23. Nuchequula blochii (Valenciennes, 1835)

Twoblotch ponyfish (Figure 24)

Materials examined: 7 ex.; 14.06.1996; Ongaria ghat, Digha; Reg. No. MARC /ZSI/ F1713 .

Description: D: VIII, 16; A: III, 14. Body deep and strongly compressed; mouth pointing forward when protracted. Body silvery with irregular dark stripes on back; a dark blotch on nape, and on distal half of spinous dorsal fin membrane; pectorals, pelvics and anal fin colourless; underside of pectoral fin base black; faint yellow on basal part of spinous anal fin membrane.

Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: Pakistan, India, and Thailand.

Remarks: The fish has minor commercial value. Size: 10 cm.