyond eye; dentition exten­ and/or one or both jaws modified Fam. Dasyalidae. sively developed, usually large fang­ into a long beak; one lateral line, like teeth present; i/ teeth small, along lower side of body . 24 'fig & tapering D. is partly over A. or body very - Not so . 7 1. Chimaeridae deep; photophores and/or luminous 17~31; " deep water) 7. - A. 13-31; D. depth 3.5-6: patches rarely absent; ,body either ) a proboscis silvery lateral line present; (no very elongate (depth 4-30) or ex­ ed down and photophoresl . tremey deep (depth I- 2.4); Pectoral heterocercal Subord. Elopoidei p. l06 fins low, not or barely reaching ...... - Not so 8 level of Pelvics; (barbel below chin rllorhynchidae 8. - A. 8-10; 0.15-17 .. andlor adipose fin often present; 'nchus, deep ...... Subord. Albuloidei. Anal fin in 2nd halfofbody(excluding (Faro. - Albulidae: Genus A/bula.) head) . - Not so 9 ...... Subord. Stom;atoidei-p. 108 lrder/sub-Orders: 9. - Body eel-like; gill-openings - Not so 14 yes on same separate, restricted and ~ituated 14. - 16-18 (or 27-28); D. 16-18 (or ...... 37 low on sides (in front of Pectoral 27-29): body naked or scaly with eyes (when when present) or on ventral surface; 50 to 100 1.1. scales; lateral line Jes of head Pelvics absent . always present; (Dorsal origin far ...... 2 Order Anguilli/ormes. behind Pelvics, over Anal; colour 102 DR. H. MATTHES

at least partly dark (bluish/violet - Not so 18 rounded or poir black); no adipose; no barbel) . 18. - A. 8-JO; D. 14-J6; Colour silvery with D. & A; Ial · .... , . . . Subord. Alppocephaloidei. ·...... Subord. Chanoidei. along Dorsal b~ (Fam. Alepocephalidae.) (Fam. Chanidae Genus Chanos.) no spine at 0 - Notso 15 -Notso 19 teeth in more tn 15. - A. 8-31: D. 7-26 or 38-45 (not true 19. -A single ~pine in Dorsal and thoracic to jUgl fin spines) mouth very large, ex­ Pectoral only; 3-4 pairs of barbels Order Gadi{orm, tending well past eye, except in - Not so . ehloraphrhalmas & Paralepididae, Order Silurijormes-p. 108 (a) - 2-3 Oars: and bordered in upper jaw only - Not so. 20 inct; scales Vl by premaxilla; (body elongate to 20. -A.13-18; D.I! IV", 19 23; Pelvics ...... very elongate; teeth tIne to small jugular, I 2-3 (spine covered with ...... SI or fang-like: Pclvics abdominal; skin); very slimy .. . . - 1-2 Dorsal adipose Dorsal generally present; ·.... . Order BalracilOidfformes. or wholly co no barbel) . (Fam. Ba/rachoididae) & Anal; or ...... Subord. Myc/ophoidei-p. 108 - Not so " . . . . .• ...... 21 distinct: Sl:a -Notso 16 21. - A. 5-11; D. 5-13; Pelvics jugular, or absent .. 16. - A. (14)15-18 or 80-100: D. incorporated into an adhesive (b) Pelvics reduc (3)15-22 or 8-12: body naked; dis!.: on thorax in adult. . ments (cons! mouth and/or head either enormOllS ·...... Order Gobiesoqformes. rays) below or small to moderate; Pelvics absent, (Fam. ). absent .... median abdominal or jugular . - Not so ...... 23 Sub ·...... Order Cefomimijormes. 22. From No.4 , -Pe1vics non -Not so 17 Order Lophiiformes. Sui (Fam. Macro Cetomimiformes: Lophii/ormes noididile) M: (aj Head and mouth enormous: (aj -F irst Dorsal composed of (3)4-6 rhynchus, caudal fin normal . spiny rays (the first modified into Ventr(fossa il ...... Subord. Celomimoidei. a lure); head & body depre"ed; able, deep WI - Head and mouth small to mouth very wide . 24. - From No. 6 moderate...... (b) ...... , Su bard. Lophioidei ...... Subc (b) Caudal fin absent . (Fam. Lop"iiae 5 genera, (3) - A. I 13-26; D ...... ,. . Subord. Ateleopodoidei. in LA.: 1 more possible.) Pectoral high 1 (Fam. Ateleopodidae; Genus - First dorsal of 1-3 spiny rays. abdominal .... Ateleopas.) the first modified into a lure, - Caudal present, usually modified sometimes tiny...... (b) (Fam. Arherinh (the two halves overlapping or (b) - Pehics present (in some spp. 4 in E.A.) prolonged into a long ribbon-like !>mall pelvic~ are retractable into 25. -A. I-lT 8-]0; streamer) . a pouch in the skin) . 3.5-3.75; Caud: · .. ,...... Subord. Mirapinnatoidei. . ... , Subord. Amennaroidei-p. 109 large, not protl (Farn. EUlaeniophoridae. - Pelvies absent ...... , Suberc 17. - A. 9-10; D. 11-13; a single barbel ...... Subord. Cerarioidei-p. 109 (Fam. Me" under snout . 23. A. - 35-200: r>. O-lT 4- 70 (-t-) 21-200. Melamphaes.) ...... , . Subord. Gotlorhl,'nchoidei or i + approx. 50. or 100-120 (no - Not so ..... (Fam. Gonorhynchidae; Genus true fin spines): body very elongate, 26. - A. HI-IV I G'!,rnorhynchus.) depth 4-23; Caudal emarginate, long barbels I KEY FOR EAST AFRICAN MARINE FISH 103

·············· 18 rounded or pointed, often confluent ; Colour silvery with D. & A: lateral line not running ·...... Subord. Polymixioidei tSUbord. Challoidei. along Dorsal base, if body eel-like, (Fam. Polymixiidae; Genus PoZ"­ Jenus Chanos.) no spine at Dorsal origin and/or mixia.) ...... 19 teeth in more than one row; Pelvics - Not so 27 in Dorsal and thoracic to jugular or absent...... 27. - A. HI 8-9 or III-IV 7-15; or IV Jairs of barbels Order CadiJormes. 25-29 or 21-23; D. IV-XII (+) ...... - Not so...... 25 11-19 Or 24-28; head rugose and ~illlriJormes-p. 108 (a) - 2-3 Dorsal fins; caudal dist­ spiny or with elaborate mucus canals 20 inct; scales very small and cycloid or cavities; 110 bony ridge (suborbital - 19-23; Pelvics stay) across cheek; mouth large to ~ covered with ...... Subord. Cadoidei-p. 110 very large, not protractile; teeth all - 1-2 Dorsal fins; Caudal partly fine (villiform) in bands; eye very rrachoidtlormes. or wholly confluent with Dorsal large, generally larger than snout ) & Anal; or I D. fm and C. and than interorbital; caudal ...... 21 distinct; scales ctenoid, cycloid forked; depth 1.5-3.5; scales at least lelvics jugular, or absent (b) partly cte!loid (often keeled on belly); an adhesive (b) Pelvics reduced to a pair of fila­ Pelvies thoracic; colour mainly lult. . ments (consisting of 1 or more reddish and/or silvery . obiesocfformes. rays) below head or entirely ·...... Subord. Berycoidei-p. 110 absent . - Not sc 28 ...... 23 Subord. Ophidioidei-p. 110 28. - A. a-Iv 20-39; D. V-x 21-36; ...... -Pelvics normal . mouth oblique, usually smalT, highly Lophij(ormes. Subord. Macrouroidel. protractile; teeth feeble; depth 1-2.5, (Fam. Macrouridae (~. Coryphae­ body very compressed; (caudal noididlle) Many genera, Coelo­ emarginate to rounded; eye very osed of (3)4-6 rhynchus, Malacocephalus & large (except in Zeus); Pelvics well­ modified into VenfriJossa in E.A.; others prob­ developed; Pectorals rounded, small) dy depressed; able, deep waters.) 24. - From No.6 . ·...... Order -p. III J. Lophioidei. ·...... Subord.· Exometoidei-p. 110 - Not so 29 genera. (3) - A. 113-26; D. IV-VIlI + I 13-17; 29.- A. 36-41; D. 52-55; depth :1: 2; 'ossible.) Pectoral high lip on sides; Pelvics D. & A. not very high; no teeth.... 3 spiny rays, abdominal . ·...... Subord. Lampridoidei. into a lure, ·...... Subord. Atherinoidei (Fam. Lampridae: Genus Lampris.) ...... (b) (Fam. Atllerinidae-Several genera, - Not so ...... 30 " some spp. 4 in E.A.) 30. - A. XVI-XVIII 9-17 (25-35); D. rae fable into 25. - A. I-II 8-10; D. II-Ill 9-]] Depth XXll-XX1ll9-21 (31-44); fin spines :in) ...... 3.5-3.75; Caudal forked; mouth very sometimes feeble; depth 1.7-2: (D. 'naroidei-p. 109 large, not protractile; teeth fine .... & A. sail-like); caudal forked; · ... " Subcrd. Sfephanoberycoidei. mouth small . ralioidei-p. 109 (Fam. Melamphaeidae, Genus ·...... Surbord. Vel(feroidei. '0 (+) 21-200, Melamphaes.) (Fam. Veli/eridae; Genus Velifer.) 100-120 (no - Not so 26 - Not so ...... 33 ry elongate, 26.· A. Ill-IV 16-18; D.V. 27-38; 2 31. - From No.3 Subord. emarginate., long barbels beneath chin . ·, .. Trachypteroidei-p. 111 104 DR. H. MATTHES

32. From No. 5 ...... Order pelvics absent; depth less than 5 (Fam. SphYI Gasterostei/ormes. (d) raena.) (c) - Body scaly; Pelvics thoracic - Not so Gasterosteiformes: (c) - A. II-I - Small abdominal or subthoracic ·... .. Subord. Platycepha/oidei. 12-13; I pelvics present; 4-5 branchiostegals (Fam. Platycephalidae (incl. Rem­ lower ra bridae); several genera: Para­ · Subord. Aulostomoidei-p. 111 bembras. P/atycepha/us & (Fam. Pc - Pelvics absent or very large; 1-3 Rogodius recorded: 2 more possi­ dactylus.: branchiostegals . bilities) - Not so · Subord. Sygnathoidei-p. 111 - Body naked; Pelvics jugular (d) - A. 11­ 33. - Gill-slits confluent (a single slit (or II -I­ under throat); body eel-like . Subord. Hoplichthyoidei. terminal Subord. Synbranch(formes. (Fam. Hoplichthyidae; Genus teeth str< (Suborn. Synbranchoidei, Fam. Syn­ Hoplichthys.) m a ~ing branchidae, Genus SYllbranchus.) (d) - A. with 1-4 spines or spineless caudal] - Not so . 34 but then pectoral has 2-3 free with pro 34. - A. a-v 4-20 or 30-50; D. (I + ) rays . no marl IV-XXI (+) 5-20 or 35-60; head · Subord. Scorpaenoidei-p. 111 head (usually large), a/ways with a bony - A. without spines; Pectoral cycloid; (~ stay (ridge) across cheek (sometimes without free rays . gills; bearing covered with thick skin) and ·...... Subord. Cottoidei form te~ variously armoured with bony plates, 35. - A. 6-7; D. H-I -I- V -I- 8 or 1-1­ often bearing spiny projections; V + 18; Pectorals enormous; no - Not s( Pectorals usually expanded and lateral line Order (e) - D. ane variously modified; caudal distinct, ·...... Dactylopferfformes. tions: ( emarginate to rounded; depth 2.5­ (Fam. Dacty/opteridae (~ Cepha/a­ 34-37/2 3.3. or 4-9; gill-openings moderate, canthidae); about 4 genera, 2 in 16-18; not restricted to a small openi ng E.A. a third probable.) only . - Not so ...... 36 (-I-) 12 8/11 8; ·...... Order SC'orpaenijormes. 36. - A. 5; D. 5; body armoured, long -Notso . 35 14-15/1 flattened rostrum present . 10-16)/' ·...... Order Pegasiformes. Scorpaenijormes: termina (Fam. Pegasidae; genus Pegasus.) lower (a) - Nostril single; A. without spines - Not so . Order head :J or with one feeble spine; scales ·...... Perc(formes. absent; skin sometimes granular lateral : a sing ...... Subord. Congiopodoidei. (a) - A. III 8-9; D. IV + 16-10.... Champ (Fam. Congiopoidae.) ·...... Subord. Mugi/oidei. develo] - Nostrils paired; Anal with (Fam. Mugilidae; several genera, not ru a-IV spines . (b) at least 5 in E.A.) except (b) - Pelvic bases separate; depth -Not so (b) genera 5-15 .. (c) (b) - A. I 8-9; D.V -I- 19; large pecton - Pelvic bases adjacent, or united mouth and teoth . except to form an adhesive disc, or ...... Subord. Sphyraenoidei pelvic, KEY FOR EAST AFRICAN MARJNE FISH 105

epth less than 5 (Fam. Sphyraenidae: Genus Sphy­ to truncate, if forked: mouth ...... "..... (d) raena.) enormous " Subord. Pel vies thoracic -Not so...... (c) ...... Trachinoidei-p. 112 , . (c) - A. II-III 11-13; D. VIII + I - Not so (f) Platycephaloidei. 12-13; Pectoral in two parts, (f) - D. & A. in following combina­ alidae (incl. Bern­ lower rays free . tions : X-XIV 11-25 or 25-47 or genera: Para­ ...... Subord. Polynemoidei. ± 125/I-II 12-24 or 16-32 ± tycephalus & (Fam. Polynemidae; Genus Poly­ lIO; XXV-L 1-14/II-15-36; 'd: 2 more possi- dactylus.) III-IV + XI-XIV + 8-II/o-n -Notso (d) 16-22; (0)-1 52-65/42-52; PeMcs Pelvics jugular (d) - A. II-III 7-14; D. VII-XIII jugular, reduced 10 filaments (1-4 (or II + VII) 9-14; mouth small, rays) or absent, not united to form Hoplich/hyoidei. terminal (not reaching eye level); a sucking disc or close together; hyidae; Genus teeth strong (canines) or ± fused, mouth small; (Caudal rounded, in a ~inglc row, none on palate; pointed or confluent). .. nes or spineless caudal pointed to truncate or ...... Subord. Blel1nioidei-~p. 112 .1 has 2-3 free with produced lobes (not forked); - Not so (g) ...... no marked spines/serrations on (g) - A. 7-9; D. IV + 8-10; gill­ ·orpaenoidei-p. III head & operculum; scales openings restricted to a rounded Jines; Pectoral cycloid; 2 pairs of nostrils, 3! pore on sides . {So . .•...... gills; (pharyngeal bones fused...... Subord. Callionymoidei rd. CO(foidei bearing strong conical to molari- (Fam. Calliotlymidae; genus: V + 8 or 1+ form teeth) . Sytlchiropus-deep water.) lorrnous; no Subord. Labroidei-p. 112 - Not so '...... (h) ...... Order -Notso (e) (h) - D. & A. in following combina­ ylopter(formes. (e) - D. and A. in following combina­ tions: V-VI(Vll) + (0) I 7-15/ , (~ Cephala­ tions: a-III + 141-44/1 36-39; (0) I 7-14; X-XVII 10-12/1 10­ genera, 2 in 34-37/28-31; V + i 19-21/i 12; VI + 38/1 37; ± 33-55/30­ :.) 16-18; X + I 28/27-29; IV-V 45; 6-7 (+) 48/48; tiD lateral ...... 36 (+) 12-13/13-14; IX-X + II line; Pelvics thoracic, close 'moured, long 8/II 8; V (+) 19-23/1 16-18; VI together or ± modified into a :nt. . 14-15/16; 23~7 (or IJ(-J(IV sucking disc; (gill-membranes Pegasiformes. 10-16)/0-1l 13-18; mouth united to isthmus; caudal IUS Pegasus.) terminal, large to enormous, rounded to pointed) ...... Order lower jaw usually projecting; ...... Subord. Gobioidei-P. 113 Perc(formes. head ± depressed. eyes supero­ - Not so ...... (i) lateral to superior; depth 3.5-12; (i) - A. VII 9 or II-III 18-35; D. I a single lateral line (two in (+)XII-XlIlIO or (lII)V-X 19-42; t 16-10.... Champsodon), sometimes poorly very small mouth, not protractile; . Mugi/oidei. developed, not sharply bent and teeth small, slender, compressed eral genera, not running along dorsal base, incisors, pointed. cuspidate or except in Uramoscopidae, pelvics serrated, sometimes setiforrn or ...... (b) generally jugular or absent, lobate, none on palate; generally t 19; large pectorals low, large, expanded bony plate(s) or on spines caudal except in Champsodom, but then bony plate(s) or spines on caudal Sphyraenoidei pelvics large; caudal pointed peduncle; Pelvies I 3 I or I 3-5; KEY r-OR EAST AFRKAN MARINe FISH 107 ree; lateral (One genus: Dysomma, deep waters /Jarp curve extending to beneath eye . I...... of lndian Ocean.) 'i--p. 119 Fam. A/lguillidae (Murae/lidae). 10. - Head depressed; mouth extending Covered by (One genus: Anguilla, also pem:­ well past eye, with a single row of ore or less trating rivers.) teeth...... Fam. Neenche1fdae. ten reduced 4. - No caudal fin (tip of tail free) (One genus: Neenchelys, possible in ...... Fam. Ophichlhidae. EA.) idei-p. 119 (10 genera known from E. Afr. - Head not depressed; mouth not ex:­ waters; several others a possibility.) tending past eye: teeth in several 1onuformes. - Caudal present, usually confluent ro\ 5 or in bands . with dorsal and anal fins. 5 ...... Fam. CUflgridae. 5. - Pectoral fin:'. present. . 6 (3 genera in E.A.: Conger, Ariosoma ...... - Pectorals absent . and Uroconger; several more possible idei-p. 119 Fam. Nenasromidae. c.g. lleteroconger, Taenio('onger·.) I solid beak (One genus: Venefica in deep 1J. - Hind nO:iotril above level of eye; F. AfT. waters: another, Nettastoma, no pectorals; strong teeth, often " fei-p. 119 a possibility.) fang-like . 6. - Jaws very long, almost needl~-Iike Fam. Murae/lidae (Echid/lidae). mi/ies (At least 9 genera in E.A,; a few more ·...... Fam. .'Vemiehthridae. possible.) dy length; last (2 genera, Nemic!lthys ami Amcetlina - Hind nostril at or below eye level; poss.ibly pres.em in Jeep waters off pectoral 'mall to absent; teeth Pam. Elopidae. tAl conicaL moderate to small ,. 12 - Jaws normal to elongate. 7 12. - Vent situated about at midlength ~h; last dorsal 7. - No large canines in jaw; dorsal of body . origin above or behind pectoral fin Fam. Xenocongridae (A-furaenich- lv(ega!opidae. origin . 8 fh)'idae)...... - Large canine teeth present: dorsal (2 gen;:ra; Xenocol7ger and Murae­ originating in front of pectoral nidrfhys, likely in F.A.) ~s elongate hase Fam. l\4uraeflesocidae. - Vent in posterior third or fourth d ventrally (One genus: Muraenes;x.) of body ...... , .. 2 8. - Jaws elongate and pointed; mouth Fam. AJoringuidae. ded, pore- (2 genera: Ralaboura, present in E.A...... ex.tending to below eye . 11 ·, .. Fam. Serril'omeridae. and Moringua. a possibIlity.) bedded m (Several genera, e.g. Serriromer, Order Notacanlhiformes: ...... 3 ...... possible in deep walers off E.A.) - Dorsal of ::.eparated spine only .... 4 - Jaws normal; mouth reaching to extendjng ...... '" Fam, Notacanrhidae. below eye or beyond ...... 9 (3 genera, of which Nofaca/l/hus ...... 9. - Eye large, its diameter 1-3.5 times occur> in deep water off E.A.) (incl. in snout length, dorsal origin hehind - Dorsal shorl, consisling of 10-13 or abo\oe pectoral bas.e . soft rays . 10 ...... Fam. Halosauridae. ID deep Eye small, 4 times in snout; dorsal (3 genera, of which at least one: • ~ojecting, origin above pectoral bas.e . Aldrorandia ('- Halosauropsis) IS · , Fum. DysommidaE. likely in deep \vaters.) I,,~

108 DR, H, MATTHES

- Canine teeth Subord, Clupeoidei: - D. origin anterior to A. fin P. supero-later 1. -- Dorsal originating over Anal fin; ongin . 5 thin, partly at mouth large with fang-like teeth - D. origin above A" both set far ...... Fam. ChirocentrMae. back, towards the tail, , . , , , , , , , , , 6 (One genus: (One genus: Chirocenlrus,) 5, - A, barbel (lure) beneath chin, , , ' , , from \V. lndl - Dorsal origin anterior to Anal · Fam. Astronesthidae. 6. Eye larg~: P. ~ origin; no large fang-like teeth (3 genera, of which Astronesthes mentolis ..... 2 olr EA" deep wateL) ...... F, 2. - Mouth terminal or superior (lower - No barbel Fam. (Genus Chlor, Jaw projecting), not extending GO/lOstomatidae (incl. Maurolicidae) wateL) beyond eye; scales of mid-ventral (7 genera known to occur :n deep - Eye small; line usually keeled (scutes) , , , , , , , , waters of Indian Ocean, of these, mcntolis ..... ram. Clupeidae (Dorsomidae, 3; Gonosfoma. Phorichthys & Vinci­ Dusswnieridae, Sfolephoridae guerria recorded ofT E,A,) (3 genera, of PART,) 6, - Caudal forked; no barbel""" possibility in (At least 7 genera In E, Africa, with ·...... Fam. M alacosteidae. 7, - Dorsal sho several more likely,) (One genus: Alalocosteus, known - Dorsal high - Mouth inferior, large, usually from Injian Ocean.) extending beyond eye; no keel on - Caudal rounded; a barbel on (2 genera: Aler Ii' belly, , , , , ' , ' , , , ,Fam, Engraulidae chin...... Fam. Sromiafidae. the former in (Slolephoridae PART) l3 genera. of which Stomias recorded, 8, - Depth over g At least 3 genera in E,A,; Siole­ in E, AfL deep waters), :) much longer tl It: phorus (= Anchoriella), Thryssa (= Thrissocles) and Thrissina, with Subord. i\:fyctophoidei: (3 genera, of ' Coi/ta and Engraulis possibilities.) I, - Photophores absent"""""" 2 Ocean) a pm - Photophres present, , , , , , , , , , , , , . 9 and a neW reee Subord. Sromiatoidei; 2. - Pectoral fins lateral or supero­ - Depth less t I, - Depth more than 3 times in lateral; Ventral;;; thoracic or sub- Anal not mof' standard length , , , ' . ' , , , , .2 thoracic (i.e. p. r~aching V. base than D""., - Depth less than in length or beyond) " , . , , , . , , , , , , , , , . , , , , 3 (One genus, ( ...... Faro. Sternoptychidae. - Pectorals very low down on sides; in deep wat' (3 genera probable, in deep waters; ventrals abdominaL . 7 9, - Argyropelecus, Po{ypnus and Stern~ 3. - Maxilla narrow throughout . 4 on head SOl optyx,) - Maxilla broad behind""."", 6 2, - D, fin short, not more than 23 4, - A, with less than 20 rays.""", 5 - Photophore, rays . 3 - A, with over 20 rays, , . ' , , , , , , , , eye tiny .... , - D. long, over 50 rays . ·...... Fam. Scopelarchidae. (One genus: ...... Fam. Idicanthidae. (One genus: Scopelarchus, a possi­ in deep water (Genus: Idiacanthus, recorded from bility in deep wateL) deep E,A, waters,) 5, - Teeth simple; P, lateral; scales 10. - Photophore' either minut! 3. - D. fin originating above or behind firmly attached to skin""""" in irregular pelvic fins """",."""""" 4 ...... Fam. Synodonfidae. 'ower sides I - D. arising far forwards, anterior (4 genera, of which Synodus, Saurida, head: sometil to pelvics . Trachinocephalus common in E. Afr. upper caudal , , , , , ' , . , . Fam, Chauliodontidae, and Bathysaurus a possibility in deep (One genus: Chauliodus,) waleL) KEY FOR EAST AFRIrAN MARINI:: FISH 109

- Canine teeth of lower jaw barbed; (2 genera, of which Neoscopelus Ito A. fin P. supcro-Iateral; scales easily shed. a possibility, in deep wateL) 5 - Photophores arranged in defined both set far thin, partly absent ...... , Fam. Harpodonfidae. groups on hody (one to a scale), 6 - ~ below lateralline~ also photophores hchin ...... (One genus: Harpadon, recorded on head; luminous plates and/or ~/rones/hidae. from W. Indian Ocean) & scales usually present. . Astrofll?sthes 6. Eye large; P. V. fin rays not fila- ...... Fam. Myctophidae. .) nlentous _ . (At least 9 genera occur in E.A. in ...... Fam. .. " Fam. Chloroph/ha/midae offshore waters.) Vlaurolicidae) (Genus Chlorophthalmus, m deep water. ) :;cur .;0 deep Order Si/uri/ormes: n, of these, - Eye small; P. and/or V. fila- - Second D. & A. Long and confluent r,ys & Vinci­ mentous . with Caudal Fam. PlotosiJae. E.A.) ...... Fam. BUfh.l-pferoidac. (One genus: PlotoslIs, in E.A.) )arbe!...... 13 genera, of which Bathyplerois a - Second D. adipose and A short, 'alacosleidae. possibility in deep ·water.) 8 separate from Caudal. 'eus, known 7. - Dorsal short. . - Dorsal high and sail-like . Fam. Ariidae (Tachysuridae). barbel on ...... Fam. Alepisauridae. g~nera: (2 genera in E.A.; Arills and Tachy­ S!(lmiatidof'. (2 Alepisaurlls and Plagyodus, sllrll.\'. ) ias recorded, the former in E.A.) 8. - Depth over 8 times in length: Anal rs). Subord. Aillennarioidei: much longer than Dorsal ...... Fam. Paralepididae. l. - Body not strongly depressed .. 2 (3 genera, of which Slidis (N. Indian - Body very depressed, head broad 2 Ocean) a possibility in decp water ·...... ram. Ogcocephalidae. 9 (Several genera, among which or supero­ and a new record, as yet unidentified.) flalieurea in E.A. with iHalthopsis :ic or sub~ _ Depth less than 8 times in length; 2~ and Dibral1chus likely m deep ng V. base Anal not more than times longer waters.) 3 than D...... Fam. Omosudidae. 2. - One dorsal spme (short lure) . vn on sides; (One genus, Omosudis, a possihility. · , Fam. Chaunachlae. 7 in deep water.) 9. - Photophores small, on body, and (One genus: ChawlOx, deep waters, ~hout ..... 4 on head sometimes: eye norma Indian Ocean E.A.) 6 . 10 - 3 dorsal spines . lYS . 5 . _ Photophorcs large. paired on head; ·...... Fam. An/ellllariidae. (2 genera: Antel1l7arius and pelarchidae. eye tiny...... Fam. Ipnopidae. (One genus: lpnops, a possibility P/erophrYl1e (His/rio.) IS, a possi- in deep water.) Subord. Cerafioidei: ~ral; scales 10. - Photophores not in defined groups; either minute. one to a scale~ or I. - Not more than 6 Dorsal rays 2 'nodanlidae. in irregular rO\...·s on ventral and • - 12-17 Dorsal rays . fl/S, Saurida, lower sides only. few or none on head; sometimes luminous plate on ...... Fam. Afelanocoetidae. I In E. Air. a (Genus: Melanocoetus possihle, in lity in deep upper caudal peduncle ...... , Fam. Neoscopelidae. dec!, waters off E.A.) ] 10 DR. H. MATTHiS

(Several gener 2. - Mouth not protractile . 3 teeth strong een/ru.'>, Hnfnln - Mouth protractile ...... Fam. Pyramid()ntidae. in E.A.) ·...... Fum. Ceral/ielae. (One genus; Pyral1lOdon, possible.) (Genus: Cryptosaras possible, deep Order Ze{j'ormes: Suhord. Exocoetoidei: waters.) 1. - Scales absenl 3. - Body nearly spherical. D. spine I. - Both jaws proc:tJl.:ed, beak-like .. - Scales greatl) (lure) missmg in the small, degenerate 2 Fam males; r~males with numerous spiny - Mouth normal or b\ver juw only (3 genera, 01 wi scale-like projections on body . greatly elongated recorded from Fam. Himanto!ophidae. Fam. Exocoelidae (inc!. Hemi- 2. - 7--~ branc (Genus: Himantolophus, a pos.:iibiJity fllmphidae. ) row of small s in deep waters.) (Many genera, at least 9 in LA.) and A. . - Body less swollen; D. spine (lure) 2. - J\ series of detached finlcts behind - 6 branchioste£ present, often a strong scale-like o and A...... spines along D. spiny proje'ction above eye. FaIlil. ScomberfSOciuw!. · ..... ".... Farn. Oneirodidae. (One genus, Scomberp.HJx, in E.i\.) (2 genera, 01 \

(Genus; Dolopiclahys, possible - No fin lets Farn. Bekmidne deeper waters l in deep water.) (·c T,J'loS'iridae & PelaiiciJIhvidae). 3. - Anal with O· (The ger:'~ra Ab/ennes, Tyloslffus f: Subord. Gadoidei: recorded from E.A. '.\lith Pel(J­ (One genus: Z - An isolated filament on head ( = lichthys and S/rongylura possibles.) in deep waters 1st D. fin) . - Anal with II ·...... Fam. Bregmacerofidae. Subord. Berycoidei: (Genus:, Bregman;ws, deep water.) 1. - Scale normal . 2 (Many genera, - l:,t n. n.ot represented by an isolated - Scales forming a bony case around t.A.; Zen possit filament. Fam. Gadidae. body . (The genera Haloporphyrus and ram. Afonocenfridae. Subord. Trachipler PhysiCillus possibly present in deep (One genus: A'fonocenlris, deep 1. - Dor'al ,tart, waters off E.A.) water.) 2. - Lateral line present. . 3 - Dorsal starts Subord. ()phidioidei: - No lateral line .... of snout. ... 1. - Vent normal; pelvies pn~~ent . 2 ..... Fam. Direfmidae. {One genus, L( - Vent at throat; no pelvics . tOne genus: Dire/mus, possible in in deep wate] ·...... Fam. Carapidac. deep water.) 2. - Pclvics of on (Several genera, of which Fiera.~fer 3. - 5-12 Dorsal spines ..... 4 (~ Carapus) in LA. and a few (4\ - 4 Dorsal spines .. (Genu>: Regal. others possible.) ., ...... fam. Beryciclae. off E.A.) 2. - Pectoral not reaching or extending (3 genera, of which Beryx a possi­ - Pelvies of 5 just beyond A. origin; teeth tine bility, in deep water) present 4. - 5-8 Dorsal spines . Fam. Ophidiidae (Bro/ll/idae). ... " .. , Fam. Trachichlhyidae. lA mong the fe\ (Among the numerous genera (The genera Hoplos/ethus, Gephyro­ 1S known froJ Br01/(lo, Neobythites., Cataetrx and berJ'x and Trachichthodes possibilities Subord. A [{los torr Dinematichthys, in E.A" 2 more in deep water.) 1. - First D. not' possible.) - 11-12 Do,;al spines . "pITIes . - Pectoral extending past A. origin; ..... ,.... Fam. NoJor'emridoe. KE"t FOR EAST AFRICAN MARINE FISH 111

...... (Several genera, of which Holo­ First D. orVlII-XII separate spines vramidontidae. centrus, Holofrachys and l'.1yriprislis ..... , .... Fam. Aulostomidae. '011. possible.) in E.A.) (One genus: Aulostomlls,) Order Zc?lormes: 2. - T"o D. fins present; middle rays of C. not filamentous ,. 3 1. - Scales absent or normal ... 2 beak-like. - D. single, opposite and equal to A; - Scales greatly elongated Ycrtically mIddle rays or C. fin long and fila- 2 .. '... .. Fam. Grammicolepididae. weT jaw only mentous , Fam. Fistulariidae (3 genera, of which Xenolepidjehthys (One genus: Fislularia.) recorded from deeper waters.) inc!. Hemi- 2. - 7-8 branchiostegals; a double 3, - Body covered "ith small scales row of small spines at base of D. or rough skin; vertical fins normal t 9 in LA.I and A., ,, .. 3 Fam. Afacrorhamphosidae. inlets behind (3 genera: AfacrorhampllOsus in LA.; - 6 branchio:-itcgals; riO rows of small spines along D. and A. base . others possible, In deeper waters.) 'lberesoddae...... Fam. . - Body blade-like, covered with thin 'ox, in E,AI (2 genera, of which Anligoniu in bony plates: 1sl D. at end of body, n. BcI()l1idue deeper waters ofT LA.) 2nd D. and C. fins situated ventrally 1lichthYfdae). 3. - Anal with 0-1 feeble spiny ray ·...... Fam. Cenrriscidae. TylosllruJ' Fam. ,t(acurocyffidat.'. (2 genera: Aeo/iscus and Amphisiie with Peta­ (One genus: Zeniofl, a possibility (- Cenirisclis.) 1 possibles.) in deep waters.) - Anal with II-IV spines . Subord. Syngnathoidei: ...... Fam. Zeidae. -Pelvics and C. fin large .....,...... , ...... 2 (Many genera, of \\'hich Zeniol1 in ·." Fam. Sofenostomidae. case around EA.; Zen possihly, in deeper waters.) - (One genus; Solenostomus.) - Pelvics absent; C. fin small ... , ., nocenfridae. Subord. Trachipteroidei: ·,, Fam. Syngnalhidae. I[ris, deep 1. - Do"al starts behind 'nout tip (Many genera, at least 11 in E.A:, 2 with a few more possible.) ...... 3 - DorsfI] starts above or before tip ...... of snout.. .Fam. LopllOtidae. Subord. Scorpuertvidei: 'Jiretmidoe. (One genus, Lopholes. a possibility 1. - Head not completely encased in an lossible 10 In deep waters.) • armour of bony plates .... : ..... ,. 2. - Pcl\.'ics of onc long ray; no tceth 2 ...... 4 ,...... Fam. Regafecidae. - Head almost or completely encased ...... (Genus: Regaferlfs, in deep water by bony plates, often with spiny pro- Berycidae. ofTE.A.) jedions . a possi~ - Pelvics of 5 or more rays; teeth Fam. Triglidae (incl. Peristediidae). present _. ., . (Several genera, ofwhich Peristedion, ...... Fam. Trachipleridae. Lepidotrigla and lrigla in EA., m 'Ilfhyidae. (Among the few genera. Troc/Jipferus in deeper waters.) Geph)'ro­ is know'n from deep ...'.'

nd Haliophis eye Fam. Chiasmodontidae. ·,. Fam. Gobioididae. (Several genera, Chiasmodon, and (Genus: Taeniodus.) - Small scales present; C. sub­ 3 possibly others, probable in deep Fam. waters.) truncate; depth about 7 in length teryg;ontidae). 6. - Pectorals reaching level of Yent or · Fam. Trypauchenidae. lias and Eflfle­ beyond; mouth not extending past (Genus: Trypauchel1.) sible.) eye, either horizontal or nearly 7 Subord. Acalllhllroidei: i; body naked vertical ...... - Pectorals not reaching level of vent; - D. (III) V-X 19-42; A. II-III 18-35 I. Salariidae.) mouth oblique, extending past eye , E.A., more · Fam. Champsodontidae. Fam. Acamhuridae (inel. Nasidae, (One genus: Champsodon, in deep Zanclidae.) s; body naked ·waters.) (8 Genera, of which at least 7 in ·am. Clinidae. 7, - Eye large, snout".: pointed; mouth EA) in E.A. e.g. horizontal ...... Fam. - D. I (+) XII-XIII 10; A. VII 9; roc/inus). Perrophididae ( ~ Bembropsidae.) 1st D. spine antrorse . (Genus: Bembrops, deep \I,.'ater.) ·...... Fam. Sigonidae. - Eye small; snout wide, truncate; (One genus; Siganus.) sal fin ...... mouth vertical Fam. 2 Subord. Scombroidei: rly separated (/ranoscopidae (incl. Pleuroscopidae). (2 genera: Uranoscopus, and a new 1. - Snout not elongated into a spear ...... 4 record~ as yet unidentified, from 2 " sometimes deeper waters, others possible,) - Snout greatly elongated into a ...... 3 A.; eel-like; spear . 5 ...... Subord. Gobioidei: 2. - Caudal peduncle keeled." .. , .. 3 . CreedUdae. 1. - Vertical fins partly or wholly con­ - Caudal peduncle not keeled, or 'ia, probable fluent; eye small to tiny; D. single if keeled, dorsal finlets 4-6, keel 2 single and teeth in a single series of nd eye, with - Vertical fins separate; usually 2 D. strong cUf\'ed incisors . 4 rounded to fins; eye normal . ...•...... 3. - More than one D, fin: mouth ...... ·...... Fam. CoNidae. large "" .. ,',."." .... ""., .. 7ognalluaae. (Many ill-defined genera, at least II Fam. Scombridae (Incl. Scombero­ 'thus,) in EA., some penetrating fresh moridae.) wateL) (At least 9 genera in E,A.) lower Jaw l[st 2-3 D. 2. - Eye rudimentary; A. at least 4/5 - D. and A. single, posterior; mouth ...... of D.; vertical fins about completely small .. """"." .. ichonolidae. confluent; at most 7 simple rays in ·...... Fam. Luvaridae. Jther genus D ,. 3 (Genus: Llil'urus,) - Eye small; A. about 2/3 of D. 4. D. fin divided into 2 or more parts; ) thoracic length; vertieal fins partly confluent; total number of D. rays less flan more than 10 simple (spiny) rays in 60 .. , ,,, ,, ...... 5 D , .. ". ·,...... Fam. Cempylidae. 6 evel. , .... ·...... Fam. Microdesmidae. (4 genera in E.A.: Thyrsiloides apercidae). (Genus: Gunnelichlhys.) Gempylus, Lepidocybium and Epin­ 3. - Body naked; C. pointed; depth nula with RUl'eltlls, a possibility.) well past over 10 in length., . - D. continuous; total number of 114 DR. }-J. MATHIES

D. rays over 100 . -A large sucking disc on top of - D. XVII Fam. Trichiuridae (inc!. Lepidopidae). head . (2 Genera: Trichiurus & Ben/ho­ ·...... Fam. Echeneidae. (Fishes of desmus lepidopl/s possible. in deep (Several genera: Remora and present in wateL) Echeneis in E.A., Phlheirichfhys, a 9. - D. I1-1I1 5. - Pe1vics absent . possibility, and Remilegia.) ·...... Fam. Xiphiidae. 3. - No. barbels or only a single short 9. - D. II-III (Genus: Xiphias.) barbel . 4 - Pelvics present . -A pair of barbels beneath chin, (A few gel · ...... Fam. ISliophoridae. longer than eye diameter . in E.A .. (4 genera in E.A.: lstiophorus, · ...... Fam. Mul/idae. .. D. and A-fckaira, Marlina and Tefraplurus.) (Several genera; Parupeneus. Pseudu­ 10... 2 lat. lin peneus, C/peneus and MulloidichlhJ's A. III 6- Subord. Srromateoidei: in E.A.: I or 2 others possible.) 1. - D. single, not markedly notched. 4. - Teeth not fused into a parrot-like (A few gel with (0)3-10 simple (spiny) rays beak in an- adult . 5 Plesiops , 2 - Teeth fused into a parrot-like beak - Not so . - D. deeply notched or just divided in adult; incisiform in juveniles 11. .. D. Vl­ into spiny and soft rayed parts; ·...... Fam. Oplegnathidae. longitudir 9-12 spiny rays ...... 3 (Genus: Opleglla,hus.) 2. - Pelvies small or absent; D.(O) 5. - Lateral line, if present, not along (Genus: ( IV-IX 27-49, spines feeble; A.O-ill D. base; C. not pointed . - Not '0 20-38 Fam. Slromateidae. 6 12.·- D. 23 (A' few genera, some, e.g. Sfromaleus, - L. L. along D. base; C. pointed possible in E. A. deeper waters.) ·...... Fam. O"'-'sloniidae. - Pelvics normal; D. VI-X 18-32; (A few i11-idefined genera; Para­ (2 genm spines usually distinct; A. III 14-22 sphenanthias in E.A.) in E.A.) ·...... Fam. Centrolophidae. 6. - 1st D. not consisting of a series of - Not so (Among the few genera, Pali­ 7-9 low, separate spines; or, if so, 13 ... D. X nurichlhys a possibility in deep A. fin without 2 separate spines waters.) 7 (2 gene 3. - Scales of normal cycloid type - 1st D. consisting of 7-9 short, in LA.) ·...... Fam. Nomeidae. separate spines . .. Not so (Several genera: 3. Psenus, Cubiceps · Fam. Rachycentridae. 14. - First 2 and Nomeus in E.A.) (One genus only: Rachycenfron.) times ve - Scales thick, rough, in oblique 7. - Lower P. fin rays simple, elongate very sIe­ rows: . and free at least at ends . A. in 2-: ·...... Fam. Telragonuridae. 8 (Genus Tetragollurus, a possibility). - Rays of lower P. fin not free, (Numen elongate or simple . 9 and om Subord. Percoidei: 8. - D. X(XI) 11-12 .. - Not sc 1. -- Vertical fins separate . 2 · ...... Fam. Cirrhitidae. 15. - D. 55· - Vertical fins confluent.,." . (9 genera, of which at least 5 in E.A. 25-30 . ·...... Fam. Cepolidae. Cirrihtus, Cirrhilichthys Para­ (Genus: Acallthocepola, in E.A.) cirrhites, Gymnocirrhites and Cypri­ (One g 2. - No sucking disc on head . 3 nocirrhites.) - Not 51 KEY FOR t'\SI" AfRICAN l\IARINE FISH 11 ')

pn top of - D. XVII XIX 21-31 . 16. - D. I1-VI (or III-IV) 40-52; A. 0-11 I I'··· . Fam. Cheilodaclilidae. 30-52 . 17 Icheneidae. (Fishes of cooler waters, possibly - D. and A. otherwise. .. 19 ora and present in Jeeper water off E.A.) 17. - Dcplh over 3 times in length. 'ichlhys, a 9. - D. II-Ill 25-27: A. III 16-18. Fam. Branchiosfegidas ( = Latilidae; ,.) ·...... Fam. Pseudochromidae. incl. Malacl1nfhidae.) PAPT. ngle short 9. - D. I H Il 25-27 ; A. III 16-18 . (A few genera, of which Mclacanthus 4 .. Faro. Pspudochromidae. known from E.A.) ,ath chin, (A few genera; one: Pseudoclzromis, - Depth less than 2.5 in S.L. . 18 r ..... , .. in EA., others probable.) 18. - A. ii 35--40: depth aboot 2 in Mullidae. - D. and A. othef\vise..... 10 length . rs, Pseudu- 10 - 2 lat. lines; V.I. 4; D. Xl-XII 6-8; .... Faro. Forrnionidae (Apolecfidae.) loidichfh)'J' A III 6-9...... " . (One genus. Apolectus.) possible.) ·...... Fam. Plesiopidae. - A 30-33: depth about 1-1.35; rarrot-Jike (A few genera, of which Calloplesiops body disc-like ...... 5 P/esiops and TrachillopI in EA.) Fam. Mel/fdoe. .I :-like beak - Not so . 1I (One genus: Mem~) juveniles II. - D. VI-VII IJ 15: A 8-11; 1-9 19. - D. VIHX 26-30; A. III 27-32, 'gnarltidae. longitudinal stripes on sides . 15-24 gill-rakers; V.I 2-5. reduced ·...... Fam. Grammislidae. or ab~ent .. .. not along ((Jenus: Grammisres.) Fam. !¥/onoJacf)'lidae...... , . - Not so . 12 (A few genera; Alonodacfyh!5 in ...... , . 6 12. - D. 23; A. l4; fin rays simple E.A.; one more possible.) .. pointed Not so ,. 20 ,'stoniidae. Fam. Psewloplesiopidae. 20. - D. V-IX 19-38; A. !II 15-29; ,,; Para. (2 genera: one, Ch/idichlhys, likely 8-11 gill-rakers; one distinct lat. line in EA.) l series of - Not so . 13 Fam. Ephippidae (Drepanidae; or, if so, 13. - D. XIX 4-5; A. VIll-X 4-5 Plalacidae). te spines ·...... Fam. Acanrhoclinidae. (Several genera; Drepane, PIa/ax ...... 7 (2 genera: one, A~anthople'siops, and Tripleradon in E.A.; one or -9 short, in LA.) two more possible, e.g. Ephippus.) - Not so . 14 - Not so '. 21 ;enfridae. 14. - First 2 Anal spines separate, some­ 21. - D. fin split into 2 or 3 distinct parts 'cen/ron.) times very short; Caudal Peduncle 22 elongate very slender: D. in 2-4 sections; - One continuous D. fin; USLally A. in 2-3 . ± (deeply) nOldled . 28 8 ·...... Fam. Carangidae. 22. - D. and A. in the following combi­ lot free, (Numerous genera. at least 17 in E.A. nations respectively: VI-X + 19-14, 9 and one more probable.) III 7-13 or VI-VIII + I 23-38/ii - Not so . 15 or II 23-27, 1st spine obscure; scales rhitidae. 15. - D. 55-67, originating on head, A. cycloid, 36-55 in L.L. or tiny (over in B.A. 25-30 . IOOin L.L.); vent near A. base . Para­ ·...... Fam. Coryphaenidae. Fam. PomatulIlidae (Scombropidae). I Cypri- (One genus: Coryphaenu.l (4 genera: Scombrops a possibility - Not so . . 16 in de~per waters; Neoscombrops, 116 "R. H. MATTlIES

HOH'ella and Poma!omus. in E,A.) (Se\'eral ill-defined genera; Para­ - No cal ~o - Not . 23 priacamhus and Pempheris in E.A,; only Preol :23. - :2 Anal spines, ~ornetimes feeble more prohahle.) - D. and A. otherwjse . 24 30 (2 genera. - 3 Anal spines. . 30. - 2 Anal spines (sometimes weak) 26 the form' 24. - A. II (or ii) 7-17 " . 25 31 (2 genera, - A. II 20-24 . - Over 2 spines in Anal. . 32 the form' Fum. Sil/ar,inidae. 31. - D. VI-VI1 14-15 .. 35. - D. X-() (A few genera, of which Sf/fuga in Fam. Branchiostel!idae PART. Preoperc1e E.A.) (A few genera: Branchiosfegus in fu~ed "",'ith 25. - D. V-IX + 18-10 . deep water.) smJIl mou .," ram Apogonidae. - D. X-XllI 10-17...... row of te (Many g

Ii IX-Xl 8-11. . 11 43 46. - D. VIII-IX 15-]7; A. III 14; culum some 'I -12-25(36) gill-rakers; A. 1lI 7-26; head naked; a basal series of 'heath D. VI-XII 9-22 . spines along O. and A ..... Scales 40-5! 46 ·...... Fam. Leiognalilidae. 43. - Teeth fIne, in groups in each jaw, (3 genera: Seeura. Leiognalhus and band~;, also il few anterior ones caniniform; Gazza.) moderate, 0 5-6(7) knob-like gill-rakers; scales - Not so . 47 ...... F 6 47. - Mouth large, oblique, lower jaw (A fev. gel in transverse line projecting; V. fins attached on their in E.A.) 14-20 inner side by a membrane to the - A. III 11 eye large, about equal to belly, serrations and/or spines pre· VI- VIII 21 snout . .. ent on preopercJe and/or oper­ large, with ...... Fam. Penfupodidae. culum; C. fin truncate or crescentic teeth fine, i gencl'~: (4 Penfapus, Gnat/wdrnlex, (lobes produced) . pointed or GYl1l!1ocranius and ,\!onnlaxis, all ·...... Fam. Priacanrhidae. u£uallyal£c in E.A.). (2 genera: P,1acanlhus and Puudo­ 10-\ - Not so . 44 priacanllllls.) 55-65 - 44. - 1\1oL!th strongly protractile down­ - Nor so .... 48 16< wards; 2nd D. ray very long; chin .. 48. - D. Xl-XII 9-13; no ,pines/serra­ Fam. Kyp, profile concave; C. deeply forked; tions on preopercle/opercle; mouth (Genus KJ 5-6 moderate, very protractile: lower other5, c.~ transverse scales jaw slightly projecting; ~ometillles Subord. Plew 10-12 teeth on 'Onler; lat. line barely Fam. Gerridae. curved; scales. 60-70 in longitudinal - Sinistral (I\. few genera; Gerres in E.A.) 6-9 - Not so . 45 Jine;---- in transverse series; C. (At least 7 45. - Snout naked and rather long, its 14-18 more poss length 1.7-2.25 times in head length; fin forked . Dextral eye Jiailleter 1.5-2.5 in snout length; .. Fam. Eml11eiichty;dae PART. 5-7 (Genus Cef/t/'Gcamhus, a possibility (3 genera tran~ver5e scales in deeper water.) Samar;s 13-17 - Nots.o .. . . 49 waters.) feeble gill-rakers; C. fin Corked and 49. A. III 7-10: D. XI-XII 9-11; pre­ lunate...... opercle and,/or opercle serrated and :;IJbord, Sold ...... Fam. Lethrinidae. spiny, spines usually strong and - Dextral (One genus: Lethr;nus, in E.A.. a few sharp; teeth all fme, in bands, (2 genera others possible.) sometimes also palate; scales 50-80 Pardachir -A sub-orbital spine usually present; 8-14 ible). sllb~orbjtals and,lor preopercle .----; dorsal and ventral profiles - Sinistn usually serrate; transverse scales 3-5 15-24 ----; C. fin emarginate, sometimes ditferently curved: C. fin emarg,inate (At least 9-14 ·...... Fam. Therapon;dae. x/onus, Corked . (Several genera, of v.. hich Therapon. Areliscl/s Fam. Nemipteridae (Scolapsidae). Eurherapan and Pelales in E.A.) S.J'mphll~ (3 genera: Nemipterus, Seo/apsis and - Not so . 50 Subon!' Bal Parascolopsis.) 50. - A. III 9-11; D. X 9-11; only oper- 1. - Fin ~ KEY FOR FAST AFRICAN MARlNF FIl;JII 119 ; A. III 14: - No. fin spines; head and body ~ries of shea th culum sometimes bearing 1-2 spines: 5-(6) encased in a bony box. . .. '" Fam. (jncl, Leiognmhidae. Scales 40--56---; teeth fine, in OSfracionfidae. Aracanidae.) (At least 4. gEnera in E.A.: Ll!croria, iognathur and 9-14 band~, also present on palate; mouth OSi'i"(c;OI1. Rhyncostracion and Tefro­ SOI1lUS; AraccnOSlracion possible.) ...... 47 modErate, oblique ...... Fam. KuhliiJae (Duleidae). 2. - Pelvics of a stout erectile spine Ie, lower jaw (A rew genera; KuMa (.- Dules) (sometimes a soft ray also p.esent) 'hed on their in E.1\.) Fam. Triacanfhidae(Triacanfhodiclae). branc to the - A. III II-IS: D. X-XII 12-17 or (9 genera. of which at least :3 (incl. r "pines prc­ VI-VIII 20-22; mouth small (or Triacanthodes and Pselldofriacanthlls) Indior oper­ large, with lower jaw projecting); in E.A.- -deep water: more possible) or crescentic teeth fine, those in outer ro\\" large, Pclvics united into a single spiny ... , ...... pointed or inci~'>iform (or feeble), process or absent. .. ·riacanthidae. w~llaJly aha pre~;ent on palate: Scaks Fam. Balisfidac (Afonacanfhidae, and Pseudo. 10-12 Afllreriduf'). 55-65 --(or 9097 ) (Numerous gEnera, at least 26 in 48 16-20 E.A.: a rew more likely.) spines/serra­ Fam. K)'phoshlac (incl. Scorpidae). rde:; mouth (Genus K}pho.'ll/5 in E.A.: a few Subord. Tetraodontoielei: ;tile; lower others, e.g. Neoscorpis, possible.) I. - Teeth fused to a single unit in each sometimes iaw . 3 Jine barely Subord. Plellronectoidei: - Fw,ed teeth in each jaw with a longitudinal - Sinistral (eye, on left side) ... diqinct line cf divi~.ioli in front in ...... Fam. Bothidae. at JeJst Lipper ja\\:. 2 , series; C. (At lea,t 7 genera in E.A., with one 2. - Tetlh rLl~ed into t,\O units in each more possible.) jaw ...... Fam. - Dextral . lefram!olltidae (Canfhig{/j"teridae, ae PART. Fam. Plellronectidae. Lagocepfwlidae). possibility (3 genera in E.A.: Mar/erel/a, (At least 7 genera in LA.: I or 2 5;amaris and PO{!cj)ojJsetl(J--deep more pos~jble.) 49 \vJters.) - Teeth fused into a sin,gle bca~( in ,-II: pre- lower jaw but with a dividing line Tated and SI.)borJ. Soleiodei: (2 unib) in upper jaw. rang and ~ Dextral .. Fam. 5·oleiJue...... Fam. Triodonlirlae. n bands, (2 genera in E.A.: Coryphaesopia and (One genus: Triodon.) :Ies 50-80 PardacMrtls. with Synaprura poss­ 3. Caudal present, body spiny .. ible). Fam. Dive/onlidae. j profiles - Sinistral . (8 genera, of which at least 3 in E.A.; Fam. C.vnoglossidac. Diodol1. Dicotylichthys and Cycli­ narginate (At least 5 genera in E.1\.: Crno­ clithys; Lophvdiodon possible.) '1ponidae. gloS5lfS, Paraplagllsia_ AreNa, - Caudal absent in adult: hody not 71erapon, Areliscus and Trufla; 2: morc likely; spiny . n E.A.) SYJnpl/llfliS and C.l'noglossoides.) ...... Fa11l. ,\fo/idae. 50 Subord. &/istaidei: (3 genera: Itfo/a and Ranzania in lly oper- 1. - Fin spines present 2. EA. waters, Afasturus a possibility.)

---~ -- - ~ 120 DR. H. MATTHES

MAJOR REFERENCES nat. Hist. Soc. &na1. Mus" 27 (2) (J17): 77-115. PRELIMINARY Bertin L. & C. Arambourg (J 959). S~lstematlque Marshall, T. C. (1961). Fisht:s of [he Great barrier des poissons, in Grasse, P. P., Traite de Zoologie. Reef and coastal waters of Queensland Sidney, TlLAPIA ESCm 13 (J), Paris. M<1sson & Cie: 1967-2597. Halsted Press, 566 p. (GERVA1S) IN Bleeker, P. et. at: (1964). The fishes of the Indo­ Mendis, AS. (1954). Fisht:s of Ceylon (A Calelogue, FRESHWATER Australian Archipelago, 11 Vols., Leiden, E. J. Ke:r and Bibliography), Bull. Fish. Res. Sun. Brill (Reedition, ed. L F. de Beaufort). (Ii. Dept.) Ceylon (2): 222 pp. Fowler, H. W. (1965). Fishes of the Red Sea and Munro, 1. F. .P. (1967). The fishes of New Guinea, southern Arabia (Vol. J), Jerusalem, Weizmann Port Moresb)', Dept. Agric., Slock & Fisheries, Science Pre<;.s, 24 p. 6j() pp. Greenwood, P. H. ef at. (1966). Phyletic studies of Smith, J. L. B. (1956). The sea fishes of Southern K. H. IBRAHIM, T. NO; Teleostean fishes, with a provisional classification Africa, Cape Town, Central Ne\\, Agmcy, of living forms, Bill!. Am{'/', f"fCfj, fla.t, HiH., 5S0 PD. 131 (4): 341-455. Smith,]. L B. & M. M. Smith (1969). Losse, G. F. (19681, Tne elopoid and dlupeoid The fiihes of the Se~chelle5, Grahanutown, fishes of Fast Afr)can coastal waters, J. E. Afr. Rhodes University, 223 p,

INTRODUCTION One of the most spe in aquaculture in recel of fishes in confined cages. In Japan, one c techniques in intensive of floating cage nets cullure of Yellow tail (. and in Lakes and r common carp (fAO 1~ has been practised, ~ Cambodia, particularly suchi (LAFONT & D< and in Indonesia for re SACIILAN, 1956). HI BARDACH er al. widespread use of floc of both freshwater , Japan and otht:r Fat cording to the latter are crowded into sm few calories and henl more efficient. The Gel for Mediterranean (GI parly eslablished in I( lhe potentialities of tI proposeJ to investig;: culture of fin fishes