Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. (IA mobot31753002848262).pdf/24

 QUEENSLAND-SMELT, ETC.

(SCOPELIDAE.)

One of the best known members of this family is the Lumi or Luli (Harpodon nehereus) which, when newly taken, is brilliantly phosphorescent all over the body: in a salted and dry condition it is the "Bombay-duck" so highly esteemed by Anglo-Indians.

It is quite common in our waters. I have seen many immature specimens in purse-nets, but full grown specimens are often taken in sunken basket-traps off Singapore in the neighbourhood of the Karimon Islands.

Day says "this fish is highly esteemed as food whether fresh or salted." It is curious that this fish which is a delicacy in India should be disregarded in Malaya. Malays do not care much for it, as the flesh is soft and flabby and they prefer firm and flaky meat.

The Bělungkor (Saurida tumbil) is known to Australians as the Queensland Smelt and is a fair edible fish, though somewhat dry.

The Mudin (Saurus myops) is a useful food fish.

"MILLIONS."

(CYPRINODONTIDAE.)

I have called these fishes "Millions" in the absence of any English name, because they belong to the same family as the fish known as "Millions" in Barbados. To this latter fish, which eats mosquito larvae, as our fish does, the immunity from fever, which the inhabitants of Barbados enjoy, is attributed. It is a tiny fish, very common in swamps and drains in Singapore and elsewhere.

CAT FISHES.

(SILURIDAE.)

This family which contains one fourth of the known fresh water fishes of the world is not represented in the British Isles, but in this region they are to be found wherever there is water and a muddy bottom, whether it be fresh, brackish or salt water.

Members of the family may be found in swamps, pools and roadside drains and many of the fresh water varieties will make considerable journeys overland to find new pools or streams. They are found in all our rivers and some species may be caught miles out in the sea. Some of the largest exceed 6 feet in length.

With the exception of the Lele and Lembat ( spp.) which have no spines, all the members of this family are armed with spines.